top of page

Israel Trip 2022

israel-the-holy-land_1189_54054695133c459L.jpg

​

A few months ago, we were presented with an opportunity to go on a tour of Israel with our Mercy Ships' International Spiritual Development Officer, Gary Brandenburg.  Gary is a former pastor and member of the Mercy Ships International Board.  He is also Warrie's boss. In addition, he has led trips to Israel 13 times.

​

He is leading the trip to Israel and about 40 people are attending.  It is a 10-day trip and more than 1/2 of the cost for us is being covered. However, we still need funds to cover the rest of the expenses.  

 

If you would like to contribute to this opportunity for us to go to Israel, we would be greatly honored.  If you would like specific details of how much we still need for the trip, please contact us at brian.blackburn@mercyships.org  or you can give online.  

 

​

​

*Please make a note that the donation is for the Israel trip.

​

​

​

Trip Intenery:

​

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Depart the U.S.

Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from the U.S. for our long-awaited destination!

​

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Welcome to Israel

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Arrive Tel Aviv (TLV) - you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel

  • Welcome Dinner - enjoy dinner and fellowship as you rest and prepare for the incredible journey awaiting you!

​

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Caesarea by the Sea

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Caesarea - the place where Peter first took the gospel to the Gentiles, and where Paul was imprisoned and evangelized to his captors

  • Caesarea Aqueducts - the ruins of a Roman aqueduct built to supply the ancient city of Caesarea with fresh water

  • Mount Carmel - the mountain on which Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal

  • Mount Arbel - a stunning vista of the Sea of Galilee and sites of Jesus’ public ministry

​

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

Around the Sea of Galilee

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Boat Ride – Sea of Galilee - sail the Sea of Galilee in a replica of a boat from Jesus’ time

  • Ancient Galilee Boat - a fishing boat dating back to the 1st century, discovered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee

  • Mount of Beatitudes (Amphitheater) - the traditional place where Christ delivered His message on the Beatitudes

  • Capernaum - the town and synagogue where Jesus preached during His Galilean ministry

  • Magdala - the hometown of Mary Magdalene and a newly discovered Archaeological site. Visit the only first-century synagogue to have been found around the Sea of Galilee.

  • Baptism – Yardenit - a unique opportunity to be baptized or re-dedicated in the Jordan River

  • Kursi Overlook - the traditional site where demons entered the swine after being cast out of the demoniac

​

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Northern Israel

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Tel Dan - the northernmost city of Israel and the location of one of King Jeroboam’s golden calves

  • Caesarea Philippi - where Peter professed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

  • Banias Waterfall - one of the headwaters of the Jordan River

  • Golan Heights - a view of Paul’s route to Damascus and the site of recent conflicts between Israel and Syria

​

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Down to the Dead Sea

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Beth She’an / Scythopolis - the ruins of a Roman city, and the site where the Philistines displayed the bodies of King Saul and his sons

  • Spring of Harod - the place where Gideon chose his 300 men for battle

  • Wadi Qilt - the wilderness where Jesus was tempted by Satan

  • Swim in the Dead Sea - experience the most floatable body of water in the world

  • Jericho - the first Canaanite city the Israelites conquered in the Promised Land

​

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Up to Jerusalem

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Masada - the impenetrable fortress where Jewish zealots made a final stand in their revolt against Rome

  • Ein Gedi Oasis with Hike - hike across streams and rocks to the caves at Ein Gedi where David, in his exile, encountered King Saul

  • Qumran - the desert caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered

  • Up to Jerusalem

  • Mount Scopus - a panoramic vista overlooking Jerusalem

​

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Ancient Treasures

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • City of David Excavations – Movie / Overlook - the original site of King David’s capital of Israel

  • Warren’s Shaft - part of the water system connected to the Gihon Spring

  • Hezekiah’s Tunnel (wet) - historic and amazing tunnel dug by Hezekiah to survive the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem

  • Pool of Siloam - the pool built by King Hezekiah where Jesus sent the man born blind to be healed

  • Southern Temple Steps - part of extensive excavations that have unearthed steps from the time of Jesus leading up to the Temple Mount

  • Mount of Olives - a hill overlooking Jerusalem from the east where Jesus ascended to heaven

  • Dominus Flevit on Palm Sunday Road - walk in the footsteps of Jesus down Palm Sunday Road and visit a church commemorating Christ’s weeping over Jerusalem

  • Garden of Gethsemane / Private Garden - the traditional location where Jesus prayed the night he was betrayed

  • Western Wall on Shabbat Eve - experience the exciting atmosphere as the orthodox Jews usher in Shabbat at the Western Wall

​

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Jerusalem in the Time of Christ

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Saint Peter in Gallicantu - the traditional location of Caiaphas’ House where Jesus was taken after His arrest (from here you will also capture a panoramic view of the City of David)

  • Upper Room - the traditional location of the Last Supper

  • Hezekiah’s City Wall - wall built by King Hezekiah to prepare for the Assyrian invasion

  • Roman Cardo - the ancient Roman main street through the Old City

  • Model of Herodian Jerusalem - a model of Herodian Jerusalem as it looked at the time of Christ

  • Shrine of the Book - a section of the Israel Museum housing the Dead Sea Scrolls

  • Garden Tomb - a memorable communion service and an ancient tomb similar to the one in which Christ was buried

​

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

The Passion of the Christ

YOUR DAY INCLUDES

  • Western Wall Tunnel - an underground excavation project which has exposed the full length of the Western Wall

  • Antonia Fortress / Ecce Homo - the traditional location where Jesus was beaten and mocked with a crown of thorns

  • Pool of Bethesda / St. Anne’s Church - the pool where Jesus healed an infirm man

  • Via Dolorosa - the “way of the cross” leading to the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion

  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre - the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion

  • Free Time – Old City of Jerusalem - walk through the winding streets and colorful markets within the city walls of old Jerusalem

  • Farewell Dinner - a special dinner to rejoice and reminisce over the extraordinary days spent together

​

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Homeward Bound

 

bottom of page