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Houston’s First
Baptist Church

Israel & Other Journeys

CLICK FOR LIST OF UPCOMING JOURNEYS

Christians have been taking pilgrimages to the Holy Land for thousands of years and the desire to “walk where Jesus walked” is as strong today as ever. For decades, groups from the Houston's First family have travelled to Israel and other biblical locations to see the Bible come to life where it all took place.

Pastor Gregg Matte went to Israel with long-time church members Jim and Wanda Jean Hickey in 2008. He was so touched by that experience that he encouraged more frequent trips hosted by the Hickeys and a designated staff member so that Houston's First family members would have opportunities to go. Those trips continued, and even after Jim passed away in 2011, his beloved wife Wanda Jean continued hosting trips until she joined him in heaven in 2018.

Now, these trips are hosted by church members Peggy Bain and Drew Walters and a staff member guest host. Other ministries sometimes take trips specifically targeted at the ages or stages of life they serve, hosted by their respective staff members.

This page serves as a central hub for any upcoming official Houston's First trips to Israel and other biblical destinations. Watch here and in other church communication channels for opportunities for you to see stories of the Bible come to life!

Looking for our list of Mission trips? You can find those here!

Upcoming Journeys

ISRAEL TOUR

Oct 22-31, 2021
This trip was originally scheduled for March 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, Israel is reopening for tourists and we're looking forward to taking a group from our church this October! This trip is open to people of all ages from every campus of Houston's First.

  • Hosts — Peggy Bain and Drew Walters
  • Guest Host — Jeff Bumgardner, Minister of Worship & Arts – The Loop Campus
  • Details — available here

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NEXTGEN FAMILY ISRAEL TOUR

Mar 10-20, 2022
This trip is for families with kids 3rd grade through college (at the time of the trip). Grandparents and other family members are welcome! The trip features a family-friendly itinerary and accommodations. No kids can go without parents, and no families can attend without kids.

  • Hosts — Doug & Wendy Bischoff
  • Guest Hosts — Pastor Gregg & Kelly Matte
  • Details — available here

CLICK FOR FULL TRIP DETAILS