Since 1970, out of a compelling love for the land of Israel and its inhabitants, Gerald has been accompanying or hosting Tours. In the first decade the 70's, his emphasis was toencourage the Jewish peoples, assisting in their becoming established in their homeland.

However, in 1980, Gerald was challenged by two different ministers as to why Christians seem only to be interested in the Jewish population of Israel and not also the Arab. He was told, "Don't you know there is a problem in the land of Israel and do you know what the problem is?" Yes, I replied, it has to do with ownership of the land between the Jew and Arab.

How do you expect to resolve this problem if the Christians only ministers to the Jewish population? Who will minister to the Arabs? This fundamental question provoked my thinking. I must pray about this. They were correct.. .Who will minister to the Arabs?

God used this young man to open doors into many Moslem communities in which he had relatives and friends. Consequently, he assisted me in opening a short term Bible School in East Jerusalem in 1988 in which 16 Moslem young men graduated. All my Tours since 1981 have now included the Arab communities along with the Biblical Holy Sites in Israel and Jordan. It was also in 1980, I was introduced to the beginnings of the International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem. My tour group attended the first anniversery of the Embassy in Jerusalem, 1981. It was through my involvment with the Embassy, that opened the door for our ministry to the Arabs. Israel Affairs International was begun in 1990, an outgrowth and affiliated with Gospel Crusade, Inc. Missions of Bradenton, Florida. Israel Affairs International is the official arm of Gospel Crusade, Inc. to educate the Christian Community Worldwide of the Christian's role in building bridges of peace and love between the Jew and the Arab in the Middle East and around the world. Also we are committed to enlightening the Christian to their responsiblitly in relating to the Jews and the Land of Israel to prepare for the Messiah's return. To date we have trained 26 Arab's, both Moslem and Druse of the Golan in our Institute of Ministry Training School in Bradenton, Florida. These native born men of Israel both of Israeli citizenship and West Bank Palestinians are today carrying the message of their Messiah to their fellowmen of their villages and country.

Also a definate inroad of ministry has opened in 1993 to the Ancient Samaritan peoples of Shecham, modern name today is Nablus of the Gerizim Mountain. The high priest and officials have visited churches in America under the direction of Gerald Derstine. Since then a number of them have been water baptised into the Christian faith.

A book was written entitled "Fire Over Israel" and during the distribution of its second printing, certain controversy regarding statistics arose. Gerald felt directed to take it off the market until a new printing could substantiate more accurately its content.

Gerald Derstine continues to take Tour Groups to Israel, yearly. Usually the month of March and or October are the times his Tours visit Israel. His Tours are two fold.. .to visit the native village peoples, building relationships and also to introduce the Biblical sites of Israel for Christians visiting the Holy Land. You may acquire updated information by writing to the address below.

Israel Affairs, International
Gerald Derstine, Director
1200 Glory Way Blvd. Bradenton, FL 34212
Phone: 941-746-2882
Fax: 941-746-3943
eMail: ggbd@webtv. net