This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, Hebrews 6:19

BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DEEP DEPRESSION OVERTAKES SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T HAVE AN ANCHOR FOR THEIR SOULS -- WHO HAS NOT ACCEPTED THE FREE GIFT OF A RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR MESSIAH? WHEN YOU THINK OF AN ANCHOR, A VISION COMES TO MIND OF A SOLID THICK LINK OF CHAINS DESCENDING FROM AN OCEAN LINER, ATTACHED TO A HUGE IRON ANCHOR, DIGGING DEEP INTO THE SOLID ROCKS BELOW, KEEPING THE BOAT FROM DRIFTING AWAY. IN THE SAME WAY, OUR LORD KEEPS HIS CHILDREN ATTACHED TO THE FATHER, SURE AND STEADFAST, NOT LETTING US DRIFT AWAY FROM HIMSELF. OH YES, WE HAVE TIMES WHERE WE SAY, “I WILL WAIT UPON THE LORD, UNTIL I WILL RISE UP ON WINGS OF EAGLES, AND RUN AND NOT GROW WEARY, I WILL WALK AND NOT GROW FAINT," HELP ME LORD TO WAIT. BUT THE HOPE OF HEAVEN HE PUT INTO OUR HEART. THE HOLY SPIRIT CARRIES US THROUGH THE DARK DAYS.

WE CAME BACK FROM A MEMORIAL SERVICE TODAY FOR A JEWISH WOMAN, ABOUT 70, WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE THIS WEEK. HER HUSBAND AND FRIENDS WERE DEVASTATED. SHE JUST WENT THROUGH FOOT SURGERY AND SEEMED TO BE RECOVERING BUT THE WOUNDS WERE IN HER HEART NOT HER BODY. SHE WAS IN A DEEP DEPRESSION FOR MONTHS, AND HER HUSBAND AND FRIENDS WERE NOT ABLE TO GIVE HER THE HOPE THAT SHE NEEDED TO CLIMB OUT OF IT. SINCE THEY DID NOT KNOW THE SAVIOR, THE HOPE OF THE WORLD, THE LIVING WORD, THEY DID NOT HAVE THE WORD OF LIFE TO SHARE WITH HER.

I KNEW HER AND HER HUSBAND. I SPENT SOME TIME PLAYING CHESS WITH "JOE" AT THEIR HOUSE. I DIDN’T KNOW. I DO NOW. HOW I WISH I HAD BEEN MORE LOVINGLY INTERESTED IN HER LIFE AND KNEW HER BETTER. I PRAY THIS WILL MAKE ME CHANGE – LORD, CHANGE ME! I WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND TIME WITH HER HUSBAND. I DESPERATELY WANT TO LOVINGLY SHARE JESUS WITH THIS FELLOW JEWISH MAN. TO LET HIM KNOW MY GENTLE LOVING SAVIOR. THE OBSTACLES ARE HARD BUT GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. PRAY FOR “JOE”. AND PRAY BECAUSE NOT ONLY DOES HE HAVE TO OVERCOME GRIEF, BUT ALSO GUILT.

IN THE NAME OF JESUS, THE KING OF KINGS

“DID NOT OUR HEART BURN WITHIN US?”

By Michael Finesilver

“Stan” is a resident of our condo community and over the last few months I have developed a friendship as we play pool together at the clubhouse. This Tuesday Stan, who is my age, mentioned to me he had attended a Christmas pageant at a local Baptist church. (It is to be noted that in the past I gave Stan a copy of Isaiah 53 in Hebrew, since Stan can read Hebrew.) He had been impressed with the excellence in which the pageant had been produced and told me how the actor portraying Jesus was lifted up by ropes “into heaven”. From there, Stan asked “Michael, do you think Jesus was lifted into heaven?” Not losing a beat, I explained that after Jesus died and was raised from the grave, he stayed forty days, appearing to His disciples and many others, until He was “translated bodily” into heaven where He now reigns and will return to judge the world at the end of the age.

The conversation then turned to sin. Stan explained that when he was younger he attended Hebrew School, attended synagogue, and basically was an observant Jew. “But now, I’ve fallen away,” he confessed. I referred to Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Also, I told Stan that the Bible says “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.”

Wednesday morning while praying for Stan, the Lord impressed upon me what is written in Luke 24, verses 5- 32, especially where verse 32 says, “ And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?’” I copied the passage on the printer and asked the Lord for a divine appointment with Stan. Not usually going to the clubhouse in the morning, I went and there was Stan! When Stan observed “Michael, you’re not usually here in the morning!” I was able to explain that I came specifically because God had shown me something He wanted Stan to see. He listened as I shared what God had impressed on my heart that morning and I then gave him the Luke 24 scripture. At the end of the conversation, Stan left with the scripture in hand. He also said it would be nice to sometime soon get together, him and his girlfriend, with Mimi and myself. “Maybe we could talk more over a pizza.”

TABERNACLING WITH THE LORD

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord.'" (Leviticus 23:33-34)

"And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. "You shall dwell in booths for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.'" (Leviticus 23: 42-43)

From October 13th until the 20th many Jewish people (especially the Orthodox Jews) observe Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. During this time many young boys from ultra-orthodox homes came to Kings Point Condos and approached the Jewish men and asked if they would allow them to perform a “mitzvah” (a good deed) by placing a yarmulke on the man’s head and placing a lulav (a palm branch) and an etrog (citron) and asking them to shake the lulav while reciting a blessing. While in the parking lot of the main clubhouse one such boy approached Michael and asked, “Can I ask you a question?” Being a good Jewish boy himself, Michael answered a question with a question: “Can I ask you a question?” He agreed and Michael reached into the car for our Jewish Bible and turned to read from Isaiah 53. He then asked, “Who do you think this passage is talking about?” He agreed that it wasn’t his Uncle Irving !! but then became defensive and said “You’re taking it out of context.” He would not allow for further conversation, but we rejoice not only because we know that the Messiah is the One prophesied by Isaiah, but also because this young man heard God’s Word.

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:1-4

For in Him we live, Move and Have Our Being. (Acts 17.28)

And how we delight to know the One to whom we live, move, and have our being . . . And how we delight to experience His orchestrating of circumstances to remind us that He wills according to His good pleasure. All of this as an introduction to share with you how we experienced His presence with us yesterday. Mimi went yesterday morning to her first class with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). As everyone began packing up their things to leave the sanctuary, Mimi noticed the name tag worn by one of the volunteers with BSF. She recognized the name as this woman had called us the day after the Debate to inquire about purchasing a DVD. At that time, Mimi had a good conversation with her, learning that she was a Jewish believer as well, and was hoping to share the DVD with her unbelieving Jewish parents. Since that conversation, Mimi has been praying for the parents, so when she saw their daughter’s name, she immediately ran over to her. As they connected, the young Jewish woman told Mimi that since the Debate (last week) her brother has become a Believer. He also was at the Debate (along with 500+ others) and thinking somehow maybe that she had met him the night of the event , Mimi asked his name. When she heard the name she exclaimed, “We called him last night!” He had filled out the tear-off survey on the fourth panel of the program and checked “yes” to the question: Would you like to discuss tonight’s question, Who Was Jesus, at a later date? Learning that he lives not far from us and needs to be in fellowship and is not comfortable (as of yet) walking into a church, Mimi gave his sister information about our Monday night Bible study. We are praying he will call and have opportunity to now grow in his faith – that he, too, might discover what a delight it is to experience the presence of our Lord!

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." “How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
We also recently had opportunity to meet with a Jewish man who appears to be sincerely seeking a relationship with the Lord. In looking at how Nathanael answered the skeptical question coming from Phillip, Nathanael simply said “Come and see,” we realize he let the Lord Himself do the persuading. Oh, for the grace when we share with others, not to try in and of ourselves to CONVINCE someone of Who Jesus is, but rather to invite them to see for themselves. Our Lord makes His own convincing.

INSIDE THE DEBATE

We met today with a woman who teaches a debating class. She had taken her class to the Debate on “Who Is Jesus?” It seems it was very eye-opening for her students to learn that there are rabbis who do not believe in God and are not all that familiar with their own Bible. We have seen over the years that Christians often are afraid to share their faith in the Messiah with a Jewish person because they believe that the Jewish person knows their Bible (the Old Testament, of course) so much better than they do. We try whenever we can to dispel this myth. These young people have a headstart now on that lesson!

This afternoon we were also presented with an interesting concept to consider for the next debate. Pastor Charlie Halleran, who did an excellent job as moderator for the Debate of 9/08/09, suggested we consider having two rabbis, Rabbi Barry Silver as well as an orthodox rabbi, debate Dr. Michael Brown. This time the debate would also center around specific messianic prophecies, each participant giving their interpretation of the particular scripture in question.


Just wanted to share this picture taken of Dr. Brown at the debate as he spoke with two of the people in the audience. Everyone agreed (except for one very aggressive atheist!) that Dr. Brown was articulate and cordial, and we personally very much enjoyed spending time with him. We look forward to seeing what the Lord has for us as we seek to share the Good News of God’s Love.

In Romans 10 we read: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. . . How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” We must thank each and every one of you who have had a part in sending us. Together we labor for His glory!

If you want to purchase the DVD, go to greatestdebateofall.com The inexpensive cost is $15.00 + $3.00 s&h

THE POST DEBATE REVIEWS BEGIN!

Here is what one of those who attended the "Greatest Debate Of All" had to say about the event:
"When we pulled into the Civic Center at 6:50 PM, I was stunned to see the parking lot PACKED and scores of people walking quickly toward the entrance. The majority appeared to be Jewish seniors. Upon entering, I saw lots of smiling volunteers in bright yellow tee shirts registering arrivals. There were people 5 deep crowding the sign up table and the lobby was full, all of which showed good organization and great promotion on your end. The energy and anticipation was palpable as masses of people excitedly poured into the 500 seat auditorium and filled all of the seats. All the greeters I encountered were smiling, welcoming, and helpful.

I can't tell you how impressed I was with all your hard work and detailed organization. You had clearly anticipated EVERYTHING. To me, it was a huge "WOW!!!"

There was a buzz in the air until you gave your brief introduction and welcome. I thought your remarks before and after were absolutely perfect and neutral as befitting the occasion. Very low key. Just right.

Impressive to see the professional film crew with 3 camera men.
I thought the moderator was EXCELLENT. Very clear and professional.
Loved the idea of the open mikes at the end. Loved the programs with the information and classy ads.

Dr Brown - EXCELLENT in every way.

This debate has put Everlasting Life Outreach on the map.
The whole debate idea was brilliant. Everyone who attended would recognize the excellence with which you organized this event. I would expect that the next such occasion would bring even larger crowds. I'd love a rerun in the future with Dr, Brown pitted against a worthy opponent.

These are just my thoughts. I would love to hear of any souls saved."

Love and grace2u

“Rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.” Phil. 3:3

Let our service for him never be about our performance , but always knowing Him more fully by being right there in the center of His will. (In His presence is fullness of joy.) This should safeguard us from pride . Pride focuses on performance and seeks man’s flattery. Should we not desire instead true joy?! Why settle for vainglory when instead you can ABIDE IN HIS LOVE? Hallelujah – only God Himself should be praised. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”Jn. 12:32

As for the Debate coming together in such amazing ways, what must be focused on – what must be gleaned and enjoyed – is God’s power to draw people, but beyond that we see His passion to reach out to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Oh, that they may know the joy that is found in His presence!

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12.

And as passionately as our Lord wants them to hear His Word of Truth, the enemy wants to stop the Truth from being heard, especially going forth among the Jewish people.

Three days ago we received an email from an "anti-missionary" group letting us know that they would be attending the debate. Michael tried to defuse any disturbance by suggesting that they have one of their rabbis debate Dr. Brown sometime in early 2010. We hoped that this offer would give them an incentive not to create a disturbance on Tuesday evening. They said "no" they would not validate "Brown's" position (they refused to put "Dr." before his name), etc. There has been one more communication with them since and not very pleasant on their part -- Michael did reach out to them in love. Please pray for wisdom on how we will deal with them if they attempt to disturb the debate.

Yesterday morning a tow truck (yes, a tow truck!) hit our car. We had to have another towing company take our car away for repairs and now have a rental car. No one was hurt. Then a few hours later, Mimi was in a store looking for something to use as a donation box. She reached up to a top shelf and a heavy wooden placque hit her on the head, with the corner of the frame puncturing a vein on the top of her scalp. After four sutures, they still could not stop the bleeding and applied a tight pressure wrapping.

This morning we received a call from a Jewish friend in Alabama. She is a believer who was raised in South Florida. She has three members of her family, all unbelievers, who have told her they want to come, and she will be bringing them to the debate. When Mimi answered the phone, the first thing the woman told her was "the devil doesn't want me coming to this debate -- but I'm coming anyway." Last night she tripped over an object in her house. She thought she had broken her neck. She was rushed to the emergency room and thankfully there was no break, but because she takes blood thinners she is bruised and hurting all over (her foot was injured in the fall as well).

The Apostle Peter said for us to be alert and sober-minded for we have an adversary who is like a roaring lion. We rejoice to know we are at the center of God's will in serving Him as we all are, so we, of course, are not asking anyone to panic or anything like that. This instead is a glorious opportunity for us to "take it to Him in prayer." What amazing plans God must have for fruit from this Debate!!

We love y'all!

FUTURE SHORT-TERM MISSION OPPORTUNITIES!

Last Wednesday we had a meeting of volunteers for the upcoming debate, "Who is Jesus?" Over 20 people attended, coming from both our local church and from a messianic congregation, Ayts Chayim, in Boca Raton. In addition, we have had several others who were unable to attend, but will be there to help on 9/8/09. What a blessing!

What an opportunity for short-term missionaries from our supporting churches (as well as individual supporters) for the next debate we plan to have sometime next year. Opportunities will open up as well for follow-up with those interested in discussing "Who is Jesus." This will be a great cross-cultural experience for those who have not yet been involved in Jewish Evangelism. It's like going to a foreign mission field -- BUT WITHOUT NEEDING A PASSPORT -- OR SHOTS!

Please pray for yours and your church's future involvement.

GOOD WORKS PREPARED BEFOREHAND!

"Manny" lives in our condo community and Michael has formed a friendship with him, speaking to Manny about our glorious hope while Manny has offered to teach Michael billiards. The other night Michael asked Manny if he would come to the debate in Delray Beach next week. During the conversation, Manny told Michael, "You know my son Stan believes like you do. He's Jewish but believes in Jesus, too." Manny was glad to then give Michael his son's phone number. (Turns out that Stan attends the same church as we do!) When Stan was told about the debate, he said he'd call his father and ask -- but wasn't too sure his father would ever agree to it. About two hours after Michael's initial phone conversation with Stan, he called back and in an amazed voice he reported "He'll come! He says he'll come." What a delight it is to serve our Lord. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

13 DAYS AND COUNTING TO THE GREAT DEBATE

EVERY GIFTED ARTISAN...

"...every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work. . . every gifted artisan in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work." Exodus 36:1-2




















Above you can see the beautiful work Sandi Powell did for us. This is the "jacket" of the program to be handed out at the 9/8/09 Debate and below that is the inside of the program.




Tomorrow we will be meeting with approximately 25 people who have volunteered to help with this event, everything from handing out these beautiful programs to seating people, to collecting the surveys which are on the last panel of the program. These surveys are most important as they will enable us to follow up with any and all interested in "Who Is Jesus." Volunteers will be helping with many other needs associated with this outreach. Their help is invaluable. At our next debate we hope to offer such opportunities to short-term missionaries for those who support this ministry.

HANNAH MAY -- A TREASURE!

What you are viewing on your computer screen, if it were not for Hannah May of East River Ministries, you'd be looking at a blank screen! How precious she is to us and we know to so many others. The Lord brought us together about four years ago when we first began raising the support needed to come to our mission field. When we answer His call and say "Lord, here I am, send me," oh what sweet surprises He has in store for us! Hannah has in the last week spent a good deal of her valuable time in helping us with our blog. Please check out her blog, eastriverministries.blogspot.com -- you'll be blessed to see all the Lord is doing through her. Thank you, Hannah!

17 DAYS AND COUNTING TIL THE DEBATE!

This is the poster designed by our good friend (and gifted by our Lord) Sandi Powell. This poster will be displayed in the lobby of the South County Civic Center (see photo below) on September 8, 2009.

And here’s the poster that will be behind our book table for all who will be will be ordering the DVD. Let us know how many you want by emailing us at mfinesilver@comcast.net.

We plan this to be the first of many debates.

August '09 Newsletter

The Mighty Mississippi River
By Michael Finesilver

I’ve seen its width, watched it flow, seen its power. We know, yes, we know it’s God’s handiwork. We had a vision: Have a debate. Ask Dr. Michael Brown (foremost Jewish apologist!). Ask Rabbi Silver. Call it “Who Is Jesus”. Find a 500-seat auditorium. Get many volunteers. Have our church stand with us. Have it videotaped for DVDs. Have newspapers advertise. Have 350+ unsaved Jewish people register to attend. We’ve seen its width, its flow, and God’s power -- and we know His purpose: To proclaim Jesus through this debate to more Jewish hearts at one time than ever before in the Ft. Lauderdale area

Please, please pray that on September 8th, at 7 p.m., the Holy Spirit will anoint Dr. Brown with wisdom and understanding. Pray that God’s military angels will bind Satan’s demons, and that Jesus, the light of the world, would pierce the veil over the heart of His chosen people that they may see and hear and confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Also pray for follow up with those whose hearts are touched by God’s Spirit through the surveys we will ask them to hand in at the end of the debate.



James Davis, the religion editor for South Florida’s major newspaper, the Sun-Sentinel, last Sunday featured this event in his Calendar section. Every Sunday the newspaper also features a profile on a “spiritual leader.” We believe as you look at the photo below you will see (as we did) God’s hand in how this page came together.


By the way, I did call Rabbi Newman to invite him and his congregation to the debate. Rabbi Newman it turns out is an “anti-missionary” working closely with Jews for Judaism. When in answer to his question regarding what synagogue my wife and I attended, he learned that I was instead a faithful church-goer, he hung up!


This Thursday by 8 a.m., our phone began to ring and after three people in a row asked to make reservations for the debate, Mimi asked “Would you mind telling us how you learned of this event?” “We read about it on the first page of the local section of the Sun-Sentinel,” she was told. As you can see, this article was written by Lois Solomon. Mimi had emailed Ms. Solomon the details of this event (as she had done with James Davis), but never received word from Ms. Solomon that anything would be printed. Currently we have booked approximately 341 reservations (there is no charge for this event but we are asking people to register), and about 98% of those registering seem to be unbelieving Jewish people, as gleaned from their last names and our conversations with them. As you can see from the way the article was written, it would seem favor was given to Rabbi Silver -- Dr. Brown has many other publications other than the one cited in this article and has many other “credentials.” We believe they are expecting to hear reassurance of why they should continue not to believe, but we have heard Dr. Brown defend our faith in a most convincing yet gentle manner, and we know two things: 1) Our Lord wants this event to take place and He is the One bringing the Jewish people to hear the truth about the Messiah; and 2) we know that “His Word will not come back void.”

Still & Always, One Heart at a Time!
By Mimi Finesilver



This last Monday our Bible Study group celebrated my 61st birthday. Pictured to the left is “Marvin,” who has been attending our Bible Study for quite a while now. You can see that Ingrid, one sister in the Bible study group, is sharing with Marvin, not only the love of Jesus, but with the humility necessary to open his heart. Yes the Debate will be opportunity for 300+ Jewish people to hear our faith defended by a renowned Jewish apologist, but we will never forget it’s still about reaching one heart at a time – sharing God’s message of love – that He loved us so much that He sent the Messiah to suffer and die, that we might be reconciled to him.