I’ve never seen anything like it. Travelers from all over – France, Germany, Chile, Argentina and Israel – sat silently listening as BJ explained prophecy after prophecy from the Tanakh (Old Testament), and showed clearly how Jesus fulfilled each one.

Idan, an atheist Israeli guy who went climbing with us Christmas Eve, had retreated to the kitchen as if to show he wanted nothing to do with our Bible study; but it was easy to see he was listening intently through the window to all that BJ said.

His friend, Binyamin, who had reluctantly taken the Bible I offered him moments before, now followed along attentively, turning to each passage BJ read, and nodding as BJ spoke of the promise of Messiah.

I sat next to Binyamin, taking in the scene, and my eyes got teary as I thought, “This is it. I think I could spend every Christmas day just like this one.” How better to celebrate the birth of my Messiah than to tell my people about His coming and the peace and joy He has given me to overflowing? What better gift to give or receive than the joy of showing a Jewish friend that in following Yeshua I have not sacrificed an ounce of my Jewish identity, but instead I know my Messiah better and more personally because of my Jewish heritage not despite it.

It has been about one month now since that day, and I still tear up to think of the conversations we had following that study and the seeds that were planted.

BJ and I agree that this trip was everything we prayed it would be and so much more. Of course, more. God is so gracious! It was another sweet confirmation that this is truly the life and work to which God has called us.

But we won’t only remember that time through rose-colored lenses. There were definitely challenges and there will be many more. But they are challenges we will face joyfully, with the hope of introducing even one soul to Jesus our Messiah!

Your prayers and support of us make challenges easier and blessings sweeter as we feel the power and life of the body of Messiah working as one.

Thank you for making this work possible. We can’t wait to share the next steps with you!