Over 100 people participated in Muchan, and the major countries represented were the U.S., Germany, the U.K, Russia, Australia, and Israel. Although we came from many different places, we felt strongly bonded by our shared faith and Messianic culture. It was inspiring and encouraging to spend time with other young adults with a heart for the Lord and for reaching Jewish people with the Gospel. We rejoiced as we heard reports from what the Lord is doing in our communities across the globe. Here is a small sampling:
In Nuremburg, the place that Hitler called the "most German" city and the first one to be cleared of Jews during the Holocaust, a Messianic congregation called Beit Chesed Adonai (House of the Mercy of the Lord) was birthed in Passover 2008 with a small group of dedicated believers. It has grown exponentially and is now thriving - a strong witness for Yeshua in Hitler's beloved Nuremburg.
In the U.K., a recent outreach event called "Jesus and Jewishness" was attended by many more people than expected, including a number of Jewish seekers. For some, this was the first time they had heard the Gospel presented in a Jewish way. Several of them want to know more, and are meeting with Jewish believers to explore faith in Yeshua.
Across Germany, thirty-one churches who love the Jewish people and have a heart for reconciliation participated in a prayer walk across the country. Many of these German believers are the children and grandchildren of Nazis, and now they are worshiping the God of Israel and praying for the Jewish people to know Messiah. This prayer walk movement is spreading to Ukraine and the United States.
Jewish people are being reached with the message of Yeshua in the remotest parts of Russia, both by Australia-based Celebrate Messiah and by local Russian believers who are planting Messianic congregations. Representatives from Moscow, Novokuznetck, and Novosibirsk described how their congregations are ministering to young and old and preaching the Gospel through the Jewish holidays.
So many contacts and friendships were made at Muchan, and I hope that not only will we keep in touch and see each other at the next conference, but also that we will work together and help each other in advancing the Lord's Kingdom among our Jewish people!
Thoughts from Muchan participants:
"I've been to many conferences, but this is one in which I've felt enormous love and community. Thank you for the friendships and encouragement; it has been a very uplifting time."
"I sense so much of God's love here. On behalf of my German brothers and sisters, I can say that we really love you all and it is a blessing to have you here in our country."
"This conference was beyond amazing! The most meaningful thing to me was fellowship and WORSHIPING in a Jewish way with a young generation of believers that really have genuine hearts for the God of Israel."
"Muchan has been like a little microcosm of the world to me. I feel connected to my Messianic brothers and sisters throughout the world in a new and fresh way."
"All my expectations for Muchan were met, and on a deeper level than expected in the area of relationship building and community. The number one highlight was worshipping the Lord on New Year's Eve until 3:30 AM!"
"Thank you so much! Muchan has been so wonderful and has developed my love for Jewish people and Gentiles who are one in Messiah. Thank you for all your hard work in making this conference happen; we all benefited so much. God bless you!"
