Beginning July 19, 2014 we are sharing a month with others, leading a trip to visit Nepal and the Holy Land.

Come back to this page to keep up to date with the latest news and plans for this “Growing Together Tour”.

Itinerary ….

SATURDAY 19 JULY 2014

Depart Brisbane to Bangkok

Departure to BANGKOK, THAILAND, for overnight.

Morning flight from Bangkok to Kathmandu (B)

SUNDAY 20 JULY to FRIDAY 1 AUGUST

Nepal Itinerary

Our two weeks in Nepal will include exploring the work of educational and medical mission alongside the growth of the Nepali Church.  We will visit the towns of Lamjung and Pokhara during our first week and meet with CMS missionaries working in the areas of engineering, occupational therapy, medical and palliative care.  We will see first hand the concept of ‘integral mission’.  The beautiful lake city of Pokhara has many wonderful sights to explore, with great views of the Annapurna section of the Himalayas. We will experience the worship of both an international and a Nepali church. We are looking at opportunities for ministry while in Pokhara, most likely with the children in orphanages, and fulfilling other practical needs as arise.

FRIDAY 1 AUGUST: Fly from Kathmandu to Bangkok with connection to Amman, Jordan

SATURDAY 2 AUGUST

Upon arrival in Amman JORDAN we will be met by Inner Faith Travel Representatives and transferred to our hotel for rest and relaxation. In the afternoon we will enjoy a city tour en route to dinner. We worship with the English speaking congregation at Redeemer Church, Amman, and then enjoy a Bedouin style meal at the Tawaheem Al Hawa Restaurant. Overnight Amman. (B-D)

SUNDAY 3 AUGUST

Today we visit the Roman Ruins in Amman, Madaba, Mount Nebo, where Moses gazed into the Promised Land. We continue to Petra for overnight. (B-D)

MONDAY 4 AUGUST

This morning, we will be led through the spectacular chasm of PETRA on horseback, by our Nabatean guides. You may choose to walk, or ride in a carriage if available. (tipping for riding on horseback or carriage approximately $5) We will visit the treasury, monastery, Roman Theatre, Royal Tombs and the high place of sacrifice. Overnight Petra. (B-D)

TUESDAY 5 AUGUST

We enter the Promised Land through the Arava Border to Eilat on the Dead Sea. Travelling north to Timna Park we visit the recreated Wilderness Tabernacle. Crossing through the Negev we arrive at Beer Sheba. We visit the Park of the Australian Soldier, the British Cemetery where Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers lay at rest. A service will be held at the war memorial.  We visit Tel es Saba where the NZ Mounted Rifles and some Australians took the high place, Abraham’s well and Chauvel’s Hill from where we can view the plain where the 800 Australian Light horsemen rode into history with their famous charge. Overnight at our Dead Sea Resort Hotel. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST

Time this morning for spa treatments and to ‘float’ in the medicinal mineral waters of the Salt Sea. We continue to the mighty fortress of MASADA for lunch and to visit the site of the last heroic 3-year stand of 960 Jewish defenders against the Roman Empire. From its heights (by cable car) we have tremendous views of Jordan and the Dead Sea. Overnight Dead Sea. (B-D)

THURSDAY 7 AUGUST

First stop today is Ein Gedi to walk to the falls where King David is thought to have found refuge. We make a short photo stop at Qumran where the Dead Sea scrolls were discovered. We journey north for a coastal tour of the MEDITERRANEAN SEA PORTS. En route we will visit CAESAREA, site of Herod’s Palace, home of Cornelius and where Paul was brought to trial. Afterwards, we travel to Haifa, MT CARMEL and Muhraqa, where Elijah called down fire from Heaven to defeat the prophets of Baal. Take in the spectacular views over the Jezreel Valley. We visit the Tel at MEGGIDO, location of King Solomon’s stables; view the plain where the battle of Armageddon is referred to in the book of Revelation; and explore the recently discovered Tel of Jezreel from where Jezebel and Ahab wielded their powerful influence. Continue to the spectacular Sea of Galilee for overnight. (B-D)

FRIDAY 8 AUGUST

Today, we explore this historical area of Galilee, remembering how Jesus walked on water. Our special traditional sailing vessel will take us across the Sea of Galilee, stopping in the middle for a time of reflection and worship. Rejoice! Jesus is alive!  We disembark at Nof Ginnosar a kibbutz located on the shores of the Galilee where we will see the remains of a boat from the time of Jesus. Arriving later to CAPERNAUM, the city of Jesus, we visit the ruins of the synagogue where Jesus performed many miracles. You will see the new excavations of what is thought to be ST PETER’S house and visit TABGHA, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed the multitudes and later ascending to the top of the MOUNT OF BEATITUDES, we will pause to read the Sermon on the Mount. Time at the Jordan River Baptismal site before returning to our hotel. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

SATURDAY 9 AUGUST

Our journey takes us to Nazareth, where Jesus grew to manhood, visiting the Church of the Annunciation. We spend time at Nazareth Village recreating village lifestyle during the time of Jesus, experiencing the Nazareth Jesus knew! Passing through Cana, where He performed His first recorded miracle, we travel on until rounding the crest of a hill where the SEA OF GALILEE unfolds in a breathtaking panoramic scene before our eyes. Free afternoon by the Sea. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

SUNDAY 10 AUGUST

After breakfast, we travel to the Golan Heights with Mt. Hermon in the background. We will explore Tel Dan, visit CAESAREA PHILIPPI, where Peter confessed his faith in Jesus, and Nimrod’s Castle a ruin from Crusader times. We will have opportunity for a Communion Service together. Overnight Galilee. (B-D)

MONDAY 11 AUGUST

Our first stop is Beit Shean where King Saul’s headless body was hung on the city gates. Lunch stop at Jericho where we spend the afternoon visiting Elisha’s Spring and the ruins of Ancient Jericho. Commence our memorial ascent through the Mountains of Israel up to Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

TUESDAY 12 AUGUST

Today we tour New Jerusalem and visit the MODEL CITY, site of a quarter acre replica model of Jerusalem in the time of Christ, which includes the Jewish Temple, the Shrine of the Book, which houses the DEAD SEA SCROLLS and spend time at YAD VASHEM HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL. This memorial is built in memory of the six million Jews lost in the Holocaust. Truly a moving experience. We cross the Security Fence to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Caves with some souvenir shopping at the Three Arches gift store.  After dinner enjoy the Sound and Light show at the Citadel of David! Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST

We awaken in the city of the Great King. You can feel the atmosphere that sets Jerusalem apart from any other city in the world. We have a full day of touring Old Jerusalem, following in the footsteps of Jesus, including the MT OF OLIVES and the GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE. Entering into the OLD CITY through ST STEPHEN’S GATE we visit the POOL OF BETHESDA, where Jesus cured an invalid, and continue to the Ecce Homo convent to view the Lithostrotos and the Pavement and visit the PRAETORIUM, site of the public trial and condemnation of Jesus. We visit the WESTERN WALL, the most sacred site for the Jewish people and ascend the TEMPLE MOUNT (security permitting) to the Dome of the Rock, the site where Abraham offered up Isaac. We enter the Herodian Tunnel revealing the depth and size of the Temple support wall constructed during the rule of King Herod. Overnight Jerusalem (B-D)

THURSDAY 14 AUGUST

We wander the ancient cobblestone streets of Jerusalem through the colourful bazaar streets of the Old City, passing the Stations of the Cross along the VIA DOLOROSA arriving at the CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE. Free afternoon in Jerusalem. Overnight Jerusalem. (B-D)

FRIDAY 15 AUGUST

Today we visit the Jewish Quarter, Cardo, Temple Institute and the Burnt House. We explore the City of David, the location of Caiaphas House at St Peter Gallicantu Church, with remains of ancient steps, and the UPPER ROOM at Mt Zion, where we will reflect on the events of the LAST SUPPER. A sunset dinner in the Judean Wilderness at Abraham’s Tent. Experience life as the Patriarchs did. Overnight Jerusalem. ( B-D)

SATURDAY 16 AUGUST

This morning we are off to the GARDEN TOMB, where we will celebrate a Communion Service with the empty tomb in the background. The serenity of this place makes it a spiritual oasis within this bustling city. This is the ultimate place of worship in Jerusalem. The remainder of the day is free for shopping. This evening we visit St George’s Cathedral for worship. Overnight Jerusalem (B-D)

SUNDAY 17 AUGUST

This morning we join with believers from around the world at a service at Christchurch with an opportunity to learn the history of the first Protestant Church in the Middle East & lunch in the lovely garden café. In the late afternoon we will travel to Yad Hasmona for a farewell dinner and then transfer to the airport for our flight homeward. (B-D)

MONDAY 18 AUGUST

Arrival into Bangkok where we connect with our flight to Brisbane. Bangkok stopovers are also available, but must be booked 60 days before departure. (Meals in Flight).

TUESDAY 19 AUGUST

Arrive home, reflecting on the overall mission experience of our month together, with a renewed commitment to live as servants of Jesus, and to share that enthusiasm with our wider Church community, as we fulfil our Vision of “bringing people to faith in Jesus Christ and growing together in Him.”