The Life of Jesus In Israel

The Life of Jesus In Israel
A Study Tour and Pilgrimage led by,
Rev. Dr. Jeff Gibelius
Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA
Mr. Hannaniah Pinto
Biblical Resource Center, LaGrange, GA
Hannaniah and group at top of Mt. Olives
Join me on the journey of a lifetime. There’s nothing like seeing the land of Israel with your own
eyes. Suddenly placing names you’ve read about becomes more than cities on a map. Biblical
phrases that have always confounded you, make sense. And the Jesus you’ve known from a
distance becomes very real to you.
I know this, because this was my experience when I first traveled to Israel almost twenty years ago.
In seminary I had studied the gospels, but it was only in Israel that the stories came alive for me.
Christians in Israel call their land “the Fifth Gospel” because once you walk where Jesus walked
the other gospels take on new meaning, as if you are reading them with new eyes and
understanding.
After seeing Israel for myself I just had to share it with my congregation and parents. Leading a
group pilgrimage two years later was one of the most rewarding experiences of my early ministry.
Now I want to share that journey of spiritual discovery with you.
Our “classroom” will be the actual land where Jesus lived, died and rose. Our “sanctuaries” will be a hillside overlooking the
Sea of Galilee, a quiet spot in the Garden of Gethsemane, the soothing waters of the Jordan River, and the peaceful Garden
Tomb. You can be a disciple anywhere, but “only in Israel” can you follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Space is limited; so reserve your spot today.
Please consider being part of this pilgrimage and study tour. Invite a friend or relative to join you and we’ll make some
incredible memories together.
Your companion on the journey,
Rev. Dr. Jeff Gibelius,
Second Presbyterian Church
March 2-14, 2015
Reserve Your Space Today
Walk Where Jesus Walked
Hannaniah Pinto has lived in Jerusalem,
Israel since 1983. He is an Israeli tour
guide licensed in four languages. His
teaching is focused on archaeology and
the Jewish background of the Bible. He
currently directs the study programs at
Explorations in Antiquity Center, a
museum featuring daily life in biblical
times, headquartered in LaGrange, GA
and co-leads tours to Israel, Jordan,
Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
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Pastor Jeff Gibelius of Second
Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA,
has studied and taught about the land
and customs of Israel for almost
twenty years. Dr. Gibelius met
Hannaniah Pinto in Jerusalem in
2000 and they have worked together
several times in the United States to
help Christians better understand the
Bible by better understanding the
culture of ancient Israel.
Why travel with Jeff, Hannaniah, and Biblical Resources?
Biblical Resources is a Christian educational organization, not a tourism company. Their goal
is inspiration, not profit.
Jeff will lead daily devotions and offer spiritual insights and ideas for life application along the way.
Hannaniah is a highly experienced and deeply faithful guide and teacher; typical tour operators use whomever happens to be available to
guide that week.
This is a custom educational itinerary; we have chosen sites and stops based on what they will teach us, not on pressure from the tourism
board.
We travel at a sensible pace instead of rushing from one site to another.
You’ll travel with friends (and friends you haven’t met yet); group-building is a natural part of the trip; no one travels “alone.”
It will be faith centered experience designed for spiritual growth and learning.
It’s a great value. All tips, taxes, and scheduled admissions are included. Typical tour operators charge up to $350 additional for these
items.
Optional items are truly optional.
March 2-14, 2015
$4950 per person
Single Supplement: $870
Round trip from Newark to Tel Aviv
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Included in Price
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Accommodations for 11 nights in selected superior 4-star hotels with modern comforts, including
private facilities, AC, TV, etc.
Breakfast, dinners and fish lunch on March 6
English-speaking guide: Hannaniah Pinto
Tour bus for all transfers to/from airport with selected driver for all visits in the itinerary
All entrance fees to sites on itinerary
All tips to hotels, drivers, and porterage
Round trip flights from Newark to Tel Aviv
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Any items of a personal nature, such as laundry, drinks or coffee with/after meals
Lunches
Travel insurance (Recommended.)
Transportation to/from Newark Airport.
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$500 per person due at registration. Full payment due 65 days before departure.
Rates are based on a minimum of 20 participants. Prices quoted are in US Dollars and are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of
January 2014. These rates are subject to change without notice, due to fuel surcharges and/or currency devaluation.
We cannot use frequent flyer miles or upgrade with group rates. Program is reduced by $950 per person if arranging your own flights,
please RSVP to BR immediately.
All cancellations, for any reason, at any time must be received in writing to [email protected]. Any cancellation before 120 days from
departure will receive a full refund of all payments. Cancellations 119 to 91 days from departure will receive full refund, less $100
cancellation fee. Cancellations 90 to 66 days from departure will receive full refund, less $500 cancellation fee. All Cancellations 65 days
prior to departure will receive no refund. Full refunds will be issued if BR withdraws the offer of the program. Air tickets, once issued, are
non-refundable. They may, however, be used within one year of their travel dates according to airline policies. Trip insurance is
recommended but not necessary to travel. BR does not provide insurance.
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Not Included in Price
Sea of Galilee
Tour Conditions, Cancellation, and Payment Schedule
These are just a few of the “only in Israel” experiences you will have...
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Take in sunrise over the Sea of Galilee
Renew your baptism in the Jordan River
Hear the Sermon on the Mount on “The Mount of the
Beatitudes”
Sail across the Sea of Galilee
Stand on the Mount of Olives and see the city as Jesus did.
Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane
Walk the Via Dolorosa (Jesus’ ‘Way of Sorrows’)
Celebrate the Lord’s Supper by the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem
Pray at the Western Wall of the Sacred Temple in Jerusalem
Float in the healing waters of the Dead Sea
Explore Herod’s Fortress at Masada
See the 2000 year-old Dead Sea Scrolls
Caesarea Maritima
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why go now? This may be the best opportunity you ever have to go on this trip of a lifetime. Why wait? Pray about
your decision and trust God to guide you. The sooner you go the sooner you grow.
How much walking will there be? No more than about 100 yards at a time. Wear sensible shoes and you’ll be fine.
Is it safe? The old adage is that it’s safer in Jerusalem than New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC.
Hannaniah knows exactly where to go and how to keep everyone safe and sound. The surge in visitors to Israel in the
past three years tells a story of peace and prosperity.
Can I invite a friend? Of course! Friends, relatives, and neighbors make the trip more memorable for everyone.
How will I call home if I need to? Israel’s communication systems are state of the art. Check with your cell phone
provider to see if your phone is compatable for international and the rates or you can rent a phone in Israel. (Airport
or online). All our hotels have WIFI.
What if I can’t go because my health changes (or for some other reason)? No worries. Your deposit is 100%
refundable up to 120 days before departure. After that restrictions apply. If you have any concerns at all, please
purchase trip insurance.
What about the food? Almost all meals are buffet-style. There are always plenty of healthy choices for an American
palate, along with several typical middle-eastern treats.
Which will be your
favorite stop?
Just a Few of the Biblical Sites We Will Explore
Caesarea Maritima
Caesarea Philippi
Mt. Carmel
Nazareth and Sephoris
Cana
The Jordan River
Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin
Tabgha and the Mount of the Beatitudes
Gamla
Tel Dan
Bethlehem
Masada
The Garden Tomb
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Dead Sea
Qumran (Home of the Dead Sea Scrolls)
Pool of Bethesda
Beit Shean/Scythopolis
The “Upper Room”
Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock
Jerusalem and Mount Zion
The Herodian Palace of Herod the Great
Mount of Olives and Garden of Gethsemane
This Trip Makes the Bible Come Alive!
For more information:
Rev. Gibelius (717-243-4571; [email protected])
Hannaniah Pinto: Biblical Resources, LLC, 130 Gordon Commercial Dr., LaGrange, GA 30240
www.biblicalresources.net
For reservations:
Ginny McCabe -706-885-0363 or email: [email protected])
Our Daily Schedule
Mar. 2-3, Mon/Tues – Depart from Newark, Arrive in
Tel Aviv. Overnight – Metropolitan Hotel, Tel Aviv. D
Mar. 4, Wed – Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea,
Maritima.
We will visit Caesarea Maritima, (built by King Herod
the Great and port from which Paul returned from his
missionary journeys). Then on to the Megiddo excavations
in the “Valley of Armageddon.” View Mt. Carmel (site of
Elijah’s contest with the priests of Baal.
Dinner and Overnight – Kibbutz at Ein Gev. B/D
Mar. 5, Thu – Jesus’ Early Ministry
Travel to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation and
the first century archaeological excavations. Then on to
Sefforis to explore the ruins. View Tel Cana and discuss
Jesus’ early ministry. Stop by Yardenit which is the
Jordan River Baptismal site to remember Jesus’ baptism
by John.
Dinner and Overnight Kibbutz at Ein Gev. B/D
Mar. 6, Fri – Jesus’ Ministry Around the Sea of Galilee
Travel to the shore town of Capernaum where Jesus called
Peter, Andrew, James, John and later Matthew. In Tabgha,
visit the Church of the Multiplication (Church of the
Loaves and Fishes), the traditional location for the calling
of the disciples and the feeding of the 5000. Then on to the
ruins of Bethsaida, and Chorazin. You’ll stand on the
Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave his sermon. Visit the
Chapel of the Primacy where three times Peter professes
his devotion. At lunch we will provide St. Peter’s Fish,
then take a relaxing boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.
Dinner and Overnight Kibbutz at Ein Gev. B/L/D
Mar. 7, Sat – Jesus' withdrawal from Galilee
Drive to the Golan Heights. Today is a combination of a
political and spiritual journey. Discuss the 6 days of war
victories, and the Great Confession by Peter. Visit Gamla,
climb Har Bental for a view into Syria, continue to a Druze
village for lunch. Visit Caesarea Philippi-Banias
(a Roman cultic site and region of Peter’s “Great
Confession.”) Take a walk along Tel Dan to visit the
High Place and view the South Lebanon border.
Dinner and Overnight in Galilee B/D
Mar. 8, Sun – Nativity Narratives – Jerusalem
Depart from Galilee via the Jordan Valley to walk through
the ruins of Beit Shean/Scythopolis, a well preserved
Decapolis city. Tour Bethlehem, Basilica of the Nativity,
allowing time to shop for olive wood carvings and other
“treasures” from local Christian artisans. View the
Herodion, palace built by King Herod the Great for his
final burial place.
Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem B/D
Mar. 9, Mon – Jesus’ Teachings in the Temple.
Visit the Old City of Jerusalem, starting from the Jewish
Quarter. View Synagogues, the Cardo and pray at the
Western Wall (Kotel). Visit the Temple platform, the
Mosque compounds (conditions permitting) and the
Southern Wall excavations.
Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem. B/D
Mar. 10, Tue – Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem, Palm
Sunday and Via Dolorosa.
Stand on Mt. of Olives and view the city as Jesus did. Walk
the Palm Sunday route, visiting the Church of Dominus
Flevit (our Lord Wept). Visit the Garden of Gethsemane's
“Church of All Nations”, remembering Jesus praying in the
garden. Enter the old city through St. Stephen’s Gate to the
Bethesda Pools, and sing at St. Anne’s Crusader Church.
You’ll walk along the Via Dolorosa, visiting Antonia
Fortress, the Stations of the Cross and spending time
interpreting the ruins under the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre.
Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem. B/D
Mar. 11, Wed – Jewish Inquiries and the Last Supper.
Today we visit the Peter in Gallicantu Church (traditional
house of Caiaphas), Zion Gate, Church of the Dormitian
(the Virgin Mary) and the Upper Room (Last Supper). We
will conclude at the Garden Tomb for communion..
Dinner and Overnight in Jerusalem. B/D
Mar. 12, Thu – Museums in Jerusalem
We will spend time at the Israel Museum, Shrine of the
Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. We will learn more
about Jerusalem in the time of Jesus at the Model of
Jerusalem, stop at the Knesset and Menorah, continuing to
the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
Overnight and Dinner in Jerusalem B/D
Mar. 13, Fri – Romans, Tax Collectors, & Zealots.
Visit Masada (Jewish Stronghold against the Romans and
another palace build by King Herod), and the ruins at
Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Weather
permitting, float in the Dead Sea in 33 percent salt.
Farewell Dinner and Overnight Jerusalem B/D
Mar. 14, Sat – After breakfast, depart for USA.
Walk Where Jesus Walked