We've had a very busy and eventful 9 days since we last wrote you. Ami returned from a weekend youth conference and said it was very good. The subject discussed was witnessing. He enjoyed the fellowship, renewed old friendships and met new believing youth. He was amazed that kids came from all over the country just for a conference that lasted 24 hours.
Ami said that he was sleeping on a top bunk and it was a mistake he shall never repeat - the bed was too small, and he kept on waking up with his arms and legs in mid air!
These conferences get all the Messianic youth in the whole country in touch with one another and are a vital ministry. Please pray for the organizers of these conferences, for anointing, strength and protection, and for the young people to dedicate themselves to the Lord during these meetings when they can leave their surroundings and daily struggles behind.
Here in Israel, as I believe will be the case soon in the U.S. and Europe, the good news of Yeshua is continuing to evoke violent reactions. As our family was the target of violent persecution, so other believers in the land are targets of the same. Below are three accounts of persecution which need much prayer. One took place recently in Rehovot, which is a city south of Tel Aviv, and the other took place last month in another city in the northern Jordan Valley area, and the third has been ongoing for several years.
HAREDIM CLASH WITH MESSIANIC JEWS IN REHOVOT
Ultra-Orthodox residents spot Messianic Jews handing out New Testament pamphlets on streets of central city, violent fight breaks out, and secular passersby join in clashes
By Matan Melekh
Published: 05.15.09, 14:20 / Israel Jewish Scene
Messianic Jews took to the streets of the central city of Rehovot on Wednesday and handed out pamphlets of the New Testament in an attempt to convince passersby to convert.
Ultra-Orthodox residents were outraged by the site and began beating the missionaries. Secular passersby also joined in the action, and eyewitnesses said screams and curses could be heard.
The ultra-Orthodox grabbed the pamphlets from the Messianic Jews, tore them to pieces and threw them in a nearby garbage bin.
One passerby told Ynet, "I think this is a kind of manipulation that is applied mostly on new immigrants. The State also prohibits missionary activity. These are Jewish missionary acts that target Jews.
"What shocked me was the violence in the area, and that the passersby did not act to stop it. Their activity in our area has continued to increase recently - they seem to have made the area a target for themselves."
The Messianic Judaism stream has been active in Israel for some 40 years.
The movement has its origins in American Evangelistic churches and its purpose is to convert Jews to Christianity.
Messianic Jews consider themselves to be following in the footsteps of Jesus' first followers, who were Jews.
Some of the Messianic Jews continue to keep part of the Jewish traditions and customs.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notice the attitude towards belief in Yeshua, and the misconception that the faith has it's origins in American Evangelistic churches - and not the Tanach (Old Testament).
RELIGIOUS FANATACISM AND OUR CHILDREN
Jerusalem Institute of Justice Messianic Attorneys For the Advancement of Civil Rights, Freedom of Religion and Social Justice in the Nation of Israel. Jerusalem http://jij.org.il/ counsel@jij.org.il
Several weeks ago Rivka (Fictitious name used for confidentiality purposes), an eleven year old girl, the daughter of a Messianic Pastor from a city in the center of Israel, was asked by the principal of her school to leave her sixth grade class, in the middle of a lesson, and come to the principal's office. Not sure of why she was being singled out, Rivka walked hesitantly from her classroom with the principal to the principal's office. She was surprised to meet three men in the principal's office - a well-known rabbi in the city and two others who have been identified by undisclosed sources as Yad L'Achim "anti-missionary" activists. The principal explained to Rivka that these men "wanted to help" her and instructed her to fully cooperate with them. The principal proceeded to exit her office and left Rivka alone with her "new friends".
The three men asked Rivka questions for the better part of the next hour; questions such as "Where does your (Messianic) congregation meet?", "At what times during the weeks do you have meetings?", "Can you give us names of members of the congregation?", "Can you please give us their addresses?", and "What is your family's address?".
When the principal returned to this special meeting, she carefully instructed Rivka not to disclose to her parents anything that took place in her office. Rivka, wanting to be a good girl, did not mention anything about her odd experience to her parents when she came home from school that day.
It was only about two weeks later, when her father's car was firebombed in the driveway adjacent to Rivka's bedroom window, that she felt it would probably be good to tell her parents what had happened in the principal's office.
Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the family's house and none of the family members were injured. Damage from this act of arson was limited to property only.
The Jerusalem Institute of Justice has initiated a public complaint and a thorough investigation into this matter, via the Ministry of Education, the Israeli Police and the Israel National Council for the Child (http://www.children.org.il/index_eng.asp).
We believe that it is of absolute importance to prosecute actions of this nature, as we have learned that unchecked violence by radical religious factions can become a slippery slope (see: The Ami Ortiz Story)
This is a very serious case, in that the young girl was left for an hour alone with 3 strange men and then urged to hide the matter from her parents! The car could have exploded, but the fire department arrived in time and put the fire out before that happened, Praise the Lord. Please pray for Caleb Myers and the Jerusalem Institue of Justice who are taking action in this case. They are believers, and an important voice for the Body of Messiah and all others who are facing injustice because of their faith.
TRIAL IN BEERSHEVA
One other prayer request that we have is concerning a trial that will be coming up in Beer Sheva. Howard Bass, the pastor of a congregation in that city will be coming up against an anti-missionary organization, and the Chief Rabbi of the city that held a violent demonstration against his congregation. There was incitement, violence, and afterwards no police action or charges brought against the perpetrators. The following is his statement.
Howard writes:
As some of you know, I and amutat Nichalim BaNegev(his organization) have filed suit against the Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Beer Sheva, Yehuda Deri (brother of Arieh), and against the anti-missionary organization, Yad L'Achim.
The suit comes after prayer and consultation with other leaders in Beer Sheva, the Negev, and around the country. It is based on the riot which the two parties were responsible for organizing against Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua on 24 Dec 2005.
The trial dates are set for June 10 and 21 in Beer Sheva. Our lawyers are Marvin Kramer and Kevork Nalbandian. We would ask you all to keep us all, and our 7 other excellent witnesses, in prayer. The judge is Iddo Ruzin, who also needs our prayers.
The trial is a case to uphold the legitimate right to express the true Messianic faith in Yeshua here in Beer Sheva and in Israel, according to the existing laws which supposedly govern the State. Our nation was re-established literally on the ashes of people who were killed and then dishonorably cremated because they were Jewish -- mostly unknowing witnesses of the one true God who chose them and gave them a destiny still to be fulfilled.
Now we, who believe in the one true God and in Yeshua Messiah whom He sent, are being targeted because we are mostly knowing witnesses whom He has chosen.
Our lawyers and witnesses for the trial are an incredibly diverse group expressing the truth that the God of the Jews is also the God of the Gentiles, and that Yeshua is the one who gathers us and brings us home to the Father.
What a testimony itself of what the Lord has done! May our combined witness and testimony speak to those who are looking and listening, to the glory of our great God and Savior.
Please keep this whole matter in prayer, perhaps even fasting, and encourage others to join in, that the will of God is done, and that His righteousness is revealed!
We look forward to the day when the prophetic words of Zechariah, the father of John the baptizer, written for us in Luke 1:68-75, will be fully filled in Israel when Yeshua returns!
I include here what I have always sent out to anyone I have communicated with regarding this significant court case:
Please note: This case is not against Israel or against the Jewish people. It is not to be used in any way to foment or promote anti-Israel or anti-Jewish actions or reactions. It is already known through the Scriptures that Israel at present is opposed to the good news of God, so we are not out to make them an enemy. Nor is our legal action intended to be used by any other minority or religious groups in Israel to encourage or affirm anti-Israel/Jewish sentiment. For the sake of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, Israel and her people are beloved by God the Father for His honor and glory, and for the honor and glory of His Son.
For the salvation of the Jewish people and of Israel, and of many Gentiles whom God will use to provoke His people to jealousy and to show mercy to them,
Howard
P.S. For those of you who can, please share this with others who can not read and understand English. Thanks.
Thank you for your patience in reading this long newsletter - we are burdened for our nation, and covet your prayers to help us as believers in this land to stand strong for Yeshua in the face of opposition. Please pray that in all of these instances, the name of Yeshua will be lifted up, and that He will be glorified through our lives and testimonies.
In Him,
Leah
Quick Links...
Our Website
www.amiortiz.com amd www.lionofgod.org
Ami said that he was sleeping on a top bunk and it was a mistake he shall never repeat - the bed was too small, and he kept on waking up with his arms and legs in mid air!
These conferences get all the Messianic youth in the whole country in touch with one another and are a vital ministry. Please pray for the organizers of these conferences, for anointing, strength and protection, and for the young people to dedicate themselves to the Lord during these meetings when they can leave their surroundings and daily struggles behind.
Here in Israel, as I believe will be the case soon in the U.S. and Europe, the good news of Yeshua is continuing to evoke violent reactions. As our family was the target of violent persecution, so other believers in the land are targets of the same. Below are three accounts of persecution which need much prayer. One took place recently in Rehovot, which is a city south of Tel Aviv, and the other took place last month in another city in the northern Jordan Valley area, and the third has been ongoing for several years.
HAREDIM CLASH WITH MESSIANIC JEWS IN REHOVOT
Ultra-Orthodox residents spot Messianic Jews handing out New Testament pamphlets on streets of central city, violent fight breaks out, and secular passersby join in clashes
By Matan Melekh
Published: 05.15.09, 14:20 / Israel Jewish Scene
Messianic Jews took to the streets of the central city of Rehovot on Wednesday and handed out pamphlets of the New Testament in an attempt to convince passersby to convert.
Ultra-Orthodox residents were outraged by the site and began beating the missionaries. Secular passersby also joined in the action, and eyewitnesses said screams and curses could be heard.
The ultra-Orthodox grabbed the pamphlets from the Messianic Jews, tore them to pieces and threw them in a nearby garbage bin.
One passerby told Ynet, "I think this is a kind of manipulation that is applied mostly on new immigrants. The State also prohibits missionary activity. These are Jewish missionary acts that target Jews.
"What shocked me was the violence in the area, and that the passersby did not act to stop it. Their activity in our area has continued to increase recently - they seem to have made the area a target for themselves."
The Messianic Judaism stream has been active in Israel for some 40 years.
The movement has its origins in American Evangelistic churches and its purpose is to convert Jews to Christianity.
Messianic Jews consider themselves to be following in the footsteps of Jesus' first followers, who were Jews.
Some of the Messianic Jews continue to keep part of the Jewish traditions and customs.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Notice the attitude towards belief in Yeshua, and the misconception that the faith has it's origins in American Evangelistic churches - and not the Tanach (Old Testament).
RELIGIOUS FANATACISM AND OUR CHILDREN
Jerusalem Institute of Justice Messianic Attorneys For the Advancement of Civil Rights, Freedom of Religion and Social Justice in the Nation of Israel. Jerusalem http://jij.org.il/ counsel@jij.org.il
Several weeks ago Rivka (Fictitious name used for confidentiality purposes), an eleven year old girl, the daughter of a Messianic Pastor from a city in the center of Israel, was asked by the principal of her school to leave her sixth grade class, in the middle of a lesson, and come to the principal's office. Not sure of why she was being singled out, Rivka walked hesitantly from her classroom with the principal to the principal's office. She was surprised to meet three men in the principal's office - a well-known rabbi in the city and two others who have been identified by undisclosed sources as Yad L'Achim "anti-missionary" activists. The principal explained to Rivka that these men "wanted to help" her and instructed her to fully cooperate with them. The principal proceeded to exit her office and left Rivka alone with her "new friends".
The three men asked Rivka questions for the better part of the next hour; questions such as "Where does your (Messianic) congregation meet?", "At what times during the weeks do you have meetings?", "Can you give us names of members of the congregation?", "Can you please give us their addresses?", and "What is your family's address?".
When the principal returned to this special meeting, she carefully instructed Rivka not to disclose to her parents anything that took place in her office. Rivka, wanting to be a good girl, did not mention anything about her odd experience to her parents when she came home from school that day.
It was only about two weeks later, when her father's car was firebombed in the driveway adjacent to Rivka's bedroom window, that she felt it would probably be good to tell her parents what had happened in the principal's office.
Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the family's house and none of the family members were injured. Damage from this act of arson was limited to property only.
The Jerusalem Institute of Justice has initiated a public complaint and a thorough investigation into this matter, via the Ministry of Education, the Israeli Police and the Israel National Council for the Child (http://www.children.org.il/index_eng.asp).
We believe that it is of absolute importance to prosecute actions of this nature, as we have learned that unchecked violence by radical religious factions can become a slippery slope (see: The Ami Ortiz Story)
This is a very serious case, in that the young girl was left for an hour alone with 3 strange men and then urged to hide the matter from her parents! The car could have exploded, but the fire department arrived in time and put the fire out before that happened, Praise the Lord. Please pray for Caleb Myers and the Jerusalem Institue of Justice who are taking action in this case. They are believers, and an important voice for the Body of Messiah and all others who are facing injustice because of their faith.
TRIAL IN BEERSHEVA
One other prayer request that we have is concerning a trial that will be coming up in Beer Sheva. Howard Bass, the pastor of a congregation in that city will be coming up against an anti-missionary organization, and the Chief Rabbi of the city that held a violent demonstration against his congregation. There was incitement, violence, and afterwards no police action or charges brought against the perpetrators. The following is his statement.
Howard writes:
As some of you know, I and amutat Nichalim BaNegev(his organization) have filed suit against the Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Beer Sheva, Yehuda Deri (brother of Arieh), and against the anti-missionary organization, Yad L'Achim.
The suit comes after prayer and consultation with other leaders in Beer Sheva, the Negev, and around the country. It is based on the riot which the two parties were responsible for organizing against Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua on 24 Dec 2005.
The trial dates are set for June 10 and 21 in Beer Sheva. Our lawyers are Marvin Kramer and Kevork Nalbandian. We would ask you all to keep us all, and our 7 other excellent witnesses, in prayer. The judge is Iddo Ruzin, who also needs our prayers.
The trial is a case to uphold the legitimate right to express the true Messianic faith in Yeshua here in Beer Sheva and in Israel, according to the existing laws which supposedly govern the State. Our nation was re-established literally on the ashes of people who were killed and then dishonorably cremated because they were Jewish -- mostly unknowing witnesses of the one true God who chose them and gave them a destiny still to be fulfilled.
Now we, who believe in the one true God and in Yeshua Messiah whom He sent, are being targeted because we are mostly knowing witnesses whom He has chosen.
Our lawyers and witnesses for the trial are an incredibly diverse group expressing the truth that the God of the Jews is also the God of the Gentiles, and that Yeshua is the one who gathers us and brings us home to the Father.
What a testimony itself of what the Lord has done! May our combined witness and testimony speak to those who are looking and listening, to the glory of our great God and Savior.
Please keep this whole matter in prayer, perhaps even fasting, and encourage others to join in, that the will of God is done, and that His righteousness is revealed!
We look forward to the day when the prophetic words of Zechariah, the father of John the baptizer, written for us in Luke 1:68-75, will be fully filled in Israel when Yeshua returns!
I include here what I have always sent out to anyone I have communicated with regarding this significant court case:
Please note: This case is not against Israel or against the Jewish people. It is not to be used in any way to foment or promote anti-Israel or anti-Jewish actions or reactions. It is already known through the Scriptures that Israel at present is opposed to the good news of God, so we are not out to make them an enemy. Nor is our legal action intended to be used by any other minority or religious groups in Israel to encourage or affirm anti-Israel/Jewish sentiment. For the sake of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, Israel and her people are beloved by God the Father for His honor and glory, and for the honor and glory of His Son.
For the salvation of the Jewish people and of Israel, and of many Gentiles whom God will use to provoke His people to jealousy and to show mercy to them,
Howard
P.S. For those of you who can, please share this with others who can not read and understand English. Thanks.
Thank you for your patience in reading this long newsletter - we are burdened for our nation, and covet your prayers to help us as believers in this land to stand strong for Yeshua in the face of opposition. Please pray that in all of these instances, the name of Yeshua will be lifted up, and that He will be glorified through our lives and testimonies.
In Him,
Leah
Quick Links...
Our Website
www.amiortiz.com amd www.lionofgod.org