Do you ever wonder what YOUR support provides? Is it simply an olive tree, or is there more? Are the trees cared for after planting? What varieties of trees are used? Join us below as we answer these and other questions so that you can know more about what YOUR support brings!
Why Olive Trees:
While we also plant grape vines at My Olive Tree, the biggest thing we do through people like YOU is plant olive trees. Some reasons for this include: Price—grape vines simply cost more to plant and care for; Need—yes, while there is a need for grape vines (which is why My Olive Tree includes them as a sponsorship option), olive trees live longer and require a different level of the style of care.
“The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing…
“…waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water…
“A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.”
—Isaiah 35:1-2, 6-8
Still, why olive trees? Why not lemon trees or pomegranate?
Well, there are many factors which go into such a choice…
- Olive trees—as stated above—have a long lifespan. In the right conditions olive trees can easily live for hundreds of years, while in ideal conditions they can live thousands. For instance, there are several trees in the Mediterranean areas, including Israel, that are believed to be thousands of years old! These estimates range from 2,000 years according to some sources, and even up to 3,000 to 5,000 years according to others! No other fruiting tree comes close to such lifespans.
- Olive trees have been in the Promised Land for many thousands of years. They are suited to the varying climates and soils found throughout Israel and thrive where other fruiting trees do not.
- Olive trees provide more than olives for eating. They provide olive oil for food, for self-care products, for anointing oils, etc., and even olive pits can be utilized—one common use being exfoliating scrubs. Additionally, there are studies which indicate that olive tree leaves are not devoid of purpose with their leaf oils having medicinal properties!
A lemon tree would not live as long as an olive tree. It would not be suited for as many areas, would require different soil and conditions. It would not even have as many uses—despite the wide variety they possess. The same would be true for other trees such as pomegranate, pear and fig trees.
Still, beyond even these physical reasons, there is a biblical reason. The Word speaks of olives more than pomegranates, more than even grapes, and literally can be found from one end of the Word to the other! Further, some consider the olive tree to be a symbol of how we—Gentile Believers—are grafted into the Jewish root of our faith, or even how Jew and Gentile have served God apart and together (see Zechariah 4, Romans 11, and Revelation 11). Yet, the importance of olives, olive trees, olive leaves, and olive oils in the Word do not stop there…
- It was an olive leaf the dove brought back to the Ark. (Genesis 8:11)
- It was oil from pressed olives chosen to light the Lampstand in the Temple. (Exodus 27:20; Leviticus 24:2)
- It was olive groves given as one of the blessings that the Children of Israel would find in the land they were to possess—the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 6:11, 8:8; Joshua 24:13)
- It was olive wood from which the two cherubim for the inner sanctuary of the Temple were carved from, along with the doors and doorposts to that sanctuary. (1 Kings 6:23, 31-33)
- It was the olive grove on the Mount of Olives Jesus often walked through on His way to and from Jerusalem, and it was also there He preached and directed His disciples. (See Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 19, and Luke 22 to name a few instances.)
- It was the Garden of Gethsemane—a garden filled with olive trees to this day—where Jesus prayed as He awaited His time. (See Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18.)
- And much more.
What Types of Olive Trees:
At My Olive Tree there are three varieties of olive trees we plant: Syrian, Coratina, and Fishulin.
Each type is uniquely suited to the land in Israel in which they are planted…
Syrian olives are popular in Israel due to their history with the land, flavor, and health benefits. The oil they produce provides a deep aroma and savory flavor, while also being rich in antioxidants. Interestingly, the Syrian olive tree has the longest relationship with Israel of any olive tree. The tree itself has been in Israel for thousands of years and was named after the city of Zor, which is believed to be where this variety originated. The Garden of Gethsemane has olive trees of this variety as old as 1,700 to 2,000 years!
Coratina olive trees are of Italian origin, yet still thrive in Israel. They are considered to be a part of early ripening varieties, with its fruit typically harvested in October while still green. This method of harvesting provides a strong “grassy” aroma.
Fishulin olive trees are of French origin, but also thrive in Israel. They are considered to be part of the late-ripening varieties; the Fishulin is typically harvested in December. Its large fruit is thought to be somewhat bitter and is often preferred by those who regularly consume olive oil or enjoy a strong taste.
What YOUR Support Provides:
When YOU sponsor an olive tree, you are not merely providing a tree to be planted—of whatever age your sponsorship choice is—you are providing care.
Many tree sponsorships merely afford the cost of the tree and planting, but then the young tree is left without further care. This is not true with My Olive Tree sponsorships. YOUR generous sponsorship provides the tree and planting as expected, but it goes further. It affords the initial care and support to see the young tree has the best possible chance of becoming a fruiting tree. It places the olive trees with people who will not only ensure that the tree does not lack care during the formative months and years, but for years and years to come!
At My Olive Tree we are selective about who we entrust with the trees. We explore the needs of Israel in terms of work and produce and select those God leads us to help.
Some of those we have and/or are entrusting trees with include: soldiers on military bases—those who cannot afford certain basic needs, but through the extra income, can; families—those affected by anti-Israel boycotts, such as the BDS, destruction from Gaza and other regions; those readying for Messiah—through planting the King’s Valley where Jesus is believed to pass through on His way to the Old City of Jerusalem; AND MORE!
All of this is possible through people like YOU supporting olive trees—and grape vines—in Israel. You are not merely planting trees with your gift, you are seeing them to maturity, providing jobs to those who desperately need and want them, and are even bringing prophecy to life!
On behalf of all those you have, are, and will help, we say, “Toda Raba!” Thank you!
If YOU would like to learn about the olive oil produced by trees YOU have sponsored, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to purchase olive oil produced by trees YOU have sponsored, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to sponsor an olive tree, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to sponsor a grape vine, then click HERE!
If YOU would like to sponsor an olive tree or grape vine but are unable to afford an entire sponsorship, you can donate any amount HERE!