Why The “Gilead” Programme?
In Bible times, Gilead was a large tract of land in the Middle East. Rugged hill-country, reaching to over 1200m, it was mostly densely wooded, with huge oaks and pines renowned throughout the region. There were areas of exquisite beauty, with many varieties of flowering shrubs along the streams. Olives, grapes and wheat were grown, and flocks of goats were common. The famed medicinal “balm of Gilead” was exported throughout the Mediterranean area. It was an ideal refuge and place of refreshment for fugitives. And the Bible pictures Gilead as a place of encounter with God. These images (strength, beauty, healing, abundance, refuge, refreshment and divine encounter) beautifully picture the sort of life that God has in mind for us. And what better way to enter such a life, than through the study of the Bible? This is the ultimate aim of the Gilead Programme.
