GTI Tours Podcast

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!

In the wake of the April 14 attack on Israel by Iran, Rich speaks with Israeli guide and friend Dan Mossek for an update from his perspective. We are thankful to report that our Israeli team and partners are safe and there was little (if any) damage.

Dan describes that life in Israel April 15 was essentially "business as usual": Jerusalem is quiet, the Gaza situation is contained, and several airlines are returning service to Israel. God willing, Rich will be flying into Tel Aviv in early May and will give another update. Please continue to pray for Israel and her people as they stand strong.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—

    whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

    of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me

    to devour me,

it is my enemies and my foes

    who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,

    my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

    even then I will be confident...

For in the day of trouble

    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

    and set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 27: 1-3, 5

Rich Ferreira interviews our veteran tour guide Ronen Khayat for an update on Israel. As of this recording (March 29, 2024), things are quiet in and around Jerusalem. The northern and southern borders are feeling the tension, but only two of our typical sites on an Israel tour are closed. Daily life in most of the country has adapted to the "new normal."

One of the many things we love about our Israeli team is that the guides and drivers are friends and enjoy spending time together. They like to explore their own country in their free time, not only to learn it better but to enjoy it! Ronen and the group recently visited Emmaus (seven miles from Jerusalem, according to Luke 24:13-35) and saw Roman milestone markers (see photos). They also like to off-road in the Judean desert and prepare lunch on the grill. Israel in March is lush and green, with many flowering trees and plants. Until our groups can return, enjoy these beautiful photos!

Rich will be returning to Israel in early May and will be giving us another update, so stay tuned!

Our newest Signature Tour journeys to the heart of the Reformation - Germany! This September, we will trace the life, ministry, and theology of Martin Luther and other Reformers whom God used to reignite the evangelical movement. Listen to this episode as Rich Ferreira and trip leader Rich Liverance describe the uniqueness of this itinerary: being in Europe vs. the Middle East, walking instead of hiking, singing hymns along the way, discussing WWII and figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, visiting historical sites and seeing stunning spectacles like the Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavarian Alps.

From the medieval streets to the pastoral countryside to the modern cities of Berlin and Munich, this tour will encompass the best of German culture and cuisine. In addition, Rich will teach us the history of theology and the defense of the Gospel! Explore Germany and the relevance of the Reformation with us. It just might light a spark in your life as we discover again God's power to save.

Space is limited! Register today at gtitours.org/reformation

GTI Signature Tour of Germany, Sept. 11-19, 2024

Rich's better half Becky joins him for this podcast recounting GTI's recent Staff & Family Trip to Turkey! During the week of Thanksgiving, our group of 75 traveled to Turkey to study the Seven Churches of Revelation. Our eclectic crew of staff, spouses, kids and grandkids came from all over the US: Michigan, California, Florida, Texas, Tennessee and South Carolina.

Contrary to popular belief, Turkey is not part of the Middle East and is a safe destination. Its people are Muslims but not Arabs. Turkey is an incredible and underrated country with rich history, stunning ruins and fabulous food. Turkey is the Asia Minor mentioned in scripture; 75 percent of the New Testament was written either to or from Asia Minor!

Becky shares some specific sites and faith lessons she cherished from the packed week overseas. A big part of her joy was watching their 4 kids experience a different culture while watching the Word come to life! The natural hot springs, hot air balloon ride, time on the bus together and special restaurants were the icing on the cake. The hotel chef even prepared Thanksgiving food for us on Thursday … so yes, we ate TURKEY IN TURKEY (and mashed potatoes too)!

The Seven Churches of Revelation and the sites around them paint a powerful picture of life in the first-century Christian Church. Come see for yourself! Our Signature Tour of Turkey (and Greece!) is Sept. 15-25, 2024. Learn more and register with this link:

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-2024

If you'd like to read our trip blog, find it here:

https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/gtifam23

GTI's resident archaeologist Rich Liverance joins this podcast. The relatively new science of archaeology is a common topic on our biblical study tours. Rich shares from his personal experience at the active digs of Abel Beth Maccah in northern Israel, as well as Tel a Hammam in Jordan (the possible site of Sodom). From roping off a site into 5m squares to finding an iron blade, Rich knows what a day on a dig is like! He also reminds us that the Bible interprets the Bible. Archaeology CONFIRMS the Bible, as well as give material culture to the text. For example, the 1993 discovery at Tel Dan of a tablet mentioning the "House of David" confirms King David's existence and impact 150 years after his life; the discovery of a wall or some jewelry would illuminate the lifestyle of the people who lived in David's time.

For further reading, we recommend  the following resources:

• The GTI Tours Facebook page
• Biblical Archaeology by Amihai Mazar
• Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World's Most Contested City by Andrew Lawler
• The Source by James A. Michener

If you are interested in a future Reformation Tour of Germany and Switzerland or in exploring Saudi Arabia, please email Rich and let him know at [email protected].

Israeli guide Dan Mossek is our podcast guest on this episode. Dan has been partnering with GTI for 10 years and brings expertise on theology, geography, history and archaeology. Speaking as a former soldier and current recruit trainer, he shares an update on Israel and the war with Hamas.

Dan and Rich also discuss Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights which is celebrated this time of year. Since the history of Hanukkah dates to 164 BC, it's not biblical; however, the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian Greeks represents light over darkness both physically and symbolically. This reminds us of the words of Christ in John 8:12: "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'." 

Interested in learning from Dan as a guide? He will be leading our 2024 Signature Tour of Israel and Jordan! Want to support GTI? Consider joining one of our 2024 Signature Tours:

Jordan/Israel Signature Tour (Sept. 7-19, 2024)  https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-jordan-israel-2024

Stand with Israel Signature Tour (August 25-Sept. 5, 2024) https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-stand-with-israel-2024

Turkey/Greece Signature Tour (Sept. 15-25, 2024) https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-2024

Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode.  

Pastor, author and trip leader Brian Haynes joins our podcast today. He and Rich describe the different types of deserts found in Israel and how they are biblical metaphors for life. Brian shares a personal story of when his family walked through a "YESHIMON" desert. In times like this, only the presence of God and a miracle of God will sustain life. These experiences led Brian to author War in the Wilderness: Fight for Your Family When Life Isn't as It Should Be, a resource for families to point them to God and to give them Hope as they walk through trying times.

Brian shares these points for families walking through wilderness experiences:

• The Enemy is the Father of Lies and wants to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10)
• Avoid isolation
• Lean into God instead of away from Him
• Listen and obey God
• Don't go it alone (doctors, counselors, praying friends)
• Take small steps in the right direction
• Stay determined

Remember, God is in the business of bringing SHALOM to CHAOS, restoring things, bringing life and healing to places that are dead and broken. The Psalms use many desert pictures to remind us of WHO GOD IS. 

"Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him!" Psalm 68:4 ESV

Order the book:

https://www.amazon.com/War-Wilderness-Fight-Family-Should/dp/161484139X