By BERT MILLS
BYUSA President Dallin Anderson is in Israel and will travel to Washington, D.C., to help people gain a better understanding of the gospel.
Anderson was accepted to attend a seminar in Israel where he will gain a better understanding of the culture and life of the Jewish community. The seminar is sponsored by Project Interchange, a non-profit organization. The trip began Saturday and continues through Aug. 15.
After the seminar in August, Anderson will travel to Washington, D.C., Sept. 25 to participate in the Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values. This is an annual event sponsored by members of Congress and the House of Representatives.
“I see it as a great opportunity to represent the university and church,” Anderson said.
Project Interchange sent a letter to Anderson asking him to apply. The organization represents an educational part of the American Jewish Committee. The Israeli trip is paid for by Project Interchange, except for flights to and from New York City.
Ten to 12 students participate in the program each year. The application process is intense, Anderson said.
The students that participate gain a better understanding of the Israeli society and explore the issues that Israel is facing nationally. The students will have the opportunity to speak with Jewish and Arab students about issues that face college campuses.
Anderson is excited to go and represent BYU, the LDS Church and share the gospel. He will talk with people about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which the LDS students who attend the Jerusalem Center are prohibited from doing.
“The real reason I’m excited about going is for the missionary opportunity,” Anderson said.
This is the same objective that Anderson has for his trip to Washington, D.C. The students at the forum will be discussing the style of leadership modeled by Jesus Christ.
One of the objectives of the forum is to help other students have a better view of BYU and take it back to their universities, Anderson said.
Anderson has been preparing for both trips by studying the four gospels and researching the Israeli culture and Jewish religion.
Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values sent a letter to President Merrill J. Bateman asking for recommendations of students to attend the forum. The cost is paid by the university.
