First day in Israel...
Sason and Guy Pochtar picked me up at about midnight last night and by the time I got to bed at Sason and Sophia's house, it was almost 2 am!
The Lord woke me up for a wonderful time of prayer about 5 am for 3 hours of prayer and Scripture devotions! Despite the short night I felt like I was lifted up on eagles wings, filled with delight and thanksgiving!
Israel picked me up along with a Messianic Jewish brother visiting from Mexico City! This brother's name is Moses! He grew up in a Messianic community in Mexico City and became a Chiropractor, rabbi, and University prof. teaching leadership and group dynamics! I look at Him and wonder what I have been doing with the last 30 years?!
We had a fun day together and drove up to the North of Tel Aviv to meet with two more dear friends, Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram. Ari is called the 'Father of the Messianic movement' here in Israel because he left Hollywood as a successful actor 40 years ago to give Jews in Israel a chance to know their Messiah. There were less than 10 such Jews meeting together when he arrived and now Israel has about 40,000 such Jewish believers meeting here weekly! He has been a great help to all of the Jesus followers, not inly in Israel, but to scores of Countries all over the World! Ari has written many books and translated other great ones of faith into Hebrew, publishing nearly two hundred different titles! They just finished publishing a Hebrew Bible (Old and New Testament) that is the first of its kind in the World! It is designed to be easy for Jews to read, with Scripture notes, explanations and a dictionary!
Ari and his wife are about 80 years old and going strong! Even though they were selling their home today, they stopped and took almost two hours to share with us God's work here in Israel, around the World and insights from the rich Hebrew roots we are all a part of!
Israel, Moses and I (sounds like the Mount of Transfiguration) stopped for lunch on our way home and each of us shared some of our own faith journey with each other! Whenever we do that, the Holy Spirit always takes us deeper and deeper into our relationship with Christ and each other! It was an amazing day!
I had time for a one hour nap in the afternoon and then was asked to speak with the Youth group tonight about sex, dating and marriage! The kids were 'all in' on it and not a few tears from young people who really do want to do it well, but knew far more about how the World views these things than what God has to say about it... His Spirit penetrated many hearts tonight, including my own! What an amazing first day!
I also was asked to speak to an Arabic congregation in Nazareth tomorrow evening (almost two hours drive each way, but I will go anywhere the Spirit opens the door, if I have a chance to talk about Jesus!)
This last note about Nazareth, is a thinly veiled plea for your prayers! This opportunity is a first for me and I don't want to go anywhere without that faithful, prayer covering!
It is a great gift to be doing this journey of faith together with you dear friends! Your reward is being kept safe in Heaven in the Savior's book of remembrance! In His love, jerry
4 Comments
Praying for safety and connections with people. Praying that more people sense His Spirit in you, Pastor Jerry, so that we all would be increasingly inspired to believe and love.
A peaceful resting in God- that is my prayer for you as you speak. May the room be filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit and you simply be a vehicle for what He has to say. Blessings and love.
What an inspiration you are, Jerry. Am agreeing with you in prayer for the Holy Spirit's manifestation.
JERRY, YOU DAYS ARE FULL OF special APPOINTMENTS. Loved hearing about lrasel 's friend from Mexico. News of 40,000 New lives. Praise God. Praying for your time with the Arabic church in Nazareth. Remember there bombs flying in the garbage cans. Praying and blessings to you. Rest Hee Hee.