2022
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WELCOME!
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he National Leadership Center (NLC) began with a shared vision to prepare a generation of leaders for Israel that understands their Biblical identity. It is not just a leadership training program. It is a spiritual experience fulfilling the Biblical prophecy, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) Our goal is to bring youth and leaders from all segments of Israeli society to experience leadership rooted in Israel’s culture and biblical roots. From the very beginning, the program has been a unique partnership. When I shared this vision with our friend, Mayor Ron Nachman, founder of Ariel in the heart of Biblical Samaria, he immediately caught its significance. Under Ron Nachman’s leadership, the City of Ariel provided the 142-acre site upon which we built the NLC facilities. We collaborated with the Ministry of Education in developing a curriculum that truly reflects Israel’s heritage. Since the National Leadership Center opened in 2010, over 85,000 participants have experienced our leading-edge programs, and the collaboration with the Ministry of Education has continued to flourish. I visited the NLC recently to see firsthand the expanded facilities that have been completed. These facilities double our capacity and make expanded programs possible to growing numbers of youth. And we are developing new programs that will equip students all across the nation to understand their life purpose. This is your invitation to join us in shaping Israel’s next generation of leaders. Heather Johnston Founder of JH Israel
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OVER 85,000 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER SINCE 2010
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I feel a strong responsibility for the future of Israel. That future is wholly dependent on how we prepare our young people today. Ron Nachman, Former Mayor of Ariel
You can learn more about the history and development of the National Leadership Center here.
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THE CITY OF ARIEL
WHERE STUDENTS COME FROM ALL OVER ISRAEL
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riel’s biblical roots and spiritual foundations are the sources of its unsurpassed pioneering achievements in the past, present and future. The most prominent of Israel’s pioneers lived in and around the city’s environs. Abraham’s divinely inspired journey to the Land of Israel began in the Samarian hills, where he set up his famous tent of hospitality. Joshua, who led the Jews into the Land of Israel following the exodus from Egypt, inherited this land, also known as the Hills of Ephraim. He and his pioneering ally, Caleb, are buried opposite the foot of modern-day Ariel.
Today, Ariel’s geopolitical location has drawn global attention. As the capital city of Samaria, Ariel maintains a politically recognized consensus status to the State of Israel. The city’s population, its strategic significance to Israel’s security, and its contribution to the nation’s economic growth make the city a valuable resource for the country. It has a large university that does leading edge research, and is adjacent to an industrial park that exports goods internationally. For JH Israel, the location of the National Leadership Center in Ariel is uniquely connected to Jeremiah’s prophecy, “There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Come, let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God’” (Jeremiah 31:6). We have developed a national staging ground for cooperation with this prophecy, as Gentile believers validate Israel’s identity. Today students from all over Israel come to Ariel, and experience transformation as they internalize their Biblical heritage and take on their spiritual identity.
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STUDENTS COME TO THE LEADERSHIP CENTER IN ARIEL FROM ALL OVER ISRAEL.
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OVERVIEW: WHAT PARTICIPANTS LEARN
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n Israel’s largely secular society, most Israeli youth have little understanding of their Biblical heritage. With nearly 28% of Israel’s population under the age of fourteen (compared to about 17% in other Western countries), this poses a monumental challenge. When students enter the NLC, they find state-of-the-art adventure ropes courses and individual challenge scenarios. By connecting this experiential learning to the narrative of Israel and great biblical leaders, our skilled trainers lead participants through a guided reflection and discovery process. The entire environment of the NLC connects them with a deep understanding of their identity and life purpose.
WHAT THEY LEARN AT EACH CHALLENGE Team Development Course (TDC) Profile of a Leader — The Transition from Moses to Joshua Main Principle: Leadership & Mentorship
Leap of Faith Facing Goliath — The Story of David and Goliath Main Principle: Facing Fears & the Substance of Confidence
Alpine Tower From the Pit to the Palace — The Story of Joseph Main Principle: Your Choices Matter & the Power of Hope
Odyssey Lech Lecha — Abraham’s Journey to the Promised Land Main Principle: Progress Involves Stepping into the Unknown
Climbing Wall Being Strong and Courageous — The Story of Joshua Main Principle: Courage and Strength Come From Knowing Who Upholds My Life
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The National Leadership Center Pioneer Museum New Classroom Ron Nachman Memorial Leap of Faith
New Exodus New Classroom
Alpine Tower
Od
ysse y
New Leap of Faith
New TDC
New Classroom Climbing Wall
Big Top
TDC
Office
Main Entrance
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PROGRAMS
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ince 2018, the National Leadership Center has strengthened partnerships that are expanding programs and content for greater life impact.
In-School Programs
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the National Leadership Center now extends programs into high schools across Israel. NLC staff do a pre-NLC class in the school which prepares students for their learning experience at the NLC, and then do a follow up session to solidify the personal learning which has taken place. NLC staff also do in school programs for student leaders using experiential learning techniques to teach the principles students would learn on the NLC challenge courses.
Scan here to watch a video of the in-school programs
IDF Programs
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is working with the NLC to develop a multisession program for IDF recruits that teaches the same sort of life lessons learned at the NLC. The IDF is also collaborating with the NLC team on a unique program for a minority group to prepare them for IDF service.
Parent-Child Program
At the request of the Ministry of Education, the NLC is developing a parentchild program modeled on the programs developed at JH Ranch.
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Scan here to watch a video of the parent-teen program
ur primary focus at the NLC is youth and a limited number of adult leadership groups. Our programs are planned for: Ages 12-15 Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Parent Teen Programs for parents and their teens together to celebrate this important milestone Ages 15-18 At risk students, high school students, student leaders, Arab Israeli students Ages 18-21 Pre-IDF course for minority groups, IDF youth Adults Parents of teens, educators, military, police and emergency service workers
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GROWING PARTNERSHIPS
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artnerships are the cornerstone of our shared vision, passion for service, and commitment to impact the next generation of Israeli leaders.
THREE FOUNDATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS 1. Ministry 0f Education 2. Israel Defense Force The Ministry of Education collaborates on curriculum development and supports programs for at risk youth and high school leaders. They invited the NLC to provide programs in high schools across Israel and are currently collaborating on development of a parent-child program.
The IDF is committed to send groups of youth to the NLC for training, and is collaborating on developing special programs for youth from minority communities and on multi-session courses.
3. City of Ariel The city of Ariel provides ongoing support for NLC operational staff and infrastructure development.
Other Significant Partnerships include youth movements, regional councils, municipalities, police, fire, and prison staff, military personnel, emergency service workers and even businesses. They send groups of students, youth and adult leaders to the NLC for team building and training.
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During my years in the Ministry of Education, I have witnessed a great impact on the lives of our youth who have been through the NLC experience, and even before they go through your gates in Ariel, during the preparatory activity in the schools. The whole process gives them a sense of belonging, and empowers them to find their purpose in life, thus motivating them to give back to the community and seek to do meaningful service for their nation. — Ruth Knoeller Levy, Director of Content, Programs, and Training, Ministry of Education
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After visiting and participating in the various activities, it evident that the students underwent an empowering and cohesive experience. Seeing happiness and joy on their faces at the moment of success gave us great satisfaction as educators. — Principal, Center for Jewish and Technological Education
When you instill in a child morals and ethics, are accepting of those that are different, and safeguard human dignity, you are in essence conveying some of the most important tenets of the Bible. I truly believe in this project, in teaching our children values and in making their leadership skills stronger. — Eliyahu Shaviro, Mayor of Ariel
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In my visit to the National Leadership Center in Ariel, I discovered a dynamic place, working to prepare a new generation of leaders for Israel. The Center raises questions that set the stage for personal growth and opportunities in an ever-changing and challenging environment. — Naftali Bennet, Prime Minister of Israel (Former Minister of Education)
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A NOTE FROM ERAN GLAZER
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halom!
In 2009, I was part of a delegation from Israel’s Ministry of Education that went to visit the JH Ranch. That trip became the journey of a lifetime where I found my own purpose in life. I determined that I wanted to serve G-d and others, and that I wanted a deep personal connection with G-d. During that trip, I also met Bruce and Heather Johnston, who have become my mentors and continue to be an important influence in my life. When I came to the National Leadership Center four years ago, I began to realize my desires, dreams and vision to help Israel’s youth find their purpose in life – to reconnect them to their biblical and cultural roots and reach their full potential. I like to say that we are living under the smile of G-d. I see an amazing future ahead, with thousands of students coming to Ariel to evaluate their lives and to learn the biblical principles of leadership, in order to become strong, value-oriented citizens, who take responsibility for our country and who “It’s one thing to read about prophecy. It is another are committed to serve others. thing to see prophecy fulfilled (Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 31). I am grateful to be a partner with you It is a whole new and exciting adventure to be part of in this family called JH Israel, and I’m prophecy fulfilled.” looking forward to our journey together for many years ahead. This is just the – Mark and Cathy Marchesani, Board Members beginning and the best is yet to come! Eran Glazer Executive Director of the NLC
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MOVING INTO THE FUTURE
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER PRIORITIES
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s the NLC continues to experience favor with leaders in government and education, there are growing opportunities to shape the next generation of leaders in Israel. To do this, we are focused on the following priorities:
1. The National Leadership Center will become a truly national movement by: • Increasing “in school” programs • Having programs in multiple locations • Developing “multi-session” programs 2. We shape the next generation of leaders with a lasting impact on families through Parent-Child programs. 3. We develop digital and online resources to scale our programs nationally. • Interactive content for student reflection • Measurement tools will help us evaluate program effectiveness
4. Ongoing facilities development at the NLC will increase effectiveness. • Completion of the landscaping and development of overnight facilities • Creating a conference and training center in the Big Top
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FUNDING THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER 2022-2023 Funding for the National Leadership Center has three parts — the cost to operate the NLC, student scholarships and special projects.
THE COSTS TO OPERATE THE NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER
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PARTICIPANTS
ANNUALLY
WEEKLY
2022
10,550
$630,000
$15,000
2023
he National Leadership Center operates for 42 weeks a year, providing unique leadership development courses based on Biblical content for Israel’s youth. Our goal is to provide funding for each of the 42 weeks through NLC 42, a special group of JH Israel partners – individuals, families or groups who underwrite the cost of a week of NLC operation.
12,400
$630,000
$15,000
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NLC STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
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here are four main groups coming to the NLC. Three of those groups require scholarship funding: • The cost of students sponsored by the Ministry of Education is partially subsidized – scholarships are needed for the remainder. • The parents and teens coming for the first time are families needing assistance. • At risk youth coming from other organizations need funding for their students to participate.
2022
GROUP
SCHOLARSHIP
Ministry of Education Students $20 per student
PARTICIPANTS
2023
COST
PARTICIPANTS
COST
7,000
$140,000
8,500
$170,000
Parent-Child Participants
$50 per person
200
$10,000
400
$20,000
At Risk Students and Groups
$50 per student
1,000
$50,000
1,200
$60,000
IDF Groups
$0 per person
2,350
$0
2,500
$0
10,550
$200,000
12,400
$250,000
TOTAL
These scholarships are provided through JH Israel’s Gideon’s 300 and the Joshua Generation.
NLC Student Scholarships Ministry of Education Students
$20 per student
At Risk and Parent - Child
$50 per student
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NLC GROWTH PROJECTS Facilities Completion We have made major strides in expanding capacity. There are several facilities and content projects which will maximize the effectiveness of this added capacity. NLC Guest Experience Completion of the landscaping, pathways and restroom facilities throughout the property. Overnight Facilities Developing an overnight camping area with campsites, permanent tent facilities, washrooms and a leader’s cabin for multi-day programs onsite. Big Top Upgrading the Big Top to provide conference and training facilities for the NLC to host national events.
Content Development With increased demand from the Ministry of Education and the IDF, we are developing programs and content that meet the needs of a wider range of youth. Parent-Child Program Test and complete the full content for the Parent-Child programs to impact Israeli families. Take 5 Version 2.0 With classroom sessions and a variety of new opportunities, revised content incorporating current approaches will help this core content have even greater impact. Online Content Supplementing the core content with videos, interactive content and measurement tools will augment revised Take 5 content.
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HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED
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ou can choose to be involved in supporting JH Israel financially through one or more of these programs:
JOSHUA GENERATION Your monthly gift (minimum $25) will help provide scholarships to raise up a Joshua Generation in Israel who understands their Biblical heritage and becomes a generation of great faith, purpose and accomplishment.
GIDEON’S 300 Be one of Gideon’s 300, a loyal band of supporters who give a gift if $100 monthly or $1200 yearly to provide scholarships for the spiritual development of Israel’s future leaders.
NLC 42 Be one of 42 individuals, families or groups who underwrite the cost of one week out of the 42 weeks that the NLC operates (Cost $15,000).
HISTORY MAKERS As a History Maker, part of our group of committed donors that give at a significant level, you can support the Growth Projects for the National Leadership Center in Ariel, Israel.
Will you join us in shaping Israel’s next generation of leaders?
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OUR COMMITMENT TO PRAYER
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H Israel began with an emphasis on prayer. Early in our history, prayer teams were formed to pray through every major event, tour, and development. Today the JH Israel Prayer Network intercedes for the nation of Israel, the work of JH Israel and the National Leadership Center. We recently established the Israel Virtual House of Prayer (IVHOP) which has over 150 people leading thousands of believers from 29 nations in praying for Israel 24/7 in 10 languages.
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Coming here is more than just an experience. It is something you carry with you for life. - Ocean Wallach, NLC Participant
We talked a lot about the heroes of the Tanach (Bible), and you can see that they had the same fears and problems. - Amitay Mor, NLC Participant
“It is said that God invites you to come to Israel. We really felt his call to not only taste and see Israel, but participate in supporting the next generation of Israeli youth when we visited the National Leadership Center. Here kids come together and reconnect with their Biblical roots to rediscover their identity. They are reminded how God loves them and chose them to be his people.” – Mike and Marna Sharpe, Board Members
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACTIVE Heather Johnston* Founder & President Mountain Brook, AL Steve* & Karla Cowden Bellingham, WA Gus* & Johanna Gonzalez Johns Creek, GA Jesse* & Carol May Huntsville, AL Al & Janis McWilliams Chair, Amutah Healdsburg, CA Trey* & Lori Rosenthal Secretary Mountain Brook, AL Norm* & Lynette Schulz Snohomish, WA Mike & Marna* Sharpe Founding Members Tampa, FL
Steve & Stacy* Sharpe Irvine, CA Nestor Turczan* Monrovia, CA Terry* & Sharon Turner Chairman Roswell, GA Mark* & Sue Younger Santa Clarita, CA ADVISORY Michael & Donna Gibney Summerland, BC Canada Pam Hanes Mobile, AL Mark & Cathy Marchesani Palm Beach Garden, FL Dave & Kathie Speck Glendora, CA * Denotes voting members
“We chose to invest into Israel in obedience to God, advancing the covenant and promises of God to His people. JH Israel and the NLC connect peoples, cultures, governments and organizations working cohesively to educate the next generation of leaders on their biblical history, roots and calling, defining their heritage and the importance of their future.” – Terry and Sharon Turner, Board Members
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