Ministry Adventures with Cathy

What a glorious time of year!  The temperatures are dropping to the high 90’s/low 100’s in Phoenix/Scottsdale.  Yes, there is indeed a briskness in the air!  And, it’s time to wish our Jewish friends, “Good Yontiff” – good holiday.  We can also greet our Jewish friends with, “L’shanah tovah” – to a good/sweet year.  Apples and honey along with a lively medley of Jewish/Israeli music have been offered this fall season during Rosh Hashanah celebrations within the Jewish community.  The Fall Feasts of Israel, all pointing to Jesus as Messiah, focus on repentance, restoration, and rejoicing. What an amazing time to share Jesus with Jewish people!   At sundown on September 13th, shofars blasted from synagogues around the globe, calling the Jewish community to assemble and reflect.  Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement are known as Jewish High Holy Days.  Rabbis call upon their congregations to get right with their fellow man during...

I've shared my friendship with Madeline in several newsletters; however, I’ve not told you about how we met six years ago.  While waiting for the Jewish people to join me for the Bible study at one of the local retirement centers, a woman I’d never before seen entered the room.  The intent look on her face told me she was on a mission.  After discovering that her mission was to join the study, I introduced myself and she did the same.  Madeline’s last name is rather ambiguous in regard to any Jewish descent.  As I was praying and asking God to reveal Madeline’s heritage, she said, “Do you know where I could buy a mezuzah?”* I laughed – on the inside.  And, we were off to the races.  Our visit of approximately two hours covered our mutual Bronx upbringing, religious education, the Messiah , keeping kosher, the Messiah , New York City cuisine, the Messiah , Yiddish vocabulary, and her search for miracles.  Our time together was lovely....

The other day I was engaged in a conversation about ISIS with a Jewish Studies Professor from a well-known Jewish university on the East coast, God gave me the opportunity to share an “end times” scenario from Psalm 83 and Ezekiel 38 and 39 with an emphasis on the Messiah. The Professor, who is not a believer in Jesus, proceeded to pull up these passages via the Internet browser on his phone. “Just checking you out,” he offered. “You’ve got the passages right.” He then said something quite curious, “I’m counting on you to get it right.” This was not my first conversation with this man. Lord willing, further conversations will ensue. Should the Lord tarry, I’ll be teaching “End Times As Pictured in the Fall Feasts of Israel” at Scottsdale Bible Church/Women’s Fall Bible Studies beginning Sept. 15th, ending Nov. 17th. Online registration will be available in August. Hope to see you there, Cathy Wilson