Page 5 - Bridges For Peace Continuing Ed Module 1

Douglas found out that the Christian & Missionary Alliance work in Israel had an
almost unused building on Prophet Street in Jerusalem. Doug suggested that
the C&MA people begin a Bible School at the site. The C&MA replied that they
felt that he was the man to begin the school, and that the C&MA would lease him
the property rent-free for five years if he would do so.

To his amazement, when he brought the news to Snook, he found she was not
greatly surprised. Whether it was woman’s intuition, or God’s preparation of her
heart, she too felt that this was His leading, and they had no choice but to follow.

However, such a school would need an American support base if it were to
succeed in Israel. A foundation was set in Minneapolis on November 14, 1958,
and a Board of Directors established.

In 1957 Dr. Young traveled to Israel to assist the eminent archaeologist Dr. Yigal
Yadin for a summer at an archaeological dig at Hazor in the north of the land. At
the same time he made hurried trips into Jerusalem where he met with leaders
and sought permits to begin the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem.
What a great experience, especially as Dr.Yadin, who later was to become the
Deputy Prime Minister of Israel, became a sincere and lasting friend.

Remarkably, the work got done. But in addition, Dr. Douglas Young quickly
became known at home as an educator with valuable archaeological experience
with one of the world’s leading archaeologists, and in Jerusalem he became
known almost overnight as a kindly and thoughtful Old Testament scholar with a
love for Israel, and an insight into the needs and aspirations of the nation of
Israel – something exceedingly rare among Gentiles. At the completion of his
work in Hazor, Douglas was about to leave Israel for Minneapolis when he
received Israel’s letter of official permission to begin an Israel-American Institute
of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem.

Returning home, Doug was transferred to Trinity Seminary in Chicago to teach.
Now he had permits for his school both in the USA and in Israel – but no
students, no staff…and no money. Everyone involved in the project was in prayer
for God’s leading when a lady in Chicago read an article about the school, and
called her pastor. How much would the school need to get off the ground? He
replied that he understood $10,000 would do it. The lady replied that she had
just received a check for $100,000 and was prepared to give the tithe of that
amount to launch the work in Jerusalem.

When Doug and Snook and the Board of Directors heard the news, their joy
knew no bounds. For Doug, it was far more than a gift of $10,000 – it was
confirmation that this was indeed the hour, and that God would supply.

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On July 31 , 1959, together with the first students for the Institute of Holy Land
Studies, Doug and his wife flew from New York to Israel. The first classes would