SERVE Nazareth provides experiences like no other. Our programmes are tailored to each volunteer providing a personalised journey and experience for each SERVEr. Each volunteer encounters something unique and special to them.
We were recently joined by a church group from Scotland. John from the group shares some of his experiences with us.
Throughout 2017, we have taken significant steps to develop and strengthen the Christian identity of the Trust across all areas of our work. We give thanks for two study days on the theme of healing and forgiveness which had a very positive impact on the lives of staff, volunteers and friends of the Nazareth Hospital.
Another successful summer camp for 50 children of Nazareth Trust staff and their extended families was led by Fadi Hanna, director of Child Evangelism Fellowship, with the support of local and international volunteers.
The end of November saw a successful Week of Health and Healing take place and we were privileged to be able to host a team from the Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre in the UK. We were joined by numerous local ministers and former doctors who had previously served with EMMS Nazareth. This event combined the clinical and spiritual dimensions of healthcare, laying a solid foundation for our plans to develop a fuller model for integrated spiritual care, which we are building on in 2018.
When people come to SERVE in Nazareth Village, there are always surprises. From unexpectedly meeting with people from home who are touring the Holy Land, to being involved in special Christmas and Easter programmes, there are always stories to tell and fun experiences to be had. But for some the experiences last even longer. Film crews sometimes need actors to film reenactments of Biblical stories, or like here, the Village itself makes a film to show people the next stage of our vision. Paul and Karalena are two of our SERVErs who feature in this short film, to tell people about the new discovery centre we are going to build. They are already part of the Nazareth Village’s vision – you can find out how to join them here.
It had long been a dream of ours to visit the Holy Land, and our 40th anniversary seemed like a good time (only the visit came a year and a half later!) We weren’t drawn to the idea of an organized tour, with its hurry-up pace, and when friends mentioned Nazareth Village, we started investigating. We didn’t know about the 150 year old history of the Nazareth Hospital, or how it was started by an Armenian who, taught in school by an American, later studied to be a doctor in Scotland and ended up in Nazareth, sometime near the start of the American Civil War. Interesting stuff! So, after filling out some papers (we discovered SERVE Nazareth) and a Skype call with a couple of matronly (we thought!) ladies, we boarded the plane and arrived in Nazareth the week before Holy Week, 2018.
My work consisted in accompanying Simon, a chaplaincy volunteer, at the hospital a couple of mornings a week. He’s a born evangelist, and it was good to see him at work, delicately presenting Jesus to people belonging to 3 major religions
The next day (this sounds like the gospel of John!) SERVE organized a tour out to the Sea of Galilee and though still somewhat in our travel stupor, we were amazed/thrilled at seeing places where Jesus actually walked, called his disciples, preached and healed. (He probably ate and slept there too, but that somehow didn’t seem important.) We were also bewildered at the banana plantations near the shores of the Sea. The Bible doesn’t mention bananas, does it? Seemed a little out of place (though we later discovered the bananas were really good!).
The name SERVE Nazareth is really quite descriptive. We were there to serve, and serve we did, but the SERVE directors were always serving us, organizing trips, offering advice, showing us around, making sure we had lunch or dinner in the fridge, and just being friends. (Thank you, Christine and Jane! Getting to know you dispelled the “matronly” idea! You are now, a Brit and a Yank, “grafted in” to Nazarene culture.) Nevertheless, we did eat at the Hospital canteen, which in my American English means something different. They served more than drink, however, and the food was tasty – for a hospital! I think I had more cabbage that month than usually eaten in a year’s time!
My work consisted in accompanying Simon, a chaplaincy volunteer, at the hospital a couple of mornings a week. He’s a born evangelist, and it was good to see him at work, delicately presenting Jesus to people belonging to 3 major religions, all stuck in one place for a variety of health reasons. I couldn’t communicate much with people, but could pray! Judi was with the babies in the maternity ward. Being a nurse, she loved it, and not communicating wasn’t a big deal, since babies don’t talk. But they can cry!
Last week we hosted a reception in the Scottish Parliament. We were delighted to be joined by current and former staff, MSPs, supporters of our work and those with an interest in the Middle East.
From small beginnings in Edinburgh, the Nazareth Trust is now one of Israel’s most prominent Christian organisations. For over 150 years, we have been offering compassionate care in the Middle East. Throughout many changes and challenges over this time, our organisation has been a steadfast Christian presence, bridging cultures and communities. Our reception was a celebration of a fresh chapter in a long story.
During the event our speakers shared insights into our current work in Israel and our ambitious vision for the future. Our guests heard from:
For those who were unable to join us, you can catch up on some of the presentations here:
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Best wishes from
The Nazareth Trust Team
We usually receive an intake of students in October of each year. I always keep an eye out for new students to learn their names and to see how they are settling in. After my many years of experience I can usually tell when things are going well and when they aren’t quite right.
I remember one student whose behaviour seemed a little unusual. Whether she knew it or not, she was coming across to other students as being quite arrogant and some of the School secretaries and staff started to raise questions about her attitude and interaction with others. To be a good nurse, strong interpersonal skills are really important and so this was of concern to me.
In the School we have a support system through which every teacher becomes a sort of counsellor for a number of students. I asked to become this student’s counsellor so I could find out how best I could help. Very quickly I discovered that this student had a lot of anger and felt that life hadn’t treated her fairly. On the surface, you would never have thought that such a beautiful twenty-year-old could have such anger and feelings of low self-worth.
The student had experienced a lot of pain in her life, but I discovered that she was a Christian and open to discussion, so I started working with her to resolve these problems through our shared faith in Jesus Christ. The Trust’s Spiritual Director happened to be meeting with two priests from oversees. They all prayed with me and for our student which was a real help.
I always keep an eye out for new students to learn their names and to see how they are settling in.
After we had prayed, the student was so cheerful and full of joy. Her church affiliation is strong and is more tolerant of other people than before. All the staff noticed a sudden change in her attitudes and behaviour. She is now kind and respectful, making every effort to study hard and pass her exams.
I am sure that in many other Nursing Schools this student would not have been given the chance to continue her studies and may have been shown the door. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to open up to change, even if it is difficult. The supportive care that she received here made a real difference, not just to the outcome of her studies, but to her as a person and to the community she will be part of later in life too.
We are now recognised by the Higher Counsel of Education to offer B.A. degree level qualifications to our students, through a brand-new partnership with a neighbouring college, Emek Yisrael.
Please pray for the students who started this new programme in November 2017 and pray for the staff from both institutions to form solid relationships with mutual respect and mutual understanding at the heart of all we do.
