Salaam, Shalom and Hello!
I’d like to personally invite you to a unique study tour of the Holy Land, taking place from 5-15 April 2010.
What makes this tour so special?
First of all, most tours of Israel/Palestine focus much more on the past than the present.
While it is fascinating to visit historical sites such as the Via Dolorosa, the Pool of Bethesda and the Garden Tomb – and our tour will go to many places like these – it’s equally exciting to visit sites that are significant to people living in the Holy Land today.
On our tour, we will visit places like the bustling city of Haifa as well as the Knesset and a refugee camp. We’ll also meet parliament members and human rights workers.
Behind the headlines
Secondly, this tour will help you go behind the headlines.
You’ll meet and pray with Palestinian Christians and Messianic Jews as well as people who are working for reconciliation within the Middle East. In doing so, you’ll gain a greater understanding of the current climate in the Holy Land and the people living there.
Thirdly, and I say this a bit tongue-in-cheek, most tours don’t have me. As a Palestinian-born believer in Jesus, I believe that I can offer some unique insight. I’ve led many excursions to my homeland and see this entire journey as a conversation rather than just a tour.
A heart for mission
Perhaps the biggest difference between our tour and some others is our heart for mission. CMS has a network of longstanding friendships and connections in the Middle East. I think you’ll enjoy meeting some of our partners. As you get to know them, it will help fuel your prayers for peace in the Holy Land.
The cost of the trip is £1,300. This price is inclusive of flights, accommodation, three meals a day, entry to all the sites, transport and payment for speakers, our driver and our guide; the only extras are your own spending money and tips for the driver and guide.
I invite you to take a look at the itinerary (download the PDF), and to please contact my colleague, Sarah Truby, who is helping with the logistics of the trip, if you have any questions. Sarah’s number is 01865 787494.
I look forward to travelling with you.
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Tanas Alqassis