Pray for the peace of Jeruasalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.
                                        — Psalm 122:6-9


An Invitation from Pastor Terry...

One of the most remarkable experiences of my entire life was my first trip to Israel. I had waited for years to go where the future Temple would be built, to see the view that Paul had from his jail cell in Caesarea, to sail where Peter had walked on water (and later swam)… to walk in the footsteps of Christ. This is your opportunity as well when Countryside takes our next tour to Israel.

The Jewish nation is in need of blessing, and we’re in need of refreshing — both of those the Lord will accomplish as we travel the land of the Bible together. The people of Israel will be blessed and encouraged as they see us living out our faith in Jesus in front of them. We’ll be nourished and refreshed as we worship and study the Scriptures together in the Garden where it is believed Jesus’ tomb may have been located, in the serenity of the springs where the Lord chose Gideon’s army and from the stunning view of the whole Galilee region on Mount Arbel.

Begin praying for the Lord’s direction in joining us on this amazing and life changing experience.

Shalom!

TOUR ITINERARY

Our pilgrimage in Israel will include the coastland, the northern region of the Galilee, the desert wilderness of Judea and the cities and towns in which the Biblical events took place — Bethsaida, Capernaum, Jericho, Nazareth — ultimately, we’ll arrive in Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. Here are some of the highlights that we’ll enjoy on our tour of Israel.

THE  MEDITERRANEAN
On Israel’s Mediterranean coast, we will see Caesarea, the Roman aqueducts and the impressive Roman amphitheater (on the beach of Caesarea) where Paul preached to King Agrippa during his trial. Mount Carmel will also be experienced, the place where Elijah took on the four hundred prophets of Baal. We’ll experience Megiddo, overlooking the valley where the last great battle, Armageddon, will take place.

THE GALILEE
We’ll see Mount Arbel — a possible site for the giving of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ boyhood home, Nazareth, and Cana where Jesus' first miracle took place. In this northern area where Jesus called, taught and sent out His disciples, we will “boat” across the Sea of Galilee in a wooden fishing boat, stopping in the middle for worship and study. We will go to the quaint village of Capernaum, to teach in the town where Jesus spent so much of His ministry.

We will spend significant time at Caesarea Philippi, a most beautiful place, where Peter made his great confession concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. Tel Dan will be among our stops. A short hike through the countryside will allow us to experience the beauty of the area, and see one of the oldest discoveries on our tour. At the Jordan River, we will hold a baptismal service, which for many is a life-changing encounter. Climbing up Mount Hermon, we will consider the implications of “the transfiguration of Jesus” that transpired there and see various other sites of Old Testament significance as we make our way throughout this region.

THE JUDEAN DESERT
We’ll float in the Dead Sea, take in Qumran, and journey to the top of Masada while in the desert, west of the Dead Sea. 

There will also be a significant time of contemplation and reflection in the oasis of En Gedi, where David penned many of his Psalms.

JERUSALEM
The very name Jerusalem creates a stirring within the hearts of God’s people! We will have communion at the Garden Tomb, worship in the Upper Room, consider prophecy on the Temple Mount-Wailing Wall  area. We will walk the road Jesus walked from the Mount of Olives to Calvary in His final days.

We will teach on the actual sites where Jesus performed miracles on many, and will experience His miraculous touch on us! We’ll also explore ruins and archaeological digs, fountains and tunnels, churches and gardens. We’ll be hiking and bussing and boating and flying. Yes, there’ll be plenty of time to enjoy shopping in the bazaars of Old Jerusalem.

Keep checking back for information as to when our next tour will be scheduled.