International Ministries is co-operating with the Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary (NETS) (www.nazarethseminary.org)  to offer sabbatical opportunities in Israel/Palestine for American Baptists! NETS is an independent, inter-denominational evangelical seminary with links to and historic roots in the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel. The Association is a partner of International Ministries'.

NETS' month-long "Come and See" sabbatical program is an exciting, biblically-based sabbatical program offering interesting study topics related to the Holy Land. NETS offers this sabbatical opportunity twice per year, and each program is structured according to the specific learning preferences of the participants. Participants will enjoy staff support and access to the NETS library, as well as seminars designed specifically for the sabbatical. These seminars will explore themes related to the Holy Land and its people and religions, both past and present. A sampling of seminar topics could include: "Arab Christians in the Holy Land", "Insight into Islam" and "Biblical Interpretation in Context", among others. The program would also incorporate reading and study, and guided tours in and around Nazareth -- to visit the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, and Jerusalem, among other biblical sites, as well as more modern cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. There will be opportunities to meet with members of the Arab and Jewish community to hear their stories of faith and life in modern Israel, as well as opportunities to worship and share a meal with a variety of local congregations. Participants are welcome with or without a background in theology; our colleagues at NETS would love to guide you as you experience firsthand the intricate history and current realities of the Holy Land. 

 Brochure

NETS is excited to offer the "Come and See" sabbatical programs in the fall of 2012. The program will run from September 30 to October 27 and only ten places are available. So, if you or someone you know is interested in taking a sabbatical in Nazareth, the hometown of Jesus, please contact us at 1-800-222-3872 ext 2366, or email us at bimvolunteers@abc-usa.org.  Find out more information about volunteering with International Ministries at http://www.internationalministries.org/topics/volunteers.