Most excavations in the Holy Land are sponsored by large Universities with deep pockets and resources, who often have access to large donors and scores of alumni. By contrast, the excavation work conducted by ABR at Khirbet el-Maqatir has been a walk of faith.
In the 1970's, ABR founder Dr. David Livingston pioneered a new model for establishing a dig in Israel, without large foundations or funding sources being the primary underwriters of such excavations. His work in raising teams of diggers who would fund their own way to Israel to participate in the project had never been tried before. Under David’s skillful leadership this new model took shape, and in this way the entire dig was funded. Indeed, this approach has been followed by ABR in every subsequent dig. In addition to this model, David worked closely with the Israeli Antiquities Authority to maintain a strong relationship so that trust would be established. That relationship has lasted for over 30 years, and ABR continues to enjoy the fruit of that relationship down to this day. Until David Livingston, no private Christian organization could have conceived of operating its own dig. Thanks to David’s visionary leadership and his dogged determination, evangelicals have been given extraordinary opportunities for archaeological excavation in Israel.
Since ABR's inception, God's people and Christian organizations have provided the resources and time necessary to operate and coordinate the various details involved with this project. If you have an interest in helping ABR in the Search for Joshua's Ai at Khirbet el-Maqatir, but perhaps you are unable to join the team in Israel, you can still help by making a donation of any size. Please know your donation will be used with the greatest of wisdom and care toward this project.
Donations can be made on this secure page. Under Special Instructions, type: "Donation to the Khirbet el-Maqatir Dig". Donations are tax deductible in the United States.
Thanks for your support of this critically important archaeological and apologetic project!
ABR Director of Development Henry Smith explains the work at Khirbet el-Maqatir in this TV interview.