On the Day of Atonement, the practicing Jewish people use this as a time of introspection and repentance before and on Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur they fast and pray in hope that their good deeds outnumber their bad. During Yom Kippur, the normally busy streets were completely empty which is an amazing sight to see for such a busy area as Jerusalem. We decided to pray and fast as well, not for the hope of our salvation, for we are assured of our salvation through faith in Christ (
1 John 5:1-5,13-15
); but rather for the salvation of the nation where the people would recognize their need of a Savior and realize that without the shedding of the Messiah’s blood there is no remission of sins (
Lev 17:11; Heb. 9:22
).
Along with prayer and engaging with Jewish people about the deeper meaning of the feasts we had the joy of building and decorating our own sukkah (a booth or temporary shelter –
Neh. 8:13-18
) which gave us the opportunity to invite other believers for fellowship as well as share the gospel with non-believers.
Besides the opportunities to engage with people during the holidays I am getting into a routine where I make myself available for the gospel by meeting with people in areas around the city and our neighborhood. I specifically pray for divine appointments before going out with Bibles and literature. Much time is also needed to follow up with those who we have been working with to continue to explain the gospel, especially after they have had time to go to the rabbis and try to refute the gospel. The gospel, as anywhere but especially here in Israel, must be given with boldness, yet in love and with great patience. There is such a long history of misunderstandings as to what the message of the gospel truly is verses the false perception of what they are taught. Please continue to pray for first fruits.
In addition to the routine of the ministry we continue to spend a good deal of time learning the Hebrew language. Along with self-study, using multiple curriculum, we are considering the option of an additional Ulpan (public Hebrew class) or private tutor to continue to learn this challenging language.
Beth continues to shine in her role as a wife, mother, home-school teacher, and hostess for all our Bible studies, fellowships, Shabbat meals and other gospel opportunities in our home which serves many purposes besides just a place to live. One area that is heavy on our hearts is Beth’s health. She had to do a follow up mammogram and ultrasound as her first-ever mammogram revealed an area of concern. She has since had a biopsy and we are prayerfully awaiting the results.
Abby continues to have a great opportunity for the gospel in the IDF. We are planning to host many of her fellow soldiers for a big Shabbat dinner where we will follow up on Abby’s giving of the gospel and continue to show who Jesus is as the Messiah and Savior of the world.
David is working hard to finish his senior year with excellence along with Hebrew language studies. Besides the academics, he is cleaning tables and dishes at Aroma (Israeli version of Starbucks) where he continues to learn the language colloquially as well as being a light for the gospel to his co-workers and customers.
Mark and Levi continue to work through school and do what young boys do. Levi is currently in physical therapy for the arm he broke in the summer. It is healing, but slower than expected
Philippians Trip
Two Islands, many conferences, and churches visited in just 11 days was very demanding but was also very rewarding and a great blessing. Having been asked by Brother Ed Frampton to represent IBJM at this year’s To the Jew First Conference in the Philippians I was greatly humbled and blessed. I had the chance to work with a wonderful group of Filipino pastors and believers who came together out of the work of Brother Ed and Pastor Mandy’s efforts to encourage Jewish evangelism among the churches throughout the Philippians. It was a great joy to meet with many who represented the more than over 450 congregations committed to reaching all people with the gospel beginning with the Jew first (
Rom. 1:16
). Along with those looking to grow in the Word I also had the opportunity to meet with unbelievers and preach the gospel. At one annual conference that was established to pray for the peace and salvation of Israel it was attended by a couple of unbelieving Jewish people who got to hear the gospel of salvation. One man invited us afterwards to his home for coffee and the other, whose parents where survivors of the holocaust, came up to me and said he had never heard the gospel and was very touched by the message. Please pray for Chaim and Leon that the Lord would open their hearts to believe.
I especially enjoyed my time with Brother Joe Nicor who was my guide, coach in all things Filipino, and friend throughout the trip. So many showed me wonderful acts of kindness, hospitality, and brotherly love for which I am very appreciative and grateful. The most significant way I was blessed though was not only by the great love I personally received but also by their love of the Word of God, each other, and their willingness to sacrifice significantly for the cause of Christ in knowing Him and making Him known.
"Set NOT your hearts on the flowers of this world. They shall fade and die. Prize the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley. He changes not! Live nearer to Christ than to any person on this earth; so that when they are taken, you may have Him to love and lean upon."
Robert Murray M'Cheyne
Blessings,
Scott, Beth, Abigail, David, Mark, Levi
לוי ,מארק ,דוד ,אביגיל ,ג'יין ,סקוט
