Amidst the escalating tensions in the Middle East, 40 Records' recording artist, worship leader and minister, Jason Upton spent Passover/Easter in Tel Aviv, Israel, ministering at a historic convention, "Let the Thirsty Come" for Jewish and Arab believers. The convention was hosted by The Watchman International, an organization devoted to helping churches unite in prayer for restoration, revival and spiritual awakening amongst people groups inhabiting Israel.

For four days, Upton held worship sessions with renowned speakers such as Dr. Michael Brown, Robert Gladstone and Scott Volk, all of the Fire School of Ministry. During that time, Palestinian assailants carried out six bombings against Israel including one in the conference host city of Tel Aviv. Furthermore, demonstrations were held each night by Orthodox Jews protesting against the involvement of evangelical Christians in the conference.

"It was fascinating to spend time with both Arabs and Jews in one place, to see them eating together and worshipping together even though all our styles and languages were different," said Upton. "Without a doubt Jesus was, is, and will forever be the only true peace-maker and peace-keeper for our world. All governments and all religious institutions (including 'Christianity') are both unfulfilled and powerless to give life and bring unity without Jesus." The conference drew more than 1,500 Israelis, Arabs, Ethiopian Jews and Russian Jews who assembled together for the largest gathering of indigenous Middle Eastern believers since Israel was declared a nation in 1948. Since completing their Masters of Divinity program at Regent University, Jason and his wife Rachel have made worship their passion and turned their home into a regular place of worship. It was through this that they realized that the songs that God was inspiring through them were becoming spiritual keys unlocking and permitting freedom of worship. This commitment to worship is regularly exemplified at conferences such as "Let the Thirsty Come", around the world. Upton continues to minister weekly in worship settings and is preparing for The Call New York on June 29th, 2002.