One of the greatest privileges of sharing the Gospel in Israel is witnessing the moment when the message moves from someone’s mind to their heart.
We recently experienced one of those moments during a special outreach trip organized by our Jerusalem evangelism team for a group of Jewish men and women who had only recently arrived in Israel.
Many of the participants were still navigating the challenges that come with starting over in a new country. They were learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, building new relationships, and establishing a new life in the Jewish homeland. Our goal was to welcome them, introduce them to resources available in Jerusalem, and give them an opportunity to experience some of the beauty, history, and spiritual significance of the Land of Israel.
As so often happens, however, God had plans far greater than our own.
Led by Sergey, Lena, Chaim and members of our outreach team, the day began with fellowship over tea at a monastery nestled among the hills outside Jerusalem. What started as casual conversation quickly became something deeper. As people shared their stories, spoke about their journeys, and reflected on the changes they were experiencing, meaningful relationships began to form.
From there, the group traveled to an ancient village in the Judean hills. Surrounded by archaeological remains, an ancient synagogue, and a monument dedicated to the prophet Joel, the setting provided a natural opportunity to open the Scriptures together.
Standing in the very land where the prophets once walked and proclaimed God’s Word, our team shared Joel’s powerful call to repentance:
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate.”
Joel 2:13
As the discussion unfolded, we spoke about God’s desire not merely for outward religion, but for transformed hearts. We talked about His mercy, His faithfulness to Israel, and His invitation for every person to return to Him.
From there, the conversation naturally turned to Yeshua.
We shared how the promises of the Hebrew Scriptures point to the Messiah, how God’s love was demonstrated through Yeshua’s life, death, and resurrection, and how forgiveness and reconciliation with God are available through Him.
The atmosphere changed as people listened.
Questions became more personal. Conversations became more sincere. You could sense that people were not merely hearing information—they were wrestling with truth.
Then came a moment none of us will soon forget.
Standing beside the monument of the prophet Joel, several members of the group chose to place their trust in Yeshua. Together they prayed, opening their hearts to the Messiah of Israel and asking Him to become Lord of their lives.
One man repeated the prayer through tears.
For our team, it was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. There is nothing more beautiful than watching someone encounter God’s love personally. In that moment, what had begun as a simple educational outing became a divine appointment. Jewish men and women who had come to explore the Land of Israel were discovering the Messiah of Israel.
The joy that followed was evident throughout the rest of the day.
Later, the group visited the Western Wall. For one family, the experience was especially emotional. Having only recently arrived in Israel, they stood quietly taking in the significance of the moment. Tears filled their eyes as they reflected on the journey that had brought them to Jerusalem and the new chapter of life that was unfolding before them.
The group also visited a Jerusalem-based ministry that serves newcomers to Israel, where they received practical encouragement, helpful resources, and genuine hospitality.
That evening, many of the participants joined our Jerusalem congregation gathering. There they experienced worship, biblical teaching, fellowship, and prayer alongside other believers. Several expressed a desire to continue learning more about Yeshua and to remain connected with our discipleship and follow-up efforts.
One family’s testimony particularly touched our hearts. Before coming to Israel, they had occasionally discussed the possibility of returning to their country of origin if life became too difficult. Yet after this experience, they told us that they now knew with certainty that their future was here in Israel.
Their words reminded us of something we witness again and again through this ministry. God is not only bringing Jewish people home to the Land. He is also drawing many of them to Himself.
The prophets spoke of a future restoration of Israel. Today, we have the privilege of witnessing part of that restoration unfold as Jewish men and women hear the Gospel, encounter Yeshua, and begin a new journey of faith.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue sharing the Good News throughout Israel. Your prayers and support make these outreach opportunities possible. Together, we are seeing Jewish hearts open to Yeshua, lives transformed by the Gospel, and the Messiah of Israel revealed to His own people.
