Teaching the Next Generation

Last month Stewart was asked to teach a Jewish Evangelism Seminar to a church group from Tulsa, Oklahoma. These precious folks have a desire to share Jesus with Jewish people.  What better place to learn than New York City?  When the international Jews for Jesus missionary trainees heard about the seminar they decided to attend.  After the 3 hour seminar, a little bit of role playing and some thin-crust NY pizza they hit the streets.  It was a great time of evangelism. We are encouraged to see more of God's people being equipped to give a reason for the HOPE in them to our Jewish People.

 

 I Peter 3:15  "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, 

always being ready to make a defense to everyone who 

asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, 

yet with gentleness and reverence;"

Avenue J Preparing for the Feast of Booths

During the High Holiday season I (Shosh) and a co-worker, Rebekah went Avenue J in Brooklyn.  As you can see this is a Hassidic/Orthodox Community.  I (Shosh) am praying God will give ministry opportunity to these women.

 This was on was the day before the celebration of Sukkot.  The Feast of Booths.  Here is one of many tables that lined the streets of Avenue J.  The Religious raise money by selling the "4 Species" which includes the Palm, Etrog (Special Citrus) the Willow and the Myrtle branches. Which are used in the religious ceremony of Sukkot.  You can learn more about this tradition at: http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday5.htm   The prices were very reasonable. $25 for the set.  Much cheaper than we paid in Charleston where the average was about $100.00

In the first photo an Orthodox man explained to Shosh how to tell if a Lulav (palm) was good or not.  He indicated it should be "perfect" no splits in the palm.  It was no easy task finding one that suited this gentleman.  In the next Photo we see another Orthodox man examining the Myrtle for perfection.

This preparation for Sukkot is a stark reminder of the words of the Jewish prophet Isaiah who wrote in Chapter 1:14

"Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them." 


Please continue to pray for the Salvation of the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.  And that we will be effective communicators of the Gospel Message.

Rosh Hashanah Celebration in Brooklyn

Stewart and I Joined the Brooklyn Rosh Hashanah celebration this year.  Stewart still has what it takes (and those of you who blow the shofar know it takes a lot) to blow two shofars at a time.  We had a good crowd which included many Jewish Believers who have no where else to celebrate the High Holidays.  It was an encouraging time for all.