Rod and Libby VanSolkema

Rod VanSolkema is the senior pastor and Libby is the resource director at Crossroads Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both Rod and Libby have an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois. Rod completed his seminary work at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Before planting Crossroads Bible Church, Rod served as pastor at four other churches in the areas of senior high and young twenties ministry. Libby served as the children’s director for 16 years before moving into her current role. She also helps in the women’s ministry by developing and teaching bible studies.

Rod and Libby's love for studying the Bible in its cultural context and setting was catalyzed while studying under and being trained by Ray VanderLaan. Subsequently, Rod and Libby took their family to live in Israel while doing graduate work in geography, archeology, and history at Jerusalem University College. They are lifelong learners who continue to participate in graduate courses at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and Calvin Seminary. As a couple, they have a real passion for people to learn the Biblical Story and to gain a vision for discipleship by walking the Story in the settings of the Bible.

Kim and David Hall

Kim and David Hall walked the ancient paths of Israel in 2018 and fell deeply in love with the land of the scriptures. They returned in 2022 with their son, Titus (21), whose life was profoundly changed by the experience. It's been said that the land of Israel is the 'fifth' gospel, and the Halls agree! Walking the ancient paths where Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, John the Baptist, and Jesus travelled with his disciples truly does bring the entire Bible to life.

The Halls were reluctant to do a "typical" tour of Israel and so the rabbinical method of moving across the land—walking Yahweh's story—engaged all their body, heart, mind, and spirit. It was a win-win, and they hope all that for those who walk the land with them.

Kim has taught the scriptures from the ancient near eastern worldview for many years, while David has been employed as a Special Agent with the FBI. They both love trekking the outdoors and providing tangible ways for others to know and love their Creator.