Frequently asked Questions about Live the Land:

Most Popular Questions:

1. How much does the tour cost?
2. What if I need help raising the money?
3. I always see Israel on the news. Is it safe to travel there?

1. How much does the tour cost?

The cost of the tour is $2,695 from New York’s JFK Airport. You will be responsible for securing your own round-trip ticket to JFK. (Check out some of the great deals online at www.cheaptickets.com, www.priceline.com, www.travelocity.com, or contact your local travel agent. It pays to shop around!) See “How Much Money Should I Bring”? (#21 below).

2. What time should I arrive in New York?

You need to arrive at New York’s JFK International Airport, Friday, August 6. You must schedule your arrival at JFK for before 2 p.m. (ET). If you’re having trouble with this, let us know. We will provide you with more information, including hotel and travel arrangements while you’re in New York, after you register for the tour.

3. Why do we spend a day in New York?

It allows us to get everyone organized before the flight to Israel. We take the time to do a welcome session and an orientation. Additionally, it eliminates the chance that anyone will miss the flight to Israel due to a delay on their flight to JFK.

4. Who is eligible to go on the tour?

Anyone from 18 to 35 years of age may apply. See “Why Is There an Age Limit?” (#18 below).

5. Can I bring a non-Christian friend?

Absolutely!

6. What if I need help raising the money?

We understand that $2,695 is a lot of money for someone trying to get through school or to pay off student loans. We can provide guidance on writing letters to your friends, church members, and relatives requesting support for your trip. If 25 people give you just $50 each, that’s half of the tour’s cost! Many adults are willing to help young people who wish to participate in a tour like this because they know it’s an investment in the future. Traditional short-term missions trips feature a week or two of service. Live the Land features two weeks of study, prayer, and learning that will better equip you for a lifetime of service and sharing the Message of Jesus.
Once you have applied to go on the trip, you will have access to both fundraising materials as well as the scholarship application.

7. Why is this tour different from other tours?

This tour is different because (1) you will see more of Israel (from north to south), and you will see it from a messianic (Jewish-Christian) perspective, (2) it is specifically geared to young college/career individuals, (3) there will be an in-depth study course spanning the entire trip, and (4) you will have an opportunity to meet and get to know Jewish believers in the Land. We want you to come away from this tour equipped to serve as a goodwill ambassador for the State of Israel and with a greater appreciation for God’s prophetic plan for the last days.

8. I always see Israel on the news. Is it safe to travel there?

Contrary to what you might see on the satellite news channels, Israel is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Statistically, tourists are more likely to be mugged or harmed in Florida, for instance, than in Israel. Even if you stay home, no one can absolutely guarantee your safety. So we don’t live in fear—we do what we have to do and trust the Lord to take care of us. We take what we believe are all the reasonable precautions and have an excellent track record for safety. Our Israeli guides are among the best in the business. Our tour leaders have cell phones and know how to handle any problems that might arise.

9. Will there be rules?

Yes, the tour leaders will impose rules and requirements as necessary to ensure the success of our tour and the safety of all participants.

10. Who will be leading the tour?

This year’s group will be escorted by a certified Israeli guide and will feature teachings from Rob Styler. Rob serves as CJFM’s Director of Missions. Michael Hedrick plans and organizes the trip. Michael is Director of Student Tours for CJF Ministries. Other CJF staff members will also be on the tour, including Rick Higbee, Director of MP (Messianic Perspectives) Video. Additional staff members will serve as small group leaders during the course of the trip.

11. Why the Middle East?

Isn’t Israel just a bunch of sand and camels? This is a common misconception. Many tourists come to Israel and expect to see something like a scene from Lawrence of Arabia. True enough, there are places—particularly in the Negev (south)—where you will see plenty of sand and camels! However, much of Israel consists of rolling mountains, forests, and lush, grassy valleys. It is very beautiful and fulfills the prophecy that said the desert would one day blossom like a rose (Isa. 35:1-4). Cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem are modern and bustling with activity, with highways and skyscrapers, much like major metro areas in Europe or North America. More importantly, however, the modern State of Israel is a direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy—and that is why so many believers feel an affinity for it. God has His hand on this little country—and it’s where our own faith originated! Many of our travelers tell us that when they step off the plane in Tel Aviv for the first time, they feel like they have come back home. For many believers, it’s a life-changing experience. They say it makes the Bible come alive for them.

12. What do I need to bring with me?

Here’s a suggested (but not necessarily comprehensive) packing list. Some friendly advice: don’t over pack! A good rule of thumb is that if you have difficulty carrying your own bag more than 50 feet, then you’ve got too much stuff in it. Remember—it will only get heavier after you buy souvenirs and gifts overseas. And yes, we know the airlines allow you to check two pieces of luggage, but there is no reason one person should need two bags for this trip. One full-sized checked bag (maximum weight: 50 pounds) and one or two smaller carry-on items (fanny packs are highly recommended) should be sufficient. The airlines say each suitcase cannot weigh more than 50 pounds.

Clothing
Gloves for Rappelling
1 pair of pants (for hiking, going out at night)
1 sweatshirt/ sweater/ fleece
2 long-sleeve shirts
5-8 short-sleeve shirts
4 shorts
1 bathing suit
1 dress shirt / long skirt
1 towel (for swimming outside of hotels)
undergarments
socks
pajamas/ sleep wear
tennis shoes (with traction for wet surfaces, and with straps or laces)

Miscellaneous Items
Bible
small notebook (to take notes, keep journal, etc.)
passport
plane tickets
money for day to day expenses (see #21)
toiletries (soap, toothbrush, shampoo, razor, deodorant, etc.)
travel alarm clock (small)
flashlight (mini)
power converter (so you can plug into electrical outlets overseas)
camera (cheap disposables work great, believe it or not!)
film (take plenty because it’s expensive overseas)
baseball cap or a favorite hat
bandana
day bag (fanny packs, while fashionable, are also highly functional, and are encouraged)
sunglasses
medicine, if you have a specific regimen (see #22)
One or two large (jumbo) zip lock bags for packing wet items like swim suits and towels.

If you have a tendency to get car sick, Dramamine (Gravol) or some other motion sickness remedy is recommended for those susceptible to motion sickness. Candied ginger, apart from being tasty, is also said to be a good antidote.

What Not to Bring
expensive jewelry
uncomfortable shoes
personal electronic devices (Game Boys, Walkmans)
pets

Religious Sites
We recommend that you bring modest clothing (skirts covering to the knees for women, head coverings for men, and shirts covering shoulders for both men and women) to wear for visiting some religious sites.

13. What are the deadlines for registration? When is the best time to apply?

The short answer is: now is the best time to apply. Our tour leaders have capped this tour at 30 participants plus the sponsors and CJF Ministries staffers. That’s why the sooner you apply, the better. Technically, the deadline is 60 days prior to departure, but our staff is resourceful and we will make every effort to include late applicants. We cannot guarantee that we will be successful, however.

14. What if I am unable to go at the last minute?

Check the back of your tour brochure (”Terms and Conditions”) for this information. There are penalties, depending on how close to departure we are when you cancel. The reason for this is that we have to pay for everything in advance, including airfare, hotels, bus, driver, and other services. So when someone cancels, we are left holding the bag for their portion of these costs. CJF Ministries offers a self-insured $45 policy that guarantees a full refund if you are forced to cancel due to a medical condition—but you must provide a doctor’s statement on his or her letterhead to that effect. Or, you may prefer to purchase a more comprehensive trip cancellation policy from a company like TravelGuard.

15. Can I extend my stay in Israel?

Yes, it is possible—if you’re willing to pay the airline a penalty (because we have already purchased a bloc of tickets with preset departure and return dates)—but we don’t allow extensions for a couple of reasons. First, we cannot be responsible for you if you’re not with the group, so we require participants to stay with during the entirety of the trip. Second, our travel arrangements are planned out far in advance, and require a strict timetable in order to stick to our schedule. We can’t make any changes to accommodate individuals because it will jeopardize the schedule for the entire group.

16. What if I get sick in Israel? Do I need to have health insurance?

Yes, it’s a good idea to have health insurance coverage when you’re traveling outside the country (or any other time, for that matter). If you have questions about your family’s health coverage, and whether it covers you overseas, you should ask your parents or insurance agent to provide details. Many US health plans (Humana, Aetna, etc.) do provide coverage while you’re out of the country. Typically, they ask you to pay for whatever services are rendered overseas and then you keep receipts so you can apply for reimbursement when you return to the US. (If your plan is an HMO or PPO, you will be reimbursed at the out-of-network rate. The insurance companies require that the receipts be in English, so keep that in mind.) Your parents can have the peace of mind of knowing that the health care system in Israel is one of the most advanced in that part of the world. Sick people come from all over Europe and the Middle East to have delicate surgical procedures at world-class medical centers like Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. If you require health and/or accident coverage while overseas, you may wish to consider TravelGuard, a solid company with plans underwritten by AIG, that offers a whole range of medical, accident, and trip cancellation policies for international travelers.

17. Do I need a passport?

Yes—and ensure it does not expire within six months of our travel dates! If you don’t have a passport yet, visit your local US Post Office and they will explain the procedure for you. Allow 4-6 weeks to obtain your passport. If you wait until the last minute, there are passport services that will help you obtain a passport (or renew one) in 24 or 48 hours, but it’s expensive ($100 or more, plus the passport fee itself). For more information about expedited passport services, check the website of the US State Department. A visa is not required for entry into Israel. Visas are required for other Middle Eastern countries like Egypt and Jordan, but our Israeli guides apply for group visas so you don’t have to worry about it.

18. Why is there an age limit?

Let’s face it—young people are more active than their parents and grandparents, and they have their own interests and concerns. That’s why we came up with the idea of having an age-specific tour that would minister to the needs of young people and provide more relevant and life-applicable teaching as well as the more physically challenging activities they enjoy—like jogging up and down the 2,000-step “snake trail” at Masada, for instance. We also wanted an opportunity to minister to young people spiritually by having sessions where we talk about the problems they face at this unique point in their lives. By the way, the age limits on this tour aren’t written in stone. The minimum age is nonnegotiable because of liability issues, but If someone who’s 36 or 38 wants to go, for example, and he or she meets the other criteria, we will consider including them.

19. What will the weather be like?

The weather in the Middle East in the summer is roughly equivalent to the weather in the Southwestern US at the same time of year. Dress like you would if you were traveling to Phoenix and you’ll be fine. Rain at this time of the year is very rare.

20. Will you be making a DVD of this tour?

Yes, we are planning to produce a DVD of this tour. Rick Higbee, Director of MP Video, will be tagging along and he’ll have the camera rolling much of the time. You should receive your complimentary copy of the video a few weeks after you return home. Questions about the video? E-mail Rick at mpvideo@cjfm.org

21. How much money should I bring?

All of the essential expenses are included in the trip’s cost: including transportation, housing, meals, and all tips and gratuities for the guide and driver, waiters, and baggage handlers. The first meal provided will be dinner following your arrival in Tel Aviv. We will provide three meals a day, including breakfast, a light lunch, and dinner. On the days we are traveling you will need extra money (approx. $25 per day) for meals. Also, during the time you’re in Israel you will need money for bottled water, especially when you are at the Dead Sea. (Dehydration can be a problem in the Middle Eastern desert, so your tour leaders will be reminding you continually to drink lots of water, even if you think you’re not thirsty.) Finally, you will need funds for shopping (”My Big Brother Went to Israel and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt!”). A good estimate, therefore, would be $250 for spending money—that is, if you’re disciplined and handle it wisely! If you plan to scuba dive (bring your license) or to go paragliding, there will be an additional charge for those activities, so take that into consideration, too. By the way, many stores and vendors in the Middle East accept credit cards.

22. I have health problems or limitations. Will that cause any problems, and what are the accommodations for that?

It depends on how serious your physical limitations are. Contact us and we will gladly evaluate your situation. If you are currently under the care of a physician, be sure to include the details on your application form.

23. Will we have Internet access in the hotels?

Don’t count on it. Internet access is spotty in the Middle East—and where it’s available, it can be expensive. We recommend that you purchase a phone card if you need to stay in touch with home while you’re gone (see #24 below). If you bring a laptop, you run the obvious risk of having it stolen (unless you keep it with you the whole time), plus the possibility that you won’t be able to connect to the Internet anyway. That is why we suggest you leave your laptop at home. CJF staff members will have laptops you can use if there is an emergency and you will receive details about your special e-mail address (one assigned to you while you’re on the tour) so your friends and loved ones can write to you if they wish.

24. Can we make phone calls from the hotels in Israel?

Yes, you can—but the rates are very expensive if you direct-dial from your room (sometimes $2 to $3 a minute from Jordan to the US, for instance). A much more economical way to call home is to purchase a prepaid phone card after you get there and make the call from a pay phone in the airport, on the street, or in the hotel lobby. MCI also offers a prepaid international phone card with low per-minute rates (10 cents from Israel to the US, for instance) and MCI has access numbers in most of the Middle East and Europe. Call 1-800-325-0329 (or visit www.minutepass.com) for more information. Other long distance companies may offer similar services overseas. When you make phone calls to or from the Middle East, be sure you factor in the time difference (either 7 or 8 hours, depending on the time of year). Otherwise, you might wake someone up in the middle of the night! Any hotel charges for calls you make from your hotel room will be your responsibility. The cost of the tour includes only the cost of the room, not other charges of a personal nature. Any such charges are due and payable from you when you check out of the hotel.

If you have any further questions or concerns not covered in this FAQ, please contact Michael Hedrick at michaelh@cjfm.org or call (210) 226-0421 x146.