Denison Ministries Faith & Freedom in America Tour

Dear Friends –

Denison Ministries is proud to offer this special tour in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 1776. As Christ followers, we know we are first and foremost citizens of heaven. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write these words to his friends at Philippi - Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:20. 

While our highest allegiance is always to Jesus, we are also proud citizens of the United States. Daniel Webster, a prominent American statesman stated, "Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens". In the spirit of Jeremiah 29 and the best of our founding fathers, we are patriots who seek the best for our country. As Americans, we have much to be grateful for and we are called to be helpful to serve in Christ’s name to make our churches, communities and our nation the best it can be. Our trip will be an educational and inspirational tour that explores and explains how biblical faith and the pursuit of freedom wove together the foundation of our nation. 

Our host and teacher for this trip will be Dr. Mark Turman. Mark Turman, D.Min., serves as the Vice President of Denison Ministries and the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he works alongside Dr. Jim Denison equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of the Faith & Clarity podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.  Some of you will remember Mark from his leadership on our 2024 Journeys of Paul trip to Greece and Turkey.  Dr. Denison said this about Mark, 

I am grateful to introduce Dr. Mark Turman who has been a friend and colleague for more than three decades.  He is a brilliant teacher and a caring minister.  His insights into biblical passages relevant to the various sites of the tour will be memorable and faith-building.

Dr. Jim Denison

Mark will be assisted on this trip by Dr. Stephen Stookey, Director, Theological Education & Institutional Engagement for the Texas Baptist Convention. Stephen Stookey, Ph.D., is a minister, historian, and educator with a passion for exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and public life with particular interest in faith and American history. He holds a doctorate in Church History and has served in various academic and leadership roles over 30-plus years in higher education. 

Below is information about the itinerary and registration form for the Faith & Freedom in America Tour.  

1.  If you would like to sign up for the tour after looking over all the details, please print out and return the registration form with a $500 deposit per person to MBF Enterprises, Inc.  You can find the itinerary and registration form here: https://mikefanning.com/reg-form-apr-8-15%2C-26. 

2.  You can send the registration form by regular mail or scan and email the form to mike@mikefanning.com.  If you send the form by email, please contact Mike Fanning for different ways you can send your deposit (i.e. Zelle, Venmo).  Please notify Mike if you are sending a check by mail.  

3.  Once your form and deposit are received, you'll get a confirmation email. We cannot hold spots without both the registration form and deposit.

We hope you can join us!

APRIL 8, 2026 - WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA (2 NIGHTS)

Arrive in the birthplace of American liberty and make your own way to the hotel.

With the afternoon at leisure, consider an Optional Experience visit to Valley Forge National Historic Park (subject to availability). Here, where General Washington and his troops endured a long winter during the Revolutionary War, you’ll gain insight into the perseverance and faith that helped shape a nation. Tonight, gather with Mark, Jeff and fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner to preview the journey ahead.  Overnight at the Element Philadelphia Downtown or similar.

APRIL 9, 2026 - WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FOUNDERS IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA

After breakfast at the hotel, we will dive into the heart of American independence with a guided visit to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted (guides are limited and subject to availability). Stand before the Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom, before continuing to Christ Church, where many Founding Fathers once worshipped. At Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, explore the powerful legacy of faith, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity.  Overnight at the Element Philadelphia Downtown or similar.

APRIL 10, 2026 - LANCASTER COUNTY AND ON TO GETTYSBURG           (2 NIGHTS)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will journey into the peaceful farmlands of Lancaster County, home to Pennsylvania’s Amish communities. Enjoy a special experience at the Amish home of Samuel and Ruth Lapp, who own a working 25-acre produce farm just outside Lancaster. The Lapp family will introduce our guests to a few Amish traditions and host them for a family-style meal lunch with recipes passed down through generations and ingredients sourced directly from their farm.  After our visit, we will return to Gettysburg for dinner at the hotel and overnight at the Wyndham Gettysburg or similar.

APRIL 11, 2026 - DISCOVER GETTYSBURG'S LEGACY OF UNITY AND SACRIFICE

After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park with a Local Expert, reflecting on the battle that turned the tide of the Civil War—and the ideals of freedom and faith it helped preserve. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.  Overnight at the Wyndham Gettysburg or similar.

APRIL 12, 2026 - MARVEL AT MOUNT VERNON AND JOURNEY TO THE CAPITAL (3 NIGHTS)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will tread in the footsteps of America's first president by visiting Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington. Step back into the 18th century, strolling the estate’s lush gardens, grounds, and fascinating museum galleries. Arrive in D.C., the political heart of America, check in to the hotel and have dinner at our hotel for the next three nights, the Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle Hotel.

APRIL 13, 2026 - MONUMENTS, MUSEUMS, AND THE SPIRIT OF FREEDOM

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin the day with a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol (subject to availability) and the Library of Congress, where faith, philosophy, and law converge in magnificent architecture. At the National Archives, view the original Bill of Rights, then journey through scripture and culture at the cutting-edge Museum of the Bible. Conclude with a visit to the soaring Washington National Cathedral, a symbol of the nation’s religious diversity and unity.  Overnight at the Royal Sonesta Dupont Circle Hotel.

APRIL 14, 2026 - JEFFERSON’S LEGACY AT MONTICELLO

After breakfast at the hotel, we will travel to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s elegant estate nestled in the Virginia hills. Discover how Jefferson’s revolutionary ideas on liberty, government, and religion shaped the foundation of American democracy. Return to Washington, D.C. in the afternoon and visit the Jefferson Memorial, a serene and inspiring tribute to the author of the Declaration of Independence. As you stand beneath the grand dome, reflect on Jefferson’s profound commitment to religious freedom, enshrined in his Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom—a cornerstone of the First Amendment. Tonight, join Mark, Jeff and fellow travelers and fellow guests for a Celebration Dinner to wrap up this incredible journey.

APRIL 15, 2026 - DEPART WASHINGTON, D.C.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the airport for our return trip home.

Included in Tour Cost:

**  HOTELS:  Seven (7) nights accommodations at the hotels listed in itinerary, or similar, based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath throughout.  A few single rooms are available at an additional cost of $1125.00. If a passenger cannot supply a roommate and MBF Enterprises, Inc. is unable to do so, the passenger will have to pay the supplemental charge.

**  MEALS:  Seven breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners are included in the tour cost.

**  SIGHTSEEING:  All sightseeing and touring is included as per itinerary.

**  TRANSPORTATION:  Deluxe motor coach for all transfers and touring as per itinerary.

**  ENTRANCE FEES:  Entrance fees to all sites as per itinerary.

**  PORTERAGE:  Porterage and handling of one (1) bag per person.
**  TAXES:  All taxes on the hotels, meals and other tour services.

Not included in tour price:

**  Airline Reservations.

**  Airport transfers.
**  Trip cancellation insurance (strongly recommended).

**  Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).
**  Excessive baggage charges, such as overweight charges or the porterage of more than (1) suitcase.
**  Individual services apart from group.
**  Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, bad weather or other irregularities.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

Registration and deposits:  An initial deposit of $500 per person is required to secure definite reservations.  We regret that no space may be reserved without a deposit.

Final payment:  Balance of payment is due on December 15, 2025.

Cancellations and refunds:  If the trip is canceled in its entirety after a deposit has been made, there will be cancellation penalties based on the following schedule:

-  Cancel before December 2, 2025 – Full refund of your deposit

-  Cancel between December 3, 2025-January 1, 2026 - $500 per person cancellation fee

-  Cancel after January 2, 2026 – No refund

Cancellations must be made in writing; verbal cancellations, whether in person or by phone, are not valid.  A special optional trip cancellation insurance policy is available at https://mikefanning.com/travel-insurance.

Tour price:  The price of the tour is based on a minimum of 30 passengers.  Should the final membership fall below this number, MBF Enterprises, Inc. reserves the right to increase the tour price, or cancel the trip.

TOUR PARTICATION

GENERAL: Your tour operations and travel services are coordinated through MBF Enterprises, Inc. (“MBF”) by MBF contracting for goods and services from other industry suppliers in tour operations and travel and hospitality services. MBF and/or these suppliers will provide the tour operations and travel and hospitality services described in the brochure and related materials for the tour. In the event of force majeure circumstances, and other delays and causes beyond the control of MBF or its tour operations and travel and hospitality service providers, the tour operations and travel and hospitality services may not be provided, may be interrupted, or if provided may be a substitution different than originally planned. In any such event(s), however, refunds will not be made. 

As an example of the above events, domestic and international air and surface carriers routinely substitute equipment, delay travel, cancel travel, and damage, destroy or lose baggage. By participating in the tour, you acknowledge this and that similar events will occur, and you agree that when such event(s) happen you and the applicable service provider will fully and completely settle in full any related claims by and among yourselves. The above example is one of many events that may happen on domestic and international travel and tours. MBF highly recommends that you plan for such events by purchasing trip and travel insurance. 

YOUR PARTICIPATION: MBF reserves the right to (i) accept, and once accepted to remove, you as a participant on this tour, and (iI) cancel, suspend, or otherwise change the tour at any time. In any such event(s) no refunds will be made. MBF highly recommends that you plan for such events by purchasing trip and travel insurance.

You acknowledge and affirm that you have carefully read the itinerary outline for this tour. You represent and warrant to MBF that you are physically and mentally fit to participate in the tour and related travel. Further you recognize, accept, and assume all risks associated with the tour and related travel and hospitality services. 

Domestic and international travel, while rewarding, can be physically demanding and difficult. Our chosen itinerary at times will require early departures and late arrivals, occasionally resulting in a "long day" with varying mealtimes. We plan the tour itinerary to maximize the study experience, adjusted as necessary for venue and forum conditions and comfort. The below affirmations we ask that you make will help you understand the nature of this tour and the level of physical activity you can expect. As an example, if you routinely need a cane to assist you in walking or have been recommended for any type of orthopedic surgery, you should not go on this tour. 

Please affirm by initialing below that during the tour you physically can:

*  Walk at least 3-5 miles on paved roads, both up and down hills.

*  Walk for an extended time on cobblestone, uneven surfaces, gravel, and unpaved roads and paths.

*  Walk up and down stairs and ramps (both even and uneven) without assistance, often without railings.

*  Travel by airplane nonstop for 10 hours, or more.

*  Personally handle all luggage through airport and other transportation terminals without assistance.

*  Pass through passport control and customs without assistance.

*  Travel by bus 2 hours or more, including load/unload yourself and your baggage from a bus at least 4 times a day or more.

If you are unable to meet the physical requirements to participate in the tour, MBF may stop your participation and make arrangements for your return to your home at your own cost and expense. 

Should you need medical attention and/or hospitalization while on the tour your spouse or emergency contact provided is responsible for your care. Neither MBF nor Denison Ministries, or any other tour personnel will be able to accompany you or stay behind with you should you need care. Your spouse or emergency contact may need to travel to your location to coordinate your care. MBF highly recommends that you plan for such an event by purchasing trip and travel insurance, including “bring me home” medical/transport coverage, and obtaining personal medical coverage for you throughout the world.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the level of physical activity, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Fanning (mike@mikefanning.com) or Jeff Byrd (jeff@denisonministries.org).

PARTICIPANT RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, AND INDEMNITY

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the individual named below (“Participant”) does hereby release and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Denison Ministries and MBF Enterprises Inc., and their respective parent(s), subsidiary and affiliated companies (corporate and non-corporate), and its and their respective owners, officers, directors, shareholders, partners, members, employees, agents, contractors, and sun-contractors (collectively, "Releasees") for, from and against all liabilities, claims, damages, losses, liens, causes of action, suits, judgments and expenses, including attorney fees, of any nature, kind or description of any person or entity directly or indirectly arising out of, caused by, or resulting from (in whole or in part) the Faith & Freedom in America Tour, April 8-15, 2026 biblical studies tour (of which Participant is attending), or any part thereof, including any such liabilities, claims, damages, losses, liens, causes of action, suits, judgments and expenses attributable to bodily injury, personal injury, sickness, disease or death, or injury to or destruction of tangible property (collectively "Liabilities"), even if such Liabilities are caused by the concurrent or comparative negligence (whether active or passive) of any Releasee. Additionally, Participant hereby releases, and shall cause its insurers to release, individually and collectively the Releasees from any and all claims or causes of action whatsoever which Participant and its insurers might otherwise possess resulting in or from or in any way connected with any loss covered or which should have been covered by insurance, including the deductible portion thereof.