DIGGING DEEPER

The mission of Sign of Jonah requires both ongoing research into ancient sources as well as communicating those findings through media. Donations to this project are specifically used to pay for the production costs of the Rethinking Jonah YouTube Channel, the Sign of Jonah Times blog, and to fund new primary research and media about Jonah and other Hebrew prophets.

          Primary research into ancient sources involves much more than a Google search or a visit to the library. We live in an age of Jonah churnalism wherein it is increasingly acceptable, even among top academia, for scholars and authors to base new Jonah-related content upon that which is unsound. Since the faculty of most seminaries are skeptical of the historical Jonah, is it any surprise that the general populous is, too? But what is the alternative? And how does one raise the benchmark in modern times for what is passed off as sound Jonah-related research?

          The Digging Deeper project meets that need by re-introducing the historical Jonah through primary research and media. Your investment in ongoing Jonah-related research and media publication helps make it possible for skeptics to believe the prophets and come to faith in God.

Help Dr. Tom Belke and the Sign of Jonah team go worldwide to help people rediscover Jonah at venues, conferences, events, and forums. The Jonah Encounters project is about making the Scriptures come alive for people in a new way. 

           As the Jonah Bible translator and author, J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, "And some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge." Tolkien's Galadriel ring quote reflects what has happened over 2,500 years as knowledge of Jonah has gone from history to legend to myth and all but forgotten in modern times. 

           Help us to fix that. Help make Jonah encounters an ongoing reality as we go on the road.

Sign of Jonah's outreach includes supporting the ongoing work of missionary Amandine Bergman, RN's outreach in South Africa to help children transcend poverty. Several years ago, Amandine resigned from her position at a hospital in Lyon, France, and moved to South Africa to put little ones first by helping destitute children and the poorest of the poor in South Africa transcend poverty. Since "Amandine" is difficult for them to pronounce, they affectionately call her Ding Ding.

         The people of Nineveh fasted. But the prophet Isaiah asks, "What type of fasting is acceptable to the Lord (Isaiah 58:5)? His answer is, "... to loose the bonds of wickedness ... let the oppressed go free ... share your bread with the hungry ... bring the homeless into your house ... when you see the naked, to cover him, ... not to hide yourself from your own flesh ... pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted" (Isaiah 58: 6-10). 

          100% of your donated funds for Little Ones First go directly to this outreach to the poor in South Africa. As you respond in faith and partner with this ministry of compassion, the Word promises a return on your investment,  "... the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'" (Isaiah 58:8-9).

Be part of making a vision a reality in the establishment of a Jonah Study Center in Joppa, Israel. Thousands of people worldwide visit Joppa each year, yet many leave disappointed that there is no significant Jonah-related center. However, there could be.  Once established, it would be self-supporting by having a gift shop. 

          This project will partner with an Israeli-led entity (e.g., government, academic institution, entrepreneur, or consortium) to establish a Jonah Study Center in Joppa, Israel, suitable for scholars and visitors of all faiths and nations. I believe this Jonah Study Center will be a lasting institution, a gift to the world, and a huge success. With your help, it will become a reality.

          Make the Jonah Study Center in Joppa, Israel part of your lasting legacy!