The situation in Israel remains uncertain with the ongoing war with Hamas. As a result, I have had to cancel my Israel study tour for this July. Please pray that God will bring peace to Israel and a permanent end to the conflict. I request that you also pray for our local Israeli partners, whom the ongoing war has significantly impacted.

But, as the old saying goes:

“When God closes a door, He opens a window.”

My tour partner, GTI Tours, recently introduced me to another group leader in the DFW area who is facing similar challenges. It was clear after one meeting that Jared Coe and I shared similar passions and perspectives on leading biblical study tours. We have agreed to join forces to co-lead a trip tracing the growth of the early church in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The trip dates are July 1–12, 2024.

How did this small Jewish sect of Jesus’s followers spread throughout the Roman Empire in a very short time? The Roman province of Asia Minor was ground zero for their success. Close to 75% of the New Testament was written by, to, or about Jesus’s followers in Asia Minor. Outside of Israel, this region is the most significant for understanding the New Testament and how Christianity became an official religion of the Roman Empire in less than 300 years. What’s more, how they impacted their world directly applies to ours.

Most people don’t have Turkey on their bucket list. They should. The Greco-Roman ruins in Turkey are more extensive and FAR better preserved than those in Greece or Italy. Furthermore, the people are friendly, the food is delicious, travel is safe, and your dollar goes a long way. It’s also worth noting that the walking/hiking is not nearly as intensive as in Israel.

The button below provides additional trip information as well as a video GTI prepared about travel to Turkey.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope you can join us!