Are you interested in a trip to the Holy Land but you want more than a typical “5-star” tour? Are you a Brethren in Christ pastor or lay leader who desires to have a balanced, informative, and inspiring experience of the Holy Land and the people who live there? Would you like to participate in a course which will allow you to:

• visit major biblical/archaeological sites in Israel?
• reflect prayerfully on various biblical stories and events within the context of the Holy Land?
• explore the implications of selected Brethren in Christ core values within a different cultural context?
• cultivate a deepening appreciation for the value of other cultures?
• examine important features of Israeli and Palestinian life, including those of a religious, political and economic nature?
• consider current Middle Eastern issues from both Israeli and Palestinian perspectives?
• interact first-hand with Israeli and Palestinian people?
• develop meaningful and lasting relationships among the group participants?

Then this three week study tour led by Dr. Terry and Debra Brensinger is for you. The Brensingers lived in Israel for three years and Dr. Brensinger, former professor of Biblical Studies at Messiah College, taught their Israel Cross- Cultural Course. He has also served as senior pastor of the Grantham church.

Download the itinerary for the trip (PDF).

Reservations for the trip and questions should be addressed to Donna Sturr, dsturr@bic-church.org, 717.697.2634, ext. 5435. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required at the time of reservation. Persons reserving prior to August 30 will receive a $100 discount. Remaining balance and reservations must be received no later than November 30, 2009.

Download a printable registration card (PDF).

Dates: Leaving Monday, February 8, 2010, and returning on Monday, March 1, 2010.

Price: The cost of the trip is $2,800* including all meals and land travel, but not including roundtrip airfare to Israel. For those wanting to fly together with the group, roundtrip airfare from Newark is $957. If you wish to fly separately from the group, directions will be provided for you to meet the group by the opening session of the course. NOTE: In addition to the actual costs of the course, each participant is encouraged to give a tax-deductible gift of $200.00 to help cover the expenses of participants from outside North America.

Accommodations in Israel: The Ecumenical Institute for Theological Research, more commonly known as Tantur (www.tantur.org), established in 1972 as a place for scholars, pastors, missionaries and other devoted pilgrims from various Christian traditions to come and experience the Holy Land, is located on the southern extremity of Jerusalem on the road to Bethlehem. During the time away from Jerusalem, lodging will be at various clean but not elaborate hotels or guest houses.

The study tour will be limited to 25 participants with pastors given preference.
Necessary Travel Documents: Every participant needs a passport that is valid for at least six months following the trip. Entry visas can be obtained upon arrival in Israel and need not be secured in advance.

Cancellation and Refunds: Every effort will be made to deliver the course as described. In the event that the trip is cancelled by Equipping for Ministry, all collected funds will be returned to the participants. In the event that individual participants cancel, however, such refunds cannot be guaranteed. Various deposits for plane tickets and accommodations in Israel are made well in advance, and some cannot be recouped. Trip cancellation insurance can be purchased from selected providers.

Credit: This tour is sponsored by Equipping for Ministry as part of the Directed Study Program. As such it will serve as an elective for those enrolled in the program. It will also count for a Lifelong BIC Learning Credit for credentialed persons.

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy