Israel Study Tour with Oakbrook Church, Faith Christian Reformed Church
March 7-17, 2016
Led by Troy Thomas, Marshall Holtvluwer
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Trip Blog Posts
Study Tour Wrap Up
posted on Thursday March 24 2016 at 11:25 pm UTC
Now that we’ve returned from our study tour you’ve hopefully been able to talk to one of us in person about what we saw, heard, learned, and experienced! Below is a wrap up video that serves as a nice summary of the trip and a reminder of all that we did. Leave us a comment below or head over...
Our Final Day
posted on Thursday March 17 2016 at 1:20 am UTC
Though it was our final day in Israel, we did not waste one minute of the precious time we had left. With Ronen’s guidance we were able to hit the first site of the day, the Mount of Olives, before masses of tourists arrived. Despite rain and wind, Troy’s message was clear. In Jesus’ last days...
The center of the world
posted on Wednesday March 16 2016 at 1:03 am UTC
As the final days of Jesus’ life were spent in Jerusalem so too are the final days of our trip. Much anticipation has swelled over the past week as we’ve inched ever closer to our last destination. After arriving last night, we were prepared and eager for what today had in store. The first and...
Where the Spirit Moves
posted on Tuesday March 15 2016 at 2:31 am UTC
Light mist was in the air as we loaded the buses and saying goodbye to the Galilee. It’s on to Jerusalem! The first stop was in the ruins of Beit Sha’en. Jesus might not have walked down these roads, but they were there when he was walking around. It was amazing to see the construction (and destruction...
Christ in charge
posted on Monday March 14 2016 at 2:22 am UTC
The day began and ended with Christ in charge. Let’s go backwards. After dinner, we and listened to the experience and perspective of an Arab Christian church planter living in Nazareth, named Saleem (yes, let all those descriptions sink in). It was apparent that God is at work in the Holy Land with...
Galilee
posted on Saturday March 12 2016 at 11:19 pm UTC
Today’s journey began on the very sea that Jesus walked, where he called out to his disciples, and around which he carried out much of his ministry. As we sailed the Sea of Galilee, we listened to worship music and reflected in our journals on Jesus’ life. A moment of particular poignancy occurred...
Rivers of living water
posted on Saturday March 12 2016 at 1:20 am UTC
Our bags were packed and our hearts and minds were ready for new sites when we left the Dead Sea this morning and headed for Ein Gedi, the largest oasis south of the Dead Sea. Ein Gedi is referred to by name several times in the Bible, but most notably, as the place where David hid from King Saul in...
Where is your stronghold?
posted on Friday March 11 2016 at 1:35 am UTC
Today, our first site was Masada, which means "stronghold." Thankfully, we didn't have to walk to the top! Instead we took a tram. Once we reached the top we were able to see the palace that King Herod built and lived in. It was massive and very well-constructed, an ability that the people of Israel...
Caves, valleys, kings, and shepherds
posted on Thursday March 10 2016 at 1:16 am UTC
After over twenty-four hours straight of travel we finally arrived in Tel Aviv late last night where we were met by our tour guide, Ronan, and bus driver, Meir, who we are privileged to be with for the duration of the trip. The journey itself was not without its highlights as many enjoyed the experience...
Preparing for Israel
posted on Tuesday February 16 2016 at 10:34 pm UTC
Our trip to Israel will be here before you know it! Once we’re on the ground in Israel, we’ll post periodic updates and photos. Check back often or get update notifications using the subscribe options on this page. We’ll be sharing our travel experiences online with you, our friends and family,...