We’ve been booking tours to the Holy Land for several years and in all that time, we’ve never met anyone quite like Dr. Woodrow Kroll.

Dr. Kroll has been influencing others to visit the Holy Land since his first trip in 1964. We value his knowledge and his expertise, so we’ve decided to ask him a few questions about his trips to Israel, how they’ve impacted him, and how they will impact the lives of anyone who comes to walk where Jesus walked.

Maranatha Tours: Dr. Kroll, what was your favorite destination spot on these pilgrimages and why?

Dr. Kroll: Jerusalem. It’s the world’s most amazing city. It’s the only city that God called His own. It’s the center of the world and will play a vital role in future prophecy. There’s no place like Jerusalem.

MT: Jerusalem is a beautiful place and there’s so much history that goes with it. Seeing as you’ve been there many times, what traveling tips do you have for first-timers or skeptics? What can they expect to see?

DK: First-timers will be overwhelmed. That’s why you need to go back at least a second time. Your eyes can’t take it all in, but I encourage first-timers to take fewer notes and more pictures. You can always look up information, but unless you look up from your notepad, you’ll miss what you came to see.

MT: Agreed. You definitely don’t want to miss out on all the sights. It’s a real life experience and if a first-timer wants to enjoy it to the fullest, they should make it a priority to allow their eyes to appreciate the land. Dr. Kroll, how have your trips to the Holy Land affected your spiritual and religious life?

DK: When I first visited the Holy Land in 1964, I vowed that if God would permit me, I would bring my students to the land of the Bible to enable them to do with their eyes what only the eye can do–see for themselves the wondrous things in the Bible Lands. Now, after making a tour to the Holy Land every year for 50 years, I come to watch the mouths drop open, the eyes get big, and I get to see my pilgrims experience their own “A-ha!” moment.

MT: I’m sure it’s rewarding to see the expressions of awe, delight, and fascination from your first-time pilgrims when they finally experience the Holy Land for themselves. It must be memorable for both you and the pilgrims! That being said, what is your favorite memory from any of the trips you’ve made to Israel and its surrounding areas?

DK: Apart from spiritual memories at places like the Garden Tomb, and archaeological memories at places like Bet Shan, my favorite activity in the Holy Land is the Middle Eastern food. You haven’t lived until you’ve had pita from the ovens of Israel! And the Arab barbecue lamb is out of this world.

MT: Well, now I’m hungry. The food is delicious and it’s nice to know that there’s something for everyone! But on the note of your spiritual take on these trips, why do you feel so passionately about getting people to the Holy Land?

DK: It literally changes their lives. After you visit the Holy Land, you don’t just read your Bible anymore; you see it as you read it.

MT: That sounds truly amazing. I have a feeling that many of our past visitors would agree with that.  Dr. Kroll, do you have any last thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

DK: I have met people who didn’t want to come to the Holy Land, but I’ve never met anyone who didn’t want to come back.

MT: And together we make it possible for them to come back. Thank you for your time and expertise, Dr. Kroll.

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Dr. Woodrow Kroll is an evangelical preacher and radio host. He has authored over 50 books on Christian living and is an avid traveler to the Holy Land. He hosts tours to Israel, you can learn more about his hosted tours by clicking here. You can also view and purchase books by Dr. Kroll by clicking here.