Bridge To Jerusalem is one of Machaseh’s partners based in Oregon USA. Director Diana Nelson is a social worker who has been serving people for over 40 years in mental health, school and church settings.
"I first volunteered my social work skills at Machaseh in 2010 while on a sabbatical from my professional career. When God made it clear to me that this is to be my ‘new job’, I responded by establishing a non-profit organization called Bridge To Jerusalem. Today, seven service trips later, I am part of the Machaseh team and serve on their board.
It important that the Machaseh team has the assurance of ongoing working relationships in project planning and completion. My goal is to augment Machaseh’s efforts in providing care to their clients and community by providing assistance with 'boots on the ground ' in Jerusalem and creatively, while at home in Oregon. Thanks to the ‘internet machine’, I am able to have Skype meetings, manage their website and send out their monthly newsletters. I am always looking for creative ways to build personal connections between supporters in the U.S. and the individuals we work with in Israel. My projects to encourage Holocaust survivors are good examples. I want the people to know that they are thought of and loved. Projects to accomplish this include PenPal correspondence, annual Hannukah cards and the giving of practical gifts that individuals make or purchase.
My time spent in Israel is all about relationships: to love, support and serve people. Being invited into the lives of people is the greatest honor one can be given. This is my heart and vision as a Christian social worker. And it is the heart and mission of Machaseh, which makes us a perfect fit! Serving with Machaseh has led me into a deep love and commitment for Israel and her people. I am thankful to Machaseh for inviting me to partner with them in their very important work. It truly is an honor and a privilege, one that I will always be grateful to God for."
To learn more about the Bridge To Jerusalem, visit their website at www.bridge2jerusalem.net