GTI Tours Podcast

Do you know the difference between a tourist and a pilgrim?

They may visit the same places and see the same sights, but they ask different questions. One asks, “What will I see?” The other asks, “What will I become?” One moves through a place; the other allows the place to move through them.

God’s people observed three pilgrimage festivals by traveling to Jerusalem. These journeys disrupted the rhythm of their everyday lives, freeing them from their routines and reminding them who they were—and whose they were.

At GTI, we think about our biblical study tours in much the same way. They are an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life, a retreat from our usual responsibilities, and focus our hearts and minds on Christ. And while our feet are moving through the biblical lands, the Spirit of God is moving through us—shaping our hearts, opening our minds, deepening our faith, and guiding our spirits.

Because pilgrimage was never simply about getting somewhere. It was about who we are becoming along the way. And perhaps that is the invitation of pilgrimage for us today: to learn to walk differently—not only while we are traveling, but wherever God has placed us.

Psalm 84:5 - "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage."

Capernaum was Jesus’ ministry headquarters on the shore of the Sea of Galilee—the setting for many of His miracles and a favorite stop on our Israel tours. Just a stone’s throw from the ancient synagogue stands a church built over what was once a first-century house. Could this have been the home of St. Peter?

Listen in as Rich and Jerrell explore layer upon layer of archaeological and historical evidence supporting this fascinating theory.

There’s no sign on the door bearing Peter’s name. But as the Biblical Archaeological Society points out, “Were it not for its association with Jesus and Peter, why else would a run-of-the-mill first-century house in Capernaum have become a focal point of Christian worship and identity for centuries to come?”

Could an ordinary house have an extraordinary connection to one of Jesus’ closest disciples? Tune in and hear the evidence for yourself.

See Caperanum for yourself on our Jordan/Israel Signature Tour! https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-jordan-israel-2027#itinerary

Read more about Capernaum in scripture: Jesus regarded Capernaum as His home (Mt 9:1; Mk 2:1; 3:19; 10:10), and He likely lived in St. Peter’s house. He performed many miracles in the town (Mt 4:18-22; Mk 1:34), and there He chose his first four disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, and John); later also enlisting the tax-collector Matthew (Mt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27). This is also where He healed the centurion’s servant (Lk 7:1-10). His mother Mary visited (Mk 3:31). He explained His parables in greater depth to the disciples in Peter’s house (Mk 7:17). Here He embraced the little child and taught about humility and servanthood (Mk 9:33-37) (written by Dave Armstrong).

The Lycus River Valley in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) was renowned for its textile industry and desirable fashions in biblical times—and remains a center for textiles today. On this episode, Rich and Jerrell explore the common threads woven throughout Scripture, connecting sheep, wool, dye, and clothing into powerful spiritual imagery.

Once Christ has transformed us, we're meant to be dyed-in-the-wool disciples—our faith woven into every fiber of our lives. And like an intricate Turkish rug, God is weaving each of us into a beautiful tapestry that tells His story.

For further study, read the following passages:

Colossians 3:9-14; Romans 12:2; Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:22-25

Podcast video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnnxJbmToNo

Join our 2027 Signature Tour of Turkey & Greece to see the ancient city of Sardis! https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-greece-2027

Join Rich Ferreira as he sits down with Nashville pastor Tommy Swindoll following his recent Israel Study Tour (June 1–12, 2026). Despite media reports, Tommy and his group experienced a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable journey. After leading ten trips to Israel, he calls this one his best!

From the hospitality of the Israeli people to uncrowded biblical sites, every day brought fresh perspective. Walking where biblical events unfolded transforms Scripture into living reality. If you've ever wanted to deepen your understanding of God's Word, this conversation will inspire you to experience the Land of the Bible, and discover why many call it "the Fifth Gospel."

https://gtitours.org/schedule

Video Podcast link. https://youtu.be/I4c7PkixYmI

Read the trip blog here: https://travel.gtitours.org/tour-journal/tdf26

Thoughts from people on Tommy's group:

https://youtu.be/rZfPQHJgMl8

Desert trip to Saudi Arabia: https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-jordan-saudi-2027

Long before Instagram, Facebook, or X, people were posting messages on walls. From the side streets of Pompeii to the bathroom stall of a modern gas station, humans have always left their mark - messages etched, carved, inscribed, even spray-painted- political slogans, declarations of love, crude jokes, warnings, as well as secret encoded symbols and messages among persecuted Christians.

Graffiti is more than markings on a wall; it is a window into the human soul.

Archaeologists study these ancient scratches because they reveal what people valued, feared, worshiped, and hoped for. Beneath the surface, there is always a deeper story being told.

The same is true of us.

Every word, every action, every conversation leaves a mark on the world around us. We are constantly writing a message with our lives.

The question is not whether you’re leaving a mark. The question is: what message are you leaving behind?

As followers of Jesus, may we carry the marks of Christ in such a way that those who pass by catch a glimpse of Him - outward expression of an inward reality. 

Grace in our life is God's story being etched upon us; we are God's graffiti to the world! The transformation He has made in our lives should be read, should be seen, should be noticed - it should cause someone to stop and look.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3: "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

Watch the podcast video here: https://youtu.be/TlP2p-o0c8o?si=kh_VmyWfPBeRoLoG

Rich and Jerrell are back in the studio for a fascinating conversation about Turkey and some of its most intriguing stories, legends, and folklore. Whether rooted in history, embellished over time, or simply the stuff of myth, these tales reveal a timeless truth: humanity has always been searching—hungry for meaning and thirsty for something that truly satisfies. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Join us as we explore the stories of Turkey and the deeper spiritual longing they reflect.

Join our next Signature Tour of Turkey & Greece, April 15-26, 2027:

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-greece-2027

More than 50 days have passed since our last interview with Ronen in Israel, so it's time for another podcast! Many are wondering what It’s REALLY like living in Israel right now (war, daily life & hope). 

Israel's somber HaZikaron (Memorial Day) was April 20-21, immediately followed by joyful celebrations for the 78th Independence Day. Israelis are hopeful, resilient people and life goes on, regardless of what you see on the news. School is in session, markets are open, and many people (including Ronen) are barbecuing and enjoying life with family and friends. Soon, God willing, our tour groups to Israel will back to walk the Land!

Watch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHiK-xxcegQ

See Ronen's make falafel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiUmazDTakU

See the interview with a 5 1/2 year old Israeli boy here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7lli5WLsS0

“Joshua fought the battle of…” Whether young or old, you know tune and the answer: Jericho!

In this episode, we explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—Jericho—nestled in the Jordan Valley between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. With more than 20 layers of civilization discovered (some dating back to 9000 BC), Jericho offers a remarkable window into the ancient world of the Bible.

Our guest, Canadian archaeologist Bryan Windle, joins Rich Ferreira to share his passion for biblical archaeology and his doctoral research on Jericho and its conquest by Joshua. Bryan also reflects on his experience excavating at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant dwelled for over 300 years and where the prophet Samuel was raised.

The Land is often called the “Fifth Gospel”—a powerful reminder that Scripture is rooted in authentic places, actual people, and accurate history. As the stones speak, discoveries continue to illuminate and affirm the biblical account.

Learn more from our resources below:

https://biblearchaeology.org/

https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/

https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2023/07/20/footsteps-three-things-in-shiloh-samuel-likely-saw/

The Trowel and The Truth by Scott Strippling: https://a.co/d/007tIbPz

Joshua's Jericho: The Latest Archaeological Evidence for the Conquest by Bryan Windle: https://a.co/d/0eLppMLR

“Joshua fought the battle of…” Whether you’re young or old, you know the answer: Jericho!

In this episode, we explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—Jericho—nestled in the Jordan Valley between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. With more than 20 layers of civilization discovered (some dating back to 9000 BC), Jericho offers a remarkable window into the ancient world of the Bible.

Our guest, Canadian archaeologist Bryan Windle, joins Rich Ferreira to share his passion for biblical archaeology and his doctoral research on Jericho and its conquest by Joshua. Bryan also reflects on his experience excavating at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant dwelled for over 300 years and where the prophet Samuel was raised.

The Land is often called the “Fifth Gospel”—a powerful reminder that Scripture is rooted in authentic places, actual people, and accurate history. As the stones speak, discoveries continue to illuminate and affirm the biblical account.

Learn more from our resources below:

https://biblearchaeology.org/

https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/

https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2023/07/20/footsteps-three-things-in-shiloh-samuel-likely-saw/

The Trowel and The Truth by Scott Strippling: https://a.co/d/007tIbPz

Joshua's Jericho: The Latest Archaeological Evidence for the Conquest by Bryan Windle: https://a.co/d/0eLppMLR

“Joshua fought the battle of…” Whether you’re young or old, you know the answer: Jericho!

In this episode, we explore one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities—Jericho—nestled in the Jordan Valley between the Jordan River and Jerusalem. With more than 20 layers of civilization uncovered (some dating back to 9000 BCE). Jericho offers a remarkable window into the ancient world of the Bible.

Our guest, Canadian archaeologist Bryan Windle, joins Rich Ferreira to share his passion for biblical archaeology and his doctoral research on Jericho and Joshua’s conquest. Bryan also reflects on his time excavating at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant dwelled for over 300 years and where the prophet Samuel was raised.

The Land is often called the “Fifth Gospel”—a powerful reminder that Scripture is rooted in actual people, authentic places, and accurate history. As the stones speak, discoveries continue to illuminate and affirm the biblical account.

Learn more from our resources below:

https://biblearchaeology.org/

https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/

https://biblearchaeologyreport.com/2023/07/20/footsteps-three-things-in-shiloh-samuel-likely-saw/

The Trowel and The Truth by Scott Strippling: https://a.co/d/007tIbPz

Joshua's Jericho: the Latest Archaeological Evidence for the Conquest by Bryan Windle: https://a.co/d/0eLppMLR