Tag Archives: Moody

Kerstetter Chronicles: March & April

“Ilu natan, natan lanu. Natan lanu et ha Shabbat. Natan lanu et ha Shabbat. Dai-a-nu. Dai-dai-anu. Dai-dai-anu. Dai-dai-anu. Dai-anu! Dai-anu!”

Grins broke across each face around the table as the familiar Hebrew words, sung out in unison, filled the room and affirmed in our hearts the eternal truth, “It really would have been enough.” If God had brought us out of slavery in Egypt and had not split the sea for us; If He had only split the sea for us, but had not brought us through on dry ground; If He had only brought us through on dry ground, but had not provided us manna in the desert for forty years; If He had only fed us with manna, but had not given us the Sabbath. It would have been enough! But God has done so much more for us.

“Dai-anu!” the song finished, and the voices seemed to fade into the memory of songs sung in Passovers gone by. As the head of the house began to explain each element of the Passover service, I thought to myself, “There must be thousands of Jewish people across the world singing this song tonight and praising God for His miraculous provision for Israel. God has done so much for us!” And I ached inside as I thought for the thousandth time, “If only they could see just how much He has done for us. If only they could believe that Jesus is the Messiah that God promised.” And for the thousandth time, God spoke to my heart, “I have not forsaken them. I will open their eyes and they will know that Yeshua is the One they have been waiting for.” And again a passion was ignited in my heart. “We must tell them. We must share the truth that Yeshua is the promised Messiah.”

Will you partner with us, as we continue our ministry preparations and find opportunities here in Chicago to share the truth of Messiah with Jewish people? Your prayer and financial partnership are crucial as we continue studies at Moody Bible Institute and prepare to begin full time work with Chosen People Ministries reaching Israeli backpackers in Brazil in the year 2017. 

Please be praying with us:

  • Praise – A Jewish man from our executive Passover outreach downtown prayed to receive the Lord this week!
  • Praise – Carissa’s health has continued to improve since treatment in January. Please pray that both BJ and she will soon make complete recoveries.
  • Praise – God has provided $600 for BJ to get the same Lyme treatment in May. Please pray that He will provide the remaining $2,000 needed.
  • Praise – We have received commitments of monthly support totaling $345/month. Please pray as we develop a partnership team with the goal of reaching Chosen People Ministry’s requirement of full support, $6,000/month, by January 2017.
  • Praise – our ministry partner, Stephen (Shmueli) Arnold, just returned from a productive survey trip to Brazil. He has identified three possible locations for our hostel ministry. Please pray that God will give us clear direction as we consider these options.

Finally, please pray for us as we make plans to travel this summer. We are now scheduling dates to speak in churches and present our ministry. If you are interested in partnering with us, or know of someone who would be, please email us! We would love to share our ministry vision with you personally or with your Bible study or small group.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support of us. May God use your connection to this work to richly bless you.

“I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.”

Romans 11:11

Love,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

If you would like to partner with us financially donate to our account with Chosen People Ministries at chosenpeople.com/donation *Please be sure to write “BJ Kerstetter” in the space marked special designation. If you would like to contribute toward BJ’s Lyme treatment, school bill or other expenses, click the button below:




Kerstetter Chronicles: January & February

Greetings, friends!

I am happy to report that we’re doing well these days, and we pray you can say the same! As you know, BJ is back to his studies and working hard, as always. I am so blessed to have such a dedicated and hard working husband! His plate is very full, with a full class schedule, Moody’s notorious homework load, part-time work, and part-time ministry. Phew! He is tired, but he presses on. I would really like you to let us believe that this really is an especially busy phase of life, and that it won’t always be this way. Shh… don’t tell me different. We don’t want to hear it right now!

Despite the craziness, we feel so thankful to be here, as G-d continues to provide for school. BJ especially enjoys his classes in Apologetics and Jewish Culture & Communication. He is recording the latter for me to listen to at home, and we’ve both already learned alot. If you are interested in learning more about Jewish culture for yourself, or to know better how to witness to a Jewish friend, we definitely recommend the main text book for this class, “You Bring the Bagels, I’ll Bring the Gospel,” by Barry Rubin.

Thank you all for praying for our time in Idaho for Lyme treatment. The doctor that we saw is a believer, and was very kind and encouraging. He was excited to hear about the work we are doing and our future ministry plans. We especially appreciated his understanding attitude and how he prayed over us before beginning treatment.

The treatment itself was very quick and painless. We saw Dr. Smith a total of six times while we were there, for testing, diagnosis and magnetic treatments. He diagnosed me with various molds & fungi, protozoa, parasites (worms), Borrelia (Lyme), Babesia (Lyme co-infection), Bartonella (Lyme co-infection), Lyme viruses A, B & C, two unidentified viruses, a neurotransmitter deficiency, multiple nutritional deficiencies and a methylation defect. Yes, that is a lot! It was bittersweet to hear him say that I am more sick than most patients he has seen, and that he was impressed that I am still walking around! G-d is so gracious to give both BJ and I the strength He has given us to press forward through all of this.

The most difficult part about our trip was the news that BJ has also been infected with Lyme disease. We really were not expecting that, but it does explain his continual fatigue and struggles with “brain fog,” memory and focus, which have been making work and homework much more difficult. After a good deal of prayer and consideration, we’ve decided to schedule BJ’s Lyme treatment and my check-up both at the end of the semester. To allow enough time for detox and healing, we will have to put off our trip to Israel until Summer 2016. It was a sad decision to make, but we trust that G-d’s timing is always perfect, and He has a purpose in all that He allows in our lives.

The last weeks since we’ve been back have gone relatively smoothly, and have definitely been easier than we expected. We both try to get a lot of rest, and as long as I don’t “over-do,” my pain and other symptoms are manageable. We have really been encouraged by the cards, some visits and even a couple meals from friends in the last few weeks, and we were especially thankful to have my mom, Karen Richards, visit and help us for a few days! What a blessing to have the supportive families that we have!

Please pray with us for strength, energy and perseverance for BJ in all that he has to do, and for healing for both of us. We would also appreciate your continued prayer for our finances, as we will need $1,800 for BJ’s Lyme treatment in addition to the remaining $600 due for this semester at Moody. We are so blessed by your continued prayers and support, and we are praying for you, as well.

With love for you all,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

Kerstetter Chronicles: Happy New Year

     Happy New Year friends! We realize we’re a bit late with the greeting, but we wanted to give you, and ourselves, a chance to get through the holidays and hopefully find a little more time for reading and writing emails. 2014 has been such an exciting year for us. So much has happened that I hardly know where to begin! First of all, we want to sincerely thank each of you for your prayers, encouragement, love and support for us. Your faithfulness and generosity are so vital to our studies and ministry, and you bless us more than you know! We have learned and grown so much in our faith this year, as we have seen God lead and provide for us. We hope our letters have been testaments to His love and our gratefulness, and have encouraged your hearts as well! Here is a summary of what God has done for us in the past year, and some of the things we are looking forward to for 2015.

recap of 2014:

  • We were accepted into the Jewish Studies program at Moody Bible Institute.

  • In August, we moved to downtown Chicago and BJ started classes at Moody.

  • The community of Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue welcomed us as family and has been an incredible encouragement and blessing to us.

  • We celebrated many of the biblical Jewish holidays for the first time, and learned so much about our rich cultural, historical and scriptural heritage.

  • We talked, prayed, dreamed and planned with our good friend Shmueli (Stephen) Arnold about our possible ministry together with Israeli backpackers in Brasil. Please pray for him, as he is working in Argentina for the next couple months, and will then be headed to Brazil to check out possible ministry locations!

  • In December, BJ was accepted as a student missionary with Chosen People Ministries (CPM; www.chosenpeople.com). This will allow us to get involved in ministry part time with CPM, gain needed experience and understanding of this ministry, and begin to raise support as we prepare for full time ministry.

  • As part of CPM Chicago, we were invited to move into Chosen People’s housing in West Rogers Park, Chicago. This will save us around $4,000 each semester. Woohoo! We made the move before Christmas break and we’re so thankful for this opportunity.

Looking forward to 2015:

  • We’re starting this year off with a bang in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where we’re seeing a Dr. Anthony Smith at Dynamic Health for Lyme treatment. We’ll be back in Chicago on January 10; but please keep praying for us because the detox process after treatment is really intense for at least 6 weeks! It will be a rough road for a while but we trust that God will carry us through it, and He has a plan, whatever the outcome is of this treatment.

  • When we get back to Chicago, BJ will begin his second semester at Moody. 2 years to go now! He is especially excited to study Apologetics and Jewish Life & Communication.

  • We have been accepted to go with Chosen People Ministries on their Outreach Israel trip this summer. (Dates TBA.) This will qualify as BJ’s required internship for Moody, and will provide us with crucial ministry & cultural experience for working with Israeli backpackers. We are also praying about staying in Israel after the Outreach program to take modern Hebrew courses that are not available at Moody. Right now we need to raise $9,000 to go on Outreach Israel, and we are looking into the cost of Hebrew studies. Please pray about helping us meet that goal!

  • Praise the Lord! Our first semester at Moody has been paid in full! Thank you so much for your contributions to help us get there! We are now able to start making payments for the spring semester bill of $1,100.

  • More praises! Several dear friends have committed to monthly contributions totaling $265/month! This is fantastic, and we are so thankful. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us this year in our ministry to the Jewish people?

     Again, thank you for your continued prayer and support for us. We are so thankful for you and we love hearing from you! Know that you are in our prayers as well. May you have a blessed new year.

Because of God’s faithfulness,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

     To contribute toward our school bill or other expenses please continue to make donations through our website, kerstetterconnection.com/donate, or make checks payable to BJ Kerstetter at CPO 2163, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd. Chicago, IL.

     If you would like to make a donation specifically for our trip with Outreach Israel, you may

  1. Mail checks to Chosen People Ministries at 241 E. 51st Street New York, NY 10022. Checks must have the name “BJ Kerstetter” in the memo section.

  2. Donate over the phone by calling Chosen People Ministries, 1 (888) 2-YESHUA. Ask for the receipting department and inform them you would like to give a financial gift to “BJ Kerstetter.”

  3. Click here to donate online. Please be sure to enter the name “BJ Kerstetter” in the section entitled “Special Designation.” Donations can be made via Credit, Debit, or PayPal.

Kerstetter Chronicles: November

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

Hebrews 12:1-3

     Praise the Lord! – November has been a slower month for us. For really the first time since we’ve been in Chicago, our schedule was a little looser and we have been able to get some rest and do some refocusing. It’s so easy in the middle of the all the things that need to be done and everything going on around us to lose focus of what we’re working towards! So, when Thanksgiving break came, we truly relished the chance to step out of the fast-paced, busy city and into the slooow easy Ozark-land of Missouri, where we enjoyed a cozy Thanksgiving with the Kerstetter family and friends.

     Besides our Thanksgiving trip, there really isn’t much to tell you about November, but we do want to share with you the latest news in our journey with Lyme’s Disease. God has provided in really cool ways for us to go to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, January 4 – 9, for a natural Lyme treatment. We first heard about it this summer from some friends who have been through the treatment and seen really encouraging results. Because it is in Idaho and we had been seeing progress with the course of treatment I was already on, we did not seriously consider this treatment as an option right away. But we began to pray about it and asked God to provide all the funds necessary if He would have us go. We talked with only a few people about this prayer, because we really wanted God to make His will completely clear. And He blew us away with His answer! Within a very short time God provided all of the $3,000 needed for the treatment, a place for us to stay, a car for us to use and airfare to get us out there!

     We had also prayed that God would provide a Lyme-literate primary care doctor for me to consult with closer to home. And God has blessed us with a caring, listening and genuinely helpful Lyme-literate doctor who is covered by our insurance plan! We have no doubts that God is directing us to this treatment in Idaho, but we still covet your prayers! The treatment itself is 6 sessions in 3 days, but the recovery process is much longer. After treatment, I can expect at least 6 weeks of intense detox (read: quite possibly the sickest I have ever been; completely miserable; debilitating pain, weakness, etc.) I am supposed to begin seeing significant improvement at about 3 months out (beginning of May), and ideally reach complete remission in a year. Of course, each case is unique and some people respond better than others. We personally know 2 people who have been declared Lyme-free because of this treatment, but there are others who never fully recover even with this treatment. We are praying for the best and always prepared for the reality that God may allow us to walk this road a while longer.

     In preparation for this intense treatment and try to see the full picture of things, I got tested for a couple other issues. So far, test results have showed that I have heavy metal toxicity and a genetic mutation that messes up my body’s ability to detox on its own. Doc has prescribed chelation treatments to flush out the metals and a couple of vitamins to help me detox. These, unfortunately, are not covered by insurance, so we’re waiting expectantly to see God graciously provide for all our needs, trusting that He knows exactly what we need – and when we need it!

We would SO appreciate your prayers for us

  • As we step out in faith with this treatment, (It is definitely a bit scary, I’ll admit!),
  • Continued prayer for funds for school – we still owe $1,250 on our school bill for this semester, and need to begin making payments for the spring
  • Most of all for wisdom, discernment, grace and perseverance as we seek to follow God’s leading in every area of our lives.

     We love you and pray for all of you as well, and would love to know how we can pray more specifically for each of you! Please keep in touch with us and send us your prayer requests at [email protected]. Keep looking unto Jesus!

Love,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

Kerstetter Chronicles: October

     It’s a damp, chilly night in the Windy City, but we’re keeping warm inside with steaming mugs of spiced apple cider. As I contemplate the high points of the past month, BJ is digging into his notes from our Modern Israel class to prepare for the midterm. It is an understatement to say that we are learning a lot, and that God is growing us immensely. Time is passing quickly here, so that it’s hard to believe it has already been a month since our last letter to you. But so much has happened that I am hard pressed to sum it all up. So, here’s the important stuff. 

Over the last month,

  • We celebrated the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jared & Danika Delello! October 11 was a blessed and joyful day, and we could not have been more happy to be a part of it. We are so excited for Jared & Danika, and can’t wait to see how the Lord will use their life together for His glory.
  • Wedding weekend in Wisconsin was immediately followed by Moody Missions Conference. It was a busy and really exciting week for us, because we had the privilege of spending time with our friends Shmueli and Robynne, staff with Chosen People Ministries, who both work in different ways with the Israeli backpacker community. We got the chance to learn more about Chosen People Ministries at large, as well as get a better idea of Shmueli’s plans for hostel ministry with Israeli backpackers in Brazil. We are extremely excited about this ministry, and would love to be a part of it. Please be praying with us as we continue to seek God’s direction for us in Jewish ministry.
  • In an effort to become more familiar with Chosen People Ministries (CPM), and gain valuable cultural and practical ministry experience, we have applied to go with CPM on their Outreach Israel trip this summer. The trip would also qualify as BJ’s internship, required for graduation from Moody. Total costs for both of us to go amount to about $9,000. For us it seems like an impossible sum, but our God does the impossible every day, so we know He can provide!
  • Following Missions Conference, we returned to Wisconsin for family time, doctor appointments, and a visit to our home assembly, Wauwatosa Bible Chapel. It was such a blessing to spend time with family, and our family in Wauwatosa!
  • Praise! God provided the rest of the money for us to go to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in January for a new and promising treatment for Carissa’s Lyme’s Disease. Several of our friends have seen radical improvement after this treatment, so we are hopeful. Although we know that no treatment works for everyone, and God has not promised physical healing in this life, it is so encouraging to see that He definitely has a plan and this treatment is clearly part of it.
  • Prayer Request – While we were last in Wisconsin, Carissa had some new tests run to check for heavy metal toxicity and detox related issues. The results could possibly affect our plans for treatment in January. Please pray that we will be able to go ahead with the Lyme treatment as planned, and that Carissa’s body will be fully prepared to handle the intense detox that follows.
  • Praise! The Lord has graciously provided for each school payment thus far, according to His perfect timing. Our remaining bill for this semester is $2,100.

Thank you so very much for your continued prayer and support. It is incredible to walk with God and watch Him provide, teach, mold and direct us, day after day. We are honored to be able to share this journey with you. May you have a blessed month – keep looking unto Jesus!

Love,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

*Featured Image: Visit to Filter Cafe for coffee, praying, dreaming & planning with Shmueli (right), of Chosen People Ministries, Vlad and Rachel (left), friends from Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue

CALLED TO BE WATCHMEN

 

     Last month, Moody Bible Institute had the great privilege of a visit from Joel C. Rosenberg, (www.joelrosenberg.com), New York Times best-selling author of novels and non-fiction books which address current events, Israel and the Middle East, and the threats that our world faces today.

     While I have yet to delve into any of his best-selling non-fiction books, I have read and thoroughly enjoyed a number of his fiction works. Rosenberg’s novels are not only a thrilling read; they are also incredibly informative and educational looks at real life current events. Sean Hannity said of Rosenberg’s novel The Last Jihad that it “Feels ripped from tomorrow’s headlines.” And I couldn’t agree more. But Rosenberg also offers something that you won’t find in the headlines: a solid biblical perspective on the very bleak picture of our world.

     So, it was with eager anticipation that BJ and I listened to Joel C. Rosenberg address our student body, and warn us of three threats to America, Israel & the Church in the Mideast. Citing Ezekiel 33, Joel pointed “some 1,600 future Christian leaders,” to the example of the prophet Ezekiel, whom God raised up to be a watchman over His people Israel, to warn them of impending threats and call them to repent of their sin. With this sobering text as his platform, Joel urged us to take seriously the responsibility we have been given by the privilege of our training here at Moody, and called us to action as watchmen for God’s people – Israel and the Church.

According to his assessment, there are three grave threats of which we, as watchmen, should be aware. They are as follows.

  1. “America is not simply in decline. We are heading for collapse, for implosion.”

     This is a bold statement, and it may startle you. But it is not the unfounded claim of a doomsday radical or crazed date-setting cult leader. It it is the well considered assessment of a Biblical scholar and well informed former aide to Israel’s current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky.

     I doubt, however, many would disagree that our nation is in trouble. As Joel pointed out, (and discusses in depth in his book Implosion: Can America Recover From Its Economic & Spiritual Challenges In Time? – purchase here) our nation has committed many grievous sins from which we may never recover. The gravity of the situation is clear, if we consider our ever growing national debt, brokenness of the American family, divorce rates, children born to single parents, increasing violent crime, drug and pornography use, etc. But according to Rosenberg, the greater tragedy is the death of more than 55 million children whom our nation has legally murdered since 1973. In his own words, Joel said, “America faces the implosion because we face divine judgment for murdering so many unborn children.”

     Perhaps it is not too late, but there is little time left. There must be national repentance – a third Great Awakening – Joel urged us. Perhaps God will have mercy on our nation, but we must turn back now.

  1. “What happens if — on top of all our nation’s challenges and sins — America abandons or turns against Israel?”

     Before Israel had even been birthed as a nation, God made a promise to Abraham to bless his descendants and those who bless them. Furthermore, He states clearly that those who curse Israel will be cursed, (Genesis 12:3). God’s blessing of Israel is affirmed in Psalm 122:6-9, in the psalmist’s entreaty,

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. May peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will now say, ‘May peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.”

     Our responsibility could not be more clear. We must pray for, love, serve, and advocate for the nation that God has chosen and treasured – His People, Israel. To do so will mean blessing. By failing to do so, we bring a curse upon our nation. Rosenberg laid it out simply,

“Clearly, people all over the world, including in America, need to:

  • pray for peace in Jerusalem, Israel and the broader Middle East

  • pray for Jews and Arabs in the epicenter

  • love Jews and Arabs in the epicenter

  • seek the good of Jews and Arabs in the epicenter”

On that persuasive note, I urge you to consider the following.

  1. “Followers of Jesus Christ who love Israel and understand God’s Biblical plan for Israel must not be blind to the suffering in the Arab, Iranian, and Muslim world, nor deaf to their cries for help, nor dull to the terror and tyranny they face.”

     We cannot pray for the peace of Israel without interceding on behalf of her neighbors. And we cannot pray for the Middle East – the Epicenter, as Rosenberg calls it – without being brokenhearted for the suffering our fellow Christians are facing there. The world may be slow to act, or even turn blind eyes to the suffering our Arab brothers and sisters face, but we, the Church, are called to actively love one another, so that all the world can see our love (John 13:35). We cannot stand by and watch as the Body of Christ suffers. Joel said it so well,

“We need to PRAY for peace and healing and stability and calm in the region, and for open doors for the Gospel.

We need to GIVE to ministries that are doing effective work in the region, ministries like The Joshua Fund.

We also need to be willing to GO to the region if God sends us there to serve Him and serve the people in the name of Jesus.

Is this hard? Yes.

Is this dangerous? Sometimes.

But Jesus laid down His life in love to save us. Will you and I lay down our lives in love to serve Him?

When people and nations are in danger, will you and I blow the trumpet and sound the warning?

May the Lord use you as a faithful watchmen on the wall.”

 

     How will you respond to Rosenberg’s challenges? As believers in Jesus, we have been given light – through God’s Word and through the Holy Spirit who illumines it to us. As light-bearers, all believers are called to be watchmen. And we will be held accountable for what we do with the Light we have been given.

 

Will you sound the alarm?

 

Let us be your representatives to the nation of Israel by partnering with us through prayer and financial donations to our training and ministry. Check out our website for more information. 

 

*Video of Joel C. Rosenberg’s message at Moody is available here and you can read his notes on his blog here.

 

**You can learn more about Joel C. Rosenberg and order his books here on his website.(His upcoming novel about ISIS, “The Third Target,” is now available for pre-order.)

 

Kerstetter Chronicles: September

     Crisp autumn air has come again to Chicago, and with it has come more change and opportunity for growth in our lives. Since our letter at the end of August,

  • We have begun weekly Jewish evangelism outreach at a Starbucks in Skokie (a suburb of Chicago with a large Jewish population). Please be praying for our new friends, Carol (Starbucks barista), Elon, Danny and Freddie, (Starbucks regulars), with whom we have been building friendships as we discuss Judaism, Israeli & American politics, and most excitingly – the identity of Yeshua and faith in Him as the Jewish Messiah.

  • We had the honor of meeting Joel C. Rosenberg and hearing him speak about three imminent threats to America, Israel and the Church in the Middle East, as well as address the Arab-Israeli conflict. You can read about his visit to Moody in an upcoming Coffee Talk blog post here.

  • We have been attending Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue. The family of believers at Devar Emet, and in the greater Messianic community of Chicago, have already been a wonderful blessing to us and we are thankful to have a “home away from home” among them.

  • L’shana tovah! We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah – the Feast of Trumpets. According to the Jewish calendar, this Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the year 5775. It also begins the Jewish High Holiday season, and we have been learning about each Jewish holiday in weekly studies at Devar Emet. What a blessing it is to look into God’s Word and read about the holidays that He ordained for Israel, to see what truths and blessings He has given in them. Our studies into these holidays have begun to open to us the rich depths of the history and culture that Jesus himself embraced and celebrated. Watch for new blog posts about the holidays at kerstetterconnection.com/category/coffee-talk, and take a look at our calendar to see what’s coming up next!

  • God has led us to decide that I (Carissa) will not be taking classes for credit at this time. This was a difficult decision in many ways, but we have peace that it is the right one. I am excited to continue learning alongside BJ in our class, History and Thought of Modern Israel, with Dr. Michael Rydelnik. We have already found this to be an incredibly valuable course!

  • We have received 80% of the funds necessary to pursue a new treatment for my (Carissa) Lyme’s Disease. At this time, we only lack the money to fly to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho for the treatments scheduled January 5 – 8, during our winter break from school.

  • Praise the Lord! We have received donations totaling 67% of the school payment due October 1. We still need $551 to make this month’s payment, and our total remaining school bill for this semester is $3,551.

We are so thankful for your continued prayers and encouragement for us. God is truly teaching and stretching us here in Chicago, and we are excited to see what this next month will bring. L’shana Tovah – to a good new year!

 

Kerstetter Chronicles: August

Shalom from Chicago!

family photo

Family photo in our new place!

Thanks to all of the friends and family who helped us, we have made the move, and we’re now settled in at Moody Bible Institute.

MK Orientation

MK and International Students gathered for Orientation (Picture taken by Pavel Adamek)

Things started out light and easy for us with a special MK (Missionary Kid) & International Student Orientation.

 In addition to completing some required Orientation sessions early, we got to meet other students from all over the world and enjoy some events hosted by the MuKappa group here at Moody. Now the rest of the student body has joined us and Monday was our first day of classes! We’re so excited as we get started learning more about the ministry and the People to whom God has called us.

Jewish Studies fellowship

A few Jewish Studies students gathered at our place for fellowship

Already in our first Jewish Studies class, History and Thought of Modern Israel, our passion has been rekindled for the great need of the Jewish people for the truth of Messiah. It is such a privilege to be here and our hearts are overwhelmed with excitement for all that God has for us here! It is our excitement that motivates us to come to you even more eagerly for your prayer and support. I must confess that we are just beginning to learn what it means to be transparent with you, our family in the Lord, and understand what things are important for you to know about our lives, needs and ministry. Recently, we have been convicted and challenged in this area. So it is out of our sincere desire to be open with you and to better allow you the opportunity to partner with us in ministry, that we are writing this letter.

As you know, BJ and I both come from missionary homes, and have been blessed by the testimony of our amazing parents who have made countless sacrifices through the years for the sake of the Gospel. As a result of their sacrifices, and the high financial costs of my (Carissa) healthcare over the past three years, we have very little savings set aside for school. While most students in such a position may consider student loans, such a choice would prohibit us from continuing into ministry after graduation. Instead, we would need to postpone missions work and work instead to pay off our school bills. For these reasons, Moody strongly discourages students from taking out student loans and only permits this option as a last resort in certain approved circumstances.

As of September 1, we will have already paid to Moody all of our savings for school. BJ will continue to work and be able to pay a portion of our school bills, but this will not be enough. If we have not paid our first semester bills in full before the Spring semester, we will not be able to return to classes, and will need to move off campus. I imagine, as you read this, you may begin to wonder what I have frequently wondered myself – what sort of crazy thinking made them decide it was a good idea to move to Chicago and start school with no money and no idea how they are going to pay for it? So, I will explain.

afghani lunch

Lunch with friends, Vlad and Rachel from Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue, and our new friend, Isabel, who runs a guest house ministry for the Israeli backpacking community

We firmly believe that God has called us into Jewish Ministry. We know of no better way to thoroughly equip ourselves for this work than the Jewish Studies program here at MBI. Furthermore, we have seen the Lord clearly direct our steps to bring us here. We are trusting that the Lord will provide all of the funds necessary for us to continue our studies here, and we ask that you would prayerfully consider whether God may have a plan for you to partner with us in His work. Please also consider bringing this opportunity before your friends, church, elders or pastor who may be burdened for the Jewish people. Above all, please pray for us as we seek to follow the Lord, wherever He leads us, and learn to trust Him more deeply in these uncharted waters.

Here is a summary of our financial needs, so that you can pray specifically for us, and consider how you may be a part of God’s plan of restoration for the Jewish people.

  • Our total remaining school bill for Fall 2014 is $6,000
  • This is broken down to a payment plan of $1,500/month
  • Our estimated budget for living expenses (excluding medical bills) is $1000/month
  • Total expenses for Carissa’s Lyme treatment $4300 – Praise the Lord, He has provided 80% already!

To make a contribution directly to our school bill, call Moody’s Student Accounts at (312) 329-4223. Donations can also be made online  at https://portal.moody.edu/prt_mainpage.aspx?id=134337. (For online payments you will need to enter BJ’s student ID # 4132121.)

To donate directly to us, mail checks to BJ and Carissa Kerstetter CPO 2163 820 N. LaSalle Blvd. Chicago, IL 60610. Donations may also be made through our website at kerstetterconnection.com/donate.

THANKS again for all of your prayers & support. We appreciate you so very much. If you’d like to receive more detailed updates about what we’re doing in Chicago and what we’re learning in Jewish Studies, please let us know and we’ll sign you up to get all of our blog posts sent to your inbox! To read Carissa’s latest blog post, “Strategic Relocation,” visit our website at kerstetterconnection.com.

In His Love & Peace,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter

Strategic Relocation

 

Big new city. Here we are at last. After a couple years of dreaming, months of planning and a few detours along the way, we’re here and we’re settling in to Chicago. Most of our boxes are unpacked, and order has begun to be restored after our go-with-the-flow nomadic summer. The last boxes left to unpack are the books. From where I sit, I can see my disorganized bookshelf and a couple still unopened boxes in front of it, next to more books scattered on the floor. But among the books already gracing our disheveled shelves, is a book whose title not only gave us a good chuckle recently, but also prompted a thought-provoking question, whose answer could change your life.

 

The title? “Strategic Relocation.”

 

This book, which we happened across a couple years ago, was written, by a Joel M. Skousen, with the purpose of providing the reader with a summary of all the primary factors which make a place strategic for safety and quality of life. He also provides a very informative “North American Guide to Safe Places.” In case you were wondering, Chicago – while it’s not the worst – is not very high on the list. And to be frank – it’s never been high on my list either. While the big city may have its charms, I’d take a cabin on a lake in the north woods over city bustle any day.

 

Besides personal preference, though, factors considered in determining Skousen’s overall rating of a place include – geography, climate, freedoms, politics, crime, standard of living, prospects of war, invasion and terrorism… you get the idea. While his analysis of the world at large leaves the United States at the top of the list of strategic countries, the state of Illinois rates only 1 ½ stars on Skousen’s five-star system. With Chicago – still ranked as one of the organized crime capitols of the nation and #9 of our nation’s worst traffic cities; a state-wide personal liberty rating of 1 out of 5; with corrupt politicians, judges and police, highly restrictive gun laws, several prime military targets and more than a couple nuclear power plants, Illinois is not exactly ideal for anyone seeking a strategic safe place. But I cannot think of a safer or more strategic place for us to be than right in the heart of Chicago… because God has moved us here. With such limited time here on earth, existing for the sole purpose of knowing God and making Him known to the world, what other factors matter?

 

Abraham. Moses. Jonah. Esther. Elijah. David. Daniel. Our Lord Yeshua. These are just a few examples from God’s Word of people who seemed to the world to be in terrible job positions, making utterly foolish life choices, or facing terrifying danger, but were actually strategically placed to be overwhelmingly blessed by God’s specific plan to use their lives for His purpose and glory.

 

So the question I have to ask is this – How will you determine your strategic location – for your home, your work, your direction as an individual or as a family? Maybe you haven’t really considered much of Joel Skousen’s lengthy criteria in your decision of where to make your home, but we all live by some kind of strategy – whether consciously or not. What is yours?

 

I believe that, while the world around us points to countless other factors to consider in the big and small decisions of our lives, the most strategic path is the one which God has clearly marked out just for us, even if that path is one of wandering through a dry Middle Eastern wilderness; leads us into the flames of an ancient Babylonian furnace, brings us face to face with the rage of a power-crazed, anti-Semitic world leader, or perhaps even takes us to the streets of downtown Chicago.

 

BJ has a t-shirt that reads: “Obey… or Get Swallowed.” I think the message of Jonah’s story is clear. God can accomplish His purpose with or without us, but He wants to give us the incredible opportunity to be a part of the process. And I don’t know about you, but I think in the end, whatever the “strategic” ratings say, Nineveh looks better than the belly of a fish.

 

Judaism Q & A

 

Shalom! I have a homework assignment for you. Yes, I know, I’m the one starting school in a few weeks. But we’re in this together, right? 😉 Actually, this is your chance to put me to work! I have put together a list of some of the words, questions and topics that I want to learn more about in school. Sort of like my “to-do” list of things to learn. If you’d like, you can send me your questions and I’ll add them to my list. As I study through the list, I’ll report back here with a post about my findings. Because it is part of my heritage, and central to God’s Word, Jewish culture has always fascinated and intrigued me. Sadly, I have spent very little time really studying or experiencing Judaism – until now! I’m so excited to get started! So, without further ado, here’s my list. Send me yours via email or leave them in the comments below!

 

 

  • What is the “Mishna?”
  • What is “Succot” all about? And how do you even pronounce that?
  • What is the “Tenach?”
  • Who is the “remnant” referred to in Romans 11?
  • Why do the rabbis say that Jewish lineage is passed down through the mother?
  • What does Scripture say about the Church’s responsibility concerning Israel?
  • Why do Jews & Messianic Jews write “G-d” without the ‘o?’
  • Who assigns the weekly Parsha? How did this tradition start?
  • How can I ask Jewish friends about their beliefs in a non-offensive way?
  • Is there still a Biblical basis for Christians or Messianic Jews to keep kosher?
  • What does God’s Word say about the Palestinians currently living in the land of Israel?
  • Why does the woman of the house pray and “welcome the light” each Shabbat (Sabbath)?
  • Is it traditional or Biblical to light the candles and share bread and share wine at the beginning of Shabbat (Sabbath)?

Check back here if you’d like answers to these questions or some of your own. I’m looking forward to learning together!

Love,

 

Carissa Kerstetter