Nazareth, Israel - The Association of Baptist churches in Israel (ABC) has launched a fundraising campaign among friends and Christian organizations around the world to purchase a house in Nazareth to be used as a center for mission and ministry ("the Baptist House"). In its appeal, the ABC writes: "We have a vision (and beginning plans) for a Bible college, a center for training of leaders and pastors, and a place to promote home-study groups. In addition, the ABC needs a place for a central administration office".

The house that the ABC aims to purchase is owned by the International mission board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist convention of the USA. It is located in the "American neighborhood" (named after the origin of the house owners) in the Northern part of Nazareth .It is a 2 storey building of 500 square meters on a 1.2 donum of land.

The house was built in the fifties and was used since then as a residence for Baptist Mission workers or journeymen of the IMB. Yet the house was also used for youth meetings and different activities for local Arab Baptist youth and young couples.

The decision to sell the house is part of a worldwide new IMB policy of focusing on reaching out to "People Groups" and planting new churches. As part of this policy, the IMB decided to withdraw from any other activity that does not comply with the above mentioned policy, as the IMB see it.

The decision to sell the "Baptist House" was taken without consultation with the local Arab Baptists and created anger and bitterness as the local Baptists believed that such a house is an ideal location and in a country were land is scarce and expensive should be handed over to the local Baptists for the continuation of ministry among the Arabs in Israel. In the appeal, ABC chairman Fuad Haddad writes: "Property establishes credibility and stability in the land" .Furthermore,Christian Arabs are leaving Israel in masses, which increases the danger of having no Christian presence in the Holy Land.

The IMB rejected ABC's request, but offered the ABC the first priority in purchasing the house and a discount of 10% in its price. The cost is approximately US $620,000. The ABC churches committed to raise US $50,000 locally. The ABC is asking individuals and churches ? both in Israel and abroad? to help raise the remaining $508,000 that will allow, with the discount from the IMB, to purchase the building.

If you wish to learn more about this, visit www.baptist.org.il