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Volume 1, #6 NL
January 2023
שְׁבָט Shevat 5783
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ROSH CHODESH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | |
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FROM RABBI KEN "MACCABEES" MACNEIL
UMJA PRESIDENT
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Shalom Shalom mishpucha v'chaverim!
Many have come to know our secretary Karen Deloge. Well, we certainly have some “naches” to announce! No, not nachos but (Yiddish for proud enjoyment, delight, satisfaction). Karen has humbly taken on the position as secretary, but that is just one of her gifts. Her greater passion has been that of a minister and teacher of the Word for over 45 years. Whether it be as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, an invited speaker at churches, an author, or in women’s ministry as a Torah teacher. Not to mention, raising G-dly children of which one is a Torah observant teacher over a congregation of 120 members. All of this was before the UMJA was blessed by her arrival.
So what is this naches to be announced you might be wondering? We at the UMJA are elated to announce that we have asked Karen to lead the way by being our first Morah (woman ministry teacher)! With that, please let me introduce her to you in our leading article by Morah Karen Deloge. ;-)
We are now into the new year and there are so many exciting things ahead in our journey with the UMJA and with G-d in these challenging times in which we live.
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So, the theme of this issue is just that. The journey. We hope you enjoy it.
Lastly, with this new year of 2023 before us, we want to remind UMJA members to please renew your annual dues of $75, which can easily be done through the website on our donation page, or by mail and check to the address at the bottom of this letter. Our treasurer will send tax receipts for your records, and we thank you all for joining efforts with the UMJA, as we labor together and prepare for the Messiah's return!
R'Ken
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REFLECTIONS ON THE JOURNEY
Morah Karen Low Deloge
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Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses
surrounding us, let us also get rid of every weight and entangling sin.
Let us run with endurance the race set before us,
focusing on Yeshua, the initiator and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 TLV
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There have been plenty of times in my travels when I remember feeling road-weary and jet-lagged. I've even forgotten where I was going from time to time! I remember staring at the terminal screens with a foggy sleep-deprived brain, fumbling through my bag for a ticket with the gate information so I could continue in the right direction.
A long journey can be wearisome and confusing, especially where the language is unfamiliar. You don't understand your surroundings and you become keenly aware that you're a foreigner--a sojourner passing through. The pangs of culture shock remind you that you're not home yet, so you need to pack thicker skin and a healthy helping of patience.
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In 2013, after 30 hours of travel back to Papua New Guinea | |
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How good it is to have directions in this life! Not the kind of directions I had in Italy trying to navigate the trains to Calabria on my own. "You can't miss it!" they say--when in fact, you can! Or, the time we circled for hours in the rivers of the rain forest looking for "that tree with a bent branch" and we thought we'd be lost forever in sago swamps! Clear and proven directions from a reliable source are invaluable, and critical to a safe arrival at your desired destination.
How we praise G-d for giving us the perfect instructions for this journey we're on! And isn't it great comfort to know that we don't have to set the course on our own? Our Heavenly Father doesn't expect us to create the map or navigate unfamiliar terrain on our own. As Hebrews 12 reminds us, the race is set before us, chosen by the Father! Even better, He accompanies us on the right path. All we need to do is make sure we have a valid boarding pass and keep our eyes on Yeshua. Don't be weary. The Father knows exactly where you are and precisely where you're going.
Whatever this year holds for us, we know we are never alone! We have the Word and we have each other, fellow believers, for this incredible journey!
Dr. Max has graciously shared his story and an original parable with us, setting the theme for this month's letter on the journey. As his story proves, our tender shepherd shows up at every twist and turn in the road. Nothing is wasted, and all our trials become fuel for the next chapter. So let's hold on and enjoy the ride!
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What a maze life can be! Nearly impossible to navigate at times!
This is a view from a 4-passenger float plane over the Sepik River, P.N.G.,
that always reminded me how much we need a good experienced pilot!
All praise to the One who said, "I AM the way!" and again, "Follow me."
John 14:6, 12:26
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My Journey
Dr. Max Debono-De-Laurentis,
Scotland
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I was born on the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England but since my stepfather was Jewish, part of my childhood was spent growing up in a Jewish community in Brooklyn NY. I returned to England at the age of thirteen, and then followed some rocky years. I was a biker and a devil-worshipper until the Messiah Yeshua miraculously saved me in 1986. I was 25.
At that time, I was given 2 Timothy 2:15, “Study to show yourself approved, a workman rightly interpreting the word of truth,” and I took that verse to heart and attended Elim Pentecostal Bible College for my first real delve into Scripture. I also attended a number of Christian churches and would always get involved to the best of my ability. I learned a lot, but felt many issues and questions were unresolved.
After marrying my wife Angie and settling in Scotland, I continued studying at a Messianic Yeshiva, completing my bachelor’s and master’s degrees through MBI. I also went on to obtain my Doctorate of Arts in Jewish Studies, and studied at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.
I have been a believer for 36 years now, and came to an understanding of the Judaic importance of our faith about 25 years ago. I had become involved with a church/Bible college in London, England that was faith and prosperity based. One day, a pastor came from America and declared that Jews could not be saved because G-d had rejected them and replaced them with the church! My Jewish stepfather had become a believer by this time, so I was deeply confused and concerned. I searched for answers but no one could answer me.
Two weeks later, whiile attending a meeting at the church, the leaders asked me to stand up. Then they had me thrown out as a sorcerer for questioning their teachings!
As you can imagine, this was distressing. After that meeting, I had to travel home by train that day. It was G-d's grace. Would you believe, I met someone who went to church with my mother on that train? I told her what happened and she was shocked. Then she told me she was Jewish, and she belonged to a Messianic Fellowship! That was the start of a whole new chapter in my journey.
Through this providential connection, I ended up working for CMJ, the Churches Mission to the Jewish People. I later became involved with Messianic Testimony, an organization that serves the Orthodox in London, the Jews in Russia, and the Ukraine.
I currently lead a small fellowship in Edinburgh called Beit Yeshua Messianic Fellowship. We are the only Torah observant fellowship in Scotland to my knowledge. We meet every Shabbat for worship and teaching, and I encourage open discussion so all can leave with a clear understanding. With my history, you can see that finding clear answers to our questions is something I'm passionate about. ;-)
Now, our congregation is slowly building up again after the 2-year lockdown. Those who are with us now are coming because they are hungry for the Torah and serious about their relationship with Adonai. What a blessing this has been!
May I present Dorothe Kaufmann, a lovely Jewish woman who works tirelessly in the Scottish churches promoting Israel and fighting anti-Semitism. Also, the lovely Heather Lennox, originally from Northern Ireland, who loves Adonai and desires nothing more than to help, and love people, demonstrating Yeshua in practice. She is Torah observant and loves studying Yeshua in His correct biblical, sociological, and geological Judaic context. I made a video clip of their stories and highly recommend them. Just click on the links next to their pictures below and you'll be in for a real treat.
As for me, having struggled so long and hard to understand truth, I not only love the study of Torah, but I am passionate about sharing that knowledge at any opportunity.
The Scottish school system policy is to send as many students as possible to visit Auschwitz, so they never forget the Holocaust. I hope to advance this effort and find more speaking opportunities. Holocaust deniers should not gain ground to poison the minds of the young and impressionable without a fight.
Lastly, I have also written several booklets aimed at non-Jewish believers wishing to understand more of our Judaic roots, or for those who are just setting out on the journey of learning the importance and relevance of Torah. (All proceeds go back into the ministry.) The books can be found on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk. Several titles are available in e-format on kindle as well.
Please contact me if you have any questions, especially if you are planning a visit to Scotland, or just to say hello! I look forward to hearing from you.
Bless You All!
Max
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Parable of the Bus
Dr. Max Debono-De-Laurentis
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Once upon a time, a generous and very wealthy landowner decided to build a vehicle to take people to his wonderful kingdom in the Celestial Mountains. After many disappointments with various contractors, he finally employed a man of notable integrity to help him construct an enormous passenger bus and he would personally drive it. He also gave it a special name, Israel.
The driver promised that the bus would accommodate anyone who wanted to join them, but in order to ensure a safe and peaceful arrival, he and his son produced a set of rules for the journey. They wanted all the passengers to fully understand these requirements.
On their initial trip, many wanted to jump aboard, but some quickly changed their minds when they heard about the rules. Others didn’t like the direction the driver was going, and thought they knew a better way. Still others grumbled about finding a more suitable bus driver who would take an easier route. And why did they have to go through the parched desert?
To make matters worse, more trouble erupted when various passengers decided to reinterpret the driver’s guidelines, trying to make them more palatable and convenient. The most educated among them even thought they should add more guidelines, making it extremely difficult to differentiate what came from the driver and what was from the others passengers. This became burdensome because they argued that the additional instructions superseded the owner’s original instructions.
In their zeal, they spent all their time examining their new instruction manuals and didn’t realize they had gotten out of line and they were now blocking the path for others to board.
For these and a host of other reasons, many passengers left the bus and tried to find their own way to the Celestial Mountains. Sadly, they would eventually realize that there is no other way and they would never arrive in the beautiful kingdom they heard about.
In truth, very few passengers made it to a seat or remained on the bus. Merely a small remnant enjoyed the ride as they had simply decided to abide by the driver’s instructions.
The driver looked back at all the empty seats, saddened to see that many more people could have experienced everything he and his son prepared in his Celestial Mountains. So, to remedy the situation, he enacted a plan they had prepared long before they built the bus named Israel.
The driver called his son and sent him back to all the passengers who stayed behind, to offer personal teaching about the way to his father’s kingdom where they could live forever if they wanted. He explained that the rules weren’t meant to be burdensome, but a practical way to behave on the journey and to enjoy peace with others on the way. Many followed him back to his father’s bus, and he trained some to go out and spread the message to others.
News of the driver and his vehicle called Israel started spreading around the world. Many passengers who never considered getting on this bus were persuaded, but many rejected the bus driver’s directions and said the son wasn’t telling the truth. Some even argued that He was an imposter and should be killed!
The bus Israel was now forced onto an undesirable road. It was narrow and full of potholes and the journey grew harder, but the driver and his son were the only ones who knew the way to the Celestial Mountains where the beautiful kingdom lay. Only those who were inside the bus would be granted entry at the gates. No one else would ever be allowed inside!
As they reached a turning point near a village along the way, many tried climbing on board. They yelled at the driver, “We heard about you and even sold tickets for this bus, so let us in! We told our friends and family about you.” But the son shook his head and told them sadly, “I don’t know you; you should have believed me and obeyed the rules instead of going your own way.”
It’s time for us to examine the driver’s requirements and the son’s teaching and find out if we’re seated on the bus or not. Are we doing things our own way, expecting the driver to accept us regardless of how we disregard his instructions? Who will arrive safely and be granted entrance to the kingdom?
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Dr. Max and Angie Debono | |
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Let us continue holding fast to the hope we acknowledge,
without wavering; for the One who made the promise is trustworthy. And let us keep paying attention to one another,
in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds,
not neglecting...
but rather, encouraging each other.
Hebrews 10:23-25 CJB
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CONFERENCE 2023 UPDATE
We are close to finalizing details for UMJA Conference 2023! We are aiming for the weekend of July 22-23 (easy to remember), and the location will be the lovely Courtyard Marriott on White Water Drive in Phenix City, Alabama. Mark your calendars and we'll let you know more about the group rate and event schedules on the website.
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A Little Something Special for the Women!
Here's a beautiful gift that is perfect for all the mothers, wives, daughters and sisters out there who love Torah! Every issue is about 30 colorful pages of helpful and inspiring articles, festival celebrations, features for families, children, home-schooling, recipes, and more.
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Pray for one another on this journey in 2023, that we will remain good and true followers of Yeshua! Pray we persevere in the race on the course marked out for us according to Hebrews 12:1.
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Pray for the growth of our outreach and impact around the world as we labor to make Him known in all our regions through all our studying, writing and teaching. Keep praying for the final organization and preparation of the Yeshiva, the textbook, “Writings of the Messiah,” as well as the Lamed Vav House.
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Let's hold one another up in the battle against anti-missionaries. We know our enemy hinders, but we also know Him who is greater, and we must stand together with the weapons not of this world.
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Pray for encouragement and growth for all our congregations striving to recover and rebuild after Covid. May HaShem restore the years the locusts have eaten and make us stronger than ever.
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Pray for Dr. Max and his wife Angie, whose health has been failing. She is continually getting pneumonia and also suffers with ME.
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Pray for the upcoming UMJA conference in July! Pray for ample finances to cover all costs and for a refreshing time together as a community.
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Praise HaShem for wonderful breakthroughs in the "IT Department." Though we've seen opposition at every turn, you should be seeing progress on our mobile app, website, and in every area! All praise and glory to G-d.
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Let's continue praying for the Father's blessing in the year 2023 according to the prayer of Moses in Tehillim 90 (see below). There are a LOT of exciting projects in the works and we're gathering momentum in the UMJA!
Email prayer requests and praises to the editor: prayer requests.
James 5:17-18
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1 "Adonai, you have been our dwelling place in every generation.
2 Before the mountains were born, before you had formed the earth and the world, from eternity past to eternity future you are God…
16 Show your deeds to your servants and your glory to their children. 17 May the favor of Adonai our God be on us, prosper for us all the work that we do — yes, prosper the work that we do."
Tehillim 90 (Psalm 90) of Moshe, CJB
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A Note from the Editor
This letter is intended for all believers
interested in studying and learning more
about Torah. The goal is to build connections
and edify one another as we prepare for Messiah’s return!
Please share this letter and invite friends,
family and congregants to
subscribe on our website!
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Has Hashem been moving in your life or in your part of the world? We need to learn from one another.
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Are you new to our UMJA family? We want to support one another.
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Do you have a story or testimony to share? We aim to encourage one another.
Please send to the editor for a future issue.
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IN THE SHEVAT CALENDAR
Shevat 5: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Shevat 14: Tu Bishvat begins at evening
Shevat 23: War against tribe of Benjamin - Judges 20:1-48
Shevat 24: Zechariah sees vision of rider Zec.1:7; Death of R'Yechiel Lichtenstein (191)
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