As most of you know, I had the privilege of going to the Holy Lands on a tour this past November. It really was everything I had expected it to be and more! There were so many ways I benefitted from the trip, some of which I am still processing. One of the things that impressed me most is the feeling of being immersed in the biblical world – it's a feeling that is very difficult to put into words. But the result is a new appreciation of the Biblical text because of a feeling of familiarity with the geography of the land.

This is precisely why I want to lead a trip with our people back to the Holy Lands in 2020. The dates are going to be March 13-22, 2020. The cost of the trip is going to be in the ballpark of $4,000/person. This will include round-trip airfare, breakfast and lunch each day, entry fees into the sites, and all hotels. Essentially, the only thing you'll bring money for is lunch and souvenirs. You should plan on a good bit of walking, but it's still pretty accessible to most people. If you have really bad knees or a bad back, you might talk to someone who has been to see if it's manageable for you. 

In order to successfully put this trip together, we will need between 10-20 adults. We will be going with Discovery Cruises and Tours, and we're scehduled with a tour guide named Eraz. Eraz is a Messianic-Jew, and he comes to me highly recommended. The group will be just us, so you will have plenty of access to Eraz to ask questions and gain insight.

This trip is not a pilgrimage. You gain no "spiritual points" by taking a trip to the Holy Lands, and your standing before God is no better if you go (nor any worse if you don't go). However, going to the Holy Lands does change the way you read the Bible. This is why I want to take you. It puts the text of scripture in a different light when you set foot in historical setting of Jesus, the disciples, the patriarchs, and the like. 

In order to gauge interest in the trip, I have included a sign-up form. By signing up, you are NOT obligating yourself to go. You are merely giving me a decent feel for the interest in the church. A number of you have told me of your interest, but I want to be sure before we walk too much further down this road. I would encourage you to sign up even if your interest is only casual. Click here to express interest.

Thanks for your consideration. Email me if you have any questions: crosswhite@emmanueltuscaloosa.org