Beit-Asaph Messianic Congregation
Netanya
Israel
Evan, Maala and Sara Thomas
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Netanya today has a population of approximately 190,000 and is
situated in the Sharon Valley, the heart of the coastal plain.
During the last major wave of Russian Aliya nearly 40,000 were
settled in Netanya and those of Russian background now constitute
65% of the local congregation. The city and its surroundings are
one of the most productive and rapidly growing areas of Israel,
economically. This attracts more people into the area and affects
the life and growth of the messianic community as well.
Beit Asaph consists of approximately one hundred and seventy committed
believers and seekers, is predominantly Jewish and has a diverse
makeup of Russian, Anglo Saxon, South American and Ethiopian immigrants
as well as native-born Israelis. The main worship language is Hebrew
with high quality translation provided to both Russian and English.
A system of language specific
home groups throughout the Sharon Valley provides welcome relief
to congregants
frustrated by the
limitations of multi-lingual services. These groups, each between
eight and twenty participants, often provide effective “evangelistic
stations” where seekers can comfortably integrate into messianic
life and belief before committing to a larger form of expression.
David Loden |
The Leadership
Two men, Evan Thomas and David
Loden, provide stable and faithful leadership for the congregation.
These men
share co-equal authority
and responsibility for leading and teaching the flock. Other responsibilities
are shared according to their individual gifts. They have a strong
commitment to the development of new leadership
for the steadily expanding community. Their vision to plant local
messianic congregations
throughout the Sharon Valley is furthered by leadership training
and biblical study for the younger men and women of Beit Asaph.
Practical application for them includes; the responsibility of
leading home groups, children’s and youth work, teaching
and leadership in services and evangelism.
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We have a small (but
very relevant) change in our congregation for which we are blessing
the Lord. In the end
of the last year another elder was ordained in Beit Asaph. His
name is Lev Guler and he is a Russian speaking pastoral elder,
who's work would mainly, though not exclusively, be with the Russian
speaking members of the congregation
The Style
The style of Shabbat services and expression
has gone through transition over the years. So, too, has the
need and confidence
to develop a local identity that is characteristically Jewish and
recognisably messianic. This identity is expressed via many of
the basic elements of a synagogue service including; the weekly
Torah portion, traditional blessings taken from the Amidah, prayer
for Israel, the Kaddish, the Sh’ma etc. Kabalat Shabbat services
are held once a month and the Biblical Feasts are all celebrated
congregationally. “Rights of Passage” (weddings, Brit-Milah
and Bar-Mitzva ceremonies) are all celebrated with a strong emphasis
on Jewish tradition. Inclusion of messianic dance in the worship
provides a beautiful element. The central focus however remains
with the redemptive message of Yeshua the Messiah. This is reflected
in the regular emphasis of participation in the Lord’s Table
and immersion for every believer.
The Things Special to Us
Beit Asaph has a longstanding vision for the severely disabled.
For several years the congregation has provided support and service
to a number of disabled brothers and sisters who have accepted
Yeshua as Redeemer and Lord. Volunteers from the congregation help
provide transport, friendship, teaching and coordination with care
organisations to try and improve their living conditions.
A center for distribution of clothing and
household goods is newly established at Beit Asaph in cooperation
with the international
messianic ministry, “Joseph Project.” This too provides
a means for Beit Asaph to bless the community at large.
We have a strong commitment to the vision of reconciliation between
those who are committed believers in Yeshua, whether from Jewish
or Arab background, or from the other nations of the world. True
brothers must truly love other true brothers, and reconciliation
to our Lord through the salvation in Yeshua naturally includes
reconciliation with all His family.
The Last Word
It has always been an important emphasis
for us to be firmly connected and involved with the broader community
of faith in Messiah, both
nationally and internationally. As a local congregation, presently
the only one in a city of 190,000 people, we are proactive in national
issues of evangelism, worship development, theological education,
reconciliation and now, humanitarian aid. We count it a privilege
to be an integral part of the movement of God in Israel and to
further the development of the Messianic community as a “light” to
our nation and the peoples of it.
www.beit-asaph.org.il
Beit Asaph Messianic Congregation
is one of ministries Gratefully Grafted supports. Join others
who
are
reaching
out
with their
gifts and offerings to reach the lost sheep of Israel. Send your
tax-deductable donation to the address below.
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