S.A.L.A.M was started in 2009 by Rani and Hannah Espanioly, along with family and friends in the USA, with the idea to work among the local Arab Christians in the Holy Land and bring recognition to this dynamic group of believers by sharing with our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world. We are passionate about reclaiming the Holy Land for Christ and believe the Arab Christians of this land are the key.
About Rani
I was born and raised in the town of Nazareth, Israel.
I graduated from Champlain College in Haifa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management in 1999, and then spent the next six years working in various hotels and tourism locations in Israel. At the age of 22, I experienced the life changing power of God and committed my life to following Christ. As an Arab Christian, I became part of a tiny minority of Arabs and evangelical Christians residing in Israel. In 2004 I attended a one year seminary in England and came back to my home country to begin my ministry. I served as the music coordinator for the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel and began work as a tour guide at Nazareth Village, where I conduct “parable walks” and share the biblical story of Jesus with visitors from around the world. I am also involved in Christian media and often play the role of “Jesus” and other apostles in film productions. I speak four languages fluently: Arabic, Hebrew, English and French. My vision is to work full time in the field of ministry, bridging the gap between the Arabic speaking people of my land (mostly Muslim) and the Hebrew speaking people (Jews) to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ and ultimately, the peace of Jesus to the land of Israel.
I am originally from the town of Rockwall, Texas. I graduated from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia with a Bachelor’s Degree in History in 2005. From 2005-2007, I worked as a software consultant for IBM and also sang part time in the Fort Worth Opera Chorus. I spent time pursuing musical interests and professional theatre but decided to follow a lifelong calling to Israel in the summer of 2007. In Israel, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a year working with local Christian Arabs in the town of Nazareth, where I met the love of my life, Rani Espanioly. The most important part of my life is my commitment to Jesus Christ and His call upon me. I am so blessed to be a part of the great work being done here in the Holy Land and believe that the only true solution to the “peace of Jerusalem” lies with the believing remnant in Israel. My call is to work hand in hand with these people, along with my husband, to bring the saving news of Jesus.
