Pastor Oyewale Abel of Abba Father International, Nigeria, West Africa - "The Sinners"

Pastor Oyewale Abel and wife Margaret

The Sinners

Pastor Oyewale Abel 

THE SINNERS (MATTHEW 11:20-30; LUKE 19:1-10; JOHN 3:1-21 )

Sinner means someone who has done something wrong according to the religious or moral law; one involved in immorality. Sin is any form of non-conformity unto or transgression against the law. All have sinned, so also are all expected to return to the Lord to avoid everlasting punishment. The sinner is the one who remains so until the moment.

A. THE READY TO REPENT

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." (The Gospel of Luke) 

As usual, Jesus was on His itinerary, affecting every life He come across. Then He met the rich chief tax collector who was very eager to meet the Saviour. Jesus saw his eagerness, despite his limitations. He would not allow anything (his sins, stature, or status) to come between them. Though someone had just disappointed Jesus on account of wealth, He would not give up on this ready-to-repent publican. How do you see sinners around you?

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down for today I must stay at your house." Abiding in that sinner's house was in tandem with His purpose. Against the people's wish, He offered salvation to Zacchaeus. There was no discrimination on Jesus' part.

"There was a man of the Pharisees, named  Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher who has come from God, for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." (John:3:1-2 )

Here is another sinner who come to Jesus by night when He was humanly expected to be resting. He is ready to attend to anyone at any time, no matter when and how he or she comes. He was not moved by unnecessary encomiums but was concerned with the genuine questions from the ready mind. 

He is always ready to attend to your case when you sincerely present your questions and requests. Be willing and obedient. Jesus knew Nicodemus's real need, and would not allow anything, including his encomium, to distract His attention from the ultimate. 

What should our attitude be to sinners that we come across, especially the well-to-do? All sinners must come to Jesus Christ, like newborn babies, regardless of their status. It is the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ to make the sinners the righteousness of God, for that was why He became sin, even though He knew no sin. He is the high priest and advocate for all who would surrender to Him.

My brothers and sisters - run away from sin and not from sinners.

B.THE RECALCITRANT (MATHEW 11:20-30)

"And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day." (The Gospel of Matthew)

Was Jesus cursing? No! They had already cursed themselves by rejecting the Gospel.The magnitude of the miracles done in the city meant nothing to those children of disobedience. Imagine Bethsaida, the home of great people, and where Jesus personally visited, ignoring  His gospel. What a disappointment! They wasted His labours. 

Brothers and sisters, all you lovers of Israel, I hope you are not wasting God's grace. Jesus did not only condemn these stubborn people but also gave the way out by coming to Him, in whom there is immediate and ultimate rest.

As you are reading this message, HAVE YOU FOUND JESUS?

In every race and time, God has not taken lightly to the issue of haughtiness. No one who genuinely seeks the Lord will be cast away. The only place for the finally impenitent is hell. Preachers will not be held guilty if they have done their part in warning the recalcitrant.

May the good God of Israel bless you all, in Jesus' Name.

Shalom,

Pastor Abel Oyewale
Abba Father Fellowship International
Nigeria, West Africa

souls4christ2005@yahoo.com

+2348115306866

Nigerian orphans who have lost both parents. Praying with thanksgiving for their Bibles.

Pastor Abel and his church members try to help them as best they can. Please use the DONATE button on the side columns to help or the tab on our Love For His People website above.

Some of the contents sent to Nigeria in October 2017

Help Love For His People keep sending teaching materials free of charge to international pastors, by supporting this ministry. We also send financial support for families in Jerusalem, Belfast, UK and Lahore, Pakistan monthly. Even a gift of $10 helps. Thank you.

Please donate online safely here, through our website. Click on the DONATE button found in the side columns of Love For His People blog, or the DONATE tab at the top of the blog page.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

Following God's Programming - Pastor Abel Oyewale, Abba Father Fellowship International Nigeria, West Africa

Pastor Abel with his wife Margaret

Following God's Programming

Pastor Abel Oyewale

Abba Father Fellowship International

Nigeria, West Africa

A. HIS PROGRAM FOR HIS PEOPLE

"For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29: 11 )

"For thus saith the Lord that after seventy years are accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and perform My good word toward you in causing you to return to this place." (Jeremiah)

God had told them what they should do and should not do. He would now tell them what He would do as the covenant-keeping God. Our lives will assume better shape if we always obey God's commandment, even when we don't know why.

God would not be angry forever, though the sinner won't go unpunished.They suffer for a while before He would come for their deliverance.

People often think that God has forgotten them during adversities. God told the exiles that He was allowing things to work out thus, because of His gracious plan to prosper them, to give them hope and a future.

"Then shall you call upon Me, and you shall go pray to Me and I will hearken to you. And you shall seek Me, and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah.29:12-13 )

Does God permanently abandon His people? No! He would deliver the exiles, so that their broken relationship/fellowship with Him would be restored. This renewal is however conditional. They must seek God whole heartedly.

B. HIS PROGRAM MUST BE FOLLOWED

"Therefore, hear the word of the Lord, all you exiles whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon."(Jeremiah 29:20)

In the book of Jeremiah, we can see that the people blinded themselves with belief in the predictions of those false prophets/diviners they amassed to themselves. This would result in grave consequences on the people. May we not be loggerheads with our Creator.

Sword, famine, and plague would divinely pursue them, for because they had not listened to God's words both the exiles and those at home were culprits. Hence, they needed to hear the word of God and obey, unconditionally, just like us today.

The only antidote to not being part of the destruction that would come on these evil people was to TRUST and OBEY the true Lord Jesus Christ.

My brothers and sisters, God doesn't permanently abandon His people; they can be sure of His restoration and full reinstatement when they realise their mistakes and repent.

May our good God of Israel bless every one in Jesus Christ's Name.

Shalom,

Pastor Abel Oyewale
Abba Father Fellowship International
Nigeria, West Africa

souls4christ2005@yahoo.com

+2348115306866

In 2018, Love For his People wants to help Pastor Abel make his first trip to Israel, to experience this major opportunity to go to the Holy Land. He will join us there for a week with the Lord's people. It will then help him bring back more of a connection to Israel with his congregation in Nigeria. 

He needs your help. Will you help us help him do this? The flight from Nigeria to Israel is $1200.

Please donate online safely here, through our website. Click on the DONATE button found in the side columns of Love For His People blog, or the DONATE tab at the top of the blog page.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

"IF YOU OBEY" - Pastor Oyewale Abel of Abba Father International, Nigeria, West Africa

Pastor Abel with his wife Margaret

IF YOU OBEY

Pastor Abel Oyewale

Abba Father Fellowship International

Nigeria, West Africa

A.God Commands Obedience

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I gave you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth." (Deuteronomy 28:1)

If is a conditional word. The covenantal blessings of God for His people are premised on the condition of obedience. God Commands us to fully obey Him, not turning aside from any of the commands.God expects total, not selective, obedience.

The sin of the Amorites, "But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again for the iniquity of the Amorite." ( Book of Genesis)

The sin of Amorites may have been part of why God dislodged them. Israel, privileged to occupy their place, should have therefore remembered that the only way to remain in the Promised Land was to remain faithful to the covenant-keeping God.

"And the Lord gave unto Israel all the Land which He sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it and dwelt therein." (Book of Joshua)

God gave them possession of the Land as He had promised. Obedience and fidelity would be the best way to reciprocate His kind gesture, and their continued possession of the Land largely depended on this.

The need for obedience also became more evident in the fact that the survivors of those nation among them would continue to be divinely rendered powerless before Israel, as long as the latter adheed strictly and faithfully to Yahweh and His ways.

To all of us - we need to be reminded that the divine favour we enjoy is conditioned on our continued faithfulness to God.  Don't we need such reminders each today? Think of it.

B. GODLY BLESSINGS ON THE OBEDIENT (DEUTERONOMY 28:2-14)

"All these blessings will come upon you and  accompany you if you obey the Lord your God". (Deuteronomy 28:2)

Obedience attracts God's blessings immediately, and as with Abraham, his obedient faith brought him immeasurable blessings. 

As it says in Deuteronomy 28:3, "Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field."

This verse highlighted few of the countless blessings that would attend Israel's faithfulness:

- Blessings on the goings in and out of the obedient
- Divine Security
- Abundant all-round prosperity and countless stay in Promised Land
- Headship in all things

Please remember that all these blessings are premised on their continued obedience to God's commands. God is forever faithful to His word. In fact, He has bound Himself by His word. Why would anyone then think that he or she can enjoy God's blessings without total obedience to His word?

Brothers and sisters, the only way to be happy to the fullest in Jesus is to trust and obey Him without reservations.

May the God of Israel bless everyone reading this message, in Jesus Christ Name.

Shalom,

Pastor Abel Oyewale
Abba Father Fellowship International
Nigeria, West Africa

souls4christ2005@yahoo.com

+2348115306866

Nigerian orphans who have lost both parents. 

Pastor Abel and his church members try to help them as best they can.

Please use the DONATE button on the side columns to help.

Help Love For His People keep sending teaching materials free of charge to international pastors, by supporting this ministry. We also send financial support for families in Jerusalem, Belfast, UK and Lahore, Pakistan monthly. Even a gift of $10 helps. Thank you.

Please donate online safely here, through our website. Click on the DONATE button found in the side columns of Love For His People blog, or the DONATE tab at the top of the blog page.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

The Willing But Unready - Pastor Oyewale Abel of Abba Father International, Nigeria, West Africa

Pastor Abel and wife Margaret

THE WILLING BUT UNREADY
(Mark 10:17-23)

"And when He had gone forth into the way, there came one running, who kneeled to Him, and asked Him, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? "(Mark 10:17)

"And Jesus said to Him, 'Why do you call Me good? There is none good but one,. That is God." (Mark 10:18 ).

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; take up the cross, and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)

There was that great desire on the part of this rich man to serve. Jesus is not moved by the readiness to serve, stemming from an unsaved heart. Jesus was never carried away by neither this rich young ruler's flattery nor his wealth. How do we feel, individually, corporately, in our programmes, when we see the high and mighty among us, ministers and members, inclusive?

The list of God's rules is endless. What part of the Bible do you obey? By self-righteousness, this man tried to qualify and justify himself, but only Christ's righteousness will guarantee us His Kingdom. Don't rely on self-righteousness.

"Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him. "One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven and come take up

the cross and follow Me." (Mark 10:21)

Jesus looked at him in his pride, self-deceit and self-justification, yet still LOVED him. Jesus pitied him because He knew his true condition; he lacked salvation. Jesus did not hesitate to tell him what he needed. Not what he wanted to hear. 

What do you tell such people when they come to you?

The man was sad at parting with worldly properties, popularity, position, and pleasure. He went away, ignoring his salvation. Was he even interested in the first place? Salvation messages are not, most times, palatable to hear. Jesus did try to mellow down the Gospel truth to make the rich ruler happy or comfortable, like some of us would do today.

Keep your convictions and do the will of God. Tomorrow may be too late.

It is not enough to observe the law. It is more important to observe the condition of the people

around you and care for them. Let us check our attitude towards the high-class people. Do not be partial in presenting the right Gospel.

May our good God of Israel bless you all in Jesus Christ's Name.

Pastor Abel Oyewale

Abba Father Fellowship International

Nigeria

souls4christ2005@yahoo.com

Nigerian orphans who have lost both parents. 

Pastor Abel and his church members try to help them as best they can.

Please use the DONATE buttons on the side columns to help.

Help Love For His People keep sending teaching materials free of charge to international pastors, by supporting this ministry. We also send financial support for families in Jerusalem, Belfast, UK and Lahore, Pakistan monthly. Even a gift of $10 helps. Thank you.

Please donate online safely here, through our website. Click on the DONATE button found in the side columns of Love For His People blog, or the DONATE tab at the top of the blog page.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

JESUS AND THE SCRIPTURES - Pastor Oyewale Abel Abba FatherInternational Nigeria, West Africa

JESUS AND THE SCRIPTURES

Pastor Oyewale Abel

Abba Father International

Nigeria, West Africa

"And the Jews marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied." (Gospel of John)

Jesus is God's Word, Who gave the words and became the Word incarnate. Some erroneously think that Jesus did not need to study Scripture (Torah).  Instead, He had an undeniably cordial relationship with the Scriptures.

How did Jesus know the will of God that He came to do? 

"For I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of Him that sent me." (Gospel of John)

Being 100% human, other than that He learned it from the Scriptures. 

Was He then a Bible student? What type of Bible did He use?

Jesus devoted greatly to studying Scriptures. Even as a boy, He stayed behind for three days in Jerusalem, sitting, listening and asking questions. And it came to pass, that after three days found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. (Gospel of Luke)

He was a Bible student, despite having divine understanding of the Scriptures.

A powerful Christian is a powerfully anointed Christian. Christ's experience proves this beyond the reasonable doubt. If Jesus had so great a passion to study learn the Scriptures, even as God Himself, who are we to do less? 

Ask yourself.

Try all your best to study your Bible. 

May our God of Israel bless you. Amen.

Pastor Abel Oyewale
Abba Father International Fellowship Nigeria
souls4christ2005@yahoo.com

Pastor Oyewale Abel
Abba Father International

 

 Books for International Pastors
-Love For His People published books sent to them in June 2017

Help Love For His People keep sending teaching materials free of charge to international pastors, by supporting this ministry. We also send financial support for families in Jerusalem, Belfast, UK and Lahore, Pakistan monthly. Even a gift of $10 helps. Thank you.

Please donate online safely here, through our blog website. You can use the PayPal DONATE button found on the side columns.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

 Books for International Pastors

-Love For His People published books sent to them in June 2017

"THE SUBMISSIVE SON" - Pastor Abel Oyewale - Abba Father Fellowship International in Nigeria, West Africa

Pastor Abel and his wife Margaret

"THE SUBMISSIVE SON"

- Pastor Abel Oyewale - 

Abba Father Fellowship International

Nigeria, West Africa

Aug. 24, 2017

Dear friends of Love For His People,

Our new friend of the ministry, Pastor Oyewale Abel from Abba Father International ministry in Nigeria, brings his second message to our social media readers. Through our correspondence between us over the past months, we have come to know and appreciate the work he is doing among the Nigerian believers he pastors in the church. 

His love for Israel is demonstrated in his work and actions.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin
Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

Charlotte, North Carolina

USA

THE SUBMISSIVE SON

Pastor Abel Oyewale

Jesus is the submissive Son. ( John 8:20:29; John 11:38-42 ) He spoke these words, "I do nothing of myself: but as my Father taught Me, I speak these things, He who sent me is with me, the father has not left me alone, for I always do the things that please Him." John 8: 28-29

The Son Recognized His Father

Jesus Christ revered and respected His Father. He depended fully on the Father. 

(John 11:38-44) Jesus always depended on the caring Father. As an example, He gave honor and respect to His Father and He prayed to God and the dead body of Lazarus received live back. God's name was glorified.

He lived to serve the purpose of His Father. (John 8:29; John 9:4 ) Throughout the life of Jesus Christ, He demonstrated the purpose and plans of His Father. We can see that God declared and demonstrated that He is the Father of Jesus Christ by being with Him and supporting Him in all ways.

He obeyed His Father even unto death.( Philippians 2:5-9)

Jesus Christ, in all areas of His life, humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Thank you, Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ accepts, announces and proves that He is the Son of God by obedience , submission, reliance and fulfilling only the Father's programmes.

He trusted the Father on all matters. (John 11:41, 42 )

If you read these Bible verses you will see that Jesus Christ trusted His Father in all matters and His Father was never dissapointed in Him.

He gloriously returned to and remains with the Father. ( John 20:17, 21; Romans 8:34)
After His resurection, Jesus Christ gloriously returned to His Father. He remains with God the Father until His soon coming return.

All believers in God through Jesus Christ must learn to live as Christ lived. Recognise, respect, rely on and represent God of Heavens and earth in all ways and it shall be well with us.

May the God of Israel bless you all,

Pastor Abel Oyewale
Abba Father Fellowship International

Nigeria, West Africa
souls4christ2005@yahoo.com

 Believers in Nigeria holding Love For His People books as gifts


Books for International Pastors
-Love For His People published books sent to them in June 2017

Help Love For His People keep sending teaching materials free of charge to international pastors, by supporting this ministry. We also send financial support for families in Jerusalem, Belfast, UK and Lahore, Pakistan monthly. Even a gift of $10 helps. Thank you.

Please donate online safely here, through our website. Click here: I want to bless others.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

 Books for International Pastors -Love For His People published books sent to them in 2017

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The Caring Father - Pastor Oyewale Abel of Abba Father International, Nigeria, West Africa

Pastor Oyewale Abel and his wife Margaret

Aug. 19, 2017

Dear friends of Love For His People,

We are excited to introduce to you a new friend of the ministry, Pastor Oyewale Abel from Abba Father International ministry in Nigeria. Through correspondence over the past months, we have come to know and appreciate the work he is doing among the Nigerian believers. His love for Israel is demonstrated in his work and actions.

I have asked Abel to share an occasional word with you so you can read what his church congregation is hearing from him on a weekly basis.

And...he has a worship CD which we hope to share soon!

So please welcome Pastor Abel!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love For His People, Inc.

Charlotte, North Carolina

USA

    

The Caring Father  

Pastor Oyewale Abel

Abba Father International

Nigeria, West Africa

"And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, therefore, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God."

God had the eternal plan of coming to redeem and restore the lost mankind.  He must, therefore, come in a human and uncommon way.  (Heb 2:14-17 )

God the Father wisely and meticulously choose the human mother. (Matthew 1:18)

God introduced Him at the beginning (Matthew 3:14-17); confirmed Him as the journey continued ( Matthew 17:5 ); and raised His Son when all had deserted Him after His death. (Matthew 28 :1,2)


Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, God of Israel.

Pastor Oyewale Abel
Abba Father International

 Books for International Pastors
-Love For His People published books sent to them in June 2017

Help Love For His People keep sending teaching materials free of charge to international pastors, by supporting this ministry. We also send financial support for families in Jerusalem, Belfast, UK and Lahore, Pakistan monthly. Even a gift of $10 helps. Thank you.

Please donate online safely here, through our website. Click here: I want to bless others.

A USA tax-receipt will be provided for each online gift and check.

Checks can be sent to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 414

Pineville, NC 28134

 Books for International Pastors

-Love For His People published books sent to them in June 2017

Hundreds of African Kings, Many Claiming Jewish Ancestry, Will Gather to Praise God at Kotel - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

The Western Wall in Jerusalem during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Sunday, September 22, 2013. (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Hundreds of African Kings, Many Claiming Jewish Ancestry, Will Gather to Praise God at Kotel

By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz August 2, 2016   BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS

“Nobles shall come out of Mitzrayim; Ethiopia shall hasten to stretch out her hands unto God.” Psalms 68:32 (The Israel Bible™)

One of the more remarkable incarnations of the prophesied ingathering of the exiles is the discovery of Jewish roots in African tribes. The King of Togo, a country in West Africa, plans to strengthen that Messianic vision by bringing hundreds of African kings to the Western Wall in Jerusalem this Sukkot (Festival of Booths) to sing out their love of the God of Israel.

King Ayi was crowned in 1994 as King of the Ayigbe people of the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. The seat of this Kingdom was in Togo, although most historians confirm it started in Accra, Ghana. He presently lives in exile in the US. In 2002, at the second World Conference of the Counsel of Chiefs and Kings of Africa, King Ayi was crowned by his peers as head of the Organization of Kings and Queens of Africa, in the republic of Benin.

At the following conference in 2005, he announced his desire to bring all 350 African kings to Israel, to recite the ‘Shema’, the Jewish declaration of faith, at the Kotel (the Western Wall in Jerusalem). His announcement was received with overwhelming enthusiasm.

King Ayi explained this surprising reaction to Breaking Israel News.  

King Ayi of Togo. (Courtesy)

“At least half of the kings who are coming have a tradition that they are Jewish,” King Ayi said. “Some of the kings, though, are Muslim imams. Even they wanted to come. They are coming with the intention of recognizing that God created the entire world.”

It has taken 11 years and many trips back and forth, but King Ayi’s vision is finally coming to fruition. The ceremony will take place in Jerusalem during Sukkot in October and has been organized in conjunction with the Israeli Religious Affairs Ministry, headed by MK David Azulai.

In the past, King Ayi has met with Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky and Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach, two major figures in Orthodox Judaism. His efforts are also supported by the Beit Din (Rabbinic Court) of Bnei Brak as well as the nascent Sanhedrin.

The gathering is auspiciously timed, since the holiday of Sukkot has a strong multi-national element. The Talmud (Sukkah 55b) teaches, “Rabbi Eliezer said: “Why are 70 offerings brought on Sukkot? For the [merit of the] 70 nations of the world.” This is based on the prophecy in Zechariah.

And it shall come to pass that every one that is left of all the nations that came against Yerushalayim shall go up from year to year to worship the King Hashem of hosts and to keep the Sukkot. Zechariah 14:16

In addition to the religious mission, the visit will also be an opportunity to further the diplomatic connection between Israel and Africa. Educational seminars and tours will be interspersed with meetings with government officials.

For King Ayi, this is the culmination of a long personal journey. He told Breaking Israel News it was always known in his family that they were descended from Jews.

“We always refrained from foods deemed forbidden in the Torah,” the King explained. “Circumcisions are performed on the eighth day, and we keep the laws of niddah (family purity). We celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, and blow shofar (ram’s horn).”

Though this may seem surprising to many, recent research has revealed that many African tribes have roots in the Holy Land. The Lemba in Zimbabwe and South Africa and the Igbo in Nigeria are believed to have Jewish roots, though their status as Jews has not been recognized by rabbinic authorities.

The king has been criticized for his connection with Israel, but he stands strong in his conviction. “I am doing this for me, since I am Jewish, but I am also doing this for my nation. My people should stand for what is right. Standing with Israel is the right thing to do. It is written in the Prophets. Our hearts are completely with Israel, and on Sukkoth, we will show that to be true.”

King Ayi explained that according to his people’s oral tradition, their ancestors migrated to Africa via Egypt and Morocco. “The Jews and the blacks are almost the same. We are really one family,” he said.

An orthodox Jewish man at the Kotel during Sukkot. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

Though Israel’s foreign policy is dominated by its relationships with Western super-powers, its spiritual ties to Africa are essential to Zionism. Theodore Herzl wrote in his book Altneuland, “Once I have witnessed the redemption of the Jews, my people, I wish also to assist in the redemption of the Africans.”

This sentiment was taken up by the early leaders of the State of Israel, most notably Golda Meir, who developed relations with African nations. This effort was revived by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently concluded a tour of Africa.

David Mark, founder of Israel Africa Hub and Israel Rising, is working towards developing a stronger bond between Israel and Africa, and believes that King Ayi should be supported in his mission.

“Only now we are awakening to the fact that many West African communities have authentic Jewish roots that were decimated by European colonists, missionaries, and Arab Islamists,” Mark told Breaking Israel News. “There is a lot a lot of work that still must be done to ensure that these communities get the education and recognition they need.”