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In the Land of Israel
Part 1
by Miriam Nadler |
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Some of you are aware that in light
of our past experiences upon entering Israel, we were concerned that Sam
would again be detained by security in Ben Gurion Airport. As a Jewish
believer in Messiah, Sam has been flagged as “unwanted” in the land. In
light of this we worked with legal counsel to make sure we had the proper documents which would show
the officials that to detain Sam would be against Israeli law. To our
surprise and delight, Sam and I breezed through the passport control this
time, without any detainment! This unexpected blessing made it possible for us to be on
time for a Monday-morning Bible study connected with a congregation in
Modi’in, located near the airport. As Sam taught on Isaiah 7:14 and the
Virgin Birth prophecy, the group was prepared and hungry to understand the
text and respond to counter-arguments. How encouraging that this small group
ministry should begin our nine-day trip. |
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Authentic Messianic Communities
At lunch we were joined by an Israeli, Avi* who didn’t yet believe, but was
well-acquainted with Messianic Jews and Christian groups who love and
support Israel. As we conversed about the impact of the Messianic
congregations and believers in Israel are having upon Israelis, Avi told us
that what Israelis are really looking for is “authentic community.” He sees
this growing communal testimony through those who live out their faith in
Messiah. In the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) there are hundreds of soldiers
who believe in Yeshua and seek to live out Messiah in the midst of their
military service (which is mandatory in Israel). This is quite an increase
from twenty years ago when there might have been a few dozen at most in the
IDF.
Avi also related an account that illustrated to him how Israeli perceptions
of faith in Messiah are changing. At a recent parade for the Feast of
Tabernacles in Jerusalem, one Christian group was marching in the parade
with other Jewish groups. They yelled out, “We love Israel, we support the
Jewish people. We love Israel, we support the Jewish people.”
Avi overheard an Orthodox family as they stood along the parade route. The
small child asked his mother, “Why are those Christians saying that they
love us? I thought all Christians hated us!”
His mother replied, “Well son you are right that many hate us, however not
all Christians hate us, in fact some love us.” This Orthodox woman
understood that some believers support Israel and genuinely love the Jewish
people, and this surprised and moved Avi. Please pray for him as he
continues to encounter Messiah through the body of Messiah in Israel.
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WMM Books Used to Train Staff in
Israel |
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On Tuesday Sam gave a full day of training to about thirty believers who
minister full-time throughout Israel. Some have been in the land for years,
but others are new to Israel, and are in the process of learning Hebrew
language and Israeli culture.
Their supervisor Mark*, who invited Sam to speak, shared this story with the
group in his introduction: |
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In searching out
good resources for ministry in Israel, Fred* (a newly appointed
missionary) came to me with a book in his hand. "Mark, I have found a
great resource that is really helping me to understand the questions
that Jewish people have and how to respond to these questions.” To my
surprise it was your book Sam,
The Messianic Answer Book. Since I
already knew that you were coming to Israel I said to Fred, "well, I
happen to be good friends with Sam and will see about having him come in
person to go over this material and more.”
Most of the group had read the book. Sam
went on to explain that effective witnessing is not just about knowing the
right answers to questions, but has to do with knowing how to have
discussions that build relationships. And beyond merely answering a
question, this requires Godly character qualities: discernment, readiness
and patience. Their questions afterward showed the desire to implement what
they had learned during the seminar. The leadership invited Sam to return
and continue to help train staff not only in Israel, but world-wide! Praise Yeshua that these things were found useful!
Later that Tuesday evening Sam taught at another home group which was part
of a Messianic congregation in Netanya. We could see the enthusiasm and
appreciation for the Word as Sam challenged them to continue serving Yeshua
even in the midst of great difficulty.
(to be continued!)
*Names have been
changed for individual's privacy. |
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