Twelve Tours to Israel in Twenty-Four Years

Arlo and Glenna Johnson began leading tours to Israel and nearby countries in July, 1984.

Our first Tour of Israel was during July 16-27, 1984. Our tour group of seventeen, included Carl and Cecile Angele, Erma Lilley, Ellen Grieves, Elsie Mostrom, Shawn and Kimberly Taylor, Noella Robinson, Marj (Byfield) Smith, Buster Roys, Nellie MacArthur, Roger and Kathleen Lewis, Dale and Alberta Cummins, Arlo and Glenna Johnson.

After touring in Israel for ten days, we began our return journey to Canada by way of London, England. As I begin this flight home, I am deeply moved emotionally. I hardly know how to express my reflections upon the last ten days of touring in Israel, but express myself, I must! Yes, and eventually I will, that is when I am able to keep my eyes dry enough to see to write. I must speak of my visit to the Holy Land---without doubt, it has been beyond anything I could ever have imagined! It is the HOLY LAND! It is holy because it was set apart by God as a place of Divine Revelation!

I must speak of Hillel, our Israeli Guide. It is absolutely impossible for me to communicate to you the warm spirit of Hillel. The first evident manifestation of his warmth occurred following our brief worship and devotional time at Caesarea Philippi, as he came to me, and embraced me warmly! Following that he expressed his depth of appreciation for charismatic groups such as ours. I will alway remember the simple song of worship that he taught us: "Allelujah, Praise the Lord, Allelujah, Oh Praise the Lord, Allelujah, Oh Praise the Lord, Oh Praise the Lord, Allelujah!" Yes, I do remember the Upper Room in Jerusalem as he led that chorus, his eyes were closed, and he was moving bodily in time with the music!

Consider the land of Israel---it is so small, and yet evidently so vedry significant! I believe its' significance is verified by the state of war that marks its past and its present! If it wasn't important, then there would not be such conflict for the control of it. As I view the conflict over Israel, I believe the real contestants for this land have not been the Philistines, or the Assyrians, or the Egypt9ians, or the Babylonians, or the Israeli's---the real contestants are the forces of evil and good led by Satan and God!

As I've viewed the land of Israel and the maraks of war that are evident upon it---I've been made to think of the Church. For you see, the history of the Church is not without its record of war either! The conflicts are varied, and for different reasons, but the real reason is common and basic---it's also the conflict of evil and good as headed upn by Satan and God!

Hillel, in speaking of the survival of dIsrael said, "Unless Jews from around the world respond and return to the land of Israel---we'll never make it, "for this land," said Hillel, "cannot survive with a population of four million." I said, "Hillel, Israel will make it!" He responded quietly, "I hope that you are right!"

Like Hillel, I've looked at the Church, and I've said, "The Church will never make it!" There seems to be too much against the Church for it to survive---people are fleshly, and selfish! However, it is necessary for Christians to lift up their eyes to the Word of God, and to the God of the Word, who said, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

We are admonished to pray for the peace of Jerusalem---in a similar manner, we would do well to pray for the peace of the Church also. But let never forget that peace is often, perhaps most often arrived at by means of war! So as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and of the Church, we should remember, that if such prayers are to be answered, we will have to be willing to be involved in the war, not against people, but against the forces of darkness that are contesting for the elimination of Israel and the Church. However, in the midst of this fight, we must never forget that as we believe Christ's promise (Matthew 16:18) concerning the success of the Church, we will enter into the rest of faith (Hebrews 4:9-11).

Christ is the hope of Israel, and of the Church, so let us press on in faith! As a boy of 12 years, I read the book of Revelation, and so reading the last chapter, I have known through these many years that God is the winner! Therefore, we win as we align our lives with God, and His eternal plan!

Our Second Tour of Israel was in February 15-24, 1988. I would be returning to Israel for a second time, but Glenna would not be able to go, in view of the small size of the group. Our group of eight included Linda Bateman, Bambi Bargy (Spyker), Lisa Murdock (Nolin), Marianne Farness, Dirk Haiste, ron McKibbon, Greg Spyker, and Arlo Johnson. We left from Prince George on Sunday, February 14, 1988. Our trip took us to the Relax Inn in South Edmonton to overnight before taking our Air Canada Flight on Monday to Toronto. At Toronto's Pearson International Airport I met up with Dale and Alberta Cummins, Murray and Alida Lincoln. At our point of meeting, Ernie Siggelkow was present in that he was en route to Israel on a Fam Tour with another company. Much to my surprise, we discovered that we would be flying with the Tour Group that Pastor Barber was leading in Israel. Included in this El Al Airlines flight was Ron and Ardella Alder, Eddie and Kay Canfield from Pastor Barber's Tour Group.

We landed in Tel Aviv at 4:10 pm, and after picking up our luggage, we met our Driver Guide, Naphtali, and boarded our Ten Passenger Van. As we were loading, Hillel came and embraced me warmly. He was to be the Guide for Pastor Barber's group. As we left the Airport, Naphtali began communicating exciting and informative tlhings with us. I sat in the front seat with Naphtali, and we shared the microphone as each of us shared
with the group.

As we traveled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, we passed through the Valley of Ajalon (Joshua 10:12), the place of Joshua's long day (Joshua 10:7-14). At the point of entry into Jerusalem, Naphtali had us get out of the Van, and we walked up into Jerusalem (one short block) singing, "Great is the Lord .. Psalm 48:2 .. Beautiful for situation is Mount Zion, the City of our God." On to our rooms in the Jerusalem Hilton! What a beautiful hotel, and what delicious food!

A highlight of this tour was a visit that Lisa enabled us to share in a Bedouin tent. We spoke extensively with a young Bedouin mother and her grandmother-in-law. What a humble dwelling! The mother and her husband were only 16 years of age. She had attended a Roman Catholic school located on the Mount of Olives. She sang a beautiful song about Jesus dying for us to provide salvation. There was a real sense of the presence of the Lord as she sang that song. What a precious Bedouin person!

My Tour Group proceeded home to Canada in advance of me. I would spend a day and a night with Jim and Shirley Sawatzky who were posted in Haifa with Operation Mobilization. After which, I would take my flight to Longdon, England, where Peter Hughes would meet me, and we would do our "exploratory thing" in Wales, in preparation for Peter and Elaine Hughes move to Wales to plant a church in Connah's Quay. In all, both in Israel and in Wales, there were exciting things awaiting our discovery!

I arrived at Heathrow Airport in London, England, on Thursday, February 25, 1988. Upon arriving, I was met by Peter Hughes and his mother-in-law, Rene Jones. Peter and I stayed at Rene's residence in Amersham, England. The next day Peter and I met with three pastors (Roy, Niel and Bruce) from The King's Church where Rene attended. On Sunday morning we attended the King's Church, and in the evening we were invited to Brian & Jan Pullet's home for dinner, and this was followed by the meeting of their House Group. On Tuesday, March 1, Peter and I left for South Wales. We traveled to New Port and Dinas Powis, South Wales where we were seeking to make certain contacts. By mid-afternoon, we were en route to Maesteg, South Wales where we were seeking to make contact with an acquaintance of Jim & Shirley Sawatzky, all to no avail, but we did meet some new friends with whom we attend church that evening. After overnighting in Maesteg, we traveled on to Swansea, South Wales where we were able to locate the Bible College of Wales. Having read the book, Reece Howells, Intercessor, we wanted to make the acquaintance of Reece Howells son, Samuel Howells who was on the faculty of the Bible College of Wales. Upon entering the college facilities, we were introduced to Samuel Howells, and we spent considerable time with him. We questioned him about the Welsh Revival, and about certain details concerning the Intercessions that took place during World War II as described in the book. It was a precious and special time. He was very much English-like in his speech and manner. But especially warm in his spirit! He asked about our church---about its' size!

I asked if we might pose for a picture by a plaque in front of this main college building, on which were inscribed two separate sayings: Jehovah Jireh, and Faith is Substance! We spent some time on a guided tour of the campus of the college, followed by lunch where we were introduced to further members of the faculty. By 2 pm we were on our way home to Connah's Quay. After a few more days in Connah's Quay, we were off to Amersham, then on to Heathrow Airport, and home to Canada, by way of Edmonton, Alberta, and by bus, home to Prince George by March 7.

This 1988 Tour was during the time of the first intafada, and we were not able to travel to such places as Hebron and Nablus, because of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. Glenna and I would return many time to do tours of Israel during the 1990's and beyond. In fact, in October, 2008 we completed our fourth successive year in leading tours to Israel, including add-ons to Greece, Jordan and Egypt. In all, from 1984 to 2008, we led a total of twelve tours to Israel. What a blessing this has been in our lives. The geography of the bible has become so meaningful to us because of these tours. Following some of these Israeli Tours, numbers of us have traveled to London, England, Wales, Scotland, Germany, Swizerland and Austria. What fun and fellowship such side trips have proven to be!

Our Third Tour of Israel was in February 15-24, 1990 with ten participants including Sunni Pope, Shawn Taylor, Marj (Byfield) Smith, Sylvia Eaton, Phyllis Tower, Rene Jones, Holly Desmarais, her mother, Glenna and Arlo Johnson. Our Driver Guide was Philip, and he was excellent. There were tensions in Israel, but we were guided away from each of those unfortunate conflicts. There was a strike that affected shopping in the Old City of Jerusalem, but upon the invitation of several merchants, we were able to go into their shops!

Our Fourth Tour of Israel was in February 17-29, 1992 with fourteen participants including Heidi McDonald, Trisha Johnson, Genette Story, Sylvia Eaton, Sunni Pope, Phyllis Tower, Guyle Nunweiler, Helen Christie, Frieda and Rudy Braun, Doreen McFarlane, Sadie Lively, Glenna and Arlo Johnson. Joining with another small group we traveled into the Sinai Peninsula, and that was a very special highlight of this Tour.

Our Fifth Tour of Israel was a Familiarization Tour for Church Leaders in 1993. Such tours as this had a greatly reduced cost with the view of encouraging Church Leaders to lead their own tours to Israel. The Tour Group included Bert Tiggelaar, Barrhead, AB., E. Paul Acton, Brussels, ON., Sam Thomas, St. Thomas, ON., John Lindsay, Brantford, ON., Eva Stefan, Burford, ON., Ron & Florence Stratton, Brampton, ON., Harold Parker, Grimsby, ON., Gordon Kinkly, St. Catherines, ON., Jerry Ross, Fort Langley, BC., Steve Holomis, Sylvan Lake, AB., Bruce Stratton, Sylvan Lake, AB., J. Allan Paisley, Kincardine, ON., Whater & Carolyn Mills, London, ON., Ken & Anne Patterson, Hamilton, ON., Phil & Karen Uptgrove, St. Thomas, ON., Charlie Wiewske, Chatham, ON., Joe Uyenaka, Hamilton, ON., Isaiah & Grace Stout, Sylvan Lake, AB., Alan Orser, Mount Uniacke, NS., Bruce Sweetland, Burford, ON., Jim & Adrienne Reese, Kitchener, ON.

Our Sixth Tour of Israel was in September 13-25, 1994 with our Guide Arli, and the following eleven pilgrims, Bruce Stratton, a pastor & his wife from Alberta, Rockie, Trevor Ellerby, Nicole Rosenbaum, Trina Johnson, Peter & Rose Rempel, Glenna & Arlo Johnson. It was a wonderful tour that included a trip to Eilat on the Red Sea. After the tour was completed, Trevor Ellerby, Peter & Rose Rempel, Nicole Rosenbaum, Trina Johnson, Gleanna and Arlo all traveled for two days in southern Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, what a time that proved to be!

Our Seventh Tour of Israel was in Spetember 24-October 8, 1996 with Yuval as our Guide, and sixteen participants including, Melisa Krahn (Chance), Les Ashbee, Erika Johnson (Petrovic), Peter Robertson, and daughter Kimberly, Barb Bargy, Marlene Beck, Dona Finke, Edna Bell, Clay Stillwell, Jarod Burroughs, Laurie Johnson, Ben Johnson, Margaret Wiebe, Glenna and Arlo Johnson.

Our Eighth Tour of Israel was in October 17-28, 1998 with Tom & Gerri Creyke, Iris Goodlet, Gerri's sister's friend, Dara Harris, Norman & Jeanna Denniston, and Arlo Johnson.

Our Ninth Tour of Israel was in November, 2005.
Our Tenth Tour of Israel (and Greece) was in November 7-18, 2006. Our group consisted of Tom and Gerri Creyke, Edna Bell, Bernie and Marg Legault, Bob and Karen Alspaugh, Marlene
Beck, Arlene Haiste, Tex and Cheryl Ouellette, Dona Finke & her sister, Glenna and Arlo Johnson, and our guide was Hillel.

This Journey to Israel and Greece has proved to be very spiritual, and very much a family group! As a result of this tour, I have a much sharper focus on my understanding of family! One thing for which I have prayed, is that OUR STEPS MIGHT BE ORDERED OF THE LORD, so that we might receive the greatest possible growth by means of the tour. That prayer has definitely been answered! It has been answered in great detail, even in our visit to St. George's Bazzar on a Thursday afternoon of the Tour ... as several of us went to look in this little shop between the Old City and our Hotel, two things occurred: 1. The family atmosphere of our group was confirmed by the shop keeper. 2. Family was so simply, but powerfully defined as the shop keeper in the following manner: He had asked Marlene as to whether we were one family, and she replied, "I guess you could say that we were one family!" Then in answer to his own question, he said, I could tell that you were one family in that you were looking out for one another. We need to know that we can be looking out for one another even when we are not thinking that we are looking out for one another. The propriator of that shop at 37 Nablus Road in East Jerusalem (P.O. Box 20842, Telephone 02-6288197) was Ibrahim Abu Rakbeh.

On this tour, Marlene wanted to buy a coin for Gary back home. So when at that little shop, I returned to the Hotel to get a piece of Glenna's Eilat Stone earrings, so she could purchase a necklace to match. The article was $60. at the Hotel, and $10. in this little shop. While in the Hotel Lobby, I saw Hillel, and asked him about a particular coin that Marlene thought she might buy, but it was priced so low, that she wondered if it was not a genuine coin. Hillel insisted on coming to the little shop to check out the coin. He said to Marlene, that is an excellent, genuine coin, and if you don't buy, I will. You see, all of us, including Hillel were looking out for one another. We were family!

Our Eleventh Tour of Israel (and Jordan, Egypt) was October, 2007.
Our Twelveth Tour of Israel (and Jordan, Rome) was October 26-November 7, 2008. The following people participated in this tour: Denise Dunlop, Ben & Marlene Spyker, Pauline Harper, Robert & Tyler Alspaugh, Ken, Richard, Jonathan, & Kent Bergstrom, Frieda & George Krahn, Bonnie Trudel, Herb & Sandra Schroeder, David & Dorothy Low, Cal Washington, Yvonne Hamblin (Minnesota), Alvin Narain, Adrian Kumar & Patricia Parsad (Vancouver), Patricia Ryan (Vancouver Island), Anne Friesen, Anne Ehrenholz, Henry Wieler, Mel & Eleanor (Abbotsford), Maureen Haczkewicz, Pauline Colquhoun, Brian & Marlyn Clark (Edmonton), Gary Klekta (Port McNiell), Glenna & Arlo Johnson.

I have participated in traveling to Israel and nearby nations with 226 people who have participated in 12 tours over a period of 24 years.