International Outreach

The greatest reward of a teacher is when he sees his students “doing”
what they have been taught. They are not only doing it,
but the thought “we can’t do this”
has not crossed their mind! Eighteen months ago,
Adat HaMashiach Messianic Congregation began a study called “
The Book of Acts, the Great Commission, and our congregation,”
asking the questions, “How did they do it?” and “
How are we to do it?” As we began to teach Acts 13 (the sending
out of the first outreach team), we received a call from a ministry
that had visited Montevideo, Uruguay. We were told of groups of
Messianic Jews who are without a congregation. Could we assist in
the planting of a new Messianic congregation in this faraway land
in South America? Our congregation’s response was an enthusiastic
“YES!” We sent a fact-finding team in April. They reported
back to the Elders of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America, who sought
to hear clearly from the Lord. We all agreed that one person in particular
had the calling and ability to be a co-laborer with us in birthing this
new ministry. We brought Ubaldo Bas to the annual conference of the
Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. He was advised by the leadership
of the MJAA as well as by several international leaders, and his vision
clarified as to how he was to begin. This was followed by an additional
two weeks of training in Southern California, involving several congregations.
Ubaldo is a “visionary,” who with our assistance will build a
new ministry in Uruguay. He is beginning with a group of forty loyal
Messianic Believers of which seven are Jewish. Other Messianic fellowships
are welcome and encouraged to be a part of this new congregation, called
Adat HaMashiach of Uruguay. He submitted an application for his new congregation
to become a member of the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and
Synagogues; it will be a “sister” congregation to Adat HaMashiach
Messianic Congregation of Irvine, California. Our hearts are now linked together.
The new congregation’s plan is to proceed slowly but deliberately,
by celebrating Shabbat, holding orientation classes, and following a one year
plan to teach about the biblical holidays. Their vision is to reach out and
bless the Jewish people of Montevideo, beginning by being examples and
ambassadors of Yeshua. They have the opportunity to be on the radio on a
regular basis, as well as on television. Their vision includes training
to reach out to other communities, and then to neighboring countries in
South America. They also have a heart for Israel. The Israeli flag is in
their worship center and a regular offering is taken to bless Israel.
The Lord spoke to Ubaldo concerning the needs of the Joseph Project
and Project Tikvah in Ethiopia. He hopes to send a team of medical
professionals in conjunction with a team from California to assist
the Jewish Believers in Ethiopia. A wonderful link has been established
between our local congregation, the Believers of Montevideo, Israel,
and the ongoing work of the Messianic Movement worldwide. Months ago,
our Director of International Outreach challenged our congregation to “
invest their lives into things of eternal value.” They have responded
enthusiastically with a refreshed vision to fulfill the most important task
entrusted to us by Yeshua. This experience has changed our lives forever.
Our small congregation accepted our part in the “doing”
of the Great Commission. Doors of opportunity have begun to open to
go into the entire world and represent our Messiah! We began to “do”
the Book of Acts by co-laboring in planting a new congregation on another
continent. In turn, their vision is identical, and their plans are to
continue the same process of reproducing and imparting Yeshua’s vision.
My challenge to a small group was, “you can do it!” They did,
and you can do it as well. Please partner with us in prayer and support
of this exciting new outreach. It has changed our congregation. It has
transformed me. And it can happen to you! You are invited to open the door
to cross-cultural outreach. The Lord will impart wonderful heart connections
as you reach out and touch the hearts of the Jewish people, as Yeshua’s
ambassadors to all people in all places.