VISION TRIP May 25-30, 2018 You are invited to see for yourself what God is doing in Central Europe through the Biblical Institute of Zagreb.
Founded in 1999... The Biblical Institute of Zagreb Preparing servants of God to lead the next great revival in Croatia & Central Europe. Serving churches through SCHOLARSHIP: The Institute's "Center for Biblical Research" and the "Kairos Theological Journal" are stimulating serious intellectual dialogue about New Testament Christianity. Serving churches through EDUCATION: The Institute is the only Accredited Bible College in the region. BIZG offers a Degree in Practical Theology and Certificates in Bible Knowledge & Christian Leadership. Serving churches through NETWORKING: The school serves as a point of unity and relationship among the churches of Croatia. Our students & alumni come from every group. We are bonded by our love for Jesus and the Bible. The Biblical Institute of Zagreb is Accredited by the European Evangelical Accrediting Association (EEAA).
Come and See, Hear, Touch, Taste & Smell! You Are Invited to Zagreb, Croatia The Board of CECEF (Central European Christian Education Foundation) and the staff of the Biblical Institute of Zagreb invite you to visit Croatia in 2018. This will be a very special trip. You will get to know the staff, students, and leaders of the Biblical Institute. You'll hear student and alumni testimonies. You'll learn about the culture & history of Croatia and the Balkans, and you'll be inspired in your walk with Jesus. WHAT IS THE COST? You will not be asked to pay anything to CECEF or the Biblical Institute for this trip. You will book your own airfare & hotel rooms. We will provide transportation for the group events as well as to and from the Zagreb airport. You may have to pay for some individual transportation expenses while in country. 2-3 meals will be provided, but you will pay for most on your own. CECEF will cover the incidental expenses of the group (like meeting room rental, ground transportation and 2 group meals). For estimating purposes only: - Airfare to Zagreb: $1500-5 Nights Hotel: $400-$600 - Meals: $100-$200 - Tram tickets: $.65 for 30 minutes - Other costs: Shopping, Tourism, etc. The cost of food & entertainment in Zagreb is about 20-25% lower than most US Cities. H E R E ' S W H A T Y O U N E E D T O K N O W : APPROVED HOTELS: The following three hotels have been approved by our staff. Please book at these hotels only. You are encouraged to bargain shop and find the best deal possible. Hotel Dubrovnik (4 Stars) $115+/Night Ljudevita Gaja 1, Zagreb www.hotel-dubrovnik.hr (4.4/5 on Hotels.com) This hotel is located in the historic city center, on Ban Jelačić Square -- "the best location in the city." A warm, friendly environment, traditional Zagreb charm, and yet modern and comfortable accommodations. Hotel Central (3 Stars) $74+/Night Branimirova 3, Zagreb www.hotel-central.hr/en/ (3.9/5 on Hotels.com) Located across from the main train station, and just a 10-minute walk through a beautiful park to Ban Jelačić Square and the historic city center. DoubleTree by Hilton (4 Stars) $89+/Night Ulica grada Vukovara 269a, Zagreb Google: Doubletree Hilton Zagreb (4.6/5 on Hotels.com) Likely the most luxurious of the three options. Spacious rooms, indoor pool, stunning views of the city, fitness center, and more. Not as centrally located, but still convenient by 15-20 minute tram ride. How Do I Sign Up? 1. Notify Brian Walton that you want to attend - brian@cecef.net or 859.595.6002 2. Book your flight & room 3. Make sure your passport is updated 4. Brian will send you a "Response Form." Fill it out and return with all of your travel details.
WHAT IS A "VISION TRIP?" Answer: A focused, intentional time where we learn about a ministry and open our hearts to the people and their situation. This is not a traditional "Mission Trip," in the sense that you are not being asked to build a house, host a VBS, or dig a well. We are simply asking you: to come and see, to come and learn, and to come and dream. We believe you'll fall in love with the people, the place, and the purpose of the Biblical Institute. On this trip, we intend for you to: Learn about the history & experience the culture of Croatia and the region; Understand the challenges facing Christianity in Central Europe; Learn about the Institute - including her past, present, and bright future; Meet staff, students, and alumni - hear their stories & learn about their lives; Plan, dream, and pray together about how Christianity in the area can be revitalized!
A little more detail... Events Friday GROUP MEAL We'd like everyone to arrive by Friday evening. We will share a simple meal together and discuss plans for the retreat. Saturday EXPLORE ON YOUR OWN Get up early, or sleep in. The choice is yours. We'll provide recommendations for things to see and do during your stay. Saturday, Monday, Tuesday LEARNING SESSIONS We will meet to learn about the Institute, Zagreb, & Christianity in this region. We'll pray, discuss & dream about the future. Saturday ALUMNI RECEPTION We will hear their stories, learn about their ministries, and hear what the Institute means to them. Sunday WORSHIP We will suggest 2 or 3 different congregations for you to worship with. Sunday, Tuesday OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING We will plan a few outings. You are welcome to join us, or do your own thing. Monday TOUR FACILITIES BAN JOSIP JELAČIĆ STATUE - 1866 Ban Jelačić Square is in many ways the "heart of the city." A large statue there depicts Ban Josip Jelačić, the chief government official during the Hapsburg rule. Jelacic supported Croatian independence and is largely regarded as a national hero. In 1947 the Communist regime removed the statue because it had become a symbol of Croatian nationalism. It was replaced in 1990, after the fall of communism. We will tour the main facility on Kušlanova, as well as the Library & Reading Room in downtown Zagreb. Monday EVENING EVENT TBA - possibly a community event put on by the Center for Biblical Research.
E X T E N D Y O U R S T A Y! Visit Rovinj We will conclude all official business during the last session on Tuesday night, May 29th. If you need to return home, you will be free to book a return flight out of Zagreb for anytime on Wednesday, May 30th. However, for those who want to, we encourage you to extend your trip and book a night or two on the coast, in the City of Rovinj. Rovinj is spectacular! Visit www.rovinj.com and www.rovinj.co to see for yourself. BOOKING A ROOM: It is important that you book your room in Rovinj through our travel agent, Katie Hartman. Rooms are difficult to find, and Katie will make sure that you are in close proximity to others in the group. (katie@kalikosmos.com or 405.694.0506) IMPORTANT - If you extend to Rovinj, please book your return flight out of Zagreb for mid afternoon. Nothing before noon! We will be over 3 hours away from the airport.
Tentative Schedule FRIDAY, MAY 25 6:30 PM SATURDAY, MAY 26 Morning 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 27 Morning 1:00 PM 4:00 PM MONDAY, MAY 28 8:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 7:00 PM TUESDAY, MAY 29 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 7:00 PM WEDNESDAY, MAY 30 Depart Extend ARRIVAL DAY Group Meal (Provided) ALUMNI DAY Explore on Your Own Learning Session #1 Dinner Break Reception w/ Alumni WORSHIP & FELLOWSHIP Worship at area churches Church Potluck-Fellowship Meal Optional Sightseeing & Dinner FACILITY TOUR DAY Learning Session #2 Lunch Break Tour Institute Facilities Evening Event WRAP UP DAY Learning Session #3 Optional Tours/Sightseeing Conclusion - Session #4 DEPARTURE/EXTENSION Begin the journey home Optional Night(s) at Rovinj on the Adriatic Sea Schedule is subject to change and fine tuning as the date approaches.
Revitalizing Christianity in Central Europe by equipping leaders for lives of service. CECEF CONTACT INFORMATION: Brian Walton - Executive Director brian@cecef.net or 859.595.6002 www.cecef.net FOR TRAVEL BOOKING ASSISTANCE: KaliKosmos Travel - Katie Hartman Katie@kalikosmos.com or 405.694.0506