March 20 - April 1, 2011

October 16-28, 2011

There is a natural connection between Jewish ministry and ministry oriented trips to the Holy Land. These are not "commercialized" trips, although much of the Land has been commercialized.

Chelsea [far right; my youngest daughter] and I enjoyed our visit with Marco and Karen in January, 2009. Actually, they invited our whole busload to stop at their home for refreshments and fellowship! What a terrific visit we all had! We tried to make Tennessee Volunteer fans of them by giving them TN hats, but I'm not sure they are really fans. It is always a delight to introduce our Israeli friends to those who travel with us.

Not only do we "walk where Jesus walked," [or close to it] we also follow the footsteps of the great Hebrew patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Beer Sheva was their "hometown." The centuries-old well at that ancient site provides a great teachable moment from God's Word. The ancient gate at Dan probably saw Abraham's face!

Jericho will remind us of the conquest of the land under Joshua's leadership Mt. Tabor is just one of several sites reminding us of the period of Israel's judges. We will drink from the spring at which Gideon's army was selected!

Evidence of Israel's kings abounds throughout the land, from Ir David, where the foundations of King David's palace complex are being excavated, to Bet Shean, where the bodies of King Saul and his son, Jonathan, were affixed following their deaths at the hands of the Philistines. There is much more!

Sites related to Israel's prophets are also on our itinerary. We will study Elijah and Elisha as we visit the Jordan River. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are in view at Megiddo. Isaiah's great discourse exalts the Person and work of the Messiah. Joppa will give us opportunity to talk about Jonah. And the list goes on!

New Testament sites include Bethlehem and Nazareth, as well as Jerusalem and the Mt. Of Olives. We focus on the life and times of Jesus as we visit numerous sites of miracles and great messages. Our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee is real special, as is our time in the Garden of Gethsemene. Our visit and brief service at Golgotha and the Garden Tomb will be particularly inspiring.
The Sea of Galilee, Jordan River, Mediterranean Sea, Dead Sea, and Red Sea all provide great teaching moments, as well as opportunities to get wet!

The real Israel is the people of Israel, and we will have opportunity to interact with them on many levels. Israel isn't merely sites, souvenir shops, hotels, and restaurants. Make sure you experience the real thing when you visit! Make you trip the adventure of a life time by investing in things eternal -- people!

Comprised of the ancient biblical countries of Ammon, Moab, and Edom, the modern Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a post-WWI creation that figures prominently into Bible prophecy.

Our visit focuses on what used to be ancient Edom, particularly the chief city of Petra. It is to this city and region the Jewish people will flee to escape the "Great Tribulation" of which Jesus spoke Matthew 24:15-21.
Obadiah, and others, contain grave prophecies concerning this land!