If one of your new year’s resolutions was to pray more for the peace of Jerusalem, or if you just desire to do so more effectively, I have a suggestion for you (particularly for those of you who were at IBEX). You can pray more specifically if you get Meno’s monthly update.
If you are on Meno’s list, then you learned that last month Jerusalem Assembly was graciously denied further renting of the facilities that they used for the last 6 or so years. An ultra-orthodox organization pressured the landlords where it hurts – the pocketbook – and they had no choice. Jerusalem Assembly leaves with much gratitude to R.R. for their years of support when many others would not have us. Finding a new facility on very short notice means that JA has had to shift to a Friday evening service, which is hard for some families and others. (IBEX has decided that it will no longer take the students to JA.) JA has been looking for a permanent facility for a long time and with so many disappointments, the situation seems impossible. But Meno doesn’t say it that way – instead he seeks help from the God who can do the impossible.
His update includes other praises and concerns, such as the church’s work with Sudanese refugees, evangelism, Meno’s travels, and how to support the Lord’s work in Israel. I asked Meno if former IBEX students can join the list and he said yes. In an effort to save him some work, please send an email to [address expired] and I will forward a list of addresses on to him. (In an effort to save myself some work, I won’t reply to those emailing that address; if you don’t get a newsletter within 2 months, email me directly.)
It is so good to hear about JA! In one of my classes we watched a video about the Temple and Meno was on there translating! I have been wondering what happened, if they had ever found a new location or building yet. That is too bad to hear they are forced to move elsewhere and IBEX wont be attending JA anymore. Attending there made me realize how much persecution really goes on in the Land of the Bible. So where will IBEX attend now?
Shireen – I don’t know. A friend at JA told me and I don’t think he knows.
If JA finds a permanent home and goes back to a Saturday service, would IBEX go back? I enjoyed JA and Meno (and Zvi). It’s too bad that these things are happening in Israel. In the States, they could easily find a place to meet on Saturday morning. Many evangelical churches allow Messianic congregations to meet on Saturday (when the sanctuary isn’t in use) and many others meet in schools.
One thing I’ve always wondered though — couldn’t they use the moshav? Or the IBEX facilities?
Brian – I’m not the guy to ask questions about IBEX. As far as meeting spots, the issue is very different in Israel because of the way in which Jewish believers are treated. Even those who think that all citizens should be treated fairly can face massive pressure by the ultra-Orthodox. The municipality of Jerusalem has made it clear that JA would get a building over their dead body. Finding an appropriate place to rent is not easy either, as the renter has to be willing to face the heat for a few hundred bucks a week. If you read the first few chapters of Acts, you may see some similarities.
Too bad Ibex won’t be going anymore….they’ll be missing out on a lot. Why not just change chapel to Sat. morning?
Benj – I have no role or input in the decision. The larger point that I was making is that such a time change affects lots of different people and things that one might not think about. From what I know, JA would like to go back to Sat morning if they could find a facility that would allow it.
Todd, your link to email you about getting the updates concerning Meno and the JA congregation did not work. It came back to me undeliverable. Is asking you here sufficient to get on the mailing list or do you have another way for me to do so? Thanks! :)
Ashley – I have added you.