Mennonite Church Canada Witness
International Ministry Opportunity

Assignment objective

SERVE Nazareth is a volunteer ministry based in Nazareth, Israel for anyone over 18 years of age. The program connects Christian volunteers with local Arab churches to experience another culture, build relationships and gain understanding about the church in the Holy Land.  

Qualifications: Necessary skills, experience and education

• High school diploma, University degree not required. 
• Active participant in Christian congregation. 

Assignment description

SERVE Nazareth participants are placed with local churches during their time in Nazareth and are expected to attend that church weekly.  Each church is encouraged to provide a “host family” for the participant to enable them to have a stronger connection with that church and community. The chance to serve in a local church enables participants to learn more about that church and its ministry in the town, while serving them in love and building them up with prayer and practical support.

The three month summer internship program is ideal for young adults (18-30) to learn and grow with other interns as they learn and serve the local church in a team setting with other interns. The schedule for participants is based on full time service and study, with each week being split between ministry placements, community placements and study for their educational course. Participants will also be involved in group activities including devotions, services and trips. They will be encouraged to become part of the local community, through the churches and attendance at other Christian meetings and by developing relationships with local people.

The Associate program is a flexible 1-6 month program designed to fit into any schedule. Associates are similar to interns with the exception that they will be primarily self-guided. This program is ideal for retirees or married couples.

For almost 150 years, The Nazareth Trust has been 'Healing in the Name of Jesus' in Nazareth. What started as a humble clinic with 4 beds has grown to become Nazareth's General Hospital sitting high on 25 acres of Nazarene hillside we have owned since 1906. For 80 years our School of Nursing has offered an open doorway to all young people from the Nazareth area, preparing them for a life of service and care for others. At the bottom of the hillside sits the 'Nazareth Village', where Jesus' parables come to vivid life in an archaeologically and historically accurate portrayal of rural life in New Testament times. The Nazareth Trust hold no political or denominational standpoints.

SERVE Nazareth is run by the Nazareth Trust, by Administrators Matthew Altman and Christine Farah, who report to the CEO of the Nazareth Trust. Participants are located at the Nazareth Hospital EMMS, under the direct supervision of the Administrators, who seek to provide support for the participants and are accountable for the program.

Primary duties

• Church placement (youth work, summer camps, general support)
• Community work (Home for the Elderly, work in local hospital, work in the town)
• Study (completion of the educational course)

Financial Arrangements

Mennonite Church Canada will assist the volunteer couple with inviting support for this assignment from their home congregation. Funds are dependent on donations received. Expenses would include the following:

• International travel; $1250+ per person
• Summer Internship (June-Aug) program costs: ~ $3100
• Associate costs: $850 per month.
• Medical insurance

Location factors

• Accommodation – Nazareth Hospital EMMS Campus, spacious single sex flats with shared facilities.
• Climate – hot and dry through summer, rain October to March/April and cooler temperatures. Cold in the winter months, with heating and warm clothing essential.
• Health facilities – located at a hospital, these could barely be easier! Health insurance is a requirement, to cover all eventualities.
• Church – churches of all denominations are available, though only some with translation. English services are available at the Hospital each week for expats and English speakers.
• Transportation – transport to and from the airport is provided, as well as for scheduled outings. Public transport is regular and reasonably priced, though the restrictions for the Jewish Sabbath should be taken in to account.

Interested in Applying?

You can get started right away by filling out our General Expression of Interest form or you can contact:
Kirsten Schroeder
Director of Human Resources
email:
Phone: (204) 888-6781
Toll-free: 1 866-888-6785 ext. 110

Participants from other churches may apply to SERVE Nazareth directly at serve@nazarethtrust.org