I hear this all the time from people who have always dreamed of “visiting the Holy Land.” Everyone wants to do it, but too many express fears about the issue of safety. You don’t have to be a member of Mensa to know the region can be volatile.

I live near a small town in the Bible Belt. A “safer” place you can’t imagine. Just the other day, I drove to town and met a car on the way. The driver crossed the center line and it was too close a call for my comfort level. That is one small example of the dangers we all face every day, just by stepping out of our homes.

I’ve been to Israel several times and I can truly say I feel completely safe. The Israelis are very good at security and for now, the Palestinians covet American tourist dollars. It is in everyone’s best interest to make sure you are happy on your trip.

Oh, but I hear, What about the Iranians and the bomb? What of it? If you worry that a nuclear warhead will take you out, let me humbly and genuinely invite you to never leave your home. And when your time comes—in whatever form that takes—what are you going to do about it? Avoid it? Dive under a table? Take a pill?

Let’s live life! I am coordinating special tours to Israel and if you’d like to go, let me know (jim@prophecymatters.com). You will be safe, you’ll have fun, you’ll be moved emotionally and spiritually…and you’ll probably want to go again.

I will tell you in all truth: whenever I go to Israel, I wish the plane could be flown faster. I want to run. The country is that amazing, the experience that profound.