Holy Land Tour - February 10-23, 2014

Imagine yourself in this picture.  You are at the top of the Mount of Olives, looking down on the Old City of Jerusalem.  You are about to walk down the Palm Sunday trail, hearing the faint voices of people shouting "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord."  At the bottom of the hill you walk into the Garden where Jesus prayed, "Father, not my will but yours be done."  Later you walk the very stones where Jesus walked, and the Bible comes alive before you.

Our Holy Land tour for 2014 will be different than any Pam and I have led.  We will begin our journey by heading south upon entering the land of Israel and following the journey of the Israelites up out of Egypt.  Our first night will be by the Dead Sea.  Following a morning dip in the Dead Sea, we will then visit Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; Masada; and travel south to the port city of Eilat.  We will spend two days here, visiting the Tabernacle set up in the wilderness; ride camels into the desert for those who desire; and scuba, snuba or simply enjoy sunshine in the midst of the Buffalo winter.  We will then cross into Jordan, taking in Petra, Mt. Nebo and one or two other sites before spending the night near Amman.  We then will cross back into Israel, visiting the ancient city of Bet Shan and traveling north along the Jordan River Valley until we reach the Sea of Galilee and the city of Tiberias.  We will spend three nights here, touring Jesus' hometown, the cities He ministered in, the Mt. Of Beatitudes, take a ride across the Sea of Galilee; visit the Golan Heights and the three northern borders of Israel; Caesarea Philippi where Peter made his profession of faith in Jesus; Capernaum; Cana; Nazareth; and have the opportunity for people to get baptized in the Jordan River.  We will then head along the Via Maris (the way of the Sea) to Megiddo, Mt. Carmel; Caesarea, Joppa and then up into Jerusalem.  Our last four days and nights will be taking in all the treasures of this ancient city; Bethlehem; the Elah Valley where David slew Goliath; visit with our pastor friend Steven Khoury; and make our way back to Tel Aviv and home.  The price for this fourteen day trip includes air; bus transportation; lodging, buffet breakfasts and dinners; guide; entrance fees; all tips; and health insurance.  A $300 deposit is due by June 15th to reserve your place on the trip.  A more detailed itinerary, including hotel links, a FAQ section, and additional travel info is available by contacting me at patrickjones@me.com.  Anyone is welcome to go, so if you have friends, family, or co-workers who have expressed an interest at some point, the trip is open to anyone.  We have room for the first 30 people who register.