eXperience Israel Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes eXperience Israel unique from other trips?
First and foremost...this trip is not just a tour, it's an opportunity to extend a helping hand to some of the "living stones" who are faithfully ministering to the people of Israel today. If you want to experience Israel, then it's only natural that you experience the people of Israel. You will have numerous opportunities to do this as we partner with several exciting ministries based in Israel who will guide us as we minister in the footsteps of the Messiah.
eXperience Israel will also help you see Israel and your faith through Jewish eyes. As a result, we hope that you will become more appreciative of the roots and heritage of your faith...more passionate about digesting God's Word into the stomach of your soul...and more sensitive to the redemptive promises and desires that God has for your life and for the people of Israel.
Last, but certainly not least, it is very important to the leadership of eXperience Israel that you come away from this experience more passionately in love with God and the plans and purposes He has for your life.
2. Will I have to stand on a street corner and hand out tracts?
No. The purpose of our outreaches is not to hand out as many gospel tracts as possible. The goal is to engage in meaningful conversations with the people of Israel and to hear their stories with the hope that you will have the opportunity to share your story about the abundant and meaningful life that you have as the result of your personal relationship with the Messiah of Israel.
If talking to complete strangers freaks you out, we'll pair you up with someone who has some experience doing so and give you some tips on how to engage people in a meaningful conversation. Be assured that the people of Israel are very open to practicing their English and finding out why you have come to visit their country.
3. Why is the trip only for 18- to 35-year-olds?
The format of eXperience Israel is designed to give young adults and emerging leaders a unique opportunity to encounter the people and places of Israel in an atmosphere that is sensitive to their age-specific needs and abilities. eXperience Israel participants engage in activities that are more physically challenging than what you would find on a typical tour-like hiking into a ravine in the Golan Heights or climbing Masada before dawn. Our teaching, worship, and ministry times are also designed to resonate with the issues and interests of this age group, just like the college or young adult ministry that may exist at your congregation.
4. What if I'm outside of the age parameter?
If you're 17 and you're graduating from high school the spring before our trip, you are more than welcome to come as long as your parent or legal guardian signs a waiver form. If you're slightly over 35, but you are actively involved in ministering to young adults in your church or ministry, then we will seriously consider making an exception.
We also recommend looking into our "See Israel Through Jewish Eyes" tours with Dr. Ben Alpert. For more information check out www.chosenpeople.com/tour.
5. What does the cost include?
- Round trip airfare to Tel Aviv from Chicago-O'Hare
- Taxes and fuel surcharges ($460 subject to change)
- 15 nights in quality hotels (triple occupancy)
- Breakfast/dinner (subject to flight schedules)
- Entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary
- International health insurance
- Airport transfers/portage
- A/C coach bus and driver
- Licensed tour guide
- Tips to hotel staff
- Support-raising assistance
- Tips for driver and guide ($100-125)
- Lunches and beverages (approx. $10/day)
- Double occupancy upon request ($100pp)
6. How much spending money will I need?
You should plan on at least $150 for food and beverages and $100 to tip our guide and driver. You will also want to plan on spending money for souvenirs. How much is entirely up to you.
7. How much does the trip cost if I purchase my own airfare?
The cost is $2000. You will then be responsible for rendezvousing with our team at our hotel in Tel Aviv. A taxi from the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv to our hotel will cost you approximately $30. We strongly recommend scheduling your arrival and departure flight as close to the group flight as possible.
8. What do I need to do to apply? When is the application deadline?
Download the application from the eXperience Israel webpage and get it in as soon as possible. After your application has been approved you will then need to send in a $150 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot on the trip. Keep in mind that the trip is limited to 40 participants, so the sooner you get your application in, the better.
As long as space is available, the final deadline for applications is 60 days prior to our trip. However, if it's less than 60 days prior to our departure and there is still space available, we will work with you and do what we can to get you on our trip.
9. Can I travel to Israel separate from the group?
Yes-especially if you don't live in the U.S. or Canada. The only drawback is that you will miss our team orientation meeting in Chicago, but we'll bring you up to speed when we see you in Tel Aviv.
10. Do I have to return with the group or can I stay in Israel longer than two weeks?
If you want to extend your stay you may do so for a small deviation fee by contacting JDI Travel at 800-596-5100.
11. Are there any scholarships?
At present, there are $300 scholarships available to full-time ministry leaders. To qualify as a full-time ministry leader your sole income must come from a certified non-profit (403b) organization, and you must be leading at least thirty people within that organization on a consistent basis (e.g. pastor, youth-pastor, church/para-church staff, campus ministry staff, staff director).
12. I'm not a ministry leader. What do you recommend that I do to help fund my trip?
We strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider raising support. Several participants in the past have done it, and if it's His will for you to go at this time we're confident that He can provide the needed funds for you. Believe us...it's not as difficult as you may think. Most people will be thrilled to support your desire to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah and to minister to the people of His homeland.
As soon as your application as been received and approved, we will supply you with some tips and guidelines on how to successfully raise support.
13. What if I don't raise enough support?
If you attempt to raise support and you fall short of your needed goal, we will attempt to work out a post-trip payment plan depending upon the size of your shortage. There is also the possibility that grant money for non-ministry leaders may be available to help cover your shortfall, but don't bank on it.
14. What if I raise support, but then decide not to go?
All monies received will be held by Chosen People Ministries and can be used for next year's eXperience Israel trip or another CPM program. After next year's trip, the monies will be used at the discretion of CPM.
15. Is it safe to travel in Israel?
Traveling in Israel is safer than driving your car in the United States. Statistically, you are more likely to be killed in a car accident in the U.S. than you are to be killed by a terrorist in Israel. Really! Even so, there is no way to guarantee 100% safety when you travel (or when you stay at home). The only guarantee is that we are in God's hands and that we will do everything within our ability to stay in them. Be assured, the leadership of eXperience Israel, and the Israeli guide and bus driver that will be with us, take every precaution to stay clear of high risk areas (West Bank, Gaza, city buses and bazaars). Since eXperience Israel began in 1999, we have had only one brush with danger (2006 Israel-Lebanon War), but you can read for yourself the thoughts of former team members about how they felt about being in Israel during that time.
Bottom line---we hope you will share the sentiments of the Apostle Paul, "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:22-24).
Drive safely!
16. What will we be doing? Where will we be going? Where will we be staying?
If you would like an itinerary of our trip, please request one by e-mailing Justin Kron.
