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There are many reasons why traveling with us will offer a wonderful, life-changing Holyland experience. Many, many people comment, "Oh, I wish I would have traveled to and experienced Israel sooner in my …" Let me say foremost that I trust it will be God who leads you to join us. As God directs your paths (Pv. 3:5,6; Jer. 29:11), it would be an honor to have you be part of the group God brings together!
1). Personal Care. You will gain a sense of a personal touch of care when traveling with our tour groups. Serving as your tour leader, I look forward to sharing with you personal friendship, ministry, and my undivided attention in order to strive to make your trip as memorable as possible. From early on from the registration process to the tour itself, we will offer any assistance you need in order to prepare yourself for this journey of a lifetime tour!
2). Experience & Resources! With my own one year archaeological and historical geographical background gained from living in Jerusalem, Israel as well as leading 21 previous Israel tours, you will experience of sense of ease, comfort and great insight into the world of the Bible. Additionally, once you are registered for the tour, I am happy to send you my own resources to help you prepare for the trip. These resources include my book, "Devotional Treasures from the Holyland," (2011), a 130 page Guide Book that highlights the historical, archaeological, and biblical background of each site. Also, a copy of Regions on the Run will be given to each passenger (or 1/couple). This is simply the VERY BEST historical-geography resource produced today. The unique maps will make Israel "come alive," giving you a good handle of all the "regions" of Israel. Additionally, I also have prepared a 98 page "Interactive" booklet is available for download on the "Resources" page. This booklet will help you "process" each day's experiences. People who have traveled with me before have
3). Extensive Trip Itinerary Indeed, there are many tours available to provide people an good overview of Israel. Given the shorter length of many of these tours, only the "highlight" sites are seen. Based on my extensive experience as a one-year archaeology and historical geography student in Israel, I have written my itinerary with the biblical student, not just the tourist, in mind. Next spring's itinerary includes over 60 sites, many of which (15 or so "off-the-beaten-path" sites) being sites that most groups never see or experience. These additional sites provide abundant opportunities to explore many more stories of the Bible. The November, 2012 tour includes three lands of the Bible: Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. (Cairo will be by-passed if political issues arise in Egypt).
4). Imagine Tours and Travel, Inc./Costs Our good friends at Imagine Tours and Travel are one of the best tour agencies who focus primarily upon Holyland tours. They have been in business for many years and have offered us an undisputed number of excellent tour packages and prices. In comparing "apples to apples" in relation to tours, nowhere has any other tourist agency been able to offer us the same service and group rates. Our touring day are "full" days, not just partial days. All of our previous tours have been with these wonderful agents, making all the arrangements for us.
5). Guides. We only secure the very best Israeli guides. For my tours, I only use Shlomo Ben-Asher, a wonderful and personal guide. Humbly as your tour leader, I will be able to offer you profound and personalized insight to each site we traveling to. I always enjoy having the opportunity also to serve as your own guide as we walk and talk together on the site, leading in worship, sharing over dinner, or offering insights on the bus. My pleasure comes in seeing you understand and appreciate the land of the Bible!
6). First-class travel. We only secure reasonable 4 star hotels for overnight lodging. 2 excellent meals are provided at all times, with all tips handled by me as you tour leader. This makes your travel hassle free. We also travel in only the finest of motor coaches.
7). The size of our group. The size of the group is limited typically to anywhere between 25-45. This past fall, 2011 tour included 24 people. The April and June, 2012 tours are looking to be between 35-40. 45 seats are available for the November, 2012 tour. By keeping the size of our group manageable, we are able to travel quicker and more efficiently than larger groups requiring 2 buses. Long-lasting friendships are made on our tours as well.
8). Evangelical/Bible-believing. This is an evangelical, Bible-believing tour which emphasizes the Biblical and historical sites more than the "traditional sites." I am a born-again pastor who loves the Lord and love sharing His story. I believe in the historicity and accuracy of Scripture, as revealed in the many archaeological sites in which we will see together. Because of the highly biblical orientation of the tour, we will be visiting many more biblical sites than the average tour, about a dozen or so off the beaten path!
9). Safety. Safety is always a concern for each traveler as well as for us. Despite what people hear on the news, Holyland travel is safe! If what you see on television or in newspapers intimidates you, we only go to areas that are free from potential violence. As we have found, you also will find both Israelis and Palestinians alike to be very friendly people. Having friends still in Israel, they are able to give me personal and accurate updates on the latest of political events.
10). Fun! We are able to offer you a fun and joyous trip. Although one goal of the tour is to help make the Bible come alive for you through the information you will receive, we will have a fun time doing so! You will be making long-lasting friends with other sisters and brothers in
11). Spiritual Inspiration. Through leading you in daily devotional times either in the bus or on site, you will sense a warm pastoral care for you. As we read Scripture together, pray together, and sing songs of worship and communion with guitar as well as accapella, your heart will be blest and changed forever! You will return with memories that will literally affect how you read your Bible the rest of your life! The Bible literally will come alive as you reflect upon the historical stories of Scripture and as you convey your experiences with others! Read some of the "tour testimonies" offered by previous travelers.
12). Group Dynamics. One of the marvels of group travel to Israel is the new friendships we will develop together in Christ. We always have enjoyed a wonderful blend of believers from all over the world. We come as strangers, yet conclude the tour as close friends in Christ. Finding commonality in our relationship with Jesus, life-long friendships are
Your life will be blessed in immeasurable ways as you experience first-hand the land of the Bible and the life and ministry of Jesus!
"No one can visit Israel without a deeper appreciation and a stronger faith in the Bible. Israel is more than sightseeing. It is an experience." (Rev. Billy Graham)
If you have any questions for Pastor DeLancey about his church or Israel ministry, about the tours he leads, or if you would like to be sent a packet of brochures and other information, please contact Dr. DeLancey:
412-999-5697
"Journey of a Lifetime"