Beit HaTikvah on the Sunshine Coast

Celebrate Messiah has helped plant a messianic congregation on the Sunshine Coast called Beit HaTikvah. The congregation meets on a fortnightly basis and is made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua who are committed to sharing the Goodnews of Messiah with Jewish people, Israeli backpackers and others who are spiritually seeking. Please pray for the leadership team of this vibrant yet fledgling congregation and as they grow in their fellowship and witness for Messiah Yeshua.

Havdalah Outreach in Sydney

Once a month Celebrate Messiah has been running a well-attended purposeful outreach at the end of the Sabbath that has been greatly enjoyed by a core group of believers. This fellowship is designed as an outreach to Jewish people and this year we have seen two Jewish people come to faith in Messiah. Please pray that as this fellowship grows that we will be able to open this ministry to the public and move to more regular services.

Beit HaMashiach in Melbourne

The congregation of Beit HaMashiach (House of Messiah) is strategically located in the heart of the Jewish community of Melbourne. Recently a visiting music team was preparing to lead the worship for a Shabbat service. A Jewish lady walking by at the time heard the beautiful music and being intrigued and attracted by the singing ventured in to find out what it was all about. In chatting to several folk at Beit HaMashiach she was truly amazed to discover that the congregation was made up of Jews and Gentiles who believed that Yeshua (Jesus) was the Messiah. She seemed very relaxed and comfortable and expressed an openness to find out more. Please pray for this lovely Jewish lady that God would continue to draw her close to himself.

A Russian Jewish member of Beit HaMashiach had been witnessing to a Russian Jewish friend of hers for some time before inviting her to a praise and worship night held at the congregation during the week. This Russian Jewish lady enjoyed it so much that she came a second time and during the meeting she expressed a desire to accept Yeshua as Lord. Everyone gathered around her as she was led in a prayer to receive Yeshua as Messiah amidst much rejoicing both in the congregation and in heaven.

“He is Looking for You!”

Our staff at the Brooklyn Messianic Center rehabilitation program rejoices in every hard-won victory. Klaudia Zhelezny tells about Luba,* a 44-year-old woman who found us through our ad in a Russian-language newspaper. Luba’s son, an 18-yearold drug addict, had changed from a bright young student to someone she could hardly recognize. Klaudia says, “When Luba came to us, she was absolutely broken.” As Luba began attending Klaudia’s Bible classes, she admitted it was hard to believe that Jesus would want her, as she is Jewish. Klaudia answered, “How is it possible for the Messiah of Israel not to accept a Jewish person? He loves you!” Luba started to attend Bible studies regularly, and recently prayed to receive the Lord. Now she has a living hope that He will deliver her son.

Jewish Evangelism Seminar Inspires Biola Students at Mission Conference

More than 200 students attended a seminar on Jewish evangelism given by staff member Scott Nassau at a Biola University Missions Conference. The classroom had about thirty-five seats, but to Scott’s surprise, every seat was occupied and students filled every square inch of carpet in the classroom. Pray that Scott’s teaching will help these students discern the Lord’s will for their lives and share the hope we have in Messiah with their Jewish friends.

“Now I Know Why I am Here!”

While in the United States, Neriyah A., who is based in Tel Aviv, was reunited with a Bible college friend who has established a thriving youth ministry center in Pennsylvania. The two friends entered a restaurant, where they met one of the waiters, an Egyptian who had a Jewish mother, but had hidden that part of his identity. Neriyah spent two hours witnessing to him. After they prayed together, the man exclaimed, “Now I understand why I am here —to hear the word of God!” Please pray as Neriyah’s friend follows up with this unexpected contact.

Passover seders Bring Harvest for Kingdom

The following two stories illustrate the power of the “Messiah in the Passover” message to convey the Gospel to Jewish people.

Decisions for Messiah in Moscow

Over 100 new people attended Passover banquets conducted by staff member Kirill Polonsky, who ministers in Russia. Mira Gracheva, one of our missionaries in Moscow, gathered about 100 people for a Messianic Passover seder in the north part of Moscow. Twenty people—seventeen of them Jewish—received the Lord!

Chance Meeting Leads to Faith Decision

While out for a walk with their dog, staff members Michael and Lisa Cohen happened to meet an elderly Israeli woman and felt led to invite her and her husband to their Messianic Passover in Southern California. Elisheva* later met with Michael and Lisa again, and she asked many questions regarding Yeshua ( Jesus) and His relationship with the Jewish people. She wanted to know why Michael and Lisa believe in Him when other Jewish people don’t. Elisheva and her husband, Ernst,* participated in the Cohens’ seder and both seemed very joyful and attentive, asking questions throughout. At the end of the evening, Ernst prayed to receive Messiah! Please pray that Elisheva would follow his lead.

*names have been changed