Volunteering in Israel: Serving
and Blessing the Jewish People
SEMINAR DESCRIPTION: Living in Israel is often seen as the enviable opportunity of a lifetime. How many people can say that they live in the Holy Land, the Land of the Bible, or in Jerusalem—God’s holy city? This is the place where it all happened, the land of kings and prophets, shepherd boys and giants. It is a land that flows with milk and honey, where miracles happen, and where Bible prophecy is being fulfilled. Israel’s historical and future significance makes it an alluring place to visit and live.
In this seminar, Bonnie and Wayne Paterson will share about their life-transforming experience as volunteers living and working in Israel with the 60-member crew of the Bridges for Peace team representing 11 different countries. They will recount how they worked in the Food Centre to feed 24,000 needy Israelis in 40 communities each month, provided home repair programs for the poor and elderly, and supported Zealous, a program connecting young adults with God’s plan and purpose with the nation of Israel.
Jennifer Smith, Ontario Coordinator, will also provide a brief update on how Bridges for Peace is responding to the current war in Israel.
Bridges for Peace Introduction: For more than 50 years, Bridges for Peace has operated as an international Christian ministry headquartered in Jerusalem with the mission to build relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world. It takes seriously the call to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6) and provide materially for the Jewish nation that has blessed us spiritually (Romans 15:27). This is accomplished through compassion projects in Israel, tours to the Holy Land, and through regular Israel insights and prayer updates.
Bios: Prior to becoming Bridges for Peace Volunteer Representatives in Canada and Israel, Wayne and Bonnie Paterson worked successfully in their own insurance brokerage, led tour bus excursions, and played active leadership roles at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, their long-time church in Hamilton. They are proud parents and grandparents with a zest for life, a love of Jesus and Israel, and a desire to see God’s plan for the Jewish people fulfilled.
Jennifer Smith recently joined Bridges for Peace as the new Ontario Coordinator, where she manages the Volunteer Representative network, Church partnerships, and joint initiatives with the Ontario Jewish community. She has a lifelong love of the Jewish people and Israel, and a desire to see Christians and Jews reconciled. Jennifer recently graduated with a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies degree from Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo where she focused on restorative justice.
Contacts:
bpaterson@bfpcan.org
Website
https://www.bridgesforpeace.com/