ABOUT US:

MennoJerusalem's Bible Lands Tours grew out of the international work and teaching of Glenn Edward Witmer in Israel over many years. It provides organizational assistance and tour leadership for persons or groups interested in visiting any of the Bible Lands, whether for personal interest or for organized study programs. It is not a tour agency: tour bookings are arranged through Ami Tours International, Ontario, for Canadians, and Hackman Travel Agency in Pennsylvania for American participants.

Our Bible Lands Tours throughout the Mediterranean regions go well beyond typical passive tourism. They offer challenging and inspirational experiences that also consider:

• Biblical geography and spirituality of the land: The Land, the People, and The Book
• The text in context: understanding the Bible in its original setting
• Rabbinic teachings and traditions, and their relevance for Christianity
• Issues of justice, peace, and reconciliation in the current political developments
• The life of Jesus and the gospel writers, and their teachings in the first-century setting
• Meeting Israelis and Palestinians, Arabs and Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the ancient churches

MennoJerusalem has focused first on organizing tours in the "Bible Lands" of Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. (Now CHINA has been added as a new destination also.) We assist with all tour organization and managing for congregations, seminaries, colleges, or other interested groups, adapting the itineraries and content to meet the special interests of those groups. Our purpose is to present the scriptural text in context, bringing the Bible to life through an awareness of its geographical setting, the effects of historical influences on interpretation, cultural and religious impact, and a better understanding of current political issues through direct contact with its people and places.

With these experiences we offer opportunities for a deeper knowledge of the Land and the People, and an examination of Judaism during the time of Jesus and the biblical writers; reading and 'visualizing' the biblical stories [usually on site around the country]; touching on the development of Christianity in the first centuries-including the tumultuous and painful 'parting of the ways' with Judaism; and exposure to today's people and institutions involved in peace, justice, and reconciliation work.

We briefly touch on the march of history, including the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the inquisitions and pogroms, and other impactful events in the areas most relevant to our life and situation today. In a nutshell, our goals are to help people discover the world of the Bible understanding it in its cultural, linguistic, and historical setting, and relating that to present-day issues of life and politics. Behind it all is an encouragement to "Come and see!"

Glenn Edward Witmer is a teacher, writer, and tour creator and leader who is passionate about the importance of the Holy Land in relation to one's spiritual growth and understanding of the Scriptures and their relevance for our daily life and work. Of chief significance is one's decision to visit the Bible Lands in person-especially critical for ministers and teachers, but just as important for everyone to know more about the area which is the cradle of our faith. Of further relevance is one's effort to understand better the religious roots of our beliefs-within Judaism and in the Land.

MennoJerusalem's involvement with other groups in the area supports these efforts on a number of fronts-contact with international religious education teachers who come to study the Scriptures with Rabbis, using Jewish sources; with international groups of students, who are then exposed to a new culture and way of thinking; and with general tour groups who want to understand more about the setting of the Scriptures in their ancient and modern sites.

We warmly invite you to join us on one of these tours. The experience can be life changing!

Expect a blessing!