Malaysia is a Muslim country that has no diplomatic relations with Israel.  In fact, the Malaysian passport states categorically that it is valid for travel in every country except Israel.  But despite that, a pioneer group of Malaysian Christians are not only touring Israel this week but spent the day in Samaria.

“It is a miracle,” stated Rev. Willem J. J. Glashouwer, president of Christians for Israel International, which organized the tour group.  Glashouwer, the author of “Why Israel” has traveled all over the world for Christians for Israel International, teaching Christians about the Biblical Mandate for Israel.  Through multiple visits to Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia, Glashouwer was able to create a basis for support and activity in Malaysia.

It is not easy for Malaysians to travel to Israel.  They require a special visa which is meant for Israel but does not mention Israel by name.  But this group was enthusiastic about the opportunity to visit Israel, to explore more deeply the Jewish roots of their faith and to tour the Land of the Bible.

“I meet Christian groups in Judea and Samaria all the time, but this group was special indeed,” explains Sondra Oster Baras, director of CFOIC Heartland in Israel, the group responsible for the program in Samaria.  “They were so excited to be in the very place where Abraham was promised the Land, where the prophets and kings walked.  And they were able to witness with their own eyes the truth about the settlement movement, without the hostile filter they are accustomed to in their own country.”

The group spent several hours in Karnei Shomron where they met with Mayor Yigal Lahav and planted fruit trees in a local school yard accompanied by some of the school children who took time off of their vacation to greet the special visitors.  As they boarded the bus for Mt. Gerizim and Shiloh, places they know well from the Bible but were going to encounter in person for the first time, the Malaysians waved and promised: “We will be back!”