Friday, June 30th
11 Anti-Semitism pamphlets were given out
Two women team members were out on this very hot day at a local shopping mall. The first encounter was with an Israeli man from Jaffa, Israel who said he was a believer in Yeshua. He was a store owner in the mall and accepted the pamphlet but hurried quickly inside to attend to business.
Another man they encountered received the pamphlet but stated that “God does not have a son”. A short conversation ensued about Yeshua in the scriptures where Yeshua stated that He was divine. One such statement that was shared with this gentleman was from John 8:58 – “Very truly I tell you”, Jesus answered, “Before Abraham was born, I am!” Also, the team member mentioned Proverbs 30:4 – “Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son?” The man thanked them and went on his way.
An elderly man wearing a kippa was approached. He accepted the pamphlet and immediately asked what organization they were with. The team member had a sinking feeling in her heart but cheerfully showed him the back of the pamphlet. He was not happy indeed and began to intimidate her, but the wife came to the rescue apparently being used to the situation and pulled him away to buy groceries as he called out accusatory words.
Finally, they met two young men wearing kippas. They approached one of the men who had turned to smile at them. Accepting the pamphlet, he listened as the team member spoke about the prophesies of the coming Messiah. They shared that they were visiting from Jerusalem and were in Canada on business. They said they could not accept the Brit Chadashah, business card nor pamphlet but another “friend” who happened to come on the scene took the card and pamphlet only and thanked them for their kindness. The first man spoke of the teachings of his rabbi and how there was a disagreement about Yeshua being the Messiah but he did agree that He was a great rabbi and that He knew many of the secrets of the Torah. The other young man, who seemed apart in dress and deportment, said he had a more “worldly view” and was aware of all the conspiracy theories about Israel. His stance was firm and so they encouraged him to go online for the teachings of Pastor Jacques. The team felt that they had left a lasting impression and hope that these men would be curious enough to go to the bethariel website.
The team wrapped up after that as it was far too hot to continue that day. Praise God for the encounters they had as they felt there was an opening in some hearts, and they thank all the faithful prayer warriors for lifting them up in prayer.