Balding prepares for 8th trip to Holy Land

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
There are many people in Franklin County that have made the same trip on several occasions.
Whether it be Gulf Shores, Panama City or the Smoky Mountains, we all have our favorite destination spot that we go back to year in and year out.
But how about Israel?
Dr. Gene Balding, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Russellville, is preparing for his eighth trip to the land of the Bible.
Balding, his family and several others will be leaving for Israel on March 3, 2005, for an 11-day tour of some of the most famous sites in world history.
Balding said that all churches should send their pastors to Israel.
The tour of Israel will include several sites that are depicted in the Bible. Being able to see those places and what it is really like gives a better understanding of what took place during Biblical times, he said.
Balding said that he hopes the trip will open the eyes of the people who are going to a new understanding and a strengthened faith.
The trip provides tourists with a rare chance to see things that they've only read or heard about.
Balding said that there is plenty room for more to join the tour. He has worked with the Israeli government and has led several of these tours and feels that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Accommodations for the tour are some of the nicest available with a modern, air-conditioned touring bus and some of the nicest hotels in the country.
Balding said that tourists are treated exceptionally well by both the Israelis and Palestinians.
The tour will not pass through the West Bank or any other troubled areas.
Anyone interested in taking part should go ahead in acquiring a passport and paying the deposit as soon as possible, but the deadline is around Feb. 15.
Contact Dr. Gene Balding at 332-2065 for more information.