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JOHN 17:20 - 23
"that they all may be one"

JOHN 17:20–23

One Step Closer Prayer

Jesus, you built the Church on the twelve foundation stones together with the names of the apostles. At your last meal with the twelve before you suffered, you prayed to Abba, your Father, that we might all be one so the world would believe that he sent you.

You welcomed Samaritans and Gentiles, Greeks and Syrophoenicians, Romans and Ethiopians, and so brought together Jew and Gentile. After so many painful and damaging divisions we yearn for a unity that seems almost impossible — but, with you, nothing is impossible.

Show us how to bring together our five loaves and two fish, or our seven loaves and a few fish, our six jars full of water, even a mere cup of water, so you can reveal your Kingdom. Help us take one possible step closer together and offer hospitality together, so all can recognize you in the breaking of the Bread.

Amen

WHEN WE WELCOME THEM, WE WELCOM YOU

Hospitality Prayer

Jesus, you came to dwell among us, totally dependent on our hospitality. But when you grew, you fed the hungry abundantly, revealing the Father’s love. You accepted human hospitality from the women who provided for you and for the first pilgrim community of your disciples. Bethany’s three-sibling family regularly welcomed you to their home. Matthew the tax-collector hosted a banquet for you in his house with his friends — sinners who heard the Good News of the Kingdom from your lips.

You charged your disciples to organize the Last Supper and washed our feet!

Even on Calvary you were offered a drink, and on Easter Sunday evening, some fish. Disciples unknowingly invited you to supper in Emmaus, and you broke bread to reveal yourself to them.

Since Pentecost, the disciples have continued breaking bread together and serving the needy and destitute along the way. When we welcome them, we welcome you! May we continue to do this together until we reach the Heavenly Banquet. Hospitality and revelation are intertwined. We want to go out into the deep (Duc in Altum) to grow one step closer — now, every day, until you come again.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Amen

ANOTHER WAY TO BE A PART

The Magdala Mosaic

Designed by María Jesús Ortiz de Fernández and crafted at the Burg Engelsdorf studio in Germany, the mosaic spans 114 m² and maps the land where Jesus walked — over 1.5 million handcrafted stones, set into the floor of Magdala one tile at a time.

Each individual piece has its own character, just as each human does. When brought together they create something beautiful.

And at its very center, the Sea of Galilee is saved in full for One Step Closer — a place held in the mosaic for every member and participant.
‍Hover the map — the Sea of Galilee rises →
The Magdala Mosaic

Recognition at Magdala

Christians Traditions recognition

The oneness stone *

In response to Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:20–23), Christians from many traditions are choosing to build together.

We do not minimize our real and sometimes significant differences. Yet in Christ, we can still take concrete steps together — building a lasting witness at Magdala that proclaims our shared desire to answer Jesus’ prayer and to serve, bless, and walk closer.

* The Oneness Stone is a placeholder — its exact form will be closely tied to the art project, which is still in early conceptual development.

The John 17 Landmark highlights Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper. It stands as a public sign that Orthodox, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Evangelicals, Armenians, Copts, Anglicans, Baptists, Pentecostals, Catholics, and many others can join in a visible act of collaboration.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

A leadership gift at this level gives visible expression to your Christian tradition’s participation on the Oneness Stone, alongside the names of the traditions and confessions represented in this shared effort.

Visitors will pause and ask: Did Christians from all these traditions really build this together? Why? How? They will be led back to John 17 — Jesus prayed for our oneness, and we are responding.

Local Church Recognition

A Galilee witness carried home

Your local church can become part of the visible response to Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:20–23).

By helping build the John 17 Landmark at Magdala, your faith community places a concrete sign of its faith on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Pilgrims will see that your church did not merely speak about Christian oneness — it helped build a public witness to it.

Rooted anew in Galilee, your church is invited to carry the same One Step Closer spirit home: serving locally, blessing neighboring churches, and helping your region discover new possibilities of friendship and collaboration in Christ — a real contribution to overcoming damaging divisiveness.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel.” — cf. Mark 16:15

What begins in Galilee is meant to go worldwide. Your church’s participation at Magdala can become a seed of John 17 renewal in your own community.

Make this witness more personal

Some churches may wish to shape their recognition around a founding story, mission emphasis, pastoral anniversary, pilgrimage, or local service initiative. The Magdala Development team would be glad to explore a personalized path that honors your church’s identity while keeping the focus on Jesus’ prayer for oneness.

Christians Traditions recognition

The oneness stone *

A family legacy is handed on not only by words, but by deeds of love.

By helping build the John 17 Landmark at Magdala, your family becomes part of a lasting response to Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:20–23). Your gift leaves a footprint at the Sea of Galilee, where future generations may come, pray, and remember: our family chose to help Christians walk one step closer in Christ.

A family bond with the Holy Land can resonate for generations. Your children, grandchildren, and their children may one day retrace your steps at Magdala and discover the witness you helped build.

“Come, follow me.” — cf. Mark 1:17

In Christ, love crosses generations. What you offer today can become an invitation for those who come after you: remember what the Lord has done, cherish the oneness for which Jesus prayed, and continue the journey.

“Tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord.” — Psalm 78:4; cf. Joel 1:3

Honor your family at Magdala

Would you like to honor your parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren through a family recognition at Magdala? We would be glad to speak with you about this possibility.

Ways to Give

Every gift — large or small — helps preserve and share the sacred story of Magdala with pilgrims from around the world.

Online Donation

Make a secure, tax-deductible donation from anywhere in the world.

Your donation is processed securely and you’ll receive an immediate confirmation with your tax receipt. One-time and recurring gifts are both available.

Sponsor a Mosaic

Leave a lasting legacy by sponsoring a beautiful mosaic at Magdala.

Sponsor a mosaic to honor a loved one, commemorate a special occasion, or create a permanent tribute at this sacred site. Each mosaic becomes part of Magdala's story for generations to come.

Launch a Fundraiser

Multiply your impact by inviting others to give.

Whether for a birthday, pilgrimage, or personal intention, your fundraiser can help sustain Magdala and keep this place of prayer open to pilgrims from around the world.

Shop & Support

Support Magdala through purchases from our online shop.

Browse our selection of Magdala-branded merchandise and Holy Land items. Every purchase directly supports the preservation and mission of Magdala, helping us share this Holy Site with pilgrims worldwide.

Additional Giving Methods

Mail a Check

Make checks payable to New Gate to Peace Foundation (EIN: 55-0907295)

Mail to:‍

  • New Gate to Peace Foundation
  • P.O. Box 743210
  • Atlanta, GA 30384-3210

‍Or courier (FedEx/UPS) to:

  • Bank of America Lockbox Services
  • Lockbox 743210
  • 6000 Feldwood Road
  • College Park, GA 30349

Important: Please add a valid email address on your check to allow us to confirm receipt.

Wire Transfer

Please contact ddelgado@magdala.org for Wire Transfer information.

Stock & Securities

Donating appreciated stocks can provide significant tax advantages while supporting Magdala's mission. Avoid capital gains tax and receive full market value deduction.

Please contact ddelgado@magdala.org for more information.

Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

Recommend a grant to New Gate to Peace Foundation (EIN: 55-0907295) through your DAF administrator. Tax-smart giving from foundation funds.

  • ‍Our Legal Name: New Gate to Peace Foundation‍
  • EIN: 55-0907295

Please contact ddelgado@magdala.org for more information

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

If you're 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA to New Gate to Peace Foundation (EIN: 55-0907295).

  • Satisfies your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)‍‍
  • Excluded from taxable income
  • Up to $100,000 per year

Please contact ddelgado@magdala.org for more information

Leave a Legacy of Faith in the Holy Land

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Magdala continues to welcome pilgrims and stand as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Include Us in Your Will or Trust

  • Name New Gate to Peace Foundation (EIN: 55-0907295) as a beneficiary
  • Choose a percentage, specific amount, or residual gift
  • Direct your gift to a particular initiative or general support

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) or QCD

  • Recommend a one-time or recurring grant
  • Name New Gate to Peace Foundation (EIN: 55-0907295) as successor beneficiary
  • Invite your family to participate in your legacy

Gift of Stock or Appreciated Assets

  • Avoid capital gains tax
  • Receive full market value deduction
  • Simple and tax-efficient transfer process

Retirement or Insurance Plan

  • Name us as beneficiary of IRA, 401(k), or pension
  • Designate life insurance policy proceeds
  • Consider charitable trust or annuity options

Your Values Can Live On

Leaving a legacy in Magdala is a way to give quietly, faithfully, and perpetually in the land where Jesus walked. It is a personal response to the invitation to launch into the deep (Duc in altum, Luke 5:4) —casting your generosity forward to bless future generations of pilgrims and seekers.

Let your legacy take root and bear fruit in this sacred space.

Disclamer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. We encourage you to consult with your attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional to discuss how a legacy gift to Magdala, through the New Gate to Peace Foundation (EIN: 55-0907295), may align with your individual goals and circumstances. All legacy gifts are subject to applicable laws in your country of residence.