June 13, 2013
Billye Brim Ministries has been bringing groups to Israel for over two decades. The charismatic and eloquent Billye Brim is one of the foremost ambassadors of Ariel in the Christian world, ensuring that all her groups come and experience the revival of the Land of Joshua through the City of Samaria. Billye was joined by Pastor Lynne Hammond of Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and by Ariel’s longtime friend and supporter, Victoria Hearst.
After a brief musical performance at the Ariel Regional Center for Performing Arts and an orientation about Ariel with Executive Director Avi Zimmerman, the group of 90 pilgrims from across the US touched the treasured land of Israel and realized Biblical prophecy with a special vine planting ceremony at the edge of Ariel, as it says in Jeremiah, “you shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria.”
For some in the group, touching the land of Israel wasn’t enough. They wanted to fly through the air. They had the chance to do so at the Ariel National Leadership Development Center (ANLDC), the foremost outdoor training facility in Israel.
At the Center, the group first paid respects to the late Mayor Ron Nachman at his gravesite overlooking the city, joined by Ron’s widow, Dorith. Half of the group then braved the Center’s 55-foot “alpine tower” and the “Leap of Faith,” a test in balance, endurance and also faith. They had to trust their teammates to catch any “fall” using ropes tied to their harnesses. All courses at the Center are designed to develop leadership qualities: confidence, goal setting, persistence, teamwork, and stamina. The curriculum of the Center draws from the Hebrew Bible and Jewish heritage.
The group also got acquainted with the youth of Ariel, first at dinner at the Eshel HaShomron Hotel, where they were joined by Ariel’s teenagers, then through the “Dance of Nations” by Ariel’s talented youth dance troupe. The day culminated with a performance of “Rock Around the Clock” in a true celebration of the American-Israel alliance.
We look forward to welcoming Dr. Billye and her ministry next year!