God’s Twinning
by Margaret R Baker
Like us, some of you will have been at the ‘Heart For Israel Day’ in Maidstone on Saturday 26th February. What a busy day it was as each ministry explained their work and exhibited Israeli goods, videos etc. It was a very interesting day which culminated in the keynote talk by K of AMITI.
Putting aside all the tension which somehow accompanies Pennie and K as they make their appearance at events in this country, it was easily the most exciting and passionate plea for help for the Messianic Jews that I have ever heard. K was her usual, outspoken, hit-you-between-the-eyes, say-it-how-it-is, self. She was not criticising, so she says, the work of the other agencies with their blankets, second-hand clothes, medical equipment and other gifts to the people of Israel, only making a plea for help for those who find themselves left out, put aside and persecuted as the Messianic congregations find themselves today.
For most of us this was a definitive moment when, what we have not wanted to understand, that is, that Israel persecutes the followers of the Lord Jesus, was put in such a way that we can never again say we didn’t know. Believers are persecuted all around the world and that includes Israel, which in the eyes of many in the Church can do no wrong.
After K’s performance, love it or hate it, we surely must be seeking the Lord, asking Him what we should be doing about it. So if you have not already put the whole thing to one side can we consider together what we think the Lord has been saying to us. That is ‘twinning’.
In England we understand twinning. Many towns, villages and groups of houses in England are twinned with an equivalent town or village in France, Belgium, Germany, or somewhere on the Continent. This allows for cultural exchange and hopefully a better understanding of our counterparts in these European countries.
So why not set up a ‘twinning operation’ between our churches, fellowships and groups and the Messianic congregations in Israel. Surely the wealthy fellowships in this country could befriend a not-so-free congregation in Israel.
The advantages to both sides would be enormous. A co-ordinator on both sides could bring before the church the needs of the twin fellowship for prayer and/or any practical help that can be given. Pastors could exchange ideas etc. I am sure that you can take this idea on and develop it. K is in the perfect position to know congregations and their needs and also to know the churches in the UK who are sympathetic to Israel.
It need not in any way interfere with the valuable work that the agencies are doing. There is need for all. This would just be a new direction for us. Please think carefully about this idea. Allow the Lord to expand it in your hearts and minds and let us know what you think. Source: Pointers Magazine March 2005