Trip to Israel
Congratulations to Betty Hollan, winner of the Two Nations Under God trip to Israel June 5-16, 2009 hosted by Tom Doyle, expert on the Middle East. There are still openings available on the tour – itinerary and fees are outlined below.
Tom is an experienced tour guide in Israel, Turkey, Iran and other Middle East Nations, as well as author of Two Nations Under God.
“Two Nations Under God” Israel Tour Hosted by Tom Doyle
June 5 — 16, 2009
Dear Friends,
I must say that I am over the top with excitement about this trip to Israel! June is a great time to be in Israel and we have several new things planned for this special journey. Since 1995 I have been traveling to the Land that our Lord loves, but this trip is going to be an amazing one.
Imagine spending the morning on the Sea of Galilee where so many of Jesus’ miracles were performed. Or walking through the Roman capitol city of Caesarea where the Apostle Paul was jailed and also where Herod Agrippa was struck down by the Lord due to his great pride.
In the desert we’ll investigate Qumran where the famed Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and in fact another new scroll was found just last year. And then we travel to Jerusalem. Ah Jerusalem, there is no other city on earth that is so connected to God. The Glory of the Lord dwelt there for centuries in the Holy of the Holies in the Temple of God. Jesus taught the crowds there on the Southern Steps. He suffered and died for us as the Lamb of God there. He rose from the dead there and will return on the Mount of Olives one day there. Jerusalem is life changing for believers.
This Bible tour is called the “Two Nations under God” Israel Tour.
It was planned to coincide with the release of my new and updated version of Two Nations Under God that I wrote this year for B&H Publishing Group. Some of the heroes from the book that I write about will be joining us to share more of their stories of how they have witnessed the mighty hand of God in their lives. It will be great for all of us to meet these true heroes of our faith.
Another reason I am excited about this Bible tour is that we will be staying in some of the very best hotels in Israel. You are going to love these places with all they have to offer. The great folks at Morning Star Tours have put together this incredible journey for us and believe me they are the best when it comes to Israel Tours. Think of this as an “Israel First-Class Upgrade Tour.” I would love to have you join us. This will be an unforgettable experience. I hope to travel with you to Israel next June.
God bless you and Shalom,
Tom
ITINERARY
Friday / June 5
Our spiritual adventure begins as we depart from Dallas, Denver, or Newark to connect with an overnight transatlantic flight to our long-awaited destination—Israel!
Saturday / June 6
This afternoon we arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and drive to our hotel on the Mediterranean coast for a well-deserved rest.
Sunday / June 7
This morning we drive north on the Via Maris to Caesarea where Peter proclaimed the good news to the Roman centurion, Cornelius. While there we will visit the famous Roman theater, harbor, newly excavated hippodrome and palace, and the aqueducts. We continue on to Mount Carmel to visit the traditional place where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Next we arrive at Megiddo, Chariot City of King Solomon, where we will explore its remarkable excavations and view the Valley of Jezreel, the location for the future gathering of the nations at Armageddon. Our next stop is Mount Precipice for a magnificent view of Mount Tabor and Nazareth, Jesus’ hometown. We will pass the Horns of Hattin where Saladin defeated the Crusaders,, before ending our day by walking to the top of Mount Arbel for a breathtaking panorama of the Sea of Galilee and the biblical sites of Jesus’ public ministry. Dinner and overnight in picturesque Tiberias along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Monday / June 8
Following in the footsteps of Jesus and the disciples, we board a boat for a time of worship on the Sea of Galilee. Afterward we will view the ancient “Galilee Boat” from the time of Christ before visiting the Mount of Beatitudes where Christ delivered one of his most powerful teachings. We then head to the ruins of Chorazin, a city condemned by Jesus for its lack of faith. Next we visit Capernaum, the city of Jesus, and walk the streets that witnessed so many of His miracles. Proceeding to the eastern shore, past Bethsaida and crossing the Jordan River, we will stop at Kursi, the site where the demons entered the swine after being cast out of the demoniac. The culmination of our day will occur at the baptismal site on the Jordan River before we return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Tuesday / June 9
Today we follow the route of the old International Highway between Egypt and Mesopotamia. We journey north past the Old Testament city of Hazor on our way to the ancient city of Dan. A beautiful nature reserve provides a refreshing backdrop as we visit the northernmost city of ancient Israel and see the spot where wicked King Jeroboam set up a golden calf. After a short ride we will come to the New Testament city of Caesarea Philippi at the foot of Mount Hermon, where Peter made his great confession, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Our next stop is the breathtaking Banias Waterfall where the headwaters of the Jordan River spill over. We will stop to explore an old mountaintop fortress, Nimrod’s Castle, before driving up to the Golan Heights where we will focus on modern Israel’s struggles with Syria and Lebanon and discover why this region is so strategic. Then we will return to our hotel for our final night in the region of Galilee.
Wednesday / June 10
This morning we journey past Mt. Tabor, where Deborah and Barak led the forces of Israel to victory, before arriving at the Spring of Harod where Gideon chose his 300 men. We continue down the Jezreel Valley to the ancient city of Bet She’an. We will walk through the remarkable restoration of the Roman ruins that sit in the shadow of the hill where the Philistines once displayed the bodies of King Saul and his sons. We then proceed down the Jordan Valley past Old Testament Jericho, the ancient Canaanite city where the “walls came tumbling down.” Our journey then takes us to the lowest point on the face of the earth, the Dead Sea, where we will overnight along its shores.
Thursday / June 11
Today we focus on the wilderness areas traversed by the young shepherd, David. We will depart early for Masada and take a cable car to the summit for a tour of the magnificent ruins of Herod’s lavish palace/fortress where Jewish zealots made their final stand in their revolt against Rome. We will then drive to the Oasis of En Gedi to relive one of David’s historic encounters with King Saul. Early afternoon we will return to our hotel along the shore of the Dead Sea and spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming in this unique body of water.
Friday / June 12
We begin our day at Qumran to see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We continue north entering into the Judean Wilderness where Christ was tempted for 40 days. We will journey to the magnificent city of Jerusalem. Our next stop is from the panoramic vista on the Mount of Olives where we are reminded of what the Messiah saw as he looked out over Jerusalem. We will walk down this historic hillside to visit Dominus Flevit, the traditional spot where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed the night he was betrayed. We conclude our day with a walk to the excavations of the Southern Steps of the temple, a place where you can actually say, “I walked today where Jesus walked.”
Saturday / June 13
Today we enter the Old City at Jaffa Gate on our way to St. Peter in Galicantu, the traditional site of Caiaphas’ house. Zion Hill, the traditional site of the Upper Room and Tomb of David, is our next stop. We will wind through the narrow streets and the colorful bazaars of the Old City on our way to Hezekiah’s City Wall and the Cardo. In the afternoon we will travel to the Herodium, the fortress where King Herod was buried. We will journey to the Shepherds’ Field to celebrate the Good News that was given on that blessed night.
Sunday / June 14
This morning we attend church services with local believers in Jerusalem. We’ll then enjoy lunch and a time of ministry together, before walking to the original City of David to see the ruins of David’s palace. We will view Warren’s Shaft, the “waterspout” through which David’s forces climbed to capture the city, and visit the recently excavated Pools of Siloam. We conclude our afternoon with an optional walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Our next stop is the Western (Wailing) Wall, the Jews’ most sacred site.
Monday / June 15
Our final morning begins in the Old City. We will first view the Temple Mount where the Al Aksa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock are located and the spot on which Israel’s Temple once stood. Our next stop is the Pools of Bethesda where Jesus healed the man at the pool. We will visit St. Anne’s Church before beginning our journey along the Via Dolorosa (the Way of the Cross) to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. En route we will visit Antonio’s Fortress where the soldiers mocked Jesus and placed a crown of thorns upon His head. Next we tour the Herodian Mansion where Christ stood mute before the High Priest and was condemned. We will conclude our time in Jerusalem at the Garden Tomb (Gordon’s Calvary) for a special communion service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. We will conclude our tour with a special visit to the American Colony Hotel. This hotel was originally founded by Horatio Spafford who wrote the unforgettable words that have brought solace to so many in grief, “It is Well with My Soul”. The original manuscript still remains on display. We will enjoy a final cultural dinner together in this historic place before driving to the airport for our midnight flight back to the U.S.
Tuesday / June 16
With heart-changing memories of our walk in the footsteps of history, we will return to the United States!
COST OF THE TOUR
$5,490 per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
$925 single supplement (Participant is responsible for finding a roommate. Single rooms must be paid
for if a roommate is not secured.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TOUR
Air Transportation—Round-trip transatlantic economy class from Dallas or Denver or Newark. A limited number of seats will be confirmed. Participants will be given these seats on a first come, first serve basis. Airfare used is based on economy class effective at date of publication.
Airfares and airlines are subject to change should more seats be needed than allocated.
Hotels—Deluxe and First Class Hotels throughout, double occupancy.
Meals—Breakfast and dinner daily except where noted on itinerary. (Beverages provided at breakfast only.)
Sightseeing—As itinerary specifies, in deluxe motorcoaches with English-speaking guide. All entrance fees are included.
Transfers—All group transfers between airports and hotels.
Porterage—Porterage of one suitcase (standard size).
Tips—Tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Taxes—Airport departure taxes in the U.S. and Israel; amount is subject to change and is based on tax rates & fuel surcharges at time of ticketing.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE TOUR
Lunches—Also beverages at meals, other than coffee and tea with breakfast.
Personal Expenses—Such as passport fees, visas for non-US citizens, travel insurance, laundry, phone calls, etc.
Single Room Supplement—A limited number are available at an additional cost of $925 per person.
Services—Not specifically mentioned above.
Andrew Machula said
Thanks for the contest entry
Eddie Baiseri said
I am interested in registering for the trip to Israel with Tom Doyle.
Thanks-
Ms. Eddie Baiseri
eddie@kbjs.org
Frank Haley said
Please enter my name in the drawing for the trip to Israel with Tom Doyle. Thanks and blessings.
Frank Haley
(505) 934-2273
Joy Morris said
You have no idea what this would mean to us. We have loved and supported Tom and JoAnn for years. They are an incredible couple totally committed to Christ. We had tried saving for a trip with them several times, but as my husband designs homes, there has been no work for him here in Florida for nearly two years. It would have been wicked to treat ourselves to a trip to Israel with Tom and not pay our bills! That would be “highly ungood” as the British say. Thank you so much for the opportunity to bless someone with this trip and thank you especially for your wonderful and gracious support of Tom Doyle. What a man of God an this world needs such faithful servants of the Most High! Bless you, Joy Morris
Dave Manst said
Planning to make it some time with Tom to Israel, would love to have some financial help.
Put my name in the hat for the free trip.
tdtwonations said
Free Trip Contest is now live. Please see the guidelines on the page and begin posting entries.
Aaron Merck said
I went with a church group to Israel in the spring of 1996 and was too young to fully appreciate the magnitude of all that we saw. I was really saddened to hear that most tour groups today no longer go through Bethlehem as that was the one location during the tour in which the weight of the humility of Christ hit me like a ton of bricks as we looked upon the supposed birth place of our Saviour. I sat next to the circular pattern in the tiled floor and wept. The rest of the tour I tended to wander out of earshot from the tour guide and just soak in the sounds and smells of the area which was so foreign to me. I would love the opportunity to return with a greater understanding of the Biblical record of the area as well as an honest concern for the modern nation, and to tour as an attentive adult with greater appreciation for the spiritual impact it would have on my life. Thank-you for the chance to enter your contest for a free trip and I await the outcome with great anticipation.
Yours in the Lord,
Aaron
James McNulty said
I was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division when the 1973 Yom Kippur war broke out. Our entire division was put on alert for deployment to Isreal. Our bags were packed and we were all ready to go. So were the Soviets. Some of our troops were on the runway aboard aircraft transports at Pope Air Force Base when the United Nations stepped in and declared that the 1973 Yom Kippur war was the question in posters at that time which asked “What if they gave a war and nobody came”. Ever since then I always thought I would visit Isreal some day.
Yes, I have Tom’s book “Two Nations under God.”
Maryanne Evans said
I want to walk where our Lord walked and stand in locations we know he stood. I want to see, smell and experience God’s beloved Israel. I want to see where He is going to return. I want to go to God’s holy mount…I know He loves Israel and I want to share that with Him.
katie said
i had the opportunity to travel to israel with tom and joann earlier this year, and it was an incredible trip. as much as i learned from the days we spent there, i know there is so much more to take in. i do plan to return again some day – maybe next summer!
Pam Young said
Israel, is there any greater privilege than to pray for her in person? Identifying with her destruction, pleading the case for the one He loves, quietly touching her ruins, I hope to lift her up–to pray for open eyes and hearts, true peace and even reconciliation of her peoples under the banner of His love.
Norma Holtman said
I have wanted to go to Israel for years. My husband is not excited about it, but I long to see where Jesus walked and experienc firsthand the sights of the Holy Land. As a Bible teacher it would mean so much for me to be able to teach from the perspective of having been there. I know from family and friends that have been to Israel that it is a life-changing experience.
Chris Nolan said
I would like to learn more about Isreal and experience what everyone who goes says that reading the Bible in Isreal is a totally different experience. I want to experience a true revelation in my life and relationship with God.
Thank you for offering such a fanatastic opportunity for someone.
fj rouse said
In a dream I a few years ago I saw a vineyard with newly planted grapevines. Row after row, trellis stretched out before me. The land was dry and dusty. The trellis was equipped with drip irrigation but the young starts could not reach them. In fact, not one had begun to grow. They were dry little sticks. Behind me a voice began in a language that I had never heard before. I couldn’t understand a word they said. But as they continued speaking, I started to understand and I heard this voice say that I was responsible for connecting these dry grapevine starts to the water. I had not been a follower of Christ very long even though I had been a “Christian” since I was twelve years old, when I had this dream. I have prayed, studied and thought about this dream nearly everyday since having it. I was watching a television program one night on Israel and there, before my eyes was the vineyard. Although this vineyard had been around for quite sometime, the entire scene and countryside surrounding it, even the angle from which it was shown, looked like the vineyard in my dream. The location was somewhere in the Judea-Samaria region. What does it all mean? I don’t know, but I do firmly believe my dream is pointing to Israel. Although I am not looking for a life changing experience since Jesus has already accomplished this in my life, I am looking for an experience to throttle me into an “appointed” position with which to, in fact, “connect others tho the Source of Water”, just as in my dream. Thank you for your consideration, FJ
Rick Champagne said
Why do I want to win a trip to Israel? Because it’s my home land and I am Jew. I want to go home.
Diane Grindahl said
I am a former Youth Pastor. I have taught youth about Jesus Christ, lead them to faith in him and have discipled them through their walk. I, myself have been a believer since I was 6 years old.
Some time ago, I was in the office of a co-pastor and saw a book he had. It piqued my curiosity. It was called, “The Holy Temple of Jerusalem,” published by the Temple Institute. (http://www.templeinstitute.org/events.htm) In the book was an artists rendering of the Tabernacle, as it was presented in the dessert. As I looked at the picture, I was astounded at what I saw. To see the Tabernacle with the nation of Israel encamped around it and the pillar of fire above it, cause me to think that perhaps the Nation of Israel was quite a spectacle to the nations around them. Who was this God that Israel served? He was quite unlike any other god that they had known. It opened my eyes a little farther in to the God whom I serve; to gain a clearer understanding of the one true God.
It is my desire to travel to Israel to see what I have been believing all these years. I desire to see and experience the Holy Land that was promised to the Hebrew people so long ago. I want to see it with my eyes, to put the puzzle together and have clearer understanding of the History of Israel and what it means today. I not only want to experience it for myself for my good pleasure, but also, so that I can be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. I desire to influence those whom God puts in my path and be used by Him for the furthering of His Kingdom.
Debbie Dayton said
Please enter me in the drawing for the trip to Israel. I have never been to the Holy Land, but it has been my dream to walk the same streets of our Lord. As a child, I grew up a gentile in a Jewish neighborhood and came to love the Jewish people. I believe we as Christians need to support and pray for Israel and God’s chosen people.
God bless you and your work.
Mary Williams said
After I was saved a couple of months, I was in my car listening to a radio station. A program called “Messianic vision”. Then I heard Sid Roth talking about Jew and gentile becoming one new man in the Messiah Yeshua. The middle wall of seperation being torn down, telling of Jewish people’s eyes opening and coming to faith in the Messiah. I flet a rise in my spirit and got excited over this, I had never heard of anything like it.
I wanted to know more. I kept listening and learning.
One day I went to the shopping mall and had a witness encounter with an Israeli man. I was so excited I can’t even remember exactly what I said. He said to me “I have heard many things ib my life before but nothing like this.” I went back with my grandchildren a couple of days later to bring him a bible. I didn’t find him but I met two of his roommates. He had told them about me, and they agreed to give him the bible.
I have witnessed to a Jewish resident in the nursing home I work, I got into trouble from that by suspension from work. I have such a burning desire in my heart for seeing Jewish people saved. I have been a believer for 5 years, I love Israel so much! I am unable to finance a trip fpr a visit, I just pray for the Lord if it is his will, I will go somehow someday.
The church I am now attending, has no Jewsih outreach. I pray for favor on my life that God will use me for a ministry for that purpose.
Thank you so much,
Sister Mary williams
Debra Roberts said
I have been deeply moved to research my jewish roots in my faith in Jesus. As a result, I purchased the book, “Two Nations Under God”. I believe the trip will link the missing pieces and deepen my love for Israel and God’s chosen people. A link is attached to show that I have reviewed the book on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/feedback/leave-customer-feedback.html?ie=UTF8&ref%5F=fb%5Ftr%5Frt&customer=&order=058-7849366-7169134
Debra Roberts said
I have a strong desire to
Gracie Crary said
Thanks to Jan Markell’s radio show, I recently got introduced to Tom Doyle and his support of Israel. Being blessed by a trip there would be a dream come true. Because my pastor teaches the Bible verse by verse, over the past seven years, the Old Testament and now the New Testament are becoming so alive and exciting to me. Thank you for all you do, Tom.
In His love, Gracie
Steve Cranton said
Tom’s passion for God’s people came through recently on a podcast I heard of Jan Markell’s program. God has recently put in my heart and my wife’s a strong desire to go to Israel. To win a trip would be a answer to this tug that I am feeling to that part of the world. I have to agree that it would be amazing to touch the actual sites of the Bible times myself and drink in the experience. I know I will have the opportunity to travel the land at will during the Millenium and that can’t be more than 40 years away but I don’t know that I can wait that long : )
Savannah Stover said
What a gift from God that I “stumbled” upon this opportunity the day before the drawing! Within the last month, the Lord has called me to pray fervently for my husband and I to be able to travel to Israel and we have done so, so to have found this amazing gift proves that our God truly hears us. Thank you, Father. My request from you to bless our family with this trip comes from a heart absolutely in love with Israel and her people. As I stated, we have been praying for an opportunity to travel to Israel, but, as a stay-at-home mom with three baby girls, having the financial means to make it happen is going to literally require an act of God! The Lord has put within our hearts a flame for this nation, no bigger than the area of New Jersey, but the apple of God’s eye and we have been called to some amazing opportunities to serve the Lord’s chosen people. The most recent, a humbling and exhilarating gift from above, is that I have been asked by John Hagee’s Executive Director of Christian’s United for Israel to start “A Night to Honor Israel” in my hometown, Colorado Springs, because they have been seeking to start one here! I am planning this evening for May 2009 and we are blessed to have Mr. Hagee himself, and, if all goes to plan, Joel C. Rosenberg, as the key note speakers! How amazing is our God? And, so, the opportunity to actually travel to ans fully experience the land that I am so desperately seeking to serve and love, and to show the love of Christ to, is breathtaking and would be an absolute gift. In addition to this, I was hoping to contact Mr. Doyle to see if he would be willing to grace our May event with his presence so that he could share his story and present his book to others, as it has been such an eye opener to myself. I would also request prayer for this event, as demonic forces have already been at work, trying to prevent such a Holy Spirit-filled evening from going forth. I thank you in advance for this wonderful gift and look foward to hearing back from you! G-d bless!
Betty Hollan said
I would love nothing more in the world than to go to Israel with my girlfriends. Shalom. Debbie, Cindy, and Teresa are keeping our fingers crossed.
Toni Meadows said
Excited about traveling to Israel.
Betty Hollan said
I would love nothing more than to travel with my dear friends going to Israel in June. Shalom Cindy, Toni, Teresa, Debbie
Debbie Wilson said
I have always wanted to go to Israel. I know the scriptures will spring from the pages with Tom as our guide. He is so knowledgable about the area and its history. It will be a trip of a lifetime.
MB said
I am interested in taken a tour to Israel. I am Jewish and I have never visited Israel. Please email any information you might have on this trip.
Thank you for your time.
MB
Your Amir,Tom said
i love to travel with My best Tom Doyle but i can not! i wish i could…
his books are fantastic and he generously gave me all of it…….i wish i could