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THE APOLOGETICS STUDY BIBLE TOUR TO THE HOLY LAND FEBRUARY 2013

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ERIC JOHNSON
JERUSALEM
EASTERN GATE
MASADA
ST. SOPHIA ISTANBUL
GARDEN TOMB
MODEL OF THE TEMPLE
ISTANBUL TURKEY
QUMRAN DEAD SEA SCROLL CAVE
BAPTISM IN THE JORDAN RIVER
OUR LEADER MR. ERIC JOHNSON
Istanbul Turkish Delight.jpg
WESTERN WALL
Library of Celsus.JPG
ERIC JOHNSON

Every family who comes on this trip will receive a complimentary DVD copy of Joel Kramers Jericho Unearthed as well as his video The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon. Joel is an American film producer

(from Utah) and archaeologist who has lived in Israel for several years. Joel will spend a day with us and

lead us one day to sites such as Jericho and Qumran. This trip will feature devotionals from leaders of Christian apologetic ministries and Utah-based churches.

Israel 11 days, February 24-March 6, 2013

Sponsors:

Mormonism Research Ministry and Utah Lighthouse Ministry

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ITINERARY

OPTIONAL PRE EXTENSION TOUR TO TURKEYDAY 1 - Tuesday, February 19, 2013CHICAGO / ISTANBULTour members arrange their own transportation to Chicagos O'Hare for a trans-Atlantic flight on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Turkey. The wide-body aircraft flight includes three meals and on-board entertainment. We arrive the next afternoon. DAY 2 - Wednesday, February 20, 2013- ISTANBUL / IZMIR (SMYRNA)After arrival to Istanbul, we take a short connecting flight to Izmir (formerly Smyrna). After going through customs, our bus and guide will meet us for transfer to our hotel in Izmir.DAY 3 -- Thursday, February 21, 2013- IZMIR (SMYRNA) / PERGAMUM / KUSADASI This morning well take a drive to Mt. Pagos where we will see the remains from the Hellenistic Castle of Lysimachos. Next we go to the first of the seven churches referred to in the book of Revelation, 1. Smyrna, and walk through the 2nd century A.D. agora that was partially excavated by German and Turkish archaeologists from 1932-1941. Porticoes line the north and west sides of the agora, and there is an altar to Zeus. From here we continue to 2. Pergamum, where we will take a cable car to the impressive acropolis. See the library ruins, the altar of Zeus, the third century BC theatre, and the Temple of Athena, all of which made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political center. Drive south to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.DAY 4 -- Friday, February 22, 2013, - KUSADASI / EPHESUS / LAODICIA / COLOSSEA / PAMUKKALEThis morning we visit 3. Ephesus, one of the greatest ruined cities in the entire western world. The city was founded in the fourth century BC by Alexander the Great's successor. In addition, two church councils were held in this city during the fifth century. We will see the famous Library of Celsus, the theatre that existed in the days of the New Testament, the Temple of Hadrian, the Gate of Hercules, and the colonnaded street. After this, well visit the House of the Virgin Mary where the apostle John cared for the mother of Jesus. From here, we will drive to Pamukkale to visit the remains of the ancient 4. Laodicia and Colossea (to whom Colossians was written). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale.DAY 5 -- Saturday, February 23, 2013 - PAMUKKALE / PHILADELPHIA / SARDIS / THYATIRA / BURSA Depart from the hotel to visit the remains of ancient city Hierapolis and onward to the town of Alasehir to see the remains of the church in 5. Philadelphia. Continue to the ancient city of 6. Sardis to visit the Gymnasium, the Synagogue and the Temple of Artemis. Afterwards drive to the town of Akhisar where we will see the remains from 7. Thyatira. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bursa.DAY 6 Sunday, February 24, 2013 - BURSA / NICAEA / ISTANBULWe begin the day at Nicaea, site of two ecumenical councils in the Byzantine period, including the Council of Nicaea in 325 where Athanasius and Arius debated the deity of Jesus. From here we continue to Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, to visit the Basilica of Saint Sophia that was built by Justinian the Great during 6th century. We will also have a chance to visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, with biblical artifacts from the Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian and Hittite civilizations. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul. DAY 7 -- Monday: February 25, 2013 - ISTANBUL / TEL-AVIV / NETANYAWe venture into the Old City to visit the Hippodrome where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Next to this is the Blue Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tile. We will also have a chance to see Hagghia Sophia, which was formerly a church before it was conquered for Islam during the Ottoman Empire. Today it is a museum. Next, we'll go to the Topkapi Palace. We end up at the Grand Bazaar where we can have lunch and have a quick chance to shop. We then head to the airport for an afternoon flight to Tel Aviv. Dinner and overnight in Netanya. ISRAEL BEGINS HEREDAY 1 - Sunday, February 24, 2013 - NEW YORK / ISTANBULTour members traveling to Israel only will arrange their own transportation to New York's Kennedy Airport for a trans-Atlantic flight on Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Turkey. The wide-body aircraft flight includes three meals and on-board entertainment. DAY 2 - Monday, February 25, 2013 - ISTANBUL / TEL AVIV / JAFFA / NETANYATour members traveling to Israel only will arrive this morning and will stay in the airport, then meet the other travelers from Turkey in the afternoon and transfer to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Dinner and overnight in Netanya.DAY 3 - Tuesday, February 26, 2013 - CAESAREA / MEGIDDO / TIBERIASThis morning we proceed to Caesarea, built by Herod the Great and one of the most researched archaeological sites in the Holy Land. We will visit the Roman port, Crusaders' Moat, Hippodrome, Roman Theater, and aqueduct. From here we continue to Mount Carmel where Elijah challenged Baal's priests. After lunch, we proceed to Megiddo to visit the excavations that unearthed 20 different civilizations; this is known as Har Megiddo (Armageddon). We pass by Nazareth on our way to the Sea of Galilee for dinner at our Tiberias hotel. Take a swim in the Sea of Galilee and be sure to visit the petting zoo. If possible, we will have a Jewish high school history teacher visit us in the evening; among other issues, he will tell us his view on the Palestinian state. DAY 4 - Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - GINOSSAR / CHORAZIN / DAN / CAESAREA PHILIPPI / TIBERIASThis morning we leave Tiberias and head north via Magdala to Ginossar to view the New Testament boat found in the sea. Then we'll go to Chorazin, through the Hula Valley to Hazor, and see ruins of the powerful Canaanite city destroyed by Joshua and rebuilt by King Jabin and then by Solomon as a chariot city to command upper Galilee. We continue to the northern limits to Dan, where we combine a nature walk beside the Upper Jordan with views of the ancient ruins, topped by the Israelite high place that supported a golden calf (I Kings 12). From here we'll take a short drive to Banias (Caesarea Philippi), dedicated to Pan the Greek god of pastures, flocks and shepherds, where Peter made his great profession of faith. Driving along the base of Mount Hermon, we ascend onto the Golan Plateau for a magnificent view of upper Israel. Return to the hotel at Tiberias for dinner and overnight.DAY 5 - Thursday, February 28, 2013 - SEA OF GALILEE / CAPERNAUM / TABGHA / MOUNT OF BEATITUDES / BET SHEAN / JORDAN RIVER (BAPTISM) / DEAD SEAThere's nothing like an early morning boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where we will be able to look to the same shores seen by Jesus and His disciples. It will be a chance to meditate, worship, and even learn a Jewish dance. Next we continue to Capernaum where we can see Peter's mother-in-law's home as well as a synagogue that has been fully excavated. From here, we visit Christian churches located at Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudesa place where we can read from the Sermon on the Mount. After lunch, we stop by the Jordan River where those participants who have never been baptized (or who do not remember their infant baptism) will have a chance to give their testimony and be immersed in the same way as Jesus. We then travel along the Rift Valley to Bet Shean, an amazing archaeological site associated with the death of King Saul. We will have the opportunity to see the ancient theater and take a hike up the tell (the ancient mound comprising more than a dozen civilizations). From here, we drive down to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on the earth (1300 feet below sea level) where we will spend a night at a luxury hotel. Bring your bathing suits and get ready to apply some natural mud to your body in a body of water where everyone floats, regardless of their swimming skills!DAY 6 - Friday, March 01, 2013 - DEAD SEA / MASADA / EIN GEDI / JERUSALEMFor those wanting a little time in the morning to finish applying mud, let's do it! We then drive to Masada and ascend by cable car to the magnificent ruins of the fortress where, from AD 70-73, Jewish defenders made their historic stand in the Judean revolt against Rome. We will visit the storehouses, cisterns, and palace created by Herod the Great. Continuing alongside the Dead Sea, 1300 ft. below sea level -- the lowest spot on earth -- we make a stop at Ein Gedi. Here we will have time for lunch and to walk to the water falls that David would have used while he was fleeing from Saul. This afternoon we proceed to Qumran and the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We will be met by filmmaker Joel Kramer, who will take us on an adventurous hike up the hill to Cave 1, the place where Bedouin shepherds first found the Dead Sea Scrolls, the most important biblical text discovery ever! This is not a timid hike, so you'll need good shoes, but when you arrive and climb into this unmarked cave, you'll know it was worth it. We will go to a camel farm for a camel trek into the Judean wilderness. You will touch the land like no other journey can. Finally, we head to the Golden City of Jerusalem for a panoramic view. Our hotel, the Ambassador, will be our home for the next five nights. Spread out and enjoy! After dinner, Joel Kramer will speak to the group. DAY 7 - Saturday, March 02, 2013 - JOEL KRAMER WEST BANK DAY JACOBS WELL / SHECKEM / JOSEPHS TOMB / SAMARIA / MOUNT GERIZIM / JERICHO / JERUSALEM We have the privilege of being joined by Joel Kramer as we see West Bank sites many will not see on a typical Holy Land trip. First, we begin at Jacob's Well where Jesus had his conversation with the Samaritan woman. Next is Shechem where a gate from the time of Abraham and a temple mentioned in Judges are located. From here, we visit Joseph's Tomb before heading to Samaria to see the Israelite ruins of the capitol of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. After lunch, we will drive to Mount Gerizim where the Samaritan people live to view the ruins of their ancient temple. Finally, we will end at Jericho where we can hear about the places we learned about on the DVD Jericho Unearthed. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. DAY 8 - Sunday, March 03, 2013 - RABBI TUNNEL / WESTERN WALL / RAMPARTS / SHRINE OF THE BOOK / ISRAELI MUSEUM / YAD VASHEM This morning we tour the Rabbi Tunnel, entering by the Western Wall plaza to enter the foundation of the Second Temple. We will see a model that will demonstrate where we are in location to the Temple in the time of Christ. Back outside, we will experience the Western Wailing Wall, the holiest place in all of Judaism. Next, we'll climb the ramparts and walk on the walls that surround the city of Jerusalem. Afterwards, we'll eat lunch in the Old City and have some time for shopping before heading to the Shrine of the Book and the model city of Jerusalem at the time of the Second Temple. There will also be time to see the Israeli Museum, which houses a number of important biblical artifacts. We end up at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum, to visually experience the horrors of what evil man is capable of doing without God. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.DAY 9 - Monday, March 04, 2013 - NEW CITY / HEZEKIAHS TUNNEL / BETHLEHEM / SHEPHERDS FIELDSThe New City of Jerusalem is our destination, including Mount Zion, the Upper Room, the tomb of King David, and Dormition Abbey. We enter the Jewish Quarter of the Old City to visit the Wohl Archaeological Museum. Remains of this area of Jerusalem date back to the time of the Herodian Dynasty (37 BC to AD 70). Our group will then descend the slope of the first Jerusalem ("City of David") to the Gihon Spring and wade in the knee-high water through Hezekiah's Tunnel. You will feel the walls chiseled 2700 years ago as we slosh through the water tunnel! Just don't forget the flashlight! This afternoon we will drive south, passing by Rachel's Tomb and traveling to a hilltop for a good view of Bethlehem to note its relation to the rest of the central mountain range, including Jerusalem, as well as the desert and the area of ancient Moab. Driving south, we visit Solomon's Pools, Jerusalem's main source of water for almost 2,000 years. Passing the monastery of Hortus Conclusus ("the sealed garden") in Artas, we go to Herodium, the palace set in a conical mountain that was built by Herod and where his tomb was uncovered in 2009. Finally, we end our day visiting one of the possible sites for the Shepherds' Fields (let's sing Silent Night) and going inside the Church of the Nativity, the place where Jesus was born, as well as enter the quarters where Jerome translated the Latin Vulgate in the fourth century. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.DAY 10 - Tuesday, March 05, 2013 - OLD CITY / VIA DOLOROSA /GALLICANTU / GETHSEMANE / GARDEN TOMBWe begin the day ascending the hill to the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the traditional site of the ancient Temple Mount. Just to the north we find the Pools of Bethesda (John 5) and St. Anne's Church; the church is perfectly preserved from the Crusader period with remarkable acoustics. How about singing Amazing Grace? Next we go on Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, and learn about the Stations of the Cross, ending up at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This afternoon we exit the Old City at Mt Zion to the grounds of a church called Peter in Gallicantu, which affords the best view of early Jerusalem from the west. Here, some suggest, was where the high priest Caiaphas interrogated Jesus. If there is time, we will make our way to the grave of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who was responsible for saving more than a thousand Jewish lives during the Holocaust. From here, we visit the Church of All Nations, marking the place of Gethsemane. There are olive trees in the garden going back 2,000+ years! Finally, the climax of our trip: the Garden Tomb where we can have a private communion service on the grounds outside the city walls. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.DAY 11 - Wednesday, March 06, 2013 - JERUSALEM / TEL AVIV / USAWe transfer to the airport for our flight home with unforgettable memories to cherish always. Knowing we have walked in the footsteps of Jesus and the early Christians on such a memorable tour will bring new meaning to our Bible reading and will enable us to better own our own faith.

"My experience on this trip was unlike any other. I will never forget what I saw and felt as we took a boat ride on the Sea of GalileeI knew I was seeing the same things that Jesus Himself saw. This was truly the trip of a lifetime and it was worth every cent."

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TERMS AND CONDITIONSACCOMMODATIONS: First class hotels based on twin occupancy with bath. Hotel category determined through documentation published by O.H.R.G. Single-room supplement $80/$108 per night.MEALS: American Buffet and (in Israel the famous Israeli breakfast buffet), breakfast, and dinner daily throughout the tour. No meals are provided in USA. Extra charge for coffee, tea or other beverage not included in the menu of the day. If a passenger chooses not to have a meal, there will be no refund for unused meals.TIPS AND TAXES: Those normally appearing on hotel and restaurant bills as service are included, as are all governmental and local taxes on hotels and meals. SIGHTSEEING: By modern motor coach including services of English speaking guides and entrance fees to places included in the itinerary.NOT INCLUDED: Passport and visa fees, laundry, wines, liquors, mineral waters and after-dinner coffee or tea, meals not included in the itinerary, room service, sightseeing or services other than those specifically mentioned. TRAVEL INSURANCE (optional), Maranatha Tours Inc. will automatically bill all passengers for travel insurance unless it is declined at the time of reservation or in writing by the participant.PASSPORTS, VISAS: A valid US passport is required for US citizens. If you do not have a passport please contact your local passport office. Passports must be valid 6 months after return date. For all other nationalities please consult the countrys consulate.TOUR PRICE: Price is based on international tariffs and rates in effect on date of proposal and is subject to change without notice should there be a revision in AIR or LAND rates prior to departure of tour. Price is based on a minimum of passengers using double occupancy. In the event that a minimum of passengers does not book the tour within 45 days of departure the agent reserves the right to cancel or re-cost the tour. Late booking or changes may result in an additional fee. Maranatha Tours, Inc. reserves the right to correct invoices, itineraries, and/or LAND ONLY: From time to time a tour may be canceled due to not materializing. If you choose to purchase a land only package and arrange your own domestic and international flight independently, Maranatha Tours Inc. will not be responsible for domestic, international flights or transfers of any kind. Maranatha Tours is not responsible for any International flight schedule changes .If domestic tickets are purchased by an individual, all penalties and fare differences will be paid by the client. DEPOSIT AND CANCELLATION: A deposit of $300 per person is required to secure reservations, which will be applied to the price of the tour. The balance to be paid in full not later than 6 weeks prior to departure of the tour. Thereafter, a $100 late payment fee will be assessed. Reservations made within 30 days of departure are subject to $75 late reservation charge. All cancellations must be in writing by letter, fax or e-mail to Maranatha Tours and will be in effect on the date of receipt by Maranatha Tours. There is no exception to cancellation fee. Any exceptions must be in writing from Maranatha Tours, Inc. Air penalties are not part of the percentages below and vary based on the airline policy at the time of ticket issue.• 91+ Days Prior: No penalty of deposit (Except for $125.00 per person administration fee plus any airline fees)• 90-61 Days Prior: ($300 for international tour, $500 for international tour and cruise plus any airline fees)• 60-46 Days Prior: 40% of tour cost• 45-31 Days Prior: 65% of tour cost• 30-16 Days Prior: 85% of tour cost• 15 Days Prior or less: 100% of tour cost *Cruise cancellation policies vary. Please see individual itineraries for details.AIR TRANSPORTATION: A round-trip economy class jet; via International air carrier or any other IATA member. Full payment is due 45 days prior to commencement of travel. If the passenger cancels within 35 days of departure or after air tickets are written (whichever comes sooner), then 100% of airfare will be forfeited by passenger. In the event 35 passengers do not book the tour within 90 days of departure, the agent reserves the right to cancel the tour. All airfares are subject to government approval and change without notice. AIR--Because the travel dates are more than 6 months away, the costs and schedules could change. Please Note: A New York overnight may be necessary for any groups traveling from the West Coast, either on the outbound or return. ITINERARY CHANGES: If itinerary changes necessitate extra overnights, you will be charged $90 per night; single rooms- $130 per night. Meals for extra nights are not included.RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY: Land arrangements including surface transportation: Maranatha Tours, Inc., and the participating Tour Operators operate the land tours offered under this program only as agents of the railroads, car rental contractors, steamship lines, hotels, bus operators, sightseeing contractors and others which provide the actual land arrangements and are not liable for any act, omission, delay, injury, loss or damage or non-performance occurring in connection with these land arrangements. International air carriers and other IATA carriers, steamship lines and other transportation companies whose services are featured in these tours are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyance. The passage contract in use by these companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary, delete or substitute sites when tour operator feels it to be in the best interest of the tour.CHANGE FEE: All changes not received in writing by Maranatha Tours at least 45 days prior to departure will incur a $75 change fee per person for each revision (that is in addition to any other charges per revision once the basic or pre/post tour package has been confirmed). LAND ARRANGEMENTS: The tour operator reserves the right to change the itinerary due to emergencies. DEVIATIONS: Deviations will incur a $125 fee, plus any other additional costs associated with services included in the basic or pre/post tour. Transfers are included in our group round-trip programs, passengers who deviate or purchase land only packages will be responsible for arriving and leaving independently and must transfer at their own expense.CREDIT CARDS: All credit card transactions processed by Maranatha Tours directly are subject to a 5% processing fee (excluding the original $300 deposit).EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS: Foreign currency exchange rates fluctuate daily. For example, in 2008, Euro rates versus the US Dollar fluctuated from a low below 1.25 to almost 1.70 (meaning that one Euro cost $1.25 to $1.70 US). It is very difficult to set the price of a tour when we cannot predict what exchange rates will do. We price our tours at a set exchange rate and adjust for fluctuations at final billing. If the rate drops below the original rate, we pass the savings on to our passengers. If rates increase, then we must pass those costs on to our passengers.

THE HOLY LAND

$3,349 from New York

(All Inclusive)

Take $100 off the price if signed up by 1/31/12

Take $50 off the price if signed up between 2/1/12 - 7/30/12

With Optional

Pre Extension To:

TURKEY from Chicago

$1149

(All Inclusive]

MR. ERIC JOHNSON

MARANATHA TOURS INC.

EMAIL:

ERIC_MRM.ORG

TEL: (619) 402 - 7216

18428 N. 42ND PLACE

PHOENIX, AZ 85032

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TEL: (602) 788 - 8864

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"A Word from MRM's Eric Johnson."

We at Mormonism Research Ministry (Bill McKeever) and Utah Lighthouse Ministry (Sandra Tanner) are excited about traveling to Israel and Turkey in early 2013, taking with us Christians who are interested in seeing for themselves just what the Holy Land is all about. For those who would like to take the optional preexcursion trip to Turkey, you will also have a chance to see the Seven Churches of Revelation as well as Colossae and Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). If you're going this far to the other side of the world, we can't encourage you enough to sign up for this opportunity as well.Having guided a hundred people in two different trips with Maranatha Tours in the past two years (and scheduled to accompany another trip of 50 teens and their parents in March 2012), I (Eric Johnson) can attest to the potential life-changing impact that takes place in the lives of the travelers to the Holy Land. We will be led by professional guides and also have the chance to hear regular short devotions from the Christian leaders and pastors who will be accompanying us. In essence, we will have an incredible opportunity to learn from some bright minds while empirically experiencing so many places that hold so much importance to the Book we love to study!With that being said, many might not consider this trip because they somehow feel it might not be safe. After all, one potential traveler recently asked me, isn't the Middle East dangerous?I am reminded of the many years I taught at a Christian junior/senior high in California. Every spring our school sent more than 100 parents and students to Washington, DC. Consider, however, that in 2007, there were 1,414 violent crimes in DC per 100,000 people, averaging almost 31 homicides. Why would anyone venture to take junior highers to what appears to be a place of anarchy?The answer: Everyone knew that the school tours would not venture into the dangerous neighborhoods of our nation's capital. In the same way, Maranatha Tours is committed to their clients' safety in the Holy Land. They also use common sense and take every precaution to make sure the trip is as safe as humanly possible. Having done these tours since 1974 (a Holy Land tour sponsored by this agency is taking place practically every week of the year), Maranatha Tours has never had a traveler physically harmed or killed due to terrorist activities.In addition, consider the following:•Tourism is the second largest source of dollars for Israel, which means the Israeli government will do whatever it takes to make sure this crucial source of their countrys income is not jeopardized. Record numbers of tourists have come to Israel since 2007, indicating that the public feels safe in this country. • Despite what the media might lead you to believe, security in Israel is tighter than perhaps anywhere else in the world. There are also very tight regulations on the airline flights going to and from the Holy Land.•The bus we will be on is private--reserved for our group only--so no stranger will be able to get on our bus. •We will travel to only the safest of tourist sites. In addition, Maranatha's tour guides keep in constant communication with the proper authorities. If the guide has any doubt about a particular site, he won't risk taking our group there.One final word: Just because two Christian ministries aimed at ministering to the Mormon people are hosting the trip doesnt mean Mormonism will be our focus. In fact, we will be concentrating on general Christian apologetics, with an emphasis on better understanding the Bible. The benefit is that every participant will become better equipped to share his/her faith with those belonging to other religions, including the Mormons.So, if you're ready, contact Maranatha and sign up for the trip of a lifetime. We hope to see you in the Lands of the Bible!Eric JohnsonMormonism Research Ministryeric_mrm.org

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