Reply to Martin Sarvis - Israel Trip Discussion
Date: October 18, 2025
From: Gary Sheng
To: Martin Sarvis
Subject: Re: Israel Trip Planning
Original Email Context
Martin's email discusses:
- Availability for meeting (last week of October works, first week of November doesn't due to visiting friends)
- Suggestion to consider a more structured visit early next year instead of a quick drop-in trip
- Book recommendation: "Your People Shall be My People" by Don Finto
- Personal background about his 30 years in Israel and marriage to Norma
- Acknowledgment of Gary's recent spiritual experiences
Draft Reply
Shalom Martin,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and warm response. After considering your suggestion, I think a more structured visit early next year sounds wonderful. I'd much rather wait and have the opportunity to learn properly from someone with your 30 years of experience in the Land, rather than rushing through a quick trip on my own.
You're absolutely right about my background - I am Chinese American. What's fascinating is that I'm currently learning more about my great-grandfather, who was a pastor in the early 1900s. This is something I only recently discovered, and I'm still uncovering more about his story as we speak.
I've actually already started reading "Your People Shall be My People" by Don Finto - thank you for the recommendation! I'm finding it incredibly insightful. I'd love to check in with you soon and share some of my reflections on the book as I work through it.
It's such a blessing to be connected with you through Linda. Once I have a better sense of my trip plans for early next year, I'll reach out to coordinate with you.
Looking forward to our continued correspondence and to meeting you in person in the Land.
Warmly, Gary
Notes for Development
- Need to address timing preferences
- Should respond to book recommendation
- Consider his suggestion about structured vs. quick visit
- Acknowledge his personal sharing about his background