This short but sweet episode features Rich and Ronen, recorded LIVE from ISRAEL! Rich traveled to visit each of our Israeli partners, guides and drivers and enjoyed some sweet fellowship (and delicious food) in their homes.

2024 has been a very difficult year, but as the days get shorter and darker, a flame of hope is flickering brightly like a candles during Hanukkah. Peace is returning to Israel, and the people and their land are beginning to heal. One day soon, groups can return again to Israel and walk the Land.

One way to support Israel and our partners is to consider joining our "Stand with Israel Tour", Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2025. Together, we will visit sites dear to our hearts from past trips and new sites that explore the Bible even more. Whether you are young or old, new to your faith, or a seasoned scholar, this trip will enhance your understanding of the Bible while standing with our friends in Israel. God willing, "Next year in Jerusalem!"

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-stand-with-israel-2025

On this special episode, Rich Ferreira interviews employee and friend Amy Holstege as she prepares to retire after 20 years with GTI Tours. When Amy began with GTI in 2004, little did she know how many friendships she would make and how special those relationships would become! From coworkers in our Michigan office, to staff at Turkish Airlines, to guides and drivers across the world, those relationships became the key to a long and fulfilling career.

The Lord taught Amy important lessons along the way, like appreciating what each team member brings to the table, to stop and pray in stressful situations, and to do your very best so that many people can meet God in the Land.

Israel will always hold a special place in Amy's heart, as she will in ours. God bless her and her retirement!

Wally Harrison and his Harbor Church group just returned on October 18 from their study tour of Turkey! He describes how Turkey exceeded people's expectations in terms of sheer beauty, historical sites, wonderful guide Gokhan, and enjoying delicious cuisine together in unique  settings.

Little did Wally and his group know at the beginning of the tour that they would have the opportunity to bring scripture to life in an unusual way. Just before boarding their overseas flight from Chicago (ORD), Turkish Airlines delayed their flight, then cancelled it altogether. Thankfully, he and his team decided to respond with gratitude and to make the best of a stressful situation. The group had the opportunity to live out , with God's strength, Paul's powerful message in Philippians 4:11-13:

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

International travel is full of variables, and it's how we respond that counts. As GTI's adage says, "Blessed are the flexible, for they will be bent but not broken." This is a great reminder to all of us to look for the good in what God is doing!

Today's special podcast comes to you from Bethlehem. Did you know that a large part of Bethlehem's economy is tied to tourism, particularly the artisans who work with olive wood? It has been over a year since tourists have walked the streets of the birthplace of our Lord and Savior. Rich speaks with the Canavati family, who have been friends of GTI for many years, about the challenging situation facing the Christian community there. With the Christmas season approaching, one great way to support our Christian friends in Bethlehem is by purchasing Christmas gifts from this historic place. Would you consider choosing gifts from Bethlehem this season and praying for peace in the region? For more information, visit https://johnnysouvenir.com/

Check out the video podcast version at https://vimeo.com/1027998812

Dan van Voorhis joins Rich Ferreira today for the first time as our guest! Dan is an author, historian, professor, and speaker at 1517. He is very familiar with podcasts since he hosts the daily podcast, "The Christian History Almanac." Dan and Rich recently returned from the Reformation Tour of Germany (Sept. 11-19, 2024) and are here to share their favorite sites, stories, and faith lessons from the trip! One highlight was seeing Castle Church (All Saints' Church) in Wittenberg, where legend says Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door.

Dan shares the 4 Questions of the Reformation that were asked Martin Luther, by the Apostle Paul in Galatians, and by believers from ancient to modern times. After posing the overarching question, "Why did the Reformation happen?", these 4 questions follow:

"Who's in charge?"

"Who says?"

"How am I made right with God?"

"What next?" (or "What do I do now?")

The Reformation at its best was asking all of this, and today people still are. Join us next autumn for our return trip to Germany (plus Switzerland!) to study the Reformers, see their cities of origin, and to understand how they influenced our faith today.

Germany/Switzerland Signature Tour

Sept. 6-17, 2025

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-germany-switzerland-2025

Link to the September 2024 Germany blog:

https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-germany-2024
 

Link to Reformation video:

https://vimeo.com/1015725421

Dan's bio:

Dan van Voorhis is an author, historian, professor, and speaker at 1517. After receiving his Ph.D. in History from the University of St. Andrews, Dr. van Voorhis spent 11 years teaching history and political thought at Concordia University, Irvine. He is a Scholar-in-Residence at 1517 and the host of the daily podcast The Christian History Almanac. Dan is married to Beth Anne, and they have two sons, Coert and Raymond.

While in graduate school Dan focused on Reformation era Germany and spent time living in Wittenberg and travelled throughout the country doing archival research while also taking in the historical sites related to the Reformation, the World Wars, and the Cold War. As a professor, German history was amongst his favorite classes to teach.

Beginning in Turkey (Asia Minor), they studied John and the Seven Churches of Revelation, then followed the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through Athens and ancient Corinth. As with each of our tours, there was a delightful mix of memorable moments, both lighthearted and poignant. One lesson learned from Paul's life was how he took disciples with him as he ministered, mentoring them and modeling as he went. Who are we discipling and "taking with us" along our faith journey?

In April of 2025, we will repeat this incredible trip with an added bonus that few groups get to do: Patmos! Patmos is the desolate island where the Roman Emperor Domitian banished John the Apostle in 94 AD to stop him from preaching about Jesus. While there, John received and wrote the Book of Revelation. The cave in which he wrote the book is known as the Cave of the Apocalypse and is still open to visitors today. To see the full itinerary and details, follow this link:

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-greece-2025

Another great option for a New Testament trip is our Greece/Rome Signature Tour, October 16-27, 2025! 

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-greece-rome-2025b

We mourn with Israel and the Jewish people all over the world as we remain devastated by the terrible acts that took place one year ago. On October 7, 2023, Israel was attacked by Hamas. Terrorists killed over 1,000 people and kidnapped over 250. We still await the return of nearly 100 remaining hostages a year later. We recognize and lament that these vile acts have catapulted unrest in the Middle East, as well as unprecedented anti-Semitism around the world. We grieve with Israel and the Jewish people today and continue to stand with them and hold out hope for God to move and restore peace.

On this episode, Rich invites Ronen Ben Moshe (Israeli guide and friend) to share his perspective on the events of the last year and how they have affected him personally. Despite the great losses that Israel has suffered, Ronen reminds us that he and his people have shown and continue to show solidarity, support and love for one another. They are happy, joyful and optimistic with faith and joy in their hearts. They remain standing, unbroken, and need us to stand with them, supporting them all the time, in every way we can.

“Hazak, hazak, v'nit'hazek!"

("Be strong, be strong, and may we strengthen one another") 

As Israel prepares to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and to commemorate one year since the October 7 attacks, Dan Mossek joins Rich Ferreira for an update. In this episode, Dan helps explain the recent events between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) and Mossad (like the CIA) have made huge strides in the past two weeks that will hopefully be the turning point in this war. The Israeli people are very resilient, and a glimmer of hope on the horizon is encouraging to everyone. Keep praying with us for an end to the war, for the remaining hostages and their families, and for a peaceful resolution.

Apples and honey are a traditional part of Rosh Hashanah festivities because they symbolize hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead. Shanah tovah (שנה טובה) is the traditional greeting. God willing, this year will be full of hope and sweetness for Israel!

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103

**As Israel prepares to celebrate Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and to commemorate one year since the October 7 attacks, Dan Mossek joins Rich Ferreira for an update. In this episode, Dan helps explain the recent events between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) and Mossad (like the CIA) have made huge strides in the past two weeks that will hopefully be the turning point in this war. The Israeli people are very resilient, and a glimmer of hope on the horizon is encouraging to everyone. Keep praying with us for an end to this war, for the remaining hostages and their families, and for a peaceful resolution.

Apples and honey are a traditional part of Rosh Hashanah festivities because they symbolize hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead. Shanah tovah (שנה טובה) is the traditional greeting. God willing, this year will be full of hope and sweetness for Israel!

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103

**This podcast was recorded on Sept. 29, 2024. Despite recent developments in Israel, we would like to note that our staff of Israeli partners, guides and drivers are safe and well.

Jerrell Jobe and Rich Ferreira share about their time in Israel, right from the shore of the Sea of Galilee! What a special time they have had visiting not only familiar sites but, most importantly, familiar people - our treasured Israeli guides, drivers, and partners. This network of friends who feel like family is called "misphocha" [ mish-pookh-uh] - our GTI Tribe.

As Rich and Jerrell moved throughout the country, they discovered that things were "normal-ish": quiet and peaceful, yet not exactly the same. God willing, soon our groups will be once again walking the Land, the Fifth Gospel!

Our next scheduled trips to Israel are the "Stand with Israel" Signature Tour (August 2025) and the Jordan/Israel Signature Tour (September 2025). We would love to have you join us. Follow this link to see details on the upcoming trips to Israel as well as other countries such as Turkey & Greece, Egypt, Germany and more!

https://gtitours.org/schedule

mishpocha

[ mish-pookh-uh, -paw-khuh ] 

noun

Yiddish mishpocha derives from Hebrew mishpakhá “family,” as Hebrew is the source of a good portion of Yiddish vocabulary. Hebrew belongs to the Semitic family of languages and isn’t related to English, but we’ve nevertheless inherited numerous culture- and religion-related words from Hebrew, such as amen, cherub, jubilee, and hallelujah. Like its Hebrew source, mishpocha means more than just “immediate family”—it’s the collection of all blood relatives, relatives by marriage, and dear friends.

2025 plans are blooming this spring with classic itineraries plus NEW discoveries on our SEVEN Signature Tours! Listen to this fun episode as Rich, Jerrell and Richard describe the lineup one by one:

Egypt/Jordan (Footsteps of Moses) - March 5-17, 2025

Jordan/Saudi Arabia - March 16-24, 2025

Turkey/Greece - April 24 - May 5, 2025

Stand with Israel - Aug. 24 - Sept. 4, 2025

Jordan/Israel - Sept. 6-18, 2025

Germany/Switzerland (Reformation Tour) - Oct. 6-17, 2025

Greece/Rome - Oct. 16-27, 2025

Regardless of which trip you choose, you will enjoy the best of the country and culture we are visiting, as well as local guides, exceptional food, diverse itinerary, and biblical teaching. Join us and watch the Land and Lessons of the Bible come to LIFE!