Eagles’ Wings is currently leading a delegation of 83 young adult Christian leaders through Israel, bringing together participants from across the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom for an immersive journey.
Now underway, the touring and leadership program is gathering young adults representing a wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and Christian traditions. Participants come from evangelical, Pentecostal, charismatic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, and non-denominational churches, creating a unique environment for learning, fellowship, and unity in Christ.
The delegation includes students and young leaders from leading evangelical universities, ministry training programs, and theological institutions. Together, they represent the next generation of pastors, missionaries, worship leaders, nonprofit leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and marketplace influencers.
“This is more than a tour. This is an investment in the next generation of Christian leadership,” said Bishop Robert Stearns, founder and president of Eagles’ Wings.
Before departing for Israel, participants joined online preparation sessions designed to build community, introduce the spiritual and educational goals of the journey, and prepare them to engage thoughtfully with Israel’s history, people, and current realities.
Throughout the journey, participants are visiting key biblical locations including the Sea of Galilee, Magdala, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Garden Tomb, the Upper Room, the City of David, and Jerusalem’s Old City. On-site teaching, worship, prayer, and reflection are bringing the biblical narrative into a firsthand setting.
The delegation is also engaging Israel’s national history and contemporary society through visits and briefings connected to Independence Hall, Yad Vashem, the Friends of Zion Museum, United Hatzalah, and the Knesset. Conversations with Israeli political, diplomatic, religious, and civic leaders are giving participants insight into Israel’s democracy, identity, security challenges, and regional context.
A defining experience of the journey is an authentic Shabbat encounter in partnership with Israel365. Participants will attend a Friday evening synagogue service before being welcomed into local Jewish homes for Shabbat dinner, hospitality, and conversation.
“Having experienced Shabbat in Israel before, I know it’s far more than a meal—it’s an invitation into the heart of Jewish life,” said Emily Talento, Eagles’ Wings staff member, bus host, and Christian influencer. “From worshiping alongside the local community on Friday evening to being welcomed into a family’s home, it’s a privilege that few visitors get to experience. I’m excited for the participants to encounter the beauty of those traditions and the values they reflect.”
For many participants, this journey marks their first opportunity to engage personally with Jewish families and experience the rhythms of Shabbat within a local community. These encounters are designed to move understanding beyond the classroom and build relationships grounded in respect, hospitality, and shared values.
“This is my fifth trip to Israel, and I expect it to be one of the most memorable yet. I have traveled here with college students, pastors, and people of different faiths. This trip is different. It is a trip of young evangelicals wrestling with the same questions I wrestled with on my first trips to this land. One of the moments that makes this journey unique is on Friday evening when our 83 young adults will separate into the homes of local families to share a meal on Shabbat. Later, all 83 will walk through one of the most heartbreaking museums in the world, Yad Vashem, and receive a glimpse of what the Jewish people have endured. Somewhere between a Shabbat table and a nation’s memorial, these young adults will wrestle with where they are standing. They will encounter the land of Israel, the people of Israel, and most importantly, the God of Israel. This journey will mark their lives for years to come, and I am honored to walk alongside them,” said Hayden Karnes, an Eagles’ Wings intern, Oral Roberts University student, and bus host.
More than a traditional tour group, the participants form a cohort of emerging global leaders who share a passion for Jesus, a commitment to serving the Church, and a desire to deepen their understanding of the biblical land.
Through firsthand encounters with Israel’s land, people, history, and contemporary challenges, participants are developing an informed, compassionate, and biblically grounded framework for understanding Israel and standing with the Jewish people.
“Many would call this a ‘next generation’ trip, but I see it as a ‘now generation’ trip,” said Jake Hannon, Eagles’ Wings staff member, bus host, and youth pastor. “These young leaders already have voices, platforms, and influence—and that influence will only grow. My first trip to Israel transformed my entire framework and ignited a deep love for Israel and the Jewish people. I’m excited to help others encounter the land for themselves and return home prepared to stand with Israel in such a time as this.”
Shared times of worship and prayer are woven throughout the journey, including devotional gatherings at biblical sites, worship, group reflection, and leadership development sessions.
The trip reflects Eagles’ Wings’ longstanding commitment to building bridges between Christians, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel. By investing in young leaders during a formative season of their lives, Eagles’ Wings seeks to equip participants to return to their churches, campuses, ministries, and communities with greater biblical understanding, stronger relationships, and a renewed commitment to courageous Christian leadership.
Journey Highlights
• Touring major biblical sites throughout Galilee, the Dead Sea region, and Jerusalem, with teaching, prayer, and worship
• Participating in a synagogue service and Shabbat dinner with local Jewish families in partnership with Israel365
• Receiving briefings from political, diplomatic, religious, and civic leaders
• Visiting Independence Hall, Yad Vashem, United Hatzalah, the Friends of Zion Museum, and the Knesset
• Meeting Israeli leaders, Jewish partners, local believers, and community representatives
• Engaging in conversations about faith, history, coexistence, antisemitism, regional challenges, and Christian-Jewish relations
• Building relationships with fellow emerging leaders from the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom
• Participating in worship, prayer, reflection, and leadership development throughout the journey
About Eagles’ Wings
Eagles’ Wings is a global movement advancing lasting change in Jerusalem, Israel, and the nations through prayer, education, humanitarian aid, and relationship-building between Christians and the Jewish community. For more than three decades, Eagles’ Wings has equipped Christian leaders to engage with Israel and the Jewish people through biblically grounded education, firsthand experiences, advocacy, and expressions of solidarity.
For more information, visit EaglesWings.org.