Professor Provides Expert Field Study of Holy Land

Waxahachie, TX – February 22, 2011 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) professor Darren Daugherty, Ph.D., will join AG National Youth Director Jay Mooney on the Emmaus Experience youth tour May 26 – June 6, 2011. The purpose of the tour is to educate 17-20 year-old young people about the historical context of 1st century Christianity.

Daugherty’s interest in Holy Land studies intensified in 2009 after spending a month in Israel. His experience taught him the importance of Ancient Near East geography and archeology in biblical interpretation. “When students are given the opportunity to explore geographical and historical contexts of biblical events, they often have a greater appreciation for the authenticity of the Bible.”

Richard Cleave, a Holy Lands geographer and author, recently asked Daugherty to be a part of the editorial advisory team for his updated edition of “The Holy Land Satellite Atlas.” Daugherty started his post-doctoral work in Holy Land Studies at Jerusalem University College and continues through George Fox University. His resume' includes master’s degrees in elementary education and theological studies and a doctorate in education and family development.

Director for the Center for Holy Lands Studies Mark Turnage invited Daugherty as the professor teaching on the first of two youth tours this summer. The mission of the tour is to encourage young people to deepen their personal faith and biblical knowledge through contextual immersion. Attendees will visit Jerusalem, Galilee, Nazareth, the Dead Sea, Mount Carmel, the Jordan River, Capernaum, the City of David, the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Elah Valley.

Prospective SAGU students receive a 50 percent tuition discount for the one, two, or three-hour “Biblical Backgrounds of Israel” course. High school students are also eligible for a $2,000 participation scholarship to SAGU. For financial aid information, please view the SAGU Financial Aid Handbook.

The course is dual credit. Coursework is completed online through SAGU’s School of Distance Education.

The tour is hosted by the Center for Holy Lands Studies and the Assemblies of God National Youth Ministries. For trip details, please visit the Center for Holy Lands Studies website.

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located in Waxahachie, Texas. The University was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online.