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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK
The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem was established in1980 in recognition of the biblical significance of all of Jerusalem and its unique connection to the Jewish people. Today the ICEJ represents millions of Christians, churches, and denominations to the nation and people of Israel. We recognize in the restoration of Israel the faithfulness of God to keep His ancient covenant with the Jewish people. Our main objectives are:
• To stand with Israel in support and friendship;
• To equip and teach the worldwide church regarding God’s purposes with Israel and the nations of the Middle East;
• To be an active voice of reconciliation between Jews, Christians, and Arabs, and to support the churches and congregations in the Holy Land.
From its head offices in Jerusalem, the ICEJ reaches out into more than 170 countries worldwide, with branch offices in over 90 nations.
Our vision is:
• To reach every segment of Israel’s society with a Christian testimony of comfort and love, and
• To reach and actively represent to Israel the support of denominations, churches, and believers from every nation on earth.
The Christian Embassy is a non-denominational faith-based ministry supported by the voluntary contributions of our partners and friends across the globe. We invite you to join with us as we minister to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide by donating to the ongoing work and witness of the ICEJ.
Dear friends,
It has been 75 years since Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, read Israel’s Declaration of Independence at the Tel Aviv Museum in May 1948. For the first time in 1,800 years, a sovereign Jewish nation existed in the ancient Land of Canaan—Israel was reborn. This year, the ICEJ is preparing to celebrate that modern-day miracle, the impact of which reverberates today. In this issue of Word From Jerusalem, we look at the significance of Israel’s return to the world stage—and what it means for today’s Christians—in the article “Witnesses to Israel’s ‘Resurrection.’”
Israel’s rebirth looks back to Genesis 12, 15, and 17 and God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants. Christians today are witnessing the fulfillment of many of these promises with our own eyes! But there is much to learn from this man who believed God and looked forward to the day God would make good on His Word. Even Jesus said that Abraham, 2,000 years before Jesus was even born, “saw [My day] and was glad” (John 8:56). You can read more about what Abraham “saw” on pages 4–5.
You’ll also read about how God is continuing to bring His people home to Israel from around the world, just as His Word says. Aliyah from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) is up 400 percent this year. We provide an update about Aliyah from Russia and Ukraine on pages 11–13.
Credits
ICEJ President Dr. Jürgen Bühler
USA Director Susan Michael
VP International Affairs Dr. Mojmir Kallus
VP Finance David van der Walt
VP Operations Barry R. Denison
VP International Spokesman David Parsons
VP AID & Aliyah Nicole Yoder
Managing Editor/Publications Director Laurina Driesse
USA Managing Editor Karen Engle
Staff Writer Anastasiya Gooding
Graphic Design/Illustrators Ryan Tsuen, Peter Ecenroad, Nancy Schimp
Photography Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Flash90, GPO, Getty Images, JAFI, MirYam Institute, United Hatzalah, CNET, Wikimedia Commons, Levi Dörflinger, Wikimedia Commons, Levi Dörflinger, ICEJ Staff and Branches
The New King James Bible is used for all Bible references unless otherwise noted.
Word From Jerusalem is published by the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Word From Jerusalem has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. The ICEJ USA Branch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with offices in Tennessee, Florida, and Washington, DC. All gifts to this ministry are tax-deductible according to United States law.
INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN EMBASSY JERUSALEM - USA
Support our ministry online at: www.icejusa.org
We are watching seismic shifts in both the heavens and the earth. These are times of great transition, and Israel and the Jewish people are at the center of it. It is the time to dedicate our hearts fully to God, seek Him afresh, and be busy doing our Father’s work. God is indeed doing a “new thing” and “making a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19). And we are rejoicing in His faithfulness.
As you read this issue, I pray it will inspire you to join us in building God’s kingdom here in Israel.
Many blessings from Jerusalem!
Dr. Juergen Buehler President
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
FOR MAGAZINE ARCHIVES visit www.icejusa.org/wfj
8 NOT YOUR TYPICAL NINE-YEAR-OLD