Walking on Jesus' path

By Delphine Raffray

A trip to Israel has never been on my bucket list. However, last year, when I saw that Angus Buchan was organizing a trip to Jesus Country in September 2023, I knew that I had to go there and that it was a call for me. It became what I wanted most to do. I asked my mom to join me, and the two of us were supposed to go from Mauritius. But then, three other members of my close family decided to come, my sister, my aunt, and my cousin. This was unexpected and was more than I could wish for. I was so happy.

It was the most extraordinary 6 days in Israel, walking on Jesus’ path! We were part of a group of 300 pilgrims and spent most of our time with the pilgrims who were on our bus. 54 Amazing people who became my Christian family. We laughed, we cried, we prayed and sang, we worshipped the Lord, we got baptized, we shared meals and so many things together. We even experienced miracles and weddings!

Back home, I never felt the same again. My thirst for Jesus has grown so much. I do not want to watch TV anymore or listen to any type of music. I am just craving worship songs, craving my quiet time where I can read the Bible. Reading the Bible became so interesting to me, now that I have visited the places where Jesus has been.

Since being back in Mauritius, my sisters, cousin and I have started a Prayer Fellowship group. We meet every week and pray and share our testimonies. We hope to have more and more people joining us. We also keep in touch with our Tour group, and I must say that I feel lifted by their daily prayers and encouragement.

I have personally faced difficult family challenges since being back from Israel, but I am now able to thank God for these difficulties in my life. Because through these difficult situations, I can now feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I am seeing things with new eyes now and I feel stronger and never alone. I feel that Jesus stands next to me and helps me in my spiritual battles.

In fact, I feel that HE is fighting my battles! A few months back, I would have been broken, sad, depressed amid such circumstances but now I am different. I am now more tolerant, patient, and calm and have even stopped using the daily pills which used to help me calm down my emotions and sleep at night.

We also experienced miracles in people’s lives around us. My mother’s Hindu gardener as well as his family have converted and gave their lives to Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

I am so thankful we have been able to go to Israel and be safely back home only one month before the war started. It is a true blessing.

I wish I can go back to Israel again as I feel this place is my Home. My life is changing, and all the Glory goes to our Lord and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST! He has made this trip possible and I know I was there for a purpose!

Photo credits: Charles Venter