There was a vision set forth long before My Olive Tree entered the picture. This vision, proclaimed in the Word of God, dates back to the Old Testament. The prophets at the time told of Israel’s restoration—the renewal of land and of the Jewish people. This foundational decree was how My Olive Tree got started—how we have grown as a reviving ministry and organization, as well as how we partner with God to reforest His land and plant seeds of hope into His people.
How is the Lord using My Olive Tree to grow the nation of Israel?
A meeting of the nations.
It was 2004 when Curt Landry, the founder of My Olive Tree, met with then Israeli Financial Minister, and now Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Curt was working on a large humanitarian aid project at the time and knew he was called to love, serve and help restore the nation of Israel.
Netanyahu explained to Rabbi that while charity was greatly appreciated, he wanted his nation to be sustainable. He expressed the desire for a long-term solution for the nation of Israel.
Netanyahu’s vision was built on the principle of, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” His vision was bigger than simply providing aid in the moment of need. He knew the people needed a much bigger picture, not a quick fix that would grow a nation of charity. He spoke about stability and economic growth, and how in order for Israel to flourish, there must be the following:
- Job opportunities
- Development of multiple industries
- Sustainable assets that mature over time
This meeting clarified the vision for My Olive Tree.
My Olive Tree understood what was to be done. We were to care not only for the Israeli people, but also for the agriculture and land around them. We knew that harnessing the earth’s potential and making the desert bloom was part of the Jewish hope and heritage.
“‘On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages;
I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom,
and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ says the Lord who does this thing. ‘Behold the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘When… the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; they shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,’ says the Lord your God.”—Amos 9:11-15
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The business plan.
Following this meeting, we approached a commander in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and shared our vision. We used the Word of God, directly from Amos 9, to express our hope and proclaim what God’s plans were to flourish the land.
Because the IDF controls the water, our partnership with them has provided that essential resource required for our olive groves to flourish. God’s plan foretold that the Jewish people would provide the land and labor. The Gentiles role would be to provide the nursery stock and irrigation. When these united efforts took place, there would be a revival of the land. We are seeing this prophecy unfolding before our eyes.
There is a Jewish saying that says, “Plant a vineyard for your son, and an olive tree for your grandson.” This ties back to the business plan of My Olive Tree, as olive trees live an average of 500 years—an investment that produces enormous financial returns for decades to come.
How does partnership with My Olive Tree bring glory to God?
As this revival of the land comes to fruition through the Gentiles, and the Jewish people are restored to their land, it speaks to all the nations that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the One true God.
In 1948, when Israel became a state, the land was considered little more than a barren wasteland. Now, just a short 70 years later, it has flourished. Beautiful olive groves cover the landscape and reaffirm the ever-rich soil.
This restorative project not only rebuilds the land, but it also renews hope for the people. Many of the proceeds from the olive trees we plant go to lone soldiers, to safe houses for young women and soon, for young men, and also helps support hundreds of Holocaust survivors in Israel.
This wasn’t an easy endeavor—My Olive Tree took many leaps of faith.
A few years after planting had begun there was a drought. An orchard in Galilee would have been lost if it hadn’t received adequate water supply. The IDF needed to pump water out of the Sea of Galilee to save the orchard, but the process was expensive.
A generous donor was able to supply the money and the crop was saved! It took much planning, patience, and faith to complete this project, but something powerful came of it.
From this orchard’s first crop, we were given a portion of the oil. This is when the revelation of the King’s Oil of Exodus 30 was established. There is much controversy and confusion about The King’s Oil, but when it is explained in the context of the Hebrew roots of the faith, clarity comes and chains are broken.
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My Olive Tree is ever-changing as God leads. The Lord brings new beginnings and blessings with every year. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Israel. The number 70 is significant in the Bible.
- Ancient Israel spent 70 years in Babylonian captivity.
- The number 7 symbolizes wholeness or completeness.
- The number 10 symbolizes divine order or a completed cycle.
Will you join with us to bloom God’s Promised Land during this important year? He invites us to take part in His blessings. His plans for the nation are as unique as His plans for us individually. His promises hold true—He will restore and He will bless those who bless Israel.
My Olive Tree’s humble beginnings of providing humanitarian aid to children in Israel have grown into a number of projects that change lives and help grow a nation. God has blessed these projects as we have stood on the promises in His Word. When we follow His lead, no matter our limitations, mountains are moved. This power is changing a nation. Will you be a part of this global change?
