“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). 

After being closed for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SERVE Nazareth is proud to announce that it is once again open to visitors and volunteers from around the world. 

The program is also under new leadership: Majdoleen Nawatha has recently joined the SERVE Nazareth team as the organization’s new program coordinator. Majdoleen, who is local to the Holy Land, has a B.Ed in English from the Academic Arab College for Education in Haifa. Prior to this position, she worked as an English teacher and tutor. 

What Is SERVE Nazareth?

SERVE Nazareth is a volunteer program that connects Christians from around the world with local ministries in Nazareth. The program offers a variety of volunteer opportunities designed to allow volunteers to deepen their relationship with God and one another through service. 

Service activities include helping with maintenance or giving tours at Nazareth Village, a working first-century village that allows visitors to experience Nazareth as it was when Jesus lived there; joining the Chaplaincy team that provides spiritual comfort to patients at Nazareth Hospital; or working as a nurse’s aide in the Hospital. Whatever your age or skill set, SERVE Nazareth offers something for everyone. Accommodations are also available for groups (such as church mission groups or tour groups) and college students. 

Volunteers can also opt for a short- or long-term stay, depending on their availability and circumstances. Those staying for a month or more are also able to participate in exclusive day trips each month to sites of Biblical significance, such as the Sea of Galilee, Haifa’s Mount Carmel, and the Mediterranean. Free time is also provided on weekends for volunteers to explore Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. 

To apply, participants must first submit an enquiry form and request an application. Once the application (including references) has been completed, candidates are interviewed via Skype. 

Rates are $40/day (includes room, board, and placements) or $950/month (includes room, board, transportation to and from Ben Guiron airport in Israel, monthly day trips, and placements). 

The Importance of Service for Christians

SERVE Nazareth is rooted in one of the most fundamental tenets of Christian theology: that service is an essential part of a Godly life. In the Bible, Jesus tells us “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). We are all children of God, and to show love to one another through service is to serve Him. By giving our time, energy, and resources to make the world a better place, we are following in Jesus’s footsteps. 

Volunteering can also have immense benefits for your health and well-being. Mentally, service gives us a sense of purpose and makes us feel as though we are part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s been correlated with decreased risk of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. 

Physically speaking, research has found that people who volunteer are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure and have a lower overall mortality rate. It’s also been known to help reduce feelings of stress, which can have a negative impact on physical health. 

Finally, service—particularly Christian service—provides a chance to connect with other people. Since SERVE Nazareth attracts people from around the world, volunteers have a unique opportunity to meet fellow Christians from other cultures and places—all while experiencing the vibrant culture of the Holy Land. 

If you’re ready for the volunteer opportunity of a lifetime with SERVE Nazareth, submit an enquiry today. Want more information? Read testimonials from previous participants about their eye-opening experiences volunteering in the Holy Land. 

The Nazareth Project is the primary US partner of the Nazareth Trust, an organization dedicated to serving the population of the Middle East and the wider world through healthcare, education, proclamation, and service. Our work and mission are rooted in the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, though we are committed to serving all peoples, regardless of faith, political affiliation, or tradition. Offerings of the Trust include the Nazareth Hospital and the Nazareth Academic School of Nursing, as well as Nazareth Village and SERVE Nazareth, both of which allow patients, students, volunteers, pilgrims, and tourists to deepen their relationship with God and one another. Contact us today for more information on our programs, or consider donating to support our work!