“Taking that trip was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made,” said Shirley Porto.
For twin sisters, Joyce and Shirley Porto, experiencing Israel was defining for their Christian faith. Sharing experience together as sisters was both meaningful and foundational. Experiencing the Holy Land helped them grow in their understanding of the culture and history of the Bible.
Today, nearly six years later, their time in the Holy Land continues to have an impact on their life today.
Leading up to their Israel trip, Shirley was reading the gospel of Luke. Concluding the gospel of Luke the day before departing for Israel she prayed for a deeper understanding of the Bible.
“On that day, I prayed and asked Jesus to introduce me to His friends and His culture,” Shirley said. “I felt like God not only answered my prayer but gave me so much more. Israel will forever be in my heart.”
For Joyce, connecting with locals and hearing diverse perspectives in Israel was foundational for understanding the complexities of the Middle East.
“Meeting the people of the land. Engaging in conversations with the people from Israel and hearing their personal stories and perspectives deeply touched me,” Shirley said. “Their resilience and compassion left a lasting impression on me.”
At the time they traveled to Israel, both Joyce and Shirley were pursuing a dual master’s degree in international relations and global leadership. Experiencing Israel both enhanced their studies and influenced their careers.
“That season of learning, combined with the trip experience in the Holy Land, became a powerful part of the foundation for the work we do today,” both sisters said.
Today, Shirley works at the Global Fellowship of Baptists in the Global Partnerships department where she helps steward the organizations presence in 135 countries. Joyce serves international Baptist churches in Texas through the North American Baptist Fellowship of women.
Both of their roles require an understanding of leadership, diplomacy, and missions which their Passages experience helped them grow in.
“What I saw and heard throughout the trip did not just inform me, it transformed my worldview,” Joyce said.
For both sisters, Israel is an experience they carry with them still today.
“We left this experience with a desire to advocate, stand against antisemitism, and share what we’ve learned because Israel has a global and eternal significance and its part of God’s greater plan,” they said.
