It's described as a Biblical tour with a personal touch, as the Rock and Marlin Travel have partnered for a nine-day tour of Israel. The trip, hosted by Rick and Kathleen Gibson, promises to be a once in a lifetime experience for the people attending.
Rick Gibson says that his role in the trip will be to give the Christian context to the different sites that thy will visit, while local guides will provide the historical perspective and the Hebrew perspective.
"These sites that we will be seeing, most of them are well known sites. We've heard about them, we know what the sites are, but to actually be able to go and see the sites and walk the areas will be a really wonderful experience."
The trip will mean something different to everyone who takes it, and Gibson says he's looking forward to it for a number of different reasons.
"Partly because of all my years of ministry as pastor, I've got some curiosity about seeing the Holy Land and the sights, to see some of the archaeological digs. Also, for the last 15-20 years, I've had an interest in Jewish customs and traditions, and how their customs and traditions have parallels in our Christian faith. My curiosity is to go and see first hand... An educational, spiritual pilgrimage is what I'm looking for," Gibson says.
Israel is a country with a long history, with constant archaeological digs and many of the sites are thousands of years old.
"To have so much history in that country, historical, biblical and political, it is truly an amazing place to go," Gibson says.
The hope is to see this trip become a regular occurrence, and Gibson says that it while the trip has a Christian context, it's something that would be valuable to anyone, given the rich history in the region, and they welcome people of any faith to come along and experience the trip.
He also emphasizes that in spite trouble in some regions the Middle East, Israel itself is a safe place and the guides will know if there are any problems in the region. While some people might be concerned by what they hear, Gibson says that there is no reason to worry about safety on the trip.
The tour will cost $3,295 with $690 in tax. Those interested are encouraged to contact Marlin Travel as soon as possible. The trip will depart on March 2, 2014.
