Recently, one of our staff members had dinner with a younger Israeli couple who are Messianic believers in Jesus. The couple also brought two of their family members who were not believers. Orel* and Yoel* (not their real names) knew that our staff member was a Messianic believer who worked for Chosen People Ministries. In fact, they had heard and talked a lot about religion with the believing members of their family. So, the conversation with our staff was nothing very new for them.
They hit it off well, especially when Orel and Yoel found out that our staff member was Romanian because they love visiting Romania—they have been there three times. They could not stop talking about how wonderful the people, culture, and food of Romania are!
Moreover, our staff member told them about taking Hebrew lessons through an organization in Tel Aviv, which led to a conversation in Hebrew. All this instantly connected them, of course, and it brought to mind how critical cultivating authentic relationships is for Jewish missions. Sometimes, there is a feeling that Jewish evangelism means rushing into sharing the gospel when, in fact, there is a right time for it. The right time comes on the heels of right relationship.
In their case, what Orel and Yoel needed at that point was to interact and get to know other believers. Relationship opens doors to the gospel, allowing us to share our example with unbelievers—which is often harder than sharing the gospel message itself. Please pray for Orel and Yoel to meet their Messiah!
