RAY VANDER LAAN, the host of the video series "That the World May Know," has been intrigued with the meaning and message of Jesus Christ since childhood. Since he received his master's of divinity from Westminster Seminary in 1976, he h

as been actively involved with studying and teaching Jewish culture using the methods of Jewish education. He continued graduate studies in Jewish Studies at Yeshiva University in New York, American Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem and Trinity University International. He has been a teacher for 27 years and is currently a religion instructor at Holland Christian Schools in Michigan. He is an ordained minister with the Christian Reformed Church and has also authored a book entitled Echoes of His Presence, published by Focus on The Family. VanderLaan founded "That the World May Know Ministries" in 1998. "My life goal is to be of unique service in the kingdom of Jesus Christ," he states, "by sharing my knowledge of the Jewish context of the Bible. I have a special interest in using my teaching ability and background to encourage young people to confront our culture with the message of God. That message is most clearly seen in its original Jewish context." According to VanderLaan, "My preaching and teaching ministry has been well received because of its unique focus on the Bible in historical and cultural context. This perspective on the Bible highlights God's call for Christians to be a transforming influence on their culture. I do not view myself first as a scholar in the area of Jewish culture and archaeology. I have established a knowledge base in this area by studying the scholarship of others. My gifts, expertise, and my calling are to link that cultural information and the Bible so that the message applies to our lives today." For further information visit www.followtherabbi.com