Hear the Lord’s words from the places they were spoken.
See the places He saw.
Experience the land of Israel.
July of 2022
More information about the upcoming trip can be found in the documents below:
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Jerusalem - there is a lot to see and do as we experience one of the oldest cities in the world. Jerusalem is also considered the holiest city as it is where the three major Abrahamic religions call home: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
House of David
We will discover ancient Jerusalem at the City of David, and explore the ancient underground waterway known as Hezekiah's Tunnel. Additional sites include the Siloam Pool and the Kidron & Hinnom Valleys.
Tel Azekah gives us a good view of where David slew Goliath
Shephelah
We will travel to Machpelah, a first-century structure where Abraham purchased a burial cave for Sarah. Then to the Shephelah, or foothills, as we travel through the Valley of Elah where David slew Goliath & the lands of Sampson at Beth Shemesh.
Wilderness of Zin
Jordan valley
We will head south into the wilderness and visit sites such as Tel Arad (an important wilderness fort), Beer Sheba, & the Wilderness of Zin where the Israelites wandered.
Bethlehem
church of the nativity
We will visit and worship with local Christians at Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem before visiting the Church of Nativity and a fortress built by Herod the Great called the Herodian. We will then transfer from Jerusalem to Galilee, beginning our 4-night stay at a stunning retreat overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Mt. Arbel gives us a beautiful view of the Galilee area
Sea of Galilee
Jesus called many of His disciples around the Sea of Galilee, and we begin with a boat ride across the waters. We will focus on the northern shore, stopping at places like Tabgha (where Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John), Chorazim (where Jesus performed many miracles), Capernaum (Jesus home-base for His ministry), and Mt. Arbel for a beautiful panoramic view of the region.
Jesus asked His disciples… who do the people say I am… who do you say I am!
upper Galilee
We will visit sites such as Dan (where beautiful springs turned people toward false gods), Caesarea Philippi (Gates of Hades), and a first century synagogue at Gamla.
View of Mt. Carmel where Elijah challenged the Baal prophets
Mt. Carmel
We will also visit Bet She’an (one of the richest & most powerful cities in the time of Jesus), Harod Spring (Gideon selected 300 soldiers), Jezreel (Naboth’s vineyard), Megiddo (aka Armageddon), and Mt. Carmel (Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal).
Caesarea Maritima is the last city in Israel that Paul was imprisoned before heading to Rome
Jordan River
After Jesus prepared His disciples, it was time for them to return to Jerusalem. On our way to the Holy City, we will visit places like the Jordan River, the Mediterranean ruins of Caesarea Maritima, Mt. Gerazim, as well as Jacob’s Well.
The refreshing waters of En Gedi where David stayed hiding from Saul
the Dead Sea
We will visit the fortress of Masada, hike the oasis of waterfalls at En Gedi, discover the secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, and finish the day with a memorable float in the Dead Sea.
Looking at the Church of All Nations (Garden of Gethsemane) on the Mount of Olives
Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus makes His way up to Jerusalem where He will be put to death. We will begin our day on the Temple Mount, and travel to places such as the Pools of Bethesda (where Jesus healed a crippled man), Bethpage (where Jesus spoke of mountain-moving faith), the Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, and the road to Jericho.
We experience prayer at the Wailing Wall as we see the largest visible portion of Harold’s Temple wall
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
We will visit Bethany where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. The story of the resurrection continues at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (the traditional place of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection), the Western Wall, Southern Steps and the Garden Tomb. We will finish strong with a cultural “last supper”.