Holy Land, Holy Lives

Pilgrimage with Pastor David Hansen

Join me on a life-changing, faith-deepening pilgrimage as we travel the world of the Bible. Together we will explore the places of Jesus’ ministry and other pivotal locations of the Bible.

Traveling through what is called the Holy Land, we will gain new insights on Scripture, the Gospel, and our own faith. Along the way, we will also meet and learn from those who call these places home today.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to grow in faith!

Details

July 5-15, 2023
Total cost: $3,690
Cost is inclusive of flights, in-country transportation & guides, hotels, and most meals
Additional cost for single hotels: $790
Cost does not include travel insurance or tips

Overview

Leaving from Houston on July 5, 2023, we will arrive in Tel Aviv on July 6. Staying the night there, we will then travel by coach across the country to Tiberias – on the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias). Along the way, we will visit Caesarea Maritima, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, and Cana.

We will stay on the Sea of Galilee for 3 nights. During that time, we will experience the Sea of Galilee itself – that place where the apostles went about their fishing careers, Jesus calmed the storm, and where he walked on the water. Much of Jesus’ ministry took place in this region, and we will have time here to see the locations that have long been associated with the life of Jesus. The Mount of Beatitudes, the beach where Peter met the risen Lord, Capernaum – which served as the home-base for Jesus ministry, and so much more.

One day trip from Tiberias will be up into Northern Israel, to Ceasarea Philippi and the Golan Heights.

Leaving the Galilee region, we will travel south through the Jordan Valley – following the same route used by all the pilgrims who travelled to Jerusalem during Jesus’ own time. Much like Jesus, we will stop along the way at Mount Gerizim, the central location in what was known as Samaria.

Continuing south, we will arrive in Bethlehem. Over the remaining days, we will be visiting locations in and around Jerusalem and Bethlehem. These include the traditional locations of Jesus’ birth and his death, and following in the footsteps of Jesus’ last days on earth. We will see the Temple Mount and the famous Western Wall, visit Yad Vashem – the Holocause Museum and Memorial. Will pray in the Garden of Gethsemane.

From Jerusalem, we will take a day trip south into the wilderness. At the Jordan River, we will see the spot traditionally associated with Jesus’ baptism. In Jericho, we will get a sense of the power of the wilderness temptations. We will see the caves in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and will float in the Dead Sea itself.

As time permits, we plan on visiting with the ministries of our Christian siblings in the Holy Land, as we encounter the people who continue to call this place home. These ministries include the Lutheran World Relief Hospital – Augusta Victoria (Mount of Olives), Christmas Lutheran Church (Bethlehem), and Redeemer Lutheran Church (Jerusalem).

How to Register

Visit the website of Elias Tours
From there, either click the “Book Now” button, or download the registration form and mail it in.
A $300 registration deposit is required. The next installment is due January 5, 2023; final installment April 5, 2023.
We are departing from Houston – flight details will be available as we get closer.
Send me a note, and let me know that you are traveling with me!

Note: The PDF Itinerary and registration form on Elias Tours website has more specific details, terms, and itinerary.