Christians have become a dwindling minority in the Holy Land. In 1844, the Christian population in Jerusalem was 22%, but by 2011 it was 2%, and has continued to decline. This trend is found throughout Israel and Palestine, and in surrounding countries as well. The possibility that one day the Land of Christ may be almost empty of living communities of Christian faithful is a deeply disturbing prospect. Holy Land Christians are our foremothers and forefathers in the faith, descendants of the original followers of Jesus; it is very important that they maintain a presence in the land where Jesus lived and taught.

Research shows that the best way to encourage indigenous Christians to remain in the Holy Land, and to grapple with and surmount the challenges they face, is to ensure that they receive a good education in the land where they were born. If students go abroad to study, they often do not return home, and this contributes to the shrinking Christian population. Educated Christians are much needed in this area, to contribute to responsible and sustainable leadership in a country still torn by conflict and injustice.

The Holy Land Student Fund was started in 1975 to assist Christian students with their financial needs at private Christian schools and universities. Christian schools in this land do not enjoy endowments or major public subsidies, so parents have to shoulder most of the tuition burden. The Holy Land Student Fund exists to lighten this burden whenever possible.

Students become candidates for this financial help, when local ministers of Christian denominations identify and recommend them to the Student Fund Committee, comprised of 2 pastors, a social worker, an experienced teacher and a school principal. The candidate meets with committee appointees to determine intellectual ability and family financial need. The social worker then visits the family at home and reports to the committee, and the candidates with the greatest need are chosen to be sponsored.

For the 2023-2024 school year, 10 students are being sponsored: 6 at the university level, 2  in secondary schools, and 2 in elementary schools. University student support is up to  $4,000 per student per year, while secondary school is $3,000 and elementary support is $2,000 per year.  Students who have received support during their studies agree to contribute back to the fund once they have graduated and are employed. Sponsored students are from the Galilee area, the West Bank (including Jerusalem) and Jordan. Those in Jordan are Syrian or Egyptian Christians who took refuge there.

Donors who contribute to the Holy Land Student Fund choose their level of support. Some students are fully supported by a single 100% donor, some donors give 50%, and others give as they are able. A fully supporting donor can have contact with the recipient student, through the committee, and will receive updates on academic progress and other news about the student's life.

Pilgrim groups and individuals visiting the Holy Land are often inspired to become donors. One group hopes to gather several donors who pledge $1 per day for an entire year. St. George's Episcopal Church in Nashville, Tennessee, is supporting 4 students. And there are many other examples.

The Church of the Ascension in Lafayette, Louisiana collects all donations for the Holy Land Student Fund, and sends them to the Holy Land. Groups from this church have been on pilgrimage with Fr. Kamal and they have established a designated fund for this purpose. Not only will our contributions be tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, but 100% of the funds will go to the student bursaries, because the Church of the Ascension generously does not charge any overhead.

Checks or money orders may be mailed to:

Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 1030 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA. 70501.

Please put "Holy Land Student Fund" in the memo section of your check.