WORD FROM JERUSALEM - PREPARE - ICEJ USA
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Word
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM // FEBRUARY 2020 // USA Edition
from JERUSALEM
ICEJ Gives
a Future
and a Hope
PREPARE
WAY 2020
THE in
from the
PRESIDENT'S DESK
Dear Friends,
Israel has become a leading nation in so many areas. A recent visit to the ICEJ-
sponsored ARISE Summit of some 500 mostly Evangelical business leaders from
around the world underlined this, as these businesspeople sought for new ways to
partner with Israeli counterparts. We are excited to see how these businesses and
partnerships will blossom in 2020.
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in
1980 in recognition of the biblical significance of all of Jerusalem
and its unique connection to the Jewish people. Today the ICEJ
Here at the ICEJ there are also plenty of opportunities to grow various aspects of
represents millions of Christians, churches, and denominations to our ministry. The expansion of our Haifa Home is well underway, and we expect
the nation and people of Israel. We recognize in the restoration the resumption of Ethiopian Aliyah as soon as Israel’s new government is in
of Israel the faithfulness of God to keep His ancient covenant
with the Jewish people. Our main objectives are:
place.
• To stand with Israel in support and friendship;
• To equip and teach the worldwide church regarding This year at the Feast of Tabernacles we will celebrate 40 years of the ICEJ. While
God’s purposes with Israel and the nations of the we look back to remember God’s faithfulness in so many areas we also will
Middle East; look forward to the exciting things God is doing in the land of Israel and in the
• To be an active voice of reconciliation between Jews,
Christians, and Arabs, and to support the churches
countries around Israel.
and congregations in the Holy Land.
From its head offices in Jerusalem, the ICEJ reaches out into As I write this, I am saddened as we just learned of the passing of Evangelist
more than 170 countries worldwide, with branch offices in over Reinhard Bonnke who served on the ICEJ Advisory Board. Through his life,
90 nations. millions came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. His ministry impacted the
Our vision is: entire continent of Africa but was also characterized by a deep love for Israel. He
• To reach every segment of Israel’s society with a Christian
testimony of comfort and love, and
was one of the great generals of God in our time and his ministry and testimony
• To reach and actively represent to Israel the support will be greatly missed.
of denominations, churches, and believers from every
nation on earth.
I hope you are blessed as you read this month’s Word From Jerusalem.
The Christian Embassy is a non-denominational faith-based
ministry supported by the voluntary contributions of our partners
and friends across the globe. We invite you to join with us as we Yours in Christ,
minister to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide by donating
to the ongoing work and witness of the ICEJ.
Word
from JERUSALEM Dr Jürgen Bühler
ICEJ President
CREDITS
ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler
US Director Susan Michael
VP International Affairs Dr. Mojmir Kallus
WORD
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM // FEBRUARY 2020 // USA EDITION
VP Finance David Van der Walt
VP Operations Barry R. Denison
VP International Spokesman David Parsons
VP AID + Aliyah Nicole Yoder FROM JERUSALEM
Managing Editor/Publications Director Julaine Stark
Assistant Managing Editor Kayla Muchnik
Copy Editor Karen Engle COVER PHOTO:
Staff Writers Aaron Hecht, Lily Sironi The Red Canyon in
Graphic Design/Illustrator Ryan Tsuen, Nancy Schimp
Photography Shutterstock, ICEJ Staff and Branches, the Eilat Mountains
Associated Press, Wikimedia Commons (Photographed during the
The New King James Bible is used for all Bible Arise Summer Tour 2019)
references unless otherwise noted.
Photo Credit: ICEJ/Jani Salonkangas ICEJ GIVES
A FUTURE
AND A HOPE
Word From Jerusalem is published by the International Christian
Embassy Jerusalem. Reproduction in whole or in part without written
PREPARE
permission is prohibited. Word From Jerusalem has no subscription
price and is supported through contributions worldwide. The ICEJ USA For Magazine Archives
Branch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with offices in Tennessee,
Florida, and Washington, DC. All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible
according to United States law.
visit www.icejusa.org/wfj WAY 2020
THE IN
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM - USA
Support our ministry online at: www.icejusa.org
Contents F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 0 U S A E d ition
4 Balaam and the fringes
of the camp
ICEJ Impacting Israeli
7 A FUTURE AND A HOPE
with icej AID 8 Communities Through
Social Businesses
9 Smoothing the Way
for New Immigrants 12 PROTECTIng TRAUMA CENTER
FOR CHILDREN
ICEJ TEACHING
Balaam and the fringes
of the camp
Choosing the right outlook toward God’s people
BY Dr Jürgen Bühler • ICEJ President
The encampment of the Israelites in the desert. Formation order of the Twelve Tribes around the tabernacle. Auguste Calmet, etching, 1725
O
ne of the Bible’s most tragic figures is to enter into their destiny, the land of Israel. could not dissuade him. When Balaam arrived
the prophet Balaam. He was a hired- Then the Bible tells us: “Now Balak the son at Moab, ready to fulfill his mission, what
gun prophet lured by fame, honor, of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the happened next is a textbook lesson on Satan’s
and money to curse the people of God. Three Amorites. And Moab was exceedingly afraid of schemes against God’s people.
times the New Testament uses him as a warning the people because they were many, and Moab
and example for similar types of evil prophets was sick with dread because of the children of
who would emerge in the last day’s church (2 Israel” (Numbers 22:2–3).
Peter 2:13; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14). In many
ways, Balaam’s story is an example of how Satan Balak, the Moabite king’s name, is best
tries to attack the people of God—both Israel translated as “devastator.” Balak saw his
and the church today. The same strategy is influence shrinking and made a noteworthy
repeated throughout history in the way nations decision. Unlike the kings of the Canaanites
and individuals deal with the Jewish people, and the Amorites, he did not resort to his army
and it is also employed by Satan when dealing and military experience but looked instead for a
with the church—through attacks from without spiritual solution, a curse. He called for Balaam,
and from within. an expert prophet known to communicate with
Jehovah the almighty God. According to Jewish
The story begins at the end of Israel’s 40 years tradition, Balaam’s position among the gentile
of desert wandering; the nations in and around nations was equal to that of Moses regarding
Canaan increasingly perceived the people of Israel.
Israel as a major threat. After successfully
i.
countering attacks from the Canaanite king While God repeatedly warned Balaam not to
of Arad (Numbers 21:1–3) and the Amorites engage in that mission, Balaam persisted in
(Numbers 21:21-31), Israel stood at the banks looking for a spiritual loophole to still curse Satan’s Viewpoint
of the Jordan River opposite Jericho, just about the people of Israel, and even a talking donkey Immediately upon Balaam’s arrival, Balak took
4 | FEBRUARY 2020
ICEJ TEACHING
him to a place overlooking the people of Israel: “He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob nor Israel was not commended by the United
has he seen trouble in Israel,” he might have Nations for its leadership but instead was
So it was, the next day, that Balak took Balaam wondered about whom is God speaking. “Is condemned eight times that day. In an entire
and brought him up to the high places of this really the people I see?” Balaam might year, countries like North Korea, Syria, Iran, and
Baal, that from there he might observe the have asked himself. similar states received only one (1) resolution
extent of the people. (Numbers 22:41) against them in total. Israel received eight in
The Full Picture one day! Surely, Israel is not a perfect country
But Balak’s scheme did not work, and God But as Balaam prepared to prophesy a third and many issues still need to be solved. But
ordered Balaam to bless Israel, which he did: time, he now understood it was a hopeless
“How can I curse what God has not cursed . . . endeavor to curse Israel. God was obviously
The word of God
behold a people dwelling alone . . . let my end determined to bless Israel, and thus there
by like his” (Numbers 23:8–10). must have been more to the people of God teaches that spiritual
than what he saw. So Balaam tried to see the
Balak, furious about Balaam’s blessing, repeated full picture: principalities rule over
the scheme but shifted the perspective: "Please
nations and regions.
come with me to another place from which you Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the
may see them; you shall see only the outer part Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other
of them, and shall not see them all; curse them times, to seek to use sorcery. . . . And Balaam considering they are surrounded by entities
for me from there" (Numbers 23:13). But even raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped and groups that plan 24/7 to annihilate them,
there, Balaam could only bless Israel: “God is according to their tribes; and the Spirit of the Jewish State is doing remarkably well if not
not a man that he should change his mind . . . God came upon him. (Numbers 24:1–2) better than many western democracies.
he has blessed and I cannot revoke. He has not
beheld misfortune in Jacob . . . for there is no What a magnificent view it must have been! Why is the world so obsessed with Israel?
enchantment against The 12 tribes of Israel What other explanation can there be except
Jacob” (Numbers arranged in perfect that dark spiritual powers are directing minds
23:19–23).
He only allowed Balaam order—three tribes to look only at the “outskirts of the camp” as
to see the fringes of Israel each toward the Balaam did in the biblical account? The Word
Note what Balak did: east, south, west, of God teaches that spiritual principalities rule
he never gave Balaam
and never the entire camp. and north, with over nations and regions. The prophet Daniel
the full picture but every tribe’s banner experienced this when, during his prayer
only showed him the “extent of the people” directed toward the center. An inner ring of time, angelic powers were mobilized and he
and “the outer part” of Israel. He only allowed tents was reserved for the Levitical orders received revelation about a “prince of Persia”
Balaam to see the fringes of Israel and never Kehat, Gershon, and Merari, and in the center and a “prince of Greece” with authority over
the entire camp. The question is: What exactly of it all stood the tabernacle, with the cloud powerful kingdoms (Daniel 10:13, 20). As Paul
did Balaam see? You might be surprised, but of glory by day and a pillar of fire by night. describes: “For we do not wrestle against flesh
the Bible tells us what he probably saw. When Balaam saw this, the Spirit of God came and blood, but against principalities, against
upon him and he cried out: “How lovely are powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
The Fringes of the Camp your tents oh Jacob, your encampments oh this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness
The Word of God provides great detail of what Israel!” He began to understand the purpose in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
happened at the fringes, at the outskirts of the of God for Israel and declared, “Blessed are
camp. In Leviticus 13:46, God commanded those who bless you and cursed are those who Just as Balak (the devastator) directed and
lepers where to live—outside the camp. This curse you” (Numbers 24:3–9). manipulated Balaam to look only at “the
is also where criminals and blasphemers were fringes” of the camp and curse the people of
stoned to death (Leviticus 24:14; Numbers A Spiritual Battlefield God, these evil principalities of destruction
15:35), where the unclean lived (Numbers 5:3), This story has tremendous applications for guide the minds of decision-makers today
and, in a case of war, where the army’s latrine us as Satan employs exactly the same scheme according to his desire (Ephesians 2:1–3).
was located. Imagine what Balaam saw when he today. Small incidents in Israel make it with Illogical decisions are made that defy reason,
looked at the “outer parts of the camp”: unclean incredible ease into the world media. Just a but amazingly, they are applauded by a majority
people, lepers, stonings—and likely, constant few weeks ago, the United Nations pointed of the nations. The “settlements,” which in
toilet runs. It must have looked awkward and fingers again at Israel—the only democracy many places become true places of coexistence
was thus an easy prey to curse. in the Middle East, a nation with a more free between Jews and Arabs, where Palestinian
and diverse media than most other nations workers earn wages equal to Israeli workers
It must have been even more amazing for of the world, a nation that provides more and often support entire families, are called
Balaam when God was not willing to curse such international aid in global crisis situations “obstacles to peace.” Israel, who must defend
an awkward-looking people. On the contrary, than most other countries and who turned itself against barrages of rockets from Gaza, is
when Balaam prophesies by the Holy Spirit, the desert into a garden of Eden. condemned as the aggressor. Why? Because
5 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM
ICEJ TEACHING
the full picture is so often withheld from decision-makers. Satan also
works this way within the church and among believers. We all have our
“fringe issues,” areas in our lives that are imperfect. That is true for Practical Applications to
any individual and for the church. None of us is perfect, and there is no Combat the ‘Devastator’s’
perfect church. On the contrary, John says if we pretend to be perfect, Schemes:
we deceive ourselves and even make God a liar (1 John 1:8–10). But
these “fringe issues” in our lives and in the lives of others are exactly 1. Prayer
the areas Satan likes to bring to our attention. He highlights what is
imperfect in our churches, with our pastors, and with brothers and One of our most powerful tools is prayer. Fervent prayer can
sisters around us. He points out the “fringe areas” of our spouses and change the atmosphere of a family, church, and even a nation.
our children and encourages a verdict based on them. Dwelling on these Daniel’s 21 days of prayer and fasting affected the heavenly
“fringe issues” and giving them room in our thinking and judgment can realities in his time (Daniel 10). A believer’s targeted and
lead to church splits or broken families. Instead of blessing, we declare persistent prayer can change a hostile atmosphere in a country
curses and cause division. that looks at and highlights the faults and shortcomings of Israel
(and the church.) Prayer that perseveres can break the spirit of
The View of God anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism.
What amazes me is the way God declared his view through the Holy
Spirit through Balaam: "He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has
He seen wickedness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the 2. Speak the truth
shout of a King is among them” (Numbers 23:21).
If Israel’s enemies highlight her faults and perceived problematic
This is an amazing statement, considering Balaam was looking down issues, we need to all the more boldly proclaim the truth. The
on the place where leprosy, impurity, and sin ran rampant. Even more book of Revelation tells us they overcame the devil “by the word
astonishing, a review of the preceding chapters does not portray people of their testimony.” If you read an unbalanced, one-sided article
in which there is no iniquity or wickedness but instead describes a about Israel, write back to the paper and show the full picture,
complaining people (Numbers 11). The Bible recounts key tribal leaders “the whole camp.” Speak about Israel’s amazing contribution
attacking Moses (Numbers 16) and even Aaron and Miriam attacking to the world and the Middle East and ask the paper to be more
their brother (Numbers 12). It depicts a people refusing to enter the balanced next time.
promised land (Numbers 13, 14) and being impatient with God and
Moses. Balaam could have found plenty of material to base his curses The same is true with your nation’s political stand. If you live
on. But in spite of all this, God declares: “He has not observed iniquity in a country that encourages political dialogue, make your voice
in Jacob” and “How lovely are . . . your encampments oh Israel!” heard through letters to your representatives, or join—or even
organize—a solidarity initiative in your city.
This divine view is beyond human logic. I can only explain it by what
happened day in and day out in the tabernacle in the center of the camp.
Twice a day, the priests would sacrifice a perfect lamb (Exodus 29:38–45), 3. Love
which would provide sanctification and allow God “to dwell among his
people.” It is the blood that atones for our sin and covers them before This is particularly true within the church. Peter makes an
God’s sight (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9;12). amazing statement: “And above all things have fervent love for
one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter
4:8). An atmosphere of love and forgiveness will attract God’s
favorable look upon his church and thus attract his blessing.
Of course, sins need to be called out, and we are encouraged to
admonish our brothers and sisters. But it must be done in love and
Knowing that we ourselves have compassion in the same way God is merciful to each one of us.
received forgiveness in Jesus for all
our shortcomings, we need to see our
Balaam’s story is repeatedly used in the New Testament as an example
brothers and sisters likewise. for what will happen in the last days. We do well to heed these warnings
and act accordingly. It may not only prevent great harm but release a
new blessing upon our lives, churches, nations, and even Israel.
Therefore, if you are a believer and have put your faith in Jesus, the Word I pray as we look upon each other and Israel that we choose heaven’s
of God declares that Jesus is your Lamb and we are justified through His perspective and confess with God: How lovely are your encampments
blood. This is how heaven looks at us and how we should look at each oh, Israel!
other. Knowing that we ourselves have received forgiveness in Jesus for
all our shortcomings, we need to see our brothers and sisters likewise. i. Bileam en zijn ezelin (Balaam and his donkey) by Rembrandt. commons.wikipedia.org
6 | FEBRUARY 2020
INSIDE THE EMBASSY
Congratulations
to new A Future and
Vice President,
Nicole Yoder
a Hope with
by D r J ü r g e n B ü h l er ICEJ Aid
B y NIC O L E Y O D E R , V IC E P R E S I D E N T o f A i d & A l i yah
I
am thrilled to announce our senior leadership
team will expand with the addition of our
T
long-time staff member, Nicole Yoder. Nicole hrough ICEJ AID, Christians around the world bless Israel each and every day. Over the
will serve as Vice President of AID and Aliyah. years, the ICEJ has carried out social assistance projects throughout Israel in every sector
of the society. This ministry of comfort provides essential aid for Holocaust Survivors and
Nicole has been faithfully serving our ICEJ AID immigrants, as well as helping Israel in times of crisis. In addition, ICEJ AID reaches out to
department for over twenty years now and has give disadvantaged Israelis a future and a hope.
been director of the department since 2006. In
this vital role for our ministry, she has witnessed Through the ICEJ AID program A Future and a Hope, we help Israelis struggling to reach a
first-hand the challenges many Israelis face brighter future by providing practical assistance to those who need it most. Offering a future
throughout the Land. Through her leadership, and a hope means providing educational enrichment, vocational training, and other practical
the ICEJ has provided caring, effective solutions assistance to improve the quality of life for Israelis with long-term impact. This benevolent
for countless Israeli families, minority groups, outreach is making a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged, children from broken families,
and individuals. This experience, combined at-risk youth, women in crisis, and minority communities, among others.
with her language skills in Hebrew and Arabic
and the valuable relationships she's developed We are committed to helping “the least of
with Israeli social workers, more than qualifies these” in Israel. In addition to our support
her for this new task. Nicole has also recently of the Jewish people, we assist the Arab,
completed a master’s degree focused on the Druze, and Bedouin minorities who make up
unique challenges of Ethiopian Jewish Aliyah, approximately one-fifth of Israel’s population.
which adds to her qualifications. Today’s overwhelming social needs give us an
unprecedented opportunity to comfort and bless
Most importantly, however, Nicole is a woman this nation in the name of Christians around
who is dedicated to Jesus and His purposes with the world as an act of reconciliation and love.
Israel and the Jewish people. She will thus be a Teachers from a Druze School
great addition to our leadership team. This aid wouldn’t be possible without your help! visit the ICEJ
Join us in providing basic needs, loving care, extra-
Nicole’s new duties will also include overseeing curricular and educational activities, vocational training, and other practical assistance through
the ICEJ’s Aliyah efforts, which are managed projects that bring a future and a hope to Israelis who need our help the most.
day to day by our energetic Director of Aliyah
Howard Flower. She also will oversee our
absorption activities for new immigrants, which
includes the ICEJ Homecare program, faithfully
Giving Tuesday Christians around the world, they can easily
make it to safety at a moment’s notice. Thank
run by Corrie van Maanen. FUNDS BOMB SHELTERS you for your support!
B y IC E J S T A FF
The ICEJ board enthusiastically welcomed
T
the decision of Nicole Yoder joining our other his year, the ICEJ launched a Giving
vice presidents currently serving with me in Tuesday campaign with the aim of
Jerusalem: providing help to Israeli families living
near the Gaza border. The campaign was
Barry Denison, Vice President of Jerusalem Operations primarily social media based and was a great
Mojmir Kallus, Vice President of International Affairs success! Thanks to you and numerous other
David Parsons, Vice President & Senior Spokesman faithful partners of the ICEJ, enough money Parents in Sadot Silver
David van der Walt, Vice President of Finances was raised to provide two bomb shelters to the Both shelters have now been
Sadot Silver Elementary School. The children ordered. Join us on social media
at the school have 15 seconds or less to run for for the live installation event
cover when sirens sound, and now because of scheduled for early February.
Follow ICEJ Facebook @icejusa
+
FOLLOW ICEJ ON
Follow ICEJ Instagram @icejusa1
Facebook/icejusa
Instagram/icejusa1 7 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM
ICEJ AID
ICEJ Impacting Israeli Communities
Through Social Businesses
SNAP!
Special Needs
B y K ay l a M u c h n i k And Photography
M A
team of four young, compassionate
any Israeli entrepreneurs have business experience or idea where to begin.
entrepreneurs found a way to equip
brilliant ideas, which is one reason Fortunately, an ICEJ-sponsored mentoring
people with special needs. SNAP!
Israel is often referred to as “the course provided Karin with the guidance to
(Special Needs and Photography), started
startup nation.” Yet those new to the business succeed.
by Karin Grinberg (CEO), Lior Weinberger,
world often need assistance to develop an
Maya Lefkowitz, and Idan Aslan, teaches
existing business or start a new one. For “When I considered starting my own business,
students new technical skills, gives a sense of
those living in low-income, multi-cultural, I thought, ‘How do I do insurance? And how do
purpose, and instills confidence for a career
and peripheral communities far from Israel’s I make a business plan, advertise, and manage
in photography.
center (such as the Negev region), employment the business?’” Through this program, Karin
opportunities and services are often limited. was matched with a mentor to partner with
Many people with special needs are overlooked
Therefore, for some, starting an independent her, encourage her, advise her, and even offer
in government aid systems because they are
business may be their best option. initial financial support to get the business off
not high or low functioning, yet they require
the ground.
assistance to actively participate in Israeli
The Negev makes up 60% of Israel’s land mass
society. This sparked a brilliant idea in Karin
yet contains only 9% of the population. In less With a few successful years behind her, Karin
Grinberg to birth a social business: “If we
populated areas, entrepreneurial ventures are has now become a mentor in the program who
give them the right tools and help, they can
blossoming, boosting the economy, and having helps others follow in her footsteps. With great
do many things if given the opportunity.”
a positive social impact in their communities. support and help from the mentors in her life,
Many of these new ventures are "social" Karin said, “It is amazing to wake up and work
businesses with two purposes: profit-making at something you love!”
and creating bottom-up innovative solutions
that meet social needs. We at the ICEJ are Menucha Saitowitz, one of the mentor program
excited to support Israel’s national development coordinators and an ICEJ partner, shared,
goal for this region by providing a mentoring “We are so grateful for Christians around the
course for visionary female social entrepreneurs world helping us support women using their
in the Negev, encouraging new social business businesses to impact their communities.”
ventures.
Please join us to support social businesses
SNAP! Special Needs and Photography (sidebar) started by Israeli women that will not only
Now Karin and her team see how their
is one social business that has benefitted impact the economy and build the nation but
social business impacts their students and
from ICEJ’s assistance. SNAP!’s CEO, Karin also inspire and change lives!
community. Karin explained, “One of our
Grinberg, had an idea for a business but no
graduates was recruited by his rabbi to be a
photographer for the events at the synagogue.”
And one of their clients exclaimed, “It’s a
social business, but our photos prove they are
very professional. They do everything from
their hearts.”
to HELP SUPPORT PROJECTS LIKE THIS,
please GIVE TO: ICEJUSA.ORG/AID
SNAP!’s CEO, Karin (far right) and SNAP! mentor program coordinator
Menucha (center left) with ICEJ's Nicole Yoder (center right) and
Jannie Tolhoek (far left)
8 | FEBRUARY 2020
ICEJ AID
ICEJ AID
Smoothing the Way
for New Immigrants
THE ICEJ ImpactS Lives at Ye’elim Absorption Center in Beersheva
B y K ay l a M u c h n i K
F
or Jewish families making Aliyah opportunity to study Hebrew, English, and
(immigrating) to Israel, landing at Ben computer programming systems through an
Gurion Airport and receiving their Israeli ICEJ AID-sponsored vocational program.
identity cards marks the beginning, rather than
the end, of a new journey. Smoothing the way Today, equipped with fluency in both languages
for these new arrivals means helping them and new Israel certification, Denise is ready to
learn the language, find suitable employment, apply for programming jobs. He is thankful
and understand how daily life in Israel works. to the ICEJ for the opportunity to study, for
teachers who eased his way, and for children’s
Although Olim (new immigrants) face programs that taught his little boy Hebrew and
New immigrants receive
many challenges in their new lives, gainful other essential skills. Laughing to himself,
blankets and gift bags
employment is sometimes the greatest hurdle. Denise said, “My little boy can speak even
Among the many integration projects funded better Hebrew than me.”
by ICEJ AID over the years, vocational training Morris Korim, the director of the Ye’elim
and professional recertification within Israel are ICEJ Helps Civil Engineer Build a New Life Absorption Center, expressed his heartfelt
vital, paving the way to economic independence We also met Pablo from Venezuela who needed gratitude toward the Christian Embassy: “You
for families and their successful integration to relearn his civil engineering skills in a brought presents to our Olim today, but the
in the Land. completely different language. Accepted to biggest gift is your presence. The best present
an accelerated Hebrew and vocational training is our long-lasting partnership with the ICEJ
ICEJ AID staff recently visited the Ye’elim program, Pablo has worked hard to master and Christian friends around the world.
Absorption Center in Beersheva to meet new Hebrew and relearn the engineering terms We appreciate your support . . . for Aliyah
immigrants and bless them with household and systems here in Israel. and integration of new arrivals to Israel. We
items. Our staff also spoke with several recent believe this partnership of 25 years gives us
recipients of vocational assistance from ICEJ. “Making Aliyah is not easy, especially at my the strength to continue on.”
age of 52,” Pablo explained. “But because
Computer Programmer Gets a Restart the situation in Venezuela became worse, We rejoice with Denise, Pablo, and many
Denise, a computer programmer from Russia, we realized it is better for us to live here in others who have courageously uprooted
made Aliyah with his wife and young son last Israel.” We rejoiced with him when he shared their lives to start afresh in Israel with a new
year. Employment as a programmer with an some good news: “Thank God, I got two job language, culture, land, people, career, and way
Israeli company required a whole new system offers, and today I have to decide and give of life. Thank you for joining us in helping
and language. Fortunately, Denise had the an answer to the companies,” smiled Pablo. Jewish families not only make it home to Israel
but also to thrive here!
To donate to this very worthy
and even prophetic cause,
visit: icejusa.org/aid
Therefore say, "Thus says the
Lord God: 'I will gather you
from the peoples, assemble
you from the countries where
you have been scattered,
and I will give you the
land of Israel.'”
Denise receives a gift bag from ICEJ's Nicole Yoder. – Ezekiel 11:17 –
9 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM
ICEJ IN ACTION
ICEJ Joins ARISE BUSINESS
Christian
Benjamin Netanyahu and a full day of lectures
and briefings by Israeli officials and experts as SUMMIT
Media Summit
well as a field trip to the Golan that included ICEJ leadership was honored to recently attend
a dedication ceremony at Ramat Trump (the the 2019 ARISE Business Summit in Rishon
B y IC E J S ta f f new village established in honor of the US LeTzion. ARISE founder Calev Myers created the
president’s recent recognition of Israel’s claim event to introduce believing ministries around
R
ecently, a strong contingent of local ICEJ to the Golan Heights). the world to Israel’s amazing innovation. Over
staff led by David Parsons and ICEJ 600 international investors and Israeli business
representatives from abroad took part owners had over 150 one-on-one meetings
in the third annual Christian Media Summit, throughout the course of the event, discussing
sponsored by the Israel Government Press mutually beneficial investment opportunities.
Office. The Summit was a great success and the ICEJ
is proud to partner with ARISE in bringing
The four-day event featured a reception and growth to the nation of Israel.
press conference with Israeli Prime Minister
There was also a special track for young
Christian journalists and social media activists,
which several of our Jerusalem staff joined.
The summit concluded with a reception and
audience with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at
his official residence, where the ICEJ delegates Dr Jürgen Bühler speaks at
came together for a group photo.
the Arise Summit 2019.October 10 – 21, 2019
Tour Israel and Celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles
September 29 – October 10, 2020
12 Days for $4,569
(includes Feast Registration)
Travel to Israel for the Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and tour the land of the Bible. Join
thousands of Christians from more than 90 nations to worship the King of kings in Jerusalem! There is no better
time to visit Israel than during this Feast of the Lord!
For a brochure and more information please contact us at:
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11 | WORD FROM JERUSALEMICEJ AID
Israel in
Crisis
Children at Kibbutz Alumim in the vicinity of Gaza had to learn how to react during an alert by singing a
song encouraging them to lay low and cover their head with their hands when they hear the rocket alarm.
The kindergarten is now completely sheltered, so the children can play and learn in a safe place.
Trauma CENTER for children
in Southern Israel
ICEJ PROVIDING SHELTER
B y B i rte S c ho l z
P
alestinian terrorists in Gaza use an insidious yet effective In response, the ICEJ sponsored the construction of a protective room
strategy to traumatize Israeli civilians: they target towns in the inside the center. One of the therapists explained, “You can’t help people
border region with rocket fire in the morning when children are with trauma if they don’t feel safe when they come for help.” The director
on their way to school. Both the shrill warning sirens and explosions of the center expressed, “Thank you for helping with the basics so that
of the defensive missiles induce an incredible amount of fear in we can go to a shelter and not be harmed.”
children’s hearts. Over the past five years, almost all of the children
in the Eshkol region bordering the Gaza strip have received some The head of security in the Sha’ar HaNegev region, who is a father
kind of support or treatment to help them overcome their trauma. of three children, stated: “We don’t really have a choice. If we move,
they’ll just come closer and take more of the land and we won’t be safer
In mid-September, ICEJ AID Director Nicole Yoder visited the Eshkol somewhere else. You get used to the reality on the ground. Kids are born
Resilience Center. This center, which specializes in trauma therapy into it.” He added: “When the days are ‘normal’ (without alarm), you
and strengthening the psychological resilience of children and their can practice where to go and what to do when an alarm sounds. That
families, was equipped with only an outside shelter that could not enables children to feel confident and helps them to be able to leave the
be reached quickly. When attacked with missiles, children and their house.” In the long run, the head of security holds on to another hope:
parents could only lie flat on the floor and protect their head with “God willing, there should be peace. Thank you for helping us develop
their hands. and to succeed to raise our children peacefully.”
12 | FEBRUARY 2020ICEJ AID
ICEJ USA constructs
fortified safe room
In Eshkol Trauma Center
The United States and Dutch branches of the Yizhar Sha’ar, the Eshkol Regional Council
ICEJ partnered to construct a fortified room Educational Psychological Services Director,
in the Eshkol Regional Resilience Center. The explained it is not just children that use the
Eshkol Region encompasses 60% of the Gaza center: “The number of therapists, teachers,
border area, and the Resilience Center there and other professionals in the Eshkol Regional
provides psychological counseling for many Council needing and undergoing therapy at the
residents suffering from the stress of ongoing resilience center is larger than it was in previous
rocket attacks from Gaza. rounds of fighting.”
About 4,000 school-age children live in “The need for supporting the Resilience
that region, and over 25% of them use the Center in Eshkol was critical,” said Shoshi
psychological services provided at the trauma Levi, Educational Psychological Services
center, yet it only had one bomb shelter, which Administrator, Eshkol Regional Council. “The
was outside and only accessible by a few of the new fortified room will be the only bomb shelter
treatment rooms. There was not enough time inside the building, itself. This will significantly
for kids receiving treatment in other parts of the add to the peace of mind, comfort . . . and real
center to get to the outdoor shelter—children lifesaving solution for the students and adults
and their families would simply lie on the floor utilizing the Center every day.”
during the rocket alert sirens. This vulnerability
led to even greater stress for children and their Thank you ICEJ USA and Netherlands!
Indoor garden in the Center parents.
Construction of the fortified safe room in the Center
Help ICEJ USA provide more bomb shelters and safe rooms for Israeli children
at www.icejusa.org/bombshelter
1 3 | WORD FROM JERUSALEMICEJ Feast of Tabernacles 2019
PREPARE THE WAY
FEAST OF TABERNACLES 2020
“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” says your God . . . The voice of one crying in
the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway
for our God.’” (Isaiah 40:1, 3)
F
or almost 2000 years, the stones of anti- Israel and become a blessing in the midst of the
Why Christians Semitism blocked the path between Jews earth. Today, we see believers from these nations
Celebrate the
and Christians. How do we overcome coming together—pages of the Bible coming to
that? life before our very eyes. The ancient division
Feast Forty years ago, Christians from 32 nations
between Arab and Jew is being reconciled.
by D r J ü r g e n B ü h l er , gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Every valley shall be exalted and every
IC E J P res i de n t Tabernacles just as the last national embassies mountain and hill brought low; The crooked
were abandoning the city. In response, these places shall be made straight and the rough
Christians stepped out and offered a hand places smooth; The glory of the Lord shall
T
he presence of believers from around of friendship and solidarity to Israel and the be revealed and all flesh shall see it together;
the world in Jerusalem at the Feast of Jewish people. From this pivotal moment, the For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Tabernacles (Sukkot) is a great prophetic International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (Isaiah 40:4–5)
sign of the times in which we live. It is a was born.
powerful foreshadowing of even more glorious At the Feast of Tabernacles 2020, the ICEJ will
days ahead. Today, Christians still come to Israel to be marking 40 years of comforting and blessing
celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. Isaiah spoke Israel and working toward reconciliation
In 1979, as Merv and Merla Watson planned of a ministry of comfort and a prophetic work between the Jewish people and the gentile
the first Feast of Tabernacles celebration in to prepare a highway for the Lord—a work of nations, especially in the Arab world.
Jerusalem, they were uncertain about exactly removing the stones and obstacles which have,
how gentiles should celebrate this biblical feast, in the past, separated Jews and Christians. We invite you to come up to Jerusalem to
so they asked a senior rabbi’s advice here in celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with us. Come
Israel. After receiving his practical guidance, The prophet Isaiah also foretold of a day when a clear the path; remove every hindrance between
they were just about to leave when the rabbi highway would connect Egypt and Assyria with you and an encounter with the God of Israel.
called them back.
“Mr. and Mrs. Watson,” he said. “That you, as
gentiles, came here to ask me how to celebrate
Sukkot is quite unusual. Our prophets declare
that in the messianic times, all gentiles will
come to Jerusalem to celebrate this Feast with
us. When you asked me today how to celebrate
Sukkot, I am hearing the footsteps of Messiah,
that He is coming.”
And this is what the Feast of Tabernacles is all
about. The ICEJ has been privileged to organize
this incredibly unique event for 40 years now.
And it is indeed not just another Christian
conference but a prophetic declaration to
Israel and the church that Messiah is coming
The Lord just put it in my heart
soon. In the end, it is all about Jesus. It is not
to come to Israel.
about us, nor even about Israel, but about the
returning King.
And so, this Feast of Tabernacles 2020, ICEJ
“prepares the way” for the return of Jesus, the Linda Francisco, Cebu, Philippines
King above all kings, to His city: Jerusalem.
14 | FEBRUARY 2020ICEJ INTERNATIONAL
GERMANY
‘We Won!’ Dr. Jürgen Bühler speaks at
ICEJ celebrates Israel Day the “Glaubenszentrum” Bible
school.
B y B i rte S c ho l z
Photo credit: Onlineteam Glaubenszentrum Bad Gandersheim
I
n the 1940s the German town of Bad Gandersheim housed Adolf Calev’s daughter, closed the meeting with an emotional rendition of
Hitler’s special training center for his S.S. officers and troops. This Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. Myers explained: “As the grandson
past November, on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, of a German Jewish family who survived the Holocaust, it is very moving
around 800 people gathered in that same building to celebrate Israel for me to speak, and my daughter to sing, in this place once intended
Day with the ICEJ. for such evil purposes. Our presence here today tells me that ‘We Won!’
Am Israel Chai (the people of Israel live)!”
In this building, which is now the “Glaubenszentrum” Bible school,
ICEJ Germany director Gottfried Bühler welcomed attendees: “In the
past, the Nazis were at this site, but today people from Israel sit here.
God has won, Israel has won, and by being present here today, you are
making a stand for solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people!”
Calev Myers, renowned Israeli lawyer and founder of the Israeli
organization ARISE (Alliance to Reinforce Israel’s Security & Economy),
reminded the audience that the God of Israel was still doing miracles
today—in the Israeli economy, for security challenges, and on an
ecological level. He shared about innovative Israeli technologies, which
have become a blessing all over the world, and discussed dangers of
the BDS Movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions), which harm the
Palestinians, putting their well-paid jobs in Israeli companies in the
West Bank in jeopardy. Calev Myers and translator Birte Scholz at the
“Glaubenszentrum” Bible school
The significance of this event was highlighted when Dariel Myers,
Stuttgart: Israel’s friends rally
for Jewish life in Germany
B y E ster H e i n z m a n n
ICEJ Germany director Gottfried
A
Bühler speaks at the rally in mid growing anti-Semitism in Gottfried Bühler, National Director of ICEJ
Stuttgart. Germany, ICEJ Germany called Germany, announced in his opening speech that
Christians to the streets of a clear pro-Israel policy of the German Federal
Speakers and members of the Stuttgart to publicly demonstrate support Government and good reporting by the German
Jewish community at the rally for the Jews in Germany as well as for the media “would deprive anti-Semitism of its breeding
in Stuttgart State of Israel. In response, more than 600 ground.” Addressing the members of the Jewish
friends of Israel gathered on the central community present, he said: “You can count on us!
square in Stuttgart, Southern Germany. We love you, that’s why we are here!”
1 5 | WORD FROM JERUSALEMICEJ INTERNATIONAL
ALBANIA
Regional Conference in Europe:
Uniting the East and the West
B y Ca m i l l e T ro c
L
ast November, ICEJ Albania and Director allowing them to flee the persecutions of Nazi for a private audience by the Crowne Prince of
Gentjan Dervishaj hosted ICEJ’s regional Germany. Even with the invasion of the Nazis Albania, Leka II, who is none other than King
conference in Tirana, Albania, which in Albania, the local, mostly Muslim population Zogu’s grandson! As a Christian, Prince Leka
brought together representatives from 15 hid the Jews in their homes and refused to would like to strengthen the moral fabric of this
European nations. The location was selected turn them in. There were about 200 Jews in young society and is open to cooperate with the
to highlight an important chapter of Albania’s Albania at the outbreak of World War II but ICEJ in the field of education.
history—a chapter that is also significant for more than 2,000 when it ended. Today, many
the Jewish people. Albanians are recognized as “Righteous Among On the eve of the regional conference, we had
the Nations” by the Jewish people. We believe the pleasure of welcoming the ambassadors
It all started with King Zogu I, the sovereign that God will most certainly release a special of the EU, France, Hungary, Serbia, and
leader over Albania during the time of the blessing over a country that did not hesitate to Sweden. Pastors from all around the country
Holocaust, who decided to grant passports to protect and save His people. also attended the event, hence confirming the
Jews from neighboring countries. He opened unity of the church in Albania. Fifteen countries
the borders of Albania to all Jewish refugees, A day before the conference, we were invited were represented at the conference: Albania,
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark,
Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands,
North Macedonia, Norway, Slovakia, Spain,
Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Israel.
The purpose of the conference was to build
strong collaboration between the European
countries of the East and West. For three
days, our ICEJ leaders gathered together for
fellowship, to share experiences and challenges,
and to pray. Many ideas were discussed and
new media platforms were introduced to build
a network of strong and healthy branches. We
believe effective communication and simple
coordination will produce much fruit. All the
leaders went back home after an inspiring
weekend encouraged and expectant to see God
move in Europe.
ICEJ's Mojmir Kallus (pictured center right) and team gather for a picture
in front of the residence of the Crowne Prince of Albania, Leka II.
Albanian Branch
Asks for Prayer
Albania was hit November 26, 2019
with a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. ICEJ
Albania Director Gentjan Dervishaj called
on Christians around the world to lift up
his nation in prayer: “We ask that all of the
ICEJ friends around the world will pray
for the nation and the people of Albania
as well as for the government.”
16 | FEBRUARY 2020ICEJ INTERNATIONAL
New ICEJ branch opens in Ukraine
UKRAINE
B y Moj m i r K a l l u s , V P o f I n ter n at i o n a l A f f a i rs
A
fter one year of preparation, we were Ukrainian Christians started more than 10 Boris Grisenko, joined the board of ICEJ
thrilled to officially open a branch years ago. Repentance meetings for anti- Ukraine, together with representatives of
of the ICEJ in Ukraine. Although Semitism were held in different cities where other large Evangelical denominations. At the
Ukraine continues to grapple with the legacy Jews had been persecuted and in the capital city branch opening, Pastor Grisenko spoke on the
of its Communist and Fascist past and is torn of Kiev, a National Day of Prayer for the peace subject of “Israel and the Church,” together
by war in the East, the more than 3.5 million of Jerusalem was held for several years with up with Vitaliy Kozubovskiy, senior pastor of the
Evangelical believers in the country offer great to 1,000 people from different denominations largest Baptist church, and Mojmir Kallus, ICEJ
potential for future growth and support for coming together. It has been resolved that the VP for International Affairs.
Israel. The main task of this new branch will new branch will renew the prayer initiative
be to educate the church about Israel and the under the banner of the ICEJ. Please pray for ICEJ Ukraine's National Director
connection between the Jewish people and Valeriy Alymov and his team. The fields in
the nations. From the beginning, the Kiev Jewish messianic Ukraine are ready for harvest, so may the Lord
community has been a key player in all these send the laborers.
Branch leadership will continue the work activities, and the community’s leader, Pastor
Violinist Serguei
Popov adds a
touch of style to the
conference as well
as to the following
Sunday service
at the Baptist
church, where he
was asked to add
several encores.
Sunday service at the largest Baptist Church in Kiev
RUSSIA
In October, a group of over
120 pastors from Russia visited
Israel. They were received at
the Knesset and met with ICEJ
leadership.
New Favor for Israel in Tanzania
O
n a two-week speaking tour in attention to Isaiah 60:10 and encouraged
East Africa, ICEJ Vice President him to show additional favor to Israel by
David Parsons was received by the moving Tanzania’s new embassy in Tel Aviv to
President of Tanzania, the Honorable John Jerusalem, adding that the Lord was promising
Pombe Magufuli, in his hometown of Chato, “ten years of the fatted calf” if he would do so.
on Lake Victoria.
President Magufuli thanked David for his visit
Parsons thanked President Magufuli for to his country and hometown, gave a personal
restoring his nation’s relations with Israel offering for Israel to the ICEJ, and asked Parsons
and for voting with Israel more at the United to pray for his elderly mother Susanna (pictured
Nations. He also directed the president’s in wheelchair).
1 7 | WORD FROM JERUSALEMYour Israel Answer:
How Anti-Semitic Alliances Unite Enemies
By Susan Michael, ICEJ USA Director
One of the first lessons we learn in the history with the Mufti and provided a steady stream of Anti-Semitic Alliances Today
of anti-Semitism is that hatred makes strange funds and arms to his followers in Palestine. The lesson for us today is hatred makes strange
bedfellows. The oddest of partnerships have Scholars debate whether he had the idea first bedfellows indeed! In our own country, we
been formed around a common enemy. or not, but the Mufti clearly backed the plan to see the illogical alignment of the Progressive,
exterminate Europe’s Jews to keep them from secular left with the religious, Islamic
Nazi Alliance with Islam fleeing to their ancient homeland. movement led by the Muslim Brotherhood—a
An example of this friendship between enemies union that would be absolutely impossible were
is that of the Nazi regime, which believed in After the fall of the Nazi regime, El-Husseini it not for their shared hatred of Israel. It is the
Aryan supremacy, and the Muslim world, which found asylum in Egypt where he served in the classic example of the saying, “The enemy of
seeks to assert Muslim supremacy. The two leadership of the Muslim Brotherhood. Through my enemy is my friend.”
worlds would have collided over much of their that organization, he converted Nazi ideology
respective ideologies but found a common bond into a militant, Islamic one and took the call for We see this alliance in many ways, such as anti-
that overshadowed all points of disagreement. Jihad and martyrdom throughout the Muslim Israel ideologues who blame Israel for security
world. measures but refuse to address the abuse of
That unifying bond was their hatred for the Jew. the Palestinian people by their own corrupt and
The same paranoid worldview and irrational Islamic Anti-Semitism failed Arab leadership. In the same way, the
anti-Semitism that drove the Nazis then drives The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in 1928 women’s movement condemns Israel—where
Islamist terrorism today. While it is true that in Egypt, and by the end of the Nazi regime in women make up 25% of parliament and serve
Islamist ideology has theological foundations 1945, they already had 500,000 sympathizers. in the military—and ignore the oppression
found in the Koran, the modern militant and Their manifesto is “Allah is our goal, the prophet and outright abuse of women in the Muslim
delusional obsession with anti-Semitism was our model, the Koran our constitution, the Jihad world. Secular Human Rights activists do not
birthed during the Nazi period. our path, and death for the sake of Allah the speak out on behalf of Christians around the
loftiest of our wishes.” world suffering persecution and martyrdom
The conduit for this ideology was Haj Amin for their faith, because most of this takes place
El-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, They are credited with birthing the jihadist culture in Muslim countries.
and the movement that he helped to lead—the of death and the various groups committed to it,
Muslim Brotherhood. Haj Amin El-Husseini’s including Hamas, Khomeini’s revolution in Iran, This alliance will also never speak out against
anti-Semitism pre-dated Nazism, but from and Al-Qaeda. This history explains the Hitler- the rising anti-Semitism in America, so we
1941 onward, he lived in Berlin, overseeing a like rhetoric of Muslim leaders today, for example must. Christians in America are THE voice
staff of 60 Arabs who worked night and day in Iran, and their espousal of the same delusional against anti-Semitism in the United States,
promoting Nazism in the Arabic-speaking and paranoid worldview, dehumanizing of Jews, and with your help, we intend to make it loud
world. The German leaders were enamored and calls for their annihilation. and clear.
Visit us at:
www.IsraelAnswers.com
and get your question about Israel
1 8 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 answered!19 | WORD FROM JERUSALEM
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