CJF Ministries

PO Box 345 San Antonio, Texas 78292-0345 Dear Friend,

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

December 2011 Telephone (210) 226 - 0421 Fax (210) 226 - 2140 E-mail info@cjfm.org OrderLine (800) 926 - 5397 Website www.cjfm.org
Harold Camping predicted that the world would come to an end in May 2011. When that didnt happen, he recalculated, and announced that the Rapture would actually occur in October. Well, its December and were still here. Camping has not done any service to the Messiahs cause by his unbiblical predictions and pronouncements. Scripture states clearly that no man knows the day or hour. Rather than focus on the exact time of His return, the Lord urges us to be ready, watchful, and do business till I come (Luke 19:13). We are to be busy with the work the Lord has given us. CJFMs business is to share the Gospel with the Jewish people, and to encourage the New Testament Church to do the same. This year, thanks to your support, we have been able to do just that. We have also made new efforts in Ukraine, and we are praying about a possible open door in Russia. In the coming year, CJFM representatives will work to build partnerships with local churches. The goal is two-fold: to encourage local churches to become active in Jewish evangelism, and to give unsaved Jewish people a non-threatening place to hear the Gospel from a Jewish perspective. Many Jewish people are uncomfortable visiting a Christian (gentile) church, but might be open to attending a messianic Jewish Bible Study or Shabbat service. Please pray for this new venture. There are so many opportunities, and we want to take advantage of each one. Your continued partnership is so vital to these efforts. Alone we can do much, but together we can do so much more! In addition to the information in this months newsletter, we are placing supplemental resources on our website. Our videographer, Rick Higbee, recorded conversations between CJFM board member Rander Draper and our workers in Israel. These video conversations offer a rare opportunity for you to meet our Israeli workers, and to hear directly from them about ministry in Israel. Efraim, Ruth, and Yossi each offer their perspective on being a messianic Jewish believer in Israel today. In the newsletter articles that follow, you will find the links to these videos. Again, thank you for your faithful support of this ministry, and for all that you do on behalf of Gods chosen people. We are encouraged and uplifted by your prayers. May God richly bless you, friend! In His love,

Gary Hedrick

BELARUS AND THE CIS

Our messianic outreach in Belarus and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) faces several ministry challenges. Highlights from Pastor Gennady Brutzkis report about the regions history and our work there will help you gain a better understanding of the challenges and learn more about this area of the world.

History

Belarus is a small Eastern European country (population 9,467,000), with roots going back to the 10th century. Modern Belarus is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. During the last century, the Belarussian people have endured a great dealparticularly at the hands of the Nazis. During World War II, more than 2,230,000 Belarussians were killed, and 209 towns and 9,200 villages were destroyed. Belarus was later affected by the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, which occurred near the Belarus border in Ukraine. Large numbers of Belarus citizens were forced to evacuate hundreds of towns and villagesareas that remain uninhabited today.
Courtesy of CJFM Belarus representatives

Believers from Pastor Nickolais church help maintain a Jewish cemetery in the Brest region.

Religion
During the Soviet era, religion was mocked and believers were severely persecuted. Churches were closed, and many pastors and members were arrested. Mikhail Gorbachevs rise to power, however, opened the door to more religious freedom, and after the fall of the Soviet Union, Belarus experienced a period of great spiritual awakening and renewal. Churches were actively involved in evangelism and many thousands came to faith in God. The passage of restrictive religious laws in 2002 and 2005 elevated the rights of the Russian Orthodox Church, and severely limited the activities and rights of other religious groups. Today, evangelical churches are allowed to function only in buildings that they own, and activities by unlicensed religious groups are a criminal offense. Missionary activity done outside of a registered congregations territory is also considered illegalmaking it extremely difficult to plant new churches. The laws limit the rights of individual believers as well, making it nearly impossible to gather in private homes for Bible study or prayer without prior government approval.

Messianic Ministry with CJFM

During the period of religious awakening in Belarus, various messianic ministries became active, among them CJF Ministries. Because our theology on the future of Israel and the Jewish people closely parallels that of the evangelical Baptists, a partnership eventually developed. In 2007, CJFM organized an Israel tour specifically for a group of Belarus pastors. According to Gennady, this tour helped change the attitude of some pastors toward the Jewish people, opened their eyes to Scriptures true historical context, and set the stage for their current successful partnership with CJFM. Together with CJFM, the evangelical Baptist Union has established messianic outreach in five major population areas of Belarus: the capital Minsk (with more than 30,000 Jewish people), Bobruisk (home to about 5,000 Jewish people), Grodno (a regional center near the Polish border with approximately 1,000 Jewish persons), Mstislavl (on the Russian border and home to about 100 Jewish people), and Brest (where the ministry is led by Nickolai, a Baptist pastor). Nickolai has developed uniquely positive relationships with the local Jewish communityboth secular and religious. Pastor Nickolai and young people from his congregation help maintain a Jewish cemetery in the area. They also provide Jewish music and care packages for the special Jewish holidays. Nickolais credibility is further enhanced by his grandfathers actions during World War II. He saved many Jewish lives and has been honored as a righteous gentile at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.
Courtesy of CJFM Belarus representatives

Our partners in Belarus provide humanitarian assistance for the Jewish people. Bags of groceries are handed out and delivered to those in need.

Note: There are more than 100,000 Jewish people living in Ukraine, and our Belarus partners are eager to promote Jewish outreach in that country. Gennadys prayer is that in the near future, CJFM will hold a messianic conference in Russia, and Pastor Brutzkis CIS team can begin active Jewish ministry there, too.

BIBLICAL PROPHECY
After CJFMs Gods Plan for Israel conference last May in Branson, Rich Hill (headquartered in Las Vegas) taught an Israel in Prophecy mini-conference at a church in the Morro Bay area of California. His conference topics were: The Future Invasion of Israel (Ezek. 3839), Israel in the First Half of the Tribulation Period, Israel in the Second Half of the Tribulation Period, and End Times Questions That Need Answers. If you are interested in having a CJFM representative speak on biblical prophecy at your church, contact us at (800) 497-8766.

R. A. Higbee

ISRAEL
CJFM videographer Rick Higbee recently had the unique opportunity to record conversations with our workers in the Land of Israel. CJFM board member Pastor Rander Draper and his wife Darlene spoke with Efraim, Yossi, Ruth, and Gideon about the ministry challenges, rewards, and opportunities in the Holy Land. You wont want to miss these unique, insightful, and revealing discussions. What an opportunity to meet our workers face-to-face, and learn about Jewish evangelism from those in the field. All are Israeli citizens, and two of the four are sabras (native-born Israelis). Highlights of their conversations are given below, but dont miss the more complete video content available online at cjfm.org/Dec2011.

SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MESSIANIC LEADERS
Efraim Goldstein, living outside Tel Aviv, joined CJFM with 30 years of Jewish ministry experience. In the video, Efraim speaks to Israels changing demographics, influenced by both immigration and the differing birth rates between secular and religious (Orthodox) Jewish Israelis. According to Efraim, the Orthodox once represented only 10 percent of the population; today, they represent 30 percent, and that percentage continues growing. This changing demographic has great implications for future ministry. Sharing the Gospel with the Orthodox demands a different perspective and a different set of skills than sharing with non-religious, secular Jewish Israelis. The Orthodox are well-versed in both the Scriptures and rabbinic writings. Those who hope to share Yeshua with them must be equally well versed. This is the challenge for the next generation of messianic believers in Israel. In the video, Efraim also recounts the history of Jewish believers in the Land of Israel, beginning with barely 300 to many thousands today. You wont want to miss his conversation, posted at cjfm.org/Dec2011.

WHATS THE BIG DEAL? ITS ONLY 25 MILES!

Twenty-five miles may not seem far by American standards, but its enough to put Yossi Ovadia off the beaten path in a country heavily dependent upon tourism and international support. In Yossis community, housing may be more affordable, but good jobs are more scarce. In this interview, Pastor Yossi explains the unique challenges he faces because of simple geography, the linguistically and economically diverse immigrants, and the single moms drawn to his congregation. During the conversation, Ruth Nessim, who also ministers in northern Israel, and Gideon Levytam, CJFMs director of international ministries, add additional insights into the unique challenges that gentile believers have in communicating the Gospel to Jewish people. They explain how certain symbols and words can help or hinder the Gospel message. View their video at cjfm.org/Dec2011.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE TEMPLE: Jewish Influences on Early Christianity

by Oskar Skarsaune Though there have been points of bitterness and strife between Judaism and Christianity, the story of their early relationship was more like that between older and younger siblings. Skarsaune gives abundant evidence of historical interaction between the early Church and the ancient synagogueinteraction that shaped the development of the Churchs practice and doctrine. Book (#BB-03) Hardback, 455 pages $25

DECEMBER 2011

Resources

RADIO BROADCASTS
Gods First Prophet

WHAT THE RABBIS KNOW ABOUT THE MESSIAH

by Rachmiel Frydland Most Jewish people do not realize that the common 21st-century view of Messiah is not the traditional Jewish view. Messianic Jewish scholar Rachmiel Frydland corrects this oversight and examines the traditional understanding of Messiahs role. Book (#WRK) 146 pages $12

(Dec. 7 - Dec. 14) by Dr. Gary Hedrick

What is the earliest prophecy recorded in the Bible? Who uttered it, and what does it mean? Believe it or not, this ancient prophecy is found in the New Testament rather than the Old Testament! CD (#GT-06 CD) $6 Cassette Tape (#GT-06) $6

When Will the End Come?

(Dec. 15 - Dec. 28)
by Dr. Gary Hedrick
The disciples wanted to know the sign of Messiahs second coming and the end of the world (Matt. 24:3). Dr. Hedrick explains that there are actually two signsone heavenly and the other earthly. This is the same exposition of Matthew 24 that he has presented all over the US, and as far away as Israel. CD (#GT-37 CD) $6 Cassette Tape (# GT-37) $6

Who is the True Messiah?

(Dec. 29 - Jan. 11)
by Dr. Gary Hedrick
Why didnt the Jewish leadership accept Yeshua as Messiah when He came the first time? Dr. Hedrick explains that the answer, in part, is found in ancient rabbinic teachings and the messianic expectations of the firstcentury Sanhedrin. CD (#GT-16 CD) $6 Cassette Tape (#GT-16) $6

Absent From the Body, Present With the Lord

Louise Newmark, CJFM representative in South Africa, went home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2011 at the age of 76. Director of International Ministries Gideon Levytam offered the following tribute: As Louise is ushered into the presence of her Lord, we are sure that she will be greeted with these words: Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . Enter thou into the joy of the Lord (Matt. 25:21). In December 2009, my wife and I had the distinct privilege of accompanying Louise on her visitation rounds. We walked for miles, Louise with her two bags containing her Bible, tracts, and so forth, slung over each shoulder. We visited those on her list, giving a word of comfort here, a word of encouragement there, and spending time in prayer and study of Gods word. It was obvious that many looked forward to these visits. Louise was a familiar sight for over 50 years, faithfully making her visitsoften in very dangerous neighborhoodsand became affectionately known as the bag lady. She was a source of comfort, hope, and encouragement to many. An inspiration and an example of Gods love, she will be sorely missed by those she served for many years. Louise lived a very simple life, dedicating her life and resources to the Lord. Louise had a real burden for the Jewish people and often referred to them as my Jewish people. I received her last report just days prior to her home-going. In it she says, Since my last report to you, two more Jewish people accepted Jesus. It is obvious Louise didnt go home empty handed. We at CJF Ministries feel honored to have had the opportunity to know Louise and to serve together for more than 25 years. As Louises service on this earth has come to an end, we just want to say, Thank you for giving to the Lord!

Brethren, Pray For Us (1 Thess. 5:25)

The world is increasingly interested in biblical prophecy and its connection to Israel and the Middle East. Pray that our representatives will have many opportunities to teach biblical truth regarding Gods plan for Israel and the Jewish people, and will lead many to faith. For the next two years, CJFM President Dr. Gary Hedrick will hold the position of North America Coordinator for LCJE (Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism). Part of his responsibilities will include organizing LCJEs annual North American conference scheduled for March 2012 in San Diego. Pray for the conference and Dr. Hedricks effective leadership. In September, CJFM conducted an Israel in the Plan of God conference in Ukraine for more than 200 evangelical pastors. Pray that many of these pastors will develop a deeper love for the Jewish people, and undertake Jewish ministry in their communities. Pray they teach their congregations Scripture from its historical, Jewish context; pray also for the advance of Jewish evangelism worldwide. Each year our representatives conduct Messiah in the Passover Seders. Pray that many unsaved Jewish people will attend and understand that Yeshua is Gods Passover Lamb, slain for them. Contact us if you would like to schedule a Seder presentation at your church. Our North American workers are seeking to establish messianic congregations in partnership with local Christian churches. Pray for willing churches, appropriate facilities, and many Jewish people to hear the Gospel.