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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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#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.#61 No Room in the Inn? — Interview with Brad Gray
| Episode Guest: Brad Gray
"No room in the Inn?" What if there were no inn and no innkeeper? What if our understanding of the Christmas story is inaccurate and we need to understand it anew in its original context? That’s precisely what Brad Gray of Walking the Text is doing with the Christmas story in this new series. He's beginning with the Bethlehem events recorded in Luke 2. As we’ll see, Bethlehem wasn’t a place of rejection, but of reception for Jesus!#60 Context for Kids — Interview with Eric Schrotenboer
| Episode Guest: Eric Schrotenboer
Rich welcomes fellow west-Michigander Eric Schrotenboer back to the podcast today! Since our last visit, Eric and his wife Meredith have been busy creating even more resources for kids to learn about the Lord and the Land. Their works include the original book set The Wandering Wise Men, the 2-in-1 flip book, _Hear, O Israel, and their two most recent projects: The Youngest Disciple (about the life of John) and The Mouse in the Manger (a Nativity story). _Through the rich stories and stunning illustrations, Eric and Meredith's goal is to not only teach children about God but to do so in the correct cultural context. The holidays are quickly approaching! If you'd like to order one or more of these titles for the littles in your life, follow this link:#59 Inexhaustible Israel — Interview with Casey Jordan
| Episode Guest: Casey Jordan
GTI Tours participant and Bible teacher Casey Jordan joins our podcast today. She describes her time on the Homesick for Israel Tour which went in August. Highlighting her favorite sites and experiences, Casey shares what they meant to her personally. No matter how many times she returns to Israel, she finds its inspiration inexhaustible! Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode.#58 Celebrating Jesus in the Fall Feasts — Interview with Matt Davis, Ron Davis
| Guests: Ron Davis, Matt Davis
Rich kicks off our third podcast season with guests Matt and Ron Davis. This father/son ministry duo shares their personal history as Jewish people who believe in the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. Their unique perspective helps us understand the significance of the Jewish holidays, specifically the Fall Feasts which have yet to be fulfilled by Christ. Learn more about Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the Highest Holy Day), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles or Booths).#57 "Passions and Priorities" — Interview with Melissa Bouma
| Episode Guest: Melissa Bouma
Veteran trip participant Melissa Bouma of West Michigan joins our podcast today! Melissa is a wife, mother of five, volunteer and avid student of the Word. After recently visiting Israel for the third time, she joins Rich to share some of her experiences and how God spoke specifically to her heart at the Sea of Galilee. Melissa’s story is a great example of how a trip to Israel can be a springboard for your faith and personal Bible study. Perhaps most inspirational is her challenge to loosen our grip on our passions and plans. It's so easy to get carried away with doing things "for Jesus" that we lose focus on the fundamentals of following and obeying Him.#56 Jordan or Bust — Interview with Becky Ferreira
| Episode Guest: Becky Ferreira
Today's podcast features another female guest, Rich Ferreira's lovely wife Becky! Rich, Becky, and their 4 children just returned from an amazing vacation to Jordan and share their experiences on this episode.#55 Digging in the Land and the Word — Interview with Richard Liverance
| Episode Guest: Rich Liverance
Richard Liverance returns as our featured guest on today's podcast. He has traded his position with the Israel Ministry of Tourism for the role of a student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, living and learning in the land! His love of archaeology and history is evident as he shares some of what he has experienced so far. Richard sheds light on two passages in scripture, 2 Samuel 20 and Judges 4, and how they connect to recent archaeological digs. See the links below to read more about two sites, Abel Beth Maacah and Hazor.#54 Hope in the Holy Land — Interview with Todd Morehead
| Episode Guest: Todd Morehead
Todd Morehead is our podcast guest for this episode. Todd is the founder of Grafted Ministries and the creator of two films: _Promised Land: Israel Through the Eyes of Surfers (2012) _and his recent release, Hope in the Holy Land: Delving Beneath the Surface of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.#53 Lifelong Learning — Interview with Dr. Oliver Hersey
| Episode Guest: Dr. Oliver Hersey
Dr. Oliver Hersey from JUC returns as our podcast guest today. He shares some exciting opportunities that Jerusalem University offers, including some online LIVE summer sessions. At only $159 for a 6-week class (90 minutes each), these summer courses are an ideal way for pastors, students or laypeople to take their knowledge and faith to the next level.#52 The Shema for Life — Interview with Eric Schrotenboer
| Episode Guest: Eric Schrotenboer
Trip leader, artist and author Eric Schrotenboer returns to our podcast today so share his most recent project. He and his wife Meredith have created another great resource for children, Hear, O Little One! This unique board book features a flip design, two books in one, to help parents lead their children into a pattern of beginning and ending each day with the Lord. This story is an adaptation of the Shema, God's centerpiece prayer for his people from Deuteronomy 6:4-9: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Order Hear, O Little One wherever books are sold, including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes and Noble.#51 Lessons from Ephesus — Interview with Brad Gray
| Episode Guest: Brad Gray
Walking the Text founder Brad Gray returns as our guest on this podcast. He reminds us of the significance of Asia Minor, specifically Ephesus, in early church history and how their pagan culture is similar to today's. Brad was reminded while in Turkey that when circumstances are difficult, God is always working and the Church keeps growing, just as it did in the first century. Context is key to understanding the ancient world, so that is the focus of Brad's annual conference, the Infusion Bible Conference. Even if you can't be there in person, the good news is that the material is now available online! Virtual registration includes a plethora of notes, insights, timelines, and resources, all in one convenient place! Whether you attend in person or online, the goal is to help you grow not only in your knowledge of the Bible but in faithfulness.#50 Breaking Down Barriers — Interview with Dr. Mark Strauss
| Episode Guest: Dr. Mark Strauss
Dr. Mark Strauss visits our podcast today. He describes how the scriptures are not just historical or theological, they’re both! We could use the term “narrative theology” or “theography”: the idea that geographical locations and features in scripture also have a theological meaning. Dr. Strauss’ brilliant overview draws on examples such as Samaria and the Jordan River to unpack this term and to prove that, ultimately, the Gospel breaks down barriers! He also shares some helpful resources for further study.#49 Bringing History to Life — Interview with Dr. Christopher Stanley
| Episode Guest: Dr. Christopher Stanley
Christopher Stanley is our guest on today's podcast. A gifted writer and teacher, Dr. Stanley decided to try his hand at historical fiction after the encouragement of his wife. His approach as a historian first and a writer second ensures accuracy and authenticity in his characters and settings. If you've been on one of our study tours to Turkey (Asia Minor), the sites and cities in the books will be familiar! The Apostle Paul and the early Christian church play a minor cultural presence in the story line, as they did in real life - an enigma and a contradiction to a pagan world. Consider reading the series from A Slave's Story, another great resource we can suggest to "Bring the Land and Lessons of the Bible to Life!"#48 The Story of GTI (Part 2) — Interview with Tom Harrington
| Episode Guest: Tom Harrington
This podcast is a repeat from our original release January 21, 2021#47 The Story of GTI (Part 1) — Interview with Tom Harrington
| Episode Guest: Tom Harrington
This podcast is a repeat from our original release January 14, 2021#46 Giving with a Purpose — Interview with Heather Echols
| Episode Guest: Heather Echols
Today's podcast is hosted by Rich and GTI staff designer Heather Echols. They kick off the Season of Giving by sharing some special gift ideas, specifically GTI's new 30th Anniversary Limited Edition photo book, The Lands of the Bible! Pick up one of these keepsakes for yourself as well as another for a gift at gtitours.org/book Cost is $59.95. For a limited time, all pre-orders receive free shipping within the continental U.S.! All proceeds go toward our Trip Scholarship Fund.#45 Why Context Matters — Interview with Dr. Gary Burge
| Episode Guest: Dr. Gary Burge
Dr. Gary Burge is our special guest once again on this podcast. His experience in teaching the New Testament and leading groups to Israel help us understand why context matters. Gary challenges us to walk across an "interpretive bridge", that is to allow ourselves to be moved intellectually, emotionally and spiritually in order to understand the ancient text. Gaining a grasp on the history, geography and culture of Jesus' day help us decode and recode His teachings.