By Jill Ortiz and Bob Bergtholdt

As our plane gently nestled into the landing strip at Lourdes, we found ourselves surrounded by emerald green mountains, a fairytale village and smiling faces. Our earlier worries and fears lightened as we were greeted by the noble Knights and Dames of Malta on our journey of hope and faith.

We were soon immersed in the great traditions of the church: The washing of the feet, the anointing of the sick, a candlelight procession and inspirational masses in historically rich gilded cathedrals.

The physical beauty of Lourdes is unparalleled from the golden Basilica to the sanctity of the Grotto, where the Blessed Mother appeared to 14-year-old (St.) Bernadette Soubirous on February 11, 1858, and reportedly 17 more times.

Lourdes is a small market town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The 150^th Jubilee of the first apparition occurred on Feb. 11, 2008 with an outdoor mass attended by some 45,000 pilgrims.

One divine experience to another
It soon became evident that the spirit of Lourdes was reflected on the faces of the malades and our companions, as we were transported from one divine experience to another.

Malades is an affectionate term for those with maladies, and the Order of Malta selects 50 malades who are taken to Lourdes as guests of the order. The spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage is centered on the malades and their companions.

The baths were especially powerful, as we were immersed in water like no other–neither cold nor wet–an utterly different kind of immersion altogether. As we gently entered the baths, the gift of praying for others soon became a moment of healing for ourselves..

Each and every face exited the baths with a new and refreshed expression. Some overwhelmed with emotion, while others exuded great peace and tranquility, as if the hand of God had touched them.

On the third day, 25,000 pilgrims assembled for a candlelight procession. Golden light illuminated the loving faces of the faithful as we quietly walked to the Basilica to become a sea of light gathered in his name. Soft voices in deep conversation with newly found friends filled the air, and as our candles drew dim our inner light grew with every inspirational moment.

On the fifth day we gathered for the International Mass at the Subterranean Basilica. This majestic Mass was filled with ceremonial grace and reverence at its highest, as the thousands of singing voices in four different languages became one. The grandeur of this Mass was especially amazing; as we witnessed more than 300 clergy dispense Holy Communion for all in a matter of minutes. The sense of spiritual harmony united us all as we found ourselves, once again, immersed in God’s grace.

Friendships deepened

As our pilgrimage drew to a close, the friendships and conversations deepened with each event. We saw a transformation in each of us that redefined our understanding of miracles. And the children among us were especially beautiful, as they quietly watched and participated in each event without revealing the suffering that had brought them to Lourdes. As our priests bestowed the cleansing grace of reconciliation, we shared our every word, our every thought, be it joyous or sorrowful, as if we were with a trusted friend of old. Each and every day we learned from our priests as they, too, experienced transformation in this divine gathering of souls seeking God’s grace.

We prayed as one, we learned as one and we cared for each other whether we were Malades, Priests, Knights, Dames or Companions. This was truly a glimpse of humanity at its best, a glimpse of heaven on earth, a glimpse of our true nature in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable.

We returned to our homes and loved ones with a sense of duty to share the magnificence and sanctity of this pilgrimage to Lourdes, and God’s love was never more evident to us.

Jill Ortiz is the Lourdes Pilgrimage Director for the Western Association, Order of Malta, and lives in Trabuco Canyon, CA. Bob Bergtholdt was a malade with the 2011 Lourdes Pilgrimage and lives in Foster City, CA.

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Organizing a trip of this magnitude

Planning a pilgrimage is a fine balance of organization of the journey and consideration of the spiritual journey for those going. All the details, both the small and large, are important in providing comfort, security and “setting the stage.” You’re not just concerned with getting them there, but also the experience they will have in Lourdes.

I’ve been on the Lourdes pilgrimage 13 times prior to being responsible for planning this one. There are hundreds of details to cover to make it all look easy. The selection process of the malades involves many people and is probably one-half of the organization time of the trip.

My hope was that through organization the anxiety of those who have never traveled outside the U.S. would be eased. Being available for questions, plus having other avenues for them to get answers, such as a website, helped answer any questions that they had.

I made a book with all the details and paperwork I might need in Lourdes. I remember getting to a point when I closed the book and thought, “I am as prepared as I can be.” At that point, I was able to completely relax.

Once in Lourdes, my focus became more of an overseer. As one priest said, “pick well and get out of their way.” Careful consideration was given to the selection of each leader. While my job was to give them the tools they needed, I did not micromanage how they used the tools. Many times over the pilgrimage, I would be very grateful for the contribution of others. Under a head captain, “Ted” McAniff, KM, our captains who each managed one of our seven teams, were terrific and handled the day-to-day assignment of duties of those on their team.

Our Head Brancardier, David Churton, KM, and his team of brancardiers who overlooked the logistics for each of our venues, were a godsend. Under our pilgrimage medical director, Dan Field, KM, MD and his team of doctors and nurses, we all stayed healthy. Our principal chaplain, Msgr. Steven Otellini,  made each Mass and blessing meaningful and run smoothly. With each of us carrying part of the load, it was lighter on all of us.

Staying calm, being available was my greatest contribution while in Lourdes. What I didn’t expect, was that I too would be on pilgrimage. I thought I would be so busy trying to make sure everything ran smoothly that I would not stop and enjoy it.

I was able to get to know a few of the malades. Many of them go to Lourdes with various expectations, both physical and spiritual. What they find is acceptance, whether by others who accept them as “Joe or Jane,” who happen to be sick, or acceptance of their health challenge they have been given.

For many, they get so involved with their disease, that they lose sight of who they are. Watching their journey, how touched they are, and the unexpected blessings they received will be a memory I will remember with both smiles and tears. Seeing other malades or their companions come back with a renewed strength to face their challenges is what makes all the time planning of the pilgrimage meaningful.

Then there are those who have physical changes that the doctors can’t explain. Everyone comes back from Lourdes changed — malades, companions and those who go to help. Our Lady of Lourdes touches each of us. Bottom line, we are there on a pilgrimage. For each of us, the pilgrimage will have a different meaning.  

–Jill Ortiz

The Israel Ministry of Tourism once again invites a group of megachurch pastors on an educational tour.

I first visited Israel in 1993; since then I have returned 17 times. On most of those occasions I have taken other people with me. There are two reasons for these trips. First, I fell in love with the land and people of Israel. Secondly, I want as many people as possible to experience the profound spiritual impact I experienced in the Land of the Bible.

My greatest joy is introducing pastors and Christian leaders to Israel for the very first time. These are individuals who have devoted their lives to studying the Bible. They know the biblical places: the mountains and rivers, the places of battle and the sites of miracles. They know all there is to know about the Book. But for all too many this is a land that exists only in their mind’s eye. When pastors visit Israel, they discover new truth and perspective — they experience a unique spiritual dynamic. I love watching their eyes light up as God brings new understanding and insight.

This spring I was invited by the Israel Ministry of Tourism to again host their annual Megachurch Pastors Educational Tour of Israel. This is one of my most enjoyable experiences in my role as the Christian advisor to the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

Adventure of a lifetime
Reserved only for Christian leaders and their wives who meet the strict qualifications, this nine-day adventure is the trip of a lifetime. This exclusive opportunity is for senior pastors who have never been to Israel, and who lead churches where peak attendance exceeded 2,000 people in the past year. The trip includes six full days in Israel loaded with historical, cultural and spiritual experiences and it is fully underwritten by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

In April 2011 six pastors, and five of their wives, participated in this spiritual adventure. We all met for the first time at JFK airport in New York. We would be flying together on the EL AL Airlines 11:50 PM flight. However, upon arrival we discovered that our flight had been delayed. This gave us several additional hours to get acquainted before we began our journey together.

This group included several denominations: Lutheran (ELCA and LCC), Non-Denominational Charismatic, Assemblies of God, Christian Missionary Alliance, and Non-Denominational Evangelicals. Yet, within minutes the entire group bonded and began to enjoy each other’s company like they had been friends for years.

Because our flight was late departing, we were several hours late arriving in Israel. But that didn’t slow us down. We were treated to an amazing welcome dinner in Tel Aviv. Then after a brief visit to Jaffa (biblical Joppa) we reached the Dan Panorama Hotel for a short but much appreciated night’s sleep.

The next morning after enjoying the almost endless variety of food at our Israeli breakfast, we headed up the Mediterranean coast. Each of the pastors had been given two devotional assignments and they were ready to share their hearts as well as receive. As we visited the various biblical sites, the appropriate leader would share his thoughts about the scripture that took place in the very location we were standing. The impact is tangible and profound.

During our first day we visited Caesarea, one of the largest excavations in Israel, Mount Carmel, where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal, Acre (Akko) the biblical port of Ptolemais and later the capital city of the Crusades. Finally we drove inland to the Sea of Galilee.

Our second day was spent around the Sea of Galilee, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, sailing on the Sea of Galilee, visiting the Golan Heights and the Yarmuk River Valley and concluding our day with a baptismal service in the Jordan River.

On the third day it was time to head to Jerusalem, but not before stopping at Nazareth Village, Megiddo (Valley of Armageddon), Bet Shean and Qumran on the way.

The fourth day was Sunday and we decided to head to the Dead Sea for the day. We visited Masada (the most visited site in all of Israel) and the Masada Museum, floated in the Dead Sea, stopped by En Gedi and paused for several of our group to enjoy a camel ride.

Jerusalem in two days
Only two days remained and all of Jerusalem lay before us. It’s almost impossible to visit Jerusalem in two days but we did our best. The biblical Jerusalem included the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Caiaphas’ house, the Upper Room, the Western Wall, Southern Temple Steps, Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden Tomb. In modern Jerusalem we visited the Israel Museum, the Biblelands Museum and Yad Vashem.

It’s important to note that while we visited many sites, stayed in beautiful hotels and enjoyed some amazing food, we would often pause to read the Bible and pray.

Jim Mindling, senior pastor, Church of the Open Door, Cleveland, OH, says, “We are thoroughly taken by the reality of Scripture as we see it come to life here in Israel. It is more than words on a page, history in letters. We are thankful that these facts are written for us to further believe. This life-altering experience only highlights what we are now able to see because we have seen with our own eyes this amazing place.”

Many of the biblical sites had a profound impact on our group. Sitting on the Mount of Beatitudes gave special meaning to the words of the Sermon on the Mount. Sailing on the Sea of Galilee and realizing this is the water upon which Jesus walked.

Each of the pastors experienced a spiritual transformation and determined to return again with people from their congregations. This was not because of any promotional effort or specially orchestrated event. As they experienced the land of Israel for themselves they came to realize how spiritually significant the trip would be for their people.

Mark Johnson, Calvary Temple, Springfield, MO, comments, “I must say it’s a bit overwhelming to be in all of these significant places that I have heard, read and studied most all of my life. It has been so faith affirming. I’m extremely grateful God has given us this opportunity.”

Mark Dreistadt is president of Infinity Concepts, Export, PA, a firm that represents the IMOT. www.goisrael.com

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Participating pastors

• Larry Argenbright, senior pastor  |  Bethany Lutheran Church, Elkhorn, NE
• Arlen Salte, CEO  |  Break Forth Ministries, Alberta, Canada
• James Mindling, senior pastor  |  Church of the Open Door, Cleveland, OH
• Nasir Siddiki, senior pastor  |  Wisdom Ministries, Tulsa, OK
• Mark Johnson, senior pastor  |  Calvary Temple Christian Center, Springfield, MO
• Terry Fulks, senior pastor  |  Crosspoint Community Church, Oconomowoc, WI

If you would like to know more about planning your life-changing trip to Israel order your free Christian Leader’s Tool Kit at www.IsraelToolKit.com.

If you are a senior pastor of a church with a peak attendance of 2,000 or more and have never been to Israel — you may qualify to participate in the next Pastors Educational Tour of Israel. Email mark@infinityconcepts.net to get more information and begin the application process.

By Mark Dreistadt

“I never realized how significant a trip to Israel could be” was the universal response of the pastors and wives sitting around a table at the Scots Hotel near the Sea of Galilee. These individuals were the second group of megachurch leaders to be hosted by the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) in a new initiative to encourage every megachurch pastor in the United States to have a personal Israel experience.

The trip took place this past February but the journey actually began several months earlier as Infinity Concepts, representing IMOT, began to search for qualified candidates. The guidelines specified that a candidate should be a senior pastor who had never been to Israel with a church with a peak attendance of 2,500 or more in the past six months. The application process included a registration form along with a copy of each person’s passport and pastor’s ordination certificate.

Once each pastor was vetted and approved, we began to correspond through email to prepare their hearts and minds for this life-changing experience. As the day of departure grew closer, there was a growing anticipation in everyone’s heart about what would take place. It’s sometimes hard for people to understand how a few days in the Holy Land can transform your life and ministry.

Hidden treasures await

For a busy pastor to carve eight or nine days out of their schedule for a trip to Israel is not an easy matter. Bishop Brandon Porter, pastor of Greater Community Temple COGIC in Cleveland, TN, says, “The trip to Israel for me was a blessing in disguise. Because of my schedule I was somewhat apprehensive about taking those eight days away for a trip, not really knowing the hidden treasures awaiting me.”

When the day arrived and we all met each other for the first time before the flight, there was an immediate bonding of the entire group. I believe this was because of the commonalities of ministry at the megachurch level and the shared anticipation that we would all encounter God in a very special way in Israel.

We arrived in Israel late afternoon, quickly cleared passport control, baggage and customs, and were met by our Israeli guide. We climbed on the bus that would be our daily means of transportation for the next several days and headed to the Sea of Galilee.

While everyone was weary from the flight, we were excited about being in Israel. During the next six days we walked where Jesus did. Each day was packed with biblical sites, historical and cultural adventures, and life-changing experiences. This was a study tour; we often paused at biblical locations to read the Bible and pray.

Each of the pastors was assigned locations where they would deliver a message based on the events that transpired on the place where they stood.

Centuries of biblical history

We traveled from the Mediterranean coast to Galilee; from Galilee down the Jordan River Valley to the Dead Sea; from the Dead Sea up to Jerusalem; and from Jerusalem back to the Coast. A relatively small geographical area, this region encompasses centuries of biblical history, unique geography and diverse culture.

Among the many highlights of the trip was the Mount of Beatitudes. “As the Sermon on the Mount was read out loud I felt overwhelmed. It was like I was there with Jesus speaking to me,” says Vince Nelson, pastor, Lima Community Church, Lima, OH.

Pastor Philip Griffin from First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek, MI says, “I’ve been able to put stories and events I’ve read and re-read into a literal context and gain a better understanding on so much.”

Other biblical sites evoke similar reactions. One of the most profound is the Garden of Gethsemane. John Hampton, former pastor of First Christian Church in Canton, OH (newly appointed pastor of Journey Christian Church, Apopka, FL)  says, “Spending some time praying and worshiping in the Garden of Gethsemane is something I will never forget. If that is all I got to do on this trip, the time and effort to come to Israel for that alone would be worth it.” Pastor Marvin Parker from Broadview Baptist Church in Chicago, IL, comments, “Today our hearts were so full. There were many tears and testimonies to the goodness and faithfulness of God.”

Study at the sites

The group studied the Bible at sacred sites including Mount Carmel, Nazareth, En Gedi, the Mount of Olives and the Garden Tomb.

Pastor Derrick Hutchins of Orlando Institutional COGIC in Orlando, FL, describing his experience in Israel quotes Oliver Wendell Holmes, “The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size.” Our minds and spirits were definitively expanded by our spiritual adventure in Israel.

“I do believe that there is nothing that can replace actually being here with the opportunity to frame the Biblical stories. I am leaving with a deeper passion for Scripture, as well as a love for Israel and the people here,” comments Griffin.

Pastor Kevin Taylor from Kenosha First Assembly of God in Kenosha, WI, sums up the trip when he says, “What a time it’s been; life-changing. They say when you come here you’ll never be the same.”

Each of the pastors returned from Israel having been deeply and profoundly transformed by their experience. They all intend to return again and bring others with them.

Mark Dreistadt is president of Infinity Concepts, Export, PA, a firm that represents the Israel Ministry of Tourism. www.goisrael.com

Photos courtesy of Mark Dreistadt.

If you would like to know more about planning your life-changing trip to Israel order your free Christian Leader’s Tool Kit at www.IsraelToolKit.com.

If you are a senior pastor of a church with a peak attendance of 2,500 or more and you have never been to Israel you may qualify to participate in the next Pastors Educational Tour of Israel. Please email: mark@infinityconcepts.net.

Travelers can experience a biblical tour through Armenia for a deeper spiritual connection.

By Kevin J. Wright

Unknown to most, Armenia is considered to be the first Christian country by historians. It is one of the few countries in the world that was evangelized by two of Jesus’ apostles. According to tradition, between 40 and 60 A.D., the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus traveled to the region of what is now contemporary Armenia and introduced the Christian faith. Citizens still pride themselves on having their faith derived directly from Jesus’ apostles.

Armenia was once part of the former Soviet Union and is located between Eastern Europe and western Asia. Most of its neighboring countries are non-Christian with Turkey to its west and Iran to its south.

King Trdat adopted Christianity as the country’s religion in 301 A.D., many years before Constantine and the Roman Empire officially recognized the Christian faith. To this day, the country is still Christian. In fact, nine out of 10 Armenians consider themselves Christian.

Land of the Bible

Armenia and the land of Ararat is mentioned throughout the Bible including these passages: Genesis 8:4, Jeremiah 51:27, 2 Kings 19:37 and Isaiah 37:38. A journey through the biblical country of Armenia offers Christian travelers the opportunity to learn about an ancient culture by visiting heritage sites and to deepen their understanding and appreciation of their faith.

One of the highlights on a visit to Armenia is Mount Ararat, located in Turkey on the other side of the Armenian border. According to the first book of the Bible, ancient Armenia and the surrounding region is where Noah’s Ark landed after the Great Flood (Genesis 8:4). The best vantage point to view Mount Ararat is from Khor Virap, the original birthplace of Christianity in Armenia.

Visitors will also want to explore the capital city of Yerevan, a city that is historically 30 years older than Rome. Among the many holy sites travelers can experience are the cathedral and churches of Echmiadzin — the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church (the main denomination practiced in Armenia).

Visiting the country’s famed centuries-old monasteries is essential to any itinerary, especially the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and monasteries of Geghard, Haghpat and Sanahin. Other places to visit include the archaeological site of Zvartnots Cathedral, Noravank, Tatev Monastery, Garni Temple, Sevanavank (and Lake Sevan), Noraduz Medieval Cemetery and the Matenadaran Book Depository.

Spend time with locals

The best way to experience biblical Armenia is to meet and spend time with the local Christian community. There are many opportunities to do so, and church groups will be welcomed with open arms. If planned in advance a trip can include everything from sharing a meal with local Christians to participating in prayer services to volunteering in local towns.

A great way for church or youth groups to experience Armenia is to include a missionary or volunteer vacation component to a trip. There are plenty of opportunities for travelers to serve. They can teach English, present a Bible lesson, tutor students, perform dramas for children, offer business services, assist at an orphanage, build a house or provide medical assistance.

For more information about planning group trips to this amazing country visit the official Web site of the Armenian Tourism Development Agency at www.armeniainfo.am.

To step foot in the oldest Christian country in the world and to stand in “the book of Genesis” is a life-changing experience. I can personally attest after my recent trip to Armenia, the people of this great biblical destination are ready to 
welcome you and your faith community with their wonderful and heart-warming hospitality. Get ready to experience 
Scripture in a whole new way!

Kevin J. Wright is the president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), Lexington, KY, and is author of “The Christian Travel Planner”
(Thomas Nelson). [www.WRTAreligioustravel.com] [www.christiantravelplanner.com]

Resources for Armenia

Armenian tour operators/travel agents: www.armeniainfo.am
Armenia travel on Facebook: www.facebook.com/travel.to.armenia