CJF Ministries

PO Box 345
San Antonio, Texas 78292-0345

Telephone
(210) 226 - 0421
Fax
(210) 226 - 2140
E-mail
info@cjfm.org
OrderLine
(800) 926 - 5397
Website
www.cjfm.org

Dear Haverim!

SEEDS
God has not forgotten the Jewish people, and neither have we.

December 2015

This past summer, I went home to Kansas to attend my 45th high school
class reunion. We all had a great time and enjoyed reconnecting with old
friends and classmates. At one point in the evening, a woman sat down
next to me and said, Gary, theres something Ive wanted to say to you for
a long time. She continued, Do you remember the speech class we had
together when we were juniors? I remembered the class. She reminded
me that we spent weeks giving persuasive speecheswith the whole class
critiquing us. She said, All of your speeches were about Christianity and
the Bible. You were always trying to convince us that the Bible is true and
that God not only exists, but He loves us.
Honestly, I hadnt thought about that class in many years! Then she told
me that she knew it took courage to do what I didand she wanted me
to know that my words hadnt fallen on deaf ears. In fact, she said she
went back several years later and studied the notes she had taken while I
was speaking. In due time, she became a believer in Jesus. She married a
believer and raised a Christian family. Ive been wanting to tell you about
this for forty years, she said, as she placed her hand gently on my shoulder. God used you to help alter the course of my life and I never thanked
you until now.
I was swamped with work at the time and it wasnt easy to get away and
attend the reunion. But that simple, five-minute conversation with a former classmate made it all worth it! It was a powerful reminder that when
were faithful to the Lord and follow His leading, we never know how He
will use us to influence and encourage others.
Your Brother in Messiah,
Gary Hedrick

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BELARUS CONFERENCE

What a privilege it was to spend time again with the wonderful believers from the Baptist Union! The
beautiful facility in Minsk, where we met, was builtlike many other churchesduring that small window
of opportunity in the early 1990sjust after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Dr. Hedrick opened the conference on Israel and the Church in the Last Times with a message from Ezekiel
37, drawing special attention to Verse 4, in which God commanded Ezekiel to preach to the dry bones. In
like manner, we are to preach Gods Word to the Jewish people today even if they seem disinterested or
unresponsive. As in Ezekiels vision, God will sovereignly awaken them in due time.

R.A. Higbee

R.A. Higbee

In Pastor Drapers session on the Redeemer and Savior of Israel (based on Isaiah 43:1-15), he noted that
Isaiahs name means salvation is of the Lorda reminder that none of uswhether we are Jewish or
Gentilecan ever earn Gods love or merit salvation. There is indeed a future for Israel, despite her failings
and trials. Their future, like ours in the Church today, depends upon the sovereign grace of God.
Efraim Goldstein, CJFMs new director of international missions, and a longtime Israeli citizen, shared his unique
perspective on the Return of the Jews to Israel and the Status of Messianic Jews in Israel, referencing Jeremiah
16:14-15, Joel 3:20, as well as other passages to show that the Jewish people will be restored to their Land.
Rob Styler, our director of North American missions, spoke first on the difficult subject of anti-Semitism in
the Church, illustrating his points with painful quotations from early Church Fathers and reformers, while
demonstrating clearly that such views are not biblical.1
Later, Rob offered several practical suggestions for building relationships and sharing the Gospel with the
Jewish people. He urged the assembly to avoid red-flag words that unnecessarily offend Jewish people. He
then suggested ways to make contact with the local Jewish community: 1) walking a Jewish neighborhood
and praying for it; 2) adopting a synagogue or caring for a Jewish cemetery; 3) celebrating the Jewish feasts
in the local congregation; 4) introducing yourself to the local rabbi and letting him know you are a friend of
the Jewish people and of Israel; and, 5) asking for a tour of the local synagogue, or perhaps even inviting the
rabbi to your own facility for coffee and cookies. Helpful suggestions for us all!
ROSH HASHANAH
After the conference, we took a day to learn about the Jewish history of Minsk. Our guide for the daya
local Jewish historianarranged first for our mostly Gentile group to attend the Rosh Hashanah service at his
synagogue. He warned us not to tell anyone that we were Christians. You can certainly understand his concern.
Before World War II, Minsk had over 200 synagogues; today, it has only twothanks to the Holocaust and
ongoing anti-Semitism among Christiansespecially in the Orthodox Church!

1In

2013, Brother Gennady wrote an in-depth article on this same subject. Anti-Semitism in Christianity is written in Russian, but
can be read in English by placing the website (SALV.by) into Google Translate. The article is found under the Articles menu located
on the main page.

YAMA THE PIT

R.A. Higbee

One site in Minsk was especially poignant. The

Pit is a small ravine, where on March 2, 1942
(Purim), the Nazis murdered approximately
5,000 men, women, and children from the
nearby Minsk Ghetto. The Nazis eventually
murdered virtually all of Minsks Jewish
residents and 90% of all Jews in Belarus.
The Pit provides a visual reminder of what
happened, and is believed to be the first
memorial inside the Soviet Union to mention
Jewish people as the victims.
CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS
The Church of All Saints is a memorial to
the Belarus citizens of all faiths who perished
in the cause of their country. In many ways,
its like Americas Tomb of the Unknowns.
Entombed in this beautiful church are the
bodies of soldiers from the War of 1812, WWI,
and WWII. Outside in the courtyard stands a
statue of Moses, flanked by a bronze plaque
containing the words of Luke 10:27 in more
than a dozen languages (including Hebrew):
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy
neighbour as thyself (KJV).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
Israel
In October, Efraim traveled to Istanbul, Turkey where he joined
two Arab pastors from Galilee in ministering to a community of
Syrian refugees. For four days, they met with, taught, witnessed
to, and gave aid to dozens of these refugeesnearly all of whom
are new believers from a Muslim background, having come to
faith only since arriving in Turkey. There is, unfortunately, no
appropriate Arabic-speaking church for them to join, and their
status as refugees is tenuous, at best. Please pray for them, and
for Efraim as he and a Nazareth pastor labor to establish a congregation for these dear new believers, and provide them with
desperately needed aid. By the way, the Syrian conflict is less
than 100 miles from Nahariyya where our congregation is located. Please pray also for Or Hagalil, and for Jeannies newest
community Bible Club ventures.

R.A. Higbee

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES continued

Belarus
Most of our workers were able to attend our conference in Minsk
and expressed their great appreciation for the teaching, warm
fellowship, and encouragement they received there. In addition,
each reported having celebrated the Jewish festivals of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and even Sukkot. These festivals were times
of wonderful fellowship and outreach as their congregations welcomed many visitors. During the recent months, workers have
also distributed medicines, food bags, and even tracts. A common theme were hearing is that the study of Scriptureand interest in the personal study of Scriptureis growing. Also, when
Brother Alexander spoke to students at the Minsk Bible Seminary, he was encouraged to see a new generation being trained
and prepared to proclaim the Gospel.
Ukraine
Brother Oleg was encouraged by the good participation his congregation had at their Rosh HaShanah celebration. Many young
people in attendance were interested not only in learning more
about Israels history, but also in how to make spiritual application to their own lives. A great sign! The congregation prayed for
Israel and also for those in attendance to come to know Messiah
Jesus, and to grow ever closer to Him.
GREAT BRITAIN
Their mens discussion group continues to provide Robert with
opportunities to share the Gospel. Recently, a politician on a radio program drew an interesting contrast between Jewish peoplewhom he considered good, hardworking British citizens
and vocal Muslims who wish to convert others to Islama rare
public kudo to Britains Jewish community. A TV program on the
subject prompted a question about the Ku Klux Klans crosses,
and how that fits with Christianity. Robert explained that such
things are perversions of the true Gospel, and that KKK crosses
have nothing to do with the Cross of Messiah. He concluded by
reminding them, By their fruits you shall know them. One Jewish man raised the question of what sin against God is. In the next
meeting, Robert plans to tell him.
Argentina
In addition to celebrating the Jewish high holy days, Marcos continues Shabbat studies in his home. He is currently teaching The
Covenants of God with Man. In September, Marcos also visited
the city of Rosario to meet with and encourage the Jewish believers there. Various members, including Lionel Speisky, have
been having health issues. Also, because of his bold declaration
of faith in Yeshua, Lionel has drawn the ire of the local Jewish
community. Please pray for the spiritual, emotional, and physical
health needs of this group of believers and their familiesand
pray that God will soften the hearts of all the Jewish community,
leading them to saving faith.

OUR HANDS ARE STAINED

WITH BLOOD
by Dr. Michael L. Brown

From the first Christian persecutions of the Jews

in the fourth century to the horrors of the Holocaust,
from Israel-bashing in todays press to anti-Semitism
in todays pulpits, this shocking and painful book
tells the tragic story that every Christian must hear.

December 2015

Resources

Book (BB-40) 241 pages, $12

TRACTS

HITLERS CROSS
by Erwin W. Lutzer

In Hitlers Cross, Erwin W. Lutzer examines the

dangers of confusing church and state, how the
German church lost its focus, the role of God in
human tragedy, the parameters of Satans freedom,
the faithfulness of God to His people who suffer for
Him, and Americas hidden crossher dangerous
trends. Hitlers Cross is the story of a nation whose
church forgot its primary call and discovered its own
failure after it was too late.
Book (HC-P) 216 pages, $15

THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL

by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum

The Remnant of Israel: The History, Theology, and

Philosophy of the Messianic Jewish Community
is an update on the growing and diversifying
community of Jews who have found favor with
God by receiving Jesus as Messiah. Written by a
Messianic Jew for Jew and Gentile alike, here is
an articulate survey of the biblical position of the
Messianic Jew in the setting of community.

Sharing Your Faith with Jewish

PeopleSome Dos and Donts
by Barry Berger

Sincerity of intentions is no substitute for

proceeding with wisdom in this important
endeavor. You need to know how to cut
through the built-in defenses most Jewish
people have when it comes to religion. This
tract will help you become a more effective
communicator of the Good News to your
Jewish friends and neighbors.
Great resource for your church or Sunday
school class.
Tract (J-09) pkg of 25, $2; pkg of 100, $5

Book (BB-166) 181 pages, $10

RESTORING THE JEWISHNESS

OF THE GOSPEL
by David H. Stern, PhD

This book introduces Christians to the Jewish roots

of their faith, challenges some conventional ideas,
and raises some neglected questions: How are both
the Jews and the Church Gods people? Does the
Law of Moses remain in force today?
Book (BB-74) 96 pages, $8

The Jewish Prophets Show the Way

by Barry Berger

This additional tract by Barry shows

you how to present the Gospel and lead a
Jewish person to the Savior using only Old
Testament Scriptures.
Tract ( J-10) pkg of 25, $5; pkg of 100, $15

Other News
2015-2016 MESSIANIC JEWISH HOME CALENDAR
Its not too late to enjoy this beautiful, high-quality 16-month calendar, which highlights the gates of Jerusalem.
It includes the Jewish sabbaths, holidays, and special holy days from September 2015 to December 2016, along
with all the assigned Scripture readings. The calendar also displays traditional American holidays and includes
plenty of room each month to make note of appointments and special reminders. Price includes shipping.
Calendar (32) $12 each (quantity discounts available)
TM

CJF Ministries/Messianic Perspectives

PO Box 345

San Antonio, Texas 78292

ENDOFYEAR GIVING
Many individuals choose to make a special year-end
charitable donation. If that is your practice, we invite you
to consider the work of CJF Ministries. It is the faithful
support of partners like you that makes this ministry
possible. Dont forget, however, that for income tax
purposes, all gifts must be received or postmarked no later
than December 31, 2015.
Individuals often use the end of the year to reevaluate their
wills and estate plans. Did you know that there are many
ways you can remember CJF Ministries in your will? If you
would like to know more about the different options, give
us a call at (800) 926-5397. Were happy to answer any
questions you may have. Before you make any decisions,
however, you should always consult your personal attorney
or financial advisor.
God bless you, and thank you for your ongoing partnership
in this important work among the Jewish people.

(800) 926-5397

cjfm.org