At a time when so many nations and individuals are turning away from Israel and vilifying the Jewish state and the Jewish people, it is both remarkable and refreshing to hear from those who continue to have “a heart for Israel.”  Such a one is Paul Valerio, an American Gentile who, along with his young wife Traci, decided to visit Israel for three weeks and ended up living and working there for eighteen years!

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Paul during a few days with us in Pennsylvania as a stop between his home in Georgia and a visit with family (and running in a half-marathon) in Connecticut where he grew up.

With each of us enjoying a cup of coffee and a bagel with a “shmear” of cream cheese, I asked Paul to share how he and Traci surprisingly ended up in Israel and to describe the development of his deep interest in, and love for, Israel and the Jewish people which continues to this day.  I also asked him to share from his heart his concern and hope for both the Jewish State and its citizens.

I believe you will be blessed and challenged as you listen in on this conversation which is this next Bagel-side Chat in an episode with the intriguing title, “Three Weeks, Two Back-Packs, Plus Eighteen Years.”

Thank you for listening to Ancient Words, Modern Message. You can expect episodes twice a month on Monday. Ancient Words, Modern Message is supported by Hebrew Christian Fellowship. To learn more about our ministry, or to ask a question, contact [email protected]. We might just answer your question on a future episode of Ancient Words, Modern Message.