As the holidays approach, we all feel the urge to help those in need. GivingTuesday, a worldwide movement, gives us a chance to do just that. It is especially important for organizations like the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL), which does incredible work to support Christians in the Holy Land. Your generosity on Giving Tuesday can change the lives of Holy Land Christians through the efforts of FFHL.
The Holy Land includes places like Israel, Palestine, Jordan and parts of Lebanon and Syria. For Christians, this region is hugely important spiritually. It’s also home to a group of Christians who have been there since the time of Jesus. Christians here face many challenges financially, politically and religiously.
FFHL is a non-profit group that strives to keep the Christian presence alive in the Holy Land. Since it began, it has been a major force in helping the Christians in the region.
Here are 5 important ways that your support of FFHL’s GivingTuesday campaign can change the lives of Holy Land Christians.
- University Scholarships for Future Leaders
One of the primary focuses of FFHL’s mission is higher education. Since 1997, FFHL has provided full four-year university scholarships to over 650 students who were economically marginalized but had strong academic talent. These scholarships cover tuition and books, giving deserving young Christians access to quality education and enabling them to build a better future for themselves and their communities. By investing in education, FFHL helps ensure that talented Christian youth can remain in the Holy Land with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
- Vocational Training for Skilled Careers
For students who prefer to learn a trade or skill rather than pursue a four-year degree, FFHL provides vocational and technical education scholarships. Students can study at institutions like the Notre Dame School of Cooking and the Lutheran World Federation Vocational Training Center in Jerusalem, learning to become electricians, carpenters, auto-mechanics, plumbers, telecommunications experts, chefs, and more. These programs don’t just provide job skills, they give young people confidence, community connection and a reason to stay in their homeland.
- Musical Education Through the Magnificat Institute
FFHL provides musical scholarships to young Christians attending the Magnificat Institute in Jerusalem. Founded in 1995, the Institute promotes the study of music and celebrates cultural heritage through music education. The Institute brings together Christian, Muslim and Jewish students in a laboratory for peace and sharing, united through their love of music. With limited financial resources, many students cannot afford tuition. FFHL’s support ensures talented young Christians can express their God-given musical gifts and participate in this powerful program for interfaith harmony.
- A Safe Haven at the Franciscan Boys Home
The Franciscan Boys Home in Bethlehem, founded in 2007 and supported by FFHL, provides a caring environment for boys ages 6-18 from troubled families and difficult circumstances. The Home has welcomed over 150 children in the past 15 years, offering them education, psychological support and spiritual guidance in an atmosphere of love and forgiveness. Here, young men grow and mature both intellectually and spiritually, learning to live in peace and becoming productive members of their communities.
- Preserving Sacred Christian Sites
FFHL plays an important role in preserving the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Holy Land. The Foundation provides ongoing funding for the maintenance and preservation of sacred Christian sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem—the historical location of the Crucifixion, Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ. FFHL supports the upkeep of these holy sites so they may remain accessible for future generations of pilgrims and that the Christian presence in the Holy Land endures.
Your kindness on GivingTuesday can directly change the lives of Holy Land Christians through the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land. Every dollar contributed goes towards scholarships, healthcare, housing, employment initiatives and the preservation of the Christian heritage in the Holy Land. By supporting FFHL, you are not only ensuring the survival of these ancient communities but also helping them thrive in the face of adversity.
By supporting this cause, you become a source of hope for Holy Land Christian communities, reaffirming they are an important part of Christian history. Together, we can make a lasting impact and help Holy Land Christians build a brighter future.