On Michael’s last day in his investigative trip to Israel, he looks back on all the men and women he has met and the stories they have told him. Ending his visit on the eve of Shabbat, Michael visits a synagogue for the first time since he was a boy, and just before returning to America, draws his final conclusions about miracles in this ancient land with its modern people. It is an inspiring climax to this unprecedented television series.

If there is a story that defies all the odds, it is the rescue of the passengers of Air France flight 139 from Arab terrorists at the Entebee airport in 1976. Michael visits with former hostage SARAH DAVIDSON, whose family endured the nightmare, and with veteran pilot CHICKI SHANI, who piloted the Hercules plane that brought a crack team of Israeli soldiers to Entebee for a daring resue mission that had little hope of success. In a moment by moment recounting of this nightmare turned miracle, Entebee is shown as a dramatic demonstrations of Israel’s commitment to its citizens in their hour of need – wherever in the world they may be.

Myths or Miracles? Michael investigates two stories, beginning with one told by 90 year old Margalit Zinati, her family’s presence in Pekiin since the fall of the second Temple, legendary. She claims her grandfather’s account is true, when marauding Arab terrorists one night attempted to wipe out the Jewish community and instead faced a group of strange beings wielding flaming swords, who scared them away, to the shock of the village rabbi who witnessed the event. AVINOAM GRINBERG is but one of the villagers in Yavne whose parents recount an incident in 1917, when the largest plague of locusts anyone had ever seen descended on their farms, threatening to destroy their livelihood forever. But they awakened the next day to find their fields covered with thousands of storks, so many the fields appeared covered in snow, at a time of the year when storks never come to Israel, devouring the locusts and leaving the fields richer than any in the Galilee for years to come.

Michael takes his investigation to the streets of Israel and talks with people from all walks of life about miracles in Israel. A visit with leading television news anchor Yaacov Elon sheds a contemporary insight on the people of modern day Israel. Clarence Wagner takes Michael on a look back at the remarkable fulfillment of ancient biblical prophecies in the land of Israel today, and chief rabbi of Tel Aviv, Israel Lau takes us on a unique view of Israel as a living land of the Bible.

The miracle of millions of people pulling up stakes in their homelands to come to a desert wasteland and start their lives over is almost unimaginable. But such is the story of the exodus that repopulated the reborn nation of Israel. Rabbi Israel Lau describes the sense of coming home, with his own story of survival from the Holocaust. Russian Jews tell their story of escape from the tyranny of Communism and others describe what it means to be in Israel, the land of their forefathers. The episode includes a tribute to Hebrew language pioneer ELEAZOR BEN-YEHUDA, whose modern Hebrew dictionary formed the foundation for a modern nation restoring the everyday language of its ancient forefathers.

There are few living war legends in Israel as known or more beloved as AVIGDOR KAHALANI. Michael visits Kahalani who shares his remarkable stories of escape froma burning tank in the Sinai campaign of 1967, and a faceoff wth Syrian tanks in 1973, against all odd. Kahalani’s own son, DOTAN, plays the role of his famous father in the re-enactment of these two legendary war stories. Veterans of both wars were emotionally moved by the similarity between father and son as they witnessed the filming of this episode. American television journalist BILL McKAY discloses a secret exchange between GOLDA MEIR Meir and then U.S. President RICHARD NIXON that turned the tide in Israel’s favor at a moment when almost every leader in Israel was predicting annihilation for Israel. The episode climaxes with a moving visit by Michael to the Memorial Wall of Remembrance at the Armored Corps Museum at Latrun.

Michael investigates the incredible military achievement of 1967, and the inspiring stories associated with the return of Jerusalem to Jewish hands for the first time since the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans in 70AD. Commander DAVID YANIV tells (and the episode dramatizes) an account of Abraham appearing in the sky above a platoon of soldiers outside Jerusalem’s walls, reminiscent of the Ira Rappaport experience of ’48. Paratrooper YORAM ZAMUSH takes Michael to the Kotel and recounts his personal story (and the episode dramatizes) his men being the first Jews to touch the wailing wall as a part of Israel since the Jewish exile from this land nearly 2,000 years ago.

Watch episodes:

• Episode 1: The Assignment
• Episode 2: Miracle at Michmash
• Episode 3: Shula – The Girl Who Became a Spy
• Episode 5: A Boy Named Ezra
• Episode 6: The Miracle Of ’48 (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 7: 1967 (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 8: A Warrior Named Kahalani (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 9: The People Of The Book Come Home (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 10: A Place Of Miracles (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 11: Myths or Miracles (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 12: Rescue At Entebbe (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)
• Episode 13: In Search Of A Miracle (Against All Odds – Israel Survives)

Michael meets Ezra Yakhin and the episode dramatizes his story, when as a 16 year old teenager, Ezra joins the Irgun freedom fighters to resist the British occupation of Palestine. Unable to dissuade young Ezra from his decision, his mother instead prays a blessing over her son, that he would never be seen by his enemies. To his amazement, time and time again he is unseen when there appears to be no way he could have avoided being caught – and likely executed for terrorism – by the British. The episode also explores the incredible obstacles that stood in the way of Israel’s road to rebirth in the years before 1948 under the British Mandate.

Michael meets 85 year old Shula Cohen and the episode dramatizes her amazing story of becoming a spy for Israel in 1948 in Beruit, where her wealthy husband and her acceptance in Lebanese / Syrian social circles gave her unprecedented access to secret intelligence information. In a story reminiscent of Queen Esther in the Bible, she risks her comfortable lifestyle and social life to help her people, but unlike Esther, Shula pays a high price for her choice. Imprisoned in 1960, she endures seven years of torture and abuse before a secret prisoner exchange after the Six Day War, allows Shula to come home to Jerusalem.

Michael travels to Michmash to investigate two stories that history records happened there 2,000 years apart. The episode dramatizes the story of British major Vivian Gilbert, whose brigade was sent by Allenby to rout out the Turkish garrison at Michmash, in preparation for the assault on Jericho during World War I. But the night before the battle, Gilbert read the Biblical account of Saul and Jonathan, who in 1050 BC. were camped in the same place as the British were now – and faced a garrison of 30,000 Philistines at Michmash. Gilbert is inspired to follow Jonathan’s unorthodox battle plan and experiences a similar, some would say ‘miraculous’, victory against all logic for its success.

The opening episode follows the decision of investigative journalist Michael Greenspan to accept an invitation to accept an assignment to research the stories of incredible occurrences in Israel in the twentieth century, particularly during its major wars – stories that defy logic and reason in their outcome. The episode features the dramatization from the Yom Kippur War of tank commander David Yaniv’s  Golan experience, when a mysterious wind came out of nowhere to expose thousands of mines in the field where they were stranded, saving their lives only meters away from passing Syrian tank convoys.

“Everywhere we go we are surrounded by screens. Have we entered a techno utopia or a virtual prison? Should we be unreservedly celebrating or cautiously analyzing? Has social media given us richer, fuller friendships, or have our relationships become robotized? What should we expect from the next generation, when the average American child has over fifty-three hours of screen time a week?

“Discover answers to these questions and more from church leaders, media experts, and inspiring individuals and families from across America, and learn how God’s Word addresses the unique media challenges which our captivated culture must face.” (Summary by Vision Forum)

The For Our Day documentary series explores the prophetic parallels in the Book of Mormon referencing statements from latter-day prophets of God and the Standard Works. For Our Day: Covenant on the Land discusses the covenant on the Promised Land for both ancient and modern inhabitants.

In comparing the Book of Mormon with our day, there are many interesting parallels. In each:

DESTRUCTION: The more righteous gather in and the wicked are destroyed to prepare the way for the Coming of the Son of God.

COMING OF CHRIST: The righteous are resurrected. Christ comes to His people, heals the sick, reestablishes his Church and expounds all things.

PEACE: All eventually are converted to the true Gospel and become partakers of the Heavenly Gift. The cities are rebuilt and a great period of peace continues for several generations.

This pattern can be found throughout the Book of Mormon.

Is latter-day history laid out and foreshadowed in the Book of Mormon? What if we were to take the most fundamental and key prophetic events of the last days and organize them chronologically, and then lay out the Book of Mormon history on top of it? How does this help us better understand the signs of the times in the last days? What can this tell us of the challenges that lie ahead, and more importantly, the answers to those challenges? The For Our Day documentary series explores the prophetic parallels in the Book of Mormon referencing statements from latter-day prophets of God and the Standard Works. For Our Day: Covenant on the Land discusses the covenant on the Promised Land for both ancient and modern inhabitants.

Video Details:

Produced by: Joseph Smith Foundation
Producer: James F. Stoddard III
Director: L. Hannah Stoddard
Narrators: Philip Jensen, Ron Hyer, Jayson S. Kunzler, L. Sarah Stoddard
Effects and Animation: James F. Stoddard IV and Leah M. Stoddard

Special appearance by:

Timothy Ballard, Rod L. Meldrum, Hartman Rector Jr., Scott N. Bradley, Candace E. Salima, Von N. Hansen, Jack Monnett, V. Lauri Updike, Scott P. Swain, Jenet J. Erickson, Jayson S. Kunzler

Oppressed by Soviet forces, Anatoly scavenges Ukraine to feed his daughter. His journey brings him face to face with his wife’s killer and with the God responsible for his suffering.

Nephite Explorer TV is a weekly expedition into the scriptures in search of unlocking prophecy and modern day applications from holy writ.

The Nephite Explorer Project is presented by journalist and National Geographic photographer Ryan Fisher who travels around the world following the clues to help unlock prophecy and mysteries from the Bible, Book of Mormon and American History. Utilizing the tools and techniques of investigative journalism Ryan gathers insights from researchers, scholars, historians and archaeologists to reveal the fulfillment of prophecy like never before. The findings revealed are nothing short of astonishing as advances in science, technology, archaeology, history and scholarship all help further our understanding of some of the most important events in Christianity.

Watch Full Episodes

Season One Sneak Peek

“The Remnant”

Lincoln’s Conversion

Other

Since he was a small boy, Mosab Hassan Yousef has had an inside view of the deadly terrorist group Hamas. The oldest son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding member of Hamas and its most popular leader, young Mosab assisted his father for years in his political activities while being groomed to assume his legacy, politics, status . . . and power. But everything changed when Mosab turned away from terror and violence, embraced instead the teachings of another famous Middle East leader and became a double agent for the Isaeli Shin Bet. In Son of Hamas, Mosab Yousef—now called “Joseph”—reveals new information about the world’s most dangerous terrorist organization and unveils the truth about his own role, his agonizing separation from family and homeland, the dangerous decision to make his newfound faith public, and his belief that the Christian mandate to “love your enemies” is the only way to peace in the Middle East.

From the Inside Flap
Before the age of twenty-one, Mosab Hassan Yousef saw things no one should ever see: abject poverty, abuse of power, torture, and death.
He witnessed the behind-the-scenes dealings of top Middle Eastern leaders who make headlines around the world. He was trusted at the highest levels of Hamas and participated in the Intifada. He was held captive deep inside Israel’s most feared prison facility. His dangerous choices and unlikely journey through dark places made him a traitor in the eyes of people he loves—and gave him access to extraordinary secrets. On the pages of this book, he exposes events and processes that to this point have been known only by a handful of individuals. . . .

Mosab Hassan (“Joseph”) Yousef is the son of Sheikh Hassan Yousef, a founding leader of Hamas, internationally recognized as a terrorist organization and responsible for countless suicide bombings and other deadly attacks against Israel. An integral part of the movement, Mosab was imprisoned several times by the Israeli internal intelligence service. After a chance encounter with a British tourist, he started a six-year quest that jeopardized Hamas, endangered his family, and threatened his life. He has since embraced the teachings of Jesus and sought political asylum in America.

What price would you pay for freedom? An impassioned group of men and women each make the decision to risk it all for family, faith and the very future of their country, as the film’s adventure unfolds against the long-hidden, true story of the 1920s Cristero War ­the daring people’s revolt that rocked 20th Century North America.

Issues:

• Violence (controlled)
• Some immodest dress

An inside look at the new motion picture “For Greater Glory.” This special chronicles the history of the Cristero War with interviews from leading historians, several cast members, and Catholic leaders.

The film depicts General Gorostieta, the retired military man who at first thinks he has nothing personal at stake as he and his wife  watch Mexico fall into a violent civil war. Yet the man who hesitates in joining the cause will soon become the resistance’s most inspiring and self-sacrificing leader, as he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen . . . and transforms a rag-tag band of rebels into a heroic force to be reckoned with.  The General faces impossible odds against a powerful and ruthless government.  Yet is those he meets on the journey ­ youthful idealists, feisty renegades and, most of all, one remarkable teenager named Jose ­ who reveal to him how courage and belief are forged even when justice seems lost. (summary by ForGreaterGlory.com)

• Rock Music

Click here to watch more videos on the HSLDA YouTube Channel.

Associated Locations:

• Salzburg, Austria – Birthplace of Joseph Mohr

In 1818, when Joseph Mohr is assigned to be the new assistant priest in Oberndorf, a small Austrian town near Salzburg, the young man is full of ideas and ideals. But his passion to bring the church closer to the common people sets him on a collison course with his new superior Father Noestler. As Mohr’s initial successes start to crumble and his efforts backfire on him, he loses all hope and faces a trial of faith. The night before Christmas, Mohr has to decide if he will accept defeat and leave Oberndorf or embrace the true significance of the Holy Night.

“Authorities treat the Hmong people poorly in Vietnam and Laos, and many Hmong people are Christians. In this video, Release International and Voice of the Martyrs Australia visited a remote underground church to encourage the Christians who have been persecuted heavily by their government.” (Summary from Voice of the Martyrs US)

Bounchan’s story, as well as the story of God’s sustaining hand through his 13 years in prison, is told in BOUNCHAN, a 5-minute video presentation from The Voice of the Martyrs. This video will open your eyes to the reality of persecution against Christians while moving you to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. The Bounchan DVD is part of VOM’s 2012 IDOP Church Resource Kit.

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Flame in the Wind is set in the splendor and terror of the Spanish Inquisition and is a gripping drama of heroic Christian faith. Carlos, an earnest young nobleman, faces a choice: the church system offers safety, protection, and respectability; but the Scriptures offer Christ and salvation from sin and with these, torture and death. This film vividly portrays the conflict between following the Bible and following religious tradition.