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Podcast & Resources
We want to help you bring the land and the lessons of the Bible to life!
That is the goal of our podcast, our partners, and the other resources on this page—to help you continue to grow in your understanding of the Bible and appreciation for how its context transforms the text into full color in 3D!
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#91 - Still Standing - interview with Ronen Ben Moshe
| Episode Guest: Ronen Ben Moshe
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. 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. As Ronen says, "We're still here." The Israeli people 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")#90 - A New Year in Israel - interview with Dan Mossek
| Episode Guest: Dan Mossek
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.#89 - Mishpocha (Family)
| Episode Guest: Jerrell Jobe
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). 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#88 - 2025 Signature Tours Lineup
| Guests: Rich Liverance, Jerrell Jobe
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#87 - Standing Strong
| Episode Guest: Dan Mossek
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#86 - The New Normal in Israel
| Episode Guest: Ronen Khayat
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 things we love about our Israeli team is that the guides and drivers are friends and enjoy spending time together. One of the ways they occupy themselves is to continue to explore their own country, 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! You can reach Ronen Khayat on facebook or at ro64@walla.co.il#85 - The Relevance of the Reformation
| Episode Guest: Rich Liverance
This unforgettable Signature Tour returns 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 special episode as Rich Ferreira and trip leader Rich Liverance describe the uniqueness of this itinerary: visiting 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 stunning spectacles like the Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavarian Alps (Walt Disney's inspiration)!#84 - Turkey in Turkey
| Episode Guest: Becky Ferreira
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, Minnesota, 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#83 - Illuminating the Text through Archaeology
| Episode Guest: Rich Liverance
GTI's resident archaeologist Rich Liverance joins this podcast episode to discuss the relatively new science of archaeology and how it plays into 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 navigating the heat to 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 giving material culture to the text. For example, the 1993 discovery at Tel Dan of a curse 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:#82 - Light Over Darkness
| Episode Guest: Dan Mossek
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'." John also says about Christ: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5 ). 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:#81 - Hope in the Wilderness
| Episode Guest: Brian Haynes
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.#80 - Limping with God: the Life of Jacob
| Episode Guest: Chad Bird
Author and scholar Chad Bird joins our podcast again, this time to discuss one of his newer books, Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship. This book guides us through the stories of the Patriarch Jacob, a rare biblical account which documents a life from in utero until death. His multi-faceted and sometimes frustrating personality gives us a mirror in which we can see ourselves: lying and fighting to get ahead, taking advantage instead of showing mercy, looking out for ourselves while God looks for us. Be encouraged by the fact that God specializes in saving sinners and calling highly-imperfect people (like Jacob) to be His disciples. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome” (Gen. 32:28).#79 - Giving Back to Israel
| Guests: Rich Liverance, Jerrell Jobe
So many of our friends and followers have recently asked, "How can we help Israel?" and, "How can we help GTI?" This podcast episode will help answer those questions! Rich Ferreira hosts this episode with Israeli friend and guide Nadav as well as staff members Rich and Jerrell. Nadav gives us some personal examples of how adaptive and resourceful Israelis can be in finding ways to keep busy and help others during this period of war. Promises of Glory website provides a platform to support Holy Land merchants during challenging times. A portion of the proceeds will go toward aid and assistance. GTI's "Giving Back" page also features Johnny's souvenir shop in Bethlehem. A win-win is checking off your Christmas list with unique gifts while you support our partners! Be sure to order soon to allow enough time for shipping. Another exciting opportunity is purchasing our NEW GTI MERCH Check out our new designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more! These also make great gifts! All proceeds go toward a fund for our Israeli guides. The best way to support GTI is to join one of our upcoming trips. We have Signature Tours scheduled all throughout 2024, even a new one to GERMANY! Learn more and register at: https://gtitours.org/schedule#78 - Holding on to Hope
| Episode Guest: Ronen Ben Moshe
On today's podcast, Rich Ferreira speaks with our Israeli guide Ronen Ben Moshe about the current state of Israel since the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Thankfully, our guides, drivers and partners are safe. For Ronen and many other Israelis, however, that day was the worst in Israel since the Holocaust. Ronen describes what daily life in Israel right now is like and how adaptive people have become to help those in need. Israelis stand united, bonded together in solidarity, resilience and hope as they support one another. As the Jewish saying goes, "We overcame Pharaoh. We will overcome this."#77 - Praying for Israel
| Guests: Rich Liverance, Jerrell Jobe
This somber episode is hosted by our GTI managers. Rich Ferreira, Rich Liverance, and Jerrell Jobe comment on the October 7 unprovoked attack on Israel by Hamas. As we all grieve for the beloved country and people, let our response be one of prayer. Rich Liverance spells out specific ways we can support Israel in this way. Jerrell gives comfort as he shares some thoughts from Psalm 122 and 125. May this Jewish saying be true not only for Israelis but also for us: hazak, hazak, ve-nithazek BE STRONG, BE STRONG, AND MAY WE BE STRENGTHENED!#76 - On the Jobe Training
| Episode Guest: Jerrell Jobe
GTI is growing... again! We've added another staff person, one whose voice you should recognize - Jerrell Jobe! Jerrell and his family recently have moved from south Texas to west Michigan. As "Director of Development", Jerrell will oversee our pre-trip and post-trip curriculum and lead Signature Tours, among other things. On this episode, he and Rich discuss how going to the Land is meant to further discipleship and point people back to the Word. Like bookends to your tour, our pre-trip and post-trip curriculums are designed to do just that! Check out our first lesson: https://gtitours.org/study-tour-preparation-course Jerrell has been involved in full-time ministry for the past 25 years. His primary areas of focus have been spiritual formation and teaching. Jerrell has a BS in American Sign Language Interpreting, a MA in Spiritual Formation and Leadership, and is finishing a MA in Archaeology & Biblical History. Throughout his ministry, he has led over 100 trips, to more than 25 countries. For the past twelve years, Jerrell has been leading study tours to Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and Greece. His passion is seeing life-changing spiritual formation transpire as travelers gain a greater understanding of the Story of Scripture in its original context, while engaging the ancient practice of pilgrimage. His on-site teaching is a rich mixture of archaeological discoveries, biblical history, practical application, story-telling and drama. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, cycling, swimming, as well as helping to coach local high school wrestling teams. Jerrell and his wife Charissa have three children.#75 Why Egypt?
| Guests: Rich Liverance, Jerrell Jobe
For our first episode of Season 4, Rich Liverance and Jerrell Jobe join Rich Ferreira to talk about a very special country: Egypt! Did you know that Egypt is mentioned more than any other place in scripture besides Israel? It's alluded to over 700 times in the OT alone!#74 Season 4 Trailer
| Episode Guest: Jerrell Jobe
GTI is growing... again! We've added another staff person, one whose voice you should recognize - Jerrell Jobe! Jerrell and his family recently have moved from south Texas to west Michigan. As "Director of Development", Jerrell will oversee our pre-trip and post-trip curriculum and lead Signature Tours, among other things. On this episode, he and Rich discuss how going to the Land is meant to further discipleship and point people back to the Word. Like bookends to your tour, our pre-trip and post-trip curriculums are designed to do just that! Check out our first lesson: https://gtitours.org/study-tour-preparation-course Jerrell has been involved in full-time ministry for the past 25 years. His primary areas of focus have been spiritual formation and teaching. Jerrell has a BS in American Sign Language Interpreting, a MA in Spiritual Formation and Leadership, and is finishing a MA in Archaeology & Biblical History. Throughout his ministry, he has led over 100 trips, to more than 25 countries. For the past twelve years, Jerrell has been leading study tours to Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and Greece. His passion is seeing life-changing spiritual formation transpire as travelers gain a greater understanding of the Story of Scripture in its original context, while engaging the ancient practice of pilgrimage. His on-site teaching is a rich mixture of archaeological discoveries, biblical history, practical application, story-telling and drama. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running, cycling, swimming, as well as helping to coach local high school wrestling teams. Jerrell and his wife Charissa have three children.#73 The Search for Sinai
| Episode Guest: Rich Liverance
Rich Ferreira and Rich Liverance recently visited Saudi Arabia. Although Mount Sinai has been identified with a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt since the 4th century A.D., several biblical passages seem to indicate that Mount Sinai is in Arabia. Could the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites have taken place in Arabia rather than Egypt? Rich and Rich explored not only the possible Mount Horeb from Exodus 19-20, but also several other sites that align with the text. These sites include the Split Rock (Exodus 17), the grove of 70 palm trees at Elim (Exodus 15), and an altar with bull/cow carvings on boulders at the foot of Mount Horeb (Exodus 32). It is possible that these locations are where Moses struck the rock for water, where the Israelites crossed and where they worshipped the golden calf! Regardless of the answers to these questions, exploring the backroads of this austere landscape was both exhilarating and challenging. A 4X4 vehicle is a must in the Arabian Desert. No tour buses allowed! Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode. https://gtitours.org/saudi-trip#72 Asking Better Questions of the Bible - Interview with Marty Solomon
| Episode Guest: Marty Solomon
Bible teacher and author Marty Solomon returns to the podcast today. He and Rich discuss his new book, Asking Better Questions of the Bible. The Bible was written to a particular people in a particular place in a particular time; we must ask the right questions to understand the authors and their audiences. This book helps us ask better questions and gives us new tools to understand the Word of God. In addition, a level of humility is required to admit that we don't have all the answers. Deconstructing is a necessary part of the process to learn and grow as believers. Ultimately, Jesus and His Word will stand forever; we must study it faithfully and let it do its transformative work in our lives. Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode. To learn more about Marty Solomon, his teachings, podcast, book, go to martysolomon.comThe Cool Rich - Interview with Rich Liverance
| Episode Guest: Rich Liverance
GTI has a new staff member! It's someone you may be familiar with since he has been our podcast guest several times... Rich Liverance! Rich shares with Rich Ferreira about God's leading and perfect timing in his career journey. We as a staff are so excited for what Rich Liverance brings to the table! His experience and expertise as a pastor, teacher, student and archaeologist will bless and benefit so many. Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode.#70 Ministry Investments — Interview with Sean Glore, Bear Mills
| Guests: Bear Mills, Sean Glore
Two guests join Rich today and recap the recent Israel Pastors' Familiarization Tour of January 2023. This is an annual GTI Tour offered at a discounted cost to accommodate pastors and Christian educators.#69 The Footsteps of Paul in Turkey
| Episode Guest: Craig Hill
REPOST FROM JUNE 2021 - "FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL IN TURKEY & GREECE" Craig Hill returns as our guest today on the podcast. Craig and Rich discuss GTI's upcoming Signature Tour of Turkey, September 11-22, 2023. They walk through the itinerary and describe some of the highlights of this amazing country! In addition to following the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, this tour offers a hot air balloon ride (optional), a demonstration by local artisans, and some free time for shopping in Ephesus. Registration is open! Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode.#68 Planting a Legacy - Interview with Heather Flaig
| Episode Guest: Heather Flaig
Today's podcast is a special one in memory of pastor and trip leader Dave Flaig who passed away in September 2021 from COVID. His wife, Heather, joins us after having returned from Israel with their church group (Sun Grove, out of Elk Grove, CA). She and their 3 adult sons are still grieving, but amidst the sorrow there is a great deal of joy and gratitude. Rich and Heather discuss what they learned in Israel as well as the ways they honored Dave's memory: by bringing along a 19 year-old pastor to invest in his ministry, and by planting an olive tree in the land. The Flaigs believe in the pillars of hospitality, family, community, history and legacy, and so does GTI. There is no better place to place to learn about and celebrate these than in Israel! Heather inspires us to learn from the past, be present in the present, and invest in the future. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow, so love people today, and go to Israel now! Visit https://gtitours.org/podcastfor photos, links, and more from this episode. If you'd like to see what Heather's trip to Israel was like, follow this link to read the trip blog with photos: https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/sungrove22#67 See the Story - Interview with Andy Cook
| Episode Guest: Andy Cook
The Bible, especially the Old Testament, was written in pictures! Whether or not people can get to Israel, they should still be able to visualize the land and the places mentioned in scripture. Through God's leading and provision, GTI is now partnering with former pastor Andy Cook. Andy has created a ministry called Experience Israel Now as well as the amazing visual resource of ibiblestock.org. He and Rich discuss how it all came about to now offer hundreds of high quality photos and videos of the Holy Land to pastors and lay people alike. Andy also talks about Ein Gedi, the oasis in the Negev desert where David hid from King Saul. This is one of many examples of "mayim chaim" (living water) and the tangible example of the Living Water of Christ. Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode. https://www.experienceisraelnow.com https://www.ibiblestock.org https://www.bibleplaces.com/engedi/#66 The Good Stuff - Interview with Chad Bird
| Episode Guest: Chad Bird
Chad Bird is a professor and author who specializes in Hebrew and the Old Testament. You may have seen his teaching videos on TikTok! On this podcast, Chad breaks down 8 words from scripture and gives us "the good stuff" - the multi-faceted meanings of Hebrew and insights into the rich character of God. He and Rich also discuss his books and podcasts with 1517, a nonprofit organization focused on assuring all people that the work of salvation is finished in Jesus Christ. Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode, including some printable cards of these Hebrew words!#65 Egypt's Significance in Scripture — Interview with Jerrell Jobe
| Episode Guest: Jerrell Jobe
Texas pastor Jerrell Jobe is our podcast guest today, the only trip leader of ours who leads in all five countries (Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Greece)! Having just returned from his Egypt & Jordan tour (Oct. 2022), Jerrell gives a brilliant overview of the significance of Egypt throughout scripture. Egypt and the Exodus are mentioned more in the text than any other person or place - over 300 times! You can't go far in the text or understand God's Chosen People without understanding the culture out of which they were delivered.#64 Hidden Gems in Israel — Interview with Matt Bach
| Episode Guest: Matt Bach
Matt Bach from Bridgeway Christian Church in northern California returns as our podcast guest for this episode. Matt and Rich warm up by talking about their mutual love of coffee and theology. They then dish on some "hidden gems" in Israel - sites which hold powerful biblical significance but are often overlooked on tours. They describe the Herodian Quarter in Jerusalem, as well as the Caves of Adullam (King David), 3-Vines Winery, Herod Spring (Gideon), and Tel Arad (temple model). The fact that there are more than 22,000 archaeological sites in the land (a country of 8,550 square miles) proves that Israel is a trove of historical and spiritual treasures!#63 Sabbath Part 2: Kingdom Values — Interview with Dave Ferreira
| Episode Guest: Dave Ferreira
Rich is joined today by none other than his father, Dr. David Ferreira from Escondido, California! Continuing the conversation from the last podcast, they further expound upon Isaiah 58:13-14 and God's design for the Sabbath. Dr. Ferreira shares his personal experience of leading his family into this intentional lifestyle and how it has produced much spiritual fruit over the years. His obedience brought blessings, including a love for Israel which has come full circle in Rich's life! The world may always focus on fairness and "getting ahead", but Kingdom Values like compassion and trust keep us focused on what really matters and close to the heart of God.#62 Lord of the Sabbath — Interview with Dr. Oliver Hersey
| Episode Guest: Dr. Oliver Hersey
Dr. Oliver Hersey from JUC returns for a third time as our podcast guest today! He shares some exciting opportunities that Jerusalem University offers, including some new LIVE online sessions.