BIMT’s Unique “Rosie” Ministry
There is no other Israel-related ministry that provides unique one-wheel wheelchair Israel tour opportunities for people with disabilities. BIMT is a unique leader providing Israel tours for people who have challenges in walking due to some kind of disability. Already, BIMT has taken two people on Israel trips (January 2022 and June 2023) using this unique device we call “Rosie.” We now look forward to offering “Rosie” on a number of our upcoming Israel tours in 2025 and 2026.
We enthusiastically invite you either as a “hiker” (i.e. person living with disability) or a “sherpa” (i.e. volunteers to help with the “Rosie” device) to apply for a future tour with us!
We are excited to present the specific details with you below! We will share the following:
- The vision and history for “Rosie” (and our partnership with Luke 5 Ministries)
- Policies and Procedures for Israel tours
- Applications for Rosie “hikers” and “Sherpa” ministry opportunities
- Designated Israel trips with Rosie
BIMT and CBN Videos featuring “Rosie”
History & Vision
Who is “Rosie?”
Our first “Rosie” Trip
We are absolutely thrilled that so many “firsts” were accomplished on our inaugural trip with “Rosie” in January 2022. We took Victoria, a young lady living with disabilities from Louisiana, to off-the-beaten-path biblical sites and hikes in Israel where we are sure no physically-impaired person has ever gone! It literally brought tears to our eyes seeing this unfold.
Procedures & Policies
It is the policy of BIMT to include “hikers” (people with a disability utilizing “Rosie”) that meet certain criteria to enjoy the experiences that BIMT offers. With this in mind, we also strive to be sensitive to the remainder of the tour participants, so that we do not delay what would be normal time intervals at each site. BIMT’s ministry is to provide a pilgrimage to Israel, but not a tourist-style trip. This should be the goal of the “hiker” and “sherpas” as well. The trip will require specific physical requirements for hikers and sherpas.
- THE HIKER:
- Must be able to participate in their own care throughout the day. This includes the ability to use the restrooms on their own.
- Will need to possess limited mobility in order to get on and off the bus on their own or with minimal assistance.
- As needed, special care issues will be the responsibility of the hiker and their entourage, such as family, friends, or other help as needed. This will be at the sites and hotels.
- Will be financially responsible for paying their own way to Israel. BIMT will include a grant/stipend of $2,500 to up to four (4) “Sherpas.” These four sherpas (outside the caregiver and/or family) will be dedicated to Rosie and the hiker throughout the trip.
- THE SHERPA:
- As you can see from the videos, the Sherpa will require physical abilities, including strength, balance and endurance. Our test trips demonstrated the need for a minimum of four sherpas.
- Those serving as dedicated sherpas can either be from the hiker’s family or from the larger group.
- All dedicated sherpas must remain in the proximity of the hiker while on more challenging terrain.
- Sherpas must be available at hotels in case of urgent situations.
- All sherpas must review the Rosie video, complete the sherpa application, and state a willingness to properly operate the device.
- May be held responsible for misuse of the equipment.
Rosie “Hikers” and “Sherpa” Applications
It is the responsibility of both the “hiker” (person with the disability) and each “sherpa” to complete the application below. All applications should be printed off, completed, and mailed directly to BIMT Box 220, Sugar Grove, PA 16350. Upon receiving your application, the BIMT Board will then review it, and we will then contact you about the trip you are applying for.
Israel Tours Open for “Rosie Hikers.”
Apply today!
Helping BIMT finance our Rosie Ministry:
If you feel led to help us support our Rosie Ministry, we welcome donations of any amount. Currently, we are offering $2,500 assistance (off the cost of the tour) to each of our four sherpas (outside the care-giver and/or family members) needed for each Israel tour. You can give by check (send to BIMT, Box 220, Sugar Grove, PA 16350) or by credit card (go HERE to our Support Page). We welcome your support and encouragement to help make Israel a life-changing reality for people living with disabilities!
