Planting Seeds of Service in Israel: Debra's MPTO Experience

I’m excited to share this week's Mission Paid Time Off (MPTO) story of service and adventure, featuring one of our own, Debra Jones (Manager, Quality Provider Development). Debra recently embarked on an awe-inspiring journey to Israel, where she immersed herself in both the rich history of the Holy Land and the joy of giving back through volunteer work, in which she was able to use allotted MPTO hours.

For Debra, the decision to tour Israel was driven by a lifelong desire to witness the places described in the Bible, where Jesus performed miracles and shared his teachings. When it came to choosing a company for her trip, Debra was led by a personal invitation from Chaplain Bill Adams to join Bridges for Peace, an organization dedicated to fostering understanding and support for Israel and its people.

As Debra recounts her experience, it's clear that her trip was more than just a typical tourist excursion. It was a chance to connect with the land where Jesus walked and to contribute to its flourishing in a tangible way. One of the highlights of her trip was participating in a service project to plant pomegranate trees near the Herodian, alongside over 40 members of her tour group. Pomegranates have deep roots in biblical history, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and prosperity. In the land where they grow abundantly, pomegranates serve as a reminder of God's blessings and the promise of a fruitful harvest.

“We quickly took up tasks to complete the work as a team – some carried the saplings, some carried water and others filled in the dirt. I was a self-assigned water carrier and got just a taste of the hard work required in order to start and maintain these trees in the challenging soil of Israel.”

Despite the physical demands, she and her fellow volunteers worked together with enthusiasm, guided by a shared purpose to sow seeds of both physical and spiritual fruit.

“We prayed for physical and spiritual fruit from “our” trees, that others reap blessing by our small efforts in the name Messiah, the Lord Jesus.”

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?Debra chose to use her MPTO hours during her time volunteering. This allowed her to receive pay on behalf of Christian Care Ministry. MPTO was implemented to inspire employees to volunteer and give back to their communities while providing paid time off. It enables employees to engage in meaningful projects while maintaining financial stability, leading to a greater impact on communities worldwide.

I want to leave you with a simple yet powerful message: we all have the power to make a difference, no matter how big or small our actions may seem. Whether it's planting trees in Israel or lending a helping hand in your own community, let's follow Debra's lead and sow seeds of kindness, compassion, and community wherever we go.

Allison Tsamoutales is a Florida State University graduate and new wife. She now serves on the Communications team for CCM, where she finds joy in connecting with people and sharing stories of faith and community. Born and raised in the Sunshine State, she enjoys exploring the beaches, staying active with activities like golf and pickleball, and pursuing a healthy lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.