Do you remember Curtis Hillard? He first became interested in Jewish ministry his freshman year at Liberty University while studying Romans 9-11, and learning about God’s plan and promises for the nation of Israel. In the Summer of 2018, he visited Israel and saw the great need for the Jewish ministry God had already begun to lay on his heart.
A few months later, he got connected with us in Lynchburg, to learn more about Jewish ministry and opportunities to get involved. I started mentoring Curtis in Jewish ministry and teaching him the little bit of Hebrew that I knew, and after he graduated in 2019, he served with Chosen People Ministries (CPM) in New York City through a 1-year internship.
During that internship, Curtis got to work alongside seasoned missionaries, and he experienced firsthand various forms of ministry to different Jewish communities in New York. God especially burdened his heart for the Haredim – the ultra Orthodox Jewish communities – who are trapped in their legalism. Curtis saw “that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2)
One of the unfortunate downsides to being a missionary with CPM is that the Haredim avoid missionaries like the plague. It is extremely difficult for missionaries to develop good relationships with the Haredim and to reach them with the Gospel. Because of this, Curtis feels led by God to reach the Haredim by setting up an accounting business in their community, living life alongside them, developing relationships by serving them, and sharing the Gospel with them.
This is a great plan, but Curtis will be isolated and may find difficulty in persevering in ministry without the accountability and encouragement of a Jewish ministry. Because of this need, I plan to continue mentoring Curtis longterm to encourage him to persevere in the work that God has so clearly called him to do. He and I meet every other week to stay in touch and study Messianic prophecy together.
Please pray for Curtis:
- Perseverance and encouragement to walk the narrow path
- Intensive studies in Master’s program in accounting May 2021-August 2022
- Wisdom and clear direction for future ministry and Jewish studies
- That God would provide a godly wife for him who shares his heart for the Haredim
Please pray that God would raise up more laborers, like Curtis, into His harvest of Jewish ministry; for truly, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”. (Matthew 9:37-38)
Blessings in Messiah,
BJ, Carissa, and Ari