Amazing Israel-Turkey

 12 May – 24 May 2024

Turkey and Israel Journey

Genesis 12:1-3

Now YHVH said to Abram, “Get yourself out of your country, away from your kinsmen and away from your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.  I will make of you a great nation, I will bless you, and I will make your name great; and you are to be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

Day 1: Departure from Johannesburg: (Sunday 12 May 2024)

Our journey begins as we depart to Israel.

Day 2: (Monday 13 May 2024)    

Eilat, Red Sea

The Bible comes alive as we start our journey reading the Scriptures. Today we will visit the Red Sea and experience the Biblical story of the crossing of the Israelites trough the Red Sea. The Bible tells us approximately 3,500 years ago, Moses parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites out of Egypt across to the other side. Then, when the Egyptian chariots crossed after them in pursuit, God caused the wheels to come off the chariots and the waters to quickly recede upon them, drowning all Pharaoh’s army. When travelling through “the wilderness of the Red Sea” Ex.13:18, escaping Pharaoh’s army, God told Moses to turn south, so they headed through a wadi or canyon area that is called the Wadi Watir which led to the sea. The Bible in Ex. 14:3 says, “They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in.” Gazing across we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. The Children of Israel camped at Ezion-Geber (Numbers 33,36). Ezion Geber is part of the Red Sea resort-port of Eilat.  You will have time on your own to enjoy the exquisite beauty and night life in Eilat. Listen to some music on the shores of the Red Sea and meditate on what the Israelites experienced.

Meals: Dinner on your own                                                      Overnight:  Eilat

Day 3: (Tuesday 14 May 2024)  

Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Netanya, Mt Carmel, Jezreel – Megiddo Valley, Mount Precipice, Haifa, Akko,  Nazareth

Early Morning upon arrival in Tel Aviv, we take a drive to Joppa the oldest port of Israel with a charismatic beautiful port city that dates back thousands of years, where Peter had his vision on the rooftop of the House of Simon the Tanner, Tabitha was raised from the dead and Jonah set sail to Tarshish from Jaffa. King Solomon built his port on the Mediterranean. We drive to Natanya which is situated in the valley Ha Sharon) and refers to the Song of Solomon 2:1. We drive to Mt. Carmel where Elijah challenged King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. (1 Kings 19) we see the Jezreel Valley, the Armageddon Battlefield, (Hill of Megiddo”), mentioned in the Bible only once, as Revelation to John (16:16).  We make our way to Haifa where you will experience a view over the harbour in the Mediteranean sea, come to a better understanding about the different ages of the different believes and cultures that lived here.  We drive to Akko where we will be taken back into history. The city was the Crusaders’ stronghold and know at that time as Acre. In Judges 1:31, it is referred to as one of the places the Israelites failed to hold. In the New Testament, Acco was known as Ptolemais and was one of the stops on Paul’s final return to Jerusalem (Acts 21:7).  Herod the Great received Augustus Caesar at this site since Caesarea had not yet been completed. Our evening ends in Nazareth where Yeshua spent his boyhood years before beginning his ministry at the age of 30. Yeshua returned to Nazareth after his baptism and visit the local synagogue declaring in public, that he is the Messiah. Rejecting his claim, the Nazarenes’ declare him as a false Messiah, and drag him to the “edge of the city“. They attempt to throw over the cliff, but “he passed through the midst of them and walked away” (Luke 4:29-30). We end the day in prayer on Mount Precipice that is 397 above Sea level.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                  Overnight:  Nazareth

Day 4: (Wednesday 15 May 2024)

Nazareth, Cana, Mt. Tabor, Yeshua Boat, Sail on Galilee, Mount of the Beatitudes Tabgha

We start this morning in the town of Nazareth where Yeshua grew up in his early childhood. Traveling to Cana of Galilee where Yeshua performed His first miracle at the wedding. We ascend to Mt. Tabor the place of transfiguration and ascension of Yeshua, coming to a deeper understanding about the everlasting life. We visit Nof Ginnosar Kibbutz where a discovery of the ancient Boat were made. We enjoy relaxing Cruise on the Sea of Galilee with devotion on board, bringing to life the experiences of Yeshua and the fishermen disciples. We have special time at the Mount of the Beatitudes, the site of the Sermon on the Mount. While experiencing the words of Yeshua to the multitudes we have a beautiful view of the entire Galilee. While enjoying an amazing outlook over the Sea of Galilee with a visit Tabgha the site of the multiplication of loaves and fishes where Yeshua appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, restored and commissioned Simon Peter to rise, serve as the leader of the new-born community of Faith.  Here we will have time to reflect on the word and take time to wash each others feet. We take time to pray and meditate.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight:  Nazareth

 

Day 5: (Thursday 16 May 2024)   

Judean Desert, Bethabara, Qumran, Dead Sea, Jericho, Wadi Qilt  

This is a very early as we take our Journey through the Judean Desert with a visit to the Biblical Baptism site Bethabara that played an important role in the life of Yeshua. After his rejection in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, “He went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.” (John 10.40). We visit Qumran where the Deadsea Scrolls were found  We enjoy some time at the Dead Sea before we continue to Jericho, where God had an awesome plan for the battle of Jericho. Standing here in these valleys brings us to make a special Covenant with our Heavenly Father as the Israelites did after crossing over from Jordan to the Promised Land. With Scriptures coming to life, we have a better understanding of the Amazing plan YHVH had for His people. With a view over  the Mount of Temptation, we read how Yeshua was tempted by Satan after fasting 40 days & 40 Nights.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 6: (Friday 17 May 2024)  

Shepherd Field, Last Supper Room, Tomb of King David, Zion Gate, Jewish Quarters, Western Wall and Southern Steps, Golden Gate, Mount of Olives, Church of All Nations, Garden of Gethsemane

We start at the Shepherds field in Bethlehem. Yeshua was born in Bethlehem, which was a fulfillment of prophecy (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7) and burial for Rachel. Bethlehem actually means “house of bread.”, known as the birthplace of David (2 Sam 23:24; 1 Chr 11:26). The roads descending to the east of Bethlehem lead through the village of Beit Sahour which is identified since ancient times where the shepherds seen the Star. (Luke 2:8-10). This morning is a very early start and long walk we visit the Upper Room (Luke 22). We visit the traditional site where Yeshua instituted the “Last Supper” – Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1—17:26.  Visit the Tomb of King David and walk through the historic Jewish Quarter, down the Cardo. On our way down the stairs we see the Golden Lamp Stand and enjoy prayer time at the Western Wall. We take our journey out the Dung Gate to view the Southern Wall Excavations and the Temple Stairs. We walk pass the Mercy Gate and make our way up to the Golden Gate. We head to the top of the Mount of Olives to stand where Yeshua had a breathtaking view of the city across the Kidron Valley to the Eastern Gate where the Prince of Peace will enter (Ezekiel 44) also the place where He ascended into heaven (Acts 1). We  visit where “the Yeshua wept” as he beheld the Holy City and walk down the Palm Sunday Road to the Garden of Gethsemane and see 2,000 year old olive trees that date back to the time of Yeshua. We visit the Church of All Nations.  We spend time praying in the Garden.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight: Jerusalem

 

Day 7:  (Saturday 18 May 2024) 

Caiaphas House, Pools of Bethsaida, Stations of the Cross, Golgotha, Garden Tomb, Tomb of Samuel, Ein Kerem, Abu Gosh, Tel Aviv  

We visit the House of Caiaphas before we start The Way of The cross from the Lions gate, continuing to the Pools of Bethsaida that have supplied water to the First and Second Temples until Herod the Great’s time. These very baths are where the healing miracle of Yeshua took place.  We visit Ecco homo (“behold [the] man” John 19 where the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe. We continue to the Stations of the Cross and end at Golgotha and end our day at the empty Garden Tomb, where we will reflect on the Resurrection with a time of prayer (Luke 23).  We visit the Tomb of Samuel with an extraordinary view. Samuel’s grave is situated atop a steep hill to the north of the Jerusalem neighborhood of Ramo. Samuel’s legacy as a prophet began when he was 13 years old, and God had anointed him for this position. By the time Samuel had become a grown man he had become an important public figure and people had known him for being a prophet of God. Samuel was an honest and fair judge, dispensing God’s law impartially. Our journey continue to Ein Kerem a pilgrimage site where John the Baptist was born. Next we will have a visit to the village of Abu Gosh, it was known in Biblical Times as Kiryat Ye’arim, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed from here King David brought the Holy Shrine back to Jerusalem.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight:   

Day 8:  (Sunday 19 May 2024) 

Istanbul, Pergamon, Izmir 

We say goodbye to Israel, having wonderful memories and treasure them in our hearts filled with a new and revived passion of Faith. Israel remains on our lips. We on our way to Turkey where we will continue our walk in faith. Upon Arrival, we will go through all formalities and make our visit Pergamum. The church of Pergamum was praised for its forbearance; (Revelation. 2:12-17) it was here that the first Christians were executed by Rome. We’ll visit the fabled Acropolis, pass through the Royal Gates, view the foundations of the Altar of Zeus and visit the ruins of the library (which once held 200,000 volumes). Next we travel east to Thyatira viewing the ancient roadway and period columns. Thyatira was once a busy trading center and famous as a “seller of purple,” the most favored of the Seven Churches. We continue south to Izmir, which is the third largest city in Turkey and a long time center for Jews and Christians. In Paul’s day, Izmir was known as Smyrna and was another of the Seven Churches (Rev. 2:8-11). We end our day in Izmir.

Meals:   Dinner.                                                                                         Overnight: Izmir

Day 9:  (Monday 20 May 2024) 

Sardis, Philadelphia, Pamukkale

Departing our Hotel in Izmir, we’ll see Polycarp’s Church and visit the ancient roman agora. Then, we travel to Sardis, which was berated by John for its facade of strength when, in reality, it was weak (Rev. 3:1-6). Here coins were minted and the dyeing of wool originated. We’ll visit the gymnasium and synagogue. Our next stop is nearby Philadelphia from where we are challenged to “hold fast” and look forward to the coming of the “new Jerusalem” (Rev. 3:7-13) in the Book of Revelation. Not much is left of the city except for the ancient wall and the remains of a Byzantine basilica in the modern city of Alasehir.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight: Pamukkale

Day 10:  (Tuesday 21 May 2024) 

Hierapolis, Laodicea & Colossae

Hierapolis, meaning “Sacred City,” was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the “lukewarm” Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. We spend the remainder of the day traveling through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we spend two nights. The day will not be complete without a visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight: Pamukkale

Day 11:  (Wednesday 22 May 2024) 

Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Laodicea – Kusadasi

Hierapolis, meaning “Sacred City,” was an ancient center for pagan cults until it was transformed into a Christian center in the first century. According to tradition, the Apostle Philip lived and was martyred in Hierapolis. It was likely the hot springs of Hierapolis (in contrast to the cold mountain springs near Colossae) that combined to bring application to the “lukewarm” Laodiceans (Rev 3:14-22). This connection between the cities lies behind Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians (Col 4:13). Laodicea is mentioned four times in the New Testament’s epistle to the Colossians (Col. 2:1; 4:13,15,16). In writing to the Colossians, Paul the Apostle sends greetings to them through a Laodicean named Nymphas and the church at their house (Col 4:15). Laodicea contains many acres of ruins to visit including a stadium and remnants of a sophisticated water system. Nearby Colossae is well-known throughout Christian circles as the receiver of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Today, the town has fallen into obscurity and nothing remains. We travel through the Turkish countryside arriving in the port city of Kusadasi where we visit to a local Turkish Rug cooperative. Kusadasi, meaning “Bird’s Island” refering to the shape of Pigeon Island. The early settlements in Kusadasi is by the Lelegians and Carians who moved from the central Anatolia around the year of 3000BC. The city was invaded by Persians around the year of 546BC. In 200BC Kusadasi and its environs were dominated by the Roman Empire, and with the division of the Roman Empire, became a state of Byzantine. The Turkish domination entered upon the invasion of Seljukian Kilic Arslan the 2nd. It was important trade roads such as Silk Road -once held by Ephesus

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight: Kusadasi

Day 12:  (Thursday 23 May 2024) 

Kusadasi – Ephesus – Istanbul

We travel to the nearby town of Selcuk for a visit of ancient Ephesus. Ephesus is mentioned multiple times in the New Testament, and the biblical book of Ephesians, written around 60 A.D Ephesus was once a thriving port town of 250,000 people. Today you can still see the spectacular excavations of the major streets in this ancient city. We view the Library, Agora, theatre, colorful mosaics in the aristocratic Terrace Houses, and a panoramic outlook of the surrounding ancient port area (including a wealth of church history and cultural insight). Then we continue with a visit to the Basilica Church of John, which houses an immersion baptismal and is believed to be resting place of John. From here we have an excellent overview of the Ephesus harbour and see the site of the Temple of Artemis, which is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We have a rest at our hotel after dinner before we make our way to the Airport

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.                                                   Overnight: Kusadasi

The Scripture came to life and it will never be the same. Our minds are filled with revelation and understanding.

May the wisdom of God follow us the rest of our life.