GTI Tours Podcast

Our newest Signature Tour journeys to the heart of the Reformation - Germany! This September, we will trace the life, ministry, and theology of Martin Luther and other Reformers whom God used to reignite the evangelical movement. Listen to this episode as Rich Ferreira and trip leader Rich Liverance describe the uniqueness of this itinerary: being in Europe vs. the Middle East, walking instead of hiking, singing hymns along the way, discussing WWII and figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, visiting historical sites and seeing stunning spectacles like the Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavarian Alps.

From the medieval streets to the pastoral countryside to the modern cities of Berlin and Munich, this tour will encompass the best of German culture and cuisine. In addition, Rich will teach us the history of theology and the defense of the Gospel! Explore Germany and the relevance of the Reformation with us. It just might light a spark in your life as we discover again God's power to save.

Space is limited! Register today at gtitours.org/reformation

GTI Signature Tour of Germany, Sept. 11-19, 2024

Beginning in Turkey (Asia Minor), they studied John and the Seven Churches of Revelation, then followed the footsteps of the Apostle Paul through Athens and ancient Corinth. As with each of our tours, there was a delightful mix of memorable moments, both lighthearted and poignant. One lesson learned from Paul's life was how he took disciples with him as he ministered, mentoring them and modeling as he went. Who are we discipling and "taking with us" along our faith journey?

In April of 2025, we will repeat this incredible trip with an added bonus that few groups get to do: Patmos! Patmos is the desolate island where the Roman Emperor Domitian banished John the Apostle in 94 AD to stop him from preaching about Jesus. While there, John received and wrote the Book of Revelation. The cave in which he wrote the book is known as the Cave of the Apocalypse and is still open to visitors today. To see the full itinerary and details, follow this link:

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-greece-2025

Another great option for a New Testament trip is our Greece/Rome Signature Tour, October 16-27, 2025!

https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-greece-rome-2025b

Israeli guide Dan Mossek is our podcast guest on this episode. Dan has been partnering with GTI for 10 years and brings expertise on theology, geography, history and archaeology. Speaking as a former soldier and current recruit trainer, he shares an update on Israel and the war with Hamas.

Dan and Rich also discuss Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights which is celebrated this time of year. Since the history of Hanukkah dates to 164 BC, it's not biblical; however, the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian Greeks represents light over darkness both physically and symbolically. This reminds us of the words of Christ in John 8:12: "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'."

Interested in learning from Dan as a guide? He will be leading our 2024 Signature Tour of Israel and Jordan! Want to support GTI? Consider joining one of our 2024 Signature Tours:

Jordan/Israel Signature Tour (Sept. 7-19, 2024) https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-jordan-israel-2024

Stand with Israel Signature Tour (August 25-Sept. 5, 2024) https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-stand-with-israel-2024

Turkey/Greece Signature Tour (Sept. 15-25, 2024) https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-2024

Visit https://gtitours.org/podcast for photos, links, and more from this episode.

In the wake of the April 14 attack on Israel by Iran, Rich speaks with Israeli guide and friend Dan Mossek for an update from his perspective. We are thankful to report that our Israeli team and partners are safe and there was little (if any) damage.

Dan describes that life in Israel April 15 was essentially "business as usual": Jerusalem is quiet, the Gaza situation is contained, and several airlines are returning service to Israel. God willing, Rich will be flying into Tel Aviv in early May and will give another update. Please continue to pray for Israel and her people as they stand strong.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked advance against me

to devour me,

it is my enemies and my foes

who will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,

my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

even then I will be confident...

For in the day of trouble

he will keep me safe in his dwelling;

he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent

and set me high upon a rock.

Psalm 27: 1-3, 5

GTI's resident archaeologist Rich Liverance joins this podcast. The relatively new science of archaeology is a common topic on our biblical study tours. Rich shares from his personal experience at the active digs of Abel Beth Maccah in northern Israel, as well as Tel a Hammam in Jordan (the possible site of Sodom). From roping off a site into 5m squares to finding an iron blade, Rich knows what a day on a dig is like! He also reminds us that the Bible interprets the Bible. Archaeology CONFIRMS the Bible, as well as give material culture to the text. For example, the 1993 discovery at Tel Dan of a tablet mentioning the "House of David" confirms King David's existence and impact 150 years after his life; the discovery of a wall or some jewelry would illuminate the lifestyle of the people who lived in David's time.

For further reading, we recommend the following resources:

• The GTI Tours Facebook page
• Biblical Archaeology by Amihai Mazar
• Under Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World's Most Contested City by Andrew Lawler
• The Source by James A. Michener

If you are interested in a future Reformation Tour of Germany and Switzerland or in exploring Saudi Arabia, please email Rich and let him know at [email protected].