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George DeJong serves as senior pastor of Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church. He also serves on the board of That the World May Know Ministries, has studied in Israel, and has toured Israel numerous times. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.
Roc Bottomly received his Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. After pastoring churches in Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs, he served as the Senior Fellow for Marriage Studies for the Focus on the Family Institute for seven years. He is presently the lead pastor at Our Lord's Community Church in Oklahoma City.
Rev. John Ferret is the founder and president of Light of Menorah Ministries located in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a licensed minister and Bible teacher and is presently studying for his doctorate in Ancient Middle Eastern History and Culture and recently concluded a summer graduate work program from Jerusalem University College focusing on the Biblical geography and history of Israel.
Bill Geisel serves as senior pastor at Wawasee Community Bible Church in northern Indiana. He has studied at Jerusalem University College, has done additional travel and studies in Turkey, and has been an Israel tour host with That the World May Know Ministries.
Brad Gray serves as a teaching pastor and currently lives in Holland, Michigan. He graduated from Cornerstone University, Western Theological Seminary, and attended Jerusalem University. Brad's tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.
Brian Haynes serves as Associate Pastor at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy,Texas, overseeing spiritual formation. He is a graduate of Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Liberty Theological Seminary where he earned his Doctorate of Ministry. His trip involves strenuous hiking, requiring good hiking boots and a good fitness level.
Wyn Laidig is president of an engineering and manufacturing company and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. Wyn served with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Asia for over 15 years. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.
Todd Lanting teaches Bible at Front Range Christian School and is Senior Pastor at West Bowles Community Church in Littleton, Colorado. Todd studied at Jerusalem University College in Israel and received his Masters of Divinity from Denver Seminary. His tours are physically demanding, requiring extensive hiking and climbing.
Kerry Mauldin has traveled extensively, ministering in nearly thirty nations of the world. Over ten years ago, Kerry began to go into the villages of India to bless the widows and those with physical challenges. Kerry is also a speaker at the Special Touch Ministries "Get-A-Ways," camps designed for people across America with physical and mental challenges. He is an Assemblies of God minister.
Marty O'Connor is the former director of That the World May Know Ministries and, after facilitating numerous study tours with Ray VanderLaan, Kent Dobson, George DeJong, and others, has now led several study tours. His tours will require extensive hiking and climbing.
Kevin and Danielle Parish-Neuner have both served as Associate Pastors at Abundant Life Christian Fellowship since 1993. Married in 1998, they make their home in Mountain View, California with their daughter Thabie. They studied at William Jessup University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Jerusalem University College. They serve as Advisory Board Members of the Biblical Language Center with Dr. Randall Buth. Their tour will require extensive hiking and climbing.
Rabbi Daniel Thomson is an internationally known teacher, radio host, science lecturer and Israel tour leader who addresses Jewish, Christian and secular groups. Having received training as an orthodox rabbi through a Jerusalem based yeshiva, his Jewish perspective on the Scriptures "puts things back into their context" and reveals much about the Bible that is generally missed by the non-Jewish student.
Ray VanderLaan is the founder of That the World May Know Ministries and host of the video series That the World May Know. He is a published author and teaches Bible at Holland Christian Schools. His tours are physically demanding, requiring vigorous daily hiking and climbing.
Dan Walcott has taught high school Bible at Holland Christian Schools for over 30 years. Dan has spent time touring Turkey with the world-renowned archaeologist, Avner Goren. His wife Kathy assists him with his trips. His tour will involve some hiking and climbing.
Factors To Consider As You Plan For Travel
Physical Requirements
Be prepared for 6 to 8 miles of vigorous to strenuous hiking/climbing/walking per day each day of the trip. You will benefit greatly from training yourself before departure for these physical fitness requirements. You’ll find the trip more meaningful, educational and fun if you prepare in advance for the activity level you will experience on this trip.
You should consult your physician concerning these requirements and any medications or conditions which may have an impact on your ability to participate fully. Make arrangements to take along any prescription drugs you anticipate using during the trip. Also, make sure to contact your health provider to be certain your coverage is still in force when you are traveling outside the United States.
Weather
The following temperature and precipitation chart may help you plan for your clothing needs. Information shows average high and low temps and average rainfall and days of noticeable rain.
| Month |
High Temp |
Low Temp |
Inches of Rain / # of Days |
| April |
71 |
57 |
1/2 |
| May |
74 |
60 |
0/0 |
| June |
79 |
68 |
0/0 |
| September |
82 |
71 |
0/0 |
| October |
79 |
65 |
1/1 |
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TURKEY STUDY TOUR
ISRAEL STUDY TOUR
TURKEY/GREECE / ITALY STUDY TOUR with optional cruise extension