No one climbs a mountain alone, and for good reason.
Good partners hold us accountable. They offer a sum of resources that are greater than those of any individual. They provide oversight, encouragement, local assistance, and camaraderie. Key institutions and businesses that I partner with include the following.
The Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies (JCBS)
Most of my work in Israel/Palestine is facilitated by the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies where I serve as field instructor. JCBS began more than 40 years ago through the inspiration of Dr. Jim Ridgway, founder of Educational Opportunities. The original vision was to create a non-profit organization that offered travel/study programs to Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Rome for the purpose of ministry enrichment. While this vision remains unchanged, JCBS has added university, college, graduate schools, and seminary groups to this ministry focus. By means of strategic partnerships with JCBS, academic institutions may offer study abroad and archaeological excavation opportunities to their students. This work forged the JCBS motto, “the land is our classroom.” Under educational license, this pursuit may be accomplished without the need for local guides (who often bring other interests to the table).
Monte Luker (top, left) serves as dean of the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies. Leah Hixon (center) is registrar, and Bur Shilling (right) is Academic Director.
JCBS an official granting institution with the United Methodist Church's General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
You may find the website of JCBS here.
Educational Opportunities Tours (EO)
Educational Opportunities Tours is a Christian ministry specializing in organized tours to the Holy Land. They’ve been at this now for almost half a century. As leader by volume of North American travelers to Israel/Palestine and as the parent company of JCBS, EO provides JCBS students with strong logistical support. This includes staff for trip construction and communication in preparation of travel as well as the services of a hospitality staff while in-country. This team-approach ensures the safety and health of all passengers.
James Ridgway (left) is President and CEO of Educational Opportunities. Mark Boston (upper right) is director of specialized tours with EO and responds nimbly to our odd itinerary requests.
On occasion I function as a guest speaker or host for larger EO excursions (Mediterranean cruises) or smaller niche-market travel-tours outside of Israel-Palestine. EO offers many of the same services in Italy, Greece, Jordan, or Malta as they do in Israel/Palestine.
EO has a Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Learn more about EO here.
George Garabedian Company (GGC)
Transport and local arrangements for all our group work in Israel/Palestine is facilitated by our dear friends at George Garabedian Company. This Jerusalem-based business has served Christian pilgrims in the region since 1925.
When you arrive at the Tel Aviv airport you know you will be traveling in style when you see the GGC label. Their state-of-the-art motor coaches are driven by english-speaking drivers who are key to the success of our trips. It is also comforting to have GGC’s president, Moses, on speed-dial. This means you are never far from home, even half-way around the world.
You can learn more about GGC here.
Kandoo Adventures
While Kandoo is a new friend for me, this UK-based company is no stranger to the extreme adventure business. If thin air is on your bucket list, you should know about Kandoo. They outfit operations in 30 different countries from the equator to the Arctic Circle. We’ve summited Kilimanjaro twice in the company of their guides, tent camped in African grasslands, and were on our way to the Nepal with Kandoo when our Himalayan trek was knocked down by COVID-19. We will organize again and return. I cannot say enough good things about these folks and the excellent support offered by Rachael in the London office. She has helped us do standard and customized trips.
For more about Kandoo Adventures, see their webpage here.