The opportunity:

This summer I have the incredible opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Ark of the Covenant archaeologically. I will be volunteering at two archaeological excavations, Tel Shiloh and Tel Ashdod. Tel Shiloh is where God first caused his name to dwell, and the tabernacle stood there for about 300 years. I've had the honor of working with the Associates for Biblical Research here for the past two years and am eager to continue working with and learning from them. Tel Ashdod, on the other hand, was one of the five major Philistine cities. It was also the first place that the Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant when they overtook Shiloh. I am very excited to start working with the Lanier Center for Archaeology, where I have been pursuing my MA in archaeology and biblical studies this past year. At both of these digs, I will have the opportunity to learn from top scholars and specialists in the field, get hands-on experience, and have the joy of uncovering the ancient context of the Scriptures.

Why this matters:

I have to share with you that a couple of months ago, I asked the Lord to make it clear to me what he would have me do this summer. I asked how I should steward my time and serve him. I never dreamed that that answer would come with the offer to go to Shiloh on scholarship and that it would flow perfectly into Ashdod. Indeed, his ways are not my ways and his thoughts not my thoughts, and hallelujah for that!

The financial need:

While I am greatly blessed to serve at Shiloh again on scholarship, this summer is still a significant financial burden for me. To go for both digs (which will be a little over 2 months together), I have to quit my current job and will shortly have to move when I return home. I also still have to pay for airfare and for registration and in-country costs for Ashdod. As such, I am raising $6,200 to cover my airfare and Ashdod costs.

How you can get involved:

I am so enjoying sharing my journey in biblical archaeology, and I would be honored and so grateful if you would partner with me in this journey. I covet your prayers and would greatly appreciate a gift of any size. I don't know where the Lord is leading me in this journey, but I would love to share all that the Lord is doing in this world and pray that it may be an encouragement. I will be sharing updates along the way through my socials and Substack so stay tuned! Indeed, the very stones cry out, and the heavens declare the glory of the Lord!

I thank you for your consideration, prayers, and encouragement!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to current events, there is a small chance that Ashdod may be canceled. In the (at this point I believe unlikely) event that Ashdod is canceled, I will use the funds raised for our inevitable return next year in 2027. As part of my school credit, I must attend at least one excavation with our team, so I will be returning, Lord willing.