Dear Friend,
What do you think of this announcement? Coming to a Neighborhood Near You: Intifada Tours!
As your nervous laughter dies down, please keep reading, and you’ll soon agree this is no joke. The jihadist wing of Islam is on the move. There are more than 1.6 billion Moslems in the world. Many people estimate that only 10–15% of Islamic adherents are “radicalized.” Yet, 10–15% of 1.6 billion still represents a huge number of adversaries—160 million. Too many of these so-called radicals are actually the true followers of Islam as practiced by Mohammed and his early followers.
The Koran (holy book) and Hadith (sayings of Mohammed) require the true believer to use ALL means possible to expand Islam until it becomes the world’s dominant societal system. Remember, Islam is not just a religion; it is also a system of government and law.
It is important that you are familiar with some facets of Islam that Western media and political leaders sweep under the rug.
When Western leaders abandon our allies and support our enemies, we citizens see a growing boldness of Islam all over the world. Nothing should surprise us at this stage of prophetic timelines. However, when I was last in Israel, I witnessed a very disconcerting example of radical Islam’s outrageous bravado.
Zola Tours leaders were baptizing our pilgrims at the Jordan River—a deep and spiritually moving ritual. I had explained to our group the long history of the mikvot (baptismal baths) and the historical Jewishness of ceremonial cleansing. We submersed many of our number with joyous celebration and worshipful reverence. I often prepare the pilgrims by using the story of Naaman the Syrian general from 2 Kings 5:
1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.
The next verses draw a contrast between the beautiful, clean-flowing waters of Syria and the muddy, low places of the Jordan River. The Syrian acknowledges the prophet Elisha but chafes at the directive.
9 Then Naaman went with his horses and chariot, and he stood at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman became furious, and went away and said, “Indeed, I said to myself, ‘He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.’ 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
This passage sets up listeners for the powerful lessons of immersion, obedience, and the new life to come. We go down low, humble and open before a holy God, and arise with Him. The great general had to take counsel from his servants…
13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” 14 So he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.
Standing there on the banks of the Jordan, our groups worship together and read the Scriptures. I teach of the Hebraic roots of baptism and the majestic revelation of the Trinity when Yeshua’s cousin Yochanan (John) baptized Yeshua. I must admit that each time we gather there, the Lord does something special. It is always a rich moment on our journey.
On this particular occasion, when the last pilgrims emerged from the water where Katharine and I wait to pray over each one, I saw David Minay, our faithful bus driver of many years, motioning for me to join him on the parapet above the site.
David is from Ashkelon, one the most beleaguered cities in Israel. In the south and just few miles from Gaza, it has been a constant target for the thousands of rockets issuing from the terror state to its south. David is used to danger and not easily moved by “situations.” Though he seemed unusually upset, he still affected that wry, smiling Israeli style that finds humor in all of life.
“Myles, you are not going to believe what I have here!”
“David, mah zeh?” (“What is it?”), I asked. I always use my pidgin-Hebrew when I have the chance.
“If someone were to tell me about this, I would never believe it—but I see it with my own eyes!”
He held out a laminated card. A business card. For tourism. From Malaysia. The company’s name: “Intifada Tours.”
“Is this a joke?” I queried with a gut-punching sense that it was not.
“I thought so at first, but it is very real.”
We stood there for a moment as I turned the card in my hand. One side announced the tour company’s contact information and displayed pictures of the Islamic sites in Israel. The back of the card had travel information and the name of the featured tour: “Palestine package.”
David and I stood silent.
“Come with me” he said and started
toward the DVD kiosk. There we met
with the man who documents baptisms
and offers videos to the newly baptized
pilgrims. He confirmed that the card
had been given to him by a friend, a
Malaysian Moslem, who was appalled at
the discovery. The Moslem friend hosts
golf tours throughout the world. He is a
Moslem by name and heritage but not of the jihadi persuasion.
“We need to get this to the ministry of tourism!” I sputtered in my momentary Western self-righteousness. The two of them smiled and assured me there is no doubt that security forces in Israel are aware of the company and their clientele. I think they were entertained by my exasperation for two reasons:
I settled down, took the photos you see (above), and determined to persevere in this ministry’s mandate to connect the West to Israel, awaken Christians to Israel’s importance, and bring as many touring pilgrims as possible. As Islam continues to grow faster than Christianity (according to the reputable Pew Research Center), true believers in Yeshua must work hard and pray without ceasing “that none should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). Thank you for continuing to support Zola Levitt Ministries as we use this impetus to expand the Lord’s Kingdom. How different Islam’s god is from the God of Israel: Allah is as oppressive as Yahweh is liberating.
Perhaps we should subtitle Zola Tours as “Restoration Journeys.” Clearly we accomplish much when we walk the Land. Furthermore, we send a message to the world: We believe the Word of God regarding God’s love for the Jewish people (Gen.12:1–3). We see the Jewish people’s return to the Land as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy (Amos 9:11–15). We intend to stand together and watch for Messiah (Isaiah 62:6-7).
Please come with us! You still have time to sign up for the Fall 2015 tour. Pilgrims have options to follow in Paul’s footsteps in Greece and Ephesus before the Israel portion and/or an excursion to Petra in Jordan afterward. Our Zola Tours manager can help you select your optimal pilgrimage. You are welcome to call Sandra at 214-696-9760, email her at , or visit www.levitt.com/tours.
Here are the dates for the fall excursions:
| Deluxe | Israel | Oct 11–20 |
| Grand Petra | Israel & Petra | Oct 11–23 |
| Grand Athens | Greece & Israel | Oct 5–20 |
| Ultra Grand | Greece, Israel, Petra | Oct 5–23 |
Katharine and I were moved several years ago to have the ministry and our television producer Ken Berg document a study tour of Israel for viewers who are unable to join us in person. This month, we are rebroadcasting that virtual pilgrimage; this armchair tour is the next best thing to being there. However, going yourself is seriously life-changing, so do come if you are able.
Below are some highlights of June’s programs:
Journey of Restoration
Through this ten-part series, you join a group of pilgrims touring Israel. Our Messianic Sabra (native-born) guide opens the Bible with the Hebrew language at his command. Be enriched as pastors Myles and Katharine Weiss tag-team on teaching with our local guides. Meet “living stones” of the Body of Messiah in the Land, many of whom ZLM supports through benevolence funds.
These programs will enrich you spiritually. And if you cannot join us in the Land or via TV, this virtual tour is offered on DVD (please see page 8). Let us stand together as Believers for Messiah and His purposes on Earth. Until then, please Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim—Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
Your brother and messenger,
Myles
P.S. As we humble ourselves like Naaman in 2 Kings, God will take up our cause.
Dear Myles,
With global jihad continuing to rise, God will defend His People of The Book and the Holy Land, the apple of His eye (Zech. 2:8).
“Here is my contribution for June. Keep up the good fight, informing the world about Islam’s agenda, jihad, and the Middle East’s brewing issues.”
A very special map of modern Israel, which also provides sites of Biblical importance. Scriptures are given right on the map so that the reader can locate the cities and towns of Biblical significance. Hours of spiritual pleasure. Imported from Israel.
The most important city map in the world! A marvelous and complete display with over 1,000 names of streets, neighborhoods, etc., with color pictures, churches, Biblical sites, and all the rest, beautifully presented. Imported from Israel.
Travel with Zola and the location television crew as they film in various parts of the Holy Land. An interesting and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at Israel, with photos and colorful descriptions of sites shown on our weekly programs.
A ten-part pilgrim’s perspective during a study tour in Israel. Join pilgrims touring Israel, pastored by Myles and Katharine Weiss.
