"What's New!"
February 25, 2010
"Murray's story"
Murray had nightmares for years after surviving the concentration camp in Poland. His dreams would take him back to that place of squalor and horror and disease. But God's love overcame the nightmares and brought Murray to a place of seeing Jesus as his Messiah.
Pre-war Poland has many good memories for Murray. His large Orthodox Jewish family lived in the small town of Plonsk, the birthplace of David Ben-Gurion. He remembers daily visits to his loving grandmother's home and fruit store. But outside of the family circle, trouble often came in the form of bullying and harassment by non-Jewish children in the town.
Murray was 17 when Hitler invaded Poland in September of 1939. His older brother, Aaron, had already left for Palestine. When Jewish Poles heard the news, thousands of Jewish young people tried to escape to Russia on foot. The older people could not make the trip, but they sent their children in search of freedom. As Murray, his sister and brother began to leave for Russia, they heard their mother (only 40 years old) crying. "We're not going anywhere," shouted his older sister. They realized they could not leave their parents alone to face the Nazis. So as a family, they stayed together. Even today, in his mid-80s, Murray clearly remembers that day.
When the Germans reached Plonsk, they took the Torah scroll from the synagogue and tore it to pieces as the people watched in horror. Many lost their faith on this day.
The Jews were "contained" in a local ghetto where they experienced beatings, humiliation and limited food. In 1942, the Germans closed the ghetto in Plonsk and herded the people into cattle cars that took them to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
When they came out of the stench-filled cars, they were placed in two lines - one for workers and one for death. This was the last time Murray saw his parents who were considered too old to work. Told they were only going for "showers" and "delicing," the survivors knew what was happening. They were told not to look at the building that housed the gas chambers. But Murray looked. Once the people were closed in, he saw a soldier pour a chemical down the hatch on the roof. He saw with his own eyes the truth.
Those allowed to live were given minimal food and clothing and they had to pack six and seven men onto plank bunks where disease was rampant. Murray remembers men picking up frogs and eating them as they walked to their work site. The terror was continual. He remembers men being beaten or shot for no apparent reason. Their lives had no value to their captors.
Murray - or 84420, the painful reminder tattooed on his arm - survived. He was transferred to a camp in Austria where he was liberated. He wandered Europe for a time, in hopes of finding surviving family members, before coming to the United States.
In Brooklyn he found a Jewish wife, opened a barber shop with another Holocaust survivor, and raised three children. In 2005, at the age of 82, Murray accepted Yeshua as his Messiah during a Rosh Hashanah service at a Messianic congregation on Long Island. In 2009, he was baptized.
Where was God during the Holocaust? Why did so many have to suffer? These difficult questions face the millions who lost loved ones during this dark time in history.
Murray has accepted the sinfulness of man. But now he claims the love of his Savior, Yeshua.
Material was excerpted from the writings of Melanie Webster, Murray's daughter, in "A Daughter of the Holocaust."
2/16/10
He can move mountains
We know from Scripture that God can remove mountains (Job 9:5). But can He, will He move something like a store?
When our staff moved to Brooklyn last year, they were disappointed to see an adult video store across the street. The bold blinking lights were constant reminders to the neighborhood of the merchandise offered there.
As good neighbors, Life in Messiah staff began cleaning the garbage around their area of the street. Overnight accumulations of bottles, fast food wrappers and yesterday’s New York Times made for a messy entryway to the ministry building and the surrounding storefronts.
But what about the business across the street? Their answer was simply, “Let’s pray about it.” So they did. They prayed for the owners and they prayed the business would go away.
Last week, men came to this location and took down the sign. The business is no longer there and the blinking lights are gone. God listens when we pray, and He works.
“Wise in heart and mighty in strength, Who has defied Him without harm? It is God who removes the mountains, they know not how, when He overturns them in His anger; Who shakes the earth out of its place, And its pillars tremble” (Job 9:4-6)
Be ready with an answer
“Shalom,” said the man on the other end of the phone. He was an Orthodox Jewish man, calling Life in Messiah to learn more. He had heard of Jewish people accepting Jesus as their Messiah and he had many questions.
The Life in Messiah worker, a Jewish believer herself, shared her own story and answered his questions. Before the conversation ended, he agreed to read Isaiah 53.
“He sounded like he had heard the gospel message before,” said Martha.* “He asked if Christianity and Judaism are the same. I told him the roots of Christianity are found in Judaism. And we talked about how Jewish people have rejected Jesus. He had many questions about dietary laws, and I explained God’s covenant with Abraham.“
“Do you know any Orthodox Jews who believe in Yeshua,” he asked?
Martha answered in the affirmative and they continued to talk.
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Col. 4:5-7).
*in order to protect our staff and those with whom we are working, we will often alter names in our publications. Thank you for understanding.
Hanukkah Ministry
You will not believe what happened on a recent trip to the mall. We were shopping and I began thinking about the Israelis who work in mall kiosks.
I walked about 100 feet and there was a kiosk with Dead Sea mineral products. A young man engaged me in conversation. He is a student here and married to an American.
The Lord brought several Hebrew phrases and words to my mind, and he looked amazed that I knew a little Hebrew. “I love the nation of Israel and the Jewish people,” I told him.
“We do not have many like you,” he responded.
It was great to share with him and tell him I was a lover of Yeshua HaMessiah.
“Jesus the Messiah?” he asked. I told him how I knew I was a sinner at a young age, and that only Jesus could pay the penalty for my sin. So I entered into a relationship with Him that I have walked for many years! He was astonished to hear my story.
I bought two products from him. I told him I am the only person with my last name in the area phone book. I invited him and his wife to dinner - he could help me refresh my Hebrew!
"I wish you could discover Jesus, the wonder of His love, forgiveness and the fullness of Joy I know today," I said as I left him. I felt an overwhelming flood of love for him. I’m praying he will contact me, but mostly, that the Holy Spirit will draw him to Yeshua.
When I came home I found a letter from Life in Messiah, with a P.S. suggesting we talk to Israelis working at Dead Sea product kiosks! What a God thing!
From a friend of the ministry
A Hanukkah greeting, card, small gifts of gelt (chocolate coins) or challah bread show your friends you care about them and their heritage.
Click Here - To read more about Hanukkah
September 28, 2009
Why do you care?
We recently asked this question, “Why do you care about Jewish people?” of several Life in Messiah friends in North Carolina.
Often, the answer was in response to God’s own love for His people. “God blesses those who bless Israel;” “Scripture tells me to;” “When I read the Bible, I must love Jewish people;” “To the Jew first, and then to the Gentile” were a sampling of Bible based answers.
But often the conversation got more personal.”My best friend as a child was Jewish. I loved being in her home and I was intrigued by the ceremonies they shared with me.”
Or often we heard, “My son married a Jewish girl,” or “Our daughter fell in love with a young Jewish man.”
Then come the challenges . . . where and how to worship, Christmas or Hanukkah, how will the children be raised?
When Jewish people marry outside of their faith/culture, they are sometimes more open to hearing about Jesus as Messiah. They have already crossed one line by their commitment to a Gentile, and we hear stories of them being open to hearing the Good News.
Who in your world is one of God’s Chosen? During this recent Yom Kippur (the “day of atonement”), Life in Messiah and friends stopped to pray for the salvation of Jewish friends. And we continue to pray that God will use us and you to reach His Chosen People with the truth that Yeshua, Jesus, is their long awaited promised Messiah.
August 21, 2009
Yom Kippur
Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur "Day of Atonement" in Hebrew) make up the "High Holy Days." Yom Kippur is the most solemn day on the Jewish calendar, when many pray for atonement for their sins. (This year on Sept 27)
Yom Kippur is a time of fasting. In the evening, which marks the beginning of a Jewish day, many people go to their synagogue to pray. Services are held throughout the next day, during which people ask God for forgiveness of their sins.
Spiritually speaking, "atonement" means to "make peace with God." And isn't that something we all desire- to be at peace with our Creator?
In Leviticus 17:11 we read, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement."
The atonement is in the blood! But today there is no Temple in Jerusalem, no priesthood, and no sacrifices. In the New Covenant we read (in Hebrews 9:11-15, for example) how God's Son, Yeshua, provided the ultimate sacrifice, and His blood can cleanse the sins of any who will come to Him.
God promises His forgiveness. And He has provided a way of atonement. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11).
As Yom Kippur begins at sundown on September 27, Life in Messiah staff and friends around the world will stop to pray for Jewish people. Won't you join us? Click on the following link to access a "Yom Kippur Prayer Guide." If this is a meaningful experience for you, please let us know.
July 7, 2009
An evening with the YES! Israel team
It’s nighttime and still hot. The area is about the size of a volleyball court and lit by bare bulbs. I’m with about 150 people gathered to worship Jesus.
I sit behind the Spanish speakers. To my left, they speak Russian. Behind the Russians are the Sudanese. Hebrew speakers are up front.
As I hear “Amazing Grace” in four languages (other than English) at one time, I’m overwhelmed.
It’s time for the speaker. It takes intent listening to understand within the cacophony of translations filling the air. The message isn’t long, but it clearly connects Jesus to the prophecies in the Old Testament.
Later, we share soup, bread and chocolate as we visit into the night. The gospel here is clear in word and in deed.
This is a typical Shabbat service at a youth hostel run by people who love the Lord and His people. I am honored to be here.
June 4, 2009
Fresh ministry vision
The merging of our ministries (Immanuel Ministries International joined with AMF International in January 2009) is resulting in a new chapter of ministry in Brooklyn. Where to begin in this shared venture?
We prayed, sought counsel and asked many questions. We asked other ministries with experience in New York: Where is God working? What methods is He using? Where can we partner with you in kingdom work?
The resounding answer was, "The opportunities are great. More workers are needed!"
The time to press forward with fresh vision and renewed energy is NOW! Life in Messiah workers are beginning to arrive in Brooklyn. Soon we trust the outreach to this great borough's half million Jewish people will be multiplied as more are trained for effective gospel witness.
Yes, preliminary work must be done:
---- Praying for the Lord's wisdom and blessing on all that is done through regular, concentrated intercession
---- Planning for the most effective use of the personnel and resources God is sending to us
---- Preparing for updating the strategically located building, replacing windows and HVAC systems, installing new dorms/dining/classroom area
---- Providing for the needed evangelistic materials, training center equipment and supplies
God's hand has been evident throughout this process. We thank His people for upholding Life in Messiah as we have moved forward, and for the funds that are coming in.
Prayer is still greatly needed! As workers settle in, please pray God will put before them those who are spiritually seeking. Pray, too, for "many hands" to "make light work" as volunteer laborers help shoulder the tasks ahead.
Thank you for walking this journey with us. If you would like to become more involved, please contact us and we'll tell you about the opportunities before us in the great city of New York.
we desire to show God's love.
To those who are hungry for truth,
we delight to shine the light of God's Word.
To all who will hear,
we determine to share the message
of "free, full, forever"
life in Messiah Jesus.
April 6, 2009
Life in Messiah International Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization
WINCHESTER, Va.
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA announced today the accreditation of Life in Messiah International of Lansing, IL.
ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fund-raising.
Life in Messiah International joins a growing number of churches and evangelical organizations across America, representing more than $18 billion in annual revenue, that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability.
“We are pleased to include in our membership a ministry committed to sharing the promise of Jesus as Messiah with Jewish communities around the world,” said Dan Busby, president of ECFA.
Founded in 1887, Life in Messiah International (www.lifeinmessiah.org) uses Bible studies, holiday celebrations, literature distribution and other creative means to present the gospel within a Jewish framework and assists churches in reaching out to their local Jewish communities.
To learn more about Life in Messiah International and their stewardship opportunities, visit ServantMatch™, ECFA’s program that matches God’s servants with the stewardship options of ECFA members based on ministry sectors and categories. It is ECFA’s newest online feature that allows you to quickly and easily find giving opportunities.
ECFA, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA Standards pertaining to financial accountability, fund-raising and board governance. For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit www.ECFA.org or call 1-800-323-9473.
February 3, 2009
Messiah in the PassoverMessiah in the Passover
“Why is this night different from all other nights?”
As Passover season approaches, believers often take this time to reach out to Jewish friends and neighbors by sharing a Seder or Passover meal together.
Life in Messiah staff is happy to assist in any way we can. A staff member could come to your church to lead your congregation through a “Messiah in the Passover” presentation. Or you can use the tools on our site to help you create your own http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/passover_resource.php
The theme of Passover is redemption. It is a time of remembering God's provision for His people, Israel, through the sacrifice lamb. The elements in the Seder (traditional Jewish Passover meal) serve as a reminder of deliverance from bondage by God's mighty hand.
The purpose of this evening is not only to retell the story of the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, but to make spiritual application to the believer's life today. As we look to the symbols on the Seder table, it is another opportunity to marvel at the grace of Jehovah in providing redemption for us through the blood of His Son, our Savior, Messiah Jesus - God's once-for-all Passover Lamb!
If we can help, please contact office@lifeinmessiah.org
January 28, 2009
YES! Israel may be God’s plan for you this summer.
Spend a few weeks in the Holy Land this summer, sharing the Message of Messiah Jesus with people in Israel. After a few days of training, you’ll have great opportunities to share your faith in Israel.
In addition to seeing the significant sites you’ve read about in the Bible, you’ll meet and help Israeli believers in their efforts to reach their friends and neighbors.
“It was a great discipleship experience,” says one former team member. “I learned about the power of prayer,” says another.
Go to http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/yesisrael.php to learn more. Maybe this is God’s plan for you!
January 8, 2009
Israel in turmoil, an Israeli pastor's perspective
Thank you for your interest, concern and prayers for Israel in these difficult days. The following is excerpted from communication received January 7, 2009 from an Israeli pastor friend.
It is surreal to be in Beer Sheva on a beautiful clear and sunny day while only about 40 minutes away there is a deadly war going on; the air is full of smoke.
I went to the funeral today of a soldier killed yesterday in Gaza. He was from Beer Sheva. The Chief Rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) read Psalm 83. I am not sure if that is standard for all military funerals here for soldiers fallen in battle, but it is certainly appropriate for the war Israel is waging for her existence against Islamic forces aligned against her.
Less than 1/2 hour after returning home from the funeral, two missiles fell in Beer Sheva right between the hospital and university dormitory shortly after a three-hour humanitarian “time-out” between the IDF and Hamas. With Google Earth, the terrorists can know and aim their missiles to selected target areas with no apparent regard to civilian areas.
Please pray:
Prime Minister Olmert and Defense Minister Barak will make decisions regarding the execution of the war based on sound military and long-term security interests, and not on the parliamentary elections scheduled for Feb. 10. Some are convinced the elections must stay on schedule in order to uphold the democratic process and not give Hamas satisfaction for disrupting the plans.
When this war is brought to a close, God will obtain His purposes, both with respect to His people and to the adversaries, and within the Body of Messiah here and elsewhere. We are commanded to love our enemies; we are commanded to strive for the unity of the Spirit within the Body of Messiah in the bond of peace.
Israel has turned the other cheek many times as a nation before striking back. Let us PRAISE YESHUA as God with wisdom brings glory to His name as ALL will come to know that Yeshua is LORD, to the glory of God the Father!
The Lord accomplish His purposes as quickly as possible in the best way for long-term results which brings more people to know the love of the truth in Messiah Jesus, and the need for God's righteousness in the world and not man's own understanding.
Those living in Gaza who do not like what Hamas has done will receive mercy and begin to know the love of the true God the Father.
Arab Christians and unbelievers will begin to speak out against Islamic terrorism as a means of achieving objectives.
The believing soldiers will find each other and encourage one another, and to be an encouragement to other soldiers at this time.
Mercy and helps ministries and humanitarian aid will be free to operate, both by believers and through other channels, to the many who are suffering in many ways due to the war and to the winter conditions.
Israel and the Jewish people will turn back to their covenant God, who alone can give them true peace.
December 30, 2008
Ministry ExpansionAfter months of prayer and preparation, we will serve as one ministry – Life in Messiah International – operationally as of January 1, 2009.
We will maintain our headquarters in the Chicago area, and the Immanuel House in Brooklyn will be developed for ministry in 2009. We are so thankful for this opportunity God has placed before us and we covet the prayers of all believers as we continue to share the message of Messiah’s love with Jewish people around the world.
To read more about the rich history of both organizations, go to:
http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/about.php
http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/imihistory.php
November 25, 2008
Feeling alone in the StatesFeeling alone in the States
“As I passed through the mall, I made it a point to stop at the kiosk and offer a greeting in Hebrew (I only know a few words). Those words from home created an instant bond. They sent me down the aisle to speak to their friends working at another booth. Now, it looks like I may have four new friends at my Thanksgiving table.”
“We befriended an Israeli man and his new Russian wife; both were working in a kiosk at the mall. We spent many hours at the mall and in our home, discussing the Messiahship of Jesus. Before they left to return to Israel, they came to our home for dinner. He had changed his views about Jesus."
The Stranger within your Gates
Every holiday season, thousands of Jewish young people come to the United States to work in mall kiosks. They sell everything from lotions to sunglasses, cell phones to artwork. They are brought by companies who set up local housing and pay them to work seven days a week from November through January.
They get their flight to the States, then after working through the holidays, they have earned enough money to travel for a while. It’s a win-win.
Sometimes the workers are busy and unable to engage in conversation. In those cases, a “Happy Hanukkah” greeting is all that time will allow.
On some days, there will be time for a full conversation. God may bring you into a divine appointment, a chance to share the amazing love of Messiah that has changed your life. Could there be a better Christmas gift than the opportunity to share Messiah with one of His own people?
A helpful tool
To view a Hanukkah tract in Hebrew, go to http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/Hanukkah-ivrit.pdf. If you would like to order printed copies, please contact us (http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/contact.php) and we will send them out ($2.00/piece plus shipping). The English text is available so you can know what you’re offering (http://www.lifeinmessiah.org/Hanukkah-tract.pdf)
A taste from home
If you’re feeling ambitious, you might offer a gift of Challah bread, a favorite Hanukkah treat.
Challah bread recipe
Makes 2 loaves
2 cups warm water or milk, 2 pkgs dry active yeast, 6-7 cups bread flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 t. salt, 1/4 cup oil, 1 egg
1. In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water (careful of the temperature or it won’t rise). Stir in sugar and salt. Add 3 cups flour and mix well. Add oil and egg and mix well. Then add remaining flour. The dough will be a little sticky.
2. Wet a clean dish towel and ring it out. Cover the bowl of dough with the towel. Refrigerate overnight.
3. When dough has doubled in size, braid as follows: Divide the dough into 3 pieces. Cut one piece into thirds; with your hands roll each piece into a 16 inch long rope. Place ropes side by side and braid as you would hair.
Pinch ends of braid to seal. Place on cookie sheet. Repeat with another piece for another loaf. Cut remaining dough into 6 pieces; roll each into 17 inch long ropes. Braid each set of three ropes; pinch ends to seal.
Place each smaller braid on top of a large braid; tuck ends of top braid under bottom braid, stretching top braid if necessary.
4. Arrange loaves at least 5 inches apart on oiled or greased cookie sheet; cover and let rise in warm place until doubles in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook bread for about 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, brush top and sides of loaves with butter. Let cool on wire rack.
October 15, 2008 - God’s Work in FranceTomer* is a Jewish man from Tunisia living in France. He had it all - a family and a successful business. He lived his life not caring about God or a relationship with Him. Tomer didn’t need God.
But when Tomer became ill, everything changed. He lost his business and his relationships with his wife and children became broken. Suddenly, Tomer was no longer in control.
Just weeks ago, a friend asked Life in Messiah worker, Nathan,* to visit this sick man with him. Nathan is always ready to engage in conversation about Messiah. So they went.
Also being Jewish, Nathan had an immediate special bond with Tomer. Nathan told this sick man how he had found salvation and peace through a relationship with Messiah Jesus.
“I had a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel message with him,” says Nathan. “And when I asked if he was ready to accept God’s gift of salvation through His Son, Tomer answered, ‘Yes!’”
Tomer is still sick. His business is still gone. His family is still broken. But his life has changed. He has accepted the free, full forever life available only through Messiah Jesus.
Pray with us, won’t you? Pray for Tomer’s growth as a new believer, for Nathan as he disciples this man. And pray for his family and for healing. May God alone be praised!
*not his real name
August 28, 2008 - "My greatest joy"Doris visits nursing homes every week. She shares God’s Word with individuals and plays recordings of hymns in Alzheimer units. Many of the friends she meets are Jewish. But Doris shows no discrimination – she knows everyone needs to hear the Good News.
I speak to Helene* about the Lord week after week, even though she doesn’t usually respond. But one day, Helene spoke to me. She asked how to be sure she is going to heaven. Helene gave her life to the Lord that day. Since then, she has slipped back into her non-communicative state, but with the peace of knowing Jesus as her Savior.
As I read to Helene one day, someone else heard my voice. Belle* listened as I shared the Word. For years, Belle heard voices in her head; they brought great fear into her life. When I finished reading, Belle asked if we could move our conversation into the hall where no one else could hear.
We talked about sin and the only One who can forgive us. I told her how she could know she would be in heaven one day. There in the hallway, Belle gave her heart and life to Jesus.
She could be doing other things
What motivates Doris to spend so much time with people she has never met before? “My greatest joy is to share Jesus with others,” she says.
Doris’ love and persistence keep her visiting these often-forgotten people. And God gives her joy. One day in an Alzheimer’s unit, the residents all began singing, raising their hands, and praising the Lord. “God performed a miracle on that day,” she remembers.
“Time is not on the side of those in nursing homes,” says Doris. “This may be their last opportunity to accept the gift of salvation.”
*In order to protect our staff and those with whom we are working, we will often alter names and faces in our publications.
July 27, 2008 - Journey to MessiahBoaz* was raised in a secular Jewish home on the East Coast. When his parents trusted the Lord Jesus, this young boy’s life changed. “I found myself going to Hebrew school during the week and to church on Sundays,” remembers Boaz. By the time he had his bar mitzvah at age 13, Boaz knew God was calling him to share his faith with Jewish people.
After completing the Jewish studies program at a Bible college, Boaz attended university in Israel. “Within a few months, Israel became more than the land of the Bible to me,” says Boaz. “It became my home.”
So he made aliyah (immigration to Israel) and began his compulsory military service with the Israeli Defense Forces. “During this time, Hebrew became my second language and my desire to take the gospel message to Jewish people intensified.”
While helping out at a Christian ministry, Boaz met a girl who had also come to do ministry, Ruth*. They married and came on staff with Life in Messiah.
As Boaz completes his theological studies, Boaz and Ruth establish important relationships with Jewish people all across the U.S.─people like Irene. Some are face to face; others are discipleship relationships carried out by weekly phone calls. Wherever they are, they are proclaiming the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah!
Boaz is faithfully taking the message of Messiah to his Jewish community. If you would like to partner in his ministry through prayers and/or financial gifts, please contact our office.
Affiliations are for U.S. only |
Affiliations are for U.S. only |
 |
 |
Copyright © 2008. All rights reserved. Designed by HMD