NARRATOR: The company's name, Zion, was chosen for its numerous biblical meanings. The earliest references to Zion in the Bible refer to the Citadel of Zion on the flank of the lower eastern hill of Jerusalem, in what became known as the City of David. Later the name became associated with the higher western hill of Jerusalem, overlooking the Temple Mount. David's Tomb and the site of the Last Supper are both located on Mount Zion. In the poetic writings, Zion becomes the equivalent of Jerusalem, the religious capital and spiritual heart of the People of Israel. The name Zion also refers to the People of Israel themselves. After their exile from the Holy Land, Zion has meant to Jews their homeland, together with Jerusalem and the Temple, in all of Israel's ancient glory. Among Christians, the name Zion is city of God, or the heavenly Jerusalem.
Because of the Christian vision that lies at the heart of Zion Oil, founder John Brown felt that it was necessary for Zion to help give back to those in need, both in the United States and Israel.
ET 09:50
John Brown: tells of charitable foundations;
ET 10:31
Narrator: It might seem like a small international oil company would face a number of challenges operating in a region that often inspires fear and concern as well as a number of questions for investors and shareholders. Will the Israeli government cooperate with an American company? How will political unrest and terrorism affect the future of the project? Will the project be of interest to enough people?
Zion's Israeli team members Philip Mandelker, Elisha Roih and Dr. Eliezer Kashai use their background and expertise to address these situations on a daily basis. Along with Glen Perry and Zion's CEO Richard Rinberg, the Zion team utilizes their extensive experience as oil and gas professionals, close ties to government agencies, and their status as full time residents of Israel to maintain relations and fulfill all legal regulations in order for drilling and production to move ahead as planned.
Richard Rinberg: How he became involved, people of Israel, safety.
Narrator: Due to the nature and location of the Joseph Project, Zion has attracted a significant amount of media attention over the past few years. Media coverage has not just been in the United States, nor is it limited to the evangelical Christian community. Media organizations from around the world have taken an interest in Zion's story and have shared it with their respective communities. In the United States, coverage has appeared in print and television; the Zion Oil story has been told in major newspapers such as USA Today, The Los Angeles Times and the Wall Street Journal. Articles and interviews have also appeared in magazines such as the Oil & Gas Journal and Newsweek. On Television, Zion has been profiled on ABC News Nightline, CBS Evening News, The Christian Broadcast Network, Daystar and The Trinity Broadcast Network.
International coverage has been extensive as well, including stories in Israeli newspapers and magazines such as Ha'aretz, the Jerusalem Post and Yedioth Aharonot and around the world in publications including the Times of London, the Economist and in Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch newspapers. Zion Oil has appeared in television interviews and stories around the globe, from Channel 2 news in Israel, to Reuters, Sky News and CNN International, Dutch & German television news and even coverage in Russia.
Narrator: Success of the Joseph project means something important and unique to those affected by it on every level. To the company and its shareholders success means a profitable return on the investment of time and capital. For the State of Israel, success means a much needed source of fuel and commerce and the possibility of energy independence. For those that will benefit from Zion's charitable trusts, it will mean support and refuge in times of need. And to people of faith it will be yet another proof that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob remembers His blessings and keeps His promises to the children of Israel.
Richard Rinberg: Marriage of faith & science, meaning and success of project.
Glen Perry: success of project.
John Brown: success of project
Narrator: Whether it is the biblical prophecy that points to the blessings upon the head of Joseph, or the geological study of the structures that lie deep beneath Israel's surface, there is no doubt that this project is driven by both the passion of true faith and the scientific mind's desire to discover. Zion Oil & Gas is truly on a quest to uncover the mystery of what lies buried in the rocks and hidden in the scriptures. Perhaps they are one and the same.
End Screen w/ contact info
<< Back to article
