CJF Ministries

PO Box 345 San Antonio, Texas 78292-0345

ANTICIPATION
God has not forgotten the Jewish people, and neither have we.

Telephone (210) 226 - 0421 Fax (210) 226 - 2140 E-mail info@cjfm.org OrderLine (800) 926 - 5397 Website www.cjfm.org

Dear Friend,

Have you ever looked forward to something specialmaybe a drivers license or graduation from high school or college? Later, you may have anticipated a wedding, a new baby, or that first grandchild. Remember the excitement you felt when the day finally arrived? Now imagine that youre getting on in years. You live in your nations capital, and occupying foreign troops are stationed everywhere. You love God and feel His presence, but you feel oppressed living under these foreigners rule.

December 2012

Lately, though, theres been a noticeable sense of anticipation. Something momentous is about to happen, and you will be there to witness it! Before long, you get that nudge from Gods Spirit, telling you its time. The long-awaited day has arrived. You run to the Temple and you see Him with your own eyes! There He isa little Baby with His parents. You look around and wonder why no one else seems to be taking notice of Him. Everyone is so busy, bustling to and fro, as though nothing out of the ordinary is taking place. How can they not know? As you approach, the mother and father smile knowingly. Have they been expecting you? Youre a complete stranger, so how is that possible? You gingerly take the Baby in your arms, and hold Him up toward heaven. For my eyes have seen Your salvation . . . A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel(Luke 2:30, 32). Simeon rejoiced to see Gods promised Messiah in the Temple that day, but he wasnt alone. Scripture also records the reaction of the 84-year-old prophetess, Anna. That pious widow from the tribe of Asher served in the Temple, and happened to walk up just as Simeon was speaking. And coming in that instant [Anna] gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 2:38, emphasis added). We dont know what Simeon ultimately did with the news, but Anna shared it. The same should be true of us. The promised Redeemer has come. We cant keep that good news to ourselves. We must share it! Whether you celebrate the festival of lights during Hanukkah, or have chosen December to remember Messiahs birth, we wish you the most joyous of seasons. Your continuing partnership allows us to proclaim that the Messiah has come, and that He is coming again. We are so grateful. May God richly bless you in the New Year! Yours for the salvation of Israel,

Dr. Gary Hedrick

AN ARAB SPEAKS UP FOR ISRAEL

The Times of Israel recently published an article about Arab-Israeli Boshra Khalaila, who began defending Israel after the onslaught of international criticism following the 2010 flotilla incident. This secular Arab woman in her early 20s, continues to effectively silence Israels critics with the realities of her life in Israel. Khalaila grew up speaking Arabic, and learned Hebrew only as a university student in Haifa. Now, she converses fluently in both languages. She volunteers her time traveling and speaking against the worlds anti-Israel propaganda, simultaneously working to dispel Arab ignorance of life in the Jewish state. Religious Islamic radio hosts and journalists were stunned by her litany of freedoms in Israelrights clearly denied to women her age in many Muslim-dominated countries. Khalaila points specifically to her rights to freedom of expression, voting, driving a car, and having a say as to when and to whom she will be married. Her freedom to be educated (the now-married Khalaila is working on her masters degree) also stands in stark contrast to the plight of many women in the Arab world. (In October, the Taliban shot 15-yearold Pakistani Malala Yousufzai for promoting education for girls.) Khalaila does not blindly defend all of Israels decisions or actions. But she has become a powerful voice for fairness and truth; demonstrating by her own life that Israel is a free and democratic state, accepting all (including Arabs) who would live side-by-side in peace. Pray for Boshra Khalailaand other Arabs like herwho boldly defend Israel, and advocate for freedom and truth. Pray also that she will come to know Him who is the Truth!

PRAYER IN THE GALILEE FOREST

Messianic Jewish believers in the Galilee region gather together with their Arab counterparts each October to picnic, socialize, and worship with the hope itll deepen the spiritual bonds between them. The groups growing unitydespite volatile Middle East politics and strained Arab/Israeli relationsis a public testimony to the Gospels reconciling power. This year, an estimated 1,500 Jewish and Arab believers gathered in the forestnot to picnic, but to pray. They focused first on personal reflection and repentance so that they might come before the Lord with clean hands and a pure heart. After public confession and repentance of corporate sins, the assembly gave themselves to prayer on behalf of: Israel, its defense forces, the salvation of Israels Arab neighbors, strength for believers living in those surrounding Arab lands, protection from the attacks of Iran and Gaza, and Gods hand on elections in both Israel and America. Their example of unity and intense prayer is something worthy of emulation by the Church at large. CJFM representative Yossi Ovadia, an Israeli-born believer in Yeshua, pastors a church in the upper Galilee region. He and his congregation participate regularly in the annual Galilee forest events.

R.A. Higbee

IN ISRAEL
Thanks to the noble action of two Israel Knesset members (MK), Amendment 17which provides 100-percent property tax exemption to facilities advancing the study of Torah (read Orthodox synagogues)will now apply to ALL faiths facilities of worship and religious studies in Israel, including those of Messianic Jewish believers. Of particular note: these two MKs represent ultra-religious parties in the Knesset. The Jerusalem Institute of Justice1 had filed suit, claiming that the original amendment was a flagrant violation of religious freedom and equality, and asking Israels Supreme Court to require agencies to apply the law equally to all faiths, or require the Knesset to amend the law appropriately. MKs Gafni and Zeev stepped forward and introduced the necessary amendment to the original law, and on August 2, 2012, the Knesset approved the amended bill. The revised legislation not only extended tax exemptions to the buildings of all faiths (including Messianic Jewish congregations), but also made the exemptions retroactive to March 2010 when the original Amendment 17 took effect. Millions of shekels in tax refunds will be issued!
The Jerusalem Institute of Justice is an organization dedicated to safeguarding civil rights, freedom of religion, and social justice in the nation of Israel. They also strive to pursue justice for Israel on the world stage, working to combat racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Holocaust denial, and the delegitimization of the State of Israel.
1

Itzik Edri

CJFM PARTNERS WITH ISRAEL COLLEGE OF THE BIBLE

Beginning January 1, 2013, CJFMs broadcast Messianic Perspectives will be heard on a new Internet media outreach by Israel College of the Bible (ICB) in Netanya, Israel. ICB has partnered with New Hope Radio Ministries, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma to create the ICB Messianic Media Network that will proclaim the Word of God over radio, TV, and the new social media to Jewish people and the Messianic community worldwide. ICB Radios round-the-clock religious programming will reach Israel, the Middle East, and the Diaspora worldwide via the Internet; the United States, Canada, and Central America can hear the broadcasts via Internet and Galaxy 19 satellite. CJFM was selected to participate in the new venture because our program, Messianic Perspectives, uses expository teaching and presents Scripture in a way that is sensitive to, and knowledgeable about the culture and religious traditions of Jewish people, and . . . address[es] their spiritual needs in the context of their religious backgrounds and beliefs. CJFMs Messianic Perspectives broadcast will be one of many 15-, 30-, and 45-minute messages to be broadcast regularly. ICBs broadcast schedule calls for a variety of programs to be transmitted in Hebrew, Russian, Arabic, and of course, English. We pray that God will use this medium to bring the Gospel to the Jewish people, counter growing anti-Semitism, and offer encouragement to the persecuted believing Jewish community worldwide.

2012 Israel College of the Bible

IN BELARUS
Even as we plant seeds for ministry in Ukraine and Russia, our work in Belarus is bearing fruit. In Minsk, Larissa V. assists our Messianic congregation pastorpaying calls on the elderly and other shut-ins. She reads the Bible, and prays with elderly congregants. Her visits with unsaved elderly Jewish people in the community include sharing the Gospel with them, whenever possible. She offers necessary human contact, and assists them with daily tasks that they can no longer manage for themselves. Whenever funds allow, Larissa also brings food, medicines, and other basic necessities in Yeshuas name. Sadly, most of the elderly must make do with only a meager pension. Larissa came to faith in 1997 at the age of 49, following the death of her father. Under communism, she had kept her Jewishness hidden; her children had done the same. Today, Larissa no longer hides who she isshe joyfully claims her place as one of Gods covenant people. She knows that God has a plan for her, and a future for the Jewish people. When she first came to faith, Larissa was encouraged by CJFM staff in Belarus to read the Scriptures, and attend their Messianic fellowship. She did, and immediately found love and acceptance. Larissa also quickly noticed that many of the congregations elderly members needed help, and she began doing for them what she could no longer do for her own parents. We are so blessed to have Larissa, and other dedicated believers like her, as part of our team in Belarus. If you would like to help support our ministry in Belarus, use the enclosed response card or visit cjfm.org/give.

IN UKRAINE
In October, the worlds largest Jewish center opened in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukrainethe former home of CJFM representative Jenya Drazman. Seventy-one years ago, in October 1941, the Nazis murdered 11,000 Jewish residents of Dnepropetrovsk. By wars end, only five of the citys 80,000 Jewish residents had survived. The new center seeks to rebuild and strengthen the local Jewish community, and will be multifunctional. Museum exhibits portray Jewish spiritual values and demonstrate how they have influenced the world at large, Ukrainian Jewish history, the Holocaust, and the revival of Jewish life since World War II. Press reports also say that the center includes a synagogue and ritual bath, a luxury hotel, youth hostel, office space, kosher restaurants and halls, a bookstore, and classrooms. Profits from these businesses are slated to help fund charitable projects.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Witnesses in Uniform delegation march into the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The delegations program sends hundreds of IDF officers each year on a special four-day journey guided by educators from the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, to study pre-war Poland, the Holocaust, and contemporary Jewish-Polish life.
Photo courtesy of Israel Defense Forces

INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

JANUARY 27, 2013
The annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of Holocaust victims was first observed by the United Nations member nations in 2006. Public officials, museums, and schools are urged to mark the day; using the day to teach about the Holocaust, pay tribute to its victims, and seek ways to prevent future genocides. January 27 was selected for the observance because it marked the day Soviet troops liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, but some countries have set aside a different day. Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah) is observed in Israel on 27 Nisan (April/May) near the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Israels Independence Day celebration.

DEVOTED TO ISRAEL
by Murray Tilles The Jewish prophets called Israel back to God. Christianity began as a Jewish movement. Jesus gave His life for them. The Apostle Paul agonized over them. By dwelling on these realities we learn more about our faith, our Jewish roots, and about the Jewish Jesus. It is then that we can truly know what it means to love Israel. Israel and Jerusalem are in the headlines daily. People are interested in what is happening from a biblical perspective. There is a desire to learn and pray. During this time in our worlds history, it is imperative that we dwell not only on the geopolitical circumstances, but also on the spiritual realities of the conflict. In his book, Devoted To Israel, Murray Tilles will help you connect with Israel and the Jewish people through 70 insightful devotions and moving prayers. He will encourage you to understand our faith through Jewish eyes. Devoted to Israel is a book that will enable you not only to better understand the Land of Israel, the Jewish people, and our Jewish roots; it also fulfills Gods command to Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6). Paperback (BB-172) 152 pages $14

DECEMBER 2012

Resources
BROADCASTS
Hanukkah

(December 6 - 14)

by Gary Derechinsky

THE END: A Comprehensive Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days
by Dr. Mark Hitchcock People everywhere today have sobering questions about what the future holds, and Gods Word is the only place we can find sure answers. And yet, when answers are most needed, the Church has failed to provide them. The End seeks to address this important subject. It explains the foundational issues of biblical prophecy (interpretation of prophecy, the biblical covenants, and key prophetic passages), the main events, the important players, and a chronology of end time events. In this book, the end times are laid out chronologically, various views of the rapture and millennium are discussed, and both premillennial and pretribulational views are presented and defended. Dr. Hitchcock is a recognized authority on prophecy. His numerous books have sold more than 500,000 copies. Book (BB-177) 528 pages $20

Jewish believer Gary Derechinsky tells the ancient story of Hanukkahthe battle for religious freedom foretold in Daniel, and the coming of the Messiahthe Light of the world. A wonderful look into Jewish history and the celebration of Hanukkah today. CD (DT-01 CD) $6

Who Killed Christ?

(December 17 - 21)
by Dr. Gary Hedrick Dr. Hedrick points out the way in which everyone whoever lived holds some responsibility for Jesus death. He also implicates someone you have probably never imagined! CD (GT-89 CD) $6

THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS (The Antichrist in the Tribulation)

by Dr. David Reagan Many books have been written about the Antichrist, but most are sensational in nature and serve to divert attention from the victorious Messiah. Reagans book seeks to restore balance to the subject. Dr. Reagan believes that we are clearly on the threshold of the most terrible time in all of human historya time of unparalleled horror known as the Tribulation. During this seven-year period, a monster known as the man of lawlessness will be responsible for killing one half of humanity and two-thirds of the Jewish people. The Man of Lawlessness answers many of the specific questions people ask about the end times, the Antichrist, and the Tribulation. The author has also invited 22 Bible prophecy experts to weigh in on several key questions. Maranatha, Lord Jesus! Book (BB-176) 221 pages $15

Is God Finished with Israel? (Amillennial Debate)

(December 24 - January 4)
by Dr. Gary Hedrick Many in the Church today believe that God no longer has a purpose or plan for Israel. Dr. Hedrick shows from Scripture that God is not yet finished with His earthly people, Israel. CD (GT-57 CD) $6 Book (G-15) 96 pages $5

BUT WHAT CAN I DO? (2012 YEAR-END IDEAS)

Hark the Voice of Jesus Crying is a familiar hymn in many church traditions. Perhaps you know it. The hymn begins with Jesus asking who will go and work in the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. Not many of us can actually go, but that doesnt mean that we simply sit idly by, wishing others well. The third stanza of the hymn says it so beautifully:

Never underestimate the importance of your role in ministry. Your faithful prayers and generous support make this work possible. Your gifts allow us to send workers into the mission field. Because of you, we are able to proclaim the message of salvation to the Jewish peopleon radio, through print media, over the Internet, and in person; we are able to teach the Church about the Jewish roots of our faith; and we are able to equip and encourage Messianic Jewish believers worldwide. None of this would be possible without you. We thank you, and appreciate each and every gift you send us throughout the year. Some of you may also be considering a special year-end gift, especially in lieu of potential tax benefits. Tax laws affecting charitable giving often change, so we strongly recommend that you speak with your tax consultant or financial planner before making any decisions. You can also call us at (800) 926-5397. Wed be happy to point you in the right direction.

A YEAR-END GIFT OF CASH Writing a check is the most common way people give. Mail these gifts to CJFM at PO Box 345, San Antonio, TX 78292. Remember, however, that envelopes must be postmarked no later than December 31 to be counted as a charitable gift for 2012. You can give online at cjfm.org/give, or call (800) 926-5397, to make a credit card donation.
Here are other giving options that may also provide you with tax benefits:

STOCKS AND BONDS Gifts of stocks or bonds may possibly save you in capital gains costs, and allow you to write off the gifts full value. Each situation is unique, so please consult your accountant or tax advisor. LIFE INSURANCE You may currently have a policy purchased for reasons that are no longer needed, or you may receive dividends on certain policies for which you no longer need the income. Your insurance agent or financial planner can help you direct these assets to CJFM. BEQUESTS The easiest and most inexpensive way to make a deferred gift to CJFM is to include us in your will or revocable trust. A bequest is easy to arrange; it is not payable until death, and therefore does not affect your assets or cash flow now. It can also be changed at any time prior to your death. If properly written, a will can also reduce the taxes paid by your survivorswhich will result in a larger amount of your estate or property being left for your loved ones or charitable organizations.
May God enable you to be a wise steward of all that He has entrusted to you.