You’ve read about the Sea of Galilee. But what if you could sail where Peter walked on water with his Savior?
You’ve seen the maps at the back of your Bible. But what if you could walk the paths through Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Capernaum and Caesarea Philippi?
You’ve heard of the battle of Jericho. But what if you could set your eyes on the entrance to the Promised Land?
We know the biblical stories are true. That’s what makes a journey to the lands of the Bible so meaningful. Clarks Summit University is pleased to make an 11-day trip of a lifetime to Israel available to friends of the university. The best part is, you’ll understand more about the Word of God, while all the planning is done by the experts.
Dr. Jim Lytle (’77, ’81, ’84) CSU president, will lead the trip to Israel with his wife Diane (’80, ’99), faculty development specialist and adjunct professor. Trustee Aaron Marshall (’96, ’19) and his wife Jaye T. will co-lead. Both couples know firsthand what a life-changing experience this is. “To feel the sun on me as I walked where Jesus walked, to sing ‘Amazing Grace’ where Jesus suffered the night before His crucifixion—it’s a factual and emotional experience that drew together all the stories I’d heard and read and helped to turn them into a new reality,” explains Lytle, who says his visit to Israel deepened the way he understands and now teaches biblical narrative.
“It came down to the difference between reading about someone and knowing them,” he furthers. “When you’re standing there, it takes no imagination to travel back in time. We stood in the stream bed in the Valley of Elah, picturing the Philistines on the left, Israel on the right. It was the exact spot a 17-year-old changed history because He trusted God.” To physically stand in those places, to see the horizons the apostles gazed at while following Jesus and to study the Bible on site is a moving experience.
Through this trip, scheduled for March 9-20, 2024, you will enjoy fellowship with an intimate group of believers as you are guided by regional experts. The assistance starts before you arrive, as Morning Star Tours can help make your travel plans, including custom flight arrangements to enrich your trip. When you arrive, you’ll be guided from the moment you step off the plane, through customs and the airport to your welcome dinner. Including transportation and interpreting, an in-country, 24-hour concierge will be with the group each step of the way.
The all-inclusive trip includes buffet breakfasts, dinners, accommodations, transportation, tips, entrance fees, headsets to enhance the journey and personal pre-trip preparation materials. You’ll be immersed in the culture and stunning landscapes of Israel during this life-changing trip.
Enjoy a communion service at the Garden Tomb. Pray at the Western “Wailing” Wall. Sit where Christ preached the Beatitudes. Swim in the Dead Sea. See the places you’ve only read about take on greater meaning as you experience them in person. And you’ll get to do it all surrounded by CSU friends who encourage you in your spiritual walk.
Watch a video from Dr. Lytle, and learn more about your chance to experience Israel in 2024.
By Erika A. Bruckner (’04, ’21)
