GTI Tours has facilitated over 500 Biblical study tours to Israel, Turkey, Greece, Jordan, and Egypt. Our tours are designed to give the participant a true understanding of the land and the culture in which the Bible was written. The rabbinic model of learning through personal discovery using head, heart, hands and feet enables the participant to see, feel and understand accounts of the Bible as they were. Itineraries are designed to enhance faith lessons, combining cultural history with biblical teaching and scriptural importance.

From our local travel specialists to our international ground support staff, drivers and guides are considered to be some of the world's best in providing courteous, knowledgeable, professional services. All the details are handled with great care and intent to ensure a memorable experience.


The focus of our Biblical study tours is to "dig" into the meaning of the land, the people, their culture and how it has left an imprint on our Christian experiences. The depth and richness of this land and the culture can only leave one to marvel at the meaning of the Bible that we read. It is becoming familiar with these facts that provide a more colorful understanding of the time and the place of these accounts. Our tours are physically demanding, requiring daily strenuous hiking and climbing.

 

2.18.09 - 3.1.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
General Public
Led by John DeKruyter

Trip details:  Brochure

 

3.7.09 - 3.17.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR

- EXTREMELY STRENUOUS -
Private Tour (limited availability for general public)
Led by Brian Haynes

Trip details:  Brochure

 

3.17.09 - 3.26.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
Private Tour - SOLD OUT
Led by Marty O'Connor

 

3.21.09 - 4.1.09

   TEXTALIVE ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
General Public
Led by Tim Breen and Josh VanLeeuwen

Trip details:  Brochure   Registration Form

 

4.16.09 - 4.28.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
Private Tour - SOLD OUT
Led by Rich Ferriera

 

5.26.09 - 6.9.09

          EGYPT/JORDAN/ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
General Public ("That the World May Know Ministry" sponsored tour)

Led by George DeJong

For more information go to: www.underthefigtree.org

Trip details:   Itinerary   Registration form

 

5.30.09 - 6.13.09

     ISRAEL/JORDAN EXTREME STUDY TOUR - SOLD OUT
Led by Wyn Laidig

Trip details:  www.israel.laidig.com/study_tours   Brochure

 

5.31.09 - 6.13.09

  ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
General Public ("That the World May Know Ministry" sponsored tour)
Led by Todd Lanting

Trip details:   Brochure   Registration Form

 

6.3.09 - 6.17.09

     TURKEY AND GREECE STUDY TOUR

"In the Footsteps of the Apostles"
General Public     

Led by Dan Walcott

Trip details:  Brochure

 

6.9.09 - 6.18.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
Private Tour (limited availability for general public)

("That the World May Know Ministry" sponsored tour)
Led by Kent Dobson

Trip details:  Brochure

 

6.11.09 - 6.30.09

   ISRAEL SERVICE AND STUDY TOUR
General Public
Led by John Ferret

Registration Form

 

7.10.09 - 7.19.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
Private Tour (limited availability for general public)
Led by Matt Laidlaw

 

8.4.09 - 8.18.09

     ISRAEL/JORDAN STUDY TOUR
General Public  ("That the World May Know Ministry" sponsored tour)

Led by George DeJong   

For further information go to: www.underthefigtree.org

Registration Form

 

8.15.09 - 8.25.09

   ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
Private Tour (limited availability for general public)

Led by Marty O'Connor
Trip details:   Itinerary    Registration Form

 

9.1.09 - 9.15 .09

          EGYPT/JORDAN/ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
General Public ("That the World May Know Ministry" sponsored tour)

Led by George DeJong

For further information go to: www.underthefigtree.org

Trip details:   Itinerary   Registration Form

 

10.10.09 -10.24.09

     ISRAEL/JORDAN WALKING STUDY TOUR
General Public (Dates are tentative)
Led by Wyn Laidig

Trip details:  www.israel.laidig.com/study_tours    Brochure



Our Tour Leaders:

George DeJong serves as senior pastor of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. He also serves on the board of That the World May Know Ministries, has studied in Israel, and has toured Israel numerous times. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.

John DeKruyter has his Master's degree from Jerusalem University College and continues to study, teach, and develop resources to equip others with the history, culture, and geography of the Bible. He and his wife Melanie and their childen live in Richland, Michigan.

Kent Dobson has been featured on the Discovery Channel segments "Jesus: the Missing History" and "Truth of DaVinci Code." He has studied at the Jerusalem University College and is a high school Bible teacher. Kent's tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.

John Ferret is a teacher at Meadow Creek Christian School near Anoka, Minnesota. He is presently studying for his doctorate in Ancient Middle Eastern History and Culture and recently concluded a summer graduate work program from Jerusalem University College focusing on the Biblical geography and history of Israel.

Bill Geisel serves as senior pastor at Wawasee Community Bible Church in northern Indiana. He has studied at Jerusalem University College, has done additional travel and studies in Turkey, and has been an Israel tour host with That the World May Know Ministries.

Brian Haynes serves as Associate Pastor at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, Texas, overseeing spiritual formation. He is a graduate of Baylor University, Southwestern Baptiest Theological Seminary, and Liberty Theological Seminary where he earned his Doctorate of Ministry.

Wyn Laidig is president of an engineering and manufacturing company and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. Wyn served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Asia for over 15 years. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.

Matt Laidlaw is the Senior High pastor at Mars Hill Bible church in Grandville, Michigan, and is currently finishing his Masters of Divinity degree. He has lived and studied in Israel. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.

Todd Lanting teaches Bible at Front Range Christian School and is Senior Pastor at West Bowles Community Church in Littleton, Colorado.  Todd studied at Jerusalem University College in Israel and received his Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.

Kerry Mauldin has traveled extensively, ministering in nearly thirty nations of the world.  Over ten years ago, Kerry began to go into the villages of India to bless the widows and those with physical challenges. Kerry is also a speaker at the Special Touch Ministries "Get-A-Ways," camps designed for people across America with physical and mental challenges.  He is an Assemblies of God minister.

Marty O'Connor is the former director of That the World May Know Ministries and, after facilitating numerous study tours with Ray VanderLaan, Kent Dobson, George DeJong, and others, has now led several Israel study tours. His tours will be physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.

Rabbi Daniel Thomson received orthodox rabbinic training through a Jerusalem based yeshiva under the supervision of Rabbi Israel Meir Lau, the former Chief Rabbi of Israel and other rabbis in the United States. His rabbinic recognition came from outside of the world of Orthodox Judaism because of his belief that Y’shua is the Jewish Messiah.  His rabbinic learning has uniquely equipped him to understand the Bible’s Jewish writers, language, customs, traditions, geography and history.  R’ Thomson’s work puts the Scriptures back into their original Jewish contexts, and as he teaches, he reveals a great deal about the Bible which is often missed by others.  He continues to further his rabbinic studies both in the United States and in Israel.

Ray VanderLaan is the founder of That the World May Know Ministries and host of the video series That the World May Know. He is a published author and teaches Bible at Holland Christian Schools. His tours are physically demanding, requiring vigorous daily hiking and climbing.

Dan Walcott has taught high school Bible at Holland Christian Schools for over 30 years. Dan has spent time touring Turkey with the world-renowned archaeologist, Avner Goren. His wife Kathy assists him with his trips. His tour will involve some hiking and climbing.

Factors To Consider As You Plan For Travel


Physical Requirements

Be prepared for 6 to 8 miles of vigorous to strenuous hiking/climbing/walking per day each day of the trip. You will benefit greatly from training yourself before departure for these physical fitness requirements. You’ll find the trip more meaningful, educational and fun if you prepare in advance for the activity level you will experience on this trip.

You should consult your physician concerning these requirements and any medications or conditions which may have an impact on your ability to participate fully. Make arrangements to take along any prescription drugs you anticipate using during the trip. Also, make sure to contact your health provider to be certain your coverage is still in force when you are traveling outside the United States.

Weather
The following temperature and precipitation chart may help you plan for your clothing needs. Information shows average high and low temps and average rainfall and days of noticeable rain.

Month High Temp Low Temp Inches of Rain / # of Days
April 71 57 1/2
May 74 60 0/0
June 79 68 0/0
September 82 71 0/0
October 79 65 1/1

Clothing

Modest clothing is required. At one or two sites men are required to wear long pants and women are required to wear long pants or long skirts. Otherwise casual dress is recommended. Most days involve strenuous hiking and/or walking, so your dress should reflect this reality. If you prefer to dress up somewhat for dinner, that is certainly appropriate but not necessary. Most of the hotels have swimming available so don’t forget your bathing suit.

For summer trips, plan on wearing lightweight pants/shorts and tops. A lightweight hat is a must, preferably one that covers the neck and ears.

Hiking Boots

You will need a good, sturdy pair of boots which provide good ankle support. Obtain them well in advance and break them in thoroughly before your departure.

Passport and Visa

Your passport must be valid for six months after the date of your return to the United States. The cost of the Turkish visa (currently $20) is not included in the cost of this trip. However, we will most likely make arrangements to purchase your visa in advance to facilitate our passage through customs.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is only to your benefit if you choose for any reason not to join the tour less than 90 days prior to departure. If GTI cancels or postpones the tour, your fund are not at risk. We do not sell travel insurance but refer our customers to www.travelguard.com. Their toll-free number is 1-877-248-8992 if you have questions.

 


Facilitating ministries around the globe since 1992
513 East 8 th Street, Holland, Michigan 49423, USA (800) 829-8234, (616) 396-1234

GTI Tours specializing in ministry travel since 1992

email: dot@gtitours.net