You've read the book. Now experience the Bible lands in person

​​​Have you always wanted to see the Holy Land?

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Would you like to walk where Jesus walked?

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

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February 23-March 8, 2026

To see the optional insurance policy, click Travel Insurance Info 

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Join CEBC Pastor Kenny and Cathy Dodd along with trip organizer Eric Johnson and several CEBC missionary couples for a trip that will forever change the way you read your Bible!

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Join us for so many sites that you have read about in the Bible, including:

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• Sea of Galilee boat ride

• Baptisms in Jordan River

• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Western Wall

• Communion service at Garden Tomb

• Masada

• Hezekiah’s Tunnel

• Bethel and Ai

• Shechem

• Samaria

• Overlook Valley of Elah (David and Goliath)

• Lachish

• Mamre

• Hebron

• Drinking water out of Jacob’s well

• And much more!

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In addition, we will be joined by biblical archaeologist Joel Kramer for the final 3 days of our tour.

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See videos from an almost identical trip by visiting 2022 Israel Trip Video

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​Itinerary

(Click on boldfaced words for videos)

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DAY 1 – Monday, February 23, 2026: Flight from Los Angeles​

Today we depart from Los Angeles International Airport as we head to Tel Aviv via wide-body aircraft arriving the next day. Meals served on board.

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DAY 2 – Tuesday, February 24, 2026: Arrival in Tel Aviv​

We transfer to our flight to Tel Aviv where we will be met by our guide Andre Shama, He will be with us for the time we are in the Holy Land. Board our bus and travel to the city of Netanya on the Mediterranean to our hotel where we check in for overnight.

HOTEL: Leonardo Plaza Netanya

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DAY 3 – Wednesday, February 25, 2026: 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 and walk along the coast to see the hippodrome and man-made harbor from 2,000 years ago. We can also see where Herod's palace once stood, with ancient floor mosaics still on the shore. This is considered one of Israel’s major archaeological sites, and the sea makes it one of the most beautiful places in the country. From here we travel up to Mt. Carmel to see the mountain where Elijah took on the priests of Baal, with a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire valley. Next we proceed to 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! Finally, we make our way to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee for the first night of our three-night stay. 

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• See a video on Caesarea

• See a video on Megiddo

Hotel: Ron Beach Hotel Tiberias 1 of 3

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DAY 4 – Thursday, February 26, 2026:  HAZOR / DAN / CAESAREA PHILIPPI / GOLAN HEIGHTS / MAGDALA / TIBERIAS​

Today we go to the northern part of Israel (Galilee), 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 Galilee and have lunch. On our way back, let’s stop by Magdala along the Sea of Galilee and visit Mary Magdalene’s hometown. There is a first century synagogue here, the first to be found in the Galilee region. Return to the hotel in Tiberias for dinner and overnight.

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See a  video on Magdala  

See a video on this day

Hotel: Ron Beach Hotel Tiberias 2 of 3

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DAY 5 –Friday, February 27, 2026:  BAPTISMS / BET SHEAN / CAPERNAUM / INCLUDED ST. PETER’S FISH LUNCH / MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / BOAT RIDE / TIBERIAS​

We begin this morning with baptisms in the Jordan River. Those participants who have never been baptized (or who do not remember their infant baptisms) will have a chance to give their testimony and be immersed the same way as Jesus by Pastor Kenny. Next we travel west to the ancient city of Bet She'an, a site where Saul’s body was hung from the city wall after he was killed. It is a wonderful archaeological site that will help us understand 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! From here we continue to Capernaum where the home of Peter and the town’s synagogue can be seen. Let’s have lunch at a restaurant to partake of a St. Peter’s fish (or, if you wish, chicken) meal. After lunch, we visit the Mount of Beatitudes—a place where we can read from the Sermon on the Mount. You will have never heard these words like you will today. Our final activity is taking a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee…how exciting! We will have a chance to hear Christian worship music, dance to Jewish songs, and celebrate our time in the Holy Land. We will also see a 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.

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• See a video on Bet Shean

• See a video on Baptisms at the Jordan River 

• See a video on the Mount of Beatitudes

• See a video on Capernaum

• See a video on the Jesus Boat and a Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee

Hotel: Ron Beach Hotel Tiberias 3 of 3

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DAY 6 – Saturday, February 28, 2026:  EIN GEDI / MASADA / CAMEL RIDE / DEAD SEA

We wake up early and 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 will stop by Ein Gedi and hike to the falls in this desert paradise. Next we travel to Masada and ascend by cable car (or, for the adventurous, to walk up the Snake Path with Eric Johnson) 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 explore as we walk through the storehouses, cisterns, and palace built by Herod the Great. We climb down Masada on the ramp and head over to a Bedouin camp to ride camels in the desert—how many of your friends have done that? Finally, let's visit 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 basement spa area of the hotel—just sit back and let the bubbles relax you.

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See a video on Masada

See a video on this day

Hotel: Leonardo Hotel Dead Sea

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DAY 7 – Sunday, March 1, 2026: HERODIUM / BETHLEHEM / Mt of OLIVES overview

Let’s start the day right by heading north to the Herodium, the 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.” From here, we head to Bethlehem for lunch (included with your trip) and stop in the Shepherd's Fields overlooking the city of Bethlehem. Perhaps we could celebrate Christmas a bit early by singing “Silent Night” and hearing a devotional about the importance of Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born, a direct fulfillment of Micah 5:2. We will also go to Manger Square and visit the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born in a cave. Finally, we will stop at an Olive Wood shop run by Christians who live in Bethlehem. At last, we head to Jerusalem, the center place for so much that took place in the Bible. We will stop by the Mount of Olives overlook to see the Old City for the first time before heading to the hotel. This will be our final hotel of the trip, so stretch out and make yourself feel comfortable.

• See YOUTUBE: Joel Kramer Bethlehem

• See a video on the Herodium

• See a video on Bethlehem

• See a video on the Israel Museum

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 1 of 7

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DAY 8 – Monday, March 2, 2026:  RABBI TUNNEL / WESTERN WALL / TEMPLE MOUNT / POOL OF BETHESDA / SOUTHERN STEPS / ISRAEL MUSEUM

This morning we begin at the Mt. of Olives to overview the entire city of Jerusalem and compare this with the Holy Land model we observed the day before at the Israel Museum. Then we go down the  Western Wall, the holiest place for Jews today. You'll have a chance to touch the wall and see the activity in this special place, We will have a special tour of the "Rabbi's" tunnel that takes us closest to the Holy of Holies. It is amazing to see how ancient technology worked. Next we will go up to see Temple Mount, which is where the Dome of the Rock is located. This is the site where the Holy of Holies was located. (See chapter 2 in Where God Came Down.)  From here, we will stop by the Pool of Bethesda (John 5) We will eat lunch in the Jewish Quarter and have a chance to see the Cardo, an ancient part of the street from Roman times (Byzantine) as well as part of the ancient wall built 2700 years ago by Hezekiah called the Broad Wall. We'll make our way to the Southern (Teaching) Steps—Jesus was certainly here, right outside the temple itself and end our eventful day. After a quick lunch in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, we will head over to the Israel Museum and see some ancient artifacts, including pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as a model city of the ancient city of Jerusalem. We will also have a chance to see such important artifacts as the Pontius Pilate inscription, the Tel Dan stone (with proof of David), and the ossuary of Caiaphas.  

• See a video on the Western Wall

• See a video on the Western Wall

• See a video on Temple Mount

• See a video on Amazing Grace in St. Anne’s Church

• Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 2 of 7

 

Day 9 – Tuesday, March 3, 2026: A Day of Suffering

GALLIGANTU / SCHINDLER'S GRAVE / Mt. of OLIVES / DOMINUS FLEVIT / GETHSEMANE /  YAD VASHEM  / JERUSALEM​

We begin the day by heading to Gallicantu, the place where Jesus was traditionally scourged and held. It may not be the place, but there is definitely a prison here and we can get an idea of where Jesus may have been held. Next door is Oskar Schindler's grave, the one whose story was told by Steven Spielburg. We can see this for ourselves. Then, we get back on the bus and head to the Mount of Olives, where we can have a view of the Old City of Jerusalem. For those in hiking condition, we will descend the mount, stopping by the Church of Dominus Flevit. It has a great view of Temple Mount from inside the church and also has a real burial site that was uncovered years ago. We continue down the hill and end at the Garden of Gethsemane. There are olive trees in this garden with root systems going back to the time of Jesus where we can have a devotional! This is where Jesus prayed before getting betrayed and arrested. Let's have communion here and listen to Pastor Kenny give a short talk at this important place. After lunch, we ride our bus over to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. Yes, even today, people still hate the Jews, and let this visit be a remembrance for the suffering of so many people. Tonight, Joel Kramer will join us for a short talk after dinner and preparation for the next three days.

Joel Kramer will come tonight and give an introductory presentation after dinner at the hotel. You really don't want to miss this!​​

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 3 of 7

 

DAY 10: Wednesday, March 4, 2026: ​JOEL KRAMER DAY 1

CITY OF DAVID / HEZEKIAH’S TUNNEL / DAVID’S TOMB / AZEKAH (VALLEY OF ELAH) / LACHISH / JERUSALEM

 We begin today’s journey at the City of David, as we have a chance to see David's palace. We will then venture down below the ground to see Warren's Shaft, with the chance to hike through Hezekiah's Tunnel that goes back some 2700 years! The water goes up to your knees and is NOT scary...everyone needs to try this as we slosh through 1750 feet from one end to the other. Near the exit of the tunnel is the Pool of Siloam, part of which has been excavated in the last couple of decades--it is currently being excavated and we should see what they have uncovered in the past year. Next, we will walk up the hill to where King David was actually buried in a rock-cut tomb just up the street from the Pool of Siloam. We will return to our bus and head to Azekah, a tell overlooking the Valley of Elah where David fought Goliath. The story will make so much sense as we will be able to overlook where the events described by Samuel actually took place. We'll end our day at Lachish, a place where the Assyrians built a ramp in the early 8th century BC to overtake the last remaining stronghold of Judah--Jerusalem was supposed to be next but God prevented the holy city from ruin.

• See YOUTUBE: Joel Kramer Shechem Jacob's Well

• See a video on Shechem

• See a video on Bethel and Ai

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 4 of 7

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DAY 11 – Thursday, March 5, 2026:  Joel Kramer Day 2

SHILOH / JERICHO / QUMRAN​

(Depending on the political climate, this day could change to: Shechem, Bethel & Ai, Jericho and Qumran)

(With Joel Kramer) 

This morning we head north to Shiloh, the place where the Ark of the Covenant was keep several hundred years. We will have a chance to see where the ark was kept and get a better understanding of this site. We then head over to Jericho for lunch and a tour of Jericho...yes, the place where the walls came tumblin' down. You should watch Joel's video Jericho Unearthed before this tour and you will understand much more. Finally, we head to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered in 1947. Ancient Jews called the Essenes copied several hundred manuscripts, including the earliest copies we have of the Old Testament and the whole book of Isaiah. We can look around the village where these Jews lived 2,000 years ago. From the village we can see Cave 4, where more than half of the 900+ scrolls were discovered in the 1950s. These ascertain the veracity of our Old Testament books.

• See a video on Jericho and Qumran

• Climbing Cave 1 in Qumran (with Joel Kramer)

• Inside Cave 1 in Qumran

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 5 of 7

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DAY 12 – Friday, March 6, 2026:  Joel Kramer Day 3

PRAETORIUM / CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER / CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES / BETHANY​

(With Joel Kramer) 

We begin this morning by going to the place where Jesus was tried by Pilate at Herod's palace. Pilate judged Jesus called the Praetorium, just outside Herod’s palace. Then we will take the less traditional (but more accurate route than the Via Dolorosa) walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher—this is the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Joel will cut through the incense so we can understand the historical significance of this site. We'll have lunch in the Jewish Quarter before getting back on the bus and heading over to the nearby city of Bethany to see where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. There is good archaeological evidence that this is the tomb where Lazarus was laid, and you'll have a chance to climb inside. What an experience! As we head back to our hotel, we say goodbye to our guide and bus as tomorrow is a free day.
Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 6 of 7

• See a video YOUTUBE: Joel Kramer King David's Tomb Part 1 Part 2

• See a video YOUTUBE: Joel Kramer Praetorium in Jerusalem

• See a video on the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

• See a video on the City of David

• See a video on Hezekiah’s Tunnel as well as comments by students afterward

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 6 of 7

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DAY 13 – Saturday, March 7,  2026: Free Day

​Today is a day you have choices. We do not have a bus, so it will require a taxi ride to the Old City (extra cost). You can go on our own or, if you wish to go on a hike through the Old City, join Eric at 8 a.m. in the lobby.
If you join Eric, we will take taxis to the Jaffa Gate and return to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (taxi not included). We have an appointment to visit the basement of the church in the Armenian section and see the Pilgrim Boat, etched on a wall by a pilgrim some 19 centuries ago. This is not something most people ever get to see.
From here, we will take our final walk through the church before going to the rampart (wall) entrance and hiking to the Muslim Quarter. You can see both the outside and inside of the Old City. Once we get out, you have a choice: Take a walk through the city and head over to the Jewish Quarter or make your way to the Christian Quarter for shopping. Both are nearby and easy to find.

If enough people want to go to the Jewish Quarter, we can head there for lunch (best lunches are here), possibly visit the Wohl Archaeological Museum (extra cost), see the Western Wall one last time, and then head toward the City of David to see some rock cut tombs. It will be a lot of walking, but it will be an adventure. Once we see that, we can head back to the Jaffa Gate to finalize our shopping. (NOTE: This extra day's hike is not recommended for those with mobility/walking issues.) We will head back to the Jaffa Gate for final shopping before taking taxis back to the hotel. We will be transported as a group the next morning to the Ben Gurion airport (transfer included). Breakfast and dinner included. Admission fees and taxis not included for today. 

Hotel: Ambassador Hotel Jerusalem 7 of 7

• See a video on Sifting, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane

• See a video on the Ramparts (Jerusalem’s Walls) (free time?)

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DAY 14 – Sunday, March 8, 2026:  FLIGHT HOME

It's time for our early morning flight to LAX. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of Jesus and the early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new reading to our Bible reading.​

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

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Cost of the Land Trip 14 days $5695​

Flight out of LAX: $1540

Tentative flight schedule (Note, this schedule will not be finalized until later this summer--if something better comes along, we could switche)

 

Departure

 LH 457  February 23, 2026: LAX  FRANKFURT   305P  1100A (February 24)  

Connection:LH 690  February 24, 2026:  FRA  TLV   600P  1105P 

 

Return

LH 683  March 8, 2026  TLV  Munich   700A  1005A 

Connection: LH 452  March 8, 2026   MUC  LAX  1200P 415P 

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​$100 cash bonus for those who fly with the group out of LAX if we bring 40 or more

What does the land-only trip cost include?

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• Full-time guide / bus / driver (Andre Shama and Azam, my favorite guide and bus driver)

• Archaeologist Joel Kramer will join us for three full days of touring to sites many tourists will never see

• All 4-star hotels

• All admission fees

• 2 meals a day, breakfast and dinner buffets

• A St. Peter’s fish lunch

• Travel Diary of the Holy Land, specifically for your trip (designed and produced by Eric Johnson

• Email correspondence throughout the months preceding the trip from Eric Johnson, including teaching, tips, video links, etc.

• A 50-day Devotional Preparation Guide 

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​Not included: Airfare, optional travel insurance policy, most lunches, snacks/drinks, and souvenirs

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Trip is now sold out. Contact Eric (Eric@mrm.org) if you would like to be put on the waiting list

​Questions you may have​

Who is organizing this trip?

Eric Johnson (bio below) is the organizer. Our professional travel agency working on all the details is Pilgrim Tours, based in Pennsylvania. Dan Bergey  is our personal representative. Pastor Kenny Dodd and his wife Cathy are the leaders on the trip. To contact Eric, email him at eric@mrm.org.

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Who will be our guide(s)?

Andre Shama will be our guide. Joel Kramer will be our guest guide for three days of the trip. Devotionals will be given each day on the trip.

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

The cost of the trip is based on double occupancy. We have a number of single people considering this trip. You have 2 options:

1. You can request a single room, which will cost $1600 extra.

2. You can tell us who your roommate (also signing up) will be

3. You can request a roommate and we will try to pair you with someone of the same gender.

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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.

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Will there be education in the months before we go?

Beginning in the spring 2025, Eric Johnson will send regular emails with video links, announcements, PDF articles, etc. This will be his 17th Israel trip (more than 700 travelers) since 2009 and he has a lot of experience getting people prepared–physically, mentally, and spiritually—to go on this trip of a lifetime. 

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Do we need passports and visas?

Passports, YES! Your passport (of your national country) is needed. For US passports, yours should not expired before September 2026 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! ​

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What about safety?

Despite the recent war in Israel, you should know that Israel is one of the safest countries in the world. Nobody on my trips has ever felt threatened at any site we have visited. The entire time we are in Israel, safety will be our highest priority. If anything 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 brought every member of my family! To see a video on the issue of safety, click here.​​

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Video testimonials from the 2022 Israel Tour (click)

​Pastor Bryan Hurlbutt

Beryl Odowd

Kirk and Kristen Pagel

Dr. "Chip" Yates

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Actual comments from previous travelers

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"The trip  I took to Israel with Eric Johnson was an amazing experience! It makes the Bible come alive when you can see where Jesus and his disciples walked. I recommend anybody who is thinking about going on an  Israel trip to do so, It is an experience you will never forget."

--Stacey Hurlbutt (2022)

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"It was the most amazing trip I have ever taken!! And I've traveled quite a bit!!"

--M.H., (2017)

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“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)

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"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)

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

–Andre Shama, Tour Guide in Israel

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

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“Thanks for a prize-winning tour!”

–Duane Tubbs, La Mesa, CA (2019 trip)

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“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!”

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“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!”

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“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)

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

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2018 Video Testimonies (click on names for the videos)

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• Russ and Karen Vande Vegte (February 2018)

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• Jim and Shelley Anderson (February 2018)

“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

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• Pastor Kenny Dodd (February 2018)

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• CHS Parent Cameron Owens (March 2018)

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• CHS student Jack Mason (March 2018)

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

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• 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

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• 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

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Check out these videos from Ritch Sandford and Loren Pankratz

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About archaeologist Joel Kramer

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Joel Kramer has led a life of adventure. (If you doubt this, just read his 2001 book Beyond Fear: A Harrowing Journey Across New Guinea through Rivers, Swamps, Jungle, and the Most Remote Mountains in the World).  He is the author of a 2020 book Where God Came Down, available on Amazon.com.  Joel has produced a number of feature-length and short-length videos on a number of topics, including Mormonism, polygamy, and archaeology. Joel served as a pastor at the Brigham City Main Street Church before moving to Israel about a decade ago and has studied archaeology in Israel while working hands-on with top-notch archaeologists, including Shimon Gibson. His latest claim to fame is his YouTube channel (Expedition Bible) where, as of late 2024, he had more than 750,000 subscribers, making him the most popular biblical archaeologist in recent years.​

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About trip organizer Eric Johnson

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Eric Johnson taken more than 700 people, including more than 40 pastors and other full-time Christian leaders, to Israel and other biblical lands since 2009! This will be his 17th organized trip 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!

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Eric is married to Terri (35 years) and together they have 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 Evangelical 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). His latest book Introducing Christianity to Mormons was published by Harvest House Publishers in September 2022. 

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Previous trips to Israel organized by Eric Johnson​

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• 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)

• 2009 (CHS): 47 students, teachers, parents, staff from Christian High School 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. in February and March

• 2019 (Private group to Turkey, Greece, Italy): 15 adult travelers in March

• 2020 (Church group): 47 adult travelers from Southern California in February and March

• 2020 : 22 adult travelers mostly from Southern California and Utah in March

• 2022: 42 adult travelers mostly from Utah in February/March

• 2022: 47 adult travelers from San Diego and Utah to the Footsteps of Paul trip (Turkey/Greece/Italy)

• 2023: 52 people from two churches and a Christian ministry based in the Pacific Northwest

• 2023: 53 people from CARM.org (Matt Slick), Striving for Eternity (Andrew Rappaport), and Bill McKeever (MRM.org)

• 2023: 43 people to Jordan with Joel Kramer in October 2023

• 2024: 47 people Footsteps of Paul Tour (Turkey/Greece/Italy) October 2024

 

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. I guarantee it will be something you will never regret.​​

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See a video on Israel by clicking HERE

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If you want to read and understand the Bible in a way you never knew before, then come on this trip with Pastor Kenny and Cathy! You will see the pages of the Bible go from B&W to living color. It will make you that much of a better student. Ask anyone who has gone and sign up today! Any questions, please ask (eric@mrm.org)

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