Ramblings from the Rabbi
In December 2002 Rita and I represented Beit Tikvah on a very special trip to Israel.
The Ministry of Tourism had approached the MJAA about hosting tours. This was unprecedented in the 54 years of Israel’s statehood. Within just a few weeks of the initial invitation, twelve messianic rabbis and 40 leaders were signed up for this Prophetic Breakthrough Tour. They rolled out “the red carpet” and treated us like honored guests. We were. We not only visited the hills, valleys and rivers of the Land, but also met and worshipped with messianic believers. We saw what God was doing in and through His people. This tour was truly amazing, and a sign of God drawing Jews back to their Land, back to their God and back to their Messiah. Be encouraged. We live in exciting days.
This last month was very busy. Twenty-two from Beit Tikvah went down to Portland for the annual MJAA Northwest Conference. Rita was in charge of the children’s program, which was very successful. I spoke at the main session Saturday morning, taught a class Sunday morning and led worship with our very own Beit Tikvah worship team at the closing session Sunday night. It is always fun playing and singing on stage with a full sound system. Becky Person and Nancy Hall managed our Judaica booth and invited lots of people to our congregation. Our dancers danced their heart out at late-night sessions.
With only a one-day break, Rita and I flew to Phoenix, Arizona for the Promise Keepers Pastors Conference. The opening night was “Messianic Night”, with Marty Waldman as the MC, Jonathan Bernis preaching, Jahn Moskowitz giving his testimony, and Joel Chernoff and Paul Wilbur leading worship. It was like being at a messianic congregation, only with 10,000 people in the sanctuary. It was GREAT! The message was, “Don’t replace us. Embrace us.” Don Finto’s book, Your People Shall Be My People, was given out to everyone who attended. Pray for this message to be received.
That Thursday night I spoke at our old congregation on “God’s Heart For Israel.” The message was well received at this Men’s Dinner with about 50 in attendance. We thank God for the opportunities He brings our way. May we walk through many more open doors in the future.
Beit Tikvah continues to grow and mature as we learn to put God first in all we do. New families are coming and staying. People are bringing their Jewish friends and family members. Christians are learning about their Jewish roots. Our finances are stable and our people are growing in grace. Come and see what the LORD is doing at Beit Tikvah. You’ll be glad you did.
Sincerely, and
In the mighty name of Yeshua,
Hylan Slobodkin
Messianic Rabbi
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