Hope native and minister in Israel for many years, John Anthony returned home on the weekend to bring a message to his family and friends in Hope at the First Presbyterian Church about his work in Israel and it’s significance.

Many visitors attended the service, according to First Presbyterian pastor and childhood friend of Anthony, Rev. Phil McLarty.
Anthony talked about receiving a divine message at a young age.
“When I was ten years old, God told me that I would one day live in the land of the Bible,” he said.
In 1970, Anthony and his wife, Connie, from Mt. Ida, accepted an invitation to work at a summer camp program in Israel.

“That proved to be the fulfillment of a vision and the start of a 27- year career as missionaries to Israel,” Anthony said.
They ministered with Hebrew, Russian, Arabic, English and international communities, according to Anthony.
He talked to the congregation at the First Presbyterian Church about Jewish practices. He presented information on the Hebrew roots of Christianity. He spoke on the importance of supporting Christians in Israel in modern times.

“We need to pray for Arab Christians in the land of Israel, they are having a hard time,” Anthony said.
He gave Biblical scriptures, one then another, on the land of Israel to help the church understand it’s importance based on Biblical scripture.

Anthony also talked on the work he does in a project known as Bridges for Peace. Bridges for Peace is a Jerusalem-based, Christian organization supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews worldwide through education and practical deeds. It teaches about the Hebrew background of the Christian faith, according to Anthony.

The massive movement feeds 25,000 people a month in Israel and has renovated more than 750 homes for the elderly in the Jerusalem area, he said.