Read Only Version
Letter from Our Executive Director
Dear Friends and Supporters,
In March this year, we had the privilege of celebrating Celebrate Messiah’s 30th anniversary—thirty years since the ministry was first established on 3rd February 1995. It was a wonderful time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and give thanks for all that He has done and continues to do through this ministry.
Three decades on, Celebrate Messiah is not slowing down. We are more active and engaged than at any point in our history—not with mere busyness, but with a clear purpose. Most encouraging of all, we are seeing a significant increase in Jewish people coming to faith in Yeshua the Messiah. This is the most widespread openness to the Gospel we’ve seen since God poured out His Spirit on Russian Jews arriving in Australia in the late 1990s.
I believe it is directly linked to the immense pain and suffering that Israel and the Jewish people have endured since the brutal attack on Israel on the 7th of October, 2023, and the ongoing war in the Middle East. We are all grieving the devastation and, at the same time, reeling from the shocking global surge in antisemitism. Here in Australia alone, we have witnessed a staggering 738% increase in antisemitic incidents. This wave of Jew-hatred has been deeply disturbing and painful to witness.
Yet, even in the midst of such anguish and darkness, we are seeing something extraordinary. God is at work. He is stirring hearts—both ours and those of our Jewish people—in unprecedented ways.
Hearts Are Opening
Over the past year, several Jewish people have come to faith in Yeshua the Messiah most of them young people. The common thread in their stories is that October 7th changed everything. They were shaken, devastated, fearful, and bewildered. But in the aftermath, they began seeking God. Some started to read the Bible, others turned to prayer, reached out to Christian friends, or visited a Messianic congregation—and there, they met believers in Yeshua.
Today, Messianic congregations across the country are seeing more Jewish people attending services than ever before. The openness is real. The hunger is deep. And God is moving.
Love Makes a Difference
Dear friends, your sincere love and support for the Jewish people during this time is being felt. And it is making a difference. We are hearing of Christians and Messianic believers reaching out to Jewish friends and colleagues with compassion and encouragement. Many are attending rallies, standing in solidarity, and speaking out boldly against antisemitism.
These actions of love and concern are not going unnoticed. Increasingly, our Jewish people are recognising that true Christians—true followers of Yeshua—are their closest allies and most faithful friends.
It is often during times of pain and suffering that people are most open to hearing from God. As C.S. Lewis powerfully wrote in The Problem of Pain, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
A Critical Time to Share Yeshua
Now is the time to act. Now is the time to love boldly, to support faithfully, and to share the hope of the Gospel with sensitivity and grace. The world is longing for answers, and we know that the ultimate answer is found in Yeshua HaMashiach—Jesus, the Jewish Messiah—Redeemer and Saviour of the world. He alone has the power to reconcile us to God and to one another through His death, burial, and resurrection.
Your support for this mission makes this possible.
With deep appreciation,
Lawrence Hirsch
Executive Director of Celebrate Messiah
Join our Mission: Help Bring Hope to Jewish People
Our mission is clear: “Bringing the Message to the Original Messengers.” We seek to bring the message of the hope, love, and salvation of Yeshua the Messiah to the unsaved Jewish community in Australia. But we can’t do it alone.
Across Australia, many Jewish individuals are searching—seeking spiritual meaning, deeper connection with their heritage, and answers in uncertain times. We’re here to walk with them, to gently share the truth of Yeshua as their promised Messiah, and to extend His love in both word and action.
Here’s how your partnership can help us:
- Evangelism: Through outreach programs like Tikkun Olam, community events hosted by our local congregations, and interpersonal relationships, we are actively engaging with Jewish individuals, sharing the message of Yeshua’s love and redemption.
- Food Hampers: Many families within the Jewish community are facing economic hardship. Your donation can help us provide essential food hampers, offering not just sustenance but also demonstrating the care and compassion of our Messiah.
- ZulaRoo Surf House: Our Surf House in Apollo Bay provides a welcoming space where Israelis can find a peaceful place to stay on their Australia trip, connect with their roots, explore their faith, and encounter Yeshua in a supportive environment. We are in need of $1.4 million to pay off the purchase of the property. Will you join us in support?
- Messianic Congregations: These congregations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra serve as a bridge between Jewish heritage and belief in Yeshua, offering fellowship, discipleship, and a vibrant community where believers can grow in their relationship with the Lord.
Your generosity can truly transform lives. Whether it is through a one-time gift or becoming a monthly partner, every contribution plays a vital role in our mission to reach the Jewish community with the message of hope and salvation.
Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Jewish people across Australia. As we approach the end of this financial year, thank you for considering joining us in this important work. •
Host Israelis
This past season has been incredibly full, with a steady flow of Israeli visitors, often seeking rest, connection, and community during their post-army travels. In the past six months alone, we have experienced one of our busiest periods ever—hosting as many guests as we can possibly fit in our home. At times, we’ve welcomed up to six Israelis at once, and recently shared a beautiful Shabbat dinner with 15 Israelis and friends—27 people gathered around the table here in Melbourne. The atmosphere was rich with joy, laughter, deep conversation, and the unmistakable presence of God’s love.
What continues to make this ministry so special is not only the immediate connection but the long-term relationships that form. Through the hosting network, Israeli guests often travel between different homes, the ZulaRoo Surf House in Apollo Bay, and our Zula Lodges in New Zealand. Along the way, lasting friendships are built—sometimes continuing for years. We’ve even had the joy of reconnecting with our Israeli friends during visits to Israel, meeting their families and experiencing the impact of the seeds planted during their stay.
Lawrence and I travel to Israel each year. During our visits, we always make time to reconnect with many of the Israeli travellers we’ve previously hosted in our home. One of the highlights of each trip is hosting a special reunion event, either at the Jerusalem Messianic Centre or the Messianic Centre in Ramat Gan. These gatherings are truly special occasions—an opportunity to nurture ongoing friendships, meet former guests’ partners and families, and witness how those early connections have grown over time. Sometimes we’re even invited to visit them on their kibbutzim, where we have the joy of meeting their extended families and friends. It’s a deeply rewarding and beautiful extension of the Host Israelis ministry.
We’re also grateful for the growing sense of community among the hosts themselves. Our dedicated WhatsApp group is a space where hosts share stories, ask questions, offer encouragement, and give feedback. It’s an incredible blessing to be part of a network that is not only growing day by day, but that is also deeply united in heart and purpose—to show God’s love to the people of Israel through authentic, relational ministry.
We are humbled and encouraged by the part we can play in bringing the message of Yeshua to His own people—through a warm meal, a place to sleep, a listening ear, and genuine friendship. God is truly using this powerful ministry to speak into hearts. •
If you feel moved to host Israelis in your own home for a few nights stay, learn more and apply at: celebratemessiah.com.au/host-israelis
Louise Hirsch is the co-founder of, and an outreach worker for, Celebrate Messiah. She also leads Beit HaMashiach with her husband, Lawrence. You can learn more about their family at:
celebratemessiah.com.au/lawrence-hirsch
The ZulaRoo Surf House
With so many guests who love to cook and share meals, it quickly became clear that our original setup wasn’t cutting it. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Mobile Mission Maintenance and other donors, we were able to upgrade the kitchen in late 2024—and it’s made such a difference.
Looking ahead, we have some dream projects we’re praying into for 2025: building an outdoor entertaining and BBQ area, and adding new external stairways to make the space even more welcoming and functional.
Of course, not everything went according to plan this past year. A flood in one of the guest ensuites put an entire room and bathroom out of action for six months. That was tough—but it’s all been restored and even improved! We also discovered some issues in another bathroom during the kitchen renovation, which made hosting a bit more challenging for a time. But those repairs are now done too—thanks again to the generous support of our community and Living Waters Inc.
In December, we hit two huge milestones: we welcomed our 100th Israeli guest and celebrated one year in the house. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the journey so far. The busy 2025 summer season brought an additional hundred guests alone.
We’re feeling more and more at home in Apollo Bay. We’ve made some lovely local friendships, picked up casual work, and even joined in with the local sports scene. Living in such a remote town definitely has its challenges—especially the lack of a local faith community and support network—but the natural beauty and slower pace of life are real gifts.
One of the biggest joys for us this past year has been adding two friends to the ZulaRoo family. At Christmas 2023, we brought home our first puppy, Keshet (Hebrew for “rainbow”). She’s gentle, affectionate, and completely won the hearts of our guests. Then in December, we welcomed her little brother, Tsel (Hebrew for “shadow”)—a fluffy black pup with one white paw. He’s full of charm and cuddles, and our guests already adore him.
More and more guests are finding their way to the ZulaRoo through the Planet Zula app, by word of mouth, or by meeting us out and about. It’s always amazing to hear how people end up here—like the Israeli family I met on a beach in another town. They were traveling Australia in a van and hadn’t planned to stop in Apollo Bay, but after that encounter and a visit to the area, they decided to stay for a while—and now they’re regular visitors!
We’ve seen again and again that God is at work, drawing people here through all kinds of connections and conversations. It’s a privilege to be a small part of what He’s doing in their lives.•
Our aim is to raise the last $862,000 to secure the ZulaRoo property entirely. Learn More: celebratemessiah.com.au/zularoo
Corey and Sarah Bolton are the hosts of ZulaRoo and outreach workers for Celebrate Messiah. You can learn more about Corey and Sarah at: celebratemessiah.com.au/bolton-family
Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam is about our call to partner with God in His redemptive purposes for mankind, to show His love to His people through acts of kindness and benevolence. We distribute food hampers to Jewish people in need around Australia, and hold monthly luncheons for the community at our Caulfield Messianic Centre in Melbourne.
Over the past year, Tikkun Olam has been a beacon of hope, distributing hundreds of food hampers and vouchers to needy Jewish individuals and families around Australia. Our monthly luncheons have provided a warm and welcoming space for our Jewish community to feel loved and supported. This report showcases the generosity and kindness that many of you have contributed to, bringing great blessings to those in need of a hand up and some joy in their lives.
Throughout the past year, we have been able to give continuous support by packing and delivering a total of 747 food hampers, providing 204 food vouchers, and hosting 10 monthly lunches. The total costs, including all expenses, amounted to $149,000.
A total of 280 volunteers partnered with us in 2023- 2024 for card making, purchasing, packing, delivering, and organizing luncheons. Our passionate and dedicated volunteers have been the heart and soul of Tikkun Olam, providing not only material support but also social, cultural, and spiritual giving. Their commitment and love have made a significant difference in the lives of many. A special thank you to all our Tikkun Olam leaders and volunteers across Australia.
Starting in March 2023, we expanded Tikkun Olam with monthly luncheons at our Caulfield Messianic Centre in Melbourne. We invite community members in need, including single parents, the elderly, and young families, to enjoy a catered lunch with our staff and volunteers. These gatherings foster a warm, communal atmosphere that is greatly appreciated by attendees, who share their stories and challenges.
Each luncheon, hosting around 20 to 30 people, has provided an opportunity to share the gospel. Our commitment to excellence in these events helps us better understand and meet the specific needs of our community, serving as the hands and feet of our Messiah Yeshua. We now begin to see natural growth taking place from these luncheons, where we see friends inviting friends to enjoy fellowship.
You can make a tax deductible donation to Tikkun Olam and sign up to become a volunteer at our packing sites (Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Canberra, and Brisbane) at our website: celebratemessiah.com.au/tikkun-olam •
Barry Buirski is the manager of Tikkun Olam and also works as an outreach worker for Celebrate Messiah. You can learn more about Barry at: celebratemessiah.com.au/barry-buirski
Messianic Training Centre
Unleash a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His heart for His people with the Messianic Training Centre, which provides online courses designed to train, equip, and empower believers for Messianic Jewish life, ministry, and evangelism. Established in 2021, our centre is at the forefront of a growing movement recognising the profound Jewishness of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. Our courses help fulfil Celebrate Messiah’s overall vision of “Bringing the Message to the Original Messengers“.
At the Messianic Training Centre, we bring together passionate learners and renowned instructors to explore the Scriptures, delve into Jewish history and culture, and master biblical languages. As part of my calling, I’m privileged to teach the Bible, specifically from a Messianic Jewish perspective. This approach facilitates a rich and nuanced understanding of scripture, connecting the Older and Newer Testaments in a profound way, and incorporating Rabbinical reflections where relevant. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to present various courses through the Messianic Training Centre, delving into different aspects of biblical study. Our most recent endeavour, ‘Messiah in the Torah,’ focused on a deep exploration of how the Messiah is revealed in the five books of Moses.
We embarked on a journey through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, seeking to uncover the Messianic threads woven throughout these foundational texts. The participants were truly blessed by the insights gained, but don’t just take my word for it. I’d like to share a response letter I received with you all:
“Thank you so much for the very incredible teachings on Thursday night. We were both very blessed and grateful for your anointed, informative teaching on a very needed topic. For years we have personally investigated these topics using commentaries and studies. Your teaching was so clear and suddenly the ‘penny dropped’, the fellowship offerings make sense to me now. I am very grateful and look forward to continuing our learning.”
We are currently underway into the books of Judges and Ruth, exploring faith in troubled times, as we move from Joshua towards the kingdom stage, I will be clarifying some misconceptions in Judges, and seeing Messianic glimpses in Ruth.
I hope you will join me. •
Paul Cohen is an outreach worker for Celebrate Messiah. You can learn more about Paul at: celebratemessiah.com.au/paul-cohen
Beit HaMashiach
Members of our congregation have been actively participating in rallies—standing in solidarity with Israel, opposing antisemitism, and bringing comfort to the broader Jewish community. Their love for Yeshua is compelling, and their presence is making an impact. Jewish neighbours are seeing and hearing their testimonies—and hearts are being stirred.
Many members of Beit HaMashiach open their homes through Host Israelis to Israeli travellers—young men and women, fresh out of military service, carrying the burden of conflict and longing for peace. These travellers often join us at our Shabbat services, where they encounter a worshipping community unlike anything they’ve seen before.
Our Shabbat services offer a powerful expression of Messianic worship—with music in Hebrew and English, prayers and liturgy that feel familiar, and yet a message that always points to Yeshua as the promised Messiah. Guests are often surprised—and moved—by what they see: Jews and Gentiles united in worship of the God of Israel, through Yeshua the Messiah of Israel.
We follow the weekly Torah readings, as done in traditional synagogues, and connect these with relevant New Testament passages, showing how Yeshua is the fulfilment of the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings. Our weekly services are held on Saturday mornings, with around 170 people attending in person. We also live stream our services via Facebook and YouTube, where each week an average of 600 devices tune in—reaching beyond Australia to places as far as Texas in the USA and beyond.
We frequently hear stories of lives being impacted through these services—testimonies of encouragement, hope, and faith being rekindled.
Over the past year, Beit HaMashiach has hosted a range of special events, not only to mark the Jewish Holy Days, but also to support and stand with Israel and the Jewish community.
One particularly powerful event was a recent presentation titled “Survived to Tell.” We welcomed a delegation of young Israelis from diverse backgrounds who shared their personal experiences of the 7 October attack and its aftermath. Uniquely, the panel featured a Druze Israeli, a Christian Israeli, and a Jewish Israeli—shattering the stereotype that all Israelis are Jews and highlighting the rich diversity of Israeli society. Of the approximately 150 people who attended, around half were Jewish—many attending a Messianic congregation for the very first time. We pray that this experience has stirred their curiosity and opened their hearts to return and explore further.
For all that the Lord is doing through Beit HaMashiach, we give thanks and praise. We remain committed to our calling to proclaim the Good News of Yeshua the Messiah—to our Jewish people and to the nations. In these challenging yet opportune times, we fix our eyes on Yeshua, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, and continue to be a light and a testimony to the power of reconciliation, restoration, and redemption in His name. •
Lawrence and Louise Hirsch are the founders of Celebrate Messiah and run Beit HaMashiach in Melbourne. You can learn more about their family at: celebratemessiah.com.au/lawrence-hirsch
Beit Shalom Sydney
At the same time, we have started a congregation membership process, involving Messianic discipleship classes, which have been very well attended. The end of this process is to implement congregation wide pastoral care, and to plug people into different ministry opportunities at Beit Shalom Sydney.
We have also been able, as a congregation, to support the local Jewish community by attending some of the events remembering the hostages or delivering gifts during the Biblical holidays (Tikkun Olam parcels).
Our other main activities continue growing, which include monthly Torah services and congregational lunches, weekly Zoom prayer evenings, young adults’ discipleship, children’s ministry, online streaming of services, weekly e-newsletters, congregational retreat…
Lastly, our ministry highlight is always the celebration of the Biblical feasts, which are our largest events, always pointing at the pre-eminent position of Messiah throughout all of them, as in the rest of Scripture.
We are super thankful for everything the Lord has done and how He has sustained us, and we look forward to what He has in store for the congregation and for the local ministry to be a light for Messiah in the Jewish community in Sydney. THANKS to all of you who constantly pray and support the local ministry of Celebrate Messiah in Sydney! •
Daniel Valle is an outreach worker for Celebrate Messiah and the rabbi of Beit Shalom in Sydney. You can learn more about Daniel at: celebratemessiah.com.au/daniel-valle
Hineh Yeshua
Leading a congregation in Canberra is different to Sydney or Melbourne, as there are only two Jewish communities in Canberra, and of course the Israeli embassy. This year, we just celebrated 10 years as a congregation and the Lord’s faithfulness to us.
We have also had more engagement with different Jewish people than usual this year, especially since Oct 7th 2023. We are thankful that the Lord is moving on the hearts of the Jewish people and hope that this is just the beginning of a much greater shift.
For instance, we had a young man from the Jewish community, who recently came to faith in Yeshua, come join us after learning about Messianic Jewish believers. He had many questions about how he would remain Jewish after accepting Yeshua.
We also had a former orthodox man come with a friend to our services a couple of times and we are developing a good friendship. Through the different rallies that support Israel, we have had the opportunity to make many different friends. Some people even came as far as Melbourne and we catch up with them whenever we visit.
Over the last 2 years, we have had more Jewish/Israelis join us for Purim and Passover than ever before. They know they are loved and safe with us, and that we will stand with them against antisemitism. We continue to distribute Tikkun Olam hampers for the Feast Days. Although one family sadly lost a family member, we were able to comfort them and sit shiva with them.
Please continue to pray that the Word of the Lord would be boldly declared to all people through us, and that may Jewish people would come to the saving knowledge that Yeshua is the promised Messiah and Lord. •
Robert Miles is an outreach worker of Celebrate Messiah and the rabbi of Hineh Yeshua in Canberra. You can learn more about Robert at: celebratemessiah.com.au/robert-miles
Thank you for your ongoing support of Celebrate Messiah and its ministries. We are passionately committed to sharing the hope of Yeshua with the Jewish people, both in Australia and worldwide.
Your donation empowers evangelism, discipleship, and hospitality outreach across the country. Partner with us today—every gift helps bring the good news of Messiah!
To donate, go to: celebratemessiah.com.au/donate
SOLU Down Under Tour 2025
Inspired by the biblical significance of seeing Jewish people in Israel come to faith in Yeshua, and the spiritual revival starting to take place in Israel, Celebrate Messiah is thrilled to announce that in November this year, we will be bringing SOLU, a vibrant and dynamic young worship band from Israel, on their first tour of Australia to bless the body of Messiah on our shores.
SOLU means “build up” in Hebrew and comes from Isaiah 62:10; “Go through, go through the gates. Clear the way for the people! Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Lift up a banner over the peoples.” (Isaiah 62:10, TLV) Indeed, the word “Solu” is used twice in this verse and is an imperative verb, meaning it is a command. SOLU, the Israeli worship band, believe their mandate from the Lord is to do their part in “preparing the way for revival and Yeshua’s return”. We believe that SOLU will bless believers in Australia with the richness and vibrance of the fresh anointing they bring from Israel.
SOLU’s journey began in Jerusalem at Succat Hallel, a 24/7 house of prayer. There, spiritually hungry teenagers gathered weekly to worship and cry out to God. From these humble beginnings, their ministry expanded from prayer rooms to the streets of Jerusalem, and now is spreading to nations worldwide. Solu are band who bring a spiritual depth to their worship that speaks of the prayer that undergirds their ministry. Their music and ministry are lively and engaging, full of life and joy, paving a highway to prepare the way of the Lord.
For too long, media narratives have portrayed Israelis in a negative light. Through SOLU, we want to share the true heart of Israeli believers in Yeshua with the church in Australia, to give a glimpse of what the future of Israel can look like as the number of Israelis believing in Yeshua continues to increase. Bands like Solu are a sign that God is fulfilling His word to the Jewish people by restoring them to the land and giving them a new heart and spirit (Ez 36 and 37). He is uniting Jew and Gentile, Israeli and Arab, in worship of the God of Israel and the Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah).
This November, SOLU will be performing in and around Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. They’ll be traveling between these cities during the weeks in between—don’t miss your chance to experience their music! For updates regarding SOLU’s performances, go to celebratemessiah.com.au/events or sign up for our newsletter at: celebratemessiah.com.au/sign-up-for-our-newsletter
Advertisements
Messianic Resources to Help You Learn
$30 AUD – Israel the Church and the Middle East
“Israel the Church and the Middle East” challenges the supersessionist drift of the modern Church, showing that God retains a plan and purpose for the Jewish people. Edited by Mitch Glaser and Darrell Bock.
Unlock the rich teachings of our Messianic faith with our USB flash drives, now loaded with our highly acclaimed online courses from our Messianic Training Centre. Whether you’re someone who prefers to keep things simple or want to immerse yourself in spiritual learning while on the go, these USB drives are perfect for you!
Simply plug the USB into your computer, laptop, or even your car’s media system, and start exploring the Jewish roots of the Bible—no complicated setups, no internet needed. It’s as easy as pressing play.
Giving in Your Will
By including Celebrate Messiah in your will, you become a vital partner in our transformative efforts among God’s chosen people across the globe, all while anticipating the return of the Messiah.
If you would like to speak with a Christian solicitor about including Celebrate Messiah in your will, please contact us at [email protected] or call our office on + 61 3 9563 5544 for more information.
