Help support our friends in Israel in their time of need.
Israel Study Tour with Orchard Hill Reformed Church
July 14-25, 2019
Subscription options are no longer available for this tour.
For all who believe
Starting out today on the east side of the Lake of Galilee, the land of the pagans. These Roman cities had gathering spaces not for worship of the Lord, but instead for “self-oriented” activities such as theater, sports and self improvement. We began at the city of Susita/Hippo where we met Dr. Geyer, an archeo-botanist from San Diego. He showed us how Christians eventually took over this Roman city and built a new city over the top of it.
We are reminded that Jesus during his ministry, went to the “dark side” of the lake bringing the words of the Lord and healing to the Gentiles. Amazing and wonderful - salvation is not just for “some” but for all who believe.
Caesarea Maritima
The city and harbor were built under Herod the Great during c. 22–10 BC near the site of a former Phoenician naval station known as Stratonos pyrgos (Στράτωνος πύργος).[2] It later became the provincial capital of Roman Judea, Roman Syria Palaestina and Byzantine Palaestina Prima provinces. The city was populated throughout the 1st to 6th centuries CE and became an important early center of Christianity during the Byzantine period, but was mostly abandoned following the Muslim conquest of 640. It was re-fortified by the Crusaders, and finally slighted by the Mamluks in 1265.
On this particular day, we had a new Roman guide “Ronanimus Maximus.” He looked remarkably similar to our previous Israeli guide and shared with us a wealth of knowledge regarding the lifestyle of Romans in the city of Schytopolos, the capital city of the pagans.
Driving through the Jezreel Valley, we were reminded that 34 significant world battles were fought here. At one end of the valley was the city of Megiddo. The word “Armageddon “ comes from here.
Scripture from the book of Revelations describes the Lord’s final battle here when He comes again. WE are a part of this battle and have God’s promise of victory!
Written by Karen Seitz and Julie Vantine
Megiddo
From the earliest times (EB) to the earliest historical records of the area (Thutmose III) to the future (Revelation 16), Megiddo assumes a prominent role. This is largely owing to its strategic location astride the Megiddo Pass (Wadi Ara) and inside the busy Jezreel Valley.
Upcoming Signature Tours
With 30 years of experience creating trips for other ministries, we've prepared our own signature study tours featuring some of our favorite itineraries and compelling teachers! If you've never been on a GTI Study Tour, take a moment to learn more about what you can expect.