It was undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime.

For eight days it was my privilege to tour Israel with a group of Christian journalists, as guests of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism.

Before I left, a wise friend counselled that I travel not merely as a tourist, but as a pilgrim, saying, “they don’t call it the Holy Land for no reason.”

I had been preparing to travel primarily as a journalist, but his advice resonated. “How do I do that?” I wondered. “How does one travel as a pilgrim?” My friend had offered no suggestions, so I sought God, asking Him to allow the trip to accomplish in me all that He wanted it to.

Thus, I set out with great anticipation but few expectations; resolving to steep myself in the land that God Himself has declared special and to try at every moment to keep not only my head, but also my heart a sponge, absorbing all God had for me, whatever that might be. You can read of some of my experiences in this issue’s feature, “Reflections of a pilgrim” (page eight).

Our group arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport February 23 at 4 p.m., following a smooth 12-hour flight from Toronto.

Checking in to our Tel Aviv hotel for a brief rest, we were hosted for a candlelit dinner at a local restaurant, by Benjamin-Gad Ninnayi, branch director of the Ministry of Tourism’s Hosting Operation Unit.

Born and raised in Israel, Ninnayi, 38, speaks six languages fluently. And when he speaks of his country, it is with passion. His eyes pop as he relates that for him, to be an Israeli, “is a responsibility. It’s to bear upon your shoulders the history of 3,500 years.”

Ninnayi tells us his government regularly hosts such groups as ours, which, judging from our five star hotel and this first class restaurant can be at no small expense. Decision makers, media and VIPs are invited to come “to see and to feel the normal life of Israel,” which, he explains, is why we are here.

“We have journalists who are writing about the Israel/Arab conflict every day,” our host says. “What Israel wants is, ultimately, to create a balance in the news.”

It comes as no surprise to learn the tourism industry has been badly wounded here. Israel has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure, but the Intifada years have seen tourist numbers plummet to a low of 860,000 in 2002 from their peak of 2.7 million before the uprising began. Today, Ninnayi sees cause for hope. In 2004, 1.5 million visitors came. This year, he believes, they’ll get more.

Ninnayi is not a religious man, but it is with an almost religious fervor that he states increased tourism can help lead to peace. “If you want [Israel] to be strong, come and visit,” he says.

As dinner concludes, Ninnayi talks about his three young sons, and his dream that they grow up not having to serve in the army.

It is a dream born of a father’s heart; a dream that takes on new dimensions when multiplied by similar dreams in the hearts of countless other people I encountered while in Israel.

That God can use such dreams in working out His plan for that nation, helps to explain how this writer was allowed the opportunity of a lifetime, and the chance to become a pilgrim.