Over the past few months, there has been an encouraging shift—people are returning to the Holy Land. Tours to Israel are picking up again, and pastors and ministry leaders are already beginning to plan ahead for 2026 and 2027.
Ed-Ventures offers a guided 12-day journey through the Holy Land, beginning in Tel Aviv. Participants travel along the Mediterranean coast and enjoy a walking tour of Joppa (Jaffa), a city connected to biblical accounts such as Jonah and the whale and Solomon’s importation of the cedars of Lebanon. Each day brings new opportunities for discovery, including visits to Caesarea Maritima and Nazareth Village in the Galilee region, Gideon Spring and Tel Beit She’an near the Dead Sea, five days exploring Jerusalem, and much more.
For decades, journeys to Israel have shaped and strengthened the faith of believers in remarkable ways. Paul Larsen, President at Ed-Ventures, Inc. say that for him, “it is the place—outside U.S. borders—I have traveled to more than anywhere else in the world. Each visit has opened my eyes in ways I never could have imagined and brought Scripture to life in a way nothing else has. It truly is a life-changing experience.
I’ll never forget one young atheist who joined one of our tours and, standing among the ancient stones, simply asked, ‘Can this all be true?’ The Holy Land is where the Lord has revealed Himself time and again throughout history.”
Standing in the settings where biblical history unfolded brings clarity and depth to Scripture that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere. It is more than a trip; it is a transformational experience.
If traveling to Israel has ever crossed your mind, especially as a leader considering bringing others along, now is a wonderful time to begin praying and envisioning what that could look like. From walking ancient roads to floating on the Sea of Galilee or reflecting on the Mount of Beatitudes, these experiences forever change how Scripture is read, taught, and lived. It is something that goes beyond explanation and must be encountered firsthand.
Ed-Ventures places a strong emphasis on both meaningful experiences and safety. They work closely with their trusted partners in Israel to provide meaningful encounters and unique access that make each journey truly special. They work closely with seasoned guides and closely monitor conditions to ensure every trip is well-planned and secure.
Paul and the Ed-Ventures team will help you shape your journey to align with the vision of your ministry, just as they have with countless pastors over the years. Whether your trip is a focused biblical study, a reflective pilgrimage, or a blend of learning and service, they want to help leaders create experiences that will continue bearing fruit long after the group returns home.
Coming this November, Fr. Ben Peters will be taking one of these 12-day pilgrimages to the Holy Land with the St. James Coffeehouse. Partial proceeds from the trip return back to the Coffeehouse to help cover operating costs for this wonderful non-profit in Rochester.
Please visit the Ed-Ventures website for more information about this trip. If you’d like to learn more about other upcoming set departures or begin shaping a custom trip for your church, Paul would love to connect with you by phone or over coffee if you’re nearby. To start the conversation, reach out at 507-289-3332 or pcl@ed-ventures.com.
Now is the time to start a journey that changes lives.