It's official! Joyce and I are hosting a Holy Land Tour in 2015. This is a shout-out to those who have traveled with us in the past and to those who have always wanted to go, but until now haven't done so.
The dates for the tour are June 8-17 and it will be with Maranatha Tours Inc. The total price per person from Chicago is $4,141. This includes round trip airfare, land transportation, tips, and breakfasts and dinners. Lunches are not included.
For previous travelers to Israel on our Maranatha Tours, we have made a few tweaks in the itinerary. The new sites include Magadala, the hometown of Mary Magadalene, just recently opened to the public. Joyce and I got a sneak preview this past March. It is a wonderful place with remains of a synagogue and homes from the time of Jesus. A beautiful new chapel looking out over the lake provides a peaceful setting to contemplate and worship. We will also visit Bethsaida, the birthplace of Andrew, Peter, and Philip and the scene of several miracles performed by Jesus. Another added attraction is Kursi (Gergesa), which is probably the site of the exorcism of the demoniac and the drowning of the pigs. If time permits, we also plan to go up to the cliffs of Arbel and take in the marvelous panorama of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and Mount Hermon. In Jerusalem, we have added the Wohl Museum and the Burnt House in order to provide a striking visual impression of the luxurious priestly quarter in the time of Jesus and a much more likely location for the home of Caiaphas the High Priest who condemned Jesus to death.
We realize that a big concern right now is safety. Rest assured, we won't make the trip if the situation continues as it is. There is, however, a very good likelihood that the situation will be favorable for a trip by the time our tour is scheduled. As always, we adhere to US State Department guidelines in this regard. For now, let's all follow the exhortation of the Psalmist and pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
The Jewish Passover Seder always ends with this traditional prayer: "Next year in Jerusalem." Hope to see you there!
