100 Years of Life, A Promise Kept in Israel-How a WWII Veteran Inspired Us All on a Journey of Faith

We were recently privileged to lead one of the most impactful tours we’ve ever conducted in Israel.  This was no ordinary group – it was a journey filled with deep faith, powerful stories, and unforgettable moments.

At the heart of it all was a remarkable man named Norris Jernigan, who just fulfilled a dream nearly a decade in the making: celebrating his 100th birthday in the Holy Land.

Back in 2018, Norris was 93 years old when he joined a new Christian ministry on its first trip to Israel. That ministry, Discipleship in Unexpected Ways, was founded by Debbie Winsett and focused on helping people grow in their faith by seeing the Bible come to life – off the beaten path and with a personal touch.

On that first tour, Norris, a sharp and joyful WWII veteran, met tour guide Yoram Black, who jokingly challenged him:  “Come back when you turn 100!”
Norris smiled, nodded, and said he would. And if you knew him, you wouldn’t doubt it for a second.

Not only did he return, he did it after joining three more trips to Israel along the way. Last week, Norris came back to the land he loves, honoring a promise he made seven years ago. He turned 100 in Israel, and we were there to witness a moment none of us will ever forget.

But Norris wasn’t just checking off a bucket list item. His journey reflects something much deeper. It’s about faith. It’s about keeping your word. And it’s about trusting God in uncertain times. Since 2018, Debbie Winsett has led 16 tours to Israel, including five since the October 7th war began. She hasn’t waited for the media to calm down or for airlines to stabilize. She believes in going now—because the reality on the ground is very different from what many imagine. “I’ve never once felt unsafe. It’s safe to be a tourist in Israel,” Debbie affirms. “And even more than that—it’s transformational. All I’ve experienced is joy and the incredible hospitality of the people of Israel.”

Norris’s story is proof that when you choose faith over fear, amazing things happen. At 100 years old, he showed us that it’s never too late to trust God and take a bold step. His life, his journey, and his promise kept have touched every one of us on that tour – and many more who hear about it.

If Norris Jernigan can keep his promise at age 100, surely you can take a step of faith too. Come walk where Jesus walked. Come be part of history, prophecy, and personal revival. Experience the land, meet the people, and bless Israel while being blessed yourself.

Trust God. Walk in faith. Live the journey.