Dale and Tara in Israel
Our mission is two-fold: first, to take people into the biblical world, and second, to help them clearly understand why we took them there. We are convinced that the Bible is the living Word of God, and when energized by the Spirit of God, it has the power to transform lives. However, for us today there are great gaps that often hinder our ability to understand God's awesome Word. These gaps include 2,000 - 3,500 years in time, and an understanding of the culture, the language, the idioms, the customs, eastern "Hebraic" thought, and the geography of the Biblical world.
We emphasize Bible lands study tours where we lead people on biblical encounters on location. Other activities include preaching, teaching, writing, and presenting biblical characters through dramatic re-enactments. The second part of our mission is accomplished in various ways as we seek to help people understand the universal timeless principles contained in the Word of God.
Our goal is for the intended meaning of the scriptures to be clear, intensely personal, and practical in order that people will be doers and not only hearers of the Word of God.
We seek to carry out this two-fold mission through six avenues:
- Touring: We are passionate about leading biblical study tours to the Bible lands
- Teaching: Presentations at churches, conferences, retreats, Bible colleges. Sermons, lectures, teaching series, dramatic first person presentations of Bible characters
- Writing: We are in the process of writing books on Bible backgrounds, Theological reflection, and Christian living. We are also developing resources for church ministry (Bible Study curriculum, Children's ministry materials, and dramatic and musical programs especially for use in smaller congregations). Keep checking the site for information about the availability of these resources.
- Mentoring: Seeking to help build and shape Christian leaders for today and tomorrow.
- Mobilizing: Raising awareness of needs and ministry opportunities in the US and abroad. As the Lord directs, Biblical Encounters targets specific ministry projects.
- Funding: As funds are made available the Biblical Encounters Foundation will provide financial assistance for pastors of small and rural congregations in the US and around the world to pursue study and growth opportunities such as seminars, conferences, clergy study tours, sabbaticals, and formal courses of study.