GTI Tours Podcast

Today on the podcast, we welcome Walking the Text partners Brad Gray and Brad Nelson, who believe the Lord’s Prayer holds a transformative power that often goes unnoticed. Longtime friends of GTI, Brad and Brad have guided many tours through Israel and Turkey, helping travelers encounter Scripture in its original context.They’ve recently launched an ambitious new project centered on the Lord’s Prayer, including a feature film, a book titled Bringing Heaven Here, and a seven-episode video series premiering Easter 2026. Their goal is simple yet profound: to help people grow not only in biblical understanding, but in the way they live out their faith each day.Out of the Bible’s 1,189 chapters across 66 books, the Lord’s Prayer stands as a powerful summary of who God is, why Jesus came, and what our purpose is here on earth.https://thelordsprayer.com/walkingthetext.comhttps://youtu.be/EsQpbnrv2xQ 

Sir Isaac Newton used this metaphor in a 1675 letter: "if I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” A man of science AND faith, he became one of the many intellectual and spiritual giants we will study on this incredible tour.You've heard of Wycliffe, Tyndale, Wesley, and Wilberforce. You've read Bunyan, Lewis, and Tolkien. Come and “meet” the people who form the bridge between Bible times and our times!The impact of the Christian faith on England and Scotland over the past 1800 years has not only shaped American and western Christianity, but also western and even global civilization. Join us and walk in the steps of the kings and queens, monks and poets, scholars and statesmen who gave us free society, freedom of worship, the Scriptures in English, and a vision for world mission - all preserved in a beautiful and ancient land of gothic cathedrals, medieval monasteries and ancient universities. Trace the path from our times to Bible times, and give your modern faith ancient roots, October 13-22, 2026.https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-england-scotland-2026Watch the trailer:https://vimeo.com/1142158461?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ciBlog video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noIkEafYWzYRead the 2025 trip blog: https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-england-scotland-2025 

October 13, 2025: a MONUMENTAL day for Israel and for the world as the remaining 20 living hostages are finally returned HOME after two years in captivity! The people are rejoicing and celebrating; yet tears of joy are mingled with tears of sorrow for the families whose loved ones were killed. Listen as Rich Ferreira talks with Rich Liverance LIVE from Israel as he watches events unfold. Continue to pray for Israel and their people as they begin the healing process and for peace and wisdom for their future.Jeremiah 31: 16-17 "This is what the Lord says: 'Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,' declares the Lord. 'They will return from the land of the enemy.So there is hope for your descendants,' declares the Lord.'Your children will return to their own land'."

What do you do when you wake up at 3am from jetlag? You record a podcast! Join Rich and Dan as they reflect on their recent Reformation Tour of Germany and Switzerland. 500 years of history is a lot to fit into a 10-day itinerary, but Dan covered a great deal of it on this trip! Beginning with the premise that "ideas have consequences", Dan led the group through the study of the Reformers, their ideas, and questions that changed the world - some of which we are still asking today!"What should I believe?" "How should I be governed?""What is the nature of a good society?"Join us (Sept. 12-23, 2026) for a journey filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Germany and Switzerland, encompassing historical sites like the Berlin Wall and Neuschwanstein Castle, and the natural beauty of places such as Lake Constance in Switzerland. We will visit the residences and workplaces of the Reformers, but more importantly, we will bring our own faith to bear in the churches and streets where the gospel was rediscovered and proclaimed during the 16th century and beyond.Learn more about the 2026 Reformation Tour: https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-germany-switzerland-2026#itineraryRead the 2025 trip blog: https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-germany-switzerland-2025Learn more about Dan and 1517: https://1517.org/

Rich Ferreira and 12 other participants were part of the Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2025 Stand with Israel Tour. They were our first trip to travel to Israel in nearly two years! On this interesting itinerary, they traversed the Land from top to bottom and side to side, visiting many unique sites that aren't usually included on our Israel trips like Shiloh, Sepphoris, and Magdala. They also had the privilege to visit the Nova Memorial and Hostage Square. You KNOW Ronen is Israeli and that Rich loves Israel, so listen instead to the participants as they share firsthand about safety, sites, food and much more. God willing, we will be running many more trips to Israel in the near future and hope to include some of you! See our trip schedule here: https://gtitours.org/schedule 

30 years is a long time to be tour guide. That's why we are taking this episode to celebrate with our Turkish guide, Ozan! It's not an easy job, but it is an interesting one when you are leading tours through an amazing country like Turkey. Many people don't realize what a hidden gem this country is! With thousands of years of history, diverse people, stunning landscapes, and delicious food, what's not to like? Don't forget its biblical significance as Asia Minor, the home of the 7 Churches of Revelation, and the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. Nearly 90% of the New Testament was either written to, from, or about someone in Turkey (Asia Minor)! If you want to visit someplace special and have a guide who really connects you to the country, join us in April 2026 and meet our incredible guides: Ozan, Gokhan and Dogan. You'll never read the New Testament the same!https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-turkey-greece-2026

No, we are not discussing World Cup rivalries! This podcast episode is in a different format - a spirited but fun REFORMATION FACE OFF. GTI's Signature Tours of Germany/Switzerland and England/Scotland are each incredible, but how to choose? Listen as trip leaders Dan van Voorhis and Adam Richardson debate the sites, characters, heritage, hidden gems, cuisine, and more from each trip.Regardless of which tour you join, you will experience quality teaching, comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and see more sites than you can imagine. Discover the ancient roots of modern faith in Europe. Invest in your spiritual life and watch your faith be transformed!A few spaces remain for each tour. Learn more here:https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-england-scotland-2025https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-germany-switzerland-2025Here is the link for 2026 Germany/Switzerland:https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-germany-switzerland-20262026 England/Scotland dates are TBD.Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3s8SeGNkcQ 

The Doctor is in the house for this podcast - Dr. Rich Liverance, of course! His work with the government of Israel brings insight to Rich Ferreira's update. This episode (recorded on July 4) will help you get an overview of the sequence of events in Israel and the surrounding countries since the initial attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.Israel is the Center of God's Redemptive Story; the name itself means "to wrestle with God." Not only this, but also its ideal location makes it the most desired Land in the world! Remember that God is still at work in His Land and His People; continue to pray for peace for the people of the Middle East. Our partners, guides and drivers are safe and well and look forward to our groups returning to the Land. Join Rich or follow the trip blog for the Stand with Israel Tour, Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2025https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-stand-with-israel-2025

 Rich Liverance and Rich Ferreira are fresh off the airplane and back in the studio to share about their amazing time in Saudi Arabia and Jordan! Our March 2025 Signature Tour group was an adventuresome bunch and the first ever to cross into Saudi Arabia! Their itinerary included not only many historical sites in Jordan but also the likely biblical sites of the Split Rock (Exodus 17), the grove of palm trees (Exodus 15), an altar-high place with bull/cow carvings at the foot of the Arabian Mount Horeb (Exodus 32), as well as the desert of Wadi Rum, a possible location of the Wilderness of Paran mentioned in scripture. To be able to follow the Text step by step and walk the likely route of the Israelites is monumental. God often used the desert as a place of formation for His people, and the Exodus was no exception. Rich L. explains how God met them in the desert, formed them into a nation there, and identifies with the desert; he also breaks down the 7+ specific types of desert in Scripture.To learn more about this incredible trip, read their trip blog at:https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-saudi-jordan-2025If you're interested in seeing Saudi Arabia and Jordan in March of 2026, email Joni at joni@gtitours.org and let us know.Types of deserts in Hebrew (by Rich Liverance):Midbar: This is the most used term for "wilderness" in the Bible. In fact, the book of Numbers is entitled, "BaMidbar," in Hebrew, which means "In the Wilderness." A midbar can be any sort of desert terrain but usually indicates a desert that can sustain flocks. There is also a possible association of this term with the Hebrew verb, "to speak (medeber)," which shares the same root (dbr). Thus, the midbar may be the place of speaking or the place where God speaks to His people.Tziyah: This word is translated as "desert" in the Text. It generally refers to a dry, remote area.Aravah: This is used as the formal name of the desert south of the Dead Sea to the Red Sea but can also refer to the entire Jordan Valley generally south of the Sea of Galilee. When used as a plural (aravoht), however, it refers generally to "deserts."Yeshimon: This is my favorite. This refers to the most desolate, barren, and brutally inhospitable land without any water, greenery or growth of any kind.Yabashah: This word comes from the Hebrew word, yabash, meaning "dry." It is usually translated as "dry land" such as when the Israelites crossed the Red sea on "dry land."Tzekhikhah: This term refes to a "parched land" in Psalm 68:6.Sharav: This word is translated as "scorched land" in Isaiah 35:7 but can also refer to a mirage. This is the kind of desert that causes you to see things like ghosts and oases that aren't really there.Tzimaon: This word is translated as "thirsty ground" in Isa, 35:7 and is used together with "sharav" above. 

If you live in the SO CAL area, you are in for a treat. GTI's friend and partner, Randy Alsonso, joins today's episode to share about the Bridges for Peace REVEAL conference, coming up on May 16-17, 2025. It will be a time of revealing Israel in scripture, the truth about the conflict and the role of the Church. The conference will be held at Calvary Bellflower Church, 14722 Clark Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706. Our beloved Israeli guide Ronen is coming to California to speak! Registration and details at https://subscribepage.io/Reveal-eventbrite-pageAdditionally, the Well Clovis Campus will be hosting him at 6:30pm on May 7 at 325 Nees, Clovis, CA 93611. The event will be in the backyard of the home on the corner of Minnewawa and Nees. Parking off of Minnewawa across from Buchanan Stadium. All are welcome!

This fun episode comes to you LIVE from EGYPT while Rich, Jerrell and the Signature Tour group cruise the Nile River. Listen in as they describe the highlights of the trip thus far: the Pyramids and Sphinx, sacred temples, imposing statues, and the treasures of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum. Egyptian guide Osama joins the conversation to discuss the 10 plagues of Exodus and the Egyptian deities they disparaged. Understanding where the Israelites were coming from is crucial to understanding their journey to the Promise Land; from now on, this group will read the scriptures in a new light!To learn more about this trip, read our Egypt/Jordan Signature Tour trip blog (including some amazing photos).https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-egypt-jordan-2025Join us for the next round of this incredible tour, March 4-16, 2026!https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-egypt-jordan-2026

Exciting news: GTI is headed back to Europe! Not only do we run tours to Germany and Switzerland, but now also England and Scotland! The British Isles are steeped in 1800 years of Christian history from Bible times to our times. Pastor Adam Richardson brings his passion for church history, thorough education, and experience living and studying in England to bear in leading this incredible tour. We will follow the ancient path of our faith from 2nd-century believers under Roman occupation in Britannia to the late Middle Ages to the English Reformation and beyond, studying not only the astonishing architecture but the people who lived out the Gospel and passed it down to us today. Join us October 7-16, 2025 to understand the history of the Word and the People of the Word, and to invest in your own spiritual life. This trip is limited to 20 participants, so register today! https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-england-scotland-2025 

What started as a project to stay connected during the pandemic turned into 5 seasons and 100 episodes! To celebrate this special milestone, Rich pulls from the archives and shares some of our favorite staff stories. Enjoy the following anecdotes:"Missing the Boat""The Turkish Rock Star""The Egyptian Limo""Kickin' Chicken""Shooting Pool" (AKA "Too Much Moses")"Where in the World is Trabzon?""Charter Flight to Kansas""The Most Expensive Lunch Date Ever"We at GTI want to thank our podcast family for listening and supporting us through the years! Here's to many more years of travel, adventures, and laughs. In honor of our 100th episode, we are giving $100 OFF to each person who registers for our Stand With Israel or Jordan/Israel Signature Tours! Just put "100th episode" in the referral section. Questions? Call our Michigan office at 616.396.1234.https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-stand-with-israel-2025https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-jordan-israel-2025  

Rich Ferreira hosts previous guest Todd Morehead for this episode. Todd is the founder of Grafted Ministries and the creator of two films including Hope in the Holy Land: Delving Beneath the Surface of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.Today, Todd and Rich return to discussing the age-old conflict. Although it is a heavy topic, it is imperative that we not only NEVER FORGET but seek truth in the tension. Todd's work tries to give an unbiased lens with which to view the Israeli and Palestinian people and a platform for each of their voices to be heard.After October 7, Israel will never be the same. Todd's hope is that his film and docuseries will educate, change the way people (especially Christians) view Israel, and encourage love and support for the Jewish people.GAIN a heart for both Jews and Arabs in the Holy Land.LEARN the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.DISCERN the truth from the propaganda.STAND with people who are taking real risks for peace. WATCH THE SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/@hopeintheholylandFUND THE SERIES:https://raisedonors.com/graftedministries/fund-the-seriesTHE MINISTRY:https://www.graftedministries.com/WATCH THE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY:https://hopeintheholyland.com/Todd's bio:Todd Morehead is from Southern California, where he lives with his wife and four children. He is a graduate of Talbot Seminary with an M.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies and the author of Grafted In: Understanding God’s Role for You and Your Jewish Neighbors. He has a passion for leading Christians to Israel—a country he has visited over twenty-five times—to help instill God’s heart for the people and the Land. Todd directed and co-produced the documentary Promised Land: Israel Through The Eyes of Surfers (2012) and is the Co-Creator/Producer of both the feature documentary Hope in the Holy Land: Delving Beneath the Surface of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (2021) and the new docuseries Hope in the Holy Land: The Series. In his spare time, he loves to surf.

GTI is going to Rome! In this exciting episode, Rich and Jerrell share about their time recently exploring and planning for our groups. At the end of the first century, all roads led to Rome; it was the epicenter of the ancient world. Even today, over 35 million people a year visit the Eternal City and enjoy a LOT of pizza and pasta!Our 2025 Greece/Rome Signature Tour itinerary includes Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Rome, and more. We will visit the Colosseum, Forum, Catacombs, even a Roman prison, reading Paul's letter from the place where it was written! We will walk the city like an open-air museum, remembering Christians who were persecuted and martyred here (including Peter and Paul), yet turned the city upside by the power of the Holy Spirit!To understand the context of Acts to Revelation, it's necessary to understand Rome. Walk this Story with us on the ancient roads of Greece and Rome, October 16-27, 2025! https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-greece-rome-2025b

This short but sweet episode features Rich and Ronen, recorded LIVE from ISRAEL! Rich traveled to visit each of our Israeli partners, guides and drivers and enjoyed some sweet fellowship (and delicious food) in their homes.2024 has been a very difficult year, but as the days get shorter and darker, a flame of hope is flickering brightly like a candles during Hanukkah. Peace is returning to Israel, and the people and their land are beginning to heal. One day soon, groups can return again to Israel and walk the Land.One way to support Israel and our partners is to consider joining our "Stand with Israel Tour", Aug. 28-Sept. 7, 2025. Together, we will visit sites dear to our hearts from past trips and new sites that explore the Bible even more. Whether you are young or old, new to your faith, or a seasoned scholar, this trip will enhance your understanding of the Bible while standing with our friends in Israel. God willing, "Next year in Jerusalem!"https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-stand-with-israel-2025

On this special episode, Rich Ferreira interviews employee and friend Amy Holstege as she prepares to retire after 20 years with GTI Tours. When Amy began with GTI in 2004, little did she know how many friendships she would make and how special those relationships would become! From coworkers in our Michigan office, to staff at Turkish Airlines, to guides and drivers across the world, those relationships became the key to a long and fulfilling career.The Lord taught Amy important lessons along the way, like appreciating what each team member brings to the table, to stop and pray in stressful situations, and to do your very best so that many people can meet God in the Land.Israel will always hold a special place in Amy's heart, as she will in ours. God bless her and her retirement!

Wally Harrison and his Harbor Church group just returned on October 18 from their study tour of Turkey! He describes how Turkey exceeded people's expectations in terms of sheer beauty, historical sites, wonderful guide Gokhan, and enjoying delicious cuisine together in unique  settings.Little did Wally and his group know at the beginning of the tour that they would have the opportunity to bring scripture to life in an unusual way. Just before boarding their overseas flight from Chicago (ORD), Turkish Airlines delayed their flight, then cancelled it altogether. Thankfully, he and his team decided to respond with gratitude and to make the best of a stressful situation. The group had the opportunity to live out , with God's strength, Paul's powerful message in Philippians 4:11-13:"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."International travel is full of variables, and it's how we respond that counts. As GTI's adage says, "Blessed are the flexible, for they will be bent but not broken." This is a great reminder to all of us to look for the good in what God is doing!

Today's special podcast comes to you from Bethlehem. Did you know that a large part of Bethlehem's economy is tied to tourism, particularly the artisans who work with olive wood? It has been over a year since tourists have walked the streets of the birthplace of our Lord and Savior. Rich speaks with the Canavati family, who have been friends of GTI for many years, about the challenging situation facing the Christian community there. With the Christmas season approaching, one great way to support our Christian friends in Bethlehem is by purchasing Christmas gifts from this historic place. Would you consider choosing gifts from Bethlehem this season and praying for peace in the region? For more information, visit https://johnnysouvenir.com/Check out the video podcast version at https://vimeo.com/1027998812

Dan van Voorhis joins Rich Ferreira today for the first time as our guest! Dan is an author, historian, professor, and speaker at 1517. He is very familiar with podcasts since he hosts the daily podcast, "The Christian History Almanac." Dan and Rich recently returned from the Reformation Tour of Germany (Sept. 11-19, 2024) and are here to share their favorite sites, stories, and faith lessons from the trip! One highlight was seeing Castle Church (All Saints' Church) in Wittenberg, where legend says Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door.Dan shares the 4 Questions of the Reformation that were asked Martin Luther, by the Apostle Paul in Galatians, and by believers from ancient to modern times. After posing the overarching question, "Why did the Reformation happen?", these 4 questions follow:"Who's in charge?""Who says?""How am I made right with God?""What next?" (or "What do I do now?")The Reformation at its best was asking all of this, and today people still are. Join us next autumn for our return trip to Germany (plus Switzerland!) to study the Reformers, see their cities of origin, and to understand how they influenced our faith today.Germany/Switzerland Signature TourSept. 6-17, 2025https://gtitours.org/trip/signature-germany-switzerland-2025 Link to the September 2024 Germany blog:https://gtitours.org/tour-journal/signature-germany-2024 Link to Reformation video:https://vimeo.com/1015725421 Dan's bio:Dan van Voorhis is an author, historian, professor, and speaker at 1517. After receiving his Ph.D. in History from the University of St. Andrews, Dr. van Voorhis spent 11 years teaching history and political thought at Concordia University, Irvine. He is a Scholar-in-Residence at 1517 and the host of the daily podcast The Christian History Almanac. Dan is married to Beth Anne, and they have two sons, Coert and Raymond.While in graduate school Dan focused on Reformation era Germany and spent time living in Wittenberg and travelled throughout the country doing archival research while also taking in the historical sites related to the Reformation, the World Wars, and the Cold War. As a professor, German history was amongst his favorite classes to teach.