Michelle and I were blessed to tour the Holy Land in 2001. I agree with Dr. Steve Rice who says, “The best way I can sum up the trip is that “it changes you.” I am not the same guy I was when I left. I will never read the Bible the same, I will never preach the same, and hopefully, I will never live the same!”

Michelle and I had this same life-changing opportunity due to the generosity of a church member who loved his pastor and wanted to richly bless my life and ministry. At the time, we could not have afforded the trip, but how thankful I am that I was able to have the experience so early in my ministry.

My favorite memory was standing on the hillsides overlooking the Sea of Galilee in the area where it is believed Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount. The beauty and tranquility of that setting, and the thought of my Lord standing on a grassy knoll speaking the “words of life,” captured my mind and my heart. Never had I felt as close to Him.

Rice and I will lead a Kentucky Baptist Convention trip to the Holy Land on March 14-23, 2017. We are partnering with Jerusalem Tours out of Columbus, Ohio. David and Sara Chay, the owners, are a wonderful couple who know how to put together tours to their homeland. Our guide, Kobi Kimhy, has been voted the #1 tour guide in Israel a number of times. His knowledge, personality and genuine love for Israel cannot be matched.

We want to invite pastors, church staff, church members, directors of missions, along with any believers to join us as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. We have negotiated a great price of $3,869 per person that includes flights from Louisville, hotels, touring, meals, tips, fuel charges, etc. We invite churches to consider sending their pastor(s) and his wife on this trip of a lifetime.

If you are interested, or if you have any questions, please email Rice at steve.rice@kybaptist.org or contact him at (502) 489-3434. Reserve your spot early because I believe this is going to be a very popular trip.