Jerusalem
Profile in Mission: Marlin and Sally Vis
Ministry
Hospitality and Communication
Location
East Jerusalem, Palestine/Israel
Partner
Saint George’s College Jerusalem
What Need Is God Showing Us?
The situation of Palestinian Christians is at a crisis point. They are caught in a difficult place between Islamic and Israeli militancy. Many have left the area, leaving some to wonder if the Christian presence in the Holy Land will disappear altogether. They have asked the RCA to stand with them in more than just words—with a physical presence to work alongside them in their compassionate service to Palestinian refugees, and to help tell their story to followers of Jesus in North America
What Is God Telling Us to Do?
The Vises will work with Saint George’s College Jerusalem. Marlin will serve as chaplain and Sally as course assistant. They hope to use their gifts for pastoral ministry, Marlin’s gifts of teaching and preaching, and Sally’s gifts of hospitality and administration. The Vises also expect to receive visitors from North America—RCA pastors and lay people who will come alongside them in their ministry. Marlin and Sally have networked with a variety of Christian organizations that provide aid to the Palestinian Christian community, with the purpose of helping Palestinian Christians remain in the region. The Vises will alert RCA congregations about ways they can assist in this endeavor.
Who Is Our Partner?
Part of the Anglican Communion, Saint George’s College Jerusalem (www.sgcjerusalem.org) is a unique center for continuing education in the Holy Land. Saint George’s is a place for prayer, theological reflection, and pilgrimage and offers short-term courses as well as facilities for individual reflection and study. It is open to both clergy and laity. Saint George’s also offers insight into the ongoing conflict that impacts the Palestinian Christian community.
Up Close and Personal
Since they visited the region a few years ago, Marlin and Sally Vis have felt a deep connection with the Middle East. Trips to Israel/Palestine convinced them that they would one day serve as missionaries in the Holy Land. Sally has worked as an administrative assistant at Western Theological Seminary. Marlin spent nineteen years as a pastor in Portage and Holland, Michigan, and five years as a campus minister at Grand Valley State University. They have a grown daughter and son and two grandchildren.