Why Israel?

Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.
Isaiah 8:18

In 1995, the destiny of our ministry was defined when my wife and I felt compelled to transplant our family to Jerusalem.
 
After years of “successful” ministry at the local church level, many of our friends were concerned that our move was drastic and unwise, if not dangerous.
 
Still, we believed that the Lord had a special purpose for us in Israel; so we obeyed, and stepping through the doors of opportunity that were opened for us, found ourselves living and serving in the most exciting and challenging place in the world!

We remain faithful to this call because of the following convictions:

1. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Jewish People.

After all, they gave us the Bible, and our Messiah, the Lord Jesus! Having been grafted into the olive tree of Israel, our faith is Jewish in its roots.

For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Roman 9:3-5

 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
Romans 11:17-18

2. We have a responsibility to the Jewish People.

After centuries of religious persecution at the hands of “Christian” nations, and against the wave of anti-Semitism in our day, we join the ranks of other followers of Jesus who desire to demonstrate His love and compassion to the people He calls his own.

“In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

“Comfort, O comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem, call out to her that her warfare has ended, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins...”
Isaiah 40:1-2

3. We share in the covenants of Israel and the Jewish People.

The Bible promises that Israel will be fully restored, physically and spiritually, and will enjoy a glorious future. We have a part to play in that process, by praying for Israel, by standing with her in solidarity and unconditional love, and by providing practical support.
In return, God promises that those who bless His people will also enjoy blessing and security.

“ I will bless those who bless you, and shall curse those who curse you.”
Genesis 12:3

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those who love you will prosper.”
Psalm 122:6

Foreigners will rebuild your walls and their kings will serve you. For though I struck you in anger, I pitied you...For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you will perish…Instead of being forsaken and hated, avoided by everyone, I will make you an object of eternal pride, a source of joy from age to age.”
From Isaiah 60:10-15

...and for the strangers who dwell among you and who bear children among you; they shall be to you as native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
Ezekiel 47:22

4. We believe that Jerusalem holds a distinctive place in God’s design for worship.

Therefore, we count it an extreme privilege to be serving the Lord and His people through the ministry of praise and worship here in the Land of Israel.

With its foundations on the holy mountains, the Lord loves His city; He prefers the gates of Zion to any dwelling place of Jacob. He speaks of glory for you, city of God.
Psalm 87:1-2

For the Lord has chosen Zion, He has desired it as his home. “Here shall I rest for evermore, here shall I make my home as I have wished.”
Psalm 132:13

...give Him no rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. Isaiah 62:7