2025 plans are blooming this spring with classic itineraries plus NEW discoveries on our SEVEN Signature Tours! Listen to this fun episode as Rich, Jerrell and Richard describe the lineup one by one: Egypt/Jordan (Footsteps of Moses) - March 5-17, 2025 Jordan/Saudi Arabia - March 16-24, 2025 Turkey/Greece - April 24 - May 5, 2025 Stand with Israel - Aug. 24 - Sept. 4, 2025 Jordan/Israel - Sept. 6-18, 2025 Germany/Switzerland (Reformation Tour) - Oct. 6-17, 2025 Greece/Rome - Oct. 16-27, 2025 Regardless of which trip you choose, you will enjoy the best of the country and culture we are visiting, as well as local guides, exceptional food, diverse itinerary, and biblical teaching. Join us and watch the Land and Lessons of the Bible come to LIFE!

In the wake of the April 14 attack on Israel by Iran, Rich speaks with Israeli guide and friend Dan Mossek for an update from his perspective. We are thankful to report that our Israeli team and partners are safe and there was little (if any) damage. Dan describes that life in Israel April 15 was essentially "business as usual": Jerusalem is quiet, the Gaza situation is contained, and several airlines are returning service to Israel. God willing, Rich will be flying into Tel Aviv in early May and will give another update. Please continue to pray for Israel and her people as they stand strong.

Rich Ferreira interviews our veteran tour guide Ronen Khayat for an update on Israel. As of this recording (March 29, 2024), things are quiet in and around Jerusalem. The northern and southern borders are feeling the tension, but only two of our typical sites on an Israel tour are closed. Daily life in most of the country has adapted to the "new normal." One of the many things we love about our Israeli team is that the guides and drivers are friends and enjoy spending time together. They like to explore their own country in their free time, not only to learn it better but to enjoy it! Ronen and the group recently visited Emmaus (seven miles from Jerusalem, according to Luke 24:13-35) and saw Roman milestone markers (see photos). They also like to off-road in the Judean desert and prepare lunch on the grill. Israel in March is lush and green, with many flowering trees and plants. Until our groups can return, enjoy these beautiful photos! Rich will be returning to Israel in early May and will be giving us another update, so stay tuned!

Our newest Signature Tour journeys to the heart of the Reformation - Germany! We will trace the life, ministry, and theology of Martin Luther and other Reformers whom God used to reignite the evangelical movement. Listen to this episode as Rich Ferreira and trip leader Rich Liverance describe the uniqueness of this itinerary: being in Europe vs. the Middle East, walking instead of hiking, singing hymns along the way, discussing WWII and figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, visiting historical sites and seeing stunning spectacles like the Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavarian Alps.

Rich's better half Becky joins him for this podcast recounting GTI's recent Staff & Family Trip to Turkey! During the week of Thanksgiving, our group of 75 traveled to Turkey to study the Seven Churches of Revelation. Our eclectic crew of staff, spouses, kids and grandkids came from all over the US: Michigan, California, Florida, Texas, Tennessee and South Carolina. Contrary to popular belief, Turkey is not part of the Middle East and is a safe destination. Its people are Muslims but not Arabs. Turkey is an incredible and underrated country with rich history, stunning ruins and fabulous food. Turkey is the Asia Minor mentioned in scripture; 75 percent of the New Testament was written either to or from Asia Minor!

GTI's resident archaeologist Rich Liverance joins this podcast. The relatively new science of archaeology is a common topic on our biblical study tours. Rich shares from his personal experience at the active digs of Abel Beth Maccah in northern Israel, as well as Tel a Hammam in Jordan (the possible site of Sodom). From roping off a site into 5m squares to finding an iron blade, Rich knows what a day on a dig is like! He also reminds us that the Bible interprets the Bible. Archaeology CONFIRMS the Bible, as well as give material culture to the text. For example, the 1993 discovery at Tel Dan of a tablet mentioning the "House of David" confirms King David's existence and impact 150 years after his life; the discovery of a wall or some jewelry would illuminate the lifestyle of the people who lived in David's time.

Israeli guide Dan Mossek is our podcast guest on this episode. Dan has been partnering with GTI for 10 years and brings expertise on theology, geography, history and archaeology. Speaking as a former soldier and current recruit trainer, he shares an update on Israel and the war with Hamas. Dan and Rich also discuss Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights which is celebrated this time of year. Since the history of Hanukkah dates to 164 BC, it's not biblical; however, the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian Greeks represents light over darkness both physically and symbolically. This reminds us of the words of Christ in John 8:12: "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'."

Pastor, author and trip leader Brian Haynes joins our podcast today. He and Rich describe the different types of deserts found in Israel and how they are biblical metaphors for life. Brian shares a personal story of when his family walked through a "YESHIMON" desert. In times like this, only the presence of God and a miracle of God will sustain life. These experiences led Brian to author War in the Wilderness: Fight for Your Family When Life Isn't as It Should Be, a resource for families to point them to God and to give them Hope as they walk through trying times.

Author and scholar Chad Bird joins our podcast again, this time to discuss one of his newer books, Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship. This book guides us through the stories of the Patriarch Jacob, a rare biblical account which documents a life from in utero until death. His multi-faceted and sometimes frustrating personality gives us a mirror in which we can see ourselves: lying and fighting to get ahead, taking advantage instead of showing mercy, looking out for ourselves while God looks out for us. Be encouraged by the fact that God specializes in saving sinners and calling highly-imperfect people (like Jacob) to be His disciples. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome” (Gen. 32:28).

So many of our friends and followers have recently asked, "How can we help Israel?" and, "How can we help GTI?" This podcast episode will help answer those questions! Rich Ferreira hosts this episode with Israeli friend and guide Nadav as well as staff members Rich and Jerrell. Nadav gives us some personal examples of how adaptive and resourceful Israelis can be in finding ways to keep busy and help others during this period of war. Promises of Glory website provides a platform to support Holy Land merchants during challenging times. A portion of the proceeds will go toward aid and assistance. GTI's "Giving Back" page also features Johnny's souvenir shop in Bethlehem. A win-win is checking off your Christmas list with unique gifts while you support one of our partners! Be sure to order soon to allow enough time for shipping. Another exciting opportunity is purchasing our NEW GTI MERCH Check out our new designs on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more! These also make great gifts! All proceeds go toward a fund for our Israeli guides. The best way to support GTI is to join one of our upcoming trips. We have Signature Tours scheduled all throughout 2024, even a new one to GERMANY! Learn more and register at: https://gtitours.org/schedule https://gtitours.org/giving-back