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John's Holy Land travel and education project 

Former Sheriff of Norwich and CEO of YMCA Norfolk, John Drake, is keen to show that there is life after retirement and to use his close 43-year connections in Jerusalem and the Holy Land with his Boundary Breakers travel and education project.

John fell in love with Jerusalem when, in 1969, he was asked by the then Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem to undertake “street work” in the Old City.

On his return to the UK, John enjoyed an active Christian ministry serving at Bournemouth, Carlisle and London Central YMCAs before moving to YMCA Norfolk and serving as CEO until his retirement in 2009. He served as Sheriff of Norwich in 2006 and was honoured by the Queen with an MBE, for services to young people in 2009.

Some 13 years after “retiring” from YMCA Norfolk, John is as active as ever. He currently works with a range of different agencies by supporting their programmes in both Israel and Palestine and visits the Holy Land three or four times a year.

Boundary Breakers was founded by John to give legal structure and public transparency to his aspiration to create exciting educational encounters for young adults, pilgrims, students, volunteers and cultural exchanges among others.

“Despite the impact of Covid on international travel followed by the world energy crises and the fallout from the war in Ukraine Boundary Breakers Ltd is flourishing,” said John.

“No two tours are ever the same because each programme is reflective of the collective aspirations of the varying groups. Those travelling seeking God will meet with God but not always in the places or people they anticipated. But when you seek him he never disappoints.

“Our programmes offer a real opportunity not only to explore the very foundations of the Christian faith in their actual setting, but to have meaningful encounters with the 21st century “living stones” both Jewish and Palestinian.

“Such encounters give real insight into the challenge and joy of remaining faithful to Christ in a conflicted land and will live long in the memory,” said John. 

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John can offer opportunities including: Young Adults Desert Adventures; Pilgrim Tours focusing on the life of Jesus; Women’s Reconciliation Encounters; Study Tours for those engaged in Christian leadership; Intensive teaching programmes for those wishing to explore community reconciliation; Short term Volunteer Programmes; Gap year opportunities and two-way Youth Cultural Exchange Programmes.

And his service comes highly recommended by those who he has worked with in the past.

Simon Lovatt, from North Staff YMCA, said: “Over the years John has led many mixed groups from North Staffordshire YMCA that have included staff, board members, local leaders and young people.

“All of our past travellers have reported that they have had a life-changing experiences from traveling to the Holy land with John.”
 
Clive Yates, CEO YMCA Sutton Coldfield, said: “I have now visited 10 times with the support of John and he has ensured we are always safe and aware of our surroundings. He is a delight to work with and very knowledgeable on the history of the area and shows you the real cultures alongside the tourist attractions.”

If you are interested in discussing a trip/project, John would initially meet with your group to talk through opportunities, programmes, expectations and different tour operators available.

John is an Independent Travel Facilitator and works in association with Worldwide Christian Travel Ltd who are ABTA and ATOL bonded.

To explore possibilities, contact him on 07850 682683 or email johninjerusalem@gmail.com or visit www.boundarybreakers.net


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