June 3 16, 2018 with Dr. J.Carl Laney

Transcription

1 Bible Study Fellowship June 3 16, 2018 with Dr. J.Carl Laney There are many tours that offer a religious pilgrimage which provides opportunities for travelers to visit churches and holy sites for the primary purpose of spiritual meditation and prayer. This tour is different. In keeping with Bible Study Fellowship s emphasis on studying the Bible, this tour is primarily a study of the Bible in the Land of the Bible. We will be teaching the biblical stories in many of the places where the events actually occurred. In addition, the tour will provide historical, archeological and cultural background that will enhance your study and teaching of the Bible. 116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA (717) (800) raptim.org

2 Tour Preparation: Due to the physical demands of the terrain covered on this pilgrimage, we do not recommend the tour for persons requiring wheelchairs or walkers, or for young children. Most of the sites do not have the handicapped access which travelers from the United States are accustomed. It will be worth your time and energy to physically prepare for the journey beforehand. On many days tour participants will walk six or more miles over rough and uneven terrain. Some treks include hundreds of steep and narrow steps in poorly lit areas. You will need to build your endurance for this trip. Although luggage handing will be provided at hotels, there may be times when you will need to handle your own suitcase. Pack light! Sunday, June 3 Depart Depart from Newark Liberty Airport late this afternoon on a non-stop transatlantic flight to Tel Aviv. Note: It is possible that the itinerary may be adjusted per discretion of the guide and tour leader. Monday, June 4 Arrival in Israel Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport this morning. Enjoy a scenic drive to Jaffa, the oldest port in the world, for a walking tour of the area. Jonah set sail for Tarshish from Jaffa. Jaffa was the home of Tabitha, whom Peter raised from the dead. It is also where Peter had his vision while lodging in the home of Simon the Tanner in Jaffa. Drive to Tiberias for dinner and overnight at the Scots Hotel, in the historical compound of the Scottish hospital and offering an atmosphere of calmness and quiet. Tuesday, June 5 Coastal Plain Drive to Caesarea Maritima, with its magnifi cent harbor, theater and aqueduct constructed during the reign of Herod. It was here that Peter explained the way of salvation to Cornelius. Continue to Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. Lunch is offered today at a restaurant owned and operated by a Druze family on Mount Carmel. Drive to Megiddo, a strategic location overlooking the Jezreel Valley, with approximately 26 levels of excavations. Explore Megiddo s fascinating water system, walking through the vertical shaft and tunnel to a spring located outside the city walls, hidden from enemy attack. If time allows, view the Sea of Galilee from Mount Arbel before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Wednesday, June 6 Upper Galilee Drive north on an ancient trade route to Hazor to see the remains of a Canaanite palace. Continue to Dan for a nature walk and a visit to the high place where Jeroboam, son of Nebat, set up a golden calf. Stop at nearby Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Peter confessed his recognition of Jesus as the Christ. See Banias Falls on the Hermon River, a short distance from Caesarea Philippi. The view of the falls is worth the hike down the trail and back up again. After lunch, visit the nearby Nimrod Fortress, in northern Golan, high above Banias, to see the remains of the fortress of the Crusaders and Mamluks which guarded the main road from Damascus to Tyre. Stop at Mt. Bental and enjoy the great views of the surrounding region from these high points. Looking east you can see the abandoned Syrian city of Quneitra which came under Israeli control on the last day of the 1967 war. Return to Tiberias for the night. Thursday, June 7 Sea of Galilee Follow the paths of Jesus Galilee ministry today. Journey to Migdal, believed to be the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Continue to Tabgha (short for Heptapagon, seven springs ) to view the mosaics in the Church of the Loaves and Fishes and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Then, on to the Mount of Beatitudes, taking time for meditation on the life of Jesus. See the remains of the three cities condemned by Jesus: Capernaum, revealing remains of a synagogue and the possible location of Peter s house; Chorazin, with its excavated synagogue; and Bethsaida, an archeological mound with portions of the inner gate, ramparts and several houses. Enjoy lunch along the Sea of Galilee, with opportunity to experience St. Peter s Fish, believed to be the fi sh that carried a coin in its mouth. Stop briefl y at the Jordan River before arriving back at the Sea of Galilee to sail in a boat modeled after those of the fi rst century. Visit the Yigal Alon Museum to view the ancient remains of a boat found in a section of the dry lakebed. Return to Tiberias, a spa town built by Herod to honor Tiberius Caesar, offering the luxury of hot springs. Dinner and overnight is at Scots Hotel. Friday, June 8 Jezreel Valley Drive to Sepphoris this morning, the Roman capital during the life of Christ, and a rich archeological site with beautiful mosaics. Continue to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, to stand on Mount Precipice for an excellent view of Mount Tabor, the Hill of Moreh and the Jezreel Valley. Jezreel was the location of King Ahab s summer palace, from where he coveted Naboth s vineyard. Continue to the Foot of Mount Gilboa to Ein Harod (spring of Harod), where the Lord thinned out the army of Gideon. Stop at Gan Hashalosha, a beautiful park and picnic area, for a possible swim in the warm pools. Drive along the Jordan River, stopping at Beit Shean, where extensive archaeological excavations and restorations have been done. It was here the Philistines fastened the bodies of Saul and his sons to the wall of the city. Return to the hotel for overnight. Saturday, June 9 Jordan Valley After breakfast travel through the Jordan Valley to Qasr al Yahud, where according to tradition, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Drive to Jericho to visit the tel of this oldest city and view the traditional mountain of Jesus temptation. Continue

3 to Qumran to view Cave #4, where the largest quantities of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Continue to En Gedi, the area where David hid from King Saul. After lunch, arrive at Masada and take a cable car to the top of Herod s mountain fortress and last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their revolt against Rome (66 AD). Explore the ruins and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at the Herods Dead Sea Hotel, located on the shores of the Dead Sea. Sunday, June 10 Negev Today s travel will explore the Negev Desert, beginning with Tel Arad to see excavations of a temple with a sacrifi cial altar of exactly the size prescribed in the book of Exodus. Visit the ancient well and restored gate of the Israelite city of Beersheva. See the remains of a 4-room house, storehouses, and a 4-horned altar. Visit the OT site of Maresha (near Beth Guvrin) which later became the capital of the Idumeans. Continue to Lachish, an important city because of its farmland, defensibility, water supply and location. It was here that the Assyrians defeated Hezekiah. Stop at the nearby Tel of Azekah for a view of the Elah Valley, where David slew Goliath. Drive to Beth Shemesh, a city given to the Levites, where the Ark of the Covenant was returned to the Israelites after being taken by the Philistines from the battlefi eld at Ebenezer. Continue to the Holy City of Jerusalem, stopping for an overview of the city from Mount Scopus. Overnight at David Citadel Hotel. Monday, June 11 Hill Country Begin the day walking from the top of the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before His betrayal and arrest. On the way, visit Dominus Flevit, the traditional place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Next, drive to Herodion, a fascinating structure with a double wall covered by earth, creating an artifi cial hill. According to the historian Josephus Flavius, Herod wanted to be buried in Herodion, the place which bore his name. In 2007, the Hebrew University announced the discovery of Herod s tomb, sarcophagus and mausoleum on the northeastern slope. Continue to Bethlehem, with a stop at the Shepherds Fields and a visit to the Church of the Nativity, built over the site believed to be the place of Jesus birth. Visit Kando Store, displaying the jar broken by the shepherd s stone at Qumran, with opportunity to purchase well-made local olivewood carvings, jewelry and antiquities. On the way back to Jerusalem, stop at Haas Promenade, for an excellent view of the City of David and the Temple Mount. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Tuesday, June 12 Jerusalem Drive to the City of David to explore the ancient water system. Those who wish may wade through Hezekiah s Tunnel, pausing at the recently discovered Pool of Siloam. This tunnel is 1750 feet long and was carved during the reign of Hezekiah to bring water from one side of the city to the other. Enter the Old City to see the Western Wall, Judaism s holiest site. Explore the Ophel excavations south of the Temple Mount, including the Temple steps. Walk through the Western Wall Tunnel, where additional portions of the wall, as well as other structures beneath it, have been excavated. Overnight in Jerusalem. Wednesday, June 13 Jerusalem This morning, enter the Old City through the Dung Gate and ascend to the Dome of the Rock and the al-aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site of Islam, located on the traditional site of the ancient Temple Mount. Exiting from the Mount, visit the Pool of Bethesda, and follow the Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross) to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Walk through the Old City Market to the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem, located near the Jaffa Gate. This is a perfect place to learn Jerusalem s story, beginning with the early city of Jerusalem to today s international city. Dinner and overnight at the David Citadel Hotel. Thursday, June 14 Jerusalem Visit the Israel Museum and Shrine of the Book to see the Qumran Scrolls and learn of their importance for biblical studies. Visit a 1:50 scale replica of the city of Jerusalem during the Second Temple Period. Transition from our study of the Biblical period to the modern State of Israel. One can not appreciate the importance of the Jewish State of Israel without an understanding and appreciation of the Holocaust the defi ning event for 21st century Jews. Visit Yad Vashem, Jerusalem s Holocaust Museum and Memorial. The remainder of the afternoon is free for shopping or exploring the city on your own. Enjoy a special farewell dinner in the Pasha Room of the historical American Colony Hotel. Return to the David Citadel Hotel for overnight. Friday, June 15 Jerusalem Begin the day on Mount Herzl, burial place of most of Israel s presidents, prime ministers and chairs of the Knesset. Visit the Bible Lands Museum, the only interactive museum in the world where the civilizations of the Ancient Near East from the dawn of civilization through the early Christian era are brought to life. Continue to the Garden Tomb, known as Gordon s Calvary, and believed by some to be the garden and sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea. It is an excellent place to consider all that has been encountered on this journey. After an early dinner, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure for the U.S. Saturday, June 16 Return Home Arrive in Newark early this morning, with lasting memories of the Land of Bible.

4 Meet Dr. J. Carl Laney: Dr. Carl Laney has been a Bible teacher at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon, since His teaching has taken him to other countries such as the Philippines, the Netherlands and Guam. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Dr. Laney received his Master of Divinity and Master of Theology from Western Seminary, followed by his Doctorate of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Dr. Laney has a heart for the Land of the Bible and has spent several summers in Israel studying, teaching and participating in archaeological excavations. He has also hosted a number of Holy Land study tours for seminary students. He enjoys teaching Bible classes and specializes in courses dealing with the historical, geographical and cultural backgrounds of the Bible. He has authored a number of books and had articles published in theological journals and Christian magazines. On a personal level, Dr. Laney enjoys outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fi shing, skiing, gardening and canoeing. On a Saturday afternoon you may fi nd him in his garage working on his WWII military jeeps a 1944 Ford and a 1942 Willys. For more information on Dr. Laney, please visit his delightful and interesting website at Register On-line: Due at Registration: $500 deposit per person Final payment is due by April 4, 2018 Insurance payment is due at time of registration for immediate cancellation coverage. Travel insurance is available to purchase up until time of final payment, but coverage does not begin until payment for insurance is received. Tour Price: $5,995 per person, based on sharing a double room Single Supplement: $1,560 Optional Group Travel Protection Plan: $472 per person (non-refundable; covers up to $6,000 in cancellation fees). $550 per person (non-refundable; covers up to $7,000 in cancellation fees). $629 per person (non-refundable; covers up to $8,000 in cancellation fees). This tour price reflects Special Group Rates. Deposits received after February , will likely incur additional charges due to supplier contract terms. Any individual deviation (including upgrades) made to the group air reservation after this date will be charged a change fee of $100. Raptim Humanitarian Travel would be pleased to assist you with connecting flights to Newark Airport, available at special add-on fares and saving fees for checked bags. If you would like our assistance, please check the yes box on your registration form and note your city of origin. We will send you a suggested air schedule and fare. For more information, contact: Raptim Humanitarian Travel 116 Lake Street Ephrata, PA (717) (800) tours.us@raptim.org TOUR PRICE INCLUDES: Round trip air fare from Newark International Airport Deluxe hotels as listed or similar Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily Experienced, English-speaking licensed guide Driver & transportation in air-conditioned coach w/wifi Sightseeing and entrance fees to sites as listed Service charges and local taxes Tips to guide, driver and hotel staff Whisper audio headsets 3 bottles of water daily NOT INCLUDED: Beverages with lunches and dinners Passport fees Optional Group Travel Insurance Items of a personal nature

5 Air Transportation: Air transportation is restricted to the services of any IATA carrier, in economy class based on nonrefundable fare. Travelers are responsible to provide their names as they appear in their passport. Ticketing will be made days prior to departure, after which there will be a charge for name corrections. Tour price includes current airline taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change until ticketed. Tour participants are responsible for any increase in airline taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the airline. Seat Assignments: Raptim Humanitarian Travel notes specifi c seat assignments as requested by tour members and submits them to the airline. However, the airline makes the actual assignments; there is no guarantee that all requests will be honored. Any changes should be requested at check-in by the traveler. Please advise your travel consultant of any special seating needs due to health or mobility, or note under Airline Seat Request when registering. Accommodations: Based on two or more persons sharing a room in accommodations listed in itinerary, or similar. Single rooms are subject to availability at an additional charge. If a passenger cannot supply a roommate, the passenger is responsible for the additional charge. Meals: In-fl ight meals and snacks are served according to airline policy. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided daily. Transfers and Baggage: Group transfers between airports and hotels upon arrival and departure are included in the tour price, including handling of one medium-sized suitcase per person, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length plus width plus height) or weighing more than a maximum of 50 pounds. Due to limited luggage storage space on motor coaches, it is important that each person bring only ONE piece of checked baggage. In addition, a fl ight bag or overnight case may be taken, which must be handled by the passenger at all times. Baggage allowance is subject to change according to airline policy. Sightseeing and Entrance Fees: Are included as indicated in itinerary, using private motor coach or other conveyance, with local guides where necessary. Tips and Taxes: Service charges and taxes on accommodations and tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff are included. Tips for personal services are not included. Not Included: Beverages with lunches and dinners, passport fee, travel protection plan, checked baggage fees, and expenses of a purely personal nature are not included. Transportation from your home to departure city and return is not included. Deposit and Payment: Reservations can be secured with a deposit payment of $500 per person prior to February 23, You will be invoiced for fi nal payment, which is due April 4, Raptim Cancellation Conditions: The cancellation conditions outlined below apply to all passenger initiated cancellations. Should circumstances require that the passenger cancel, written notice of cancellation must be received by Raptim Humanitarian Travel a minimum of 100 days prior to departure to secure any refund of deposit funds. From date of deposit to and including February 23, 2018: $100 per person service fee applies. (Exception: When tour is cancelled by the tour host within this time period, a $35 per person service fee will apply.) From February 24, 2018 to and including April 4, 2018: Full deposit ($500 per person) plus any unrecoverable fees apply After April 4, 2018: No refund Cancellation policies apply when cancellation occurs for any reason. There is no refund for any unused services or portion of the tour package. Protect Your Investment: Group travel protection coverage is available to cover medical expenses (primary coverage), medical evacuation & repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, baggage and personal effects loss, and baggage delay. A pre-existing condition exclusion waiver is available if coverage is purchased up to and including time of fi nal payment. Further information can be found on the Travel Protection Plan tab of the tour registration website or by contacting your Raptim consultant. Tour Features and Conditions Please read all Tour Features and Conditions carefully. Payment of tour deposit constitutes acceptance of these conditions. Passport, Visa & Health Requirements: A valid passport is required. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. Information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport can be found at If you now have a passport, please verify that it is valid until December 17, A visa for Israel is not required for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible to fulfi ll entry requirements for countries to be visited by contacting the appropriate consulates. No inoculations are required, but please check with your physician for his recommendation. Rates & Fares Information: Rates are based on a minimum of 44 persons traveling together. Fewer tour participants will result in a price increase. The quoted tour price is based on the current rate of exchange. Fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate can result in price increase. Deviations: Any individual making a change in travel arrangements apart from this group program will be charged a service fee of $100 per person, plus any additional air or land costs incurred. If you choose to make your own travel arrangements (not through Raptim Humanitarian Travel), we are not responsible for any charges or cancellation fees you may incur at any time. Tour Operator Itinerary Changes: The itinerary as outlined is an indication of sequence and sites to be included in the tour program. However, the tour operator reserves the right to alter or change the itinerary and/or the sites included should it be deemed necessary due to local conditions, time restrictions, or other circumstances. Traveler Safety: In the ever-changing world situation, Raptim Humanitarian Travel recommends personal monitoring of news about your destination. For the latest country information from the U.S. Dept. of State, please visit english/country.html. Frequent Flyer Miles: If you have a frequent fl yer account, it is your responsibility to see that your miles are credited to your account. We advise that you take your frequent fl yer card with you to show to the airline agent at check in. Always retain your boarding passes until you check your mileage account after you travel. Disabilities: Guests with disabilities or dietary restrictions should inquire prior to registration about whether their needs can be accommodated. Due to the physical demands of the terrain covered on this pilgrimage, we do not recommend the tour for persons needing wheelchairs or walkers, or for young children. Most of the sites do not have handicapped access that travelers from the United States are accustomed. It will be worth your time and energy to physically prepare for the journey beforehand. On many days tour participants will walk 6 or more miles over rough and uneven terrain. Some treks include hundreds of steep and narrow steps in poorly lit areas. You will need to build your endurance for this trip. Although luggage handing will be provided at hotels, there may be times when you will need to handle your own suitcase. Pack light! Responsibility Raptim Humanitarian Travel and Bible Study Fellowship, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff act only as independent third parties to connect customers with the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. Raptim Humanitarian Travel and Bible Study Fellowship, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any train, vessel, carriage, automobile, airplane or other conveyance, anticipated to be used or which is used, either wholly or in part, in any travels. Raptim Humanitarian Travel and Bible Study Fellowship, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff are not and will not be responsible and the passenger fully releases Raptim Humanitarian Travel and Bible Study Fellowship, its employees, agents, offi cers, shareholders and staff for and from any act, error or omission, or any resulting expense or any injury to person or property (including death), other loss, accident, or any delays which may be occasioned, by reason of defect in any vehicle or through neglect or default of any company or persons engaged in the conveying of passengers including but not limited to any steamer, airplane services or that of any other conveyance, or through any sickness, accident, weather, strikes, war, quarantine or other causes, and all such losses, injury and expenses must be and will be borne solely by the passenger. Prices and schedules appearing in this brochure are based on current schedules and tariff rates and are subject to change without notice. The tour operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air or other schedules. The airlines and/or other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their plane or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of tours and/or the passenger. CST