Pastor Chris Hodges

May 4, 2011

On May 4th Pastor Chris Hodges, the head pastor at Birmingham’s Church of the Highlands, came to Ariel for a personal meeting with Mayor Ron Nachman. Pastor Hodges, along with his church, has conducted a number of initiatives – both locally and internationally – that point to the character of his community. Locally, the Church of the Highlands led the relief effort following the devastation of the tornado that ripped through Birmingham this spring. Internationally, Pastor Hodges identified the powerful role of the Ariel National Leadership Development Center and chose to support this effort by providing funding for the site’s new big-top event tent.

Mayor Ron Nachman took Pastor Hodges on a private tour of Ariel. Amongst the various stops, the Ariel National Leadership Development Center was obviously the highlight. When Pastor Hodges arrived there were two groups training at the Center. He was invited to address the Israel Police Force group which frequents the Center on a weekly basis.

The police officers were excited to meet the pastor and to get a chance to freshen up on their English. Pastor Hodges spoke to the point. He explained that it is a unique opportunity for his community to be involved with what is happening at ANLDC. He added that the Israel Police Force should be encouraged to know that the American people stand firmly behind them, even if the current US administration does not make that message clear. The police officers thanked Pastor Hodges for his remarks, for his support, and for his visit.

American Friends of Ariel looks forward to future opportunities to host Pastor Hodges and many more members of his community here in Ariel.