The Genesis 123 Foundation is launching a unique art contest for Christian children to connect with Israel Biblically, through their own eyes. If you are a parent of children under 18 or know someone who is, or want to connect children though your church, youth ministry, or other ministry, this is an opportunity not to miss.
“What Israel Means to Me” provides children 5-17 the opportunity to depict what Israel means to them, artistically. They may choose to depict a Biblical story or holiday, prophecies relating to Israel, modern Israel, the people of Israel, the scenery, food, and landscape of Israel, or something else. The contest will be held in four groups, pairing children of similar ages and developmental, educational, and artistic abilities.
Nashville resident Lydia Ingegneri is founder of Awaken Ministries International, and one of the “What Israel Means to Me” Ministry Partners, helping to promote the contest. “It is so critical for Christian children to understand the importance of Israel as well as develop a love for Israel. This art contest will afford children the opportunity to express the beauty and essence of the incredible nation of Israel in a diversity of ways. My hope is that every child who participates will grow deeper in their faith and closer to God in the process.”
Registration will be available at WhatIsraelMeansToMe.com from early February until April 15, 2023. A diverse panel of international judges will evaluate all the entries. Winners will be announced in a live event on May 14, the 75th anniversary of Israel’s declaration of independence, and restoration of Jewish sovereignty to the Land of Israel after almost 2000 years.
Exciting prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners in each category. In addition to prizes, winners will receive international recognition, and be eligible to host an exhibit of all the winning entries.
Friends and family will also be invited to be able to vote on one entry per category. Proceeds from “What Israel Means to Me” will support orphans and at-risk youth in Israel, giving the children who participate from around the world the opportunity to connect with and bless their peers in Israel.
In order to help make sure the contest has the widest reach possible, the Genesis 123 Foundation invites all interested churches and ministries to join as a Ministry Partner to be sure that children in your church or community are able to participate. Please be in touch with at [email protected] to be included and recognized as a Ministry Partner and receive updates.
Special thanks to the program’s initial list of sponsors including the 613 Foundation, Dr. Scott and Mrs. Suzanne Baum, Binghamton Baptist Church, Jenna Calcaterra, Christian Friends of Israel, Host Ministries, The Isaiah Projects – Biblical Excavations, Jerusalem Nano Bible, Nathaniel Foundation, SON Broadcasting, Ten Gentiles, and Nashville Christian Family, connecting people in the buckle of the Bible Belt to the original Bible Belt.
Jonathan Feldstein, Founder and President, Genesis 123 Foundation – genesis123.co
