Once we returned to Jerusalem in September we began praying into
what the L-RD did during the five weeks we were in Kansas City. He
powerfully provided the finances, through you, to keep us here through
this semester. He partnered us with so many who share a heart for
unification between Jew & Gentile through Yeshua and the importance
of Israel.
Even though we anticipated being here in Israel for several more years,
we both felt that we were to pray and ask the L-RD if He wanted us to
stay beyond February.
In asking this question we prayed into many factors, not just finances,
in our desire to do His will. We were both in agreement that we desired
to serve more. While we definitely serve here in different capacities,
Tom is limited because of the amount of time required for his studies.
The language barrier also prevents us from serving more within the
Messianic Jewish body. At some level, we feel we have come to a
crossroads as to whether to begin a very serious modern Hebrew language
study program or move on to a new season as the L-RD leads.
Through
much prayer, wrestling, and affirmation from our spiritual authorities
and the Holy Spirit, He showed us that this season in Israel is coming
to an end. And He has even begun to put an excitement in our hearts for
the next step in our journey. In coming to this unexpected decision, we
reviewed our main goals for being in Israel:
1. Connect with and serve the Messianic community in order to join the Gentile body with the Messianic body here in Israel
2. Study the Bible in its original context to bring more depth to Tom's teaching gifting
3. Learn Biblical Hebrew to strengthen Tom's gift for teaching
He has graciously allowed us to achieve these goals in the 21 months
we've lived here and we've gained so much more. But the obvious question
is, What about Tom's PhD if you leave Israel?
The academic experience here has proven invaluable -- both inside and
outside of the classroom. Tom's calling is to teach, and he is eager to
share more about everything that the L-RD has shown him through his
studies and living here in the Holy Land. The plan is to continue his
doctoral studies at The King’s University (founded by Jack Hayford) in
Dallas, Texas. The degree is a Doctorate of Ministry in Messianic Jewish
Leadership/Studies and is the only program of its kind.
We believe this is a perfect fit for us. The program is designed for
people to continue in their full-time ministry positions while also
pursuing a doctoral degree. Therefore, it is set up so that you only
come to the campus three times per year (9 days at a time). This is very
exciting for us because it will allow us to be in full-time
ministry/teaching while also pursuing the doctoral degree.
We plan to return to Kansas City after this semester, in the early
Spring, and the L-rd has begun giving us vision for this next step in
our ministry. We once again ask for your prayers for our lives and
specifically our future ministry. We desire to continue teaching the
message that
G-d's heart for the Nations is rooted in Israel and
because of our experiences in Israel He has equipped us to be able to
impart that message in a unique way. We are thankful and excited for the
leading hand of the Holy Spirit and have confidence that He is leading
us into this new and exciting season.
We value your partnership and will share more details in the coming
months and look forward to seeing you again in America! We pray you'll
continue to partner with us as we share the message:
Remember Jerusalem.
