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ARCHIVE: APRIL - MAY 2002

Iyar - Sivan 5762

AROUND THE WORLD WITH MENORAH MINISTRIES

Usually, when we share with you what God is doing through Menorah Ministries, we focus on activities here at home. This time we wanted to broaden that horizon a bit. We have a number of staff, associates, and volunteers in various places with diverse responsibilities, for example the Tribelhorns, the Walkwitz's, the Fischers, Barb, Betsy, and Janis.

Roger and Naomi Walkwitz went to the Philippines in 1958. After an extensive ministry there, they spent a year living in Israel during the time of the Gulf War in 1991. Just after that, about 10 years ago, they joined with Menorah Ministries. We wanted to share with you something of what they have been doing recently, as well as what they have in store for the next several months.

Over the period of the High Holidays this past fall, Roger and Naomi spent two and a half months teaching in the Philippines and Japan in a number of cities including Osaka and Tokyo. They taught seminars on such topics as the Jewish roots of the Scriptures, prophecy and today, and current events in the Israel and the Middle East. Part of that time was spent teaching for the Japan Messianic Fellowship. [Yes, there IS one! In fact, John taught the leader several years ago in one of his yeshiva classes.] This was the third time they had spoken for this group, and they were enthusiastically invited to return again in the future. Roger reported afterward: 'Several pastors told me afterwards that they are now encouraged to make some significant changes in their own ministry.' As an outgrowth of their teaching, a group of pastors in Singapore have banded together to teach Jewish roots to the churches at large there, and so invited Roger and Naomi to teach for them over Passover this year (last month). In fact, this March and April have been spent teaching in the Far East. This teaching trip included the Philippines, Taiwan and Singapore. As part of this time they met with the Israeli ambassadors in both Manila and Singapore! Then in May, they will return home to teach and speak along the West Coast (in other words, in California! :-).

Now, why would a ministry focused on Jewish people spend this much time in the Far East? First, remember the Japan Messianic Fellowship. Second, it is very important for people in the Far East also to understand the Jewish roots of their faith. But, there is a third reason as well, as Roger and Naomi report:

"We met some interesting people during the week we taught at Banaue (Philippines). Coming into the hotel about 8 PM was a man carrying a bag and a gallon jug of drinking water. I commented on the quantity of water and asked him where he was from. 'Israel,' was his answer! So with a few Hebrew expressions and meeting his wife in the lobby, we were invited to visit them in Taiwan, where he manages an Israeli hi-tech firm. Since they got into town after dark, they asked us to show them around the next day, which we did. They met our friends and former neighbors who had pasted 12 pictures of Israel from a Jewish calendar on the bare plywood wall of their small shack. Our Israeli friends were really surprised to find Israel so well known at this 'end of the world' place, and videoed the whole thing! We keep in touch through email and will visit them in both Taipei and Israel. Then, we went to Baguio City, where a friend introduced us to an Israeli girl studying for her master's degree at one of the universities there. Through her we met two American Jews living there and were invited to their Passover seder. The Israeli girl told her Filipino friend that I am the only one that really understands Israelis!"

Not to be outdone by Roger and Naomi, in March, John was also engaged in ministry abroad - in Canada! [ :-) ] He taught an entire semester-long yeshiva (seminary) course, 'The Jewish Context and Background of the Gospels,' in Edmonton, Alberta, in one week. Although given the subzero temperatures there - which they had advertised as 'Canadian Spring' -it's no wonder he only stayed one week! (He also preached at the Messianic synagogue in Edmonton.) However, he received a very warm and enthusiastic reception, as indicated by the following comments:

"This class has shaped my view of Christ and the gospels, and most importantly has affected my own theology and doctrine. Many thanks for your insight.

"My view of the gospels has been forever changed through your presentations. Thank you so much."

In past letters we have mentioned our own 'Indian connection' (contacts and 'work' in India). As a result of our help and assistance, we have developed a special relationship with our friends there. We want to share parts of a letter from our friends and associates there, in their own (unedited) words:

"I am your spiritual son Y. P. David Christopher, rejoicing much in Yeshua and lifting up praying hands. [David is in his late teens!] I have been preaching his goodness in the midst of youth and children. I have been learning Bible and its teachings through your blessed cassettes. [We send them tapes of our sermons every other month.] I learnt more things through the cassettes. Really I have never heard before such a type of wonderful sermons. [ :-) ] Really those are very useful and wonderful. Especially your voice (pronounciation) is extreemely superb. Very easily I can understand your pronounciation. I like your sermons very much. I am very thankful to both you for sending nice sermons. Thank you very much dad.

Beloved Dad, in every street, every corner there we can see a temple or Hindu worshipping places. Nearly 19 Hindu places (temples) are there. They held many Hindu festivals. They celebrate very highly and richly. They do many sinful things in their festivals. They worship cows, trees, frogs, snakes, animals, beasts, and many more. Hindus worship idols (2000 different gods) and they offer animal sacrifices. Here people are very poor. Mostly they are scheduled caste and tribal people. Their style of living remains unchanged and is very primitive. The majority of work available is limited to farm labor and resources are few. The average income per family is extreemely low. Many of these families have only one meal per day. The average life is 50 to 55 years and the infant mortality rate is extreemely high. Beloved Dad, we have been preaching here. I draw people from darkness to His great light. I decided to preach His good s to these unknown, farcorner and poor people. Dad, I use your sermons in the midst of youth and in the midst of these people.

Dearest my lovely Dad and Mom, I started His ministry in the banner of your blessed named ministry 'Congregation Ohr Chadash.' [This is the name of our Messianic synagogue here in the Tampa Bay area.] A twenty to twenty five brethren are gathering. They are very interested in our messianic truth and they are very faithful to our Yeshua. With the help of our brethren, I have to do a great work in this place. I want your kind prayers, blessings, encouragement, guidance and all ministrial supplies. Please pray with your love, kindness and compassion to Him to our great and mighty Heavenly Father for His gracious help to strengthen me to do everything good for His gospel sake and His kingdom's sake."

This is all part of what you invest in when you pray for and contribute to Menorah Ministries. Thank you for being partners with us in this exciting adventure.

John & Patrice

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