[RUDDICK REPORT] THE BRAND MARKS - Morris Ruddick

[RUDDICK REPORT] THE BRAND MARKS - Morris Ruddick Oct. 1, 2015 "From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus."Gal 6:17 The opportunity to assist our brethren in Vietnam has been a joy beyond words. As I was praying the first morning after arriving, the thought occurred to me: "We need one another, since no single group within the Body has all the answers. So the question arises: "Who then do we identify with?" Do we identify with those with pristine doctrinal answers? Or maybe our "identification" is with those whose efforts are demonstrating the most impressive numbers? No real fault could be found with either. Yet the answer I landed on underscores the deepest reason of why we continue to come to help these brethren in Vietnam. I want to identify with those whose bear the brand-marks of the Lord Jesus. It is aKingdom principle that within our weakness, His strength will be manifested. "Seeing that many boast according to the flesh....I say that we were too weak for that! I am more: in labors more abundant, beaten times without measure, in prisons more frequently, often in danger of death. .....Besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my weaknesses." 2 Cor 11:23, 28, 30 Since early 2008, this is the 24th trip we have made to Vietnam. Just when it seems like the dust has settled, in terms of persecution, a week before our arrival our chief contact was raided. It was a gathering of leaders at which we have previously ministered. The authorities held and questioned our friend, along one of his pastors for a full day. They were bullied and threatened, but in failing to intimidate them, the authorities eventually released them. I'm reminded of the story of Peter who similarly was arrested for his faith and put in chains. During that time, the people prayed fervently and God sent his angel to deliver him. "Then the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shown in the prison and the chains fell off his hands." Acts 12:7 The Cost and Impact The stories of some of the Vietnamese Christian leaders we have worked with are nothing short of incredible. Their zeal and determination is extraordinary. So I have spent some quality time during this visit working with one of these leaders, capturing some of the amazing testimonies that have taken place in the post-1975 church in Vietnam. Through the courage and dedication of these brethren, their tenacity and their brand-marks, the spiritual climate of this nation has been changing. Illustrating this, one of the pastors we work with asked us to go with him and one of his members, a business leader, to the city of Cu Chi. This business leader had recently bought property to start a new business in that locale. Cu Chi is the site of several battles and extensive tunnel networks used by the Viet Cong. Since 1975 it has become a settlement for hard-core government officials. The pastor we went with told us about a time several years ago in that very area, when the authorities unsuccessfully chased him in an attempt to incarcerate him. He bears the brand marks of the Lord Jesus. However, he went on to share that over just the last ten years that the spiritual climate of Cu Chi has changed dramatically. When he reluctantly first accompanied this church member there, he was surprised to find former government officials eagerly asking him questions about the Lord. His plans already include starting a new congregation there. Expanding Our Reach We have spent many of our visits working with independent, underground networks of congregations. Yet we also have begun capturing the attention and working with many respected denominational groups. This trip has included special workshops for two denominational groups we haven't worked with before: the Presbyterians and the Assemblies of God. Our time with each was very special. The Presbyterians are especially meaningful to us as it was a business and spiritual leader from their group who almost seven years ago took us deep into the countryside over dirt roads to minister in an area where I served when I first came to Vietnam in 1966. We are also very close to a Vietnamese pastor in Denver who was sent out to oversee the Vietnamese Presbyterians in Denver. Before departing on this trip, we brought the Sunday message to this wonderful group of American-Vietnamese. Those attending our community development program from the AOG were members of the business community, many owning their own businesses. They were extremely attentive to the strategies I outlined for making the Lord their Senior Partner and developing community-building strategies for their businesses. I learned during the course of the seminar that some had even invited friends to attend. At the conclusion of this workshop, a man came up to me who was brimming with joy.  He told me how much he had enjoyed the workshop and....would it be possible for him to become a Christian? I was honored to lead him in a prayer committing his life to the Lord. The Unexpected One of the people we met a couple of years ago is a Vietnamese-American. His dad, a Vietnamese pastor, served as a chaplain prior to 1975. Our friend was raised to serve the Lord. He spent time as a US Marine infantryman in the Iraq war. He has since moved to Vietnam where he met his wife and now teaches at a local university. What has developed unexpectedly was that he gave his boss a synopsis of my "business school of values." His boss's response was very positive and we agreed to discuss the possibilities on our next trip. Orphans In addition to their own daughter, our Vietnamese-American friend is among those we know in Vietnam who have adopted and are raising a (previously) homeless orphan. Our friend who first took us to minister in my former operating area is a business owner called as a true modern-day Joseph. In addition to his own two children, he has adopted seven orphans. To watch the unselfish love with which he and his wife have given to the family they are raising has been inspiring. He also is a blessing to his rural home-town where he has given several scholarships to send young people from poorer families to attend high school and college. Carol has been working with a group of 36 orphan three hours north of our base. The children look forward, expectantly, to her arrival. On our last trip, items she had brought the children were lost when the latch on one of our bags malfunctioned. So on this trip she hand-carried the little toy trucks and cars for the boys and dolls for the girls. She indicated it was a time of great joy for them all. The Timothy Project The expectation of forward movement with the Timothy Project, an effort that mobilizes successful business people to work with the younger generation on establishing businesses God's way, experienced a temporary setback.  Nevertheless, we have contacted others who share this same vision of Vietnamese helping Vietnamese who are eager, ready and prepared to move forward. We believe the initial traction will be restored and hope to see movement forward when we return in late January. Emerging Focus Those who bear the brand marks of the Lord Jesus are ones who have passed a threshold in the natural. Their dedication has unveiled important dimensions of God's heart. That always involves Israel and the fulfillment of the promises made long ago to Abraham. God's heart for Israel will provide the keys to unlock key emerging agendas. In this regard, the importance of the marketplace cannot be overstated. Our collaborations with the Vietnamese have involved those who have traversed the fire and emerged without the smell of smoke, who fully grasp what God is doing in the marketplace and who deeply yearn to be connected to Israel. In a forum a matter of days ago, we began discussing a summit that would address a pressing question involving the emerging Josephs: "Where do we put our funds in terms of what the future holds and in terms of maximizing the return for both Israel and the Kingdom." There is a move underway being orchestrated by the Holy Spirit that is converging these priorities of God's heart and we would ask for your prayers in terms of discerning and acting on our part in it. Luke 15:22 tells about Silas and Judas who, being prophets, went about encouraging and strengthening the brethren. That describes a very key aspect of our mantle. We've been "sent" to Vietnam not to establish ourselves, but rather to play a role in strengthening and developing timely strategies for those who have been prepared and are at the forefront of God's heart and agendas. Our focus targets the faithful persecuted who have embraced God's heart for the marketplace and Israel. In so doing, we serve as deployment mobilizers and trainers who equip these brethren with strategies to release God's presence to change the spiritual climate and prepare in establishing the alliances to fulfill their mandates. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and making these efforts possible.

Morris Ruddick Global Initiative Foundation www.strategic-initiatives.org www.strategicintercession.org Global Initiatives is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry

Love For His People Editor's Note: We support the ministry of Morris and Carol monthly for their work in Vietnam, and Israel. We encourage you to do the same!

Please visit his website (info just above) for further info.

Shalom,

Steve & Laurie Martin

Founders

Love For His People, Inc.

What is the Sukkot—and What Does it Mean? - CHARISMA NEWS

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man walks near ritual booths, known as sukkot, in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood. (Reuters)

What is the Sukkot—and What Does it Mean?

 9/29/2015 LAUREN MARKOE/RNS  charisma news

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Sukkot, also known as the Festival of Booths, began this year at sundown Sunday (Sept. 27). What is this holiday that makes Jews eat their meals al fresco? Let us explain ...

Q. Why are my Jewish neighbors eating in a little house in their yard this week?

A. That's a sukkah they've constructed for Sukkot, a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' wandering in the desert for 40 years after their liberation from slavery. Sukkahs approximate the temporary dwellings they lived in before they reached the Promised Land.

"For a seven-day period you shall live in booths," God commands in Leviticus 23:42-43. "In order that your ensuing generations should know that I had the children of Israel live in booths when I took them out of the land of Egypt."

Q. Can a sukkah be your garage, tool shed or sun porch?

A: Nope. There are many specific rules about building a sukkah. Among them: It's got to be outdoors under the open sky and it may not stand so tall that it feels like a house. Sukkah builders have plenty of choices for the wall material. But the ancient rabbis required the roof to be made of something natural, such as bamboo, cornstalks or straw. It's known as "sechach," and it must provide shade, but also allow the stars to be seen at night.

The sukkah is purposefully an impermanent structure that reminds Jews of the fragility of earthly creations, as contrasted with the solidity of faith and tradition. It's also supposed to be a joyous place — many are decorated with children's drawings, and sukkah meals are to be shared with guests.

Q: What if you live in an apartment building? How can you build a sukkah?

A: "People build them on balconies," said Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, director of congregational learning at Congregation Har Shalom in Potomac, Md. "If you're in Israel, you'll see this all over the place." No balcony? Apartment-dwelling Jews often build a communal sukkah on the roof or next to the building. "Or you can go to a synagogue's or a friend's sukkah," Cohen said.

Q: Do you have to sleep in there too?

A: Yes but no. The Talmud, the record of Jewish rabbinic teachings, teaches that a man should dwell in the sukkah during Sukkot, making it his home for the holidays. But the obligation is lifted if sleeping there would be uncomfortable. Most Western Jews sleep in their bedrooms during the holiday.

Q: Now my Jewish neighbors are shaking a long green thing and a giant lemon. What is happening here?

A: The green thing is the "lulav," a palm branch that is grouped with myrtle and willow branches and a yellow citrus fruit called an "etrog." Together they make up the four species mentioned in Leviticus 23:40. During Sukkot prayers, they are gathered in the hands and waved — up and down, left and right, forward and back. "It represents God's presence in all directions," said Cohen.

Q: I don't think they sell etrogs at my supermarket.

They probably don't. Jews around the world usually order them and lulavs from Israel.

Q: How can I learn more?

Online resources for adults on Sukkot include those from the Chabad movement and the Union for Reform Judaism. And you can watch an Israeli film that takes place during Sukkot and illustrates the many aspects of the holiday, called "Ushpizin," or "guests," in Hebrew.

Two fun book for kids are "A Watermelon in the Sukkah" by Sylvia A. Rouss and Shannan Rouss, and "Engineer Ari and the Sukkah Express" by Deborah Bodin Cohen.

© Religion News Service. All rights reserved. 

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Millions of Christians Send Clear Message to Hollywood

Sean Astin in 'Woodlawn' (YouTube)

Millions of Christians Send Clear Message to Hollywood

 9/30/2015 DEBORAH HAMILTON  charisma news

It's not often that a film centered on the power of prayer breaks big box-office numbers. But that's exactly the case with War Room, a new movie that tells the story of a marital crisis overcome by prayer. War Room, made for just $3 million, has now raked in more than $50 million after capturing the No. 1 spot earlier this month.

And War Room, from the creators of Courageous, Fireproof and Facing the Giants, is not alone. An influx of family-friendly, faith-based films is hitting the big screen this fall, including Captive, featuring the Emmy-nominated David Oyelowo and Kate Mara. The two star in the faith-based crime drama that opened on Sept. 18, where Oyelowo plays a killer on the run and Mara is his drug-addicted hostage. But underneath the gritty storyline, faith plays a significant role.

Then next month, the football drama Woodlawn, starring Academy Award winner Jon Voight and Sean Astin, follows a remarkable true story about how love and unity, fueled by spiritual revival, overcame racism and hate in Alabama in the early 1970s. Opening Oct. 16, the film is already creating buzz.

American Family Association, which often champions for family-friendly entertainment, says the attention to faith-based films this fall is evidence that Christian moviegoers are sending a message about the kind of entertainment they want to see in Hollywood. AFA adds that these faith-based, "good news" films will have an indelible impact on kids, families and society.

"American Family Association takes on many heavy issues in society, but we like to go to the movies too," said AFA President Tim Wildmon. "When entertainment, however, tears down our society and is a negative influence on our kids, we feel we must step in. At the same time, when there are wonderful options for families to watch together, we want to bring these films to the attention of everyone. For decades, the big screen has been dominated by violence, sex, drugs and crime. But this fall, there is a bit of light, and families whose dollars are driven by their values will have some great movie picks this fall. Hopefully, this trend is a glimpse of things to come and our culture will show some evidence of the impact."

Likewise, AFA's own film debut, Summer Snow, went international this summer, with screenings in several countries around the world, including Spain, Brazil, Germany and Turkey, with interest from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and more. Released in the summer of 2014 by American Family Studios, a division of AFA,Summer Snow saw great success in the theater, on DVD and in its television debut on UPtv.

Starring David Chisum, Cameron Goodman, Garrett Backstrom, Brett Rice and Rachel Eggleston, Summer Snow tells the story of 8-year-old Hallie Benson (Eggleston), a small girl with a very big heart. Whether baking cookies for a grumpy neighbor or selling toothbrushes to help a friend, Hallie always thinks of others. Unfortunately, her "creative" ways of helping people often leave her father, Dan (Chisum), with a mess to clean up. Dan struggles to keep it all together after his wife's death. He doesn't cook, do hair or know how to help his three children without his beautiful wife and her unshakeable faith in God.

This past weekend at Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C., where several AFA representatives were featured speakers and moderators, attendees had the opportunity for a sneak peek of Woodlawn, as well as Beyond the Farthest Star, which tells the story of a Democratic senator who burns a courthouse nativity and brings the national spotlight to a forgotten Texas town and a once-famous preacher.

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Jerusalem Museum: A Tribute to the Friends of Zion

Murals in the Hall of Visionaries at the Friends of Zion Museum laud those who have stood up for the Jews 

(Friends of zion museum)

Museum: A Tribute to the Friends of Zion

10/1/2015 DR. MARK RUTLAND  charisma news

Each faced a moment of decision—an opportunity with eternal impact.

Many said, "Yes," but their choice often came at a great cost. They took action when others cowered in fear. Some gave up their careers, and others died poor and forgotten.

Many risked their very lives. Some were just doing their duty. For others, it was a conviction of the heart.

Some are famous—Corrie ten Boom, Oskar Schindler, Winston Churchill, Queen Victoria, Woodrow Wilson and Harry S. Truman. Others—Arthur James Balfour, Orde Wingate, John Patterson, George Bush and John Henri Dunant—are less well known but equally significant.

They are the heroes of Zionism—the hidden heroes of Christianity who helped protect the Jews from persecution and establish the state of Israel. Their stories are told at the new, state-of-the-art Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem.

The museum, the first in Israel to celebrate Christian heroes and their history, was dedicated Sept. 8 with the museum's international chairman, former Israeli President Shimon Peres; its Israeli chairman, General Yossi Peled; and more than 25 Israeli diplomats present.

It was a day designed to honor the Christian men and women who provided aid and assistance to the Jews during their quest to return to their homeland and gain independence.

The Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem portrays the story of Christian love and support for the Jewish people. It showcases the contributions made by Christian Zionists to the rebirth of the Jewish state in 1948 and their support since then.

The museum has a special relevance in our day. The five-story building has been transformed into the highest-tech interactive museum per square foot in Israel and possibly the world. The museum is located on some of Jerusalem's prime real estate at 20 Rivlin Street, 600 meters from the Temple Mount, across from the future home of what will be the largest Jewish museum in the nation, the Simon Wiesenthal Tolerance Museum.

I have enjoyed a lifelong love affair with Israel and led more tours than I can count. Each time I visited Israel, I found myself wishing to take my groups somewhere that celebrated Christian Zionism. Today, dozens of places exist where one can learn of the evil that people falsely professing to be Christians visited upon the Jewish people.

The Crusades, pogroms, the Inquisition and the Holocaust are and should be well-documented. I also wanted to visit someplace where Christian heroes were celebrated.

Certainly, trees are planted at Yad Vashim in honor of the righteous among the nations. My groups always wanted to see the trees for ten Boom and Schindler. Even so, I always felt that a place dedicated to the positive history of Christian Zionism would be a great addition to tours of Israel. With the opening of the Friends of Zion Museum, there is such a place. Christians who love the Jewish people unconditionally can be inspired, and Jewish people who have never known about Christian heroes such as ten Boom can find friends they did not know they had.

Unearthing the Heroes of Christian Zionism

In 1988, Mike Evans and his ministry partners purchased the home of ten Boom in Haarlem, Holland, and transformed the house and clock shop into a wonderful museum. Her story is virtually unknown among the Jewish people and, for that matter, the vast majority of young people in this generation. This is despite the story of Anne Frank being known by Jews and Christians worldwide.

Evans wanted to bring the story of the ten Boom family to Jerusalem, but in researching that possibility, he encountered hundreds of individuals who not only assisted the Jewish people during the Holocaust, but also helped to establish the state of Israel.

In 2012, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said of the Christian Zionists' role in Israel's history: "I don't believe that the Jewish state and modern Zionism would have been possible without Christian Zionism. I think that the many Christian supporters of the rebirth of the Jewish state and the ingathering of the Jewish people in the 19th century made possible the rise of modern Jewish Zionism."

The Friends of Zion Museum has documented the oft-hidden history Netanyahu referred to. For example, spotlighted in the museum is the story of John Henri Dunant, a Swiss-born banker and humanitarian. Theodor Herzl first labeled him a "Christian Zionist." Dunant, the founder of the International Red Cross, also inspired the 1964 Geneva Convention and he was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

Also spotlighted is Horatio Spafford, whose four daughters were drowned at sea. After viewing the site of their watery grave, he penned the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul." Spafford and his wife went to Jerusalem and built the largest orphanage in the city. The orphanage is now called The American Colony.

George Bush also holds a place of honor in the museum. This George Bush was never president of the United States. He was, however, an ancestor to both Bush presidents. He was a college professor, born in Vermont in 1796. He was a Presbyterian pastor who taught Hebrew and Oriental Literature at New York University. Bush was an ardent believer in the return of the Jews to their rightful land, then called Palestine. In 1844, Bush wrote The Valley of Vision—based on the dry bones mentioned in Ezekiel 37. The book was a clarion call to Christian Zionism and sold more than 1 million copies.

The museum also showcases Orde Charles Wingate. He was a Bible-believing British army officer who created a special military unit in Palestine in the 1930s that later became the Israeli Defense Forces.

Colonel John Patterson, after whom the prime minister's brother, Jonathan, was named, is a significant figure at the museum too.  Patterson, a Christian, commanded the Zion Mule Brigade, which became the first Jewish fighting force in 2,000 years.

Combating the Rise of Anti-Semitism

As a former Christian university president, I am deeply concerned about the warped historical view being taught on many campuses. Too many young people have bought into an anti-Israel worldview politically. Others have fallen into the trap of "replacement theology." I have been disappointed to see some of my evangelical colleagues and leaders embrace this theology.

The Friends of Zion Museum seeks to address this serious issue. The museum's educational experience combats anti-Semitism and inspires Christians to learn of their biblical history and heroes and their biblical relation to Israel and the Jewish people. The museum is an exciting high-tech vehicle to combat anti-Semitism. This museum is especially needed as the world turns its back on Israel and supports the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

As part of the international program of the museum, Peres presented President George W. Bush in March with the first Friends of Zion award in acknowledgement of his friendship with the Jewish people. President Peres traveled to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas to present the award.

In April on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Friends of Zion Museum hosted a global event that was aired on 13 satellite networks with about 6,000 churches in more than 50 countries participating live. This broadcast was a show of solidarity with Israel that honored Christian heroes who stood by the Jewish people during World War II. Eli Wiesel, President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu appeared on that special.

In the last few months, many of the most prominent evangelical leaders worldwide have toured the Friends of Zion Museum and have lent their support. These include Dr. Jack Hayford, chancellor of The King's University, who said, "This brief and impacting moment has left me tearful, speechless and with a sense of accountability."

"You can't miss it," says Gordon Robertson, chief executive officer of the Christian Broadcasting Network. "If you're on a trip to Israel, this should be your first stop. It will inform you. It will inspire you. It will enlighten you. Don't miss it."

Mark Williams, general overseer of the Church of God, says, "Floor by floor, it was just amazing. I just hope you and your family will take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem."

Excellent Visual Effects Captivate Audiences

Dr. George Wood, general superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God, said, "It was spectacular! The kind of visual display and advanced technology is unlike anything I have seen in the whole wide world."

If one cared nothing at all for the subject matter, the technology itself is well worth seeing. More than 150 Israeli multidisciplinary experts created the experience in 30 months. The museum contains the largest onyx video-mapping floor in Israel and perhaps the world, and is equipped with more than 30 video projectors, 45 LCD screens and about 50 speakers.

The museum houses the largest employment of digital equipment per square meter ever in a single museum. The music, which is originally scored, is broadcast on a surround-sound system. A unique, complex animation method called "rotoscoping" brings live action footage into a painted setting that transforms each story during the museum experience.

The tour begins with a unique surround-sound aerial excursion over the land of Israel synchronized with sculptured topography of the biblical land and the 12 tribes of Israel. All aerial shots were originally filmed for this segment with 4K cameras—the largest digital-filming format available.

Visitors then board a high-capacity experimental "time-machine" elevator. As the elevator rises, the surrounding glass surface comes to life with a spectacular sound-and-light show. It is the largest exterior glass elevator in Israel with a unique LED video network beneath its glass interior that combines sound effects and narration for a superb sub-system.

The Founder's Theater holds another first—the longest indoor seamless surround projection system in a museum in Israel (24 meters). Its transparent LED multimedia onyx floor adds a surprising dimension to the storytelling. New to me were the handcrafted wooden figures digitally mapped with animated videos on each polygon of the sculpture's design. The Visionaries Gallery features another first—a hand-drawn mural crafted by a team of artists, then digitalized and animated. The mural wall is comprised of 36 LCD screens with infrared sensor technology triggered by touch. When this still mural comes to life, 11 separate animations are activated on the largest interactive mural in Israel.

The Lights in the Darkness Theater uses digital rotoscoping. I found it a moving experience to say the least. This theater is the first of its kind.

Visitors are able to see the visual content projected onto their own hands. That content features pictures of some of the Jewish people rescued by Christians.

The grand finale is a 3-D stereoscope with a custom silver screen. Wearing distinct polarized 3-D glasses, visitors see their own faces embedded in the show as a live feed.

How the Museum Will Impact Israel

More than 7,000 individuals from all over the world have already toured the Friends of Zion Museum. Perhaps the most moved of the visitors are the Israelis themselves. One elderly lady said, "Goose bumps, goose bumps. We are not alone."

The museum has purchased a second building. Erected in 1874, the building is one of the first homes built outside the walls of Jerusalem. Here the guests are given the opportunity to leave their impressions using highly advanced technology, comparable to that employed in the 9/11 memorial in New York City.

In the second museum building, guests enter one of three stations that record visitors' impressions. In the state-of-the-art recording facility, the guest is guided through an experience to share his impressions, complete with snapshot photos. The facility is equipped with the most advanced lighting, audio and technological programming to produce the guest's first, intimate and authentic impressions on different topics.

Guests' impressions are also presented in a gallery of framed portraits that cover the walls of the Reception Center. The Impression Gallery will also be available online. Personally, I found one of the most intriguing facilities in the museum Reception Center to be a multimedia broadcasting facility which allows pastors to speak to their congregations live from Jerusalem.

Museum tours are available in 16 languages and online. One can take a virtual tour of the museum by going to fozmuseum.com. The online tour tells the stories showcased in the museum and allows those who cannot travel to Jerusalem to benefit from the same experience free of charge. This tour has been translated into 13 languages.

The Friends of Zion Museum experience is a remarkable combination of cutting-edge technology, historical narrative and emotional inspiration. Tours, visiting academic groups and individuals will find the Friends of Zion Museum an exciting addition to their visit to Jerusalem.

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Dr. Mark Rutland is a New York Times best-selling author of 15 books and many articles. His column appears in each edition of Ministry Today magazine. Rutland's weekly television program is broadcast on TBN Salsa, and he is heard on a daily basis in multiple radio markets. As the executive director of The National Institute of Christian Leadership, he teaches hundreds of church and business leaders from around the world. In the past, he has served as the president of two universities and as a megachurch pastor. He is currently the president of Global Servants, an international agency that, among other works, operates homes for tribal girls on two continents.

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Take a sneak peek of what visitors will see in the Friends of Zion Heritage Center atfriendsofzion.charismamag.com.

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Kings of Kings Ministries of Jerusalem - update Oct. 1, 2015

A Very Bright Future  A recent interview in Kehila News Israel, Messianic Community News from Israel, focused on Wayne Hilsden and God’s future plans for him at King of Kings Ministries Jerusalem and beyond. Excerpts from that interview are below and the full article is available at www.kehilanews.com For over 25 years, the name of Pastor Wayne Hilsden has been virtually synonymous with King of Kings, among the more widely recognized congregations on the Israeli Christian-Messianic map. As such, this month (September 6, 2015) marked the end of an era for many when Hilsden officially stepped down as senior pastor, leaving that role in the capable hands of Chad Holland, to lead King of Kings into the next quarter century of serving the Lord in Zion. Click here to watch the service. Wayne and Ann Hilsden receiving a blessing for their years of faithful and effective service Chad and Rebecca Holland being covered in prayer during the leadership transition Kehila News spoke with Pastor Hilsden about this decision, what it means for both he and King of Kings, and what the future holds for all concerned. How were you and your wife Ann involved in the birth of what is today known as King of Kings Community Jerusalem (KKCJ)? Ann and I came to Israel in 1983, along with our sons, Jamie and Joel, and began a little Bible study in a small apartment in downtown Jerusalem along with another Canadian couple, Jim and Kathy Cantelon. I was the co-pastor of King of Kings for the first five years until the Cantelons returned to Canada to establish a new ministry there. It was in 1988 that I became the senior pastor and continued in this role until this month. During your time as senior pastor, the ministry has grown tremendously. What is the one achievement or area of growth that you are most fond of? “It’s hard to point to one aspect of our ministry that I am most fond of. There are three main things that we set out to achieve these past three decades – plant congregations, train people for ministry, and be a catalyst for unity and cooperation in the wider body. “I’m especially fond of the Hebrew-speaking congregations that were birthed through King of Kings. That includes Succat David congregation, which began as a Bible study in our own apartment. “I’m also gratified to see how Israel College of the Bible has grown and continues to thrive and train hundreds of Israelis for ministry. Not everyone knows that ICB used to be King of Kings College, a leadership training center we founded in 1990 in Jerusalem. “Another thing I’m gratified by is the way the Lord has given us remarkable facilities that we were able to buy and open up for the rest of the body.  Today, eleven congregations use one or more of our spaces for their weekly worship gatherings. “I’m also fond of the fact that my wife, Ann, has been so deeply engaged in ministry with me over these past 32 years. For 25 years Ann was in charge of the worship at King of Kings. But she’s also been active in activating songwriters, musicians and singers to utilize their gifts. Ann has had a lot to do with the production of the ‘Praise to our God’ series of concerts recorded live at our Pavilion. The stated vision of KKCJ has long been to “be a compelling, Messiah-centered, Spirit-empowered, disciple-making community that reveals the true face of Yeshua to Israel and to the nations.” Do you see this vision being fulfilled today? “To fulfill such a vision may take generations. But I do believe we’ve made great strides down this road. “We are certainly Messiah-centered and we’re doing our best to show this from the Bible, including the Hebrew Scriptures, that Yeshua is not just the Savior of the world, but the Jewish Messiah of Israel. What lies ahead for KKCJ? “Chad Holland, our new senior pastor, identifies completely with our vision. He has said publicly that this vision is one of the reasons he was drawn to the opportunity to serve in King of Kings Community. I have encouraged Chad to not only maintain what we have already been doing, but to dream and envision new arrows that we can add to our quiver.

“Chad is already heading up a brand new initiative called ‘I AM,’ the Israel Academy of Ministry. It launches in October. www.kkcj.org/IAM “This Academy is not a replacement for Israel College of the Bible, which we love and support. What ‘I AM’ adds is ‘hands-on,’ ‘nuts and bolts’ practical training for anyone engaged in ministry. Evening intensive courses will be taught by experts from around the world, as well as local pastors and leaders. What’s next for you personally? “While I am no longer the senior pastor, I will give general oversight to the FAMILY of King of Kings Ministries (from 30,000 feet above). I will continue to be the president of King of Kings Ministries and our Israeli Amuta (non-profit charity). I will also preach once a month on average. You recently launched an ambitious new initiative to raise awareness of Israel and her role in God’s plan of redemption among Christians worldwide. Can you tell us a little about that? “Another dimension of our future is to lead the newly-established Fellowship of Israel related Ministries (FIRM). “With my many responsibilities related to King of Kings, I wasn’t able to find the time or energy to launch FIRM until I was sure we had the right person to succeed me as senior pastor. “FIRM seeks to introduce FIRM members to potential partners and supporters around the world. This includes not only financial support, but also prayer and man-power support. “We are encouraging people around the world to give 1% of their day to pray for Israel — 14 minutes in total. We are also challenging people to give 1% of their year to volunteer for an Israel related ministry — 3 1/2 days in total. “FIRM is a ‘matchmaker.’ We introduce front-line ministries to potential new friends and partners around the world who would like to support the kinds of ministries who are members of FIRM.” What kind of response have you had so far? “FIRM launched in February of this year. Our first conference was held in Loveland, Colorado. With only six weeks to promote the event, it sold out in 12 days. 1,700 attended, including 500 students. Most of the publicity for the event happened through social media, one of the things that FIRM is highly active in.  Next year in Jerusalem? “We’re excited about our first FIRM-sponsored conference to be held in Israel. FIRM’s ‘JERUSALEM ENCOUNTER’ conference will take place May 31 – June 2, 2016. Leading up to the conference is an adventure tour, especially geared to young adults. We hope to have at least 1,000 in attendance from outside of Israel, as well as several hundred locals. For more information, have a look at at the website here: www.jerusalemencounter.com. At Home In Jerusalem As King of Kings continues to expand, the leadership team will continue to expand as well in order to help us minister to others through: The Jerusalem Prayer Tower Manna Kitchen and Distribution Center Israel Academy of Ministry Yuval School of Music & the Arts King’s School of Media Anchor of Hope Counseling Center Pavilion Properties New Congregational Plants As the future unfolds, Wayne plans to have continued involvement as an active Elder and Pastor at King of Kings Community Jerusalem, the President of King of Kings Ministries, the Leader of the Amuta board in Jerusalem and the President of FIRM. Chad’s roles will include serving as the Senior Pastor of King of Kings Community Jerusalem, CEO of King of Kings Ministries, Executive Team Member and Amutah board member. If you would like to help us bless the entire Body of Messiah in Jerusalem by donating to our community and family of ministries, please click the "donate" button below. You will have several options on how to give. Copyright © 2015 King of Kings Community Jerusalem, All rights reserved. You're receiving this newsletter because you indicated you wanted us to keep in contact with you when you gave us your email. Our mailing address is: King of Kings Community Jerusalem P.O. Box 427 Jerusalem 91003 Israel