Join us for a life-changing experience in the Holy Land! After successful 2012 and 2014 tours led by the Pierces, WACC is hosting another trip. As before, this educational adventure is designed for those who are serious about their faith and the study of God's Word. It involves six preparatory classes on Thursday evenings in late spring of 2016 before our two weeks in the Holy Land. There we will practice Christian community on a pilgrimage to the place where it all began. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to explore the complexities of the Israel and Palestine conflict from a respectful and biblical perspective. Our goal is to understand the Bible in its historical, geographical and cultural context. To do so, we will set out early each morning with a full and challenging itinerary. Along the way we will interact with Israelis and Palestinians—including fellow believers seeking to model reconciliation in Christ. Rest assured that every effort has been made to provide a safe, pleasant and spiritually meaningful tour. We are drawing on the resources of Professor Pierce's nearly 40 years of university teaching in Bible and theology, including 15 years of Ron's leadership of Biola's travel-study program to Israel and Palestine. So whether you have never been to the Holy Land, or left a piece of your heart there once before, you are invited to come and discover something fresh and new that God has prepared especially for you next year in Jerusalem. For the best educational and travel experience, we are limiting this tour to a one-bus adult group. So sign up early to ensure your spot on the 2016 journey to the land of the Bible.

JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE BIBLE

Tour Leaders: Dr. Ron Pierce, Brett & Sarah Pierce Pastoral Host: Nina Dohoda

May 30–June 12 , 2016

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Monday, May 30: Begin the Journey Depart Los Angeles Airport on a flight to Tel Aviv. Tuesday, May 31: Via Maris Arrive at Tel Aviv airport to meet our guide and driver. Travel north along the ancient Via Maris (Way of the Sea) through the agricultural Sharon Plain. Check into the Dan Caesarea Hotel for dinner, and enjoy a sunset over the Mediterranean Sea at the Herodian aqueduct nearby. Wednesday, June 1: Jezreel Valley After breakfast, walk through Herod’s magnificent Caesarea by the Sea with its Roman theater, hippodrome, harbor, and Crusader ruins. Peter ministered to Cornelius at this gateway for Christianity’s expansion to the West. Drive to the top of Mount Carmel, where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal. After a light lunch, visit Megiddo the city that dominated the Via Maris from Egypt to Mesopotamia. Explore its extensive excavations, including Ahab’s stables, a grain silo, and an ancient underground water system. Cross the Jezreel Valley to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus, with its beautiful Church of the Annunciation built over the ancient village. Continue to Mount Precipice for a breathtaking view across the Jezreel Valley toward Mount Tabor, from where Deborah and Barak encountered the Canaanites. Arrive at the western shore of the Sea of Galilee to check into Kibbutz Nof Ginosar, our scenic three-night hotel in the Galilee.

LAND OF THE BIBLE TOUR • WACC 2016

WACC 2016 LAND OF THE BIBLE TOUR

Thursday, June 2: Sea of Galilee Enjoy a short hike to the cliffs of Mount Arbel for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, including many sites of Jesus’ ministry. Continue to Capernaum, his ministry base, with a 4th century AD synagogue (built on the foundations of the one where Jesus preached) and a Byzantine church (built over the house of St. Peter). Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with time for personal reflection and community worship. Return to shore to visit a museum housing an ancient 2nd century AD fishing boat—like Jesus’s disciples would have used. Drive to Tabgha, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes. Then, end at the Mount of Beatitudes, with time for meditation on Jesus’ beloved sermon given there.

Friday, June 3: Northern Borders Begin today with a sunrise service for those wishing to be baptized in the Sea of Galilee. Trace the Via Maris northward with a stop at Hazor, the largest Canaanite city. Continue to Dan for a walk through its nature reserve to the headwaters of the Jordan, the high place of Jeroboam’s golden calf and a city gate from Abraham’s time. Stop at Banias, where the adventuresome can hike down to a waterfall gushing out of a limestone cave. Visit nearby Caesarea Philippi, where Peter first acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. Wander through an ancient fortress that once guarded the Galilee. Finish the day near Mount Hermon on the Golan Heights to discuss Israel’s modern borders with Lebanon and Syria. Saturday, June 4: Jordan Valley Leave Nof Ginosar and journey south to the Dead Sea. On the way, explore the NT city of Scythopolis, the capital of the Roman Decapolis, with an optional climb to the OT ruins of Beth She’an–the setting for the last days of Saul and Jonathan. Continue along the west bank of the Jordan River between ancient Samaria and modern Jordan, stopping for an overview of Peniel/Mahanaim, where Jacob wrestled with the angel. Journey on to Jericho, the oldest city known today with a watchtower from 7000 BC and a view of the traditional place of Jesus’ wilderness temptation. Drive along the Dead Sea (1300 ft. below sea level) to the Ein Bokek resort for a night on the shore with time to swim and enjoy mud packs and optional spa treatments.

Sunday, June 5: Dead Sea Return north along the Dead Sea to the renowned Masada. Take an exhilarating cable car ride to the top of its 1500 ft. cliffs, visiting Herod’s mountain fortress with its palaces, baths and a synagogue—the last stronghold of the Jewish revolt against Rome (AD 66-73). Enjoy the nature reserve at En Gedi, with an opportunity to relax in the national park or take a challenging hike to its waterfalls. Here David hid in one of these caves from the pursuit of King Saul. Continue to Qumran for a view of Cave 4, which contained the greatest quantity of Dead Sea scrolls. Travel west along the wilderness gorge of Wadi Qilt for a scenic view of St. George’s Monastery, carved into the cliffside. Arrive at last in the holy City of Jerusalem for an early check-in at the Dan Boutique Hotel, located on a hilltop overlooking the Old City. Before dinner, enjoy a short walking tour to become acquainted with your Jerusalem surroundings. This will be our home for the last six nights of the tour.

Tuesday, June 7: Jerusalem Enter the Old City through the Dung Gate and ascend the Temple Mount (Islam’s third holiest site) to see the Dome of the Rock, the al-Aqsa Mosque, and the Eastern Gate. Explore its Southern Wall excavations, including the Temple steps on which Jesus walked. Stop at the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest site, and walk through the Rabbis’ Tunnel, where additional portions of the wall and other structures beneath it have been found. Drive to the New City, passing by the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) on our way to the Shrine of the Book, which houses some of the original Dead Sea Scrolls. See the Model of Ancient Jerusalem, depicting the city as it was during the time of Christ—complete with the Herodian Temple. End the day at Yad Vashem, the Jewish memorial to the Holocaust.

Monday, June 6: Judean Hill Country Drive by Hebron, the ancient capital of Judah and burial place of Sarah and Abraham, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah. Stop at a Hebron Glass factory, well known for its traditional glass blowing (begun in the 1st-2nd centuries AD), with an opportunity to watch the artists and purchase some of their beautiful creations! Travel on to the OT cities of Arad and Beersheba. At the latter, enter the restored city gate from the time of Hezekiah for a visit to a well and tamarisk tree, remembering the well dug by Abraham and the tree he planted. Visit the remains of a four-room Israelite house, storehouses, and a four-horned altar. Return to Jerusalem via the Western Foothills (Shephelah) where key defense cities such as Lachish once protected the ascent to the Hill Country. Next visit the Elah Valley, the battlefield of David and Goliath, and pick up a few “smooth stones.” Finally, pass by Beit Shemesh, as the Ark of the Covenant once did when the Philistines returned it to Israel.

LAND OF THE BIBLE TOUR • WACC 2016

Wednesday, June 8: Cities of David Drive south of Jerusalem to Beit Sahour, the traditional Shepherds’ Fields that remind us of the angels’ announcement of Christ’s birth. Visit the Bethlehem Bible College and meet the staff to hear how they prepare evangelical Christian leaders for the Palestinian church. Continue to the Church of the Nativity, built over the site believed to be the place of Jesus’ birth. Stop by Bethlehem Souvenir Center, one of the nicest shopping opportunities in the land. Return to Jerusalem for the option to hike through the City of David, the original Jerusalem during the time of King David. This includes Warren’s Shaft, Hezekiah’s water tunnel (a unique adventure) and the Pool of Siloam. Then, either relax at our hotel or wander through the nearby shops.

Thursday, June 9: Via Dolorosa & Mount of Olives Enter the Old City early through the Jaffa Gate, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built in AD 330 over the place of the crucifixion and resurrection. Trace the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) along the traditional Stations of the Cross. See the Ecce Homo Arch (“Behold, the Man”), likely the location where Jesus was sentenced. Travel to the Pools of Bethesda, the site of one of Jesus’ healings. Visit St. Anne’s, the best-preserved Crusader church in the land, known for its spectacular acoustics. We will then see the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built over Caiaphas’ house where Jesus was tried. Finally, from atop the Mount of Olives, view the City of Jerusalem—Old and New—with its renowned Golden Gate. Descend on foot along the Palm Sunday route to the Dominus Flevit (“the Lord wept”) church and the Garden of Gethsemane, with its beautiful Church of All Nations. These times of worship will be special.

LAND OF THE BIBLE TOUR • WACC 2016

LAND OF THE BIBLE TOUR • WACC 2016

Friday, June 10: Free Day To make space for all the places in the Old City you want to see more in-depth, you will have a day to explore Jerusalem in small groups (or visit the Israel Museum). Enjoy free time for shopping or just wandering around, taking everything in. Bus drop offs will be available at the Zion Gate and Israel Museum in the morning. Those who desire may meet at the Western Wall just before sundown to join in the excitement as the Jewish people joyously welcome Sabbath with singing and dancing. Shabbat Shalom!

Saturday, June 11: Old Jaffa Your last morning will be free to pack, complete last minute shopping, or enjoy a small group excursion, though you must check out of the hotel by noon. Before leaving Jerusalem we will gather at a quiet place for a communion service, giving thanks for our very special time together. Before leaving Jerusalem, drive by the Haas Promenade for an overview of Jerusalem from the south. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to Old Jaffa (the oldest known port in the world) and take a leisurely, small-group walking tour of the area. Jonah set sails from Jaffa; Peter raised Tabitha from the dead here, and had his vision of the gospel going to all peoples here in Simon’s house. Finally, after a lovely farewell dinner along the Mediterranean coast, transfer to the Tel Aviv Airport for a late night departure. Sunday, June 12: Return Home Arrive back in Los Angeles early in the morning, with wonderful and enduring memories of our special time spent together in the Land of the Bible.

“What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.” ~ Psalm 84:5

Transfers and Baggage: Group transfers between airports and hotels upon arrival and departure are included in the tour price, including handling of one medium-sized suitcase per person, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length plus width plus height) or weighing more than a maximum of 50 pounds. Due to limited luggage storage space on motor coaches, it is important that each person bring only ONE piece of checked baggage. In addition, a flight bag or overnight case may be taken, which must be handled by the passenger at all times. Baggage allowance is subject to change according to airline policy. Sightseeing and Entrance Fees: Are included as indicated in itinerary, using private motor coach or other conveyance, with local guides where necessary. Tips and Taxes: Service charges and taxes on accommodations and tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff are included. Tips for lunches and personal services are not included. Not Included: Lunches and lunch tips, beverages with dinners, passport fee, travel protection plan, checked baggage fees, and expenses of a purely personal nature are not included. Transportation from your home to departure city and return is not included. Deposit and Payment: Reservations can be secured with a deposit payment of $500 per person by January 1, 2016. You will be invoiced for final payment, which is due February 1, 2016. Raptim Cancellation Conditions: The cancellation conditions outlined below apply to all passenger initiated cancellations. Should circumstances require that the passenger cancel, written notice of cancellation must be received by Raptim Humanitarian Travel a minimum of 100 days prior to departure to secure any refund of deposit funds. From date of deposit to and including February 1, 2016: $100 per person service fee applies (Exception: When tour is cancelled by the tour host within this time period, a $25 per person service fee will apply.) From February 2 to and including March 31, 2016: Full deposit ($500 per person) plus any unrecoverable fees apply.

After March 31, 2016: No refund. Cancellation policies apply when cancellation occurs for any reason. There is no refund for any unused services or portion of the tour package.

LAND OF THE BIBLE TOUR • WACC 2016

TOUR FEATURES AND CONDITIONS Please read all Tour Features and Conditions carefully. Payment of tour deposit constitutes acceptance of these conditions. Air Transportation: Air transportation is restricted to the services of any IATA carrier, in economy class based on nonrefundable fare. Travelers are responsible to provide their names as they appear in their passport. Ticketing will be made 30-45 days prior to departure, after which there will be a charge for name corrections. Tour price includes current airline taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change until ticketed. Tour participants are responsible for any increase in airline taxes or fuel surcharges imposed by the airline. Seat Assignments: Group seats are available approximately 30 days prior to departure and are assigned at the airline’s discretion. Please advise your travel consultant of any special seating needs due to health or mobility . Accommodations: Based on two or more persons sharing a room in accommodations listed in itinerary, or similar. Single rooms are subject to availability at an additional charge. If a passenger cannot supply a roommate, the passenger is responsible for the additional charge . Meals: In-flight meals and snacks are served according to airline policy. Breakfast and dinner will be provided daily.

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TOUR COST Cost per person based on 46 travelers total: $5,395 Initial deposit to reserve your place: $500 *Single room surcharge for individual travellers: $980

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Website and registration: events.signup4.com/holy62e Contact: WACCHolyLand2016@gmail.com.

TOUR COST Cost per person based on 46 travelers total: $5,395 Cost per person based on 46 travelers total: $5,395 Cost per person based on 46 travelers total: $5,395 Initial deposit to reserve your place: $500 Initial deposit to reserve your place: $500 Initial deposit to reserve your place: $500 *Single room surcharge for individual travellers: $980 *Single room surcharge for individual travellers: $980 *Single room surcharge for individual travellers: $980

FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR MORE INFORMATION Website and registration: Website and registration: events.signup4.com/holy62eevents.signup4.com/holy62e Contact: Contact: WACCHolyLand2016@gmail.comWACCHolyLand2016@gmail.comWACCHolyLand2016@gmail.comWACCHolyLand2016@gmail.comWACCHolyLand2016@gmail.comWACCHolyLand2016@gmail.com.

Raptim Humanitarian Travel Attention: Lindy Witman 116 Lake Street, Ephrata, PA 17522 Tel: 800-2RAPTIM (800-272-7846) x12307 Email: lindy.witman@raptim.org

TOUR FEATURES AND CONDITIONS (continued) Protect Your Investment: Group travel protection coverage is available to cover medical expenses (primary coverage), medical evacuation & repatriation, trip cancellation/interruption, trip delay, baggage and personal effects loss, baggage delay and accidental death & dismemberment. A pre-existing condition exclusion waiver is available if coverage is purchased up to and including time of final payment. Further information can be found on the Travel Protection Plan tab of the tour registration website or by contacting your Raptim consultant.

Passport, Visa & Health Requirements: A valid passport is required. If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. Information on obtaining or renewing a U.S. passport can be found at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english.html. If you now have a passport, please verify that it is valid until December 13, 2016. visa for Israel is not required for U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible to fulfill entry requirements for countries to be visited by contacting the appropriate consulates. No inoculations are required, but please check with your physician for his recommendation.

Rates & Fares Information: Rates are based on a minimum of 46 persons traveling together. Fewer tour participants will result in a price increase. The quoted tour price is based on the current rate of exchange. Fluctuation in the foreign exchange rate can result in price increase.

Deviations: Any individual making a change in travel arrangements apart from this group program will be charged a service fee of $100 per person, plus any additional air or land costs incurred. If you choose to make your own travel arrangements (not through Raptim Humanitarian Travel), we are not responsible for any charges or cancellation fees you may incur at any time.

Tour Operator Itinerary Changes: The itinerary as outlined is an indication of sequence and sites to be included in the tour program. However, the tour operator reserves the right to alter or change the itinerary and/or the sites included should it be deemed necessary due to local conditions, time restrictions, or other circumstances.

Traveler Safety: In the ever-changing world situation, Raptim Humanitarian Travel recommends personal monitoring of news about your destination. For the latest country information from the U.S. Dept. of State, please visit http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html.

Disabilities: Guests with disabilities or dietary restrictions should inquire in advance about whether their needs can be accommodated.

Responsibility Raptim Humanitarian Travel, its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff act only as independent third parties to connect customers with the various companies whose accommodations are utilized. Raptim Humanitarian Travel , its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the services of any train, vessel, carriage, automobile, airplane or other conveyance, anticipated to be used or which is used, either wholly or in part, in any travels. Raptim Humanitarian Travel, its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff are not and will not be responsible and the passenger fully releases Raptim Humanitarian Travel, its employees, agents, officers, shareholders and staff for and from any act, error or omission, or any resulting expense or any injury to person or property (including death), other loss, accident, or any delays which may be occasioned, by reason of defect in any vehicle or through neglect or default of any company or persons engaged in the conveying of passengers including but not limited to any steamer, airplane services or that of any other conveyance, or through any sickness, accident, weather, strikes, war, quarantine or other causes, and all such losses, injury and expenses must be and will be borne solely by the passenger.

Prices and schedules appearing in this brochure are based on current schedules and tariff rates and are subject to change without notice. The tour operator reserve the right to modify the itinerary where deemed necessary or caused by changes in air or other schedules. The airlines and/or other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not aboard their plane or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and purchaser of tours and/or the passenger.

Tour Number: ZTHOLY62E