Endorsements - Under The Fig Tree

This trip was significant for my wife and I as a couple, from physical training together to the experience itself, to the opportunity to reflect on it and talk to others now that we are home. It was very educational in terms of what we saw and learned of history and of the modern culture of these places. But especially significant for me personally and in my role as a pastor, was the encouragement and simple invitation that came through the sights and consistently through the words of George De Jong to explore and study and grow in understanding the text through the experience of our journey. Our experience has served to open a door to pursue understanding God’s word and the history of our heritage from a new perspective. For that we are deeply grateful because while the trip has ended and the cost is paid, that aspect continues to move on and grow.

We are very appreciative of George De Jong’s leadership, including his creativity and spontaneity, and the obvious sincerity and care with which the trip was planned for our benefit. It was not simply a treat, but a real gift to be able to focus on the tour and its content by having all the details arranged as well as they were. The faith lessons were meaningful and formative, and the surprises along the way added to the sense of intrigue and exploration – as well as the fun.

Rev. Henry Kranenburg, Lead Pastor
Immanuel Christian Reformed Church
Hamilton, ON Canada

My Husband and I would both agree that the Israel trip with George was a life-changing event. Because of his passion for the country and for God's Word and the affect it has had on his own life, he was able to communicate truth to us in a unique, unpredictable way.

We will never look at scripture in the same way. He taught in such a wonderful way inspiring each person in our group. Each day was a surprise and a challenge as George led us through meaningful experiences and stretched our minds with his faith lessons. We feel truly blessed that he was the one chosen to lead our group.

George is an amazing leader for this trip! He did an excellent job bringing historical, geographical, and cultural factors to light in a way that will forever change how I read the entire text. I was truly blessed by the rabbinical model of teaching.

Most of all, I am deeply appreciative of the pastoral aspect that he brought. George was honest and open the entire time, he was encouraging and ALWAYS took time for questions - even if he was off to the next sight or on the bus late at night. My wife and I were able to learn in a way that truly deepened our understandings. We could tell that George has a real concern for our growth in Christ, and that he has a passion for encouraging us to get the Text in our bones.

We are extremely thankful to have been on this trip with George. We bless God for George and the ways that He worked through him to reach us and encourage us.

Two of George's favorite sayings are good indicators of his passion for the land of Israel and bringing the Scriptures to life by looking through the eyes of the people of the Book: George constantly told us he desired that we "get it in our bones" as we "learned with our feet".

The instruction intermingled with the physical rigors of seeing the land as they would have seen it brings an intimacy of understanding and texture to the historical perspective that exceeds what can be gained through a book or media presentation.

George De Jong’s insights reflect a deep love and knowledge of God and people. His warm and caring teaching style toward us as God's "investments" encouraged us to be the best "Jesus-filled people" we could be. His enthusiasm to share his love of the Word is inexhaustible. George’s eagerness to show the face of Jesus to ALL he meets draws people to him and to our God. When we received the invitation to join George on a study tour of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, my 24-year-old son Dirk and I jumped at the chance to learn the lesson of the Exodus with our feet, hands, heart and head.

This experience was "EXTREME” in every way: Egypt was ENLIGHTENING, ENGAGING and EXCITING! Jordan and Israel were INTENSE and INSPIRATIONAL. God shaped the ancient Israelites and us, through incredible experiences. The Text came alive under our feet and in our hearts, mind and souls. To spend two weeks with George and the community of "study mates," loving God and serving each other, is truly walking in the Kingdom of God and a taste of Heaven.

As a group of Australians we had heard about the excellent study tours to Israel and Jordan, and were very keen to do such a tour. The Rev. George DeJong was recommended to us as study leader and guide. How grateful we were for that recommendation!

His leadership was used by God to make this study trip a very unique experience, the memory of which we will long treasure. George opened many windows into the text of Scripture, and each day he impressed upon us 'the very words of God'!

His pastoral application and passion in enabling us to discover more of the truths of God's Word were often a moving experience for all of us. We indeed were privileged to have George help us better understand the Scriptures as well as the Lord of the Scriptures.

Rev. Dr. Keith V. Warren
Redlands Christian Reformed Church
Brisbane, Australia

Rather than just another high heeled holy land tour, George’s tour took us to places that made the text of Scripture come alive. His knowledge of the text and the land are strong. The best compliment I can give George is that his teaching and leadership helped me not just learn more about the Bible, but to feel it in my bones. The complaints of the Israelites in the wilderness, the devotion of Jesus to meet early in the morning with his Father, the lonely climb of Moses to Mt. Nebo, and other such Biblical events became more real as I traced those journeys. Be prepared to see, hear, and experience the Biblical text.

Pastor Tom Groelsema
1st Byron Christian Reformed Church
Byron Center, Michigan