The recently concluded Holy Land Tour with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has left an indelible mark on the hearts of participants from around the world. More than a journey through historic locations, the tour became a deeply spiritual experience — one that brought Scripture to life and invited believers to reflect on the sacrifice, obedience, and triumph of Jesus Christ.
From Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, from the Garden of Gethsemane to the Pool of Bethesda, each stop offered moments of reverence, learning, and renewed faith. Walking the very ground where the events of the Gospel unfolded, participants encountered the Bible not as distant history but as living truth.
Standing at the Garden of Gethsemane
One of the most moving moments of the tour took place at the Garden of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Often described as an unassuming garden, its quiet atmosphere carries the weight of one of the most intense moments in biblical history — the final hours before Jesus’ arrest.
Just beside the garden stands the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of the Agony. Inside, powerful stone murals depict the final moments of Jesus’ earthly journey — His betrayal by Judas, Peter’s attempt to defend Him, and the unfolding path toward the cross.
As participants sat in reflection, the reality of Christ’s obedience became profoundly personal. This was the place where Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Thy will be done” (Matthew 26). The Gospel records that He prayed with such intensity that He experienced hematidrosis — sweating drops of blood under extreme anguish.
For many, this sacred space became a reminder of where true strength is found: complete surrender to the will of God.
Pastor Chris: Finding Strength to Go a Little Further
Speaking during the visit, Pastor Chris shared personal insight shaped by decades of returning to the Holy Land. Referring to Gethsemane as a place of spiritual fortitude, he emphasized that obedience to God’s will is the source of strength for every believer.
“This is the place where you find strength to go a little bit further,” he shared. “If Jesus found strength here to say, ‘Not my will, but Thy will be done,’ then that’s what I must do.”
His words resonated deeply, especially as the group reflected on the cost of obedience and the grace made available through Christ’s sacrifice. Gethsemane was no longer just a historical site — it became a mirror for personal devotion and trust in God.
The Mount of Olives and the Promise of His Return
Another significant highlight was the visit to the Mount of Olives, the very place from which Jesus ascended into heaven and where Scripture declares He will return. Standing there, participants gained fresh perspective on biblical prophecy and eschatology.
Pastor Chris explained that the Mount of Olives holds deep meaning for Christians, as Acts 1 affirms that Jesus will return in the same manner and place from which He ascended. Looking toward the Eastern Gate, long associated with messianic expectation, believers were reminded that the story of redemption is not yet finished.
The visit strengthened faith in Christ’s promised return and reinforced the certainty of God’s Word — past, present, and future.
The Pool of Bethesda: Where Mercy Met the Miraculous
The journey also took participants to the Pool of Bethesda, a site of healing chronicled in John chapter 5. This is where Jesus healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years — a miracle that revealed both His compassion and authority.
Standing beside the ancient pools, Pastor Chris reflected on the contrast between religious expectation and divine intervention. While many waited for the stirring of the waters, Jesus demonstrated that healing and restoration flow directly from Him.
For those on the tour, this moment reinforced a powerful truth: miracles are not confined to systems or seasons. Christ Himself is the source of healing, grace, and transformation.
Walking Through Scripture, Living the Word
Throughout the tour, participants described the experience as deeply emotional and spiritually enriching. Each location — whether a quiet garden, an ancient church, or a historic pool — became a point of connection between Scripture and daily faith.
Many shared testimonies of renewed devotion, clearer understanding of the Gospel, and a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Being present in the Holy Land brought clarity to passages long read but now vividly understood.
The Holy Land Tour was not merely about seeing places; it was about encountering truth, strengthening faith, and recommitting to the message of the Gospel.
A Journey That Continues Beyond the Land
As the tour concluded, one truth stood clear: while the journey through Israel had ended, the spiritual impact would continue. The lessons of obedience, surrender, healing, and hope carry forward into everyday Christian living.
The Holy Land Tour with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome served as a reminder that faith is both historical and present — rooted in real events, yet alive in the hearts of believers today.
Walking where Jesus walked inspires believers to live as He taught, to trust as He trusted, and to proclaim the Gospel with renewed conviction.
As participants returned home, they carried more than memories. They carried revelation, gratitude, and a deeper resolve to say, like Jesus did in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.”