Page 25 - Holyland Magazine - 2016 Edition

Living the Bible
by Visiting its Homeland
A Christian and Jew create a program for young Christians to become
immersed in their faith and connected to modern Israel
This will be achieved by visits to traditional
biblical and historical sites that build on the the battle against terrorism.
participants’ faith and provide them with the
tools they need to greater appreciate the
Bible and Christian teachings.
Additionally, unlike many Christian tourists,
participants will discover the vibrant meaning
of modern Israel from a political, academic,
scientific and business perspective that will
enable them to contextualize Israel’s role not
just as a lodestar ofbiblical teachings, but
also as an island of Judeo-Christian values
in a sea of radicalism.
Participants will benefit from a wide variety
of opportunities that other tours do not
offer. They will meet and hear from Israeli
leaders in government, the academy and
economics. They will spend time with a
Holocaust survivor. They will visit a military
base and meet young Israelis who serve
their country and stand on the frontlines of
Upon their return, participants will be fully It is said in Israel that one doesn’t need a
informed and fact oriented, able to make the
case for a strong and safe Israel based on
firsthand knowledge. The trip will strengthen not just the physical guidebook; it is also the
US-Israel relations, giving participants a
better understanding of the roots of their
religion and emboldening deeper faith among
the next generation of Christian leaders.
This project is already strengthening the
bond between Christians and the Jewish
People – a bond that is especially important
given the current tumult in the Middle East.
The fact remains that only Israel provides
Christians safety and freedom under the
umbrella of democracy.
This program has already seen incredible
success in its first year, as nearly 300
Student participant overlooking the
Old City from the Mount of Olives.
Photos: Jeremy Rivers
Christian students have visited the land of
their spiritual birth.
guidebook when traveling the Holy Land –
the Bible itself is the guide. And the Bible is
spiritual compass by which participants find
their place as Christian leaders and stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with our Jewish friends
atop our common moral foundation.
Only by understanding the past, present and
future of the Land of Israel – by touching,
walking and experiencing it with our Bibles
in hand – can we truly comprehend the full
meaning of God’s plan for history. For this
reason, the new Museum of the Bible/Philos
Project student leadership program is a true
watershed that stands to impact Christianity
for generations to come.
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