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Come visit the Holy Land and

Never Read your Bible the Same!

IsraelTour2021.com

Have you always wanted to see the Holy Land?

Would you like to walk where Jesus walked?

Do you have a thirst to learn more about the Bible?

October 24-November 5, 2021

Click boldface print for links!

LIMITED ROOM! If you would like to sign up, please email Eric Johnson (eric@mrm.org) for the online registration link. We are close to sold out!

To look through the optional insurance policy, click Travel Insurance Info

With your Striving for Eternity hosts Justin Peters, Andrew Rappaport, and Anthony Silvestro.

In addition, Dave Cunningham, the lead pastor at GraceLife Church in Annville, PA and the founder of Sports4Him, will join us with some of his friends.

We invite you to join us for so many sites from the Bible, including:

Sea of Galilee boat ride
Behind-the-scenes tour of the Western Wall
Masada
Hezekiah’s Tunnel
Hiking through Ein Gedi and Dan
Drinking out of Jacob’s well
And much more!

You have the option to fly with our group from Newark, NJ or meet us in Israel (land only). Our official air schedule

Non-stop Flight Newark to Tel Aviv!

Sunday, October 24: Leave Newark at 4:45 p.m.; arrive in Tel Aviv the next morning 9:55 a.m. United Flight #84

November 5: Leave Tel Aviv at 10:25 a.m.; arrive in Newark that day at 4:35 pm. United Flight #85

Itinerary

(Click on boldfaced words for videos)

Itinerary subject to change while touring for the best interest of the group.

DAY 1 –Sunday, October 24, 2021: Flight from Newark (NJ) Airport

Today we gather in Newark, NJ. (Those going land only and arranging their own flights will meet us at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport. the next day.) You are responsible to get to Newark. Meals served on board.

DAY 2 – Monday, October 25, 2021: TEL AVIV / JOPPA / HAIFA

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv in the morning (9:30 a.m.) we are met by our guide Andre Sharma who will be with us for the time we are in the Holy Land. These sites are extra and are possible only because we arrive so early that day. (Thus, if you arrive land only and are not at the airport when the main group arrives, you will not be able to see these two extra sites.) We'll first stop by Joppa, the city where the story of Jonah takes place. From here, we will head north to Haifa, a place where the Bahai temple resides. We can't go inside, but we can take a look at the gardens and learn more about this very interesting religion. The entire ride along the coast, both ways, is simply amazing and gives you an idea of what the coast of Israel looks like. After checking this out, we will return south to the city to the city of Netanya on the Mediterranean Sea for an afternoon walk on the beach before dinner and overnight in our hotel.

HOTEL: Leonardo Plaza in Netanya

DAY 3 – Tuesday, October 26, 2021: CAESAREA / Mt CARMEL /MEGIDDO / NAZARETH / TIBERIAS

This morning we begin our day at Caesarea, a port on the Mediterranean Sea that was built by Herod the Great and dedicated to Augustus Caesar, the Roman emperor. Here you will have a chance to sit in the Roman theater, walk along the hippodrome, and see where Herod’s palace once stood, as 2,000-year-old floor mosaics can still be seen on the shore. Paul was under arrest and certainly was here! This is considered one of Israel’s major archaeological sites and is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the country. We proceed to Mt. Carmel where there is a fantastic view of the entire area of Israel. This is the place where Elijah contested against the priests of Baal and God came through in a miraculous way. From here, we visit Megiddo to see the excavations that unearthed 20 different civilizations. It is better known as “Armageddon” according to the book of Revelation. We then take a step back in time at Nazareth Village, which has been constructed to look like a 1st century village just like Jesus would have known. You will have a chance to talk to a shepherd, carpenter, and others who will converse in their first century way. It is quite an experience! We make our way to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee for the first night of our three-night stay.

Hotel: The Sea of Galilee Hotel in Tiberias (NIGHT 1 of 3)

DAY 4 – Wednesday, October 27, 2021: CHORAZIN / HAZOR / DAN / CAESAREA PHILIPPI / GOLAN HEIGHTS / BETHSAIDA / TIBERIAS

Today we go to the northern part of Israel (Galilee), starting with Chorazin before driving through the Hula Valley to Hazor, where we will see ruins of the powerful Canaanite city destroyed by Joshua and rebuilt by King Jabin and then by Solomon as a chariot city to command upper Galilee. We continue to the northern limits to Dan where we combine a nature walk beside the Upper Jordan with views of the ancient ruins, topped by the Israelite high place that supported a golden calf (I Kings 12). Next we’ll take a short drive to Banias (Caesarea Philippi), dedicated to Pan the Greek god of pastures, flocks and shepherds, where Peter made his great profession of faith. Driving along the base of Mount Hermon, we ascend onto the Golan Plateau for a magnificent view of upper Israel and have lunch. On our way back, let’s stop by Bethsaida, the fishing village known by the apostles, where archaeologists have found fishing hooks. Return to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5 – Thursday, October 28, 2021: BET SHEAN / CAPERNAUM / MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / INCLUDED ST. PETER’S FISH LUNCH / TABGHA / MAGDALA/ BOAT RIDE / TIBERIAS

We begin this morning in the ancient city of Bet Shean, a site where Saul’s body was hung from the city wall after he was killed. It is a wonderful archaeological site that gives us an idea of what an ancient city looked like, with a theater, baths, and a large “tell” which we can climb up. This site comprises more than a dozen civilizations and is an awesome place to explore! Next we continue to Capernaum and see the house that many scholars believe was the apostle Peter's. This town was very important in Galilee. Next, we'll go over to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Together we can read through this wonderful sermon. You will never. hear these words as personally as you will today. When we're finished, let's go have lunch at a restaurant to partake of a St. Peter's fish (ir, if you wish, chicken) meal. After lunch, we visit Tabgha, the place where the fish and loaves miracle took place. Then we head over to Magdala along the Sea of Galilee and visit Mary Magdalene’s hometown. There is a first century synagogue here discovered just a little over a decade ago. Our final activity is taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We will have a chance to hear Christian worship music, dance to Jewish songs, and celebrate our time in the Holy Land. In a museum next to our launching point is a 2,000-year-old New Testament boat found two decades ago during a drought dating to the time of the apostles. We will spend the night at the Sea of Galilee for a third night and prepare for our drive south in the morning..

Hotel: The Sea of Galilee Hotel in Tiberias (NIGHT 3 of 3)

DAY 6 – Friday, October 29, 2021: QUMRAN / MASADA / DEAD SEA RESORT HOTEL

We start the day by taking an extended bus ride down to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on the earth (1300 feet below sea level). After a few hours of driving, we stop by Qumran and check out the village once inhabited by the Essenes, the people who compiled the Dead Sea Scrolls 2,000 years ago. These scrolls were first discovered by a shepherd boy in 1947, including the earliest copies we have of the Old Testament. This discovery helps us see how accurate the Old Testament really is. Then we head to Masada and ascend by cable car to the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from AD 70-73, Jewish defenders made their historic stand in the Judean revolt against Rome. We will have a chance to walk through the storehouses, cisterns, and three-tiered palace created by Herod the Great. Finally, we head to the Dead Sea where we have planned a special retreat at a resort hotel. This is a place where you can enter the waters of the Dead Sea for a swim and mud yourself. Or, if you’d like, utilize the spas—just sit back and let the bubbles relax you.

See a video on Masada

Hotel: Leonardo Plaza Dead Sea

DAY 7 – Saturday, October 30, 2021: EIN GEDI / HERODIUM / BETHLEHEM / MOUNT OF OLIVES / JERUSALEM

We begin at a place called Ein Gedi, a desert oasis, as we have a chance to observe the wildlife and hike to a wonderful waterfall. In one of these caves above the waterfall area, David found Saul and cut off part of his robe. For those who are capable of hiking up the winding hill, we can take a hike to the Upper Waterfall, as this will help you understand the lushness of this area. Next we travel to the Herodium, a palace set in a conical mountain that was built by Herod the Great and where his tomb was uncovered in 2007. Remember, it was Herod who was visited by the Wise Men. He did what he could to prevent the “King of Kings” from being born, including the “Massacre of the Innocents.” After seeing this man’s monument to himself, let’s go visit one of the possible sites for the Shepherds’ Fields—perhaps we could celebrate Christmas a bit early by singing “Silent Night” inside one of the caves! Bethlehem is where Jesus was born, a direct fulfillment of Micah 5:2. After lunch, we can visit the Church of the Nativity where, in a basement cave, we will stand in the same place where the Savior was born. We will also visit the quarters where Jerome translated the Latin Vulgate in the fourth century. After a stop at a Bethlehem olive wood shop run by Christians, we head to Jerusalem, the place where we will spend the rest of our trip. Let’s go on up to the Mount of Olives and offer us a bird’s-eye view of the old city of Jerusalem. This will give you a perspective as we embark on a tour of this city over the next week. We head to our hotel for the first of a six-night stay—unpack your bags for the rest of the week!

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem (1 of 6)

DAY 8 – Sunday, October 31, 2021: JACOB’S WELL / SHECHEM / SAMARIA / JERICHO

Today we will have a chance to see sites that many tourists will never experience. We start off by visiting Jacob’s Well in Nablis where Jesus had a conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4). Drink a cup of cold water from this deep well! From here we head over to Shechem, a place so very important in the Bible located between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. Next we visit Samaria to see the Israelite ruins of the capitol of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. There is a wonderful authentic Palestinian lunch awaiting us where we will be treated by Eric Johnson, the organizer of the trip and one who is coming with us. Finally, we visit Jericho, the place talked about where the walls came a tumbling down! We will have a chance to see the burn layers and understand personally what this tell is all about.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem (2 of 6)

DAY 9– Monday, November 1, 2021: RABBI TUNNEL / WESTERN WALL / TEMPLE MOUNT / POOL OF BETHESDA / ST. ANNE’S CHURCH/ SOUTHERN STEPS / ISRAEL MUSEUM

This morning we start at the Western “Wailing” Wall, the holiest place in all of Judaism, before touring the Rabbi Tunnel, which takes us down to the very foundation of the walls. Next we will climb up to the Temple Mount, which is where the Dome of the Rock is located. This is the site where the Holy of Holies was located. From here, we will stop by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne’s Church, which is perfectly preserved from the Crusader period – with remarkable acoustics. Let’s sing “Amazing Grace” together! You have never heard this hymn sung more sweetly than here. After this, we go back to the Jewish Quarter where we will visit the Southern (Teaching) Steps—Jesus was certainly here, right outside the temple itself. After lunch in the Old City, we head to the Israel Museum to spend time seeing authentic samples of the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as walking around a model city of the ancient city of Jerusalem that is a football field in size! At the Shrine of the Book, we will be able to see actual pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls. And then, at the museum we can see important artifacts such as the Pontius Pilate inscription, the Tel Dan inscription (with proof of David), and the ossuary of Caiaphas, among many other important pieces of biblical history.

See a video on the Western Wall (filmed by Eric Johnson)
See a video on the Western Wall
See a video on Amazing Grace in St. Anne’s Church
See a video on the Israel Museum

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem (3 of 6)

DAY 10 –Tuesday, November 2, 2021: CITY OF DAVID / HEZEKIAH’S TUNNEL / POOL OF SILOAM / TOMB OF DAVID / VALLEY OF ELAH / LACHISH

We start the day in the City of David to see the palace (and David’s view). We will make our way to Hezekiah’s Tunnel and hike 1749 feet in a water tunnel from one end to the other–be sure you bring your flashlights and swimsuit. (The water is no higher than 2 1/2 feet this time of the year.) This tunnel was dug by Hezekiah’s men in the 8th century B.C. and you will feel the chisel marks that were made almost 3 millennia ago! For those not so adventurous, there is a shorter dry tunnel as well, although I recommend the water tunnel for those who don’t like tight spaces. We will also see the Pool of Siloam talked about in the Bible, as part of it has recently been uncovered! We’ll have lunch in the Old City before we take a bus ride over to Azekah, which overlooks the Valley of Elah, the place where David fought Goliath. From a certain location, you will be able to see exactly where the battle took place and even view the stream where David picked up his rocks. If there is time, we will head over to Lachish, which was destroyed by the Assyrians at the turn of the 8th Century BC. We can still see the Assyrian ramp. From here, we head back to Jerusalem.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem (4 of 6)

DAY 11 – Wednesday, November 3, 2021: YAD VASHEM / JEWISH QUARTER / HEZEKIAH’S BROAD WALL / LUNCH / FREE TIME

Today is our “Jewish day” as we begin at Yad Vashem, the memorial of the Holocaust. This is one site that does not have archaeological ruins, but it is a must see to remember the cruelty of what people are capable of. From here, we will go the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem. We will see an ancient Roman street from Hadrian as well as Hezekiah’s Broad Wall from the 8th century B.C. that was built to keep the Assyrians out. From here, we can eat lunch in the Jewish Quarter before you have time for the rest of the afternoon to explore and shop. In the Jewish Quarter, you can pay extra to see the Burnt House, which was destroyed in AD 70 and the Wohl Museum, which has excavated ruins of 2,000-year-old homes owned by wealthy Jewish families. You can also head over to the Christian Quarter where the best shopping can be found.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem (5 of 6)

DAY 12 –Thursday, November 4, 2021: CHURCH OF ALL NATIONS / GETHSEMANE / CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER/ GARDEN TOMB

We start out in the morning by heading to the Church of All Nations, the place where Jesus went after the Last Supper and the site of the Garden of Gethsemane. There are olive trees in this garden with root systems going back to the time of Jesus! Next, we’ll head over to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, stopping by the place where Jesus was charged by Pilate (the Pavement) and then walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the place where Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried before raising on the third day. Finally, we’ll end the day in the Garden Tomb and have a communion service. He is risen indeed” will have extra meaning for everyone. For the adventurous who would like to walk on the ramparts (walls) of Jerusalem, Eric will take you back to the Old City and lead the hike. Others can finish their shopping or take the bus back to the hotel to prepare for the final night in our hotel.

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem (6 of 6)

DAY 13 –Friday, November 5, 2021: JERUSALEM / HOME

We leave for home on an early morning flight. What a trip! It has been an adventure seeing so much that relates to the Bible. It’s time to catch an early morning flight home. There will be so much to reflect on!

Total Cost of the 13-day Israel Trip

Israel: $5395 (all inclusive, including non-stop flight from Newark, NJ)

Land only: $4195 (you purchase your own flight or have Pilgrim get you a flight at an airport near you)

What is included in this all-inclusive trip?

Air transportation/transfers from Newark, NJ (extra for land only passengers)
Full-time guide / bus / driver (Andre Sharma will be our guide and Azam is our driver--they are AWESOME!)
All 4-star hotels
All admission fees
2 meals a day, breakfast and dinner buffets
A St. Peter’s fish lunch
All tips and taxes
Email correspondence throughout the months preceding the trip from Eric Johnson, including teaching, tips, video links, etc.
A 50-day Devotional Preparation Guide (given PDF) in September 2021

And so much more!

Not included: Optional travel insurance policy, transportation to Newark airport (for those who are not flying from NJ, $60 per transfer), most lunches, snacks/drinks, souvenirs.

Questions you may have

Is there any room left for this trip?

We have limited room. To find out what is available and for an online registration link, contact Eric (eric@mrm.org).

Who is organizing this trip?

Eric Johnson (bio below) is the organizer, working with the board of Striving for Eternity and with direct contact with Andrew Rappaport. Our professional travel agency working on all the details is Pilgrim Tours, based in Pennsylvania.

What if something happens and the trip is cancelled?

If the trip is cancelled because of a pandemic, political situation, etc. everyone will receive their full deposit back. IF you cancel before July 16, 2021, for any other reason, you will lose $125 of your deposit.

Is this an “evangelism” trip?

As much as everyone organizing this trip (including Eric Johnson) loves public evangelism, this is not a Christian evangelism trip. Rather, it is a pilgrimage trip, with the emphasis on apologetics and archaeology. It is meant to help you “own” your own faith and provide you with a specific experience so that, when you are in conversations with those who say there is no evidence for the Bible (i.e. its historicity, its accuracy, etc), you will have first-hand responses. Just so you know, overt evangelism in Israel is illegal and is strictly prohibited. We are asking you to respect the country’s wishes and the tour company’s standing in Israel by abiding by the laws. Also, for the safety of our entire group, we do not want to do anything to stir up the Muslim and conservative Jews’ ire, which open air, tracting, etc. could do and cause trouble for not only us but everyone around. (If refraining from this will be too difficult for you, perhaps this is not the trip for you.)

Will there be devotionals?

Yes, indeed there will from folks such as Andrew Rappaport, Justin Peters, Pastor Frank Mullis, Dr. Anthony Silvestro, and Pastor Dave. Places where devotionals will take place include:

Caesarea
Nazareth
Bethsaida
Caesarea Philippi
Capernaum
Mount of Beatitudes
Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee
Ein Gedi
Bethlehem
Jacob’s Well
Jericho
Pool of Bethesda
Southern Steps of Jerusalem
Valley of Elah (David and Goliath)
Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial)
Gethsemane

What if I am coming by myself? Could I get a roommate?

As of right now, we do not have any available roommates. Singles will need to pay $1050 for a room.

Will there be a lot of walking?

Yes, there will be land to cover. If you go to Disneyland, you know that you will easily put in 5 miles the day you’re there. In Israel, it’s similar. To see the sites, the buses will drop us off and we will need to walk to get to the site(s). On the average day, we will cover between 3 to 6 miles, although not all at once. Generally we will get on and off the bus an average of 5-6 times each day. If you get tired, you are free to stay with the bus, as our driver stays with the bus when we are gone. Our day typically begins at 6 a.m. wake-up call, 6:30 breakfast, and 7:30 drive away from the hotel. We usually try to get back to the hotel by 5:30 p.m. Dinner is usually at 6:30 p.m.

How will you prepare us to go?

Eric Johnson will be writing regular emails (more frequent beginning in March 2021) to educate the passengers, provide video links, give announcements, etc. This will be his 14th trip since 2009 and he has a lot of experience getting people prepared–physically, mentally, and spiritually—to go on this trip of a lifetime.

Do we need passports and visas?

Passports, YES! Your passport (of your national country, including UK, Australia, etc.) is needed. For US passports, yours should not expired before May 2022 or you will need to renew it. You can apply for a passport at your local post office. Do yourself a favor and obtain this well in advance! Sometimes passport deliveries are delayed and you don’t want to risk it.

Will we need the COVID vaccine?

This is still being determined, but probably not. Most likely, we will take a COVID self-test 48 hours before leaving on the flight. More information will be provided in coming months.

Do we need the insurance policy?

There are two different policies from which you can choose. One is a standard policy, covering missed connections, medical issues, and lost luggage. The other allows you to cancel for any reason and receive 80% of your money back. This policy is only available at the time of registration. You need to decide for yourself, but I definitely recommend the basic insurance for peace of mind

What about safety?

I have to be honest, I feel much more safe in Israel, even in the West Bank, than I do in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC! (Sorry if you live in those cities.) Nobody on my trips feels threatened at any site we have visited. As I understand it, no American tourist has been killed or even seriously injured for decades by any terrorist activity while going on a pilgrimage to Israel. The entire time we are in Israel, safety will be our highest priority. If anything is ever happens in a particular area during our trip, we will avoid that place–the guide will be in constant communication with the authorities. Also understand that governmental security is all around us, especially in sensitive areas such as Temple Mount and the Western Wall. And security is tighter in the Ben Gurion Airport than anywhere in the world. You will be as safe as possible and much safer than if they were in London, Paris, or Rome. So, in conclusion, I believe this is a very safe trip, or I would not have traveled here, without incident, close to a dozen times and have brought every member of my family–my wife twice! To see a video on the issue of safety, click here.

Actual comments from previous travelers

“It’s true. You won’t read the Bible the same after one of Eric’s trips. Now when I read the Bible or watch a Bible story, not only can I proudly say that “I’ve been there!” but I can clearly grasp the the towns, distances and geographies. In addition, I now have an understanding of the archaeological evolution of the sites which has given me context as to the joys and fears of varying government entities over thousands of years.”

-Catherine (2020)

"Touring Israel with Eric Johnson, his hand selected guides and bus driver, was a life changing experience. Seeing, tasting, touching and learning via scripture was the best! Now when I study the Bible, words jump off the pages reminding me of this amazing land and God’s faithfulness. If you have the chance, GO!" -

-Anne (2020)

"Thank you so very much for your organizing, arranging, and carrying out our Israel trip! Your leadership, care, and sharing was tremendous! Our time in Israel was absolutely wonderful, such a learning experience, and spiritually uplifting! Our accommodations, the sites we visited, the food, devotions, and the camaraderie we built with other Christians was all wonderful! Now, we can read the Bible with a 1st hand knowledge and understanding. We also can PTL for this experience of a lifetime! Yes, it is a trip for all to take. Do not hesitate or miss this enlightening event."

--TWS (2020)

"I would recommend to all who have studied the Bible that this trip is a ‘must see’ destination! After visiting archaeological sites of biblical referenced events that prove God’s mission for his Son Jesus on this earth, you will be inspired long after your visit to the Holy Land!"

--MB (2020)

“Whoever goes with Eric Johnson is happy and satisfied because he cares about his passengers”

–Andre Shama, Tour Guide in Israel

“This trip has so much power to change you!”

“Thanks for a prize-winning tour!”

–Duane Tubbs, La Mesa, CA (2019 trip)

“The thrill of walking where Jesus walked and seeing the hills that Jesus preached from…it changes the way you read the Bible. It’s definitely worth it!”

“My experience on this trip was unlike any other. I will never forget what I saw and felt as we took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee — I knew I was seeing the same things that Jesus Himself saw. This was the trip of a lifetime and it was worth every cent!”

“Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for such a life changing trip. I am so grateful for your time and planning for the last 10 days. This Easter has new meaning to me now that I have walked where Jesus walked, prayed where He prayed and saw where He was sacrificed. What a gift it is to visit the Holy Land and get to fellowship with such an amazing group of people.”

--K.B. (2018)

Click here for a letter written on 3/6/2017 by a passenger on the 2017 trip.

2018 Video Testimonies (click on names for the videos)

“There are no words to express the appreciation we have for this most outstanding trip-of-a-lifetime. Our hearts and minds are overflowing with new, deeper knowledge of the land and history of our precious Savior and Father. All glory to Him!!” –Shelly Anderson

Pastor Kenny Dodd (February 2018)

CHS Parent Cameron Owens (March 2018)

CHS student Jack Mason (March 2018)

CUSSD School Board Member Thad and Melissa Rothrock (March 2018)

CUSSD Superintendent Pat McCarty (March 2018)

“As I reflect back on our amazing trip and continue to try to adjust for the time zone change (smile), I just wanted to drop you a note and thank-you for the incredible journey you led. As people have been asking me about our time in Israel I am finding that it is so very difficult to put into words the dramatic impact that it had strengthening my faith and opening my understanding of God’s Word.”–Pat McCarty

CVCS Superintendent Chris Rutz (March 2018)

“Just want to say one more time how grateful I am for your leadership of such a life-changing trip. There is not a single person that didn’t have an incredible time, and many people’s faith grew significantly because of the experience. . . . You really did a great job at managing the details and all you did to make the trip smooth and enjoyable was noticed and appreciated.”–Chris Rutz

Check out these videos from Ritch Sandford

About trip organizer Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson has taken more than 350 people, including more than two dozen pastors, to Israel since 2009! Those who have come with him have had the chance to learn how the Bible speaks about real people and real places while describing historical events. Eric believes that everyone should come to the Holy Land and experience this incredible place for themselves in order to make the Bible come alive. Reading God’s Word will never be the same!

Eric is married to Terri (30 years) and has three daughters. After teaching Bible classes in Southern California for 17 years (as well as more than a decade teaching English as an adjunct professor at Grossmont Community College), he and his wife moved to Utah in order to become a full-time Christian missionary to the Mormon people. He received his Master’s of Divinity degree in 1991 and has written several books, including Answering Mormons Questions (with Bill McKeever, Kregel, 2013), Mormonism 101 (with Bill McKeever, Baker Books, 2015), Mormonism 101 for Teens (MRM, 2016) and Sharing the Good News with Mormons (Harvest House, 2018, co-edited with Sean McDowell). He is a regular contributor to the Christian Research Journal and was a contributor for the Apologetics Study Bible for Students (Holman, 2010).

Previous trips to Israel organized by Eric Johnson

More than 400 travelers have gone with Eric

1990 (passenger on a tour led by Dr. Ronald Youngblood, my professor at Bethel Seminary San Diego and a translator of the 1978 New International Version — see photo at right)
2009 (CHS): 47 students, teachers, parents, staff from Christian High School (CHS) in El Cajon, CA in April
2011 38 students, teachers, parents, staff from three different Christian high schools in March
2012 (CHS): 43 students, teachers, parents, staff from CHS in March
2013 (Adult): 45 adult travelers, including several pastors in February
2015 (Adult): 18 adult travelers in February

2017 (Adult): 55 adult travelers in February, including five pastors (Feb-March 2017)
2018 (Adult): 27 adult travelers in February, including members from Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Diego
2018 (CHS/CVCS) 57 students and parents from two different Christian schools in March
2019 (Covenant Retirement Communities): 41 adult travelers from the Western U.S.
2019 (Private group to Turkey, Greece, Italy): 15 adult travelers
2020 (Church group): 46 adult travelers from Utah and Southern California (Clairemont Emmanuel Baptist in San Diego)
2020 (Adults): 26 adult travelers from Utah and Southern California

Please, I encourage you to talk to anyone who has been on one of my previous trips and they will tell you, “Go!” You will never see more than on my trips. And this will be something you will never regret.