KFIR is both a reminder and a call to highlight the importance of God’s word in our life. God’s Word has always been the only standard for truth. We live in a world that wants to make everything relative; a place where things that meant something one day mean something different now, and potentially, something different in the future. This is not so with God’s Word. We can depend on Him for forgiveness, love, and consistency - His unchanging TRUTH. KFIR is an encouragement to immerse one’s self in the Word of God on a daily (manageable) basis. To me, KFIR is intended to connect us to Him and His Truth, and hopefully, to encourage us to develop intimacy with the One who uniquely created us to be His imagers. It also is a call to take every sentence of scripture seriously. Our goal is that you really read every line and ask questions of what you may have read once, or hundreds of times. My experience in reading the bible sometimes leads to complacency (for things I’ve heard or read a bunch), or confusion (for things that have been glossed over in my past or may be uncomfortable with from what I’ve traditionally been taught or thought). KFIR is a place to get a few other perspectives on random verses that catch the commentators’ attention. Those comments may not always be profound, but they are impactful for wherever that particular writer may be in life. The bottom line is that I think it’s a great exercise for us to read and question the Bible – we have a trustworthy God that can stand up to the scrutiny of those questions, but it’s important that we treat the Bible for what it is – the Words of our Creator and Redeemer and which He thought all of them necessary to convey to us.

I have been fortunate and blessed to have gone on several biblical tours that covered holy sites in Israel as well as tours that focused on the Israel of today. These included geopolitical jeep tours of the Golan Heights and trips to several IDF bases to learn about challenges facing Israel and to serve IDF soldiers in any way we could to show them support and love. In addition, I had been provided the opportunity to go to Israel on working trips where we were able to reflect the love of Christ through acts of service in communities all over Israel. In my many adventures I also experienced wonderful outdoor activities from hiking and rafting to praying and reading the Psalms at En Gedi as well as the Garden of Gethsemane. All of it brought me closer to God, helped to reveal scripture in color and with more meaning than I had previously understood. Every trip made me want to bring my wife, two boys and in-laws there to share this with them. I had been able to meet so many wonderful people and experienced so much of Israel over many of Holy Ground’s tours but I wanted one trip to pack as much in as I could for my family. I decided against a pre-planned tour and contacted Dan and Sharon Stolebarger, whom I had traveled with through Israel several times, and discussed with them the trip I was hoping they could help me plan. We went over and revised the itinerary several times to plan the perfect mix of biblical sites, current affairs, outdoor activity, our favorite restaurants and of course ending with an old fashion vacation at the beach in Eilat. To have Dan and Sharon there to help my family get the information and, most importantly, the biblical message and relevance of the sites that I had received over the years but could never have provided my family properly was invaluable, not to mention dealing with all the reservations and transportation! If I am being honest, I just love being in Israel with Dan and Sharon and couldn’t have pictured it any other way. My family will remember that trip forever and we often talk about all the memories.

There are many options and programs one can take planning a tour to Israel, especially if it is your first time. But after 7 times touring the Holy Land, our experience has shown nothing comes close to a smaller group experience which allows custom planning, flexible options, and a heightened emphasis upon a true spiritual engagement with the Bible, the Land, and the People. Whether considering your first trip, or any one thereafter, you’ll want prayerful consideration on how to best maximize God’s invitation to His pasture and the home of our Savior. After our first tour to Israel, we approached Dan and Sharon of Holy Ground Explorations to see if we could create something that would check all the boxes we were seeking. We wanted a smaller group program that would allow for easier coordination throughout and a better ability to maximize extended time for personal reflection, all without compromising the overall experience…and they did just that! Hands down, these custom tours turned out to be the best way to maximize our resources and build the most special memories. We've done this with HGE several times now and each time improves on the last. It starts with the right tour leaders who hold decades of experiences and a desire to share ALL THINGS ISRAEL!

Dan’s Middle East weekly updates provide a brief summary of key geopolitical developments relevant for Christians who understand that our God is the God of Israel. The insights are sourced from people who provide firsthand and objective observations while avoiding overly sensational headlines that are common in many secular sources.

Led by Dan Stolebarger, each chapter and book of the Bible is studied line by line. Dan brings scripture alive by sharing not only The Word, but also the customs, laws, language and geographical locations of Biblical times. He then ties those same scriptures into the days and times in which we currently live and how we might apply the truths being spoken in the Bible to our lives. I have read through the Bible several times but have never had the understanding and love for The Word that I have gained as Dan has opened and revealed the true meaning of scripture through OFBS.

I look forward to watching Dan’s “Down by the River” each week as he gives insightful biblical scripture and applies it to everyday life. It is a great way to begin my week as I find his positive message to be spiritually uplifting, especially in today’s upside-down world.

Israel is not just another vacation or destination to check off the list. It is the most impactful place that a person can visit and it is only because I have been there that I say that. Prior to my first visit to Israel I was anxious and nervous because I didn’t know what to expect and was being questioned by many people as to whether or not I was in my right mind for going. I felt I might be making a mistake and thought maybe all the people questioning my sanity were right to do so. (more…)

Never having been to the Middle East, or really anywhere very far from home in the U.S., a couple of friends and I were intrigued with the thought of visiting the Promised Land. We saw a promotion to go with Dan and Sharon with an organization we knew through our study of God’s Word, and we were compelled enough to book a tour. As the date approached, the idea that sounded so good as “something to do someday”, was becoming a reality and I was growing increasingly hesitant (at best) and fearful (at least). (more…)

I would say that a spiritual trip to the land of Israel is a must for every believer. If you never travel anywhere else in the world and have only one trip overseas, there is no doubt in our minds it should be Israel. We've had the privilege of seeing the Land of the Bible with Dan, Sharon and Jane on 2 occasions in 2014 and 2015. In all honesty our lives have never been the same. (more…)

We have been blessed with three opportunities to be on tours in the Holy Land with groups arranged and led by Dan and Sharon Stolebarger. Each tour was different in content — all were superbly organized, starting with a smooth arrival process into Israel with a warm greeting on arrival. (more…)

If you are thinking of visiting Israel, Jordan or the biblical sites of Turkey, then think Holy Ground Explorations. Why? Because, who you travel with will profoundly influence what you experience in these unique lands. With Holy Ground Explorations, you will be treated to more than a rushed visit to the historical and biblical highlights. You will be more than just “one of many” on a bus tour. Because for the Holy Ground Exploration leaders, Dan and Sharon Stolebarger — it’s personal. That is their vision. (more…)

My time living in Israel has proven to be one of the most spiritual growth times of my life. I told someone after 30 days that I was so ready to come home, but enjoyed every day I was there including the last day in Jerusalem, I found myself wanting to soak up every place we went from day 1 to day 30. Even while we traveled in the vans, I never wanted to sleep or even doze for fear I might miss even the smallest site. Day after day I looked with wonder at God’s land and all the Jewish people we met. (more…)

As someone from the U.K. who has done numerous trips to Israel since 1988, I have yet to come across anything that could even come close to this one. Why? Well everything from the practical and organizational side, to the choice of sights and hotels is outstanding. But a tour is only ever going to be as good as its guide (and the coach driver) and this is where they excel. Absolutely head and shoulders above anything I’ve experienced!! (more…)