Dear friends of Nazareth Village,

What an exciting fall season we are experiencing here! Tourism in Israel surged ahead to record numbers during October and November this year. Nazareth Village rode this tidal wave by toppling the 6,000 mark for visitor attendance in October—an all-time record for any single month in our history. In November, the regional olive festival attracted both Jewish and Arab locals as together they picked olives and watched in fascination while a donkey pulled the ancient olive press stone, crushing the olives. More than 1800 local school children participated in a special olive program during these two months. The children learned that olives provide not only oil and food to eat, but are also used in making ointments, perfumes, and lotions. Olive pits are burned as fuel—providing light and warmth.

At the same time, we have just completed working on our largest video production project here at the Village with Grooters Production Company in Michigan. Their client is developing a video series focusing on the Old Testament prophets in anticipation of distribution to Middle Eastern markets. Their director’s parting comments were, “Shirley, this is the most amazing, authentic site for filming. We could not have asked for a better staff to work with. They anticipated all of our needs and the set designs created here were beyond our wildest dreams.” If you could have seen the Village’s dining area one evening as it was turned into King Solomon’s palace, you would undoubtedly agree with his assessment.

As if record attendance and production work weren’t enough excitement for one month, we were additionally blessed on October 22, as we welcomed two busloads of special guests—Sherry Herschend’s group of friends, and Pat & Shirley Boone’s group of family and friends. Upon their arrival at the Village, they broke out into applause when they saw four buses already in the parking lot—recognizing that it was another busy day at the Village.

After experiencing an extended tour of the Village and feasting on a first-century meal, the Herschend-Boone groups moved to the synagogue for a time of singing and reflection. Both Sherry Herschend and Pat Boone were given special recognition for their visionary and foundational encouragement in the creation of Nazareth Village, and for their ongoing financial and prayer support. Their names have been engraved in the Nazareth Village Builder’s Walk. Certificates thanking them for “strengthening the hands for this good work” as noted in Nehemiah 2:18 were presented to each of them.

Amidst all the challenges and blessings of these days I want to thank you, our supporters and friends. It is your ongoing prayer and financial support that enable us to continue this ministry. While we are mindful that at any time the political situation may change, we rest assured that God’s work is being done here.

As we enter this season of Advent and expectation in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s join our voices with the Herschend-Boone group who reverently sang in rich harmony, “Alleluia . . . alleluia . . . alleluia . . . alleluia.” To God be praised for the great things He is doing!

With blessings of shalom/salaam and joy from Nazareth,

Shirley Roth, Executive Director

Nazareth Village, A living presentation of the life, times, and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth for all the world.

P.O.Box 2066, Nazareth 16100, Israel.
Phone: 972 4 645-6042; Fax: 972 4 655-9295
Web: www.nazarethvillage.com ;  Email: info@nazarethvillage.com

During this season of celebration, we invite you to support our ministry and to send your Christmas offerings and donations to:

 

[1] In the United States, tax receipts provided for donations made payable to:  

           Miracle of Nazareth Foundation, Inc.

           550 S. Union Street

           Mishawaka, IN 46544

 

[2] In the United Kingdom tax deductible contributions can be made to:

           The Cooperative Bank

           Account title:  (ARC) R/C 104-7608

           Nazareth Village

           Sort Code:  089299

           Account number: 650-988-5300

 

[3] At any time, from any place, contributions can be sent to:

           Nazareth  Village, P.O. Box 2066, Nazareth 16100, Israel

 

[In Canada, the new Galilee Foundation in Waterloo, Ontario, is being established to provide tax receipts for donations destined to Nazareth Village. It will not be operating until 2008.  In the meantime, please send donations directly to Nazareth Village.]