Behind the Tour

EPISODE 31 – Part Two:  Behind the Tour:  Stops Along the Underground Railroad SUMMARY On this podcast – host Aaron Cronk and guest ACTS Education Program Leaders Krista Wenzel and Jay Proffitt pick up where they left off on the last episode of Behind the Tour (Episode 31 - Part 1) and continue taking you on tour of a few more stops along the Underground Railroad. This is Part Two of a Two Part Podcast. Krista then takes listeners Behind the Person for a segment on Harriet Tubman - nicknamed "Moses" due to her repeatedly leading enslaved persons out of bondage into freedom. She is believed to have rescued over 70 enslaved persons during 13 missions. The episode ends with a Call to Action reminding listeners that enslavement is going on today around the world and providing people with an option for getting involved in helping end trafficking today. LINKS: Check out the different tour programs available through American Christian Tours: Find A Program | American Christian Tours (acts-tours.com) Underground Railroad – National Park Service Underground Railroad (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Project Gutenberg's A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe Original facts and documents used by Harriet Beecher Stowe used to help write Uncle Tom's Cabin The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery is going on today.  We recommend Destiny Rescue as a possible way to help end human trafficking today. RescueOp1/20 - Destiny Rescue | Destiny Rescue KEY WORDS: ACTS, American Christian Tours, Behind the Tour, Underground Railroad, The Pearl, Harriet Beecher Stowe,  Harpers Ferry, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Harriet Tubman, enslaved persons, North Star

EPISODE 31 – Part One:  Behind the Tour:  Stops Along the Underground Railroad SUMMARY On this podcast – host Aaron Cronk and guest ACTS Education Program Leaders Krista Wenzel and Jay Proffitt join together to take you on a tour of stops along the Underground Railroad. This is Part One of a Two Part Podcast. First the podcasters talk about what the Underground Railroad (UGRR) was.  The discussion talks about where the Underground Railroad when.  Then there is discussion about the terms related to the UGRR.   There is a reminder that this situation is due to the sin of mankind and sinful choices. Then the podcasters start focusing on stops that are related to the UGRR that can be seen at some of the major routes that are part of our existing ACTS tours. The podcast ends in the middle of focusing on stops which will be continued in Part Two that is scheduled to post on February 24, 2022. LINKS: Check out the different tour programs available through American Christian Tours: Find A Program | American Christian Tours (acts-tours.com) Underground Railroad – National Park Service Underground Railroad (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Project Gutenberg's A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe Original facts and documents used by Harriet Beecher Stowe used to help write Uncle Tom's Cabin The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery is going on today.  We recommend Destiny Rescue as a possible way to help end human trafficking today. RescueOp1/20 - Destiny Rescue | Destiny Rescue KEY WORDS: ACTS, American Christian Tours, Behind the Tour, Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, The Pearl, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, Paul and Milly Edmondson, Mary and Emily Edmonson, Harpers Ferry, The Dobbin House, Beechdale Farm, Harriet Beecher Stowe House, enslaved persons, north star, Amazing Grace, Amistad

EPISODE 30:  Behind the Tour – California, Here we Come! SUMMARY On this podcast, Host Aaron Cronk is joined by ACTS Education Program Leader (EPL), Teri VanKlaveren.  Teri works primarily on our West Coast California and Arizona programs. They will discuss the fun and exciting ACTS California State History tour programs.  They will highlight the purpose of the ACTS California Programs and then Teri will put on her guide hat and walk Aaron through a brief highlight of what they see on an average program.  The discussion will focus on Sacramento, Coloma, Yosemite, and San Francisco.  In the Behind the Stone segment, they will talk about the Pony Express Memorial in Sacramento.  Even though it is cast in bronze we figured it could fit in with all the stone statues! Then the lives of Theodore Judah, John Sutter, and James Marshall are all highlighted in the conversation in the Behind the Person segment. Finally, the conversation wraps up with a Call to Action. We encourage listeners to consider participating in on of ACTS California tour programs. LINKS: Check out the different California tour programs available through American Christian Tours: ACTS California and West Coast Education Tour Programs KEY WORDS: Behind the Tour, American Christian Tours, California Education Tour Programs, ACTS, Education Program Leader, Sacramento, Coloma, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco, Central Valley, California State Capitol Building, Old Town Sacrament, California State Railroad Museum, Sutter's Fort, Pony Express Memorial, John Sutter, James Marshall, Jeremiah Judah, education student tours, California

SUMMARY On this podcast – host Aaron Cronk and guest ACTS Education Program Leader Nolan Hargis take you behind their most recent tour – The March: From Civil War to Civil Rights. The discussion walks listeners through the American Christian Tours tour program that focuses on the struggle for Civil Rights that occurred after the end of the Civil War and carried on.  The tour starts in Memphis and makes its way through the Deep South.  Some of the stops include Selma, Birmingham, Montgomery, Tuskeegee, and ends in Atlanta.  Different Civil Rights memorials are visited, instrumental churches, museums, and sites – even schools are taken in.  The tour also includes some Civil War sites along the way. Our second segment highlights Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  and his involvement in the Civil Rights movement.  Many of the sites along The March include places where Dr. King either pastored, let protests, the site of his assassination and finally his final resting place in Atlanta. Cronk's Corner will encourage you as Aaron focuses Dr. Kings message to us.  Something to think about as we remember Dr. King this coming weekend.  The podcast wraps up with a Call to Action. LINKS: Check out The March tour program available through American Christian Tours: The March: Civil War to Civil Rights | ACTS (acts-tours.com) A Letter from the Birmingham Jail Letter from Birmingham Jail (csuchico.edu) KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Civil Rights; Memphis; Selma; Birmingham; Montgomery; Tuskeegee University; Tuskeegee Airmen; Booker T. Washington; Rosa Parks; Montgomery Bus Strikes; Atlanta; 16th Street Baptist Church; Ebenezer Baptist Church; Dexter Avenue Baptist Church; Dr. Martin Luther King Day

SUMMARY Merry Christmas listeners!  On this podcast – host Aaron Cronk and guest ACTS Education Program Leader Jay Proffitt join together to take you on Christmas-themed podcast. First the discussion focuses on some American historical events that happened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  George Washington leads his forces on a middle of the night dangerous crossing of the ice-filled Delaware River to attack Hessian soldiers in Trenton, N.J.  Then we hear about the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which took place on Christmas Eve – ending the War of 1812.  Also is a story of a huge fire in Washington, D.C. that destroyed invaluable collections.  Finally, we hear about a special reading that took place from a unique place on Christmas Eve in 1968. Our second segment highlights some Christmas traditions that take place at some places our tour programs visit.  Hear about Wreaths Across America at Arlington National Cemetery, the National Christmas Tree at the White House, and more. Cronk's Corner will encourage you as Aaron focuses our hearts on the Light of the World.  The podcast wraps up with a Call to Action. Behind the Tour and American Christian Tours is thankful for all the support and encouragement from all our listeners and tour participants.  We wish you all a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. LINKS: Check out the different tour programs available through American Christian Tours: Find A Program | American Christian Tours (acts-tours.com) The Apollo 8 Christmas Eve telecast Reading Genesis 1:1-10 in space Museum of the Bible  | Sight and Sound  Christmas Specials A SILENT NIGHT at Museum of the Bible - Sight & Sound TV (sight-sound.tv) Wreaths Across America website: Wreaths Across America Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination Grand Illumination (colonialwilliamsburg.org) Mount Vernon Illumination Mount Vernon Illumination KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Christmas; Crossing the Delaware; George Washington; Treaty of Ghent; War of 1812; Library of Congress; Apollo 8; Genesis 1:1-10; Wreaths Across America; Arlington National Cemetery; National Christmas Tree; Mount Vernon; Colonial Williamsburg; Rockefeller Center; Sight and Sound Theatres; Museum of the Bible

SUMMARY Down to Florida we go as Behind the Tour host Aaron Cronk meets up with ACTS Education Program Leaders (EPLs) Julie Groton and Lisa Strong and take a tour of historic St. Augustine – America's Oldest City. Aaron starts off with a brief history of Florida – including the French attempting to gain a foothold there, Spain fighting them off, the British moving in – then out again after the Revolutionary War.  Spain returning and finally Florida becoming a U.S. State. The podcast then follows Julie and Lisa as they walk us through the many stops that are normally included on American Christian Tours St. Augustine education tour programs – including the Fountain of Youth, the Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, and more! A couple other segments of the podcast include Cronk's Corner, Behind the Stone, and a Call to Action. We encourage listeners to check out the American Christian Tours tour on St. Augustine on the ACTS website and consider booking a tour there. Behind the Tour and American Christian Tours is thankful for all the support and encouragement from all our listeners and tour participants.  Travel with Intention! LINKS: One of American Christian Tours education programs that includes a visit to historic St. Augustine: St. Augustine | ACTS (acts-tours.com) KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; St. Augustine; Florida; Castillo de San Marcos; Bridge of Lions; Henry Flagler; Flagler Memorial Church; Fountain of Youth; Ponce de Leon  

SUMMARY Host Aaron Cronk is joined with ACTS® EPL Traci Gregory as they discuss the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday in America.  The story begins with the Pilgrims coming over to Plymouth and their encounter with the very interesting person named Squanto.  They discuss his life story, the challenges he faced, and his willingness to engage with the Pilgrims and assist them in their survival. The discussion then moves to the major Thanksgiving proclamations issued by Governor Bradford, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln.  It is good to listen to their words and be reminded of how our nation and our leaders gave reverence, honor, and thanks to God for His care and provision – but also took time to ask for forgiveness for our national sins. A favorite “Thanksgiving” scripture is shared and then we share a couple of recordings we received from listeners sharing their thanksgiving thoughts. Aaron then gives listeners a Call to Action and wraps up the podcast. We wish all listeners a very Happy Thanksgiving 2021 filled with remembrances of all the goodness of God.  Enjoy your time with family and friends.    Behind the Tour and American Christian Tours is thankful for all the support and encouragement from all our listeners and tour participants.  Travel with Intention! LINKS: One of American Christian Tours education programs that includes a visit to historic Plymouth: Historic Massachusetts | ACTS (acts-tours.com) George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation (Mount Vernon website)   Governor William Bradford's 1623 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation   Inasmuch as the great Father has given us this year an abundant harvest of Indian corn, wheat, peas, beans, squashes, and garden vegetables, and has made the forests to abound with game and the sea with fish and clams, and inasmuch as he has protected us from the ravages of the savages, has spared us from pestilence and disease, has granted us freedom to worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience. Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings. --William Bradford Ye Governor of Ye Colony A link to Abraham Lincolns Thanksgiving Address at the National Archives KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Behind the Turkey; Squanto; Governor Bradford; George Washington; Abraham Lincoln

SUMMARY This episode focused on the new National World War I Memorial located in downtown Washington, D.C. on Pennsylvania Avenue.  An existing park – Pershing Park – with a statue of General John J. Pershing of World War I fame, was taken and repurposed as the new memorial.  The statue of Pershing was kept in the memorial. Host Aaron Cronk is joined by ACTS education program leader (EPL) Jay Proffitt.  They start of with a segment Behind the Holiday where they discuss the connection between Armistice Day and Veterans Day.   From there the discussion does a quick overview of World War I and the desire to create a National World War I Memorial.  In looking for a location a park is chosen that is already a memorial to General John J. Pershing, so the discussion leads into Behind the Person – and the life of Pershing is the topic.   Finally, it is Behind the Memorial as our hosts talk about the elements of the new memorial.   Aaron tops it off with a Call to Action. Join us for this journey on Behind the Tour! LINK: A comprehensive link to a PDF highlighting all the features of the new World War I Memorial memorial-design-19-09-07.pdf (worldwar1centennial.org)  KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; World War I Memorial; Pershing Park; General Pershing; World War I;

SUMMARY On the last episode of Behind the Tour (Episode #23), we joined Dr. Marshall Foster for a short podcast recorded live at the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth, Massachusetts. On this episode, host Aaron Cronk is joined by ACTS education program leader (EPL) Lisa Strong. Lisa takes listeners on a virtual walking tour of the historic waterfront and downtown of Plymouth.  Numerous quotes from the early Pilgrims are shared as well as discussions of numerous sites in the Plymouth area that honor the early forefathers and their fortitude to leave England and Holland and come to the new world and establish a lasting nation that was built on honoring God and His precepts. May your heart be encouraged as you recall the sacrifices made by those before us who had a vision for the future and for future generations with a matrix and plan that would teach us how to prosper as we follow God.     LINK: One of American Christian Tours education programs that includes a visit to historic Plymouth: Historic Massachusetts | ACTS (acts-tours.com) KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Pilgrims; Plymouth Rock; Mayflower II; Massasoit; Plymouth Burial Ground; Jenney Grist Mill; Pilgrim Mother Statue;  Forefathers Monument

EPISODE 23:  Behind the Tour: "Plymouth 400" SUMMARY  On this week's episode Behind the Tour, host Aaron Cronk connects live with Dr. Marshall Foster, founder of the World History Institute, onsite at a gathering at the Forefathers Monument in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Dr. Foster is in Plymouth celebrating Plymouth 400 - the 400th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims.  The event was to have taken place last year but was postponed due to the pandemic.    Since 1988, Marshall has led tours of America's historic East Coast with American Christian Tours. He is now the Director of Christian Education with ACTS, training tour guides to lead over 10,000 students and families each year on the trip of a lifetime. He personally leads annual tours of the historic East Coast and Europe.  Dr. Foster is in Plymouth with Kirk Cameron, who is kicking off the American Campfire Revival Tour: A Night of Revival Under the Stars (see link below).   Their goal is to awaken and mobilize the church in America to set “brushfires of freedom” and revivals in their backyards.  Dr. Foster takes us on a quick tour of the Forefathers Monument – an 81-foot-tall granite structure – built in 1889, that provides a matrix for how to build a free society based upon the Biblical ideals and worldview of these early settlers.  This is a live event and Dr. Foster had just a few minutes prior to the even to join us for the podcast.  There is some noise in the background.  In the podcast we also put out an invitation for listeners to “join” our “Behind the Thanks” podcast.  To participate, make a short voice recording of yourself sharing about that person, thing, or event you are thankful for.  Then email and attach it to us at behindthetour@acts-tours.com   We are hoping to include a number of these “Behind the Thanks” recordings in our podcast as we get closer to Thanksgiving.  Recording may be edited.  Not all recordings may be included.    Recordings should be submitted by the end of October 2021.        LINKS:  -The Forefathers Monument guidebook  The Forefathers Monument Guidebook | Plymouth, MA   World History Institute   World History Institute American Campfire Revival  americancampfirerevival.com – American Campfire Revival  -Pilgrims Formula to Save America!  Kirk Cameron and Marshall Foster in Monumental.  The Pilgrims Formula To Save America!   The Mayflower Compact  Pilgrim Hall Museum - Beyond the Pilgrim Story - Text of Mayflower Compact  ACTS Historic Massachusetts tour  Historic Massachusetts | ACTS (acts-tours.com)  KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Forefathers Monument; Plymouth; Pilgrims; Dr. Marshall Foster; World History Institute; American Campfire Revival   

SUMMARY  On this week's episode we go Behind the Tour and talk about a brand-new memorial in Washington, D.C.  It is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial in memory of President Eisenhower, our nation's 34th President.    Host Aaron Cronk is joined by ACTS Education Program Leader Traci Gregory to discuss this memorial and the man behind it.   First the discussion focuses on Behind the Person and talks about the life of Dwight Eisenhower from a young boy through his years in the military and finally as president.  They talk about some of the achievements of Eisenhower.  Most notable would be his leading U.S. Troops in the Invasion of Normandy and the defeat of the Axis armies in Europe.   Also, reminders of Eisenhower's achievements as President are talked about and the demonstrations of his faith in God.  The discussion then moves Behind the Memorial.  The guides walk us through the memorial highlighting some of the features and meanings.  Then Aaron takes us into Cronk's Corner where he shares a story of evangelist Billy Graham and his interactions with President Eisenhower and his faith journey.  Finally, there is a Call to Action.  Traci shares a dramatic story of Eisenhower as a boy with the audience and Aaron uses it to encourage us to good works and endurance.  The hosts also put out and invitation for listeners to “join” our “Behind the Thanks” podcast.  To participate, make a short voice recording of yourself sharing about that person, thing, or event you are thankful for.  Then email and attach it to us at behindthetour@acts-tours.com   We are hoping to include a number of these “Behind the Thanks” recordings in our podcast as we get closer to Thanksgiving.  Recording may be edited.  Not all recordings may be included.    Recordings should be submitted by the end of October 2021.        LINKS:  -Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial (National Park Service site)  https://www.nps.gov/ddem/index.htm    - Dwight D. Eisenhower D-Day Speech   Eisenhower D-Day Speech    -Dwight D. Eisenhower – Inauguration Speech video.  Eisenhower prays in the first couple minutes.  Eisenhower's Inauguration Video  KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Dwight D. Eisenhower; President; 5 Star General; Normandy; D-Day Invasion; In God We Trust; NASA; 1957 Civil Rights Legislation; Holocaust Memorial  

EPISODE 21:  Behind the Tour   9/11 Remembered:  20 Years Later  SUMMARY  This week on Behind the Tour we remember a challenging day in American history.  Twenty years ago, our nation was attacked in what we now know as 9/11.  Saying those two numbers elicits a mental and emotional response in most adult Americans.  We start off with a short recap of the events of that day. We then segway into a section where one of our Education Program Leaders, who happened to have a tour group in Arlington National Cemetery that morning, shares the story of himself and his group of students. Then our host Aaron Cronk, and podcast guests Sabrina Carlson, President of ACTS and EPL Jay Proffitt each highlight one of the 9/11 Memorials that our groups can visit during different tours with ACTS.     We wrap up the podcast with a call to action.  LINKS:  - 9/11 Memorial  9/11 Memorial & Museum  - National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial  Pentagon Memorial  - Flight 93 National Memorial   Flight 93 Memorial      - Book by Lisa Beamer about her husband Todd and the story of Flight 93.   Let's Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage    - Stephen Siller's story of courage at Tunnel to Towers Foundation   Stephen Siller's Story     "A common field one day, a field of honor forever."    "We will never forget."      "Absence made visable."   KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; student educational tour programs; 9/11 Memorial; Pentagon Memorial; Flight 93 Memorial; 9/11; Ground Zero 

SUMMARY During today's episode, we go behind the scenes for a recap.   Sabrina Carlson, President at American Christian Tours, joins host Aaron Cronk for a discussion the start of Behind the Tour Season Two. First they recap the past year and a half and how ACTS and the schools and organizers we work with moved through the start of the pandemic and shutdown.  The 2020 and Spring 2021 tour seasons are addressed and how God blessed us through those challenging days.  They also recap Season One of Behind the Tour and look forward to Season Two and some of the season topics on deck. Mostly praising God for His amazing protection, provision, and care! CALL TO ACTION: Go back and listen to any episodes of Season One you may have missed. If you have not already – consider planning a tour for the coming 2021 tour season and beyond. We have some open tours posted on the ACTS website that you can join. Consider joining an existing tour. Keep our schools, administrations, parents, teachers, and mostly students in prayer as they all maneuver through these challenging days. LINKS: - American Christian Tours – Open tour referenced https://www.acts-tours.com/ACTSAdultPrograms   KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, open tours, Behind the Tour Season Two, tours

In Episode #19 of Behind the Tour, we continue our journey of digging a little deeper into another one of the people that leads education program tours for American Christian Tours.     We believe that each one of our EPLS was connected with ACTS for "Such a Time as This."  We believe that God has given each one of our guides the gifts and talents they possess to help share with travelers on our programs the great story of our nation and how God has worked throughout our history. This episode is an extended version of Behind the Tour Guide.  We will spend time with Traci Gregory, a veteran Education Program Leader (EPL) with American Christian Tours®.  Traci has led several hundred tours with ACTS over the years.  She is full of life and laughter and has a passion for knowing God.  In this episode, we will get to know a little bit about Traci, her love for America, and her passion for sharing God with the people on her tours. Traci will tell us a bit about her background.  She will share what connected her with ACTS and what brings her back year after year, how she stays energized, her favorite tour destinations, some personal stories of special moments on tours, and more.  So, sit back and go Behind the Tour Guide with us! LINKS: We mention in the podcast a collection of resources for people to prepare to go on a tour with ACTS.  The link is below for Next Steps. Next Steps https://www.acts-tours.com/next-steps (mentioned by Traci as places not well known that she likes to show her groups.) Trylon of Freedom Trylon of Freedom Historical Marker (hmdb.org) The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial https://avdlm.org/ KEYWORDS:| American Christian Tours; ACTS; Behind the Tour; Behind the Tour Guide; Traci Gregory; Education Program Leader; EPL

Episode 18 of our Behind the Tour podcast takes us out into the rolling hills and farmlands of Lancaster County, known for its large Amish community.  Here, ACTS podcast host Aaron Cronk sits down with Katie Miller, Communications Director for Sight & Sound Theatres - a theater “Where the Bible Comes to Life.” About 40 years ago Glenn and Shirley Eshelman started a traveling multimedia presentation that they showcased around the country.  It was so successful that the Eshelmans, who now had a young family, decided to set up their presentation permanently and have people come to them.  The Sight & Sound Theater was born.   Now with its 2,000-seat state-of-the-art theater featuring their cast of around 50 singing live vocal music, a massive, 300-foot panoramic stage that wraps around the audience, live animals, sets up to 40 feet high, and state-of-the-art technology, the Sight & Sound shows have audiences fully engaged.   Currently, through the end of 2021, you can see Queen Esther at the Lancaster location with the next production coming in March of 2022 is David.  Jesus was the latest show in Lancaster.  Now, in response to the past year, the Sight & Sound Theatres has a virtual location.  You can watch their productions online or on devices with Sight & Sound TV – a location that will live beyond the pandemic.  So go Behind the Tour with us and learn more about Sight & Sound Theaters! LINKS: Sight & Sound Theatres https://www.sight-sound.com/ Sight & Sound TV https://www.sight-sound.tv/browse Sight & Sound Conservatory https://www.sight-sound.com/conservatory KEYWORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Sight & Sound Theatres, Jesus, Queen Esther, David, live theater, live animals, Sight & Sound Conservatory, Lancaster County Pennsylvania, Branson Missouri

In episode #17 of this Behind the Tour podcast, we head a few blocks south of the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C. to visit with Museum of the Bible.  Host Aaron Cronk sits with Shannon Bennett, CMO for Museum of the Bible and takes our listeners on a quick journey of some of the highlights of this amazing museum. Opened to the public in November of 2017, the Museum of the Bible has been a favorite stop of many ACTS tour participants.  The museum aims to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world and offers its visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world.  The museum showcases many rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history.  Highlighted in this podcast is information on some of the popular exhibits, features of the building – its famous doors and main floor ceiling, the museum's indoor “ride” Washington Revelations, information on how the museum was started, some of the challenges with artifacts, and much more.  LINKS: Museum of the Bible https://www.museumofthebible.org/ Museum of the Bible | Virtual Tours https://www.museumofthebible.org/tour?tourId=BibleInTheWorld Museum of the Bible | Online Engagement https://www.museumofthebible.org/online-engagement Museum of the Bible | Upcoming Magna Carta Exhibit Magna Carta: Tyranny. Justice. Liberty. | Museum of the Bible illumiNations – translating the Bible for all peoples, nations, and tongues. https://illuminations.bible/ ACTS Education Programs to Washington, D.C. with Museum of the Bible https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/washington-dc-capital-city Museum of the Bible Podcast https://www.spreaker.com/show/museum-of-the-bible-the-podcast Washington Revelations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qefp6pGfTng Most American Christian Tours Education and Leisure Program Tours include Museum of the Bible if possible. Check out "The Pilgrimage."  This ACTS tour features Museum of the Bible, Creation Museum and Ark Encounter, and Sight and Sound Theaters in Lancaster, PA. KEYWORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Museum of the Bible, bronze doors, illumiNations, Magna Carta, Washington Revelations

  SUMMARY  During today's episode, we go behind the door of the Ark!   Mr. Eddie Lutz, Senior Manager of Sales at the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, joins Aaron Cronk and Jay Proffitt for a discussion about this amazing full-sized replica of the biblical Ark built by Noah.     Eddie shares with us the vision of the Ark Experience, the dimensions of the Ark, and a story about its construction.  He also gives the audience the layout of the Ark and its exhibits and talks about the on-site zoo.  There is also some reference to the Creation Museum – the sister site of the Ark Encounter just down the road.    We also have some resource links for you where you can find materials to share with your family, friends, and churches to encourage your faith and knowledge of God's wonderful plan of redemption for mankind.     CALL TO ACTION:  Read Genesis 1 – 11 for the basis for all biblical doctrines  Plan your visit to The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum  LINKS:  - The Ark Encounter  https://arkencounter.com/    - The Creation Museum  https://creationmuseum.org/    - Answers in Genesis  With information on curriculum, VBS (Vacation Bible School), conferences, and the books, movies, and more.  https://answersingenesis.org/  - American Christian Tours - “The Pilgrimage Tour” referenced in the podcast  https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/the-pilgrimage    KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, the Ark Encounter, the Creation Museum, Answers in Genesis, The ACTS Pilgrimage Tour, Noah's Ark   

SUMMARY  Its Springtime and in Washington, D.C. as the Cherry Trees and the flowers are all in bloom the city celebrates new life.  We begin with our segment on Colonial Colloquialisms exploring Red Letter Days and good old Yankee Doodle.   We are joined by Julie Groton, ACTS EPL and discuss springtime in Washington, D.C.   We talk about the lady behind the beautification of the city, another lady who helped bring a special treasure to the city, and then we touch briefly on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln – which took place on Holy Week in 1865.    We then discuss the Easter sunrise services and transition into a discussion about Arlington Cemetery with a special story about Section 60 with Julie Groton and a recent tour.  LINKS:  - Washington Cherry Blossom Festival  https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/   - About the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center  https://www.wildflower.org/about/history  - National Park Service article on Lady Bird Johnson and the Beautification Project  https://www.nps.gov/articles/lady-bird-johnson-beautification-cultural-landscapes.htm  - National Park Service article on the Washington D.C. Cherry Trees  https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/history-of-the-cherry-trees.htm  - Video of Section 60 in Arlington National Cemetery  Section 60 Arlington National Cemetery - YouTube    KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Washington Cherry Blossom Festival, Tidal Basin, Cherry Trees, Mrs. Taft, Lady Bird Johnson, Beautification Project, Easter Sunrise Service, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Section 60   

SUMMARY  This week on Behind the Tour we meet again with special guest Dr. Marshall Foster (check out Behind the Tour – Episode #13.)  Dr. Foster has been working with American Christian Tours for several decades teaching our staff as our Director of Christian Education and also heads the World History Institute (see link).  We start off with our quick segment on Colonial Colloquialisms learning some “Pilgrimish” words. Dr. Foster then focuses on sharing with us the matrix of liberty that can be found in the National Monument to the Forefathers – or the Forefathers Monument, as many refer to it. This 81-foot-tall granite statue stands in Plymouth, Massachusetts looking out on Cape Cod. Dr. Foster will explain the different elements of the monument and share how people can build or rebuild a free society based upon Biblical ideals.  Dr. Foster has a new reprint of his best-selling book “The American Covenant” coming off the press in a few weeks and we share the information on finding that. He also has a tour planned for this September/October of 2021 with American Christian Tours and we share the link to that.  LINKS:  -World History Institute  http://www.worldhistoryinstitute.com/welcome    - Information on the reprint of The American Covenant  Bestselling book by Dr. Marshall Foster with updated content and new material  The American Covenant    - Dr. Foster's World History Family Tour   Washington, D.C. | Philadelphia | New York City | Boston | Plymouth     September 27 - October 1, 2021  American Christian Tours World History Family Tour  -Monumental: In search of America's National Treasure MONUMENTAL FILM: In Search of America's National Treasure (monumentalmovie.com) -Monumental: National Monument to the Forefathers - a video of Dr. Foster walking around the Forefathers Monument explaining the matrix of liberty.  Monumental - National Monument to the Forefathers: Liberty and Faith - YouTube KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; The Forefathers Monument, National Monument of the Forefathers, World History Institute, Dr. Marshall Foster, Pilgrims, the American Covenant, Matrix of Liberty, Monumental 

On this week's episode we go Behind the Tour and talk about the Pilgrims and Plymouth with special guest Dr. Marshall Foster. Dr. Foster has been working with American Christian Tours for several decades teaching our staff as our Director of Christian Education.  Dr. Foster also heads the World History Institute researching and teaching the “cause and effect” paper trail of personal liberty and human rights; of private enterprise and constitutional government; and of charity and the explosion of faith around the world. The Institute embraces the providential view of history, which observes history as a purposeful saga under the direction of a loving Creator.   We start off with a quick segment on Colonial Colloquialisms. We then will discuss with Dr. Foster the Pilgrims and learn about the risk they took to come across the ocean to a foreign land, what their culture was like in England and why they left. Who were some of the main characters in the Plymouth Settlement? What helped make the Plymouth settlement successful. And what can we learn from the Pilgrims to apply to our own lives and culture today.  Dr. Foster has a new reprint of his best-selling book “The American Covenant” coming off the press in a few weeks and we share the information on finding that. He also has a tour coming up this September/October of 2021 and we share the link to that.    LINKS: -World History Institute http://www.worldhistoryinstitute.com/welcome  - Information on the reprint of The American Covenant Bestselling book by Dr. Marshall Foster with updated content and new material The American Covenant  - Dr. Foster's World History Family Tour  Washington, D.C. | Philadelphia | New York City | Boston | Plymouth    September 27 - October 1, 2021 American Christian Tours World History Family Tour      KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour; Plimoth, Plymouth Plantation, World History Institute, Dr. Marshall Foster, Pilgrims,    

On this week's episode we are joined by bestselling author and national speaker Jason Jimenez.  Jason is the founder and president of Stand Strong Ministries and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. He specializes in biblical worldview training, family ministry, and church leadership.  Jason has taken time to come and speak at ACTS annual Education Program Leader training.  In 2018, he launched the I Will Stand Strong movement to reach thousands of young people online with the gospel. For more information about his ministry, please check out the following links.  In this episode, Jason deals with the subject of having challenging conversations and gives some tips and pointers on how to make that happen.  In a polarized culture with people at opposite ends of the spectrum, it is incumbent on us to learn how to have challenging conversations.  Not for the sake of winning an argument but to be able to share truth and love with our culture.  LINKS:  Challenging Conversations  www.challengingconversations.org  Stand Strong Ministries  www.standstrongministries.org  I Will Stand Strong movement   www.IWillStandStrong.org    Summit Ministries  www.summit.org    KEY WORDS:  American Christian Tours, ACTS, Behind the Tour, Behind the Training, Challenging Conversations, Stand Strong Ministries, Jason Jimenez   

Episode #11 of Behind the Tour, continues our journey of digging a little deeper into another one of the people that leads education program tours for American Christian Tours.   We believe that each one of our EPLS was connected with ACTS for "Such a Time as This."  We believe that God has given each one of our guides the gifts and talents they have to help share with travelers on our programs the great story of our nation and how God has worked throughout our history. In this extended "Behind the Tour Guide" episode, we interview Sohailah Stout, a guest ACTS Education Program Leader, and learn about what makes her tick and talk for hours with little sleep and makes her come back for more tour season fun year after year.     KEY WORDS: American Christian Tours; ACTS; Behind the Tour; Behind the Tour Guide; Sohailah Stout; Education Program Leader; EPL  

Welcome to Episode #10 of Behind the Tour!  This week's episode offers an extended edition of "Behind the Tour Guide" as we dig a little deeper into one of the people that leads education program tours for American Christian Tours.    We are grateful for the staff and people that make up the ACTS team and thank God for the gifts and talents they have been given.   In this episode, we interview Randy Dickinson, a guest ACTS Education Program Leader, and learn about what makes him tick and talk for hours with little sleep and makes him come back for more tour season fun year after year.     KEYWORDS:  American Christian Tours; ACTS; Behind the Tour; Behind the Tour Guide; Randy Dickinson; Education Program Leader; EPL

On this week's episode we scratch the surface of the Abolition Movement spanning from the American Revolution through the Civil War. We highlight some of the motivations and catalysts for the cause -- from the Second Great Awakening to the House of Representatives -- as well as some conductors of the Underground Railroad, like Harriet Tubman. We also take a peak behind a door that leads to a chamber where one of America's greatest statesman and champion of abolition died.   LINKS: -Gag Rule, Right to Petition Cane https://americanhistory.si.edu/democracy-exhibition/beyond-ballot/petitioning/gag-rule -Lindy Boggs Room https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/Capitol/Lindy-Claiborne-Boggs-Congressional-Womens-Reading-Room/ -Underground Railroad https://freedomcenter.org -John Quincy Adams https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/john-quincy-adams/ -Philadelphia Underground Railroad Sites https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/underground-railroad-in-philadelphia/#underground-railroad-landmarks

On this week's episode we take a look at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. and dive into the man behind the 19' bronze statue. We discuss the issue of slavery in his day and the many times he actually voiced opposition to it. The doors we peak behind are the National Archives doors: behind which lies one of Jefferson's greatest contributions, The Declaration of Independence.  And our call to action centers on the African-American, Benjamin Banneker, who called on Jefferson to follow through on the ideal that he wrote in 1776: “that all men are created equal.” Join us as we scratch the surface on this deep topic and kick off Black History Month. LINKS: National Archives design: https://www.archives.gov/about/history/building.html Jefferson's original paragraph banning slavery the Northwest in 1784: www.loc.gov/exhibits/jefferson/jeffwest.html#154 Jefferson's Notes on Virginia (on slavery): https://web.archive.org/web/20110221131430/http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2id=JefVirg.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=18&division=div1 Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence: https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/declara/ruffdrft.html Jefferson Memorial: https://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm Letter from Benjamin Banneker to Thomas Jefferson: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-22-02-0049 Life of Benjamin Banneker: https://www.loc.gov/item/today-in-history/november-09/

On this week's episode, we are tackling all kinds of topics from the history of the District of Columbia to the life and death of Abraham Lincoln and the symbolism of his memorial.  Listen as we weave the story of a tall rail splitter with that of small New England author to encourage you to speak and stand for truth even when it's unpopular.  Lincoln Memorial https://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm Lincoln Home https://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm Lincoln Tomb: https://www.lincolntomb.org American Christian Tours' “Chicago and Land of Lincoln” https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/chicago-land-of-lincoln

On this week's episode, we are introducing a few new segments: Behind the Door, Carved in Stone, as well as the debut of “Cronk's Corner.” Join us as we travel across America discussing the Ark Encounter, tour guide study habits, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and as we talk about some of the highlights of MLK's life and legacy.  Show Links: Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Link https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/learn/historyculture/people.htm Commitment card  https://cla.utexas.edu/coretexts/_files/resources/MLK_Commitment_Card.pdf American Christian Tours Ark Encounter Tour https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/the-pilgrimage American Christian Tours “The March” https://www.acts-tours.com/product-page/the-march-civil-war-to-civil-rights

Episode 5 ends our series on Behind the Quote starting off with our "C4" brew this week and a little horsing around.  The Bill of Rights is the focus of Behind the Constitution.  Behind the Tour Guide answers a question about unusual places.  Then its "First in war, first in peace." and a discussion about George Washington in Behind the Quote.  Finally the Call to Action reminds us how our actions can affect the lives of generations to come.

In our brew C4, organs are in the spotlight.  We then go Behind the Constitution and talk about the founders who were not in favor of the Constitution.  A new feature is introduced - "Question of the Week" and then we spend time going Behind the Quote with "Give me liberty or give me death."   Our final segment focuses on George Wythe of Williamsburg and his mentoring of young students who would affect the founding of our nation.

Episode 3 starts off with "C4" (Coffee Corner & Colonial Colloquialisms), and deals with types and cases.  Behind the Constitution features a segment on the Mayflower Compact and the early Pilgrim's covenant.  Behind the Quote highlights a quote from John Winthrop  - "A City on a Hill"  and leads us to our discussion about the early Massachusetts Bay Colony with a focus on Micah 6:8.  Finally a call to action as we focus on William Bradford and having a legacy of faith.

This episode's "Coffee Corner & Colonial Colloquialisms", our brew of colonial phrases and their origins, covers "the whole 9 yards."  We talk about the Constitution - our nation's founding document, and discuss the Preamble.  We continue our discussion focused on Benjamin Franklin and some of his quotes during the forming of the Constitution.  Finally, we learn about George Whitefield influencing American culture.  So grab a cup of coffee and join us Behind the Tour.

This episode starts off with "Coffee Corner & Colonial Colloquialisms" a brew of colonial phrases and their origins.  Then we go behind the Constitution and discuss our nation's founding document and discuss the concept of separation of church and state.  Finally, a great story of courage and inspiration.  So grab a cup of coffee and sit back for a few minutes and go Behind the Tour.

Welcome to our new podcast, Behind the Tour. Join professional tour guides behind the scenes as we unpack the history of amazing people, places, sites, and ideas that formed America. Discover stories of the mighty acts of God that bring deeper meaning to historical events. In this preview episode, hear our vision and hope for this exciting journey through history (and our love for coffee)!