CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S GROUP CELEBRATES ISRAEL’S BIRTH WITH ‘COMPASSION DAY’:

Hundreds of Women from 13 Nations Make Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

SEATTLE, April 15, 2008 – Aglow International, one of the world’s largest Christian women’s organizations, is continuing its commitment to the people of Israel by bringing nearly 400 women from 13 nations May 8-18, 2008  to Jerusalem to promote unity, prayer, and to form relationships between Jews and Christians. This year’s tour, Aglow’s eighth consecutive trip, corresponds with the 60th anniversary of the formation of the State of Israel. “We have an historic opportunity to make a difference in the spiritual atmosphere over Israel,” said Jane Hansen Hoyt, president of Aglow International. “Together we will gather in Jerusalem with thousands of believers to celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary, and to pray for a spiritual blessing on this nation and the Jewish people.”

Aglow designated Mon., May 12 as “Compassion Day” in Israel. Nine busloads of Aglow women and men  spent part of the day volunteering at numerous local charities that serve refugees, immigrants and orphans. Each year, Aglow donates thousands of U.S. dollars in humanitarian supplies for charity, and this year they will give “compassion suitcases” filled with toys, hygienic items and gifts, including teddy bears for child burn victims. Aglow’s gifts will help those living in Be’er Sheva, Bethlehem, Haifa, Jerusalem, Kazrin, Mizpeh Ramon, and Nazareth. “Unfortunately there are many poor and disadvantaged people in Israel, and tourism has been sporadic in recent years, which hurts the overall economy,” said Ledene Johnson, chief operating officer for Aglow. “But we take faith and hope in Israel’s future.”

Aglow women participated with TheCall in Jerusalem on the Global Day of Prayer, May 11, an event broadcast live on GodTV. The Seattle-based organization celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, and is one of the largest international women’s organizations in the world with more than 200,000 women meeting together in 4,300 fellowship groups in 172 nations. One of Aglow’s mandates is to support the nation of Israel and since 2000, has led eight tours to the Holy Land. Each year, the interdenominational ministry serves an estimated 17 million people worldwide through prayer, evangelism and works of compassion.