Back Porch Theology Goes Home with Lisa Harper
I hope you’ll join our Back Porch Theology family for an unforgettable trip to Israel from March 21-31, 2023. I’m so excited about this upcoming Holy Land adventure that I start bouncing every time I think about it—which is not necessarily a good idea for middle-aged women!
The first time I had the undeserved privilege of going to Israel in 1998, I was less than thrilled because I thought I was too busy to carve two weeks out of my schedule. Fortunately, my boss didn’t give me the option of backing out. By the end of my first day, I was so gob-smacked by the tangible presence of our Creator Redeemer that I didn’t want to go home!
One memory I remember vividly is sitting halfway up the hill on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, I stood up, turned around, and saw the ruins of an ancient city at the top of the hill behind me and thought, “Oh my goodness, that’s likely what Jesus gestured to when He said His followers would be like a city on a hill that could not be hidden!” (Matthew 5:14)
I’ve believed the Bible was true since I was a little girl, but it was then that I knew-that-I-knew that these black and white words we memorize are the living words of the only true God! The Bible went from seemingly monochromatic to technicolor in one fell swoop.
I think this upcoming trip is poised to be the best trip yet. Dr. Howard will teach at significant sites of Jesus’ incarnate ministry. Pastor Jonathan Allen will lead us in worship at the very places David sang some of the most beloved Psalms. Allison will be sharing at several sites, including Magdala, the ancient city Mary Magdalene is from and whose life inspired Ally to write both a book and a musical. This trip will be incredible, y’all. It’s going to be theologically substantive but not at all stuffy!
Finally, we’re delighted to be teaming up with Inspiration Tours for this trip, which means we’ll feast on gourmet food, relax en route to the sites in luxurious coaches, and rest in beautiful accommodations every night.
Back Porch Theology Goes Home promises to be one of the most significant experiences of a lifetime, so please prayerfully consider joining us, I guarantee you’ll be glad you did!
Warmest Regards,
Lisa Harper
Meet These Special Guests During Your Exceptional Travel Experience
Dr. Jim Howard is the much beloved pastor of Dillon Community Church in Colorado, as well as an author, New Testament scholar and a popular teaching professor at Denver Seminary. Jim has 30 years of cross-cultural ministry and teaching experience and routinely helps equip spiritual leaders in Nepal, Mozambique, Haiti and India.
Dr. Jim Howard is the much beloved pastor of Dillon Community Church in Colorado, as well as an author, New Testament scholar and a popular teaching professor at Denver Seminary. Jim has 30 years of cross-cultural ministry and teaching experience and routinely helps equip spiritual leaders in Nepal, Mozambique, Haiti and India.
Jonathan Allen is a worship pastor and songwriter who lives in Franklin, TN with his wife Allison and their two boys. It has been his great joy to lead in worship in the local church as a worship pastor, at national conferences and missionally for twenty-five years. Jonathan is deeply passionate about connecting people with Jesus in worship, as well as sharing his heart with other worship leaders. His songs of worship have been featured in three nationally-published choir cantatas, and he has been a part of stewarding and co-writing five worship projects, including, So Loved and Ever With Us. Above all, he longs to be a friend of the Bridegroom, so that God’s people can rejoice when they hear His voice.
Allison Allen was chosen to be an Andrew Carnegie Scholar in the prestigious acting program at Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating from Carnegie Melon with honors, she landed a recurring role on Broadway as a principal actor in Grease. She eventually felt led to leave the spotlight of Broadway and use her formidable gifts to teach the Bible and train others to communicate more effectively. She now speaks all over the country, helps lead the women's ministry in her church and is the author of several books and award-winning, faith-based plays.
Jonathan Allen is a worship pastor and songwriter who lives in Franklin, TN with his wife Allison and their two boys. It has been his great joy to lead in worship in the local church as a worship pastor, at national conferences and missionally for twenty-five years. Jonathan is deeply passionate about connecting people with Jesus in worship, as well as sharing his heart with other worship leaders. His songs of worship have been featured in three nationally-published choir cantatas, and he has been a part of stewarding and co-writing five worship projects, including, So Loved and Ever With Us. Above all, he longs to be a friend of the Bridegroom, so that God’s people can rejoice when they hear His voice.
Allison Allen was chosen to be an Andrew Carnegie Scholar in the prestigious acting program at Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating from Carnegie Melon with honors, she landed a recurring role on Broadway as a principal actor in Grease. She eventually felt led to leave the spotlight of Broadway and use her formidable gifts to teach the Bible and train others to communicate more effectively. She now speaks all over the country, helps lead the women's ministry in her church and is the author of several books and award-winning, faith-based plays.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 (Depart Home)
March 22
Arrive in Israel
After passing through Ben Gurion Airport (voted one of the best in the world), you will meet your group and drive to Tiberias, the capital of Galilee. Share your first meal, and spend time getting to know one another. Explore this city with an impressive history and spiritual significance.
March 23-26
The Galilee, Golan Heights & Northern Boundary
Wake up to a sunrise on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm. Then sail these same waters in a first century replica boat. Gather on the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, millennia ago. And rededicate your faith while being baptized in the waters of the Jordan as your entire group worships and praises God.
Sites you'll see include:
- Mount of Beatitudes
- Capernaum
- Magdala
- Caesarea Philippi
- St. Peter’s Primacy
- Mount Bental
- Baptism in the waters of the Jordan
- Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee
- Tel Dan
Central Coast & Jezreel Valley
Worship and bond with your group as you get to know this lush valley, which produces much of the fresh fruit and vegetables you’ll enjoy every day of your tour. Visit Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. Encounter God on Mount Carmel, where Elijah called down fire from heaven. And look out over the Valley of Armageddon (Megiddo), as you gain new insights into biblical prophecy.
Sites you'll see include:
- Mount Carmel
- Caesarea by the Sea
- Megiddo
- Nazareth Village
- Mount Precipice/Nazareth Overlook
March 27-30
Jerusalem & The Old City
Walk the gold stone streets of Old City Jerusalem and meet Israelis shopping with you in the marketplace. Leave your own prayer at the Western Wall as you stand before the holiest site in Jerusalem. Behold the famous Temple Mount; pray in the Garden of Gethsemane; explore the Upper Room; stand on the Mount of Olives. Enjoy another delicious Mediterranean dinner recounting the day’s adventures with new friends.
Sites you'll see include:
- Southern Steps
- Davidson Center
- Western Wall & Plaza
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo
- Arab Quarter
- Christian Quarter
- Church of the Holy Sepulchre
- Via Dolorosa
- Sisters of Zion
- Saint Anne’s Church
- Pool of Bethesda
- Armenian Quarter
- Mount Zion
- Upper Room
- Saint Peter’s in Gallicantu
- Mount of Olives
- Temple Mount View
- Palm Sunday Road
- Dominus Flevit
- Garden of Gethsemane & Church of All Nations
- Garden Tomb
- Antonia Fortress
Judean Wilderness & Dead Sea Regions
Journey into the wilderness of Ein Gedi, the rocky refuge where David penned the Psalms. Get a bird’s eye view from the famous fortress of Masada. Then, enjoy the beautiful descent down to the lowest point on Earth: the Dead Sea. Conclude your tour with new friends by relaxing in these mineral-rich waters.
Sites you'll see include:
- Masada
- Qumran
- Ein Gedi
- Dead Sea & Swim
March 30
Night Departure
Actual departure time based on airline schedule.
Friday, March 31, 2021 (Arrive Home)
*All dates & locations subject to change
Home of the Bible
Israel is a place where hidden oases are tucked away amid windswept deserts, where rocky cliffs were carved by ancient rivers and where historical ruins lie within sight of modern architecture. A melting pot of religion, culture and spiritual depth, a Christian tour to Israel is far more than a typical vacation. It is a journey into the origins of belief—one that will connect your faith today with the depth and power of the Christian story. For followers of Christ, a trip to the Holy Land is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a place that doesn’t just bring the Bible to life but adds a visual dimension to the beliefs you’ve staked your life upon.
Biblical Sites
Visit the places of the Bible to see where Jesus lived, walked and where His disciples began sharing the Gospel of His love.
Middle Eastern Culture
Soak in the sights, sounds and life of a culture from across the globe.
Historic Landscapes
Come see the variegated deserts, gardens, oases and seas of the Middle East.
Tour Pricing
Included in the Tour:
- Teaching from Lisa Harper at significant biblical sites
- Study materials for your pre-tour preparation
- International round-trip group air transportation (not included in Tour Only option) and transfers to group hotel
- Outstanding accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner provided daily during the tour, plus five lunches including the special St. Peter’s Fish Lunch
- Israel’s best tour-operators and licensed, hand-picked tour guides
- Travel by private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach
- All porterage, taxes and gratuities; Entrance fees to all sites
- The most up-to-date health and safety protocols available, including state-of-the-art Aura Air filtration systems on every motorcoach
*4-STAR ACCOMMODATIONS |
|
Price |
Flights |
$3,998 |
Tour Only |
$4,998 |
New York (JFK) |
$5,098 |
Newark (EWR) |
$5,278 |
Nashville (BNA) |
$4,898 |
Chicago (ORD) |
$5,298 |
Dallas (DFW) |
$5,098 |
Los Angeles (LAX) |
5-STAR DELUXE ACCOMMODATIONS |
|
Price |
Flights |
$5,698 |
Tour Only |
$6,598 |
New York (JFK) |
$6,698 |
Newark (EWR) |
$6,878 |
Nashville (BNA) |
$6,598 |
Chicago (ORD) |
$6,998 |
Dallas (DFW) |
$6,698 |
Los Angeles (LAX) |
SIGNATURE SERVICE OPTION |
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Taxes and gratuities are included in the advertised rates.
MON - FRI 8:30AM - 5:00PM (PACIFIC TIME)
BE SURE TO BOOK THROUGH INSPIRATION:This event is exclusive to those who book in advance through Inspiration Cruises & Tours. Booking through a secondary travel agent at the same hotels will not allow you to participate in any event programming.
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