Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said: 'As the LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' but: 'As the LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither He had driven them'; and I will bring them back into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks. - Jeremiah 16:14-16
In the wake of the horrific shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue, we can see a partial fulfillment of the above prophesy right before our eyes!
For the last seventy years, Israel has “lured” (to use the imagery of the “fishers”) its people back to its homeland, “from all the countries he had driven them”. Like our family and millions of others we were drawn “home” by the beauty, culture & spirit of this special place. We were “hooked” on Israel.
I believe we are in the second half of Jeremiah’s prophesy- The time when he is sending “many hunters”. The Pittsburgh shooting is just one example of what is happening wherever Jewish people live.
The Jews in France have been pouring into Israel for several years because of the antisemitism- this is just the beginning.
Why are we even mentioning this? Our reasons are two-fold.
Firstly, we know how challenging it is to share one’s faith with Jewish people, especially if you don’t have much opportunity, and especially in the U.S. But talking to a Jewish person about returning to their God given homeland, to make “Aliyah”, is a much easier way of connecting, building a rapport, and could present a nice transition into sharing about the Lord. Here what the prophet Ezekiel had to say:
For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.
And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:24-26
Once he brings them back, he will pour out his spirit upon them.
You can see how important it could be to open a dialogue revolving around returning to Israel- making “Aliyah”. Trust me, this is much easier than trying to convince them that Yeshua is God!!
Secondly, we have always had a vision of being in a position to help people in that transition stage of moving to Israel. Based upon what we see transpiring, we might be called to help fulfill that role.
Hopefully, you can feel more comfortable about conversing with Jewish people- Pray he will put many in your path.
We all have an important role to play in the Redemption of Israel & the Jewish people!
We were extremely busy in October with back to back groups. A team of 14 descended upon us from Gateway Church of the Nazarene, from Temecula California, followed by a 7-person team from Calvary Chapel Murphy from North Carolina.
The two mission teams showed their love of Israel, the Jewish people, their great desire to serve, to be a blessing, and to be blessed. Much was accomplished in the natural, much more in the spiritual. Kudos, and much thanks to both teams.
The pictures below are just a small sampling of what was accomplished.
If you are desiring to join us in serving the “Lost Sheep” in Israel, or have any questions, email us at: LarryandBess@Gmail.com
If the Lord is leading you to help support our work in Israel, your tax-deductible gift: DONATE HERE
We will be traveling to the States and will be in the Denver area from mid-December through mid-January.
If you are interested in having us speak at your congregation about our ministry as well as life in Israel, let us know.
If you just want to get together for a cup of coffee, that will work as well.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in Colorado
Blessings From Jerusalem
Larry & Bess
