Melbourne, VIC
Lawrence Hirsch is a Jewish believer and Founding Director, together with his wife Louise, of the work of Celebrate Messiah in Australia, New Zealand and in Russia. They have been involved in evangelism, congregation planting, discipleship and mentoring for over 27 years in an international ministry spanning four continents. Today, Celebrate Messiah is in partnership with Chosen People Global Ministries with work amongst Jewish people in 16 countries including Israel. Lawrence is also a Board member of the work of Beit Sar Shalom in Israel and the Rabbi of Beit HaMashiach messianic congregation in Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne, VIC
Barry was born in Cape Town, South Africa and was raised in a non-observant Jewish home. After the tragic death of Barry’s father and three years engaged in guerrilla warfare in the South African army, Barry was left devastated, angry and empty. In 1981 Barry’s now wife Melinda became a believer in Yeshua (Jesus) and in 1985, by the Grace of God, Barry also surrendered all to Him. In 1987 Barry moved to Israel to preach the good news of the gospel to his own people. “What could be more Jewish than following the Messiah!” says Barry. In 1988 Barry and Melinda got married they have two grown children. Since 2001, Barry has been serving with Celebrate Messiah Australia as an Associate Missionary and Evangelist. He regularly leads “See Israel through Jewish Eyes” tours. Barry’s passion for the Lord is a blessing to everyone who engages with him. Isaiah 62: 1-2 “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent…”
Central Coast, NSW
Paul was born in the Netherlands in 1963. After finishing High School in 1983 he went to live in Israel and spent a brief period in Yeshiva (Jewish Theological College) in Jerusalem. Paul met his wife Sue in Israel and later immigrated to Australia where Sue had grown up. Sue became a believer in Yeshua (Jesus) in 1984 and was instrumental in Paul becoming a believer in February 1987. Since 1992 Paul has been teaching on the Jewish background of the New Testament. Paul has a heart to see his people know the love and grace of their true Messiah and a strong desire to teach the Bible from a Jewish frame of reference. He is the teaching elder at Brit Chadashah a Messianic Fellowship in Sydney. Paul and Sue have two children and four grandchildren they all reside on the Central Coast of NSW.
Southern Highlands, NSW
Eileen was raised in a traditional Jewish family in the USA. She lived in England, Israel and USA while pursuing undergraduate studies in Communications, Biblical Studies, Theology and Jewish Studies. Since moving to Australia, Eileen has completed post-graduate degrees in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counselling. She uses her experience in creative therapies and counselling in mental health and disability in clinical, community, and educational settings. She especially enjoys Israeli dance and other dance and drama skills to assist ministries with their creative outreach and worship. Eileen is the ministry team leader in NSW & ACT for Celebrate Messiah. Using creativity, humour and understanding from her Jewish background, she is an inspiring speaker.
Canberra, ACT
Robert is a Messianic Pastor registered with the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS). He was sent out from Baruch HaShem Messianic Congregation in San Antonio, Texas where he had been an elder and Chaverim (homegroup) leader. Robert is happily married to Eleanor, and they have four beautiful children. The family moved to Australia in 2013 and Robert and Eleanor established Hineh Yeshua Congregation. In early 2015, they merged with local messianic group Olive Tree Ministries. Apart from the Word of God, and his family, Robert’s other passions are his motorcycle and aviation. Robert is continuing his career as an aerospace mechanical engineer.