Christian Travel Blog

Save $100 on a fabulous Christian tour of Germany

2011-04-23T08:18:00.007-06:00

Have you been promising yourself a trip to see the Lutheran sites of Germany? You are warmly invited to join the Celebration of Luther and Bach in September, 2011.

We'll be visiting the main Lutheran sites: Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, Mainz, Worms, and Augsburg, all with expert local guides.

This tour also highlights the places associated with J.S. Bach, including Leipzig, Dresden and Eisenach. We'll be attending a Bach cantata at St. Thomas' Church in Dresden and there will an optional concert that evening with the Gewandhaus orchestra.

As on all Reformation Tours trips, you will travel by deluxe bus accompanied by an expert tour director, stay in delightful centrally-located hotels and enjoy delicious meals. The real highlight is always the fellowship and joy of traveling with other Christians.

We're offering an Easter special of $100 off for reservations made before May 10th, so click here to visit the webpage today or call us on 1-800-303-5534.

Looking for a Christian guide in England?

2011-04-22T08:17:00.005-06:00

If you are planning a small group tour to England, we have some wonderful guides that we can recommend, either for a day trip or as part of a longer tour, which we can put together for you.

We'd like to introduce you to Michael Robinson who organizes small group tours of England’s Christian sites. He can either dovetail these visits into your existing itinerary or create one especially for you, complete with a Sunday service to suit! There are so many wonderful churches and sites of religious significance in London and its surrounding areas, and of course England has its own story of the Reformation vividly explored through visits to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace and the ruins of several medieval monasteries such as St Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury.

There are also opportunities to explore the original non-conformists in England that led to the development of, for example, Puritanism and Methodism whose outreach programs were instrumental in bringing Christianity to the United States of America.

Visit Michael’s own website at www.michaelgrobinson.com

English-speaking churches in France

2011-01-11T15:28:00.003-06:00

To compliment our extensive list of English-speaking churches in France, we have added an interactive map to make finding a local church even easier. If you know of any other fellowships that we can add, please let us know!

View English Speaking Churches in France in a larger map

New interactive map of English-speaking churches in Germany

2010-12-28T17:10:00.003-06:00

To compliment our extensive list of English-speaking churches in Germany, we have added an interactive map to make finding a local church even easier. If you know of any other fellowships that we can add, please let us know!

View English-Speaking Churches in Germany in a larger map

Plant a Tree in Wittenberg to Celebrate 500 years of Reformation

2010-12-07T14:45:00.005-06:00

While touring Germany, your church can plant a tree in the historic Luther Garden that is being planted in Wittenberg to celebrate the 500 year anniversary of Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses. Call 1-800 303-5534 or e-mail us for details.


The local landscapers plant the tree	A service is held to dedicate the tree

An arial view of the Luther Garden in Wittenberg	Wittenberg

The idea of the garden, organized by the Lutheran World Federation, is to provide something that continually grows and enriches Wittenberg - a sign that symbolizes the vitality and life-connectedness of the reform movement and its worldwide resonance.

Churches are invited to participate by planting a tree both in Wittenberg and a corresponding tree at home with an inscription noting the connection to the Luther Garden in Wittenberg. The cost of the tree in Wittenberg is around $650, which covers the tree itself, a local landscaper's services and an official certificate from the Lutheran World Federation.

All tree plantings will be recorded in a site plan that can be found on the web site. Click here to see which churches around the world have already participated.

"Even if I knew that the world were to collapse tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree today." ascribed to Martin Luther

For more details about the Luther Garden, please visit the official website.

Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips

2010-11-19T08:41:00.004-06:00

Our last tour is home from Italy, but we know that many of you still have trips ahead of you this holiday season. Here are our top tips to make your journeys as easy and pleasant as possible. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas!

Book early and avoid the busy travel days. It’s better to fly on Thanksgiving than the day before and you still get there in time for that tasty lunch. Return on Friday and you’ll beat the return rush. For Christmas trips, avoid flying on Christmas Eve and returning Sunday night. We recommend looking at www.kayak.com or a new site called www.hipmunk.com for comparing flight options.
Book direct flights or include a longer layover than normal. If you have extra time, you can always enjoy a cup of coffee at the connecting airport. It’s also a smart idea to fly into smaller airports, as they typically have fewer delays in bad weather.
Print your boarding pass. You can do this online up to 24 hours before your flight and it’s a real time-saver, especially if you aren’t checking luggage. Bring a printed copy of your fight itinerary as well.
Don’t wrap your gifts. The best idea is mail gifts to your destination or even better – buy online and ship direct! If you do take them with you, make sure you don’t wrap them. We recommend taking gift bags or folded gift wrap, tape and gift tags with you.
Don’t check your bags. If you’ve followed tip #4, you won’t have much luggage anyway, but do take a spare bag with you, as you’ll be bringing those wonderful gifts home. If you are checking bags, there’s likely to be a fee, so if possible, bring one large bag for all the family and save by pre-paying before you get to the airport.
Prepare your carry on. Remember that all gels and liquids must be in three-ounce or smaller containers in a single quart-sized zip-top clear plastic bag if you are just taking carry-on. You are allowed to purchase drinks etc. once you have cleared security and take them on the plane.
Reserve your parking spot. In winter, it often takes longer than usual to get to the airport, so leave plenty of time to take the Metro-link or park your car. If you are driving to the airport, make sure that you fill the car with gas the night before and leave time to scrape windshields. For security reasons, don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Load your phone. If your flight gets delayed or cancelled, you’ll save time by having useful numbers with you like the frequent flyer reservation desk, the airline’s 800 phone number, the people who are meeting you at your destination, your car rental agency, your travel insurance company etc. Check your flight status frequently and sign-up for phone or text notifications. We like www.worldmate.com for iPhones. Take your charger with you in your carry-on.
Plan for delays. It’s always good to have books and healthy snacks. If you are traveling with children, take an extra set of clothing, playing cards, books, quiet toys etc. When our kids were small, I would bring small gifts and space them out during the journey. If you are delayed, go straight to your airline desk for assistance. The polite people get the best service and may even get upgrades. Your calmness will help other travelers too.
Put your address inside your bag. If you put your travel itinerary inside your bag, the airline will be able to contact you if your bag gets lost. Luggage tags often fall off, so make sure your address is inside as well.

The Bible opens the 2011 season at the Globe

2010-11-16T09:33:00.006-06:00

In 2011, Shakespeare’s Globe will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible which was completed in 1611, and the enduring power of dramatic language, with a season entitled The Word is God. Priority booking will open in January, exclusively for Friends of Shakespeare's Globe, with public booking opening in mid-February.

The season will open with a cover-to-cover reading of The Bible from the Globe stage over Easter weekend, followed by Hamlet which plays at the Globe before embarking on a Summer tour of the UK and Europe. Also playing at the Globe before touring will be As You Like It.

Interested in seeing the play and enjoying a trip to England? Call 1-800-303-5534 or send an e-mail to info@reformationtours.com today.

Click here for more details

New rooms opening at the Reformation Museum in Geneva

2010-10-14T06:49:00.004-06:00

Our friends at the Reformation Museum in Geneva just let us know that they have three new rooms opening. This coming November, the basement will be devoted to the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. A special window will present the nature and historical development of Protestantism in the United States. Click here for more information.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm. They are closed Mondays (with an exception of being open on Easter Monday, Pentecost the first Monday of June, and Jeune Federal, the third Monday of September). They are also closed on December 24, 25 and 31 and on January 1.

Contact us today to arrange a tour to Geneva, Switzerland to visit Geneva, Switzerland to visit this wonderful museum. Our number is (800) 303-5534.

Welcome back from the Israel trip!

2010-10-12T08:28:00.005-06:00

In case you didn't know - we also offer tours to the Bible lands of Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Italy with our second company, Christian World Travel.

The picture is of Frank on the Mount of the Beatitudes - an amazing place.

If your group is ready to explore Israel, call us on (800) 303-2415 today!

Jack and Kathy just got home from their trip to Israel and Egypt and here's what they had to say:

Dear Rowena and Frank,

We just wanted to check in and let you know we are home safe after a wonderful pilgrimage to the Holy Land and an amazing Egypt extension. Our guides—Nola and Romani—were superior, and we saw and experienced so much. Accommodations were fine and well-located, and food was plentiful and delicious.

Thank you very much for all your efforts on our behalf. The journey was a tremendous blessing to all who went.

Best,

Kathy

Tour Italy this Fall with other Christians - space available

2010-09-09T12:30:00.010-06:00

Italy - land of magnificent sunsets, fabulous architecture, delicious food and wine and a depth of Christian history and heritage. There is last-minute space available on a wonderful tour that will take you from Rome to Venice, through Pompeii, Assisi, Siena, Florence and Pisa.

You'll be traveling with friendly Christians from Ashland, Kentucky led by Pastor Ike Nicholson. The full tour is available on our website www.reformationtours.com and you can also call our office for details 1- 800-303 5534.

Highlights of the tour include:

Visiting St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, where the Apostle Paul is buried
Fellowship with believers in Rome
A visit to ancient Pompeii
Dinner at the Ancient Baths of Diana
Vatican tour, including the Sistene Chapel
The hilltop town of Assisi
A tour of Siena, famous for the Palio horse race
The magnificent art of Florence, including "David"
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
A cruise along the Grand Canal in Venice

The all-inclusive tour is available land only for $2,559 or with air from Charleston, WV.

Wouldn't you love to visit England and Scotland this Fall?

2010-06-09T08:56:00.005-06:00

This September, you are invited to join Pastor-Emeritus Dr. Malcolm Bane, Associate Pastor Dr. David Strawn and members of the First Baptist Church of College Station, Texas as we explore places in Scotland and England where God was reforming His church through men and women of faith. Graduate Credit in Reformation Studies is also being offered with additional studies through the B.H. Carroll Theological Institute.

What does the tour include?

Tour of majestic Edinburgh, including the Castle, the Queen's Holyrood Palace, St. Giles Cathedral and John Knox house.

Exciting Stirling, with its fabulous Castle, and William Wallace Monument.

Historic Hadrian's Wall

Medieval York, including worship at York Minster

The delightful village of Lutterworth, where John Wycliffe ministered

Fascinating Bedford, with its many connections to John Bunyan and the Pilgrims.

William Carey's villages of Moulton and Olney, including the little village school where he taught.

Magnificent Oxford with its glistening spires. Our tour includes the Reformer's Monument, the Cathedral and the opportunity to dine at Regent's Park College Hall.

Lastly, the thriving metropolis of London, including Westminster Abbey, John Wesley's Chapel and home, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Globe Theater.

Our final visit is to Charles Spurgeon's Metropolitan Temple where this great Baptist preacher held his revival meetings.

The tour also includes plenty of free time to shop and relax.

This is a guaranteed departure and we do have room for a few more. If you would like more details, please visit our website or call 1-800-303-5534.

Countdown to Oberammergau!

2010-03-17T12:40:00.008-06:00

It's less than sixty days till the once-in-a-decade Oberammergau Passion Play begins and excitement is mounting! We only have a handful of places left but we're still purchasing more for late-comers, so if you haven't got your ticket yet, give us a call!

I'd like to feature two tours that I'm sure you'd enjoy:

Switzerland, Lutherland and Oberammergau Tour

PPRPK10: June 25-July 8, 2010
Combine seeing the Passion Play with a tour including Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Oberammergau, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Worms, Mainz, Eisenach, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Berlin and a Rhine Cruise. The tour is hosted by Rev. Dan & Cathy Rinderknecht of Trinity Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Billings, MT. 14 days priced from $3,565 land only.

Oberammergau 2010 - The Footsteps of Martin Luther

PPRKN10: July 21-31, 2010

Tour of Germany hosted by Pastor Ron Benson of First Lutheran Church, Papillion, NE (LCMS) and Kaylene Nienhauser of Aur Travel and her husband Jeff. The tour includes Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, two nights by the Rhine in Rudesheim, Mainz, Worms, a night in medieval Rothenburg and a drive down the "Romantic Road" to Bavaria.11 days priced from $3,199.

Did your Oberammergau Tour cancel? Our tours are all guaranteed!

2009-12-23T08:43:00.003-06:00

Good news! If your Oberammergau tour has been cancelled due to low numbers, you are very welcome to join one of ours, which are all guaranteed, with great seats for the Passion Play. We have a variety of quality Christian tours to choose from, including tours to Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.

Call us today at (800) 303-5534 or e-mail at info@reformationtours.com and we'll be happy to assist you.

20 years since the Fall of the Wall - how prayer made all the difference

2009-11-09T13:22:00.005-06:00

20 years ago the infamous Berlin Wall was torn down, amid great rejoicing. Although many attribute this to political success, it was the prayers and peaceful protests organized by an East German church, that really made the difference.

This church was St. Nikolai church in Liepzig, pastored by Rev. Christian Fuhrer, pictured left with Reformation Tours' president Frank Drinkhouse.

In an interview with Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, Rev. Christian Fuhrer talked about how his church was used.

The church became a very special place, and in particular the Nikolai Church, which we could describe like this: the church was finally on the side of the Lord, on Jesus’ side. In other words, it was on the side of the oppressed and not on that of the oppressors, with the people and not with those who had the power. The special experience we had here was that the people accepted Jesus’ message, especially the message of the Sermon on the Mount.

He went on to talk about how the Lord often answers prayer in a much larger way than we can ever imagine.

The most important thing for us was the power of prayer, which is still true today. We are not praying to the air or to the wall, but to a living God. We did not pray for the wall to come down. It was more comprehensive: [We were praying] for peace, justice, and the preservation of our creation. We addressed the very specific needs of human beings in our prayers, and God has blessed those prayers in such a way that nobody could have predicted.

Click here to read the full translation of the interview. By the way, these prayers meetings are still continuing every Monday and we are happy to include a visit there on any of our tours.

Looking for a Baptist Tour including the Oberammergau Passion Play?

2009-11-06T11:42:00.002-06:00

Are you a Baptist considering a trip to Europe to see the Oberammergau Passion Play?

You are invited to join Dr. Paul Enns, from Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa, FL on a tour of Austria and Germany featuring a study on the life of Christ, with an optional extension to Prague. The highlight of the tour is the once-in-a-decade opportunity to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play in Bavaria.The tour also includes Rothenburg, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna and Prague.

The deadline to sign up for this tour is November 18, 2009 to have guaranteed tickets, so call Wanda, the tour coordinator at (813) 968-4837 or Rowena, the tour operator at (800) 303-5534 as soon as possible to reserve your space.

New Oberammergau website in English

2009-07-23T15:08:00.009-06:00

The next season of the Oberammergau Passion Play is approaching and the German National Tourist Office has just launched an exciting new website all about the play.

The website lists the tour operators who are operating tours there (yes we are listed!) as well as useful maps and information about the cast and play.

You might also like to watch the short video "Oberammergau - 4 Centuries of Faith" that's on the site.

We do have space on some of our tours, so if you've not got your brochure yet, either visit http://www.reformationtours.com/ or call us at 1-800-303-5534 and we'll be happy to chat with you.

Our quality Christian tours combine seeing the Passion Play with visiting Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

Oberammergau Passion Play tickets going fast!

2009-06-02T18:46:00.007-06:00

This time next year, the Oberammergau Passion Play will be up and running and you won't want to miss out! We've already sold out some of our tours and several more are close to being waiting-list only. Below are the tours that still have some room and I invite you to call 1-800-303-5534 to reserve your space.

If you have a group and would like a custom tour, then it's not too late to call. Tickets are still available and we'd love to help.

2010 Luther Land and the Passion Play June 4-15, 2010
Combine seeing the Passion Play with a tour of Germany including Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, Worms, Mainz, Heidelberg, Rothenburg, Augsburg, Munich and a Rhine Cruise. The tour is hosted by Rev. Randy Prabst and Gail Vachon. 12 days priced from $3,595 land only.

I. N. Network Oberammergau 2010 June 9-19, 2010
Join the I.N. Network on a tour designed to not only connect you with the history and reality of the church in Europe, but also to experience the Passion of Christ for the whole world. The tour includes Prague, Vienna, Oberammergau, Salzburg and Munich. 11 days priced from $3,595 land only.

The Art of the Passion - A Word & Image Tour 2010 June 14-19 /25, 2010
Pastor Caroline Satre and Pastor Brad Davick of St. Paul's Lutheran Church invite you to join them on a tour of Germany, Switzerland and Italy. The tour begins in Bavaria and also includes Lucerne, the Swiss Alps, Torino, the Cinque Terra, Florence and San Gimignano. 6 days from $2,299, 12 days from $3,499 land only.

Oberammergau Tour F: Splendors of Bavaria and Italy June 22-July 5, 2010
Join Frank Drinkhouse, President of Reformation Tours on a fabulous tour from Bavaria to Rome, featuring Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence and Rome. Along the way we'll enjoy Alpine scenery and cultural delights. 14 days priced from $3,749 land only.

Switzerland, Lutherland and Oberammergau Tour June 25-July 8, 2010
Combine seeing the Passion Play with a tour including Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich, Oberammergau, Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Worms, Mainz, Eisenach, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Berlin and a Rhine Cruise. The tour is hosted by Rev. Dan & Cathy Rinderknecht of Trinity Lutheran Church in Billings, MT. 14 days priced from $3,565.

Oberammergau Tour B: Switzerland, Germany & Austria July 17-29, 2010
Join Frank Drinkhouse, President of Reformation Tours for tour through quintessential Switzerland, Germany and Austria. This leisurely trip includes Geneva, Chillon Castle, Bern, a day in the Swiss Alps, Zurich, the Bavarian Alps and castles, Salzburg and Vienna. 13 days priced from $3,549 land only.

Oberammergau 2010 - The Footsteps of Martin Luther July 21-31, 2010
Tour of Germany and Austria hosted by Kaylene Nienhauser of Aur Travel and her husband Jeff. The tour includes Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Eisleben, Erfurt, Eisenach, two nights by the Rhine in Rudesheim, Mainz, Worms, a night in medieval Rothenburg and a drive down the "Romantic Road" to Bavaria.11 days priced from $3,199.

Celebrate Calvin's 500 anniversary

2009-02-28T16:16:00.003-06:00

2009 is the 500 year anniversary of John Calvin's birth and we have a 10 day tour to celebrate. We'll begin in one of Europe's most exciting capitals, Paris and travel through France to Switzerland's Geneva. Along the way we'll visit Noyon (Calvin's birthplace - pictured left), Versailles Palace, Monet's home and garden, Chartres Cathedral, Rheims Cathedral and a Champagne cave, Strasbourg, Bern and Chillon Castle.

Along the way we'll not only have fellowship as a group, but we'll also get to meet Christians in the cities that we visit. You won't want to miss the fellowship we'll share over meals and the Sunday services in Paris and Geneva.

This tour is open for bookings until April 1, 2009 so call 1-800-303-5534 today to order your brochure or send an e-mail to info@reformationtours.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

The Ash Wednesday "Hair Decree"

2009-02-25T14:51:00.006-06:00

Today is Ash Wednesday and for the men in the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, that means no more shaving until after the Passion Play performance, unless they are going to play the part of Roman soldiers.

I took this photo when I was on a recent trip to Oberammergau and it shows the official "Hair Decree" that allows men in the police and the military to be excused from the usual rule of being close-shaven. Apparently men have to carry a copy of this as well as their residence cards as they can look a little unkempt as 2009 continues!

In the Footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Shakespeare

2009-02-20T12:49:00.005-06:00

Looking for a trip to England this Spring? For only $1,999 land only, you can take a 10 day trip to England (4 day extension to Scotland is $819). Join Dr. Matthew Heckel and Rev. Chris Baker from Wildwood Christian School in St. Louis on a literary tour of England and Scotland.

During the tour you'll hear about C.S. Lewis, J.R. R. Tolkien, Shakespeare and varous preachers, Bible translators, Reformers, pastors and evangelists. You'll also enjoy two Shakespeare plays and many other cultural delights.

This is an ideal trip for high schoolers, graduates, homeschoolers etc. Call 1-800-303-5534 to request more information or check out the tour on our website.

The tour includes:

G.K. Chesterton sites in Beaconsfield, including st. Theresa's Church
C.S. Lewis sites in Oxford, including the Kilns, the Eagle & Child pub, Holy Trinity Church
Shakespeare sites in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, including two live performances
J. R. R. Tolkien sites in Birmingham, including Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog, Edgbaston and the Oratory
Guided tours of Oxford, Stratford, London, Cambridge, Canterbury
Extension to Scotland, with guided tours of Stirling, Oban, Mull, Iona and Edinburgh

We're giving away an 8-day first class Swiss railpass for 2

2009-01-26T10:04:00.009-06:00

If you are in the St. Louis area this coming weekend (January 31 -February 1, 2009) we invite you to come to the St. Louis Travel Show held at the St. Charles Convention Center.

We'll be at Booth 150 representing Switzerland and you can enter to win a free 8 day first class Swiss railpass for 2!

We'll have special guest Rudy Maxa stopping by our booth on Saturday at 12:30 and he'll be autographing 2 DVDs that we'll be giving away on Sunday. You are all welcome to enter the drawing!

Rudy Maxa is the host and executive producer of the Emmy-winning, 78-episode, public television series, "Rudy Maxa's World." He's an award-winning contributing writer with National Geographic Traveler magazine, and his articles have appeared in Forbes, Travel & Leisure, Vogue, Men's Life, The Los Angeles Times, and dozens of other publications. A former Washington Post investigative reporter, Mr. Maxa's reporting was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. His national, weekend radio show on public radio, "The Savvy Traveler," established him as one of the country's premier commentator on consumer travel issues.

You can also join us for dinner after the travel show on Saturday, January 31st and we invite you to click here for more details.

Shakespeare news!

2008-12-10T11:12:00.005-06:00

I'm a big Shakespeare fan, so I was very interested to visit the new website celebrating the relationship between the Royal Shakespeare Company and their audiences in America. We suggest visiting http://www.rscamerica.org to browse the new site and sign up for their newsletter. You can also become an overseas member and receive priority bookings and other benefits.

If you enjoy seeing Shakespeare live, I encourage you to join me in May, 2009 on our Christian Heritage of England and Scotland tour, which will include seeing Julius Caesar in Stratford-upon-Avon. Call 1-800-303-5534 to request your brochure.

Backstage in Oberammergau

2008-11-29T11:50:00.012-06:00

Last month I had the privilege of visiting the town of Oberammergau in Bavaria and was delighted to have a backstage tour of the theater. We have many groups attending the Play between May and October 2010 and if you don't have your tickets yet, call us at 1-800-303-5534 or visit our website. We have space available on several tours and can also put together a custom tour.

This photo is of the main stage, which you can see is open air. This year the play will be in the afternoon and evening, so the crucifixion scene will be more atmospheric. All the seats are covered though and all the seats have a good view. Here are some more photos:

The table for the last supper.

The soldier costumes.

The choir costumes.

Happy Thanksgiving from Reformation Tours!

2008-11-26T17:08:00.006-06:00

Although not American, I love the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy the opportunity to thank the Lord for all the blessings that He lavishes on us. Last Sunday, our Pastor told us the story of how Sarah Hale (who wrote the kindergarten song, "Mary Had a Little Lamb") was instrumental in establishing the Thanksgiving holiday. It's a tale of perseverence and I was inspired.

Whenever I'm curious about a Christian who made a difference, I turn to one of my favorite websites, the Christian History Institute. Here's a quote from one of their pages:

"Sarah's greatest achievement was to make Thanksgiving a holiday in the United States. She used her popular magazines as a forum to advocate this national day of gratitude to God. Sarah worked tirelessly towards this goal for over fifteen years before Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation in August, 1863. Not a bad track record for a girl educated at home, largely by her own efforts.

She retired when she was ninety, writing "I must bid farewell to my countrywomen, with the hope that this work of half a century may be blessed to the furtherance of their happiness and usefulness in their Divinely-appointed sphere." To read the rest of the story, click here

As you enjoy your turkey and stuffing, remember Sarah's desire that we would all express our gratitude to our Lord. We have so much to be grateful for.

The Leipzig Christmas Market opens today

2008-11-24T10:37:00.006-06:00

There's nothing quite like a German Christmas market and today marks the opening of one of the most popular. The Leipzig Christmas market dates back to the year 1767. This year it is open from November 24th through December 22nd, 2008, with 250 stalls. The main area will be Marktplatz market square where visitors will be able to marvel at a massive Saxon spruce Christmas tree, and enjoy a wide variety of performances at the market square stage. Visitors can also see the world’s largest free-standing advent calendar (857 square meters) in the Böttchergasse alleyway, designed by Leipzig schools. Make a point to be there at 4:30pm every day from December 1-24th to watch the windows being opened.

To learn more about Leipzig, we invite you to visit our webpage and learn about Luther's connections with the city, the prayer meeting that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Wieskirche and the cows

2008-11-15T06:52:00.005-06:00

On Day 4 of the trip with the Bavarian Tourist Office and the National Tour Association we had a morning trip up the Rauschbergaus Mountain via cable car and the views were fabulous. There's a wonderful restaurant at the top and lots of great hiking trails. I recommend it!

In the afternoon we had a stop at Wieskirche, also known as the "Church in the Meadow." The official name is the "Pilgrimage Church of the Scourged Savior in the Wies." Back in 1730 Father Magnus Straub and Friar Lukas Schweiger built a figure of Jesus for the Good Friday procession, using parts from other wooden figures, which they then covered in linen and painted. It was such a realistic representation of the suffering Jesus, that the congregation found it too moving and they decided to store it in the monaster's innkeeper Jeremia Rehle's attic. On March 4, 1738, the innkeeper's godmother Maria Lory moved it to her farm, the "Wieshof." During evening prayers on June 14, 1738 she apparently noticed drops of water on Jesus' face, which she interpreted as tears. As you can imagine, many people wanted to see the statue and so it became a popular pilgrimage spot. The side chapel contains many photos, prayers and letters from pilgrims from around the world and an estimated one million visitors visit each year.

The paintings in the church were done by two brothers, Dominikus and Johann Baptist Zimmermann of Wessobrunn. It's now included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage buildings and is a fine example of rococo style.

As well as the beautiful artwork, it was lovely to hear the cows right outside the church. It must have been feeding time as they were pretty vocal!

Weiskirche is featured on many of our tours, especially those including the Oberammergau Passion Play.

From a Salt Mine to the Eagle's Nest!

2008-11-13T08:46:00.009-06:00

On Day 3 of my tour with the Bavarian Tourist Office and the National Tour Association, we visited the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. When you arrive, they give you a black overall to wear over your clothes. It would have been smarter to have taken my coat off, as it's really not that cold in the mine and I was too bundled up. Once you are dressed, they take you to the waiting area for the train. It was lovely to see scripture written above the door, "You are the salt of the earth" Matthew 5,13. My favorite part of the tour was when we had a ride across the underground Mirror Lake accompanied by beautiful music and a light show. This is still a working mine and you can buy the salt they produce in the gift shop. We were all given a large pack and it's delicious!

After the salt mine, we met up with David Harper from Eagle's Nest Tours and as it was a gorgeous day, he was able to take us to the summit. The so-called “Eagle’s Nest” was built as teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday. It's perched up on a mountain summit, so to get there we had to take a train, then an elevator. In its day, it was a unique engineering feat. Hitler’s home and headquarters - the second seat of 3rd Reich power - were actually located at Obersalzberg, which is at the foot of the Eagle’s Nest mountain. David also took us to the underground bunkers, which are very extensive.

The end of the day was in Ruhpolding, which is a great place to be based in the Alps. We had a quick visit to the Woodcutter's Museum, then enjoyed a fun Bavarian meal complete with dancers!

Lake Chiemsee and Herrenchiemsee Palace

2008-11-12T07:37:00.005-06:00

On Day 2 on my trip with the Bavarian Tourist Office and the National Tourist Association, we met up at Munich airport (I'd arrived the day before) and set off for Prien on Lake Chiemsee. This is Bavaria's largest lake and it's gorgeous! After checking into our hotel we took the boat to "Men's Island" and had a horse-drawn carriage ride to Herrenchiemsee Palace. This was one of Ludwig II's palaces and it's a great example of Rococo and Baroque art. He only partially finished it though and it's quite a surprise to go through the last finished room and see a completely bare-brick stairway!

After we toured the palace, we took a second boat ride to Fraueninsel "Ladies' Island" which has a convent and a number of little artisan shops. At Christmas this is definitely the place to go!

Neuschwanstein anyone?

2008-11-11T18:14:00.006-06:00

I got back a week ago from a wonderful trip to Bavaria, where I was part of a group of tour operators with the National Tour Association hosted by the Bavarian Tourist Office. It was an excellent trip and I'm going to try and share some of the highlights.

Day 1: I actually flew in a day early, as my friend Gunter Meyer had invited me to visit Hohenschwangau. Not sound familiar? It's actually the name of the village at the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle. There are two castles in the village and I chose to visit Hohenschwangau Castle, where Ludwig II grew up. It's incredible inside (which I could show you photos, but you aren't allowed to take them) as the furniture is original and the walls have the most beautiful frescoes. Ludwig had a telescope in his sitting room so that he could watch Neuschwanstein being built.

I stayed in the Jagerhaus hotel, which is fabulous! the photo above is the view from my window. The Lisl Hotel is right next door and the food there is amazing. If you would like to find out about packages in Bavaria including staying in this village, just let me know. You can call 1-800-303-5534 and I'll be happy to help.

Oberammergau Tickets are in!

2008-08-06T08:34:00.007-06:00

We are delighted to announce that we have our first installment of Oberammergau Tickets for the Passion Play in 2010. If you are still interested in taking a group, give us a call at 1-800-303-5534 and I will let you know the dates I have available.

We have two categories of tickets:

Category 3: Seating in area 1

Category 4: Seating in area 2

Category 3 tickets come with 4 star quality rooms and Category 4 tickets come with 3 star quality rooms.

We also have a number of tours that have room for individuals, families and small groups to join and I'll be posting the details this week. In the meantime, visit our website http://www.reformationtours.com/.

When will the Oberammergau Tickets be confirmed?

2008-05-02T11:24:00.004-06:00

The Oberammergau Passion Play is only performed once a decade, so 2010 will be a very special summer for the small town nestled in the Bavarian Alps. The play is extremely popular, so the tickets are in high demand. All the tour operators (including us) have put their ticket requests in and the Oberammergau committee is working on assigning the tickets. It's taking much longer than expected this year (it's a tough job!) and it will probably be the middle of June before we have firm confirmation of tickets.

The good news is that there is extra time to build your group or join one of ours! We have a wide selection of tours featuring the play, in conjunction with tours to Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. We can also arrange a custom tour for your group, as long as you can be flexible with dates.

Call us today at 1-800-303-5534 or visit http://www.reformationtours.com/

Meeting Rudy Maxa at The St. Louis Travel Show

2008-03-11T11:23:00.005-06:00

If you're like us, you have favorite television presenters, and Rudy Maxa is one of ours. We've enjoyed many an early morning show on PBS visiting Switzerland, Germany, Italy and so forth from the comfort of our home (while mentally planning the next trip!).

Rudy kindly stopped by our booth last weekend at the St. Louis Travel Show to choose the winner of a free 8-day first class Swiss Travel Pass.

If you missed the Travel Show this year, make a note to attend in 2009. There will be shows in St. Louis, Kansas City, Tampa and Indianapolis.

Tim Frakes Productions: The Life of Apostle Peter with Rick Steves

2007-12-08T20:14:00.000-06:00

This looks like a wonderful new production and we encourage you to buy it to share with family and friends. We'll be ordering one and will update this post with our comments. Rick Steves is one of our favorite presenters

Looking for Reformation Books, Dvds or Videos?

2007-11-20T12:26:00.000-06:00

If you are interested in books, dvds or videos about the Reformation, we invite you to visit our Reformation store, hosted by Amazon.

Thinking about an Oberammergau tour in 2010?

2007-11-13T08:52:00.002-06:00

Although 2010 seems like a long time away, if you are thinking of attending the Oberammergau Passion Play, now is the time to be gathering your group.

Every ten years, this picturesque Bavarian town puts on a spectacular passion play with a cast entirely from the town. For more about the play, click here to read our webpage.

In order to accomodate the literally thousands of people from all over the world who want to attend the play, the town sells tickets that also include 2 nights accomodations, 5 meals (2 x breakfast, 1 x lunch and 2 x dinner). These tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Demand is extremely high and so groups need to gather their group as soon as possible, so they can get seats.

How can we help? We have designed a number of tours for 2010 that feature the Oberammergau Play and there's still space available. Call us today at 1-800-303-5534 or fill out our Oberammergau tour questionnaire. Our tours include the Passion Play with options to visit surrounding countries, such as Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy. We are also able to provide fellowship opportunities, both with fellow travellers and local believers.

New Jan Hus DVD from the Christian History Institute

2007-08-14T17:28:00.000-06:00

Next month marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of Christian History Institute. Their very first project was preparation of a mimeographed study guide to accompany a film release on 15th century Reformer Jan Hus.
Now they revisit the Hus story and the amazing new appreciation of his life and a public apology by the pope for the wrongful death of Hus.
This new one-hour documentary is titled Truth Prevails: The Undying Faith of Jan Hus .
Jan Hus lived almost 600 years ago and was a forerunner of Luther and the Reformation. A man of deep conviction, he took a dangerous stand against corruption in the church. He stood for the Truth of God’s Word and was put to death for it – burned at the stake.
Learn more about the story in Truth Prevails: The Undying Faith of Jan Hus offered at this special price – Order online at Vision Video for only $15.99 – a savings of 20% off the retail price of $19.99!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer House in Berlin

2007-07-22T10:40:00.000-06:00

Frank (on left) was recently at the Dietrich Bonhoeffer House in Berlin, at the end of the Reformation Trails Tour. This house was built in 1935 as the retirement home of Bonhoeffer's parents. Sadly on April 5, 1943, he was arrested in the building.

The house on Marienburger Allee is now a museum about the life and work of Bonhoeffer and his study on the upper floor is restored to how it would have been in 1943.

We include a visit here on many of our tours to Berlin and if you would like to arrange a tour, just let us know. The address is Marienburger Allee 43, 14055 Berlin. (+49) 30 301 9161.

View from the train

2007-06-30T05:49:00.001-06:00

view from train to Grindlewald from Interlaken
Originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

Frank is currently in Switzerland leading our "Reformation Trails" tour, which journeys from Geneva to Berlin. He just called me from the train on his way up the Alps from Grindelwald. He took this photo on the tour last year of the view from the train window. Switzerland is gorgeous! The group is having a wonderful time and enjoying fellowship along the way. I'll post some highlights when he gets back and we've uploaded the photos from this year's trip.

Farewell to Ruth Graham

2007-06-15T06:09:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Ruth Bell Graham, beloved wife of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham, died at 5:05 p.m. on June 14, 2007, at her home at Little Piney Cove in Montreat, N.C., surrounded by her husband and all five children. She was 87.

She was born in China, on June 10, 1920. Her parents were medical missionaries and as a young girl Ruth first sensed the great calling to abandon all for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the fall of 1937, she enrolled at Wheaton College and three years later was introduced to “Preacher,” the nickname other students gave the strapping Billy Graham from Charlotte, North Carolina.

In late April 1941 after much struggling in prayer, Ruth realized her life’s mission was to be bound up in Billy’s passion for evangelism. Shortly after their graduation from Wheaton, the two were married in Montreat on August 13, 1943.

Ruth treasured her role as the strong woman behind “America’s Pastor” and was Billy’s closest confidant, most trusted advisor, and dearest friend. She loved to move behind the scenes, away from the spotlight, and helped him craft and research sermons and even books.

To read more about this remarkable woman, click here

Congratulations to the Reformation Museum in Geneva

2007-06-02T08:41:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the Reformation Museum in Geneva for winning the prestigious 2007 Council of Europe Museum Prize! When I visited the Museum last month I was able to see the

statue and hear more about this award.

Housed on the spot where the people of Geneva voted to adopt Reformation in 1536, the museum features displays on the Bible, the work of Calvin, religious controversy with other Christian traditions, the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Protestant resistance to fascism, missionary work and the role of women in the ministry.

It is now planning a special exhibition in 2009 to mark the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth, a commemoration also to be celebrated by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, a grouping of 216 churches with roots in Calvin's Reformation. The alliance has brought together 50 representatives of Reformed churches for a 15-19 April meeting in Geneva to plan for the Calvin Jubilee worldwide.

"People might expect such a museum to be deadly serious, demanding and dogmatic," noted one judge, Mikhail Gnedovsky from Russia. "But this is far from being the case. In fact, the atmosphere of the museum is very relaxed and free," he said, noting touches such as cartoons of Calvinists and a picture of Calvin on a vending machine in the Geneva museum café.

If you are interested in visiting the museum, contact us about joining one of our scheduled tours or let us design a custom tour for you.

Calvin's College in Geneva

2007-05-28T13:37:00.001-06:00

Calvin's Academy in Geneva
Originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

Calvin College was founded in 1559 by John Calvin. Boys as young as seven were able to learn Latin, Greek, logic, rhetoric and Calvin's catechism. With the huge influx of French Huguenots after the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, Calvin's College played a vital role in their training as pastors, as well as many other young men who flocked to Geneva to receive tutelage there. At the time of the Calvin's death it boasted fifteen hundred students. It's still used for education today.

Zurich's Police Station

2007-05-28T13:17:00.001-06:00

Zurich's Police Station
Originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

You don't really expect to see flowers decorating a Police Station! While I was on a guided city tour of Zurich a week or two ago, we were able to see some of the colorful murals painted by local artists. Personally I preferred the medieval colors of the side chapel in St. Peter's Cathedral in Geneva and it's lovely to see some restoration work going on. We've still got some room on our Reformation Trails tour leaving in June and in September, so if you'd like to see Geneva and Zurich yourself, let us know!

Lausanne Free Church

2007-05-18T08:36:00.001-06:00

100_6124
Originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

Last Sunday I was delighted to visit Lausanne Free Church, which is a delightful congregation serving the English-speaking population in the Lausanne area. Pastor Derrick and his wife Ann invited me to a fabulous home-cooked lunch with the family, along with two other British couples. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and I look forward to my next visit there. If you are in Lausanne, the fellowship meets on Sunday morning and also has a coffee morning on Wednesdays. The web address is www.lausanne-english-church.com.

The Queen visits Jamestown and Williamsburg

2007-05-05T07:08:00.000-06:00

As a Brit living in the States, I'm excited about the Queen of England being on a visit to Virginia to help celebrate the 400 year anniversary of the founding of Jamestown.

"My visits to Jamestown and Williamsburg, separated by 50 years, symbolize for me the warmth and welcome Prince Philip and I have always received during our many visits to the United States over the years," the queen said during a private luncheon Friday in Colonial Williamsburg, the restored 18th-century capital of Virginia.

If you've not been to the Jamestown/Williamsburg/Yorktown area in awhile, it's definitely the year to visit! We'll be hosting a clergy retreat there in August called "Reclaiming the Joy of Ministry" and would love to welcome you there. If you'd like to do a family or group tour, just let us know and we'll be happy to arrange it.

New D-Day Center at the Normandy American Cemetery in France

2007-05-02T09:03:00.000-06:00

Sixty-three years after Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to turn the tide of World War II in Europe, a new visitor center at the Normandy American Cemetery in France will open on June 6 to tell the story of the 9,387 Americans buried there and put the D-Day landings and follow-on battle in Europe in perspective. The $30 million visitor center will be dedicated and opened to the public on June 6, 2007, during the annual D-Day commemorations. The center is sited in a wooded area of the cemetery approximately 100 yards east of the Garden of the Missing. Normandy is the American Battle Monuments Commission's most visited cemetery, receiving approximately one million visitors each year. By relating the global significance and meaning of Operation OVERLORD, the center will pay tribute to the values and sacrifices of the World War II generation. Visit http://www.abmc.gov/ or http://www.franceguide.com/.

Noah's ark replica sets sail in Holland

2007-04-30T06:10:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful way to bring the Bible to life! Dutchman Johan Huibers has built a replica ark in the town of Schagen in the Netherlands. The ark is 150 cubits long - half the length of Noah's - and three storeys high. A cubit was about 45cm (18in) long.

When you enter the ark, you'll see life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras and bison. Johan will also have a live petting zoo, including a camel. The ark includes a 50-seat theatre showing a segment of the Disney film Fantasia retelling the story of Noah's Ark.

Johan plans to sail around the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany using the ark as a tool to renew interest in the Bible and Christianity. It's certainly a conversation starter!

Corrie's Ten Boom's "Hiding Place" in need of help

2007-04-20T06:02:00.000-06:00

I'm a big fan of Corrie Ten Boom and her family, who put faith into action during a very difficult time in Europe's history. The film "The Hiding Place" is a classic and one that never fails to move me.

I got an e-mail about the house in Haarlem, Holland this morning and thought it deserved to be copied in full. We were happy to send a donation to help preserve this important museum and we thought you might be interested to do the same.

This is Holocaust Remembrance Month. It is a time to pause and remember the millions of Jews that died at the hands of Adolf Hitler during World War II.

Corrie and her family were dedicated to serving others. Their home was a haven for anyone with a need. The spread of World War II into Holland did not deter the ten Boom family. Their home became a sanctuary for those Jewish families and resistance workers sought by the Gestapo. The ten Boom family (Casper and his daughters Corrie and Betsie) risked their lives daily to hide their Jewish neighbors and others who refused to aid the Nazis.
Often there were a half-dozen or more men, women and/or children packed into "The Hiding Place," a small room tucked away behind a false wall in Corrie's bedroom. On February 28, 1944, someone betrayed this courageous family, and the Gestapo invaded their small home. Systematically, they searched the house, but God made seeing eyes blind, and they missed the secret place hidden away in Corrie's room, as well as the six individuals crouched there.
Because underground materials were found in the home, the ten Boom family was arrested. Casper ten Boom, Corrie's 84-year-old father, died after ten days in captivity. Betsie died in Ravensbruck; nephew Christiaan perished at Bergen Belsen; brother Willem survived the concentration camps, but died shortly after his release.

Corrie spent a year in prison in ill-health and persecuted by her captors simply for loving the House of Israel. God blessed her for her faithfulness.

Corrie survived the death camp determined to share the reality of God's love. Armed with her realization that "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still" and "God will give us the love to forgive our enemies," Corrie began a ministry that would last 33 years and take her to sixty countries.

Dr. Billy Graham made the American public aware of the story of Corrie ten Boom and the sacrifices of her family to aid the Jewish people during the Second World War through her book and the movie, "The Hiding Place." The dedicated prayer life of her family is less well-known. Corrie's grandfather founded a prayer fellowship in 1849. It was dedicated to praying for the "peace of Jerusalem and the rebirth of the nation of Israel." The 100-year long prayer meeting at the ten Boom home ended when the family was arrested and imprisoned.

Twenty years ago, the ten Boom family home and clock shop in Haarlem, Holland were purchased. It was lovingly restored, and is open today as a Holocaust museum, and as a beacon and a testimony of the courage, dedication and faithfulness of one family who, like Moses, chose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God," than to escape the wrath of the Holocaust.

In 2002, in order to keep the 100-year prayer meeting alive (1844-1944) by the tradition of the ten Boom family, the Jerusalem Prayer Team was founded. This organization is dedicated to praying for the peace of Jerusalem according to Psalm 122:6. The prayer meeting was stopped the day the ten Booms were taken to the concentration camps.

The Corrie ten Boom Holocaust Center in Haarlem, Holland, is open to the public. It is run solely by volunteers, and is funded through donations. In its twenty year history, no one has been charged to see "The Hiding Place." Over 800 Jews bound for Palestine were saved by the ten Booms. Corrie told me that God gave her Psalm 91 while she was in prison as her promise on her 51st birthday. (Corrie lived to be 91 years old.)

Would you make a donation today to help us keep the Corrie ten Boom Holocaust Center open?
There are no paid employees at Corrie ten Boom House. Volunteers willingly and joyfully give their time and talents to keep Corrie's family story alive for another generation. The final verse of Psalm 91 says, “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (91:16)

Sadly, we see a growing anti-Semitism in Europe. The horrors of WW II are pushed into the background and the suffering of the Jews is minimized. For this reason, it is important that the Corrie ten Boom House stays open and that the story of the Ten Boom family continues to be told, especially the story of Corrie. This house is a place where God touches the hearts of people.

We mourn with those who mourn

2007-04-18T09:37:00.000-06:00

Our hearts go out to those who are affected by the sad recent events in Virginia. We join with those praying for the bereaved families and the students who had to go through that ordeal.

Our hearts are also heavy today with the news that three wonderful men of God ministering in Malatya, Turkey have been brutally murdered. Brothers Necati Aydin ('nedjati', father of 2), Ugur Yuksel and Tilman Geske (father of 3, and a German citizen) were working in a publishing house in a city that has seen way more than its share of martyrs. Ten young men have been arrested for this brutal attack.

Aydin was the pastor of the 30-strong Protestant community of Malatya. Tilman is pictured left with his wife and his 3 children. Ugur was due to be married very soon and was a new believer.

Let's pray for their families and the church in Malatya and that Christians in Turkey would not be fearful, but would seek the Lord in this difficult time.

Need a new passport?

2007-04-17T19:18:00.001-06:00

A passport is the first step to exploring the world. We have occasionally had to send ours in for extra pages!

The US Postal Service makes obtaining a passport easy and you can go online to www.usps.com/passport for more information. The National Passport Information Center has a toll-free number 1-877-487-2778 and a website for more information.

We always recommend making two photocopies of your passport photo page. Leave one at home with your emergency contact and pack the other one in your luggage. If you go on any of our tours, we'll also keep a copy of this page and will assist if anything happens to your passport while on tour.

A passport costs $97 for age 16 and older and $82 for age 15 and under, which includes the fees to the U.S. Department of State and the acceptance fee. You can pay extra to have your passport processed more quickly, which is an extra $60.

Need some ideas of where to travel with your shiny new passport??

Katie Luther: The Morning Star of Wittenberg

2007-04-14T18:55:00.001-06:00

We have the longer version of this video, but this short clip is excellent. It's a good introduction to Luther's wife, Katherine von Bora. She entered a convent as a child, escaped in a fish barrel and went on to be one of the most influential wives in the Reformation.

Erfurt - the Heart of Germany

2007-04-11T18:06:00.000-06:00

We love Erfurt. This ancient Thuringian town is right at the center of Germany and on the "must see" for anyone on the Reformation trail. We've compiled some information about Erfurt on our website and always include it on our tours.

Each month (or so) we produce a newsletter and we had an Erfurt theme this month. We also have an Erfurt themed quiz and you can click here to try it yourself! It's an easy quiz and you are entered for the prize whether you get the answers right or not.

Courage and Conviction - a great read for all ages

2007-04-06T10:22:00.000-06:00

Our kids love to read, so I'm often ordering books that I think they'll enjoy and find that I love them too. Mindy and Brandon Withrow have authored a wonderful series of books aiming for the 9-14 year old market, but equally enjoyable for all ages.

Meet the German monk, the French scholar, and the Scottish tutor who protested corruption in the church. Get to know the queens and explorers who risked everything for the freedom to worship according to their consciences.

It was a time of war and upheaval, but also a time of promise and hope. From Erasmus and Luther to Katherine Parr and William Bradford, God used different personalities in different places to bring sweeping changes to church government and the way we worship.

Learn from their mistakes and be encouraged by their amazing strengths and gifts.
Extra features throughout this book look deeper into issues such as the Scientific Revolution, wars of religion, the Puritans, and the settling of the Americas.

This is the third book in a series intended to cover the history of the Christian church through its people and key events. They are written with 9-14 year olds in mind but the modern, relaxed and enthusiastic style is infectious. This is history without the wooliness – and with all the wonder.

By the way, this book will be our giveaway for our latest quiz - click here to enter. You don't have to get the answers right to win, we just pick from the entrants.

Headed to Europe this summer?

2007-04-04T12:49:00.001-06:00

In Wartburg Castle
Originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

The weather is more-or-less getting warmer, and it's a great time to be thinking of a trip to Europe. We'll be heading for Switzerland, France and Germany this summer, as well as Colonial Williamsburg and Georgia. We'd love to hear about your trips too and we welcome guest bloggers.

By the way, if you have a travel question or need help with any part of your itinerary, just give us a call at either 1-800-303-5534 or 1-800-303-2415. We will be happy to assist.

The Wittenberg English Ministry gets ready for worship

2007-03-31T08:01:00.000-06:00

The Wittenberg English Ministry gets ready for worship
Originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

If you're planning a trip to Lutherstadt-Wittenberg (between Berlin and Leipzig in Germany) this summer, than we'd like to recommend the services run by the Wittenberg English Ministry. Beginning on May 2 and running through October, you can fellowship with other Christians in the historic Wittenberg churches. There are services on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (new time 6-7pm) and they are often available at other times too. We always include a service with them on our group tours and their ministry is a blessing!

Switzerland trip!

2007-03-31T07:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday whilst arranging flights for a number of clients, I was also able to arrange flights for myself and I'm excited! in May I will be going to the Swiss Travel Mart, plus visiting Zurich and Geneva and hopefully Chillon Castle(see left) as well. It's always wonderful to be in these historic cities and meet up with friends there.

We were recently involved in a project by the Swiss Tourist Office to create booklets about the religious significance of many Swiss cities and we have a stock of these if you would be interested in receiving a copy. If you are going on one of our tours to Switzerland, it will be part of your pre-travel pack. By the way, if you are looking for a tour of Switzerland this year, we have space available on the "Reformation Trails" tours in June and September and on the "Footsteps of Martin Luther" tour with Lilian Scott-Baer who is originally from Zurich. We can also arrange travel for small groups.

Looking for great Christian Videos?

2007-03-20T13:06:00.000-06:00

Let me introduce you to one of our favorite Christian websites for quality videos: Vision Video. It's a wonderful place to find Christian DVDs and videos for the whole family, including some of our favorite Christian heritage titles. If you order directly from the website, you get a reduced rate and their clearance items are even better value.

The joys of airports

2007-03-15T06:39:00.000-06:00

I know that sounds rather odd, as we often see airports as stressful, busy and inconvenient. They are often though, a place of real joy and expectation. Take last night as an example. We were there to meet my father who was flying in from England, so we were definitely excited. We weren't the only ones. Two little German boys had their hand-painted signs "Opa" for their grandfather and could hardly contain their excitement. We shared their joy when he finally arrived and was bombarded with full-speed hugs from two small boys. A Russian lady was waiting for her Mother and chatted about the Ukraine. A couple were expecting their daughter and grandson from Germany...everyone had their joyful reason to be at the gate with great expectation. Imagine for a moment the welcome we will receive when we make our final journey to be with Jesus. He has made lavish preparations for us and can't wait to shower us with love and attention. Just like the arriving passengers last night who instantly forgot the long journey as they laughed and hugged their relatives, so we'll forget any of the stresses of this life, as we look forward to an eternity with him.

Breakfast in Ireland

2007-03-10T06:58:00.001-06:00

100_4592, originally uploaded by Reformation Tours, LLC.

As my brother and sister-in-law are about to head to Ireland tomorrow and one of our tours is set to go there on the 14th, it reminded me of our family trip there last year. One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to return to my grandparent's house in Bangor, which is now a B&B. I used to love looking out of the bay windows and see the rain coming in from County Antrim. The colors were amazing. Although I hadn't been back since age 11, it was all remarkably familiar. Rosie and Josh enjoyed tucking into the enormous breakfast!

About our links

2007-03-09T13:05:00.000-06:00

Christianity is all about community and that's one of the highlights for me of all international travel. It's usually the highlight for people on our tours too, which is why we also have a list of English-speaking churches in several countries on our website. We've done Germany, France, Switzerland and the Czech republic so far and we intend on doing more.

One of the links on our site is to Professor Dave Black, who is always such an inspiration. He teaches New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological College. He and his wife Becky also have a real heart for Ethiopia and often go on trips to see their beloved friends there, taking practical and spiritual help. They are a blessing to all that know them.

Amazing Grace

2007-03-09T07:59:00.000-06:00

We had the privilege of seeing this movie recently and we were impressed. Although I grew up in England, I wasn't very familiar with William Wilberforce's achievements, so I was fascinated.

Last week while I was teaching Sunday School to the 4-Kindergarten class, I was really surprised when one of the children suggested that we sing Amazing Grace and many of them knew the words!

Welcome

2007-03-07T15:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our new blog! My husband and I are Christian Travel enthusiasts and love to chat about the Lord and travel. We own two travel companies: Reformation Tours, LLC and Christian World Travel and we also have a Christian travel club open to anyone in the St. Louis region. We also have two wonderful children, Rosie and Josh, who also love to travel.