FOR BOLDNESS CJF Ministries® PRAY PO Box 345 , 78292-0345 “God has not forgotten the Jewish people, and neither have we.”

April, 2010

Dear CJFM Friend,

With major earthquakes in the news, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear people speculating that the Telephone end of the age is near. After all, didn’t Jesus say in Matthew 24 that there would be earthquakes (210) 226-0421 in various places? Yes, He did, but He also said such events would only mark the beginning of birth pangs. Scientists tell us that hundreds of earthquakes strike the world every year—it’s just that most of them are under the ocean, far from large population centers, or not of the magnitude Fax reported in Haiti and Chile. (210) 226-2140 Scripture is replete with references to earthquakes. There was an earthquake, for example, when God gave the Law at Sinai (Ex. 19:18). In Numbers 16:31-32, when Korah, Dathan, and Abiram E-mail rebelled against Moses’ leadership, God arranged for the earth to split open and swallow up not [email protected] only the men, but also their families and property. There was an earthquake before God revealed Himself to Elijah in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11). Matthew 27:50-54 tells us an earthquake accompanied Jesus’ death, and a second one occurred three days later in connection with His OrderLine resurrection (Matt. 28:1-4). We know that Paul and Silas were freed from their prison chains in (800) 926-5397 Philippi by a great earthquake (Acts 16:26). Scripture also tells us that earthquakes will be part of God’s judgments in the Tribulation Period (Ezek. 38:19; Rev. 6:12, 8:5, 11:19, 16:18).

Website The Bible reports another kind of “earthquake”—one associated with events following Peter and www.cjfm.org John’s healing of the lame man in the Temple courts. Their public activities and healing of the crippled man had aroused the wrath of the religious leaders. These leaders then threatened the disciples, forbidding them to ever again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Well, clearly the dis- ciples could not obey such an order. But they had every right to fear the consequences of their actions. So what did Peter and John do about this dilemma? They reported the situation to their companions and immediately held a prayer meeting. And the result? “And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken (emphasis mine); and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

That was one serious prayer meeting! It says the power of God came down and shook the place where they had gathered! I wonder—when we encounter opposition to the Gospel, do we shrink back in fear or do we pray unitedly and with confidence like Peter and John did? By God’s grace, may our prayers be so powerful, and so intense, that they “shake” others into going out into the world and speaking the word of God with boldness!

Thank you for being our companions in faith and ministry. May God richly bless and encour- age you—and give you boldness!

Gary Hedrick ROBERT WEISSMAN, LONDON Quoting an Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center report on the growing influence of Hamas in England, Israel National News stated that “London has become the epicenter of Hamas’ political, legal, and propaganda campaigns in Europe. . . . Hamas operatives . . . have been par- ticularly successful . . . initiating widespread anti-Zionism throughout the country” (see www. israelnationalnews.com/news/news.aspx/136170).

Even without the problems generated by Hamas, anti-Semitism in England goes back hundreds of years. In 1290, Britain expelled all Jewish residents (estimated anywhere from 4,000-16,000), and English authors as far back as Chaucer (c. 1343-1400) have portrayed Jewish characters negatively. Remember Shylock from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice? Britain’s institutionalized anti-Sem- CJF Ministries worker Robert Weissman itism was also well documented in the Academy Award winning movie, Chariots of Fire, which pitted the motives of Cambridge’s Jewish runner Harold Abrahams against Scotland’s missionary runner, Eric Liddell. Such ingrained anti-Semitic attitudes in any “Christian” nation (but especially in England) complicate Robert Weissman’s evangelistic efforts among Jewish people.

According to the Jewish Virtual Library, approximately two-thirds of Great Britain’s 350,000 Jewish population lives in London. Within the city, there are several large Jewish communities—each with its own unique flavor. Some communities, for example, are more “artsy,” others more “genteel,” still others more “scholastic.” Robert, a CJFM worker and Jewish be- liever, focuses mainly on the Golders Green area, where professional and religious Jewish people live. Both his door-to-door outreach and his Bible studies at the Jewish Community Centre lead to some interesting conversations.

Such conversations cover topics that include the debate between creationism and Darwinism, the virgin birth, and even the divinity of the Messiah. Very interesting discussions have also ensued when Jewish people discover—much to their chagrin—that various words in their Hebrew-English Tanakhs have either been mistranslated (e.g.,“virgin” in Isaiah 7:14), or left out altogether. In some cases, the translation of Isaiah 53 is totally missing. This chapter alone (which is so clearly messianic) provides Robert with many opportunities to discuss the Messiah’s role as the sacrifice for our sin. Robert is able to plant seeds, even if many Jewish people are not yet ready to take that final step of faith.

Make no mistake; discipleship is costly for Jewish people. Dr. Charles Halff, the late founder of CJFM, told his own story in the book, What it Costs a Jew to Become a Christian. He—like many other Jewish believers—was not only rejected, but actually persecuted by his family. Dr. Halff’s father beat him, had him arrested, and literally disowned him. Dr. Halff went from being a well-heeled, upper-class young man to a castoff who didn’t know from where his next meal would come—and his experiences are not that unique.

Why is there such a violent reaction from Jewish families and communities? Most Jewish people are convinced that those who believe in Yeshua are no longer Jewish, but rather, they are joining the camp of the enemy—those who were, and still are, per- petrators of anti-Semitism. At the same time, they believe that the Jewish “turncoat” is also depleting the ranks of an already shrinking Jewish population. Thus, a Jewish person who believes in Yeshua threatens the very existence of the Jewish people. Robert’s challenge—indeed, the challenge for all who would share the Gospel—is to demonstrate that Jewish believers are still Jewish; that believing in the Messiah is the most Jewish thing they can do. It means educating a Jewish person about God’s plan for him. In the early Church, a believing Gentile was not forced to become Jewish. In the same way, a believing Jewish person does not become a Gentile; he remains Jewish! Both the Jewish people and the New Testament Church have a place in God’s plan. And central to that plan, as well as to all of history, is the sinless Son of God—the Jewish Messiah.

Pray that Robert will be able to overcome all that hinders a Jewish person from coming to faith. Pray for wisdom, persis- tence, and boldness, as he brings the Good News to the Jewish people of London.

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA IMPACTED BY NEARBY CHILEAN EARTHQUAKE The 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile on February 27, registered a 5.8 in neighboring Mendoza, Argentina—home of CJFM worker Marcos Morales and his family. Marcos reports that the earthquake lasted about a minute. (For those of you who have not experienced earthquakes, that’s a LONG time!) Fortunately, there were no casualties in Mendoza, although many houses and office buildings suffered damage. Marcos reports that they have had over 120 aftershocks in the 5- to 6-point range on the Richter scale, eight of those have been epicentered in Argentina, and four of them in Mendoza itself. While Argentina has been impacted by the quake and the aftershocks, Chile has been devastated. Damage has affected communications and made main roads difficult to travel—both affecting relief efforts. Pray for the Chilean people, for the large Jewish commu- nity in Chile, and for the Jewish believers and workers in Mendoza. (Find a link to Marcos Morales’ complete report on our homepage at cjfm.org.) HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS According to a Time magazine report in 2008, “South Africa has some of the world’s worst levels of violent crime, with 52 people murdered every 24 hours, for an annual murder rate of 43.1 per 100,000 people. Added to that each year are 200,000 robberies, 55,000 rapes, and half-a-mil- lion cases of assault and attempted murder” (see http://bit.ly/cr1LlE). This out-of-control crime rate, along with a high unemployment rate, has driven many professionals to leave South Africa for greener (and safer) pastures. Despite these dismal statistics, however, CJFM worker Louise Newmark (a never-married, single woman) continues faithfully at her post in Johannesburg. This year, Louise celebrates 50 years on the mission field—nearly 20 of them with CJFM!

Director of International Ministries Gideon Levytam and his wife Irene traveled to South Africa to visit Louise and share this milestone anniversary with her. They were struck by the realities of life Louise Newmark—faithfully in this crime-ridden city—multiple locks on home and apartment doors, as well as housing com- serving the Lord among the munities surrounded by locked iron gates topped with razor wire. Louise uses wisdom when going Jewish people for 50 years. on her daily visitation rounds, but clearly, the Lord has watched over and protected her.

During the visit, Louise escorted Gideon and Irene on a “God is always in walking tour of the city. As they strolled through one of the business of the markets, they engaged several of the local people in conversation about the Lord. Most were very willing to freeing us and speak with them, and to hear what they had to say about bringing us to Yeshua. depend totally on Him . . . my During the Levytams’ visit, Louise also introduced them life is not always to some of the many Jewish people whom she visits on a easy, but it’s regular basis. Some are now believers, others, not yet. But on each visit, Gideon was able to open the Word of God exciting.” and share the Scriptures with them. The first evening, Gideon and Irene were met by a leader of another Jewish evangelistic group and through him, was introduced to other Jewish believers in the city. The man also invited Gideon to speak at their messianic congregation. Gideon chose Psalm 1 for his message, showing how that Scripture points to Yeshua—the perfect Man.

As long as the Lord gives her strength, 75-year-old Louise (who doesn’t own a car) Director of International Ministries Gideon Levytam will continue walking from street to street, and from door to door, sharing the Good preaching at Beit Y’shua, a messianic congregation News with the Jewish people of Johannesburg. We congratulate her on her anniver- in Johannesburg. There are nearly 50,000 Jewish sary. Truly, “How beautiful . . . Are the feet of him who brings good news, . . . Who people in the city. proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isa. 52:7).

Louise regularly visits a number of Jewish people in Johannesburg. On this In Louise’s black bags are tracts and pamphlets she uses when witnessing. visit to Brian, Gideon shared the story of Nicodemus. Louise is known as “the woman with bags who talks about God.” May God move us to share the Gospel with the same fervor! LIVE THE LAND—AUGUST 6-18, 2010 Now is the time to acquire first-hand knowledge of events and places in the Bible, and discover the Jewish roots of your faith. Transform your life. Go to Israel and “Live the Land!”

This is the land of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, King David, the prophets, the First and Second Temples, and the ministry of Jesus. The Holy Land is at the very center of God’s plan for the human race and yet, for most believers, it is only a dis- tant and seemingly irrelevant land filled with sand, camels, and political strife. Live the Land is here to change that.

This trip—specifically designed for the college and career crowd—will challenge assumptions, and invigorate your faith. By having the opportunity to look at the Scriptures from a Jewish perspective, participants will gain fresh insight into God’s word, His plan for the human race, and a believer’s place in that plan. Look to grow spiritually, form new friend- ships, and have great fun in the process!

Whether you are part of the college and career crowd, or a parent or grandparent looking for that one-of-a-kind, life- altering graduation gift, we invite you to check out Live the Land. For more information about this tour—includ- ing cost, registration forms, scholarship information, and a detailed itinerary, see livetheland.com.

CJFM PRAYER REQUESTS Top: Live the Land participants study Matthew Chapters 5—7 on the Mount of Beatitudes. Directly above: Participants prepare to rappel down the face of a cliff in “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, the Judean desert.

you will receive” (Matt. 21:22). R A Higbee

Please pray for:

• Many salvations as a result of our Passover Seders.

• Our new work in Belarus—for believers’ BOOK OF REVELATION PROPHECY TOUR courage in the face of government opposi- tion, and many Jewish hearts to be open to Join us October 13-29 for our last tour of the year (and our most popular the Gospel. one)—the Book of Revelation Prophecy Tour. Take advantage of the beau- tiful fall weather to visit magnificent sites in both Turkey and Israel. A • Our work in Israel—for safety, growth, and one-day excursion to the Island of Patmos (where the Apostle John wrote believers to be a bridge to true peace. Revelation) is also included.

• The blessing and well-being of a CJFM In Turkey, you’ll visit historically rich ar- worker in Israel and her husband after the chaeological sites, as well as massive mar- birth of their first child—a boy. vels built by the Ottoman Turks. During • Appropriate Sabbath school materials, and the second half of the tour in Israel, you’ll dedicated teachers for the Karmiel congrega- travel to places of biblical and prophetic tion. significance from both the Old and New Testaments. Included in the tour are sites • The safety and ministry of CJFM worker of modern political interest as well. Marcos Morales as his city in western Argen- tina continues to be affected by aftershocks Don’t miss this chance to walk where early from the nearby Chilean earthquake. believers, evangelists, and even our Lord (If you would like to pray for CJFM and our supporters himself walked. This is your opportunity on a weekly basis, contact Della at [email protected]. to experience a deep connection with the

She will answer any questions you may have about Land, and see first-hand where God will Higbee A R receiving our weekly email prayer list.) bring human history to a close. For more “He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God . . .” detailed information, see cjfm.org/tours. (Rev. 3:12). Resources for April, 2010

GOD, TORAH, MESSIAH by Dr. Louis Goldberg, RADIO BROADCASTS edited by Dr. Richard A. Robinson The Marriage Supper of the Lamb Written by a former distinguished professor of by Dr. Gary Hedrick Theology and Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute, this first-of-its-kind comprehensive Dr. Hedrick shows the amazing parallels reference volume is an essential addition to between ancient Jewish wedding customs the library of those students wishing to survey and God’s prophetic plan for His bride, the systematic theology with a distinctly messianic Church. Jewish emphasis. The volume concludes with ecclesiology and offers thoughts on this doctrine CD (#GT-18 CD) $6 for messianic congregations. For more details on Cassette Tape (#GT-18) $6 this book’s extensive content, index, and bibliog- raphy, see MessianicSpecialties.com. The Promise of His Coming Book (BB-145) 750 pages, $40 by Dr. Gary Hedrick The New Testament warns that in the last days unbelievers will scoff at the idea of a literal second coming of the Messiah. ISRAEL IN THE PLAN OF GOD They will argue that everything is continu- ing just as it always has, with no divine in- by David Baron tervention. Dr. Hedrick shows how those who scoff at Bible prophecy are actually David Baron was raised in a devout Jewish helping to fulfill it! family and studied Hebrew in rabbinical school. After completing his own study of the Scriptures, CD (#GT-21 CD) $6 he converted to Christianity and devoted himself Cassette Tape (#GT-21) $6 to a twofold ministry: explaining Christianity to the Jewish people and explaining Judaism to Christians. These two objectives form the basis for his classic work, Israel in the Plan of God. The Christian’s Greatest Discovery by Dr. Gary Hedrick Israel’s past and future—from her national elec- tion by God to the final judgment of her ene- We must understand (and apply) this one mies—is covered in this balanced, biblical study central truth of the Scriptures before we by an astute scholar. can experience consistent victory, peace, and joy in our daily lives. Book (#IPG) 320 pages, $16 CD (#GT-34 CD) $6 Cassette Tape (#GT-34) $6

THE HIDDEN LIFE: Thoughts on Communion with God Who is the True Messiah? by Adolph Saphir by Dr. Gary Hedrick

Based on James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He Why didn’t the Jewish leadership accept will draw near to you,” this work offers some Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah when He came elementary thoughts on the great subject of the the first time? Dr. Hedrick explains that Christian’s hidden life, while describing the the answer, in part, is found in ancient experienced reality of revelation and prayer. rabbinic teachings and the messianic ex- pectations of the first-century Sanhedrin. Book (#THL) 291 pages, $14 CD (#GT-16 CD) $6 Cassette Tape (#GT-16) $6 Listen to “Messianic Perspectives” Monday-Friday on the following stations. Access the webcast or subscribe to the podcast anytime at cjfm.org/perspectives.

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