Testimonies

I began a new journey a few years ago when I decided to move and accept the challenges that would be ahead of me for my recovery. I live happily today in Flagstaff, Arizona, in the Coconino County Forest. I was homeless and in a shelter that existed for those that dealt with mental health issues and needed support. Someone there invited people to Celebrate Recovery Meetings, which was being held at Christ Lutheran Church with full dinner prior to worship and testimony service and small groups after. The Church would pick us all up. I found my faith and life all over again. The presence of Jesus Christ/Yeshua was all over the place and gave me hope and encouragement. I needed a place and people I could be real and open with about my faults and sins and need of forgiveness and healing. Grace was not easy getting and staying well would be the hardest work I would ever have to do in my life. The experience is overwhelmingly great and has always been that way since Celebrate Recovery and Adonai re-entered my life with acceptance and open arms. He provided the right peoples at the right time when I needed friends, people to be close to most and shared fellowship with me and faith. Trust was a blessing but a challenge for me to. But, I place all of my trust in our Creator and still do. 

I believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. The God and Father of Israel. Lord and God of King David and Solomon. Who provided his people Jew and Gentile a way out of their dilemna and sinful lifestyle. Way of life and restore us back to sanity and purpose of life. A influenced and driven life full of his Majesty’s purpose and promises through his Spirit not just might. Through his Spirit we can do and accomplish anything with time and faithful prayer. Even survive some of the hardships and events that are facts of life, like people passing away to heaven to be with God the Lord their creator and ours. Grief is never pleasant but something we all will have to experience it been apart of life since the beginning of time our Father Adam and Mother Eve passed away in time and will have to wait for resurrection as well. There are those who went directly to the Lord's presence. Others like David, have to wait till the first resurrection. There have been many dispensations through ancient and civilized times. Bible Prophecy’s and laws. New Covenants and promises. God Has been working really hard to change my life and make it true and truthful and righteous. Acceptable to a Holy God and author of our Salvation, and redeemer of our faith and spirit - soul - life. 

I have persevered a few years at something that has taken hard work - a lot of dedication and patience through difficult and uncomfortable days and moments. But it all worked itself out for my greater and better good and blessed my life and the lives of others. Just through experience and personal relationship have come through the storms and miles of new territory and faith. I live one day at a time like Jesus/Yeshua suggests and I have been doing fine. Thank you all for your prayers and support and interest in my life and the lives of my loved ones and friends. I really do not have enemies and if I do I give it to the Lord, like anything that does not seem natural such as sufferage and addiction, faithlessness, hopelessness, and lack of confidence and peace. Thank God for the one who has patience and faith invested in us. Amen.

Danny 

A few years back, I had gone through a really tough time. It was like the icing on the cake after a very long road; many years long. We all go through life though, right? Well, I got to the point where all I could do was fall on my face and tell the truth and empty my heart out. Then I truly started reading the Bible. I prayed for the truth. I have not put down the Bible since. It's been about 4 years now, and I haven't stopped reading and studying the Word. It means a lot to me that I stick to this, and I am so awestruck by our Abba and Messiah, and when I read how Shaul teaches about war in the flesh I can truly understand it. A change truly takes place. 

Learning Hebrew and being able to read and comprehend would be wonderful. I have been learning a little Greek too. I want to learn all I can. I wish that I could do this forever. The meaning and depth that I see in the Word is amazing; there is nothing like it. From B'resheet to Revelation I love every tittle and yud. I feel love in every letter. We all have that road we travel, and there are mountains and valleys that we must climb through; some are so tough! Studying and praying and circumcising the heart means so much to me. I don't know how to express it. And may Abba's will be done throughout the world. I'm looking forward to this time together: growing, loving, sharing, learning. I have some bumps to get over, and things have been so difficult. I have a son who's been through a lot too, and he wants to learn Hebrew. He is a believer. HalleluYah! I love him so. What a blessing he is! Thank you Abba! 

"Come out from amongst her and be ye separate and touch not the unclean thing and I will be a Father to you and you will be my children."  Amen! I have been doing quite a lot of praying and actually one of the first things after opening my heart was quitting smoking. I became so convicted one night while sitting and praying. I had the sense that Abba was telling me to put it away now, so I flushed my tobacco and cigarette tubes and supplies and have not smoked since. HalleluYah! I never thought I would do that. There is so much I want to learn. 

I'm going through the healing process and have not been able to communicate very well. I have trouble with trusting others due to some painful experiences. I think I have trouble sharing some things. I think that is why I'm here now. Prayers! My conviction to learn and do what's right is growing daily. When we open our hearts to our Abba, He touches ours, and of that I have no doubt, Amen. There is so much I need to learn. So, I'm praying for growth, humility, love, and gathering together which is something I really need; we all do. To be part of the "Bet knesset" and be one in Messiah Yeshua. It is hard being alone, but I believe these things happen for a reason...Worthy is the Lamb Amen. I couldn't help but think about these passages. Shalom. Genesis/B'resheet 22:7, 8  "And Isaac spoke unto Abraham his father, and said, 'My father': and he said, 'Here am I, my son.' And he said, 'Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?'  And Abraham said, 'My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:' so they went both of them together. Amen." 

I love Yeshua HaMashiach and our Amazing Abba in Heaven...HalleluYah! Thank you! Todah Rabah! 

Shalom everybody! My name is Victoria. I’m from Brazil and have been living in the United States for six years. I’m now in New Jersey and work in New York as a bartender at a sushi restaurant and lounge. For fun, I love hanging out with my friends and going out to dance!

I come from a Christian family, so I’ve always known a little about the Bible. But for a few years, I’ve been feeling empty, sad, and discouraged—unable to focus on things that used to be really important to me. Then one day, I found out about Holy Language Institute, just two months ago, and I’m so happy I did! I was welcomed warmly and kindly by Izzy and the whole tribe, which made me feel truly excited and loved.

I don’t want to hide anything though—I’m still struggling to focus on my studies and going through a difficult time in life. I’m looking for comfort and good friends who can guide me toward the light and lift me up when I can’t do that myself. And I think I’ve found that here, with the tribe of HLI.

Another thing I think is so cool is that we get to learn about Jesus and His love for us—and at the same time, we’re learning His language, Hebrew. How amazing is that?! I’m really excited to be getting closer to Him and becoming part of this beautiful tribe.

Hello. My name is Adiyah. I recently joined the Holy Language volunteers group, two days ago, actually. I am really excited to see what this has in store.

My story is pretty complex, so I will sum it up in a G-Rated fashion. I was saved at the age of 9, into a Full Gospel church. Old school pentecostal. I got saved in vacation Bible school through fear. It was a skit acted out by my pastors wife about hell, and the devil scared me. I knew then that hell was no place that I ever wanted to be. At the age of 9 was also when I was experiencing some unwelcome sexual advances by my mom's then husband. So a relationship with Yeshua just really fit for me. The advances didn't stop, even though I sought help, no one at that time believed me. 

I experienced many difficult trials in my childhood that would grow my relationship with Yeshua to a greater level. At the age of 17, I met my ex husband. Married 15 years. Divorced when he almost killed me. The blessings that came out of it is my wonderful son, Zachariah "Ephraim" (age 15) and my daughter Krystal "Zeraim" (age 14) which I would do it all again. 

I have a Cosmetology license, which I use fluently. I love making people see their beauty. I have a business degree. I am going back to school to get a psychology degree, which is what I have always wanted to do. I wish I wouldn't have waited so long, but I know that the things that I have learned through my life has lead me to this point where I would really benefit someone in this area. 

I found Holy Language Institute through Twitter actually. I don't know if I posted something that they liked but they started following me one day. So I checked out the page and saw HLI and read about it and it just spoke volumes to me instantly. I don't believe in coincidences and I truly believe that I was supposed to find this for such a time as this. 

For fun, I like to write poetry and music. I like to play my guitar. I love to sing. Joshua Aaron is my go to. I love to paint with my daughter, even though I am not even as close to as good as she is. She is amazing!! I love to read. At the moment, I am reading "This Present Darkness" by Frank Peretti. It's about spiritual warfare and it's pretty on point.

Also, if you have made it this far, kudos! I live in southwest Missouri. But Texas is my home. I will be going after my kids graduate high school. I am going to be 38 in about a week. 

I became Messianic back in 2011, and I have never looked back. I finally found where I belong. I finally feel the connection with Yeshua that I never had before. I can't exactly put it into words because there are no words to describe my gratefulness or humility. I wouldn't even know where to start or how to even try.  I started learning basic terms of Hebrew like "shalom" and the Shema back when I first started. I have learned a little, but nothing near fluent. I'm still reading flashcards. ^_^

I would like to find friends of my own age, or in that range to associate with of like minds. There isn't a lot to choose from where I am from. I would really like association. 

I am grateful for you listening to my story and I pray for your continued shalom.

Shalom! My name is Malorie. I am a single mother of two girls, ages four years old and eight months.  We currently live in snowy southwestern Wyoming. I was born and raised in southern California, quite a cultural difference between here and there. For whatever reason, I feel closer to Yeshua when I’m here in the mountains. It’s quiet, and beautiful wildlife and other forms of creation are all around me.  And I often think of the great stories from scripture that take place on a mountaintop in seclusion. 

I grew up in a non-religious household. My mother was a believer and my father an atheist. He did not allow her to teach my brother and I, and often belittled her for her faith. I remember that I always believed in God. My mother told me enough in private for me to know. I never opened a bible, never heard a single verse, but I knew there was a God who loved me. I also knew I believed in heaven but that was the extent of my knowledge. I first stepped foot into a church when I moved away from home and began college. I was curious, my heart was yearning. I cried during the entire sermon. From there, I acquired my first bible and then accepted Yeshua as my savior. I “dove in” but I did it very slowly. 

My twenties were plagued with unfortunate events and health battles. First, loss and mourning:  at 20 years old, I lost my boyfriend of four years suddenly following a minor surgery. I loved him and I just knew I’d marry him one day. He was my best friend and my first love. He passed when I was away at college and I immediately felt guilt. Following his death, I went to live his parents to try and ease their pain. Maybe mine too. That ended up being a toxic situation for all of us that eventually led me to even more guilt. I was young and this was incredibly heavy on my shoulders. 

Cut to two years later, I was engaged to be married. He was a godly man that was leading me closer to Yeshua. Because of my poor health and the dark cloud over my head since the death of my first love, I chose to part ways temporarily. This is when I ended up in Wyoming, to “find myself.” Just shy of one month after arriving in Wyoming, my fiancée was killed by a drunk driver. Again, so much sadness and guilt. I often wonder if the amount of heartache I suffered in my early adulthood is what made me ill. 

I first became sick in my late teens, but my declining health really affected my entire adult life thus far. I’ve seen countless doctors, specialists, holistic practitioners. I’ve tried every diet, supplement, and new age therapy you can think of. Because of my lack of wisdom, avoiding the Bible, and saving my prayers for when times were good, I suffered greatly during this period of my life. Now I look back and think how different it would have been if I was rooted in my faith and put my anchor down in the word. Even still, good came from it as He planned. 

I had been working in the culinary industry as a Chef since college but after so many health issues I became much more interested in the nutrition side of food and the link to health. I returned to school for nutrition and became a holistic nutrition counselor. Around the same time, I became pregnant with my first born. Her father and I had only been together four months and I was previously told by my Doctor that I wouldn’t be able to conceive. He was never unkind but told me he had no intention of being a father. Also, that he believed the child was meant for me alone. “She is your blessing, not mine.” 

I left Wyoming and raised her by myself near my family and childhood friends. With the exception of one phone call six weeks after she was born, I never heard from him again until four years later. I also never reached out to him, nor asked for financial support. I felt ashamed, and disappointed.  And in a state of postpartum fog due to lack of sleep, I rushed into a new relationship. We quickly married and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to tell you I wasn’t in the right place emotionally to make a promise at an altar like that. I divorced him quickly following a few months of toxic and wicked behavior. Again, shame. 

During the following years as a single mom, I was on a hamster wheel trying to provide but also growing closer to the Messiah, studying scripture, and crying out the Lord. I spent many more days in medical offices and hospital beds, this time with a young child in tow. I can’t count the number of times I had blood drawn with her on my lap, the number of exams that have been performed with her on my lap, or the days I woke up not knowing if I could physically take care of her. I was eventually diagnosed with Lupus, plus a few other byproducts. My hope was in the Lord who heals. My passion for helping others grew. 

Right around my daughter's third birthday, I was ready for love again. I prayed for the right one. Out of the blue, a good friend of mine who has been traveling the world for a few years showed up in California to visit me and meet my daughter for the first time. Because of the timing, I wholeheartedly believed God sent him to me as an answer to my prayers. He was kind, empathetic, and we had a nourished friendship already. He promised we’d marry and we were making plans. In the midst of the excitement, I conceived a child. My second beautiful girl. He immediately suggested abortion and informed me that he had also impregnated another woman just one month before me. He was led by wickedness when he spoke to me and refused to accept her as his. I was heartbroken. “Father, why have you forsaken me?”

Becoming a single mom and being absolutely scorned by both fathers made me feel ashamed but mostly sorry for my daughters. It is easy for people to judge me and assume it is me who glamorized single motherhood and pushed away two men. I had to make peace with enemies or lies told behind my back. I would not have been able to do so without the Holy Spirit, who guides me every day and is the reason I am able to persevere. Each trial has given me more wisdom. Interestingly enough, the darkness is what brought the light. Finally, I began to seek righteousness. 

Since I was a child, I had the desire to learn many languages. I have dabbled in French and Spanish and took American Sign Language in High School. In my new walk of faith, I began to dream about learning Hebrew. I knew it would nurture my relationship with Yeshua and bring wisdom in some way. For a few weeks, I prayed for a door to open that would lead me to learning Hebrew. One day a few months ago, I was on my knees praying this prayer and minutes later I was “followed” by HLI on Instagram because of software they use. I cried because the presence of the Holy Spirit was so strong in that moment. I am now a “steward” for HLI and have been so blessed by this Tribe and Izzy’s lessons. 

I have recently started a non-profit for single mothers and their children, Single Moms Circle. Being in a “worst case scenario” position and feeling called to serve in this way has allowed me the skills necessary to counsel and to found an initiative. I am in the crowdfunding stage now but I can already feel the Lord is for this project. I hope to provide many real resources for single mothers, to help them thrive. Also, to prevent the children that are affected by this dynamic from having to “recover” from it later in life. I pray that the “circle” will be a safe place for single moms to find encouragement and inspiration, a “tribe” of sorts. Another goal is to improve the statistics of the future by educating our youth. You can find my campaign link below. 

I love this tribe and I feel enlightened as I learn biblical Hebrew. I look forward to continuing this journey with you all! 

Shalom! I was raised by my stepmother who is from Israel. She’s Jewish but more of a “patriotic Jew” and less spiritual. My father is Methodist, from Louisiana so religion was something we never really talked about. There was really more of an agnostic vibe in our house.  A you’ll-figure-it-out-for-yourself-as-you-grow-up kind of thing. I was born in Louisiana but moved to Calgary with my family when I was about 10 years old. We moved back to Louisiana a few years later but spent almost a year in Israel before the move. It was amazing. That’s a whole other story! 

Moving back to Louisiana at 12 years old, with a Jewish mother, to say the least, kids were mean. I was told we were going to hell I don’t know how many times. I eventually went to boarding school in Vermont which was life changing. I was very open minded, creative and a self-proclaimed atheist.

Without making this story too long I’ll skip to 2005.  I’m 25 years old, have a 5 year old daughter, living in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I LOVE reggae by the way. I think that’s significant in my story. I meet a family of dreadlocked, bible studying reggae singers whom I began studying with. At this point in my life I saw the Bible as a tool of oppression used by the powers that be, and I avoided religious people. Many things happened that year that had me yearning to find some spirituality. Over the years I had studied Buddhism, Wicca, and Native American Spirituality.  But I didn’t believe any of it. I was a history major and love digging up roots of things.

The first time I went to my new reggae singing friends’ house, they had the scriptures open to Daniel.. I remember reading about the vision he had of horns rising and the hierarchy of powers, from Babylon to Media Persia and then one would rise from Grecia who would seek to conquer the whole world. Goosebumps. That’s talking about Alexander the Great. How could Daniel have known that?! He really was a prophet. That is the point when I really believed. I was changed.

I began studying with this family several days a week. We homeschooled our kids together, became best friends. We followed Torah and celebrated biblical holy days together.  We all ended up moving to different places but remained connected.

The Abba in this sweet family is my dear brother Joseph Israel. Although young, healthy and full of energy, he passed away just last month. He was my teacher, my rabbi. I suppose that’s part of what brought me to you. He held studies every Shabbat, so now I need a little help to stay on course. I do have a lot of knowledge but there is so much to learn! And I have not gotten deep into studying the Hebrew language which I believe is crucial. This work is crucial and I’m so glad to be studying with you!

Thanks for reading my story, Jill.

My name is Warren. I came to know you guys through the Holy Language Institute as I was watching Izzy for a few months. I love how Izzy teach things as it’s easier to absorb things from him as he teaches very clearly, May the Lord continue to bless him and his ministry, amen. Well, I was asked by Izzy to write my testimonies and how I came to know Yeshua,  So it is my honor to present to you my testimonies and background for the Glory of God; from where I was and how He took me, what He has rooted in my heart, my experiences, goals, dreams, visions & desires He has planted in me. 

And I wish to humble myself before the Father that I am just a student and a son. There is still too much to learn and it’s indeed a lifetime commitment. I believe after we receive our glorified bodies we will be forever learning things from the Lord, amen. So please do forgive me if I write in such fashion that may not fit into certain concepts or theologies, And the way I use the wordings or the way I interpret myself also may or may not be too Jewish nor too churchy. Again please do forgive me. I am only going to write exactly what had happened to me as a testimony to glorify Him as they happened. 

My Natural Background

I was born in Hong Kong to a mixed-race family. My mother is Cantonese Chinese and from my father side, his grandmother is a Latina from Chile (Latin America, …….which I suspect may have Jewish roots). My mother side is secular-Buddhism with the usual Chinese superstitions. My father's side is Catholic. My mother converted to Catholicism after marrying my dad. We grew up speaking Cantonese Chinese and English and I left Hong Kong when I was 17 to UK to do my high school, college and university. I graduated in Industrial Design Engineering and worked few years in UK in engineering design consultancy as product design engineer and project manager and some other odd jobs here and there.        

My Spiritual Background

Since growing up in Hong Kong and in a culture with a lot of Chinese gods mythology and superstitions, I was already accustomed to the supernatural since I was a child. Having grown up from mixture of Catholicism and Buddhism, though attending Catholic schools in Hong Kong, I never put much thought in the bible and Jesus (Yeshua). In fact, the multiple Buddhism gods and goddess are more appealing to me as they have their different powers and stories and I used to love those Chinese mythologies, movies and literature. We used to live near a cemetery, and I used to have nightmares often. Some are very weird, some are scary, one dream I was even in a Chinese wedding ceremony with Satan. I literally saw myself as a bride to him as a child in some scary dreams. I grew up very lonely, my parents worked all day long and I missed them. I have no one to talk to and I remember I used to draw on the wall and used to talk to myself and talk to an imaginary invisible friend and I used to tell “him” all my pains and hurts and goals and dreams and tried to comfort myself. And I would cry by myself because of deep loneliness. Even at school, I was abused and bullied, then I start to learn martial arts to protect myself. Thinking back, perhaps those loneliness moments were actually the starting point as perhaps God was listening to me since then and HE was that invisible friend I was talking to at those time when I pour myself out and open my heart, as God is everywhere and HE does cares…….

My Early Life in UK 

I went to UK to study when I was 17 years old after failing almost every single subject in my high school in Hong Kong. I begged my parents to let me go to UK to study as our family is British afterall, so I could leave everything behind to have a fresh start because I couldn’t stand the humiliation of being a failure in Hong Kong during my teens. My parents also used to give me lots of pressure in Hong Kong and said I was useless and always compared me with my cousins how good they are in school. When I arrived UK, because I have to repeat certain high schools subjects to the British syllabus & because our standard in Hong Kong is little higher, so from a failure in Hong Kong, I was the best student in UK for a change. It was amazing. My confidence grew dramatically. I was in an international school and I met lots of international friends. Then after high school in the South of UK, I went to another city near Whales in UK to do my college and then another city in Midlands UK to do my university. It was not easy, because it seems like every time I made good friends and settled in one city, I would then be forced to move to another city to continue my study.

My First Encounter of Jesus Christ (Yeshua HaMashiach) & the Father

I went to a place in Midlands area in UK to do my engineering degree. It was a 4 years course and my lifestyle at that time was school days in the weekdays and then weekend nightclubs, smoking, drinking, partying and chasing girls. Sometimes I would smoke marijuana with friends as I had mingled with the wrong crowd. On weekdays too, sometimes we would go to nightclubs to drink and smoke and be happy. During my last year of my university, I had an English girlfriend and I was sharing a house with few housemates friends. I used to have few encounter with demons attacks. One time I was in Spain with a classmate for holiday and at night I saw two male spirits flying towards me and they were holding me down and at that moment of tremendous fear and desperation, I remember all I knew was the Lord’s prayer from Catholic school I learned. I have one or two experiences where demons will lift up my body and I would float in mid-air during sleep. One night I realize I was floating (being lifted up), the demons would slam me back down to the bed and I had my back smash to the hard bed so I knew demons were real. My Indian university friends in UK used to share with me their Hinduism and try to help me to be protected by their gods by giving me certain Hindi symbol of amulet to protect against evil spirits. I was also at the time into spiritualism, I visited medium & spiritualist occultic congregations, trying to learn magic and communicate with dark spirits and the dead. I remember feeling so empty at that time, and that I always want to be spiritual person, I was trying everything those years. When I had my British girlfriend at that time, we were sleeping together. One fine day one of my housemate Justin received Jesus (Yeshua) as his Lord and Savior and he used to come knock on my door and say “Are you saved?” At that time I didn’t take him seriously and I even thought he was a weirdo. But Justin kept asking me everyday by coming to my room to ask me if I am saved and he would invite me to church (Pentecostal), I ignored him a few times till a point I said yes to check out his church as I was bothered a little of why he keep asking me if I am saved and what that means. At that time I thought maybe there are some pretty girls there in those so-called churches, so I thought I would go along and check it out with Justin. And I went to his church and I was sitting at the back, then the more I listen the sermons weekly, the more I was attracted to what the pastors was preaching, things start sinking to my spirit as I go there every Sunday.  But I would leave the church quickly as I didn’t want people to ask me questions. But the more I went to that church, the more towards to the front I found myself sitting closer week by week. I was so super thirsty and hungry to know the Word. I remember after church, I used to go back to my girlfriend and would preach back to her what I learned because I was just so excited and couldn’t control myself how excited I was. But she hated it actually of me preaching to her. To cut long, long story short, me and her broke up, she broke off the relationship and I was so devastated as we had been together for a while. And I remember I went around the city to seek counseling as I was so sad of the breakup, I went to the Anglican church, I went to the Catholic church and I seek answers. I was like a spiritual and emotional breakdown for me at that time. When I knocked on the door of the Anglican church and Catholic church to speak to the ministers there and ask for counsel and comfort, sadly, they were not even able to comfort me and found me very strange to ask for advice and counsel. And the way they use different method of theology trying to “study and figuring” me out, I felt very helpless in their midst. Finally I told my friend Justin about my breakup, he comforted me the best he knows how. I then dated other girls and thought with other girls, I could quickly feel better. I thought I could use sex and new relationships to numb the pain and could move on quickly. But there were more breakups and I got even more pains and hurts. I remember the sin and shame and feeling so dirty, I remember I used to take showers and would try to use soap and rub hard against my skin to try to wash off those dirty feelings I felt, that were so tangible that I could feel those dirty sins were on my skin. All these time moving from one relationship to another, I was actually so desperate for love, I was seeking love from the wrong place and I couldn’t find any love nor anyone really would love me and would never leave me.

Then, I had one close to death experience. At this time, I decided to take heavy drinking and heavy marijuana to numb the pain (in fact it was a mixture of different things and much stronger than marijuana). I remember that night, I overdose on the strong drinks and the drugs and I was in a nightclub in London dancing myself away next to this huge speaker, the vibration sound coming out from that speaker next to my ear drums penetrated to my heart and my heart beat so super fast as I had the alcohol and drugs all mixed together already. I went inside the Nightclub Men’s Toilet cubicle to get a break, my heart pumped so super fast and I could hardly breathe. I felt hot and cold at the same time and I felt my heart was going to explode and stop there. I was crying out inside the toilet cubicle and said if there is a God, please I don’t want to die there in a toilet. I couldn’t really remember what happened next, I found myself on my bed the next day and you can guess how I felt.

After that close to death experience, I remember not long after that, I asked my housemate by myself this time, I asked him, “Justin, how do I get saved?”. Remember he used to keep knocking on my door every morning and asked me how do I get saved? Well this time it was me asking him, “Justin, how do I get saved?” Justin was a newborn believer himself at that time and he never led anyone to Jesus Yeshua yet. But what he did was he wrote on the back of an envelope some sort of sinners’ prayer & asked me to try it by inviting the Lord to my heart. And to cut long story short, I did pray that prayer on my knees one night in my own room. The moment I pray that prayer, tears dropped all over my face and in the same night, I felt a pair of physical hands hugging me and I heard an audible voice, the voice spoke from the inside me and said like this “Baby, I have been waiting for this moment so long, even if the whole world no one loves you, I will always love you”. I was crying and crying and crying on my bed & I felt such a tangible love I never experienced before. I was a new born believer and there I heard the Father’s voice, He didn’t called me Warren my name, nor called me slave, nor called me servant, He said “baby…….” All these time and years from child to grown up, all these years I was looking and seeking for love and it was that moment, LOVE came to me personally.  

My Spiritual Development

After I received Yeshua and encountered the Father's love, overnight, I felt like a brand new person.  Suddenly I have this joy and love for everyone. I couldn’t explain it, the beginning so overwhelming, I remembered just the Word “Jesus”, I didn't needed to hear a worship music or a long preaching, as soon as I heard the word “Jesus” I would cry and cry because of such awesome name and presence would Father's me.  Just that name would trigger my thankfulness and my response of love back to him and that was reason I couldn’t control myself when I heard that word “Jesus” I would cry and praise Him. 

I remember one Sunday during service, I remember I was seated at the second or third row from the front, and during worship, it was so overwhelming and that I just wanted to get close to Him, when I opened my eyes after the worship songs, I found myself in the first row. I only then, at that point. found out I had pushed out all the chairs in front of me because I just wanted to be close to Him. 

Though I was in my final year of university, I felt I almost lost the interest to complete the university degree because I was reading the bible day in day out like someone who has not eaten for weeks. I was so hungry for God. And the Holy Spirit at those times would whisper behind my ears and said to me, “Warren, check out the Hebrew and Greek what that words mean”. And I remember I received a lot of revelations just by digging deep into the original language. I was so super excited of those fresh revelations as I was not seeking just knowledge, the study of the original language of the biblical keywords enable me to expand the dynamics, dimensions and magnitudes of how much I could praise and worship him. 

My Encounter of Israel

And during the first year I received Yeshua, many nights, it was like God took my spirit out because many nights, I was being translocated or being teleported because I found myself in different countries and I was preaching the word and ministering to different people in different countries. Some night, I would be casting out demons, some nights, I would be preaching on cruise ships in dangerous countries. These are sure prophetic dreams, because remember I was a new born believer, I couldn’t manufacture those dreams as I still don’t know much about what it means of preaching and ministries and in those dreams I clearly felt the presence of God and with a purpose. So for sure these dreams were from the Lord showing me my future callings perhaps. One special night, I remember very clearly, I had a prophetic dream where I really saw the end time, the last days of the last days.  In that dream I was in Jerusalem (I never know what Israel and Jerusalem was like at that time, because the church I went and all my Catholic background, they never talked much about Israel, I have no idea what it looks like and I never visited Israel. But inside the dream, my spirit knows the exact location where I was at) and in that dream, I was seeing the earth were shaking, mountains were trembling. I felt the dread of the Lord and I saw people in the Jerusalem city where I was. They were running for their lives because of the earth shaking much violence. And in that dream some people in that city came to me and in that dream I was speaking something to them in a language but I was not speaking in English. And the moment I said something to them, they understood me. And when they heard what I said, they got on their knees immediately and began repenting for their sin. It was so real and so clear to me and for goodness sake as I mentioned, at that time I don't even know anything about Israel nor how the city looks but when you are in the spirit, you know the place, the earth shaking in that dream was so real, because how I was woke up was by the shaking. I remember I was sleeping on a four wheels bed and I was actually awakened by the shaking sound of wheels smashing against the floor, when I wake up with my eyes opened, the bed I was in was still shaking for few more seconds till it stopped. So you can see how real it was. 

Then I described the landscape to Justin and he confirmed it was Jerusalem what I saw in the prophetic dream as he has some knowledge of Israel already. And from that prophetic dream, since then, I had a love for Jews and Israel and Jerusalem that I can’t explain. And from that point, I started my journey to really dig deep into the Hebrew and would preach or teach with revelations, all Glory to Him alone. I have heard about someone mentioned the Messianic Judaism movement, Hebraic Root movement, but to be honest with you, I don’t know what they are and don’t intend to study them. All I know is God is showing me something great personally to me prophetically and my job as a son to Him is to learn and grow and be even closer to Him, not just academically but spiritually and my whole being I want to be close to Him. Amen.  

My Encounter of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh)

Regarding baptism of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh); again there are Messianic Judaism and Pentecostal theory about speaking in tongues, but I am not writing by leaning towards any concept nor theology. I am just going to write what exactly happened to me as I wish to glorify Him (The Spirit of God) how I first encountered Him.

Prior to the event of encountering the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh), I didn’t know much about what is speaking in tongues nor baptism of the spirit actually. Because as a Catholic, how I was brought up, I never even heard of speaking in tongues nor gift of the spirit, none of that basically. And in same church I was attending, one fine Sunday worship session, I heard people start to sing in some strange but yet beautiful language I never heard of. At first I thought they were singing in Hebrew because they did sound like Hebrew and out of my innocence, I thought to myself, wow this English church, members are so educated that could sing in Hebrew. Anyway, whatever language it was, it was so powerful and intimate moment for me and I was just standing there enjoying listening of it. After that experience, I asked Justin (who lead me to Jesus Yeshua), I asked him what is this that they are singing? How come they know how to sing in Hebrew? He explained a little to me about tongues and gifts of the spirit and baptism of the Spirit the best he knew how. He said they are not singing in Hebrew, they were singing and worshipping in tongues. Then the next time, the congregation did again and moved by the Spirit and they started to worship in tongues. And I told the Lord in desperation, “Lord I want this. Give me now please, I want too to worship you in tongues to glorify You.” After a few Sundays of the same incident happening, the congregation will worship in tongues and I could sense such strong presence. The presence of the Lord was so tangible and thick I would cry my heart out and would tell God how much I want it to worship Him in a spiritual language. Honestly, it was pure desperation, thirst, desire and hunger of me that wanted the more of HIM when I look back. Then one fine Sunday, again with my deep desperation after many Sundays, I cried out to the Lord with boldness and firmness and said “Give me this infilling of the Spirit and new tongues NOW”……. I lifted up my hands and there was a sudden physical wind blew into my throat and then it passed to my lungs. I do mean I felt it physically and then my tongues was then moving and rolling and then bang!!! It happened!!! I began to speak and praise and worship Him in tongues, by myself and no one laid hands on me. I was weeping with such joy and excitement. I couldn’t stop and didn’t want this to stop and I went on so long worshiping in tongues till my jaws collapsed, tears and joy overwhelmed me. I felt exhausted and ever since then I would pray in tongues and worship Him in tongues. The Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) is so real.

My Early Ministry Journey & Calamity 

I told my pastor of those prophetic dreams I received of preaching in different nations and he saw the gifting in me grow. And he started training me to preach and evangelize. We used to make hot coffee and hotdogs on the street in UK and would evangelize to people and tell them about Jesus (Yeshua). Long story short, I then got married with a Christian lady.  We met from a Christian website and we gave birth to our daughter in the UK. Then three of us moved to another church were we did small scale of apostolic work by means of building a new home church from ground zero in the Indian community living in the UK. Then after that we moved to Singapore and worked as full time missionaries and shared the word to the youngsters. And after that we went to Brazil and we were working as youth leaders and had an English speaking youth group. We have served in Brazil for few years. At that time we were self support. But because Brazil speaks only Portuguese it was not easy for me to find work and money. Until a point I have used up all my savings. I told my wife that we would go back to Hong Kong where my parents are, to find a job so we have some finance and we will serve the Lord in Asia. At that moment, my wife asked me to go to Hong Kong first and she and our daughter will join later. But when I arrived Hong Kong, the distance, the pressure and the enemy attacks were strong. To cut long story short, my wife and I drifted apart. Especially my wife’s family background was very complicated. My wife’s father is a powerful witch in a satanic religion and my wife’s parents also had a very bad marriage. There were cheating and separation she has witnessed and encountered since she was a child, which affected her perspective about marriage. Of which I didn’t know till after we got married. Then one night the Lord gave me a dream, He showed me two things. One is my wife was cheating on me and seeing another guy. And second is that my baby daughter will need to wear glasses. And she was only two years old at that time or so. When I woke up from the dream, I confronted my wife and she confessed she was indeed seeing another guy. She didn’t want ministry no more and she said I was incapable to bring the finance to the family and she proposed a divorce. As you can imagine this was very shocking to me. I would never imagine this would happen. I told my wife I would NOT sign any divorce paper as that is nonsense and unrighteous. We should go for counseling at least. Her pastor at that time was not helping us. Plus the fact how she grew up from such family herself for sure has given her a distorted Christian marriage concept. Not long after that, she decided to divorce by herself and her lawyer. She married that guy she was dating (and sadly to say), this guy whom she married is also a priest in a satanic church. Her father’s satanic involvement has opened a door for her to make another wrong choice. Fast forward sharing with you readers that my wife divorced me and married to that witch, they had 2 more children. She left church for few years and was also involved in witchcraft.  In those years I learned about forgiveness and I was praying for her to come back to Jesus Yeshua.  Long story short, after 6-8 years of prayers, she came back to God.  She then divorced that guy but the damage was done.  Now my ex-wife is with 3 children living in Brazil.  The children went through very difficult moments of pain and separation and so did she and myself.  Please kindly pray for the Lord to restore the children emotionally and for protection.  And that what happened to us will never happen to them as Yeshua has indeed broke the curse for all of us, amen. 

My Encounter with Jesus (Yeshua) during the Divorce 

My two years old daughter at that time has to go through this messed up marriage. She was confused if she has two fathers. She and I used to talk only on skype as I was in Hong Kong and they were in Brazil. She used to say things like I want you dad, I don’t want gifts. It broke my heart. And at that time I was thinking to commit suicide just to end this pain as it was very, very painful period. Imagine, struggle for money, a wife you married that you thought would serve the ministry together with you ran away with another man and have kids with him.  And that she ran away from God. And my own daughter got confused if she has two dads and had not enough even money to buy ticket to see her. It was beyond anyone can bear to be honest. The pain was overwhelming and all came at the same time. 

At that time my skin started to develop skin diseases because of severe anxiety. I gained weight a lot. And my whole body and being simply had no life whatsoever and no strength to survive. I asked the Lord many time to rescue my marriage. I even slept in the church and begged God to change the situation. I even try to use women and parties again to numb my pain. But none of those work. But till the date that I come to know my ex-wife married that guy and had their wedding (in fact they slept with each other even before they got married), for sure at that time she has completely left the church and left the Lord. She even visited the satanic church and doing certain rituals as well which was shocking. I had no choice but to take off my wedding ring. I remember what I did was I took off my ring and I went to a pawn shop to sell it. I took all the money and gave to the church as an offering as in my heart I said, “Lord, it was you who gave me this marriage, I surrender my love life and my heart to You” it was a gesture of me surrendering my love life to God instead of blaming Him. On the way when I was selling the ring, all the memories of how I used to date my wife, how we court, our wedding ceremonies, our vow, our ministries flashing back and forth over my mind. And I was crying on the street, but I knew I had to give the Glory back to God whether I have a wife or not. In the midst of this pain, as I wanted to end my life, one night, my spirit left my body, because I saw the ceiling getting closer and I know I was floating in the air. Then as my spirit turned, I saw my physical body lying on the bed, and to my astonishment, I saw the Lord Jesus Christ (Yeshua) who was hugging my body on the bed like how a mother would hug her baby close to herself. I saw it in my spirit by my own spiritual eyes all this. When my spirit re-enter my body and when I woke up, I had first hand revelation how much Jesus loves me. It was total fact. I have first hand experience because I saw it myself. And not long after that my skin was supernaturally healed and my heart was healed supernaturally. I managed to release forgiveness and blessing to my ex-wife and his new husband. And after 6-8 years of prayers I was praying for them, she came back to God.  She then divorced that guy. Now she is teaching the children the ways of the Lord at least, which I have much thanks to God for.

My Middle East Journey 

After few years spent in Hong Kong, I went through divorce but had met Jesus (Yeshua) and was restored. I then regain my spiritual walk with the Lord, I attend church regularly and I was learning about deliverance ministry at that time as well. Then I was headhunted to work in the Middle East for a Military Supply Chain company. In the Middle East, I have joined a prophetic and apostolic congregation, this church is pro-Israel and praying for Israel and the Muslims all the time. It is in the Middle East I come to know more about Islam. The Lord also showed me in visions about the principalities’ appearance that are behind Islam and I had grown a love for winning the Muslim to Yeshua. In the Middle East, I would receive invitations to preach in Brazil and when I do, I would visit my beloved daughter. In the Middle East, we had a prophetic intercession team that we were praying for the Muslim countries in the Middle East and Israel according to how the Spirit of the Lord guide us.  Also I have spent a lot of time in learning and studying the end time prophecies and I preach them as well. I study the Hebraic root of the bible as per the Lord asked me to. And I am able to glorify Him as I am getting more revelations out of the studies. Sometimes the Lord will give me word of knowledge and visions and I would prophesy in the congregations and in the bible studies group. Also the One New Man prophecy as per Ephesians 2 and Roman 11 where Jews and Gentile Believers will come as one because we are grafted into the Olives Tree (Israel of God). And it’s from the Middle East because that congregation they are very pro-Israel. I was then lead to learn from various Messianic Rabbis online of the teachings, one of them expressed that "The fullness of the Church releases the salvation of Israel; & the fullness of Israel releases the destiny of the Church". I found this sentence very interesting. I don’t know if I am right or wrong, but after learning few years of Messianic teaching and mix with how I manage to understand and how I see is: there is a straight line, and it has different spectrum, one end I see the name “Israel”, the other end I see the name “Christianity”, and the center I see the name “Yeshua”, if I go either side to the extreme, is no good for me, because if I go to the extreme point I am getting myself far from Yeshua who is in the center. In extreme Judaism, there are a lot of sects and you can read hundreds and thousands of Rabbinic literatures. And you can easily get lose in the midst and the opposite side is also true, there are also lots of different sect in Christianity and you can get lost too or misinterpret the bible or get into those cults. We have to be very careful, especially in the last days where we are now, where the bible said in the last days, there would be a lot of deceptions. 

My Experiences, Passion & Visions

In terms of career, I have engineering degree and have experiences as a design engineer and project manager. I have many years of import and export experience in general trading, commodities, petroleum and Food & Beverage trading. I have access to a lot of contacts globally. Recently I come across gold, diamond and precious stone traders where I have Jewish friends who are in this field and two of them I am sharing Yeshua to them. 

I also have background in Supply Chain, Procurement, business development & banking side. I am quite good in graphic design as well because I used to design brochures, T-shirts, book covers, promotion materials as well as some interior and product designing etc.

My passion of course is preaching and teaching the word of God. My visions in a bigger scale are to make use of technology and broadcasting and online discipleship to reach out to especially dangerous countries where the gospel is not allowed. My heart is that I am able to help and give love to the orphans especially and secondly to those who can’t help themselves. My greatest passion is that I would love to see the business world of men and women anointed by God in the areas of finance and business to be used by God to take up their Kingdom-focus mantle. So a generation of End Time Joseph and Cyrus will arise for the sake of Jacob and Israel (Christians included). Many churches I am seeing a great move of the Lord, with great signs and wonders and manifestation of the Kingdom, blind eyes being opened, wheelchairs people walking, cancer delivered and even underground churches in China are raising the dead as common occurrence. But just imagine if they would embrace Israel as well both to pray for Israel and have a heart for our Jewish brothers and sisters and also to learn the Hebrew / Aramaic language in order to get deeper level of mysteries and power unveiled. Likewise I can’t wait to see the Books of Acts happen in Israel soon, where our Jewish brothers and sisters will teach us the bible as it is. But yet not just academically but that they will be filled with God’s awesome power of the spirit, where it says even the Shadow of the Jewish Apostle Peter, would carry such tangible healing power. The bible described those Jewish Apostles like Peter, Paul, John very clearly. Not only they preach the Word according to the TANAKH but also they are demonstrating all kind of powers with great authority as the Kingdom of God is not just intellectual but with physical manifestation, amen, all glory to HIM alone. There are lots yet to be done for the Lord, so my brothers and sisters, it is pleasure to know you in this community. Let us learn and grow in the Word but don’t forget we need to go out and share with others and pray for others and tell the lost of the Lord Jesus.   Yeshua is coming back very soon with great love and compassion for them, impart hope, faith and healing to them. Lets walk in holiness and joy and power, lets never get ourselves lost in any religion because the end goal is not just knowledge but is to know Him and be with Him, amen.  

My name is Stephen. I am 28 years old. My wife and I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I was lead to knowledge of ישוע by my girlfriend in 2008. Needless to say, we have been happily married since. I grew up in a non-devoted Catholic family. I am of Colombian descent. I always believed there was a supernatural realm and that there were things at play in the earth that were above most peoples’ understanding. I would sometimes try and brush through the Bible to see if there was anything interesting in there. I never could get into it. 

Things really began to change in December of 2008 when my wife (girlfriend at the time) began to casually tell me that her father was a deliverance minister in the Dominican Republic. “You know that movie the exorcist? My dad does that.” She proceeded to tell me that she had seen with her own eyes people walking on walls, speaking in 10 different voices that were not theirs and their tongues stretched out to their stomachs. I had never known anyone who had seen anything like that with their own eyes. A thought came into my mind after that conversation late one night, “I am on the wrong side of this war and I am going to get caught in the crossfire. I need this Jesus guy.” It was the purity and honesty of my wife that lead me to ישוע. 

I shipped off to boot camp a month later to begin a four-year stint in the United States Navy. It was a very difficult time in my life. I would try and find comfort in the Psalms and Proverbs of Solomon but found very little. I proceeded to walk in my own ways for 2 years after having received Jesus. It wasn’t until my first deployment in 2011 as my marriage was falling apart and deep depression and anxiety consumed me as I shipped off to the coast of Somalia. It was then that I continued to reach out for comfort and peace in the scriptures. 

I finally began to read the book of Matthew. For the first time I began to read about the God of Israel. I saw His love, His compassion, His suffering and sacrifice. “Why did no one tell me any of this?” was one of the first thoughts that came to my mind as I wept bitterly and sweetly in Main Engine Room #1 on the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, USS Roosevelt DDG-80. On the first half of deployment I was one man, the second half I was suddenly a new creation in ישוע המשיח. Yeshua’s love changed me in an instant. He so penetrated my soul, my heart and all my being. I would never be the same again.

That is where I met my best big brother in the Lord, Stanley Albuquerque, who was a Messianic Jew. He taught me and gave me lots and lots of material and guidance and love in the first days of my Christian infancy. Alby would always tell us “The church needs to get back to its Hebraic roots.” That is a firm rock of truth that I have anchored my entire perspective on for my entire walk. ישוע was in fact a Jew and a Hebrew and He did not come to destroy the תורה and the prophets, but to fulfill them. 

I have since never wavered from the true revelation of the Jewish Messiah, ישוע, and am truly passionate about the people of Israel and the Hebraic roots of Christianity.

My Experience with Hebrew Music and Its Ability to Heal and Relieve Pain.

I spent most of the week in the hospital waiting for a slot to open for surgery.  It’s finally done and I was sent home on the condition my wife would look after me well -  twenty-our-hours-a-day, for a couple of days. I convinced the surgeon I had the best woman in the world. I told him that she had trained up real well and we had a super relationship.  And she would be a good nurse.   I said, “Doctor she is such a wonderful woman I would love to find another one just like her, so I could double productivity with half the effort.”  He had a good laugh and said, “If she is that good, we have no choice but to send you home with her.”  LOL

Here is where it is interesting.  I have been very sick for 6 months.  One scare and many tests, one after another. My esophagus is well on the mend thanks to a highly respected surgeon in these parts. And his partner finally did surgery on my gall bladder after a very involved history of problems.  I have a picture that shows how swollen it was; coming well into the center of my stomach and all around my back almost to the spine. All the doctors involved said they had never seen one like this before. When the ER doctor saw, he said, “This has to come out now and not later” It was very unusual because of where the pains and infection were headed and the large protruding swelling thought to be caused by the infection of the gall bladder. But there were also swollen lymph nodes in the region as well so they were hoping that it was not lymphoma.

While waiting in the hospital I was in terrible pain.  But I refused to take the opioids all the nurses and doctors kept trying to ram down my throat. I know they serve a purpose.  But, because I have always been in pain over my botched knee surgery, opioids would be a temptation.  I feared starting and ending up hooked on them.  So, I don't start. I told them I would probably want just Tylenol 3 after the operation to deal with the pain and the obvious discomfort of the infection.

As Paul Harvey would say, “…and here is the rest of the story.”  I was lying around the hospital reviewing my old Hebrew course and trying my best to work on the new course of Biblical Hebrew that I am half way through.  And I remembered sometime back reading some info from a Rabbi on dealing with pain.  

Now I have studied enough Hebrew and the writings of many, many Rabbis to know that there are some wing-nut Rabbis out there on some trip or another, so I will scrutinize them all. This was one of those I put in that class, until I was in so much pain and thinking about it.   I thought, “Why not try this Rabbi’s advice?”  He claimed that Hebrew is the original language and that it was the language of God.  Which is hard to dispute.  I have learned this point as well, studying my course in Biblical Hebrew with The Holy Language Institute. 

Two points this Rabbi had made:  First, he claimed God understands all languages.  But he said if you want a special connection to God and His blessings, learn to pray in Hebrew.  He believes you will see and experience the difference quickly. The second thing he said really gave me cause to question which planet this Rabbi may have fallen off.  He went on to say that the Hebrew language was God’s inspired language and had incorporated in it codes and many things peculiar to only Hebrew.  He said that in the Hebrew worship songs of old, Shabbat worship songs, you will find a special healing and pain relief presence. His explanation for this is God has placed in these words and musical notes a healing agent that ministers right into the very cells of our bodies, offering a pain relief that cannot be explained. He said you do not even have to understand the words or songs.  The cells of your body will understand. 

Well, like you, I knew this guy was totally off his rocker!  But here I was, laying around in the hospital trying to fight pain and not join the opioid craze for obvious reasons.  And I wanted to save the full wham-bam of Tylenol 3 for after the surgery. I thought, why not give this Rabbi a try?  After all, there is a lot of Hebrew music I do have a hankering for.

I searched the web and tried some Messianic Hebrew music.  Unfortunately, any I found was pandering to the young crowd and as most churches are doing, playing contemporary music. I quickly realized that this was changing the very meaning and administration of the words and songs. I did find lots of old real Hebrew music, such as Hebrew worship music, music for Shabbat, the Psalms sung in Hebrew, and so on. Yes, this must be what the Rabbi was talking about.  (I hope this can turn out to be a lesson for those in Messianic congregations to not jump too fast to appease the party crowd.)  Especially if what this Rabbi is saying carries any weight.

After about four hours of playing Hebrew music in the background with ear phones, I needed to answer “nature’s call”.   That is when I noticed I no longer was in pain because of my gall bladder mess, and the twenty-four-hours-a-day pain in my knee.  COULD this be working?  I played a few more hours in the background while studying.  Still no pain came back. I could not help but share this with some of the wonderful nurses that were telling me not to be a tough guy because the gall bladder and infection need pain relief too.  But I didn't have any pain.  They poked and prodded me to the point that some of my nurses eventually took this on to try and learn if there really might be something to this.  Unfortunately, I had one Jewish nurse, a liberal of course, who told me this Rabbi and I were both crazy. I will tell you she has a new interest now. No answers yet, but I am sure she still thinks I am crazy.   LOL

The next day, still no pain.  I was rushed off to the OR for surgery. The first thing the surgeon said to me was, “How's the pain?”  I politely said I did not have any. He looked at me funny and started poking around on me, still amazed at the big bulge out the side of my stomach.  He said, “You really have no pain with that?”  “No sir”, I said “no pain.”  When I woke up they were already offering me pain killers for a pain I still did not have.  I assured them if I did get some pain I would let them know. 

That was last night and the next day in the afternoon I am home as I write this.  Sorry to let you down but no pain. However, I do have six holes in my gut (The surgeon added two more holes than normal to check out the enlargement beneath the gall bladder; which should have added more pain) and still quite the inflamed condition on my side under where the gall bladder used to be.  But no pain.  Not even an itch.

I may be at an advantage to many people as I have been studying Hebrew with a passion.  My Biblical Hebrew classes have given me the reason.  There are lots of secrets stored in the Torah and this may be one of them. I am not suggesting everyone should jump ship and Study Hebrew, Messianic Hebrew and Hebrew Eschatology as I have, but pain is with all of us.  Is it worth a try? Remember the secret is supposed to be in the old Hebrew worship songs using old Hebrew language.  Contemporary music may have a quick jingle to it but has totally lost any relevance to the God given healing in the original language he gave to us, in my opinion.

Now one week later and no pain.  For those that thought I was crazy for listening to the advice of a Rabbi in Israel that claimed Hebrew is the language of God and can help with pain and healing, please continue reading. The following studies show us that the Hebrew Language was the original language from the beginning of time. This is also the teaching of the course I am taking on Biblical Hebrew from the Holy Language Institute.  There are times during the day I get weak and failing, a little Hebrew worship music puts me back in the swing of things.

In the following website information, you can follow the scientific studies that verify just how powerful the language of God really is and how healing the Hebrew words and music actually are. The teaching here is that you do not need to speak or understand the Hebrew language or the worship song and music.  The teaching is that the cells of your body will react to the music on their own, given enough word and music is applied. The more you listen, the more the body will become accustomed to its benefits, and the less is needed to minister to the body; something like medicine. Through my own experience I have tried earphones and sitting close to the speakers and find excellent relief. I do not know why, but so far, I do not get any benefit from the music just playing in the background, other than enjoying it. I find I need to be close to the source of the music; no reason discovered. My choice is earphones, so I have just purchased some wireless earphones to see if that can solve the problem of wires while working. I find great success playing the Hebrew on earphones while studying Hebrew or working on the computer. And laying down with the earphones plugged in, I am realizing the feeling and high I get is a far better trade off than the possible opioid addiction. Point here is the head phones do help. I wonder if the original Hebrews used a set of sea shells on a string tied to their harps to get the intended benefit?

Please enjoy the following scientific research on the power of the Language and song of God: http://theartsexpressed.com/?p=2224

Here are some suggested Hebrew healing music sites below.  There are lots of other sites as well.  Most of the Psalms are put to Hebrew music and also spoken in original Hebrew. It is my opinion that the contemporary music and bands although using Hebrew words may not be as beneficial as the original Hebrew words and song. Experimenting is free. Initially you may want to try four hours or so.  After initial good results, it may become a part of your daily diet for an hour or so a day, Unfortunately, like opioids, it will become very addictive, but without the opioids disastrous effects.

Chuck Jean

Kelowna B.C. Canada

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1duuaZSQGGc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H47C5w67sLU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5dO1m4HMCU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YzAUHDZg6k&list=RD4YzAUHDZg6k&t=1

Hi! My name is Craig.  I currently live in the Charlotte, NC area.  I am 51 years old. I work as a software engineer specializing in medical devices.  My company is currently working on a new heart-lung machine used for heart bypass surgery.  I am so blessed that the LORD led me to this company where I can work on a product that is used to save lives.

My spiritual journey began at age 5.  At that time, the minister of a small Independent Methodist church in my town would go door-to-door to share the gospel message.  One day he came by our house and spoke with my Mom and Dad. My Mom was a Christian, but a backslidden one, and my Dad was not saved.  On a 2nd visit about a week later, my Mom and Dad both accepted Jesus as their savior and called me and my 2 older sisters in to hear the gospel message.  We all accepted salvation that day!  My youngest sister, only 3, ended up accepting Jesus about 3 years later.  So my whole family, as of about 40 years ago, were born-again.

I had a great life growing up in the Birmingham, Alabama area.  I attended Methodist, Baptist, and Charismatic churches.  Like many teens, I drifted from the LORD when I was 16.  But the LORD quickly got my attention when I received a season-ending injury in the first soccer game of my junior year.  Soccer was my life at the time.  I realized I had been moving quickly away from the LORD and saw the injury as a wake-up call.  I rededicated myself to the LORD as a result.  At that time, I was listening to a lot of cassette tapes of sermons from Word of Faith ministers, like Kenneth Copeland and Charles Capps, who I now believe are seriously mislead.  I did learn some things however as there is always some truth mixed in with the lies.  I was dedicated to my relationship with the LORD and, thank God, He opened my eyes years later to many of those false doctrines.

During college, I didn’t attend church much, but I did attend student Bible studies and studied on my own.  I prayed before every exam.  I felt the LORD there with me as I went through 5 years of college.  He blessed me with a good education and good grades.  I graduated with a BS degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 1990 and went on to pursue a career as a Software Engineer.

In 1995, I married my wife Debbie and we lived in Florida for 10 years.  During that time, we raised my step-daughter and had two more daughters.  I made many friends there, in the Tampa Bay area.  When my step-daughter graduated from high school in 2005, we moved to a rural town in North Alabama to be closer to my family (Mom, Dad, and sisters, and their families).  We started attending a Church of God (Charismatic church) while there.

In 2006, at a Wed night meeting at the church, a lady spoke about the “Jewish” Fall Feasts.  She was using a book from Perry Stone as a reference.  She said as Christians we don’t celebrate the Feasts, but that when the Jews prepare for the Fall Feasts, they use that time to get their hearts right with God and their fellow man.  She said that was a good concept that we should adopt as well.  During the service, a question arose in my mind, “Why don’t we (Christians) keep the Feasts?  After all, they are in the Bible and were given by God himself.”  I determined in my mind that I would get an answer to that, so I started researching it the next day.  The LORD spoke to me in a powerful way to show me that the Feasts are not simply “Jewish” but “His” Feasts.  As a 2nd witness, the LORD moved an old friend of mine from Florida to call me the next week.  We had not spoken in over a year.  He asked me what I thought about the Feasts of the LORD and said a friend has just convinced him with Scripture that we Christians should be celebrating them.  It was so amazing to hear him say this!  I told him what had happened the previous week in church to me.  So, we were a 2nd witness to each other.  Over 10 years have gone by now, and we still keep in touch, keeping each other sharpened in the Word of God.

Over the last 10 years, I discovered that God’s Law, the Law of Moses, has not be “done away with”, that the Sabbath is a delight, that the Feasts are prophetic and all about Yeshua, and many other things.  I even hosted a blog for a few years (still up, but I haven’t posted to it in a while) and taught some Hebrew Roots lessons in a small church in North Alabama back in 2014 and 2015.  Some of those were posted on YouTube.  I’ll give some links to these things at the end of this story.

I also attended beginner Hebrew language lessons at a Reformed Jewish synagogue in North Alabama back in 2009.  I’ve since then forgotten a lot that I learned.  I was very glad to have discovered Holy Language Institute!  My original goal in 2009 was to read the Scriptures in Hebrew.  Now I will work again towards that goal with Holy Language Institute.

These days, I’m not only interested in learning Biblical Hebrew, but also have a passion for helping the Jewish people.  I’ve done a lot of studies on the Holocaust and the overall history of the Jewish people since 70 AD.  I just want in some small way to make up for how the “Church” treated God’s chosen people all those years.  I give to many Messianic ministries in Israel to help the poor and to spread the good news of Yeshua.  I don’t know exactly the role YHVH has chosen for me in this area, so I continue to ask Him to show me.

I’m excited to be a part of the Holy Language Institute tribe!  I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know the staff and tribe members.

Shalom Aleichem,

Craig

PS: I now live in the Charlotte, NC area.  I lost my job in 2015 and had to move.  It was hard on my family, but YHVH blessed us by bringing us to this area.  In North Alabama the closest Hebrew Roots/Messianic congregation was an hour away.  There are 3 or so Messianic ministries within 30 minutes of my home now!  So I have more opportunities to meet like-minded believers here. 

Shalom chaverim in Yeshua, my name is Janet. I am from Singapore, but ethnically Chinese. I’m not very fluent in English, so I hope you will understand me. I’m a double orphan—I lost both my biological and adopted parents. I am happily married and have three sons.

I was raised in a Christian home and personally received Yeshua as my Savior, though at that time I only knew Him as Jesus. In my young adult years, my church used to teach a lot about Israel and its development, which stirred my interest. One day in church, I sensed something Hebrew in the atmosphere. As I looked around, I discovered someone reading a Jewish Bible in Hebrew. From that day, my curiosity grew even stronger.

When our country first gained access to the internet, I began an all-out search to learn more. I discovered that the name of Jesus is Yeshua, and I loved hearing that name. But later, I came across several “sacred name” and “Lunar Sabbath” groups, which brought a lot of confusion and even upset our small Shabbat group.

In Singapore, there are only a handful of people—fewer than ten—who observe the feasts and Shabbat. Our group was drawn into the sacred name movement for a time, and I felt like giving up on Hebraic studies altogether. For about a year, things grew quiet, and I returned to my normal daily life.

Then in 2015, our Shabbat group realized we weren’t progressing, so we decided to seek proper Jewish traditional rabbinical studies. They connected with Rabbi Shapira and Yeshiva Shuvu for guidance. However, I found it difficult to keep up with their pace. I’ve always struggled with exams and pressure.

I began exploring other sources like Holy Language Institute, FFOZ, and Hebrew Christian teachers who follow traditional Jewish sages. I wanted to sign up for HLI years ago, but I had trouble with PayPal and couldn’t log in until February 2018. Finally, I reached out to Holy Language Institute for help and was able to join. I’m very excited to be part of HLI and to learn with everyone.

About myself: I’m a mother of three sons. I might be considered retired, but I still work as a school custodian. My eldest son has graduated and is working, while my twins are still studying. I love beautiful scenery, diverse cultures, music, songs, folk dances, colorful things, and food! I’m slow at learning Hebrew and have to read many times to understand, but I’m eager to keep growing and to fellowship with others in the Tribe.

Hi, I’m DeAnna! I'm the wife of a wonderful man, and the mother of two (both grown men—one married, the other is engaged).

I got “saved” when I was 7 (almost 40 years ago!). I learned about “Jesus” in VBS (vacation Bible school) and was so very excited. My best friend (she was 5) and I used to play in the center of a huge lilac bush in my front yard. That particular day, we had “church” —and I shared with her about Jesus. I couldn’t contain how excited I was!

We were so young. I was so young.

From there, moving forward, I was a “Jesus” fan. I knew a lot about Him from the NT/Apostolic Scriptures…but I knew next to nothing about the pages in the Word that led up to His appearance a little over 2000 years ago. I learned doctrine and theologies, but I didn’t really know Messiah. 

I’d ask questions—why don’t we keep a 7th day Sabbath?  How did the Jewish people know when to keep the Feasts and why don’t we? But, being young and trusting my teachers, I accepted the answers given me based on our church doctrine/theology. But I always had questions, and for many years, I church-hopped, trying to find truth…trying to find my place in the body of Messiah. Nothing felt “right”—and I got bored with the same sermons/Sunday school lessons, week after week. I thought it was just me. 

My adult life was a mess. When you have no real definition of sin, it becomes somewhat of a grey area. I knew I’d missed the mark, but had no idea what hitting the mark was. In fact, it never even occurred to me to ask! Right and wrong became a personal opinion…and just like it says in Jeremiah 17:9, my heart deceived me often…

Around 2010, I was deeply discouraged by how my life was going. I kinda gave up… I’d been hospitalized more than a few times for depression in the 5 preceding years. I was rebellious and questioning my faith, and who the G-d that I thought I knew was. I’d determined that medication (for me) was not the answer. It was a Band-Aid on a much bigger problem—me and my bad decisions. I was angry, mostly at myself. I was involved with people who were not believers. I was doing things I never thought I’d do. But, The Almighty was constantly putting someone in my path who needed advice, and I’d find myself quoting Scripture to them—encouraging them with the Word. I’d also have friends send me emails with Scripture taken out of context, and I was strongly led to share with them. I didn’t know why Ha Shem would put me in these positions when I was so lost…what seemed like hopelessly lost.

December of 2011, I walked into a co-worker’s office (he’s much older/fatherly, and like a deacon), and asked him to pray for me. The response was not what I was expecting. He told me, “NO! Until you decide you want to change, prayer cannot help you!” Whether that was right, wrong, or indifferent made no difference—the message was received, “Repent!”

I had no idea what that really was. Being sorry? So, I prayed…and I began really seeking G-d. 

In early 2012, my husband and I began dating. I’d been married before, and I was not sure I would ever go down the marriage path again. I obviously did not get the “love” thing…I’d never really received unconditional love (aside from family). I was ready to just have a good friend—I had no expectations. I was truly surprised at how deeply in love with my husband (and in turn, my Creator), I had become! For the first time, I had someone who looked past the things I’d done wrong and saw me in a way no one ever has. It hit me one day that I truly felt “loved, as Messiah loves His church.” And I adore this man…It’s so easy to love him, and to want to please him. And in this, Ha Shem showed me that HIS love is real for me—that if this mortal man can love me in such an amazing way, how much more so does The Almighty?!

In the summertime of 2013, I started seeing memes from friends in India. They were opposed to Xmas! I was shocked! But, I kept seeing these memes, and I could not shake the message that was being sent. I also had met a couple of ladies in a group (can’t remember which one) who kept Torah. I had questions, and they lovingly shared with me. They didn’t push. They didn’t mock or attack, they just shared. They’d give me space to ponder things, and check in with me from time to time.

Meanwhile, I read everything I could on the holidays and watched every teaching I could on their origins. I was appalled that I had been completely ignorant of these things! Once I came to accept that the Feasts were from Ha Shem—they are HIS Feasts—I really began to wonder what else I’d missed. I finally came to repentance (from lawlessness to doing my best to be law abiding). I met “Jesus” in 1978 and was a big fan. But Yeshua FOUND me when I was lost…and now I strive to follow Him and be on the same path. He called to me through so many people. He began to open my eyes to the beauty in Torah, the Word that became flesh. The Messiah is a Jew, and I want His ways to be my ways—His people to be my people. 

A short time after I realized that I should keep Shabbat, I was contacted by a sister who lived near me, wanting to know if I’d like to attend a fellowship she’d found near us. It was there that I was introduced to the Hebrew language, and I fell in LOVE with it!! Each letter has so much meaning!! I was in awe of how beautiful this language is! 

A dear friend introduced me to HLI earlier this year. I’ve watched many videos and really enjoy the way in which Izzy presents things. I am grateful!! I’d been curious about all things that I’d considered “Jewish,” like the commentaries/Mishna/Talmud. I didn’t —and still don’t—understand why some have had such an aversion to it, especially when rabbis would share from one of these texts and I would see Yeshua. To say I was “wow”ed and in awe is an understatement!

What do I like to do?? 

I love to read, specifically Torah and the Apostolic Scriptures, but all things related to the Word. I love documentaries in which folks are digging up stuff. The older I get, the more I appreciate history. I don't like anything (movies, tv) that have a lot of drama/suspense or those that make me cry—life has enough of that. I do love things that make me laugh, which could be why I'm so drawn to HLI... I like that Izzy uses his sense of humor in his teachings. I like to sing and would love suggestions for more music/groups. I like to cook, especially planning a big family meal with extended family/friends. I like to shop, probably a little too much... It doesn't matter if I buy anything or not—I just really like being out and interacting. I love fellowshipping with other believers. 

I also love my job (receptionist for a manufacturing facility), as it causes me to get to interact with people from all over the world. When people ask what I do for a living, I tell them that I get paid to dress nice and talk to people. 

My grandparents never met a stranger. Grampa would take Gramma shopping and head to the coffee shop. By the time she finished shopping, Gramma knew all the sales ladies by name and a little about them, and Grampa had made friends with everyone in the coffee shop. Mom and Dad are much the same way. I think I came by it naturally (although my personality test said I was an introvert). Perhaps my boys came by it naturally, as well? One is a psychotherapist, and the other is in retail management.

And oddly, I like to iron. There is something about seeing a shirt or pants that were all wrinkled being made "fresh" and crisp...like new. Maybe it's hope, or maybe it's just that I can see progress being made? I know at one point I was as wrinkled (by sin) as a person could be...and each day, I feel like I'm being made fresh/new. And the wrinkles on my face? Well, they serve as reminders of the grace I've been granted, and the wisdom, discernment, and insight I've gained. On the inside I was so very wrinkled, and I've been and am being "pressed" internally. 

So here I am. Ready to learn and to serve if called upon to do so. 

Shalom, my name is Julie.  I live in Priest River, North Idaho.  As with anyone, my testimony is a lifelong story of how much Adonai loves me and how He has faithfully drawn me to His Son Yeshua so that I might have relationship with my ABBA in heaven.  And the journey I have been on since accepting Yeshua as Mashiach.  It is a longer story that I can’t possibly tell here so I will share what is on my heart at this time. 

I came to the faith in 2003.  I left the "church" in dissatisfaction by 2009.  What was preached was only partly lining up with what I was learning from Scripture.  I knew there was more to what I was being taught and reading.  I felt barriers because of lack of Hebrew language and cultural understanding.  I started my journey of learning the Jewish roots of my faith and ended up in the Hebrew Roots movement.  I discovered so much that was not truth about pagan holidays, the wrong day for worship (Sunday) and so much more.  I was angry, and I took it out on those who were not where I was in my learning.  I got the sacred name thing and bashed a lot of people over it.  All this is a fact I am not proud of.  The other topic in Hebrew Roots movement that is divisive and destructive is the calendar.  Of those around me, who understand we are to keep Shabbat and the Moedim, there are 5 different calendars.  I'm the only one I know of that keeps the Hillel II calendar.  But that is only recent in the last 8 months.  ABBA has been showing me many things I learned in error from the Hebrew Roots movement.

As I began to see the evil fruit of the Hebrew roots movement, especially within myself, I was horrified and sought to find the truth.  The place He has been bringing me to is respecting my brothers and sisters Yehudah and the fact that they have been entrusted with Adonai's Torah and have kept it when all the other tribes rejected it.

Also, honestly, until recently I had tons of antisemitism which is pretty funny since I have come to find out I'm Jewish from my father’s side (I realize it's not recognized by Jewish authorities, and I'm okay with that because according to Yeshua, His blood is the only blood that matters.  In Him we are all Israel, His beloved people.)

I have been longing for something all my life.  I tried to find all kinds of things to fill that longing till I found that the only thing that fills it is through my relationship with ABBA, made possible only by the blood of Yeshua HaMashiach.  Yet, even so, I still feel like a square peg in a round hole, especially among other believers around me.  They think I've gone off the deep end by realizing that Judaism is not evil, and they do not understand my desire to learn Judaism and walk in it.  It’s that, “You’re going under the law?!” thing. Or “That was done away with, what are you thinking?”  Even among the Hebrew Roots people, who know we are to keep Torah to the best of our ability, to them I’m making a mistake.  I do not believe so.

I have a new-found love and joy in the heart realization that I truly am part of Israel, the Jewish people.  And not because of the blood of my father, but by the blood of Yeshua.  I don’t just know it in my head anymore.  I really understand the Scripture verse of being grafted into the olive tree.  We don’t become a part of Israel to change Israel into something else.  We become part of Israel to become what already is, Adonai’s chosen people.  A light unto the nations.  We learn to walk His way, not try to make Jews walk away from Adonai’s way.  Or walk our own way as we see it.  It is arrogance on our part to think that somehow, we are smarter than our Jewish brothers and sisters.  They have learned and walked in the way of Adonai for thousands of years.  They know the Hebrew language better than we do.  How is it we think we know better, how Yeshua’s or ABBA name is spoken?  How is it we think we know better how to keep Torah and the Moedim?  How is it that we think we know how Adonai’s calendar is calculated better than our Jewish brethren? Or that any way but Judaism is the right way?  I’m learning the true way is Judaism. Judaism as Yeshua lived and taught.  I pray more have ears to hear and eyes to see what I have heard and seen by the Ruach of Adonai.  

The words that come to my mind and heart lately are Ruth 1:16: Ruth answered, "Stop urging me to abandon you and to turn back from following you. Because wherever you go, I'll go. Wherever you live, I'll live. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I'll die and be buried. May the LORD do this to me—and more—if anything except death comes between you and me."

Ruth was an ancestor of Yeshua.  She saw the truth and beauty of Judaism and chose to leave her home and people to become one with Jews who practiced Judaism.

And Zechariah 8:23: Thus saith the LORD of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that 10 men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, shall even take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying:  'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'

Before I came to Holy Language Institute, I began to see this truth.  That truth is being confirmed by what I am learning through HLI and Izzy.  I pray ABBA blesses him and his family and all who support HLI.

Toda ABBA for Your faithfulness to show me Your truth as I diligently seek for You.  May You be glorified.

In Yeshua HaMashiach, may you be blessed.   

Julie

My name is Racquel Jones and I live in Kingston Jamaica. I am the Founder of Greater Works Apostolic Center, a ministry that teaches the Bible from a Jewish perspective. In addition to being involved in ministry, I am a television news anchor and host of a radio programme called Beautiful Day. Below is an excerpt from my book of my encounter with the Jewish Messiah and my journey to Torah observance. May it be a blessing to you.

I came to faith in Yeshua through what I like to refer to as a Damascus Road experience. After that everything happened so quickly, it was almost as if I were caught in a whirlwind. To make a long story short, after a year of coming to faith, I was enrolled in seminary, pursuing studies in Theology. Admittedly,at the time I had no idea what Adonai was doing in my life. I didn’t have the whole picture, but I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that there was a call on my life and I knew that seminary was Adonai’s will for me.

I started seminary with mixed emotions. While I was very excited about being formally trained for ministry, I was greatly challenged by the varying doctrinal positions that bombarded me. I knew that Adonai had called me to ministry but there were times when I was told that a woman being involved in ministry was part of “the spirit of the age” and that “women must be silent in the church.” I remember one day at school being taken to task by a young pastor on the issue. Needless to say, as a young Christian, this threw me into a type of inner turmoil. I knew Adonai had a work for me to do and it required me to speak!I needed answers and so I began earnestly seeking Adonai. 

By 2011, I became actively involved in ministry preaching in various churches, ministering in schools, hospitals and corporate companies. One night I had a vision that, in hindsight, was where my journey to the roots of my Christian faith began. In this vision, I was standing on a platform preaching to a large group of people and I was covered in a beautiful blue and white tallit. Knowing what I was being instructed to do, the very next day, I went in search of one. I would later learn the significance of it and why Adonai had given me such an instruction. 

Although I was actively involved in ministry, my heart was weighed down with many questions. Every time someone challenged me about being a woman in ministry; it crushed my spirit into a thousand pieces. I remember one day I cried out to Abba saying “I don’t want doctrine! I want truth!” This simple prayer became my cry over what seemed like years; then one night the answer that I sought came to me in a dream.

In this dream, it appeared as if I was given a major assignment to do by this huge organization. However, there was a problem. I could not find anyone who was willing to assist me in completing the assignment. In my mind, I felt as if I could not accomplish the task on my own. So in my frustration, I decided to return to the organization to inform my boss that I would not be able to complete the assignment. 

When I arrived at this company, I was awestruck. The building was not only incredibly tall, it was pristine; everything was in order. I found myself on an elevator that felt as if it were taking me to the very top of the building. When the elevator finally opened I stepped into what appeared to be a massive lobby area. There was a young lady sitting behind a huge semi-circular desk with a wall behind her which seemed to be made out of some sort of glass.

She glanced up at me and smiled “May I help you?” she asked. I, on the other hand, was less than courteous. “I am here to see my boss” I muttered as I stormed by her, clutching a bunch of file folders. I headed in the direction of a large boardroom. In an attempt to stop me from entering the room, she arose hurriedly from her desk and ran behind me down the hallway. In one desperate final attempt to stop me she yelled “You can’t go in there!”But it was too late…I pushed open the huge double door and there I was standing in the middle of the room!  There was a meeting in progress.

This meeting room was like the rest of the building; it was huge and tastefully furnished with a beautiful wooden table that had the most gorgeous finish; I would say it could probably seat about twenty people.  However, only three persons were in this meeting. There were two men sitting next to each other on one side and at the head of the table sat a very distinguished looking Gentleman. In an effort to try and explain my barging in, the lady told him that she tried to stop me. He smiled and in the kindest, most assuring tone said “it is okay.” With that, she left the room, closing the huge wooden doors behind her.

He then turned his attention to me. I was a bit timid as I was certain that he would be furious that I had so rudely interrupted His meeting. Surprisingly, instead of anger, I heard his kind tone again. “How can I help you?” He asked.I placed my file folders on the table. “I came here because I was given a job to do by this company and I am unable to find anyone who is willing to help!”A sea of emotions flooded me as I spoke; I was angry, frustrated and alone. 

I stared at him as I waited for him to respond but something strange was happening. As he listened intently to my concern and as he looked at me, my negative emotions began meltingaway. There was something about his eyes; not only could they see deep within my heart, they were beautiful and kind,and love seemed to radiate from them. I can’t truly describe it but it was here that I began to keenly notice him.

He was well built, with the most beautiful skin that had an amazing glow. His hair was short; he had a beard, sideburns and a mustache. His eyes were soft brownbut somehow also looked like a soft olive green at times. It was then that I noticed that he was wearing a kippah; that hat worn by Jewish men. I stared at him. This Gentleman was a Jew but in my heart, I had a knowing that there was something different about him. I looked at his hands which seemed unusually large to me, but something else caught my attention. He was wearing what looked like a wedding band and in my heart I was trying to understand it. He noticed my curiosity…and he spoke.He said “I did not give you this job. My Father is the One who gave you the job.”Questioningly I replied “But why would your Father give me a job that no one wants to help me with!?” 

“My Father gave you the job because you are the best man for the job” he replied.I was floored! In that very moment, I understood exactly what he meant.I chuckled in an effort to hide the fact that my heart was pounding so hard in my chest. I then turned to the two men seated at the table “Did he just say I am the best man for the job?” 

As I looked at them for some sort of acknowledgementto what I had said, I realized that although they were seated, they were very tall. They were wearing crisp white long sleeve shirts; a white that was beyond white.Although I was not able to get a frontal view of their faces because of the angle from which I stood, I could see that they did not have human faces.They did not speak, they just stared straight ahead.

The Gentleman spoke again but this time he gestured with his hand. He said to me “Do you see this table?” Without even waiting for me to respond he continued “there is a place at this table for you.”

It was then that I realized that at each place at the table, there was a kippah. He pointed to my place at the table, and there in my place was the most beautiful yellow knitted kippah! It wasn’t just yellow; it was a type of yellow that was brighter than anything I had ever seen.   I looked up at him and he spoke again. “You see, I keep telling my daughters…” And with this, his voice began to fade.I tried desperately to hear what he had to say but I was not allowed to hear anything further.I found myself back on the elevator and in a few seconds my eyes popped open. I jumped off the bed, fell to my knees and wept. I knew I had a supernatural encounter and I finally got the answer that I needed.

After this encounter things started changing. For starters, I no longer questioned whether or not Adonai had called me to ministry. In addition to this, since then I have been on an amazing journey with Yeshua. The first thing that happened was an awarenessand a conviction that Adonai’s dietary restrictions in Torah are for good reasons; healthy is the man who honors that! 

I began observing Shabbat after having three separate experiences where I heard in a dream“Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy!”  Then, guided by the RuachHaKodesh, I began learning about and observing the Feast Days. I was in awe at how the Scriptures began to open up to me and I also began to understand the context of Yeshua’s life and teachings more clearly. Not only was I being taught, but I was also mandated to teach these things to others. 

The trajectory of my life and ministry has changed dramatically within the last few years and I am so excited about it! Not only do I now study Jewish life, culture, language and teach the Bible from a Jewish perspective, Adonai has given me a supernatural love for Israel and the Jewish people.

I thank HaShem for allowing Izzy Avraham and the Holy Language Tribe to be part of my journey in this regard. While I learned basic Biblical Hebrew in seminary, I desire to delve deeper into Hebrew. I am particularly enjoying the video teachings and the history lessons from the Holy Language Institute. I have also found the discussions within the Holy Language Tribe extremely informative. I admire the level of respect for each other that I have observed in the discussions. That is commendable. May HaShem bless you all! 

Some have asked me to tell the story of how I came to study Hebrew and Messianic Judaism. It is rather long, so up until now, I have not taken the time to write it down. 

I remember back in 1991 being asked: “if you could study a foreign language, which language would you study?” Without thinking, I immediately blurted out “Hebrew!” As soon as I said that, I began questioning myself, “Where did that come from? Who said that?” It was then that I realized I really wanted to study the Bible in its original language. Little did I know the doors that would open.

When I was in high school, a youth pastor challenged me to read my Bible every day. He gave us tips on how to remind ourselves to read until we formed a habit. I did it. And by 1991 I had been doing it for over 13 years. I’m not saying this to brag. I am saying this because, in those 13 years, I found that just reading my Bible wasn’t enough. Much of the time I found myself reading things I did not understand, things that didn’t seem logical, didn’t make sense. Much of the Bible just seemed so distant and out of reach to me. I knew there had to be more. 

Fast forward several years to a Sunday morning in 1995. A guest preacher came to our church and spoke on John 7:37. In his sermon, he talked about things I had never heard of before. He spoke of a water libation ceremony on the “Great Day” of the Feast of Tabernacles. He explained how in that ceremony the worshipers circled the altar praying at almost a “fevered pitch” for rain, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and for the Messiah. The pastor went on to say that it was likely at this time that “Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’”

Finally, FINALLY, it began to make sense. I always thought it absurd that Jesus would stand up in the middle of Synagogue and shout “I am the water.” It seemed so random…so out of place. But as the pastor explained, Jesus was saying “I am the fulfillment of your supplications,” “I am the eternal water, the outpouring of the Spirit of God, THE MESSIAH!”

I began to study the Feasts with great excitement and enthusiasm…and then it happened. 

The space shuttle crashed. 

When we moved to Texas in 1994, my brother-in-law was county chairman for a particular candidate in our state midterm elections. My husband and I helped him, and in the process met a wonderful lady named Cheryl. Cheryl and I shared many interests, but after the elections, we drifted apart and eventually lost contact.

When the space shuttle Columbia crashed on Feb. 1, 2003, my world was forever changed. The crash happened literally right over us. I still remember how the explosion shook our entire house for quite some time (long enough for me to jump out of bed, put on my robe, and run to the front door). Debris littered the area around us for miles. 

At the time, my husband was on a local search and rescue team. The very next day, he and our 19-year-old son were called out to help recover what was left of the shuttle. 

As the search progressed, I kept my husband’s parents updated via email. Several days into the search, my husband and son were reassigned to a new crew. Because they were experienced orienteers, they were assigned to search for human remains. This was especially troubling for me. My husband had been called out to search for bodies before but was never on a team that actually found one. I wasn’t sure how my husband, especially my son, would handle this. I sent out prayer requests for my tender-hearted men. 

A few days later, I sent out another email update. My husband had been especially pleased by the way the search team was handling the issue of remains. He said that when they found something in the woods, a coroner would first examine it, and if it was indeed human, a service was held right there on the spot. He was impressed with the extreme reverence and care in which the remains were handled. It was truly touching. 

Just a few days later, I sent another email with the exciting news that my husband had come home reporting that Ilan Ramon’s body had been found. This was an enormous relief to the search crew as they knew his body needed to be buried during the time of “Shiva.” They were very pleased to be able to give his family the closure they desperately needed. 

The very next day, I got an exuberant phone call from an old acquaintance. It was my friend Cheryl from the elections of 1994. Somehow, I had sent the email about Mr. Ramon to her. She cried as she explained that in the last year, her grandfather died, and on his deathbed, he informed her family that they were Jewish. She said she had been “walking the woods, praying that Ilan Ramon would be found” when she got my email. Then, she told me how she had been searching out her “Jewish roots.” She told me about this wonderful Bible study from First Fruits of Zion she was doing. She invited me to come over for coffee. 

When we met, it was as if we had never been apart. We talked and cried as she shared her story with me. When she read to me from the Bible study, I asked her to “please, teach me.”

Cheryl later invited me to go to a Passover with her, so I did go. At the Passover, the rabbi was talking about Jewish marriage customs. In his talk, he said, “Ya know” (squeaky little Jewish voice), “When you fall in love…you want to know everything about the guy. You want to know his favorite color, what kind of food he likes, what kind of music does he listen to…then you want to meet his family. Imagine he is from a foreign country. He along with his family speak a different language, they have different customs…they have different holidays. If you want to REALLY communicate with them, you need to learn their language, their customs. You have to be able to relate to them in their culture and context. THAT’S THE WAY WE MUST BE ABOUT YESHUA!

It all started to come together. Why did I read my Bible? Why do I meet with others to worship? Why would I want to study Hebrew? To know my Master better. To understand His words in the context, culture, and language in which they were written. Passages I had read over and over suddenly came to life. Finally, I could understand things that never seemed clear to me. I began to discover layers and layers of truth and meaning that I had glossed over for years simply because I didn’t understand them. The Bible and my Lord finally became REAL. 

In my search for Hebrew language courses, I found Holy Language Institute. I finished my first Hebrew Quest back in 2012. I love Izzy’s teachings and how he puts a “face” on each lesson. He makes the whole “meeting the family” come alive. I have greatly enjoyed volunteering for HLI, even if in only a small way and consider it an important part of my walk with my Savior. 

So that’s how my journey began. I have many more stories of people I’ve met. How G-d brought us together to form a group of close-knit Yeshua followers in our own little town. We have been meeting for over 13 years now. We have celebrated many feasts together. We have held each other up in times of trouble and rejoiced in times of blessing…we praise, we worship, we learn and grow...all in the precious name of Yeshua.

It is good to be back in the fold, to try to find my place amongst a community of like believers. There are many reasons why I left; well, maybe just excuses really. When I last signed up for the Holy Language courses, I fully intended to do due diligence and finish my studies. To tell the truth, last time I subscribed I just ran out of time to do my lessons. I have had 5 surgeries since I had last subscribed—with the healing needed for these, plus the deaths of 3 members of our family, and of course work, I allowed my sessions to lapse.

But now, I’d like to discuss my current walk. We as Messianic believers have a choice—pursue the Hebraic perspective of our faith, or adopt certain observances and try to integrate them into a Christian walk. What has happened to me is a paradigm shift in my faith. I, as a Gentile believer, have chosen to embrace the faith delivered once for all, which I believe is the Messianic Judaism practiced by the Apostles as taught and modeled for them by Yeshua; I desire to be that which the Scriptures speak of, the G-d Fearer. This means that I have made the decision to live this life, practice the faith, and all that accompanies it to the glory of YHVH the Father and His Mashiach Yeshua. I will observe Torah (that which is lawful and applicable to me, after all I am not a woman, there is no Temple at this time, I am not in Eretz Israel, etc.); I will strive to observe the Feasts, keep the Shabbat, eat Kosher, etc. I will sit at the feet of my Rabbi Yeshua and also learn from the sages of Israel. I will adopt certain things in my walk as respecting the observance of Jewish customs and traditions, if they are not in conflict with the standards set by Messiah. This is a huge thing for me. Right now, my library is full of writings from the luminaries of the Messianic Movement that have gone before us in the past (such as Chaim Yedidiah Pollak, Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein, and Paul Phillip Levertoff and others...); I have the Talmud, the Mishnah, the Zohar and other rabbinic writings that will help me in my search. I as well have a wealth of material from what I believe to be the golden age of Christianity, namely from the Puritans and those men from the late 1600s through the early 1900s (Edwards, Spurgeon, Pink, Owen, Carroll and the like...). I similarly have an extensive library on Judaism and Torah, and my studies take me through the plethora of wisdom to be found there. 

Each of us, no matter how hard we try, always come to the Living Word of God with our own biases, for we are creations that are made up of the sum of our experiences, our weaknesses, our strengths, our perceptions, our education, and so on and so on. Strive as we like, these life encounters color us, and in most cases, define us. As we grow in the knowledge of our Adonai and Savior, Mashiach Yeshua, or Christ Jesus if you prefer, for myself I can only speak for: the more I know, the more I realize how little I really know. This Son of God, this holy and spotless Lamb and Our Everlasting Father defy my vain attempts to understand them, for who can know the mind of God? Who can fathom the depth, the richness of His mercy and grace, the validity of ALL His commandments, the wonders that He has prepared for those who love Him, and the emptiness that awaits those who reject Him? O but to know this God, this King of Glory, Elohim Tzva’ot, the Lord of Hosts! Who is He, Who goes by countless names:

My aim is to first know my Messiah from the depth of Scriptures first, and then explore Him more deeply. I have at my fingertips the wealth and breadth of not only G-d’s words, but the efforts of godly men as they sought to understand Him also. My goal is to steep myself in the Biblical languages, the Hebrew and the Greek, and to understand the Bible as it was originally intended, as a book for, yes, all men, but specifically for whom it was originally intended, G-d’s chosen ones, the Jewish people. It is a book that cover to cover is written by Jews/Hebrews for Jews/Hebrews, about the besorah, the good news of the restoration of the Kingdom of G-d, the kingdom of Israel and the coming Jewish King who shall rule the world. This isn’t where I’ve always been. I’ve flirted at the edges, dipped my toes in the water so to speak, but fully didn’t take the plunge as I should have. The Ruach has slowly led me to this place, to embrace completely the message spoken so long ago, and the only way I can see to properly understand the message is to learn the language and sort it out from there.  My heart’s desire is to finally end my work for man and go unto where He’ll send me; I hope to take His Torah to the nations, especially to the islands of Micronesia (where my bride of 39 years is from) for His word says: Isa 42:4 “...He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law (Torah)...”

This is my motivation now, to be able to point those who have ears to hear and eyes to see to His Torah—and through the Torah, show them Messiah in His fullness. It’s not up to me to convince them (that is after all G-d’s providence); my labor of love is to just help them see our King of the Jews and the faith He defended with His life, and to encourage them to long for the restoration of the Tent of David. He did not set me free from 40 years of slavery and bondage to be a fence sitter, or worse, silent. I must have His love for His people, Christian and Jew and especially those that are lost; all things must be done in love with malice toward none. The “Messianic movement” has in a lot of ways become the “Messy-anic movement,” fractured and splintered by the winds of shifting doctrine and those that fancy themselves as “Torah-cops.” There are those who denigrate the Jews for their practice of modern Judaism, and to me, this is just another form of anti-Semitism and replacement theology. I might not hold to every rabbinical precept, but I’m surely not going to disrespect my older brother—after all I am the prodigal son, the one that has come to his senses and returned to the faith. 

Now some may be offended to think that what they do reflects anti-Semitism or replacement theology, and I’m sorry if that offends. But consider the sad state of how those in the Hebrew Roots movement often represent our Maschiach in social media. A Christian brother or sister expresses their opinion that Torah observance is not needed for “we are under grace” and then the long knives come out and instead of a dialogue we have confrontation. It usually degenerates into both sides bashing one another and throwing the Jewish people under the bus because only us “Messianics” really know how to keep Torah after all… Such arrogance does not only our Savior a disservice with nothing to be gained from it but also insults the original keepers of the Torah, the Jews, our brethren. One other thing: if a non-believer comes upon these types of posts, after seeing the vitriol spewed forth there, by our own actions we have made them even more convinced than ever that we are hypocrites and this “Jesus” we follow is truly hollow, for love is not in evidence. Shame on us.

So here I am. Back to the tribe, back to the place where I have been led, ready to park myself at the feet of Rabbi Yeshua and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly and will give me rest. I am, above all things, teachable and correctable. As He drives from me that which displeases Him and fills me with the resolve to come under His command, I must be able to say, “I’m wrong —You O L-rd are right; teach me thy ways...” The day will come when I need no man to teach me—but till then I have a lot to learn. I tried before to be solely a “New Testament Christian”; that didn’t work. I then tried to be a “Torah observant Christian”; for me though, something was still missing. What was missing was authentic faith as taught by Scripture—and that is what I am aiming for. May G-d grant me the wisdom, time and desire to know Him, not just His exploits. Face to face: that is how I want to approach G-d.

Shalom,

David 

We have been walking in this way nearly 10 years now...my how time flies! I grew up in the church. My husband, Mike, came as an adult. When our Father called it was literally to both of us together and we are very grateful for that!

Early in our walk we realized how much we needed a Hebrew mindset and focused on learning from that perspective. We were very hungry to learn about this new way of reading the Bible.

I decided to learn Hebrew, believing it would make Torah more meaningful. Initially, I learned from two sites: Hebrew4Christians and Holy Language Institute, and later others. I listened to a few of your Hebrew lessons but wanted something more interactive...a teacher to work with. But, one of the best ways to learn is to teach. So, even though I didn't know Hebrew, I had taught school, so I came up with a plan that our group accepted. I began teaching the Hebrew aleph-bet using the first 6 words from the blessings, Bauch atah Adonai, Eloheinu meleck ha-olam, as my structure. It worked and people developed a greater familiarity with the prayers. I'm pretty sure I learned more Hebrew than anyone else but that's ok. A year or so later I found The First Hebrew Primer and the instruction videos by Tim Hegg. It was as close as I could get to having to a personal teacher.

Late in 2012 I had to stop my Hebrew studies. This Summer I found Holy Language Institute again and discovered Memrise (Will study for points! :-) and plowed back into my studies. I'm thriving. A couple of days ago I looked at a text on line and could READ the words. It's sooo exciting to see progress! Immediately I shared my excitement with Mike (my best cheerleader) and then made a post about it on our Tribe page.

This week I started your Hebrew Quest lessons and opened a Moodle account. I had been through your first four lessons last summer, but spent much more time in Memrise. Ok...it's really because I love collecting those points. Mike was hoping we could trade them in for a trip to Hawaii...you know, something practical.

In Lesson 1 of B'reisheet you mention learning Hebrew the way you learned your birth language, first by hearing it spoken and later learning to read and even later, learning spelling and grammar. This is great advice! It's so much easier than jumping into conjugations and tenses when you barely know the aleph-bet or word roots. I was a Suzuki Piano teacher, back in the day, and that's exactly how I taught music: first hear the music then play what you hear. The reading of music comes later.

This is all fun for me. But most of all I love learning Hebrew so I can someday speak to my King in His own language.

Blessings and thank you for putting this all together.

Shalom, my name is Shelly. I grew up attending church because my grandparents led us there. They passed down a legacy of faith to me and our large family. My love for worship comes from my grandmother, and my heart for prayer comes from my grandfather. On Sunday mornings, our entire clan—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—filled most of the pews. My Baptist roots run deep; however, my Yeshua roots run deeper! When I was about ten, we all moved to a new church together. One day the pastor visited my grandparents’ home while I was there, and as he shared the gospel, I sat on the coffee table and confessed my need for a Savior. Since that day, my walk with Him has ebbed and flowed in many ways.

There are many stories I could tell, but the one I want to share today is how G‑d led me to study Hebrew.

My Jewish and Hebrew journey began in February. The pastor of my church has a passion for Israel and the Jewish people. One of his Jewish friends came to speak at our church, and my pastor reminded us why Israel and the Jewish people should matter to us—that Yeshua Himself was an Israeli Jew. I was in awe watching my Yeshua-loving pastor and the Jewish rabbi dialogue so beautifully and work together in mutual respect. The rabbi shared about his aliyah and told other stories that moved me deeply.

I began reading books and asking questions. My pastor did a teaching series on the Holy Land that strengthened my desire to learn more. During this same time, Yeshua led me to change jobs—amazingly, the founder of my new organization also has a heart for Israel, the Jewish people, and Hebrew.

That summer, another rabbi from Israel came to speak about how learning Hebrew fulfills prophecy and about the Temple Mount. The following week, a pastor from Israel came and spoke about being the bride of Yeshua, the restoration movement, and the meaning of worship in Hebrew. Through all of this, G‑d has given me such a hunger and thirst to learn more.

This learning journey has deepened my faith and helped me understand so much more about Yeshua and the character of G‑d. I’ve learned a few Hebrew words—including those engraved on a ring I purchased—and found them powerful. Tears filled my eyes the first time I saw the Tanakh. I began studying the Hebrew letters a few weeks ago and I’m absolutely amazed. I’ve been following Holy Language on social media for a while, and finally decided to join so I can keep growing and learning alongside this wonderful tribe.

Looking forward to learning with you all!

The Hebrew language is the “bait” that our heavenly Abba used to lure me into the Hebrew roots of our faith. How? Well, first of all, I’m a pathologist—and hearing how the Hebrew language works, I immediately associated it with our DNA. Both are the same in so many ways that this became a teaching I’ve shared with many: “Torah in our DNA.”

Eventually, I was led to teach Torah in Spanish to people in our congregation, and this led to my being ordained as a pastor. I now lead a small bilingual Messianic congregation in Brandon, Florida—Yeshua Ner Tamid—and yes, my name Nereida is part of the “Ner Tamid.” My nickname is Nery. It’s interesting how the Lord works things out, because as a kid I didn’t like my name.

My parents are from Puerto Rico, and I was born in Brooklyn, New York, so I speak fluent Spanish—and I pray that someday I’ll be fluent in Hebrew too. Two years ago, I left my pathology career to serve Yeshua full‑time, and I absolutely love it!

For a little more background, I went to a Catholic school as a child because it was close to home and better than the public school system, but neither of my parents were Catholic. In the early 70s, my parents returned to Puerto Rico, and there, at age 15, I gave my life to Jesus (I didn’t yet know Him as Yeshua—but He’s still the same Savior). I started going to an Evangelical church, where I received a solid foundation in the Word, the Holy Spirit, and of course, the New Testament.

But once I started my career as a physician, served eight years in the Army, and went back to church, I felt something was missing. I kept thinking—there has to be more! After several years of searching, the Lord brought me to a Messianic congregation in Brandon, Florida. That’s when my awesome journey with the Hebrew language, Yeshua, and my Hebrew roots began—and it will continue forever!

Thank you all for your stories and for welcoming me to the Tribe!

Shalom and blessings in Yeshua,

Nereida

Shalom, I’m Natalie. I was named so because I was “born at Christmas,” Dec. 24. Trust me, it isn’t easy sharing a birthday with Jesus, much less disappointing your big sister by not being a boy, and most of all arriving on Christmas Eve and botching Santa’s holiday plans! Thus, began my life…

I was born and raised in a nominally Christian family. We were faithful in attending the Methodist church where my grandmother was a founding member in our small southern town. However, our beliefs were never a part of our daily lives, except for saying grace before meals. I dedicated my life to Messiah via watching a Billy Graham crusade with my father, as a teen. That’s when my dialog with G-d began (sort of like Tevya in “Fiddler on the Roof” – though I would not be introduced to the musical for many years to come). I began teaching VBS and Sunday School when I was only 15. I returned home every weekend during my college years to continue teaching and sing in the church choir.

I married and began deepening my discipleship by learning how to walk in faith from my sweet, godly in-laws. My first husband was raised Southern Baptist and I really enjoyed sharing that expression of faith, especially when it came to teaching young children. He was a church pianist/organist on weekends and we attended various churches wherever he was employed. I continued working in and serving our various congregations in my professional field, Early Childhood Education, throughout raising my own children. Sadly, his family’s faith and belief were not his own and shortly after our fourth child was born our marriage finally dissolved. While I was devastated, knowing G-d hates divorce, I was assured by wise, ministerial counsel that the marriage failed with Biblical reason beyond my control.

Being a devout church attendee my entire life, when I met my second husband, Daryl (a mainstream secular Jewish man), I was excited to share my faith with him and his children. We visited various churches trying to find a fit for all of us in our blended family. The greatest gift G-d gave me was when my three step-children’s mother (an ethnic Jew, but card-carrying Wiccan priestess by practice) opposed them going to church with me. It was near Christmas and I wanted to reach out to her. I found a book called 3000 Years of Christmas. As a good steward, I always read anything I recommend to others. The book was filled with how the mainstream Christmas traditions were adapted from pagan rituals, all of which I knew and accepted. However, what really hit me was when I read that nothing about Christmas was EVER Biblical!

 Convicted by my own zealous faith and the L-rd’s perfect undoing of my beliefs, I then and there stopped all non-Biblical observances. That was my last Christmas celebration. About that same time, as our newly blended family was searching for a place of worship, my husband’s aunt (who became a believer in the 1970’s Jesus Movement) recommended we look into Messianic Judaism! Not only was it a great fit for both of us (Jewish for him/New Covenant for me) but also it opened my eyes to the truth. Baruch HaShem! An added bonus was that I got my birthday back. Now we celebrate Jewish style, Chinese food on Christmas Eve.

When I first met Daryl, and found he was Jewish, I asked him if religion would be an issue for us. He promptly replied “No, religion is by the people, for the people.” Which to this day we would both now agree is true. We prefer to describe our belief and practice as faith, not religion. Having been through a difficult and painful divorce, I was very wary of a new relationship and was advised to make a list of qualities in a potential mate. I did so easily and #1 on the list was “belief in and serving G-d”! Additionally, there were about 20+ other items on the list, including: enjoys family and children, likes Disney movies, etc. Daryl ticked every box on the entire list, save one… #1! Therefore, I spoke with G-d about that constantly. “G-d, how could you bring this amazing man into my life, allow both me and my children to fall in love with him, have him treat me like a queen, and him not know You?” I got the feeling He wanted me to trust Him, and after what I had been through, this was definitely a huge leap of faith! 

Daryl attended church with me faithfully. We even found a Messianic Congregation near our new home and became actively involved. I had the congregation praying for him, we had many long discussions into the night (no Bible beating as he jokingly claims), and after about a year we found ourselves at our first UMJC conference. There, at the first night’s closing ceremony, when they ask for anyone to stand who had made a personal profession of faith in Messiah Yeshua; much to both our surprise he found himself standing. Toda Raba Adonai!

Since that time, we have been in several congregations and home groups. We adopted child #8 from Ukraine in 2004. She had a lovely messianic naming ceremony and recently became Bat Mitzvah. Two of our boys previously shared a joint Bar Mitzvah. Though most of our children attended public school, we have also predominately home schooled our two youngest, teaching the little one Hebrew since preschool. Our eldest son attended Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is now a doctoral candidate in Biblical Archaeology. The twins just returned from a birthright tour as well. We have travelled to Israel twice, worshiping and serving in many congregations and synagogues there. We also applied for aliyah twice and were declined both times (detained the last). We’ve participated, both together and individually, in many spiritual retreats, Christian counseling, and workshops. We have been involved in Torah services, teaching children and teens, serving as shamishim, coordinating oneg and life cycle events, hosted personal and community Passover seders, Biblical feasts and festival celebrations, and much more.

We believe we are imperfect; but happily at peace, being a lovely mess and part of the very real, mixed-up, beautiful body of our perfect Messiah. We primarily focus on loving the L-rd Yeshua and serving Him by sharing our hearts with all those we encounter, at home, at work, in our neighborhood, community, and beyond. We share our beliefs when we are led by circumstances and the Ruach. While it is not always an easy walk, especially when being rejected by family and friends, we know we are not alone. He is eternally our Shepherd and we are a member of His tribe.

Over the past 3 years there have surfaced some family health issues. Therefore, I can no longer be as active as I once was in physical service and ministry. We are currently doing many of our Bible studies at home and discovered Holy Language Institute shares our core faith values and sound Biblical teaching. Though my career major was education, my minor of study in English, and my professional and personal work in teaching and editing; I hope to bring my skills to use in serving as a steward volunteer with HLI.