In this Bible Study Mr. Smith asks and answers the question of why did God place Israel in the location he did in the middle east? Mr. Smith begins the study looking at what the gospel accounts say about where Jesus setup the base of his ministry. The reasons he did so relate to the reasons why God placed Israel in that location 1500 years earlier. The location of Israel was along the major trade route connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. God wanted Israel to be a city set on a hill to show the world the way to God by their living according to his laws, which they however failed to do.

Gary Smith

United Church of God Pastor

Gary Smith was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but spent most of his youth in the Pasadena, California area. He graduated from Ambassador College in 1976 and he and his wife, Liz, moved to Peoria, Illinois. For the next six years he worked as a nursing home administrator in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas.
In 1982, he and Liz began to serve in the full-time ministry. Since that time, they have served in a number of congregations in the Midwest.
Gary and Liz now pastor in Houston, Texas near their two children and grandson.