RAMAT GAN (TEL AVIV) CENTER:
In the months following the dedication ceremony of our new facility in
Ramat Gan, we held a few seminars and special events. We partnered with
Ely Israel (part of CBN) to put on three events for single moms, a financial
training seminar, and a parenting workshop.
In addition to these special events, we started a children’s English
story hour in July which has been meeting every Thursday afternoon with
about 10-15 kids in attendance. On Sunday mornings, we also hold a biweekly
women’s devotional meeting.
In September, we started hosting an evening at the coffee shop. For
our first evening, we invited a performer to provide entertainment for the
attendees. Despite the presence of protesters who tried to discourage people
from entering, about 15 people came to the event! Please pray against any
further protesters. Please also pray with us for the addition of staff members
for the Center, because we would really like to start a Bible study outreach, a
community Bible study, and an English class.
THE MESSIANIC CENTER OF WESTERN GALILEE:
Ministry in western Galilee has been continuous since the days of Yeshua
and the first disciples. Ministry in the coastal city of Nahariya started in the
early 1970s, and the group has been distinguished by its diversity—Jews,
Arabs, immigrants, ex-patriots, believers, and seekers who have been meeting
together for many years.
The Messianic Center of Western Galilee is designed to bring together
the different congregations and ministries in the area to work together to meet
the spiritual and material needs of the communities. The greatest need is for
the Gospel to be proclaimed!
CONGREGATIONS
SIMCHAT YESHUA CONGREGATION IN TEL AVIV: Besides the weekly Sabbath meeting,
there are weekly ministries, home groups, lessons, and special activities for the
holidays and life cycle celebrations. Next summer, we are planning to have a
family camp.
GEULAT YISRAEL CONGREGATION IN ASHDOD: Each Saturday, our congregation has
20 adults, plus children, in attendance. We are currently having three meetings
a week, and we are also preparing for two baptisms in the very near future.
OR HAGALIL CONGREGATION: Efraim and Jeannie Goldstein lead this congregation,
which is the hub of the work in the Galilee.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
CHILDREN’S CAMPS: Each camp hosts approximately 100 children and 30 leaders
from many congregations all over Israel. All our camps are in Hebrew, with
translation into Russian for those who need it. The camping program also
provides an opportunity to continue to work with youth who are going to
join the army, or who already serve, or who have just finished their service.
These youth are actually former campers who felt called to return and
continue to serve and share Jesus with the kids. We meet during the year
to have fellowship, study the Bible together, and
plan the camp program. In the past year, around
30% of the kids came from seeking families…
and the parents know we are believers!
LIVING WATERS LEADERSHIP RETREATS: In Israel, there
is a new generation of young believers who need
guidance and encouragement as they develop
their leadership potential. A program called
“Living Waters” was developed to meet the needs
of these young leaders. Twice a year, a carefully
selected group of approximately 15 different
leaders gather together, along with their spouses
and children, for an intensive weekend of study
and discipleship.
NOVEMBER 2017 / THE CHOSEN PEOPLE - 5
The group is limited in size to allow for a
more intimate setting where peer relationships can
be formed. A mentoring environment is forged
with experienced leaders, and the relationships
developed during the weekend continue to be
nurtured throughout the year.
MINISTRIES OF LOVE AND
GENEROSITY
MINISTRY TO HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS: In half a
dozen cities around Israel, we have monthly
meetings for Holocaust survivors so they can
socialize, have a meal, and listen to music or
to a speaker. At every meeting, we speak of
the Lord through our words
and songs, and we encourage
people to receive Jesus’ free gift
of salvation. During the Jewish
High Holidays, we held special
events and hundreds of people
came! We are developing an
ongoing friendship with many
of them as they get to know
us. As we earn their trust, they
have started asking questions about the Lord,
and seeking prayer and counsel, but best of
all, many have asked Jesus into their lives!
There have been quite a few professions of
faith this past year and people have started to
attend local congregations.
We have also been serving many Holocaust
survivors by providing them with packages of basic
household items (flour, oil, canned goods, pasta,
soap, etc.), which help them tremendously as they
live on a meager pension. It is a blessing to be able
to help these dear people by giving them love,
friendship, and the message of salvation.