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December 2005 Cheshvan - Kislev 5765 MaozIsrael R E P O R T Finding Yeshua In The Holy Land By Shira Sorko-Ram I met Galina about eight years ago in a beauty salon where she worked as a manicurist in a suburb of Tel Aviv. A new immigrant of about six years then, she had come from Russia where she had been a piano teacher. She had learned quite a bit of Hebrew on the job, and I found her a really delightful person, full of life and energy. As she worked on my nails, I began to tell her about Yeshua. To my delight, she was completely open to the Jewish Messiah – but for a very strange reason. She had been seriously ill with cancer when she first arrived in Israel and had sought help from some kind of “healer” who claimed to have the ability to heal, but seemingly had had no exposure to other believers. This person prayed over her with a lit candle, and after several visits, Galina began to feel better. Then, incredulously, at one point, this person told her client that it was through the name of Yeshua that she had power to heal. And she handed Galina the book “Betrayed” by Stan Telchin in Russian (we have printed these by the tens of thousands in Hebrew) which is the story of a Jewish businessman who came to know that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah. Galina, a Jewess, actually drove to Nazareth to search for this Yeshua in a Russian Orthodox church with an Arab priest, the only place she knew to go. But she didn’t return, as she just couldn’t see how the many icons of Jesus and Mary could fit into her world view. I was taken aback by such a weird tale, but felt it best to simply keep talking to her about the power of Messiah Yeshua to save and heal her completely. She came to our Messianic Jewish congregation which only had about 40 people at that time, along with her daughter who was in the army. They both immediately received the Son of God into their ALEX AND HIS PAINTING: NEW JERUSALEM DESCENDING lives, and Kati, who had sung in a local civic choir for several years, was soon singing with our congregational worship team. Quickly, Galina understood that the Bible speaks very strongly against any kind of witchcraft, and made a swift end of all that smacked of idolatry and New Age activity. She joined a women’s home group led by our partner relations coordinator, Cookie. And she brought her sister and mother to the congregation where both of them received salvation. Week after week, Galina had one request when her women’s group went to prayer – the salvation of her husband, Alex. Galina would pray as if her heart would break and the rest of the “girls” prayed just as fervently with her. Yet, as Cookie recalls, everyone knew that Alex was a “tough as nails” guy who in those days had no need for God, and it was hard for them to believe that this miracle would ever materialize. He had a wonderful job as an architect, and with his wife by now earning a modest but steady income as a licensed cosmetician, Alex and Galina had been able to purchase a modest apartment not long after their aliya (immigration) to Israel from the Soviet Union, a feat many other Russian immigrants had not been able to accomplish. So for Alex who was also a gifted painter and sculptor, he had everything going his way. What need did he really have for Yeshua? While Alex would drive his wife to and from her weekly Shabbat service and home group, he himself showed no interest in accepting Yeshua as his Savior. Meanwhile, Galina, often together with Kati, would come forward after almost every service and pray with many tears that Alex would come to salvation. Cookie began to wonder if God might just change the circumstances of Alex’s life in order to grab his attention. In fact, she mentioned this to Galina – that she might need to prepare herself for some radical changes. So it didn’t come as too much of a surprise when Alex lost his good-paying job as the economy slowed down during the terrible days of the intifada. Suddenly he found himself among the ranks of the unemployed and needy. We believed that it would only be a matter of time until God would get his attention. Cookie continues the story: “There is no doubt that the Lord used these circumstances to break Alex’s self-sufficiency and indifference to Yeshua. As the weeks went by, we noticed that Alex began to come in towards the end of the services and spend time with the believers - getting to know them a bit - before taking his wife home. Some of the men began to befriend him and Alex became very drawn to one of them in particular. That was my Moroccan husband, Itsik. Although the combination of the two was a bit strange culturally, I saw the connection between them get stronger and stronger with each passing week. “Alex seemed to really admire Itsik, and God used this growing admiration and friendship to bring Alex to salvation. One of the most poignant pictures I recall was seeing Alex following His Messiah in immersion near Jerusalem in an ice-cold pool of water in the winter. From that time on, it was as if a real spirit of hardness left him, and little by little, Alex’s personality began to soften up dramatically. “One of the things I also noticed was that week after week, he would give a folded bill to my husband, the treasurer, as a congregational offering. Alex had not been a believer long enough to receive teaching on tithing, but he somehow seemed to have caught the principle that he was to give God his due. Despite the fact that Alex was finding only temporary odd jobs, my husband tells Before I met Yeshua, I felt my family was cursed. I had no sense of selfworth and I was convinced nothing good would ever happen to any of us. GALINA IN HER NEW SALON, FURNISHED AND EQUIPPED THROUGH ISTANDWITHISRAEL.COM me that he would faithfully give the equivalent of about thing was that he was not at all interested in learning about $20 per week and sometimes more. As I observed this, her faith in Yeshua. Kati knew she had to make a decision, I knew that it would not be long before Alex would be and she decided to follow the Lord all the way. blessed supernaturally. After breaking up with this person, she went through a “Taking menial cleaning jobs, despite his university difficult period. She had not yet found a job in her field, and degree and standing as a professional architect, Alex so was working as a waitress and wondering where her life never complained. He gratefully took whatever work was going. We at Maoz have a policy of not helping Israelis was available and continued to come to weekly services, study in Bible schools abroad because of the very real joining my husband in collecting the offerings (what has possibility that they will not make it back to Israel at the end now become his regular function). of their studies. The number of Hebrew-speaking laborers “It was out of the blue that we at Maoz received is so small that every single born-again Israeli who doesn’t an email from a man in the U.S. who felt impressed to return home is a significant loss to the Body of Messiah in financially help a struggling Russian Jewish believer Israel. But somehow, we really felt that it was the right thing through istandwithisrael.com since he himself had to do for Kati – to just let her soul and her talents blossom Russian family roots. I immediately thought of Alex and under the greenhouse affect of a Bible school with a vision began to share a bit of his for the lost. testimony with this man. With a scholarship from a “Some months later, Bible school in the U.S., some this individual sent a aid from istandwithisrael.com sizeable financial gift for and a promise of work on Alex and Galina, and when campus for her, she jumped at we called Alex to come and the opportunity to study Bible pick it up, he was on the and specialize in music. Soon verge of tears as he realized she was leading worship at a God’s faithfulness to him Messianic congregation near in rewarding him for his the Bible school. There she sacrificial giving, even at a met her man – a born-again time when most might have student whose whole family justified their not giving has a great love for Israel, and any tithes or offerings.” is active in Messianic Jewish For some time, Galina had work. Last summer Ari had the dreamed of having her own pleasure of marrying them, and cosmetology business in her as soon as Kati’s new husband home. When Galina was laid finishes his studies in business off her job at the beauty salon, administration, they plan to she felt this was the time for come on home to Israel! her to make the move. With an The combination of evanistandwithisrael.com grant of gelism and discipleship through 23,000, ($5248 or 2967) she a vibrant local congregation, purchased the equipment and and a charitable fund such ARI PERFORMS THE MARRIAGE facial products needed to start as istandwithisrael.com has her own business, and today she is prospering and increasing brought new life, eternal life, economic success and love her clientele. This couple has turned a corner, and although into this extended family of Russian immigrants! Alex is still working at odd jobs, he is pouring his artistic When we read this story to Galina (who doesn’t speak gifting into painting. His style has changed completely, and English) to make sure all the facts were accurate, she wanted he finds himself painting incredibly beautiful scenes out of very much to add the following: “Before I met Yeshua, I the Book of Revelation. Ari has loved them so much that he felt my family was cursed. I had no sense of self-worth purchased two of them! and I was convinced nothing good would ever happen After finishing the army, their daughter Kati went on to any of us. But when I came to faith in Yeshua my to a university in Haifa to study architectural landscaping. Messiah, He gave me a sense of identity and great By working long hours and her parents helping as much as worth as a child of God. I know with complete possible, Kati graduated with high marks. She also met a assurance that all the curses Satan had placed on my young man in college who seemed to be just the type of family are forever broken and our future is gloriously person with whom she could spend a lifetime. The only in His hands!” Want to know how to effectively pray for Israel? Request our weekly prayer letter via e-mail. Please e-mail us at maozisrael@maozisrael.org I want to thank you and the istandwithisrael.com team for the generous donation of 6,000 (shekels) which will help to finance my bachelor’s degree in teaching and education of nursery school age children. This school year will be my third at college. The yearly tuition is about 11,000. Because my studies are not only towards an academic degree but also towards a profession, I must dedicate many hours to teaching without pay as well as studying and therefore it makes it impossible for me to finance my studies. This donation enables me to successfully complete my studies. I just want to say that the donations of istandwithisrael.com are very important for the advancement of the Body of the Messiah here in Israel. ( 6,000 = $1,296 or 734) Moriel, Congregation Tiferet Yeshua istandwithisrael.com funds are distributed Tel Aviv to needy, born-again Israeli Jews and Arabs Letters of Thanks W e want to thank you and your organization for 10,000 which has helped our family financially. We recently bought a small apartment and then suddenly my husband was laid off of his job. I just gave birth to our second son, and will only be able to go back to work after three months. Because of all this, we had fallen into debt with no way in sight to pay it back. But thanks to you and those who have contributed, we have solved that problem and are now out of debt. Thank you so much. We pray that God will continue to bless you and your ministry. ( 10,000 = $2,160 or 1,222) Olga, Congregation Even Ezer Haifa I through the recommendations of their pastors. The purpose of these funds is to help raise the economic level of the Messianic community, thereby enhancing its ability to be an example of the love and power of God. We believe that having sufficient means to live modestly without debilitating debt better enables the believers to evangelize and disciple their family and friends. What may be hard to understand for those not living in Israel is that Israelis as a whole are a people imprisoned by debt. The banks allow their clients to go into deep overdraft, and then charge immense interest for that overdraft. If a person doesn’t keep up his payments and growing interest, the bank then closes the account and proceeds to take legal steps. It is a common lament that Israelis live and die in overdraft. Once an Israeli gets into this situation, it often perpetuates itself for a lifetime. Israelis then look for ways to take extra jobs, get paid “under the table” and on and on it goes. Avoiding income tax by families hopelessly in debt is as common as the Israeli sun. Debts may range from a couple of thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars when a business fails – as thousands did, during the intifada. The cost of living in Tel Aviv is, according to internet statistics, the same as that of Miami. However, the average wage in Israel is the want to thank you for the gift of 5,000 enabling me to attend my second year of university. It is clear to me that God has used you to open this door for me and make it possible for me to study yet another year. This year, part of my curriculum includes studying the books of the Bible: Jeremiah, Samuel, Song of Solomon and Hosea [from an Orthodox point of view]. As I also am studying the “History of the Jewish people,” I chose the period of the Bible and the Middle Ages. Through the lectures, God has clarified the fantastic picture that He himself created which made it clear to me how He has always been there for the Jewish people. I do face challenges during these historical and theological lectures that I believe will prepare me to be a more effective minister in the Messianic Body. I pray that God will bless you in your loyal and moral ministry. ( 5,000 = $1,080 or 611) Y, Congregation Ma’ayan Kfar Saba I am a 73 year old widow who was born in Israel. As a result of several financial difficulties in my life, I found myself left without any savings. Until recently I didn’t realize that I had any problems with my hearing, but since many friends and relatives told me that I have a tendency to shout when I speak, I went to the doctor for several tests. These tests showed that I was, indeed, in need of a hearing aid, which I found out would cost 18,000. Knowing that I would be unable to afford such a device, I turned to my congregation for help, and I was able to get the financial help needed through the donations of istandwithisrael.com. There are simply not enough words to express my gratitude for this tremendous help that I received when I was truly in need. I thank you and bless God everyday for the help of those who desire to bless the body of Israeli believers who are equivalent of $1508 ( 846), per month, before enormous taxes, needy in the land. and the minimum wage is the equivalent of $719 ( 403). Even ( 18,000 = $3,888 or 2,200) with both parents working, without extreme discipline and good Shosh, Congregation Tiferet Yeshua fortune, they usually find themselves falling hopelessly into debt, Tel Aviv generating chronic poverty. A third of Israel’s children live below the poverty line. When Israelis come to receive Yeshua, one of the chief missions of the pastors is to help them plan a budget and begin to work towards getting out of debt. They must be taught the basics of God’s integrity – not to cheat on their income tax and to begin to pay their tithes, even in the midst of their great need. If it seems like a monumental job, it is! Yet we have seen family after family begin to pull out of their poverty mentality, become efficient with what they have, and then watch God pour out his blessing with new and better jobs plus many other miracles. istandwithisrael.com fulfills a critical function in getting these people to a manageable debt level so that they can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The fund has also helped both Russian immigrants and Israelis with terrible teeth problems, often as a result of having never seen a dentist in their lives until it is too late. The fund has helped not a few replace front teeth which has truly made them into new persons. Secondly, when we are presented with opportunities to help Israeli believers train for a practical career, or help immigrants attend classes to learn Hebrew so that they have an opportunity to succeed in the job market, we know that this is a wonderful use of our contributors’ funds. Thus we search for ways to help the needy permanently better their livelihood. Such a believer will be able to give to the Lord’s work and in every way be a far more effective believer in Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel. In the last 12 months alone, istandwithisrael.com has distributed an average of $17,995 each month to Israeli Messianic believers and victims of terrorism, for a total of $215,936 ( 121,095). It has blessed 68 families and individuals from 22 congregations. – Ari & Shira Sorko-Ram I want to thank you for the support of 10,000 you gave me. I have to say that your financial help assisted me in becoming debt free. I am grateful for this, because now I can finally lead a normal financial life. With your help, not only am I out of debt, but I have received proper financial guidance and counseling with those who were willing to sit with me and help. Now I will be able to better manage my family’s finances in an effective and responsible way, and I believe that will make a great deal of difference in my effectiveness as a believer. I am not exaggerating when I say that this financial help released me from worries which kept me in a sort of prison. I am grateful to you and to the Lord. ( 10,000 = $2,160 or 1,222) Sagi, Revive Israel Meveseret Zion W e wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the financial help of 5,000 that was much needed for family dental repairs. In our congregational ministry, we often meet new people but have never had a high level of confidence due to the fact that our teeth were in a state of disrepair. We were unable to financially manage this much needed dental work as my wife earns very little as a caretaker and so we mostly rely upon help from the National Insurance. We are also supporting my wife’s mother who lives with us, an 85 year old widow. In spite of all this, we always obediently tithe from everything we have. So your help is a confirmation of the justice and security of the Lord. We thank you and pray that your ministry will grow and bring joy to you and to all the people you are helping. ( 5,000 = $1080 or 680) Boris, Congregation Ma’ayanot Chaim Haifa What the pastors and leaders T hank you very much for your very generous gift of 13,000 to the needy people of the Ethiopian Messianic congregations in Israel. We are very grateful for your prayer and significant financial support. It has greatly encouraged us and helped us to move forward in the vision that God has given us to build his Kingdom here in Israel. ( 13,000 = $2,900 or 1,600) W e want to express our deepest gratitude for the significant financial gift of 10,000 we received from you to help cover the cost of an urgent medical operation for Avner B.Y. The operation was successful and we thank God for His provision and healing power. Thank you for being a vessel of his care. ( 10,000 = $2,300 or 1,300) Eitan Shishkoff Congregation Ohalei Rachamim (Tents of Mercy) Haifa Mengistu Ephraim Congregation Torch of Gideon Jaffa SOUP KITCHENS ARE SPRINGING UP THROUGHOUT ISRAEL T hank you so very much for your donation of 23,000. This contribution has joined to underwrite the cost of warehouse palletized shelving to receive humanitarian aid to Israel that has been donated by charitable organizations. Our Israeli headquarters distribute through its 26 centers located throughout the land. Some clothing and supplies go to street people. Most goes to new immigrants who land here with only two suitcases with which to begin their new life. The language and customs can seem strange and overwhelming. They are comforted by knowing someone cares. The Joseph Project, on behalf of all the thousands of recipients who will receive this humanitarian aid because you helped build the infrastructure, is deeply grateful to you. ( 23,000 = $5,165 or 2,820) Reuters Jo Kaplan The Joseph Project Natanya You may donate to Maoz with Visa, Mastercard or other credit cards. To give by automatic monthly withdrawal, please call Maoz Ministries 1-800-856-7060 W e wanted to thank you for your generous help of 23,000 to families who were wounded in terrorist attacks. Your contributors helped us very much and completed the amount that was missing in this special project to make the holiday season a joyful one - with gifts of food and supplies for these stricken families. The families thank everyone for the donation that helped them to spend the holidays in happiness with food on the table and the possibility to buy other things needed for the holidays. We also wish to thank you on behalf of the Moiel family for the generous donation that gave them light, hope and joy. They were very simply without words from happiness. Your donation surprised them and brought tears to their eyes. They will be sending you a thank you letter. ( 23,000 = $5,165 or 2,820) AP Berry & Batya Segal Vision for Israel Ministries and The Joseph Storehouse Jerusalem A POOR NEIGHBORHOOD IN JERUSALEM L ately our congregation submitted a request for financial help of 13,000 for one of our congregants because of a very difficult financial situation. Our sister, R, lived in the States for some years, got saved there and was thereafter guided by God to return to her native Israel. R returned two years ago to face different difficulties that were connected to her past. To close this chapter of her life which includes considerable debt, she really needed the help she received from your generous donation. Because of this donation, R has been set free from the debts that tied her down until now and she is now far more able to focus on her growth in her faith and her service to the Lord. I want to thank you for your generous support. ( 13,000 = $2,900 or 1,600) Tony Sperendeo Congregation Maayan (The Fountain) Kfar Saba By mail: Maoz Ministries P.O. Box 535788 Grand Prairie, TX 75053-5788 By phone: U.S. 800-856-7060 G.B. 44-208-692-2831 CAN. 519-751-0035 are saying… E nclosed are the receipts for the recent gift given to the N family. They will be sending a personal thank you letter. I know that the gift of 9,000 was a great blessing and encouragement for them. They have used it in a prudent manner to greatly reduce their indebtedness. We will be sitting with them monthly to help them plan a budget and keep out of future debt. The istandwithisrael.com fund has made a tremendous difference in many believers’ lives. Of course all needs are not met through just finances. Growing young families such as this family have many needs. Yet, I believe that the easing of their current financial pressure coupled with sound counseling will make a difference. Thanks for being there. ( 9,000 = $1,944 or 1,100) Shmuel Birnbaum Congregation Yam Ahavato (Sea of His Love) Bat Yam, Israel By fax: U.S. 214-677-0500 G.B. 44-208-333-7272 CAN. 519-751-0960 Visit us online via our secure web sites: www.maozisrael.org www.istandwithisrael.com The Maoz Israel Wall of Honor: BLESSING ISRAEL TODAY–AND TOMORROW! For our U.S. partners only* T he Maoz Israel Wall of Honor was created to recognize the generosity and foresight of those who embrace the vision of Maoz and understand Israel’s future by making a legacy gift today. The hallmark of this special group of friends is a commitment to reaching Israel and her people – impacting them with the Gospel. The Maoz Israel Wall of Honor is being established this year with an inaugural membership – and you can be a part of this! Membership is extended to anyone who: • • • • Includes Maoz Israel Ministries as beneficiary in his or her will; Names Maoz Israel Ministries as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan; Names Maoz Israel Ministries as a beneficiary of a life income gift (a remainder trust, a charitable gift annuity, or a lead trust); or Makes a gift of a personal residence, building, land or farm to Maoz Israel Ministries, with a life estate reserved. P L E A S E J O I N U S Please let us know if you have named Maoz Israel Ministries as the beneficiary of a legacy gift. We want to honor you as a member of the Maoz Israel Wall of Honor. For more information on how to include Maoz in your will or about how a life income gift might benefit you today and help secure Maoz’ future impact on Israel, please contact Jim Morrison at 214-677-0560. “ We just know we wanted to bless Israel, and we felt Maoz Israel Ministries was the best place to do that. ” Alice and Wayne Huff When you join the Wall of Honor, you will receive a beautiful stone plaque with your name on it. Also, a plaque will be hung in Israel with your name in honor of your gift. Become a member today with your investment in the future salvation of Israel! * If you live outside of the United States and wish to make a legacy gift, please contact our Canadian or England office for more information. J O I N THE HEBREW BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB! Maoz Israel Wall of Honor for one year Possesing the Gates of the Enemy Cindy Jacobs Memorial Members Marjorie Woodbury Marizona Robinson Restoring Your Shield of Faith Chuck D. Pierce Robert Heidler The Purpose Driven Life Charter Members Tommy Brown Wayne and Alice Huff Arlene Tice Ray and Christy Wilkerson Rick Warren Developing the Leaders Around You John C. Maxwell Developing the Leader Within You John C. Maxwell Books in process of Hebrew translation and publishing. Maoz Israel Wall of Honor Members, thank you for your support! You can have a part in putting books that bring maturity and spiritual growth into the hands of Israelis. A BEACHHEAD IN THE ISRAELI DRUZE COMMUNITY I would like to thank you very much for your help of a total of 30,000 for our Druze brothers and sisters who have been going through very hard times. It is extremely unusual for a Druze to become a believer in Yeshua the Messiah, and now, when several whole families – husbands, wives and children – have come to Yeshua, it is something unheard of! It is a miracle! These families are living under continuous persecution. Their lives have been threatened by Druze from their village, and their children have been threatened with kidnapping. There have been notes on their doors, calls in the middle of the night and several have been severely beaten. One of our brothers was attacked by five hooligans who broke a vertebra in his neck. Another time, there was an attempt to murder two of our brothers when a car tried to run over them, but God spared them! When one of the brothers first came to faith, he was afraid to speak about it even to his wife for fear of rejection, violence or murder. After some time he did tell her and she also came to faith in Yeshua the Messiah. The Druze brothers and sisters who become believers, face strong resistance from their families. It even came to a point that one of our brother’s own father spat at him, which in the Druze culture is considered the worst expression of scorn and humiliation. In a recent incident a believer was attacked while driving his car. People came with stones and bars and tried to kill him. The car was demolished but he was still somehow able to drive away in it. Afterwards, the car had to be towed away. This brother reached a point of mental fatigue and was on the edge of collapse. Lately, also their wives have been threatened by their own families, so it is very difficult for them. For the Druze, it is a tough issue when a family member leaves the Druze religion. There have been cases where a father or a brother has murdered his own family members. They consider it an outrage against the honor and good name of their family when one of them leaves the Druze religion. Now some of our believing sisters are enduring this type of pressure from their families. Also the children are going through a difficult time at school and in the village. It isn’t easy for them at all. Their classmates, and sometimes even the teachers, have laughed and mocked them. Even with all this, our Druze brothers and sisters are holding on to the Lord and declaring that they will not leave Him. They want to stand in the faith, whatever it costs them, and, in this case, it is often a question of life and death. It is just God’s grace that up till now they are all still with us. In addition to all this hardship, they also face financial problems. One of the brothers suffers from the not uncommon illness of combat fatigue after serving in the Israeli army. Another brother had a work-related accident about 10 years ago and is crippled. Others have been without work for a long time in an economically depressed sector of the Israeli society, or their bosses have been paying them irregularly – or not paying them at all for long periods of time. Usually in the Druze society, the individual member enjoys the support, both financially and physically, of the extended family. In this case our brothers have been rejected by all and most of them are in debt and finding it hard to keep taking care of the basic needs of their families. Your financial help was a great blessing for them! It has enabled them to buy food and has helped to reduce the pressure. Our brothers are very thankful for your kind and loving physical support. Please continue to pray for all the Druze brothers and sisters, that God will strengthen them and be with them. ( 30,000 = $6,480 or 3,666) Daniel Yahav - Congregation Peniel Tiberius THE DRUZE, WHOSE CLOSED COMMUNITY IS GENERALLY LOYAL TO ISRAEL, REJECTS MEMBERS WHO LEAVE THE DRUZE RELIGION. Reuters ISRAELI DRUZE AP Note: The Druze community in Israel numbers some 104,000 people out of a world-wide population of about a million. Their secretive, closed religion is an offshoot of Islam which came into being in the 11th century. They believe that Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, was the founder of their religion. There has scarely been any Druze who have come to believe in Yeshua – until now. God has not forgotten the Druze, and today there is a stirring of the Holy Spirit among the them – but not without persecution.