Depending on the staffing needs of the tour, at least one of our EXPERIENCE ISRAEL staff members will accompany the tour.
Kym Varner
Founder of Looking for the Blessed Hope and EXPERIENCE ISRAEL TOURS
Trip Leader and Teacher
One trip to Israel and Kym was hooked! Her deep love for Israel and the Jewish people is contagious and now, many trips later, she is thrilled to serve as your trip leader!
A frequent visitor to Israel, the Lord implanted a burning desire to share unique experiences that draw others into a deeper relationship with the God of Israel through connecting with the people of Israel, the history of Israel, and the culture of Israel.
“Seeing Israel will change your life, but experiencing Israel transforms your life!”
Rich experiences such as an in-depth Christian Leaders Seminar at the Yad Vashem Center for Holocaust Studies, conferences and ministry activities with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, and independent ministry trips to Israel have intimately connected Kym with the people and the culture. Her experiences are built atop sound Bible teaching from some of the world’s best Bible teachers on matters relating to Israel, including the teaching staff of Israel College of the Bible, Amir Tsarfati, Pastor Jack Hibbs, Joel Rosenberg, Mark Hitchcock and others.
When not visiting Israel, Kym’s passion lies in writing and teaching Bible studies on Bible prophecy, as well as the importance of rightly relating to our Jewish roots. Many of those teachings are posted on Looking for the Blessed Hope and, occasionally, on Facebook. Kym lives in Phoenix AZ, serves on the board of directors of a thriving ministry, and enjoys hiking and camping with friends in the magnificent beauty of God’s creation.
Pastor John Kelley
Special Guest Teacher
Pastor John is a native Phoenician who enjoys hiking, guiding, puzzles, and water sports. In seventh grade, he recognized God’s call on his life and has loved serving God ever since. Since graduating college John has pastored in Arizona for 16 years, led hundreds of people on tours in Israel, co-hosted “Grace Talk” a weekly round table radio talk show, taught Math and Science to High School students, and directed a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation center. Additionally, he has been an active board member of many non-profit organizations, including Canyon Ministries.
John’s passion of God’s love, grace, and truth is evident each time you interact with him.
John remembers his first trip to Israel as the time and place ‘the Bible came alive as though it never had before.’ He invites you to join him to experience Israel in a unique, fun, and inspiring way.
Looking for the Blessed Hope 