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Dear
Fellow Pilgrims:
All of us
have been praying and planning for this Biblical trip to the
Mediterranean world. And
now, it is about two months away.
The
apostle Paul wrote: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us
to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by
us in every place….Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14; 1 Cor. 11:1)
A.
Spiritual Preparations
Praise
the Lord! Surely God has something special for you during this tour.
We encourage you, before the tour,
to covenant with God for definite blessings in your life.
As you step out by faith in God, the waters of Jordan will open
before you. We shall pray that this experience will be a spiritual
highlight for you.
During
our trip, places like Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Athens, Corinth,
Rome, etc.—places you have read since childhood days—will come alive
before your eyes. We know
that your spiritual life will be renewed and strengthened, as you follow
the footsteps of the great apostle Paul who “turned the Roman world
upside down” within 30 years.
We
recommend that you check your church or public library for biographical
books on the Apostle Paul. A
book we suggest is called: The Man Who Shook the World (by John
Pollock). You will find
this (and other) book on “Paul” very interesting and informative
reading prior to our tour.
Also, you
will receive a book, Holy Land Devotional Guide (by Paul Tan) at
the start of the tour (see below).
B.
Devotional \ Rooming Groups
(1) The “Rooming List” will be distributed to everyone. This list is also for “Devotional Groups.”
If you have a preference in your rooming companion, please let us
know by _____. Otherwise,
we will making room assignments based on family
(2) Another list of “Schedule of Worship” will be distributed
at destination. That list
gives details on the many “15-Minute Devotions” at important Bible
sites, in charged by the groups (on rotation).
(3) Every other evening, after dinner, is an (optional) 45-minute
Worship Service, for in inspirational talk, testimonies, and
announcements. Dr. Tan will also use multi-media to review that day's
sites and to introduce the next day's places.
(4) The
BIBLE (Chinese and English) will be our most used book.
(5)
Another book Holy Land Devotional Guide will be given to you
before or at start of the trip. It has major sections on Turkey, Greece, and Rome, as well as
Bible lands Maps, Songs, Bible readings, etc. Be sure to bring it on the
tour, as we will use its songs, maps, and other contents.
(5) In
every major Biblical city, we will have a 15-minute Worship time.
This includes singing, Bible reading, and a short explanation of
the site’s historical and (possible) prophetic significance. Members
are asked to participate.
(6) There
will be an optional QUIZ every other day, with prizes at end of tour.
(7) The
Group Leaders will be in charge of their own groups for all activities.
(8)
Overall coordinators are Pastor _____ and ______.
(9)
Bring a notebook for taking plenty of notes.
(10) VERY
IMPORTANT: Always bring with you (during the Tour) your copy of Holy
Land Devotional Guide, which will be given to you before the tour.
C.
Legal Documents
(1)
Always have your Passport on hand for border crossings. Do not check-in
your Passports and plane tickets with your baggage.
(2)
Airline tickets will be given to you at the Dallas or Newark Airport.
(3) Important Reminder: For non-U.S. and Canadian Passport
Holders, please be sure you have VISAS for Greece and Rome.
(4) You
may access the U.S. State Department "Safety Travel Advisory
on Greece" (www.consul@ibm.net
or call 202/647-5225).
D.
Cruise Ship
(1) Our cruise ship, the MV AEGEAN, is operated by the Golden Sun
Cruises of Greece. This modern cruise ship has 8 passenger decks, 280
cabins, 4 lounges, librar7, cinema, casino, sauna, gymnasium, swimming
pool, etc. It is equipped with the most modern navigation and
telecommunications equipment.
Relax,
unwind, and enjoy a refreshing 4-day Aegean Sea tour, in the footsteps
of the apostle Paul.
(2) We
have requested an experienced Tour Guide from the travel agency in
Athens to accompany us on the Cruise.
She can explain everything relating to the cruise, make immediate
arrangements, and make our visits enjoyable.
E.
Meals
(1) Breakfasts and Dinners are in the Hotels or Cruise Ship.
These are high-class Hotels, with sumptuous meals.
(2) Lunches are on the road.
We have arranged for Chinese meal on alternate days;, and
authentic Greek (including lamb) and Italian food on the other days. Let
us know if you have any special requirements.
You may of course bring your own snacks and drinks into the
buses.
(3) Water provided free during meals; other drinks are extra.
IDEA: Bring a water container and\or thermos bottle for water
refills.
On the
sea cruise, our cruise ship is “committed to making meal times
unforgettable.”
F.
Rest Stops
Since we are directing the entire tour, we will have much more
flexibility in helping those who might want to rest more often or chose
not to see certain sights. Actually,
our Bus stops an average of every two hours (for rest stops), and the
buses are air-conditioned so you may stay inside the bus (if desired).
G.
Dress and Clothing
(1) Dressed informally and comfortably. Our Cruise ship is
informal and casual. The last day's evening meal is “formal,” that
is, just dress in Sunday dress. Some monasteries will not allow shorts;
knee-length dress will be OK. We
will let you know beforehand.
(2) Temperature is nice this time of year in Europe. But bring a light jacket. Also bring sunglasses. Use walking
shoes.
(3) Each
member will be given a CAP . But
if you like your own Hat, please bring it.
H.
Picture Taking
(1) The Aegean Sea area is one of the world's most beautiful
regions. Rome has beautiful
historical monuments, art works, and scenery.
And Capri\Pompeii in Southern Italy was the Roman Emperor's
vacation land.
(2) So, bring your cameras, camcorder, and lots of films. Ten rolls of films for 12 days is not too much.
Bring adapters for European outlets to recharge batteries, hair
dryers, and others.
I.
Physical Preparations
Practice walking about 3,000 steps a day.
Bring chocolate, honey, biscuits, raisins, etc. for strength.
A thermos bottle for hot tea, coffee, or water can be very
refreshing.
J.
"For the Wise and Otherwise" QUIZ
A
Pre-trip Bible Quiz will be distributed before the Tour.
Please submit before the start of Tour.
Special recognitions.
K.
Insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Kindly consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any trip
contingencies. Also, be
sure your Medical Insurance covers you abroad.
L.
Photo Request
We need
two copies of your PHOTO (passport-sized). This will be used for us to
pray for you, as well as for touring and cruise purposes.
Kindly submit the photos to us as soon as possible.
M.
Miscellaneous Items
(1) Electricity
is 220-volts in Greece and in Italy.
(2) Nice
weather now in the Mediterranean regions.
Temperature:
NIGHT LOW
>65F
DAY HIGH
>80F
(3) Just
like in the Holy Land, the U.S. Currency is accepted (Small-denomination
Dollar bills are more useful).
(4) Use
Luggage with rollers for convenience. Make your luggage distinctively
yours, such as attaching a large ribbon, outside markings. Place a
calling card or paper inside the luggage with such wordings: “If lost,
contact: Name and Address
and Phone.”
(5) Bring
a small Handbag to carry inside the Bus. The handbag can contain your
small Bible, Handbook, Passport, Camera, and small items.
(6)
Attach the Luggage Tags and Ribbons to all your luggages (including
Hand-carried bag).
(7)
Hotels’ phone and fax numbers will be given you shortly before the
Tour. Your relatives and
friends may use these numbers to contact you anytime.
I look
forward to the blessing of traveling with you in Bible lands.
We will continue to pray for you that this trip will be a
spiritual highlight for you and your beloved family.
May God
bless you.
Sincerely
in Christ,
Dr. Paul
Lee Tan
Bible Teacher and Tour Coordinator
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