Messianics and Missions

[Pray4Isrel]

So what is your involvement in missions as a Messianic?
Do you believe missions is important as commanded by Yeshua?
Do you support or participate in missions?
Please share!

[Pray4Isrel]

Oh yeah, and if anyone selects option #4 in the poll, brace yourself for a verbal lashing from me! ;) LOL

[simchat_torah]

I wish misconstrued and unimportant were seperate ;)

[Henaynei]

#4 http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_13_6.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

I believe that "missions" to the Jewish community is counterproductive.

I believe and practice "Friendship Evangelism" - and it works. I connect and pour my life into someone with a long term committment - become a real and honest friend - living obedience and love actively and honestly before them. Like resident missionaries this is the hardest and riskiest form - for if you are not real to G-d, yourself and yoru friend, it will show and will destroy what your are trying to build!
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_5_5.gif
/me now ducks and hides from P4I..... http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15_1_63.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

[simchat_torah]

yeah, i think both of our heads are going to be bitten off.

[Henaynei]

LOL - I noticed we weren't the only ones to say so, just the only ones brave enough to admit it

:blush:

/me checks to make sure her life insurance policy is paid up!!!

[simchat_torah]

hahahah....

[Pray4Isrel]

I am so excited to see the poll replies! I am truly motivated to help those that want to be involved get involved. I commend those of you that support missions and are also active... This is honorable to Messiah. Please PM me if you are one that is interested in missions and I can connect you with resources.

Henaynei and Yafet, notice I did not ask what style you prefer, rather just wanted to know your basic involvement and or stance. Two seperate issues. Whether it's through friendships, setting an example in the workplace or actually going to a foreign country to serve, these all qualify.

Too often, people equate missions with foreign countries. I believe we are all called to different styles and ways of sharing Messiah with others. I am an example of one who is called to go to foreign countries = I adapt to cultures easily and have found my Calling to lie there.

I am curious though... Yeshua does command us to "Go" as well as to bring in the harvest. One cannot deny the need for us to spread the news of Messiah to others. Now the style we choose to operate in is up to us. Matthew 9:37-38; Mark 16:15; Isaiah 6:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 are just a few of the verses that address missions.

I may go to Africa to build a clinic, but that serves many purposes... see I have provided for the need of people in great need as well as shared with them genuine love of Yeshua. Don't be fooled... every step we take is a mission field and that is why we must be examples no matter where we go or what we do.

I can fly around the world... I can befriend my neighbors... as long as I am doing what Messiah has Called me to do in the capacity He has called me, then I am fulfilling His command to "Go".

There. That wasn't so bad now was it? :)

[simchat_torah]

What is a disciple? He said "go and make disciples".

My question to you is... what or who is a disciple?

Shalom,
Yafet.

p.s. if you can't read past the text, I'm making an attempt to stab at the heart of the matter. ;)

[Pray4Isrel]

What is a disciple? He said "go and make disciples".

My question to you is... what or who is a disciple?

Shalom,
Yafet.

p.s. if you can't read past the text, I'm making an attempt to stab at the heart of the matter. ;)Ah, but He commands much more than to "Go":
We are to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, be a father to the fatherless and help the widow.
There are unlimited examples set not only by Yeshua Himself, but by those all throughout the Word to act upon our Faith... to reach out to the lost, true?
When I go to Africa, Russia, Israel, China, what have you... I go to meet the need. I go to share the love of Messiah. I go to teach and build and edify.

Was not Paul one of the greatest missionaries in History?

The heart of the matter is obedience. Are you an Abraham that will follow G-d on the drop of a hat? Are you a Jonah that must be taken to your destination because you'd rather not go? Are you a Paul that will be imprisoned for the sake of your Messiah?

Go or Give.
Now is the time. The harvest is ripe.

[simchat_torah]

While Y'shua may have stated all of these commands (aka: clothe the naked, feed the poor, etc) I had specifically asked what you thought a disciple was. Specifically, weren't we discussing what is labelled as the "Great Commission" commands us to do? Precisely how to fulfill, "Make disciples"?

Curious, is this your definition of disciple?

shalom,
yafet.

[Pray4Isrel]

While Y'shua may have stated all of these commands (aka: clothe the naked, feed the poor, etc) I had specifically asked what you thought a disciple was. Specifically, weren't we discussing what is labelled as the "Great Commission" commands us to do? Precisely how to fulfill, "Make disciples"?

Curious, is this your definition of disciple?

shalom,
yafet.No, that was not my definition of making disciples... I was just addressing the fact that making disciples is not the only aspect of missions.
Now on to your questions:
What is a disciple?
Well, if we take the basic definition of the word "disciple", it is as follows ~

One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another.
An active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy.
How does one "make a disciple"?
The ways and possibilities are endless! Each one of us has our own method... our own way of spreading the News and helping others grow in Yeshua.

Keep in mind... not only the "Great Commission", but many other examples are set of how we should reach out and bring in the harvest.

[BenTsion]

Shalom all,
The moment I set my eyes on this thread/poll, I could feel the Ruach HaKodesh elbowing me, showing me I have done very little to help and/or support missions. Money shouldn't be an excuse, I must admit I have neglected Messiah's commandment to go out and preach the gospel (often hiding myself behind the fact that I have a gift for teaching, not for evangelizing). :cry:

P4I,
I am willing to learn about how I can contribute to Messianic missions. I have no money, but I have a heart for Messiah and that must count for something, right?
Unfortunately, messianic synagogues here in Brazil are still newborn babies and have
no organized missions. But perhaps I could somehow help my American brothers/sisters in Mashiach? If there is some way I can help, please let me know. This is an area in my walk with the L-RD which needs improvement.

In Messiah,
Ben Tsion

[Hix]

I generally dont support mission work amongst the Jewish people. They are bonded to G-d by an eternal covenant and IMHO teaching them about Yeshua can have disaterous side effects (as Israel Today the messianic magazine found in Eretz Yisrael) such as the Jews dropping their Jewish identity altogether and joining mainstream christianity.
But I do believe missionising as in teaching the church the Jewish roots of the christian faith and showing them that the law is eternal and that Yeshua himself was jewish, is all good :)

[Pray4Isrel]

Shalom all,
The moment I set my eyes on this thread/poll, I could feel the Ruach HaKodesh elbowing me, showing me I have done very little to help and/or support missions. Money shouldn't be an excuse, I must admit I have neglected Messiah's commandment to go out and preach the gospel (often hiding myself behind the fact that I have a gift for teaching, not for evangelizing). :cry:

P4I,
I am willing to learn about how I can contribute to Messianic missions. I have no money, but I have a heart for Messiah and that must count for something, right?
Unfortunately, messianic synagogues here in Brazil are still newborn babies and have
no organized missions. But perhaps I could somehow help my American brothers/sisters in Mashiach? If there is some way I can help, please let me know. This is an area in my walk with the L-RD which needs improvement.

In Messiah,
Ben TsionYou have no idea how greatly blessed I was by reading your post. It is rare to see others openly ask for ways to be more involved instead of making excuses for themselves. This is a true example of humility and submission to G-d and I commend you for it. Just wanting to be more involved reflects a heart of obedience and service to Messiah.

I wish not in any way to set myself as an example because I have many areas that need improvement. Missions, however, is one area that I have a passion for and I have been blessed with a husband that not only participates, but openly supports and allows me to embark on missions throughout the world. If you want to see pictures of my missions, please check out this site:
http://www.msnusers.com/ErinsMissionsPics

My hope is not only to provide resources and "fuel" for others to be involved, but also to break down the basic stereotypes of missions. The most common misconceptions about missions are as follows:

Misconception #1: That the goal of missions is to "convert" people.
Sadly, many people believe that the goal of missions/missionaries is to go throughout the world converting people... this is not so! While the goal is most certainly to spread the News of Yeshua as Messiah, the focus is on meeting people's needs and setting an example of Yeshua by being a servant. Missions involve the most selfless attitude possible and yet that is why many aren't involved: It requires the laying down of one's pride and living in submission to the Ruach HaKodesh as He leads and guides. It is not always easy, self-glorifying or attractive to many because it requires selflessness. On every one of my journeys, never have I tried to "convert". Sure, people have come forward as a result of service to accept Yeshua as Messiah, but the intention was never to convert. if people go with the motive to convert, that is a self-seeking desire and will not be blessed. But when you go to serve, awesome things happen.

Misconception #2: That Missions should be limited to our familiar surroundings.
Many people often say "Why should I go to a foreign country when people in my own workplace/neighborhood need to learn of Yeshua as well?" My answer: Most likely the people that wish to stay within their comfort zones are not actually being taht witness that they say they need to be. We can talk the talk but do we walk the walk? We remember where it says that a prophet is not welcomed in his home town. Well, once we remove ourselves from the familiar, we may be able to function in new ways that produce great results. It is also beneficial for people to participate because it invokes personal growth and a reliance on Messiah. I have been through some of my lowest times while on the mission field but what kept me going is my reliance upon G-d and His Promises. I have been struck ill, have had doubts and even have escaped death... but I can't even begin to explain the intimacy that that brought to my relationship woth HaShem. When Yeshua said to go out to Jerusalem, Judea... He makes it clear that what we have is not to be confined to familiar territory! Go out - Be bold!

Misconception #3: That Missions requires great talent, education and resources.
This is the number one thing that hold people back from missions: They think they are not qualified. I am a testimony of how the most unqualififed can be used by G-d to do anything - LOL. I am a 110lb female that has very little strength except for strength in Messiah ;) and I ahve helped construct a medical clinic in Africa, have held babies in Russian orphanages, have visited terminally ill patients in Jerusalem... etc. all without a formal degree, training or resources! I love what Isaiah said "Here am I L-rd, send me!" We do not need education, talents and resources to be a missionary... though all of theose things are commendable. G-d will use us simply if we are willing.


Ways to be involved:
-Give! Give your time, prayers or money.
-Go! Contact me and I'll sign you up right away and help you raise the funds to go!
-Pray! Pray and ask for a new mindset and mentality about missions.
-Be bold! Let that zeal for G-d renew you to go out and do what is needed.
-Study! Keep reading the Word and let Him lead you.

Some Scriptures to encourge you as you seek your role in missions:
Matthew 9:37-38
I Corinthians 2:1-5
Isaiah 6:8-10
Mark 16:15

Bless you, BenTsion! Your honesty with us and your heart to serve has greatly encouraged me personally.

[Pray4Isrel]

Bump! :D

[simchat_torah]

P4I,

Might you outline a few differences between typical christian missions and Messianic missions? What are some of the key things that seperate the two?

As well, how would one go about sharing their faith with a Jewish person as opposed to a gentile?

thanks!
Yafet.

[Pray4Isrel]

P4I,

Might you outline a few differences between typical christian missions and Messianic missions? What are some of the key things that seperate the two?

As well, how would one go about sharing their faith with a Jewish person as opposed to a gentile?

thanks!
Yafet.
It all depends on what you define as "Christian Missions".
You see, I am simply doing what I believe we are commanded to do as followers of Yeshua. (See Scriptures in my previous post)

One thing I mentioned earlier is that I do not go to Israel to convert or witness... I go to serve. Be it in the military or at a hospital for the terminally ill, I am there to show support and to serve G-d's Chosen.

As far as sharing Faith with a Jewish vs. Gentile? I suppose there are different methods. Some of which Henaynei hit on... through friendship, etc.

If you wish to find similarities between "Christian" and "Messianic" missions, well good luck! Honestly, I see a poor example in both communities. Before we compare the two, we must define the true meaning of missions aside from affiliations and denominations.

[simchat_torah]

Allow me to toss out a bone for ya. See what you think of this:

question: Precisely how to fulfill, "Make disciples"?

Answer:Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the Testimony and seal up the Law among my disciples.


something to chew for now.

Shalom,
Yafet.

[1Faith1]

Pray4Isrel, I just found your post re: Messianics and Missions. Yes! I'd like to know more about this. You say you have links to Messianic mission groups perhaps?

I apologize for starting a new thread on this same topic. I found your thread after I posted mine. Perhaps you could delete mine? :blush:

Thanks!

Shalom blessings to you!

1Faith1 (Julie)

[iitb]

I found your thread after I posted mine. Perhaps you could delete mine? :blush:
Consider it gone. ;)

[Pray4Isrel]

Shalom, Faith!
Here was my reply to your other thread, FYI:

Shalom!
I am your token Messianic Missionary! :wave:
I have been to Israel twice, Russia, Africa and am headed to China shortly.
There are so many stories I'd like to share about Messianics in Missions, but since it's late I will tell you about my involvement tomorrow.
I'll be happy to answer all your questions at that time too.

Small Disclaimer: Also, before taking anyone's advice about missions, be sure to ask about their missionary experience first. There are a lot of people that are strongly opinionated about Missions that have no experience or expertise in the area. As both a missionary and missionary trainer, I will help to answer your questions as best as I can. ;)

I also PM'd you and will be happy to answer your questions!
:)

[JewishHeart]

Keith Green once wrote a song that says , " Jesus commands us to go, it should be the exception if we stay..."

Please pray for our youth ministry here in downtown Tel Aviv. God is doing lots of stuff.

P4I- I love reading about people like John G Lake, Mother Theresa<gasp>, Heidi Bakker ( Mozambique), and Jackie Pullinger-To. I serve YHVH in Israel and actively support missions in Africa as well. Please pray for our messianic ministry.

www.simeonscry.org (my website to stay in touch and pray for us)

here are some others whom I work with

www.maozisrael.org ( my congregational leader Ari)

www.revive-israel.org ( asher intrater)

www.tvy2.org ( ayal freidon - a good friend of mine who works with jerusalem teens)

[Israeli]

Shalom in the name of Yeshua, the God of Israel!

13 Years ago I came to know Yeshua and committed my life to Him. I promised to go wherever He would send me and do whatever He would tell me to do. He heard my prayer and sent me to Israel and the Arab world where the Muslims were determined to kill me. Well Yeshua kept me alive.

Yeshua went all the way for me, I don't take that lightly. I believe we are all here for one purpose.

Not all people are called to a full time missionary position but those who support missionaries, share in their rewards in eternal treasure!

The world is rebelling against the Gospel of Yeshua and righteous living does not convert them, it has been proven, but righteous living is necessary to have a good testimony.

I have found many Jews to be searching for the truth but they are not getting it. Many Israelis end up in India worshipping demons and getting demon possessed because they are not hearing the Gospel in Israel and if they do hear the Gospel, it is from un-trained people who offend Jews because of their ignorance of Jewish culture.

Jews are receiving Yeshua.

[ShirChadash]

:clap:

Israeli -- the words you wrote are burning in my heart as I read them. My prayer, for the last 10 years or so, has also been... "I will go wherever You want me to go, I will do whatever You want me to do, in order to serve You as You want me to serve You, My Lord." I feel just as you -- Yeshua has never failed me... and my Abba Father has never ever failed me, so I want to serve Him in the ways He created me to do so. We, my husband and I, believe we will eventually be called to Israel to minister to and love and live among the Jewish people there, and give them the Gospel when they seek it. Revival is coming in a huge wave to Israel!

[1Faith1]

I really enjoy reading your posts, everyone!

I was a missionary before being led by the L-rd to follow Torah and leave the "church". Since then, I haven't been sure of how to be a missionary, but I do so want people to know Yeshua and have a relationship with Him. Perhaps it is best to just minister by being a servant, helping people in need, being a good example of Yeshua to others and making friends?

Here's a question: I've heard and read that the Jewish people don't try to convert anyone; they just help, serve and give and if anyone asks, they answer that they're doing what G-d wants them to do. Does that sound right? Is that how we should approach missions and ministry in general? I'm reading a book called The Committed Life, by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis. It is really beneficial in helping one to understand G-d's plan for humanity through Jewish eyes. I highly recommend it.

[JewishHeart]

IN our congregation in Tel Aviv, there is an Israeli that gets saved every week.

[1Faith1]

Wow to so many people being saved in Israel! Hallelujah! Are these Israelis Jewish, Arab and other nationalities?

More questions: :scratch: It seems that Messianics sharing the truth of Yeshua with other Jews is one matter, but Messianics sharing their faith with gentiles is somewhat troublesome to me. How does a Messianic share his/her faith with gentiles (anywhere in the world) without their feeling pressured to become Messianic and follow Torah? Do you just share the Gospel without mentioning your background and Torah convictions until later perhaps?

[JewishHeart]

Jewish Israelis mostly from traditional and orthodox backgrounds

[1Faith1]

Jewish Israelis mostly from traditional and orthodox backgrounds


That is a miracle! Do you believe you are best able to reach Jewish Israelis with the love of Yeshua because you are a Messianic Believer and understand Jewish life, traditions, etc.?

[JewishHeart]

1faith,


Most messianic new believers ( Israeli) who come from traditional or orthodox backgrounds are fed up with Halacha as the authority in their life, although they do keep some tradition (messorti). In Israel it is very popular for Orthodox to get tired of keeping all the laws , and thus there is a class for those who still want to keep identity with G-d and their people and keep some traditions, many Mizrachi (Arab culture) people fall in this class, these are called (Messorti). Many orthodox coming to Yeshua want freedom and that is what attracts them. Thus, they usually take on more of a traditional( Messorti) view of Judaism with Messiah Yeshua. Most of the seculars who do nothing and do not believe in God also start taking more of a traditional position as messianic new believers ( a step up in Judaism for them). Basically taking on Jewish identity and believing in the G-d of Israel with respect for Halacha, but do not give halacha authority in their life. Most Israeli seculars and traditionals don't believe in oral Torah anyways as divine , but just as arguments and commentary which some is correct and some not. Most orthodox who come to Yeshua then take more of a traditional view.

What attracts Israelis mostly to Yeshua is the love of God, and a relationship with the G-d of Israel without "relegion." It provides a different option rather than the orthodox ( who they despise for not serving in the army,not working but rather studying in yeshiva causing a tax burden, for stoning those who drive on Shabatt,manipulating politics in matters of who has the right to marry or convert, Shasnikim, etc.). Although we do understand the orthodox more than a regular Israeli in matters of morality.

[1Faith1]

JewishHeart,

Thank you for the insight.