This page was made to share information with people who want to know more about Eric and Dee’s plans to take a mission trip to Israel in March 2026.
ISRAEL 2026
When we got married in 2023 we discussed our individual callings to missions & we’re delighted God had given us a partner to fulfill this calling. We have prayed & have felt led to this 10 day trip to Israel March 9th-19th, 2026.
Click here to watch MISSION ISRAEL (Short video description of the mission.)
Many people know that Israel, and the Jews are God‘s chosen place and people. In this region, the population consists mostly of Jews and Arabs who don't believe Jesus is the Messiah. In Israel professing that you are a Christian, saying Jesus is Lord, sharing the gospel & gathering in Jesus' name can be dangerous. Seventy-five percent of the population are Jews, 20% Palestinian and Arab, and 5% are minorities. Most Jews believe the Messiah has not yet come and Jesus is only a prophet. The Palestinians & Arabs are mostly Muslims that also believe Jesus is a prophet. Islam teaches that Allah is the singular incomparable God, the creator of all, and the focus of worship. And Muhammad’s role was as a prophet & messenger to convey God’s divine Message, the Quran to humanity.
Today Israel is at war. Two years ago rebel forces, Hezbollah on the border of Lebanon, bombed Israel and that war came to an end in November 2024. Then in June 2025 several militant groups including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic jihad, and the Houthis sent rockets into Israel starting another war. Just a few days later we were notified of this mission for March 2026 and we felt that God called us to go. Not called because of the war, but called to go even though there was a war. It seemed crazy to go when a war could likely still be taking place, but God kept giving us signs confirming he was calling us to go and we want to be obedient and see what he has planned.
A large part of our trip will take place in Kyirit Shemona, which is a couple miles from the Lebanon border in the north western part of Israel. Two years ago when Hezbollah began bombing from the Lebanon border, 41% of the buildings in Kyiriat Shemona were destroyed. The population of 24,000 people were asked to evacuate. Most of those people have still not returned. There are 2000 people that are too sick or too poor to leave the area. There are also over 1000 soldiers on the border. A local church that was bombed, still had a functioning kitchen so they began ministering to the soldiers and the community, providing a hot meal for them a few times each week. There are no hotels where we are going. The city is empty. There are no tourists or attractions to see. Suppliers will not come. Israelis will not come. We believe we may be staying in a mobile shelter. When we know more we can provide more information. One of our assignments during this mission trip will be to assist those 2000 people that are still in the area. We will provide necessary provisions, love, compassion and prayer support. We will also be ministering to and feeding the soldiers. We will meet nearby Holocaust survivors and other German immigrants who are living in poverty and provide them with supplies, emotional support & prayer.
In Isaiah 40:1 God instructs us: comfort, oh comfort my people says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and call out to her, that in her time of compulsory service in warfare is finished and that her wickedness has been taken away (since her punishment is sufficient) that she has received from the Lord‘s hand (Double, punishment) for all her sins. Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness (remove the obstacles) make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God (this is also found in Mark 1:3).
Proverbs 3:3-6 tells us to trust Yahweh and He will direct our paths. Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you. Instead, let these qualities define you. Bind them securely around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So find a favor and high esteem in the site of God and man. Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways, know and acknowledge him and recognize him, and he will make your paths straight and smooth, removing obstacles that block your way.
We know there are risks going to Isreal. When the apostles preached it was also risky. We feel inspired & led by the Holy Spirit. He has put on our hearts the desire to minister to Israel. We have been called and want to be obedient. While praying one night God specifically told me to pray for the war to end. We don’t know what will be happening in Israel in March, but are hopeful that there will be no war. We will be obedient either way as long as they are letting people into Israel at the time of the trip.
Not all are called to be on the front lines in missions. Many are chosen to stay back, spread the word, send support and supplies, and to pray for those on the mission field. That is what we are asking you to consider. Will you pray for God's will to be completed in this time for Israel’s sake and will you consider financially supporting us in the work God has called us to accomplish there? We are asking you to stand with us in Kingdom authority with Yahweh upon us and with us for a breakthrough in this region.
EXTRA INFORMATION
Get a little familiar with Pastor Israel Illuz in the video below. His church was bombed in Northern Israel, but the kitchen remained completely functional so they started feeding the community. We will be volunteering here for a part of our trip in this city and with his church.
Click here to watch video A bright light in the war-torn city of Kyriat Shemona | Pod For Israel
HOW TO SPONSOR OUR TRIP
Our Goal is to be covered in prayer and to raise around $9,000 which will cover both of our plane tickets, our accommodations, meals, transportation in Israel, and any supplies that World Mission Alliance is requesting we purchase. We are advised to purchase travel insurance from WMA because with the war it may require us to change our plans on short notice. If your gifts exceed what we need for this trip or we are prevented from going in March, we will use the proceeds toward another mission trip in the future. We will need to have everything paid for by December 9, 2025, but will continue to accept donations up to our departure.
You can help us with your prayers and donations to help fund this mission by clicking the link below, then click GIVE, and in the drop down box select GOODBAR MISSIONS.
https://www.lifechurchroa.org/give
Another way to give: Buy a Life Disc from Eric. A percentage of the money will go toward the mission trip. They are $350.00 each, or buy more than one for $300.00 each.
https://twinpalms.massagetherapy.com/products-for-sale
The Life disc is an amazing tool that helps with aches, pains and general wellness. We love ours and how well it works for aches and pains in joints and soft tissues. Feel free to ask for a demonstration.
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Added 9-19-25
REPORT FROM THE SEPTEMBER 2025 WORLD MISSION ALLIANCE TRIP
(Our 2026 trip will be similar to this one)
The mission to Israel was not only a spiritual highlight but also a timely assignment in the Great Commission. Our partner church in Kiryat Shemona has endured incredible hardships during the war. The city was evacuated for two years, the church was forced to change locations five times, some members lost loved ones, and the building itself was bombed. And yet, the church didn’t just survive, it flourished. With the help of the body of Christ, they rebuilt their facility. As an outreach, they served 144,000 hot meals to soldiers on the Israel–Lebanon border. This act of generosity gained them favor and respect in the community and sparked new growth. It even affected our trip as you discover below. Our team received intensive, practical training on how to show love and introduce the Good News to the people of Israel. It was one of the highlights of the trip, and the lessons we learned are truly applicable anywhere in the world.
Israel report
One of the most moving moments was visiting a community of elderly Russian-speaking Jews. Because of their background, they are not considered kosher and are often overlooked, even the community center has closed its doors to them. Just before Rosh Hashanah, we delivered 40 grocery bags filled with 20lb of essential groceries and special holiday treats. Many of them couldn’t even carry the bags on their own. We sang, shared testimonies, laughed, cried, and hugged. For them, and for us, it was a special time of connection and love.
Our time with the IDF soldiers was equally powerful. At the request of the base commander, we hosted a huge barbecue feast instead of giving gift cards. Over 100 soldiers gathered for steak, chicken kabobs, lamb, vegetables, and other dishes prepared by a professional chef. We also brought gift bags of snacks and sweets. Most of the soldiers hadn’t eaten since morning and devoured the food with deep gratitude. One young man said, “I thought the whole world hated us, but you just warmed my heart.” The conversations that followed, about life, faith, and hope, left a lasting mark on all of us.
Then came a dramatic moment during the traditional Friday evening Shabbat service at our partner church. A man in Jewish religious attire stormed in, shouting and recording the service. He later posted the video online to condemn Christians, expecting to stir hostility. Instead, the response was the opposite. Thousands saw the video, but many defended the church, praising its reputation and reminding others of the meals served to soldiers during the war. What the enemy meant for harm, God used for good.
Beyond the ministry, being in Israel gave us the privilege of walking through the pages of Scripture. We worshiped on a boat on the Sea of Galilee, explored the streets of Capernaum, revisited the Sermon on the Mount at the Mount of Beatitudes, and traced the footsteps of Jesus through Jerusalem. Most of our team chose to be baptized in the Jordan River, a beautiful recommitment of our lives to Christ and His mission.
We left Israel with full hearts and a sense that the seeds planted will continue to grow with a powerful ripple effect.
And we look forward to returning in March 2026. There are currently only 2 spots remaining open on this team.