Sharon had been attending Christian gatherings for a couple of years, even though she was known as a committed atheist. In October, something happened on the banks of the Jordan River that surprised even Aviel Sela, the leader of the Gospel bus tour. Sharon wanted to share a personal change that few could have anticipated.

Sometimes a change in a person's life comes after a long period of questions, encounters, and reflection. Outwardly, everything may appear the same until the moment comes when the person finally puts that change into words.

This is what happened when Sharon, a participant on a Gospel bus tour supported by GCMM, told tour leader Aviel Sela that her understanding of God had changed.

Sharon was not simply another participant interested in spiritual matters. The woman who had once been known for her firm atheistic beliefs now wanted to tell him personally that she believed in God.

“Aviel, I want to tell you something. I have changed my understanding of God. Now I truly believe that God exists! From this day forward, I can say that I am a believer!”

Sharon declared.

Not Every Change Happens Overnight

Sharon's story highlights an important aspect of Christian ministry: a person's spiritual journey does not always unfold quickly or follow a straightforward path.

Some people hear the Gospel for the first time and immediately become interested. Others need time to explore their questions, opportunities to get to know Christians, and space to reflect on what they have heard.

For Sharon, her connection with Christian gatherings had continued for approximately two years. Based on her own account, her understanding of God had gradually changed until she was ready to openly share her newfound faith with someone else.

This is precisely why long-term ministry matters.

Not every encounter leads to an immediate decision, and a person's inner transformation cannot be measured by attendance figures alone. Yet sometimes the significance of the work becomes evident in a deeply personal way.

For Aviel, Sharon's words on the banks of the Jordan River were one of those moments.

Nearly Half the Participants Wanted to Learn More About the Christian Faith

Sharon's story was not the only encouraging news from the tour. Of the 45 immigrants who participated in the Gospel bus tour, approximately half requested a Bible and other Christian literature.

Their interest demonstrated that the tour had given participants an opportunity to continue exploring the Christian faith long after the excursion ended.

The Gospel bus tours bring together shared experiences, personal encounters, and opportunities to hear the Gospel. Participants visit significant sites in Israel while having opportunities to discuss questions of faith.

GCMM supports these tours in cooperation with local ministry partners. In addition to Christian teaching and discussions, the ministry provides Bibles, Christian literature, and other resources.

One Person, One Story – and the Impact of Working Together

Aviel Sela expresses his gratitude to GCMM for its ongoing partnership and support, which helps make these Gospel bus tours possible. Sharon's story illustrates something essential about GCMM's ministry in Israel.

The work is not simply about organizing tours or counting participants. It is about the people reached through these encounters. We cannot know in advance which conversation will remain in someone's thoughts or when a message heard over the years will begin to take on new meaning.

From the perspective of Christian ministry, this is the heart of long-term outreach: sharing the Gospel, building personal connections, and giving people the opportunity to explore questions of faith.

For Sharon, that journey led to a personal declaration of faith.

For Aviel Sela, it was wonderful news—and an encouraging reminder of why this ministry continues.

Please pray for those who are exploring the Christian faith and for the people sharing the Gospel through these tours.