Potential Tour Leaders Familiarization (FAM) Trip

February 23 – March 4, 2011

 

Hosted by Yoel & Laura Seton

 

On this Familiarization Tour for those in ministry, we will focus on the life of Jesus from his home in Galilee to Jerusalem, giving particular attention to the influence of Jewish thought and culture of the period on the origins of Christianity. Our goal is a better understanding of Jesus' ministry, his place among the Jewish people, and the application of His teachings for us today.  The tour will also include sites from the Old Testament as well as the history of modern Israel.  During our journey, we will pray, worship and seek the Lord together in the beautiful land of God’s promises.

 

Day 1: Wednesday, February 23

ARRIVAL IN THE LAND OF PROMISE

Arrival to Beit Immanuel, CMJ’s ministry center and guesthouse ministry in the Tel Aviv area.

Overnight: Beit Immanuel Guest House, Jaffa

 

Day 2: Thursday, February 24

PROPHECY AND FULFILLMENT

After breakfast, we begin the day with introductions, prayer and worship. Next we will have a short tour of Beit Immanuel, and an introduction the ministries there.  We then travel north along the coast of the Mediterranean to the Atlit transit camp, operational in British mandate times, where ruins of the Crusader citadel are still visible. Here we shall learn of the turmoil in British Mandate Palestine following the Second World War and its part in the formation of the modern state. Our next stop is Mt. Carmel for a spectacular view over the North of Israel.  We will discuss the Scriptures about Elijah’s defeat over the prophets of Baal at this site. On our way to the Galilee we travel the route of the ancient Via Maris, passing through the Jezreel Valley, a candidate for the location of the battle of Armageddon. Time permitting, we will stop at Megiddo to discuss Jewish apocalyptic literature and the book of Revelation. Finally we arrive at the village of Migdal, at the location of biblical Magdala, where we check in at CMJ’s Prayer and Retreat Center, Beit Bracha (House of Blessing), overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Overnight: Beit Bracha, Galilee

 

Day 3: Friday, February 25

THE GOLAN Heights – Past & Present

Today we will explore a mixture of Biblical and modern history in the ancient land of Bashan. We begin today by climbing up to the magnificent Golan Heights. We will visit a reconstructed biblical village at Katzrin where we will examine everyday imagery in Scripture. We then proceed to Kibbutz El Rom to learn about the Israeli Syrian conflict in the Yom Kippur War. This will be followed by a visit to the regions of Mount Hermon, a possible site for the Transfiguration, and Caesarea Philippi, in the region where Peter made His famous confession of Jesus being the Messiah. The rest of the afternoon will be reflecting on “living water” at the richest water source of the Sea of Galilee in the Dan nature reserve.

Overnight: Beit Bracha, Galilee

 

Day 4: Saturday, February 26

The Ministry of Jesus

Today we examine in detail the ministry of Jesus around the Sea of Galilee incorporating Khorazim, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Capernaum.  In particular we will focus on Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God.  What exactly did Jesus have in mind when He went throughout the Galilee preaching about the Kingdom? Is this some future eschatological event or a present reality of God’s rule and reign in the lives of those who have become Jesus’ disciples? There will be time for reflection in nature as we enjoy a quiet stroll down the hills where Jesus walked. We will end our day with a sunset boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  Overnight: Beit Bracha, Galilee

 

Day 5: Sunday, February 27

SAMARIA: ISRAEL’S ANCIENT HOMELAND

After an early start, we head south from the Sea of Galilee towards Jerusalem. Today we journey into the northern homeland of the Patriarchs, of the Israelites under Joshua, and later the breakaway Kingdom of Israel.  Sites visited will include Shiloh, Mt. Gerezim, Mt. Kabir, and an overview of Bethel. We will focus on our roots in the Old Testament, which are vital to our understanding of the New Testament. Time permitting, we will stop at strategic hilltop of Neve Samuel as we make our final ascent to Jerusalem, the City of the Great King. After a festive Shabbat dinner, we will take an easy stroll to a rooftop panorama of the Old City with Shoresh Director Yoel Seton and his wife.

Overnight at Old City Hotel, Jerusalem

 

Day 6: Monday, February 28

INTRODUCTION TO JERUSALEM AND FREE AFTERNOON

Our day begins with a tour of the historic Christ Church compound and introduction the various CMJ ministries based there.  Next we head to the Tower of David Museum at the Citadel, where we will enjoy breathtaking views overlooking Jerusalem and have an introduction to the fascinating history of the Old City.  The afternoon is free for rest, reflection, shopping, or for the adventurous, perhaps a walk on the walls of the Old City.

Overnight at Old City Hotel, Jerusalem

 

Day 7: Tuesday, March 1

HISTORIC suffering & MODERN ISRAEL

In the morning we shall go to Yad VaShem, the Israel Memorial Museum to the Holocaust. Here we examine the spiritual and theological roots of the most notorious genocide in history and the connection between the Church, Jesus and the Jewish people prior to and during this period of time. There we will also visit the Children’s Memorial and discuss the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish Christian relations today. In the afternoon, we will embark on a walking tour of the New City, including lunch in the colorful souq (open air market), and a variety of historic neighborhoods.  As we experience life in modern Jerusalem, we will consider the spread of the gospel amongst the Jewish people at this point in history. 

Overnight at Christ Church Guesthouse, Jerusalem

 

Day 8: Wednesday, March 2

DISCOVERING JERUSALEM THE TIME OF KING DAVID & JESUS

An early start will take us to where it all began – the City of David. Here we will examine the ongoing excavations and also go through Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam. We then visit the Temple Mount (unquestionably the most contested piece of real estate in the world), and we will consider some of Jesus’ activities there. After a visit to the Western Wall, Judaism’s most holy site, we will take a trip to the tunnels under the Western Wall plaza, affording us an exciting opportunity to walk in Jerusalem at what was street level in the time of Jesus. We complete our day at the excavations at the southern wall of the Temple Mount where we will discuss Pentecost.

Overnight at Christ Church Guesthouse, Jerusalem

 

Day 9: Thursday, March 3

JESUS’ DEATH & RESURRECTION

After breakfast, we will focus on the last week of Jesus’ earthly life.  First we will visit a tomb from the time of Jesus, and then take time for quiet reflection and prayer.  We will then walk down the Mount of Olives to Gethsemane where we will learn about crucifixion, burial and resurrection according to Jewish sources outside of the Bible. This will shed new light on the narrative of the heart of the New Testament, the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. We shall continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and then conclude our day at the peaceful Garden Tomb. In the evening we will complete our understanding of the role of the Lamb of God by celebrating a Jewish Passover Seder meal together, making Biblical connections to the “last supper” that Jesus shared with his disciples.

Overnight at Christ Church Guesthouse, Jerusalem

 

Day 10: Friday, March 4

DEPARTURE FOR THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to changes depending on local conditions.

OPTIONAL FAM TOUR EXTENSION

MARCH 4-8, 2011

 

The FAM Tour extension is all about meeting local believers and connecting with

the local body of Messiah in Israel for mutual edification and encouragement.

 

Day 10: Friday, March 4

MINISTRIES IN JERUSALEM

Beginning with the Israel Bible Society, we today we will visit with several ministry leaders in Jerusalem.

Overnight: Christ Church Guesthouse, Jerusalem

 

Day 11: Saturday, March 5

FREE DAY IN JERUSALEM

Participants on our tours often request more “down time” for rest and reflection or exploring on their own.  For those continuing after the FAM Tour, today will be a welcome rest and opportunity to prepare for our upcoming adventures.  In the evening, Lord willing, we will join the worship at a local Messianic congregation.

Overnight: Christ Church Guesthouse, Jerusalem

 

Day 12: Sunday, March 6

MINISTRIES IN THE NEGEV

After an early start, we will travel south through the Negev Desert to visit with ministry leaders and learn about contemporary persecution and the spread of the gospel in this area.  We will end up at an oasis for the night - a Bedouin-style encampment in the Judean Wilderness.  Here we will sample a bit of what life was like for the nomadic Patriarchs and children of Israel.  Time permitting, we will have a short camel ride before dinner.

Overnight: Kfar HaNokdim, Judean Wilderness

 

Day 13: Monday, March 7

MINISTRIES IN THE NEGEV AND TEL AVIV & ENVIRONS

After breakfast in the desert, we will travel north to the Tel Aviv area, stopping along the way to meet with local believers and learning about their ministries and congregations.

Overnight: Beit Immanuel Guest House, Jaffa

 

Day 14: Tuesday, March 8

DEPARTURE FOR THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

 

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to changes depending on local conditions.