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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.
Ed Dobson is the former pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has authored several successful books and is a regular contributor to a variety of national publications. He was honored by Moody Bible Institute with their distinguished "Pastor of the Year" award and has served on many boards.
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 Assoc. 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.
St. Jerome has said, "There are five Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the land of Israel." The Israel study tour will concentrate on studying that "fifth gospel." We will examine the history and concepts contained in the Bible in their geographical and cultural settings. This is an educational trip with an intentional focus on significant faith development for participants. Tour leaders will help participants explore the underlying relationship between the land of Israel and the history of the people living there. Study of specific cultural, archaeological and geographical sites in Israel will help travelers gain new insights into the Bible.
Factors To Consider As You Plan For Travel In Israel
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 regarding Tel Aviv 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
Your passport must be valid for six months after the date of your return to the United States.
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.
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