Israel art contest for Christian youth announced

To commemorate Israel’s 75th anniversary, the Genesis 123 Foundation has launched a unique art contest for Christian children to connect with Israel Biblically, through their own eyes.

“What Israel Means to Me” provides children ages 5 to 17 the opportunity to depict what Israel means to them, artistically. They may choose to depict the significance of modern Israel, Biblical Israel, Biblical figures in Israel, the panorama and scenery of the Land of Israel, central Biblical landmarks, illustrating Biblical verses that are connected to Israel, and the intersection of these, and how that relates to them today on a personal level, or something else.

The contest will be held in four groups, ages 5 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 17.

Lydia Ingegneri, founder of Awaken Ministries International, one of the “What Israel Means to Me” Ministry Partners, said “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 is available at WhatIsraelMeansToMe.com. Registration must be done by May 14, and original entries postmarked no later than May 17.

A diverse panel of international judges, Jewish and Christian, will evaluate all the entries, with an announcement of first, second and third place winners on June 7.

Friends and family will also be invited to be able to vote on one entry per category.

Prizes will be awarded to 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.

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.

Interested churches and ministries are invited to join as a Ministry Partner to be sure that children in their church or community are able to participate.

Initial sponsors include Infinity Concepts, the 613 Foundation, Baker Foundation, Dr. Scott and Mrs. Suzanne Baum, Binghamton Baptist Church, Blessed Buy Israel, Jenna Calcaterra, Christian Friends of Israel, Gateway, Host Ministries, The Isaiah Projects – Biblical Excavations, Jerusalem Nano Bible, Nashville Christian Family Magazine, Nathaniel Foundation, SON Broadcasting, Ten Gentiles.