ZEALOUS A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M E S S I A N I C J E W I S H B I B L E I N S T I T U T E
2 KINGS 19:31
IT’S ABOUT JOHNNY
2013 MINISTRY REPORT GOD’S ZEAL AND THE REMNANT OF ZION SMT: GO WHERE THE EYES ARE! REKINDLE: AN EVENING TO REMEMBER
SPRING 2014
f or z ion’s s ake DR. WAYNE WILKS
Welcome to the premiere of Zealous Magazine! I am excited to unveil the first issue of the MJBI quarterly update magazine, “Zealous.” After prayer and thought, the staff agreed, “Zealous” was the perfect title since the word has had spiritual meaning to us from the beginning. In 1996, the Svionteks and my family left Texas to start the first MJBI in Odessa, Ukraine. Just before we boarded the plane, God gave me 2 Kings 19:29-31: “This shall be a sign to you: you shall eat this year such as grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from the same; also in the third year sow and reap, plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them. And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and those who escape from mount Zion, The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this.” This was a prophecy given by Isaiah to Hezekiah of Israel’s deliverance from Assyria. God’s zeal ZEALOUS MAGAZINE Dr. Wayne Wilks, Jr. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
EDI TORI AL
ART & DES I GN
Bonnie Saul Wilks
Giuseppe Rispoli
SENIOR EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Carol Adams
Jacob Wallace
EDITOR
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER
will deliver a remnant of Israel, a theme Isaiah addresses (10:22-23; 11:11-16; 37:30-32). Paul continues Isaiah’s theme in Romans 9:27 and 11:5 and expands the definition of “remnant” to Jewish believers in Yeshua. Paul’s ministry was directed to the dispersed, and he yearned to see Israel’s believing remnant expand. The zeal of the Lord was doing this. Seventeen years ago, we became involved in something beyond what human zeal could accomplish. It would be God’s zeal that would carry us, as we committed to expanding the believing remnant of Israel. This verse became a pattern for expansion in our third year and beyond. I am humbled as we have worked through failings, and our hope grows as we embrace something bigger than ourselves — God’s zealous character that will finish His holy task in the earth. This quarter Alisa Stephenson, Director of Events and Partner Relations, shares photos and reflections on the fall banquet featuring President George W. Bush. Frank Lugenheim, USA Director of Operations, contributes a 2013 ministry review as well as an update on our School of Messianic Theology (SMT). Dr. Ray Gannon, Vice President for Academic Affairs, offers academic insights on the Messianic Remnant, and Senior Writer Bonnie Saul Wilks shares a thoughtful devotional. May “Zealous” encourage you as we rejoice together over what God is doing to preserve His remnant and extend His Kingdom! z For Zion’s sake, Wayne Wilks, Jr., Ph.D.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT Tara Kieschnick
MANAGING EDITOR
C O V E R A RT City walls. (Jerusalem) Photo: Alex Bruda Design: Jacob Wallace
SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook.com/MJBI.USA Twitter.com/MJBI Youtube.com/MJBIUSA ZealousMag.org
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Contents P.O. Box 610105 Dallas, TX 75261 817.864.9300 USAOffice@MJBI.org • www.MJBI.org
ONLINE SCHOOLS SCHOOL OF MESSIANIC THEOLOGY SMT@MJBI.org • www.SMTEnglish.org THE KING’S UNIVERSITY
Accredited Messianic Jewish Studies Program
Seminary@MJBI.org www.TheKingsMJBI.org
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS UKRAINE
Ukraine@MJBI.org http://orhamashiah.org/
ARGENTINA & PERU
Argentina@MJBI.org http://www.ministeriobetel.org
RUSSIA
Russia@MJBI.org
ISRAEL
Israel@MJBI.org
KOREA
Korea@MJBI.org
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FOR ZION’S SAKE
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IT’S ABOUT JOHNNY
6
2013 MINISTRY REPORT
8
GOD’S ZEAL AND THE REMNANT OF ZION
Dr. Wayne Wilks
Bonnie Saul Wilks
MJBI Staff
Dr. Ray Gannon
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SMT: GO WHERE THE EYES ARE!
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REKINDLE: AN EVENING TO REMEMBER
Frank Lugenheim
Alisa Stephenson
MEXICO
Mexico@MJBI.org
ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia@MJBI.org
THE ZEAL OF THE LORD OF HOSTS W I L L D O T H I S . . . (2 KINGS 19:31)
HUNGARY
Hungary@MJBI.org ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe@MJBI.org
ECFA ACCREDITATION You have invested wisely during your lifetime. Now let these investments make a lasting difference in people’s lives with a gift to the Messianic Jewish Foundation. Your gift will go directly to sharing the Good News with Jewish people and helping strengthen Messianic Jewish congregations and ministry around the world for years to come. Please contact us at 817-864-9300 or Foundation@MJBI.org for more information.
DAT E S T O R E M EM B ER • March 16— Purim • March 25— Abilene “Rekindle” Banquet • March 27— Tyler “Rekindle” Banquet • April 3— Amarillo “Rekindle” Banquet • April 15— Passover • April 20— Easter Sunday • April 28— Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
Zealous Magazine is published quarterly by the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute.
For more information on MJBI visit MJBI.org
• May 26— Memorial Day (U.S.)
ZEALOUS MAGAZINE
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IT’S ABOUT JOHNNY! by
BONNIE SAUL WILKS
senio r w r i t e r
T
his is one of those stories that helped me grow-up, although I was an adult when I heard it. The famous queen of talk, Oprah Winfrey, tells a tale about the first time she appeared on the Johnny Carson show. Just like a myriad of would-be stars, Oprah would have her “three minutes of fame” on the celebrated “Tonight Show.” Everyone knew what this meant—Oprah had made it! As a young person, you may be scratching your head and wondering, “Hey, who in the world is Johnny Carson?” Well, he was a talented, late-night show host and, for his time, seriously funny. He was the Jimmy Fallon of his generation. Americans loved Johnny. Many stars received a super-boost in the business by appearing on-air with him. The truth is Oprah had only begun climbing her way to the top when she hit the “Tonight Show.” Since then, her fame and popularity have exploded with unprecedented success. Most stars or highprofile people crave a nod or an endorsement from the powerful Oprah. Political persons or presidential hopefuls desire her official stamp-of-approval. So Johnny asked Oprah a few questions, and then it came time for a commercial. During the break, the personable Oprah tried to engage Johnny in friendly conversation, but he did not respond. Carson spoke not a word, nor did he give her a nod. The experienced show-biz man was “off-air” and disconnected from developing a friendship or even a conversation. Suddenly a floodlight of understanding illumined the situation. Oprah thought, “Oh, this is about Johnny.” Yes, it was about Johnny -— not Oprah. It was Carson’s night and show. Oprah was just invited to ride the Ferris wheel to the top with the late-night host and then swoop down to the ground of reality a few minutes later. Tomorrow night Johnny would load it up again with stars and would-be stars for a quick
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ZealousMag.org
BONNIE SAUL WILKS
IT’S ABOUT JOHNNY
“. . . I A S P I R E T O B E INTENTIONAL ABOUT ALLOWING OTHERS TO BEAM IN THE LIMELIGHT AND ENCOURAGE THEIR S H I N I N G .” ride to the top and back down. The Ferris wheel and the ride belonged to the star of the “Tonight Show.” Oprah admits this was a life-lesson she never forgot. It is clear that her most endearing quality is the undeniable truth that she knows how to let others shine. Miss Winfrey has discovered she looks best when she graciously allows those around her to illuminate the center stage. Oprah knows how to move aside and let others be important. I have added this lesson to my life-bank of wisdom. It sweetens my contentment, and it’s something I want to put into practice in earnest in this new year. Allowing others to shine brings about the kingdom of God in my life and others. I have not conquered the gift in every instance, but I aspire to be intentional about allowing others to beam in the limelight and encourage their shining. Yeshua loved people and became involved in their stories. I imagine Him as the best listener when He spent time with the lame man by the pool, or Matthew, or Mary Magdalene, or the ten lepers on the road. Jesus listened, and probably thought to Himself, “This moment is about Mary, this hour belongs to Peter, or this time is for John.” The Master emptied His ego and shared the joys and pains of both friends and foes, yet He was MJBI.org
flesh and blood. I think sometimes He probably wanted to shake the disciples and say, “Hey, get over yourselves! I am the One. It’s about Me.” As both man and God, He alone carried the sin of the whole world up Calvary’s mountain. Truly, it was about Him and no one else. The stardom of Johnny Carson has long faded, and everyone is gazing at Jimmy Fallon and other superstars. In recent months even Oprah’s shining star has dimmed. The spotlight that I surrender to others leads me to a life more like Yeshua. His glory will outshine the hottest-burning sun in the galaxy and the haughtiest-flaming celebrity known to humankind. z
BONNIE SAUL WILKS When not catching a plane, train, or automobile for the far flung regions of the world, Bonnie is at home in Euless, Texas. She enjoys cooking, reading and writing poetry, and photographing nature and wildlife.
Read more articles from Bonnie at www.ZealousMag.org
www . Co v en an t Des i g n s . net
ZEALOUS MAGAZINE
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MESSIANIC JEWISH BIBLE INSTITUTE 2013 Ministry Report
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Yura Mokhort MJBI School
EULESS, TEXAS Dr. Wayne Wilks International Office
PHOENIX, ARIZONA Dr. Ray Gannon MJBI Academic Office
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Andrea Simonyi MJBI Affiliate
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS Dr. Ray Gannon The King’s University MJBI Accredited Program
HOSANNA, ADDIS ABABA, GONDAR, & WOLISO, ETHIOPIA Mezmur ZeMichael (4) MJBI Schools
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO Agustin Enriquez Vargas MJBI Affiliate BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL Matheus Guimaraes MJBI Affiliate
VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA Dr. Ray Gannon The King’s University MJBI Accredited Program
KEY SCHOOL/OFFICE ONLINE SCHOOL AFFILIATE KING’S UNIVERSITY
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BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Jorge Goldstein MJBI School
HARARE, ZIMBABWE MJBI Academic Affairs Dept. MJBI School
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ , for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes , for the Jew first and also for the Greek . For
Romans 1:16
The MJBI equips leaders who will establish Messianic Jewish congregations and ministries in Jewish communities worldwide and seeks to equip the Church in its responsibility to take the Good News to the Jew first according to Romans 1:16.
SCHOOL OF MESSIANIC THEOLOGY English Online Video School 388 Students in 37 Countries
SCHOOL OF MESSIANIC THEOLOGY Russian Online Video School 9 Courses Translated
ODESSA, UKRAINE Valentin Sviontek MJBI School SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA J.S. Lee MJBI Affiliate
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL Dan Juster MJBI School
MJBI Income & Expense 2,000,000
We thank God for blessing the Messianic Jewish Bible Institute (MJBI) with the stewardship of $1,742,285 worth of ministry resources. We expect God to do even more through MJBI in the year ahead. Created from the Board of Directors approved interim unaudited financial statements. Yearly independent audit to be completed and available upon request.
1,500,000 1,000,000 500,000 0 -500,000
2013
2012
2011
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
(Audited)
Income
1,742,285
1,467,225
1,234,604
Expenses
1,648,408
1,389,263
1,271,713
93,877
77,962
-37,109
Net Income
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GOD’S ZEAL and t h e REMNANT o f ZION BY DR. RAY GANNON
MJBI Vice President for Academic Affairs
G
od’s self-assigned program to manifest His glory to the objects of His affections (mankind) through the Jewish people is reiterated throughout the Torah, the Psalms and the Prophets. There is no cause for confusion in God’s choice of Israel. The nation was chosen to manifest God and to fully engage with Him in the reconciliation of humanity to the Creator. As early as Abraham’s preliminary calling in Genesis 12:1-3, God makes it clear that his descendants will be God’s mission society to restore the nations to Him. Six times in Genesis alone does God reiterate to the Patriarchs that their physical seed will be the agency through which all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Isaiah reassured King Hezekiah nearly 2800 years ago that God’s own ZEAL would ultimately accomplish the divine objective for Israel, His Chosen People. In spite of frequent back sliding and active resistance against God that led to their suffering, He will ultimately bring the Jewish people forward in divine victory as they learn to walk in obedience to Israel’s appointed Messianic Leader. Yeshua came as the incarnation of God to Israel. He is the perfect human being, the Second Adam, the completely flawless and successful image and replica of God the Father. Yeshua embodies all 8
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“For out of Jerusalem will go forth a remnant and out of Mount Zion survivors. The Zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this.” Is. 37:32 that God envisioned a Jew, or any human, could be. But He also came as the Son of God—the Godinstalled, Spirit-anointed, and uniquely appointed King of Israel. As that God-ordained King, Prophet, Priest and federal Head of Israel, Yeshua is the very One who will successfully lead Israel in accomplishing her divine assignment of reconciling all the nations to their Creator. Without surrendering to the Messiah Yeshua and submitting to His will, Israel will only fall short in her very reason for existence. It was because of His indispensable place in the irrefutable mission of Israel as assigned by an undefeatable God, that the resurrected Yeshua stood on Mt. Olivet and instructed about 500 Jewish witnesses that they were to engage in the ministry of reconciliation: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the
TheKingsMJBI.org
Dr. Ray Gannon
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt. 28:18-20 In preparation for this Messianic Mandate, or Great Commission, Yeshua devoted His adult ministry years almost exclusively to the salvation of the apostolic nation. The full slate of apostles, including Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, always made it their priority to ensure Jewish people had a strong witness of Yeshua and preached “to the Jew first.” The Messiah and apostles all recognized Israel’s essential role in global redemption. As Bible students, we are very much aware that Israel failed the Lord repeatedly throughout the biblical record. As historians, we are painfully cognizant of Israel’s centuries-long majority rejection of Yeshua and the consequent impossibility of Israel’s spiritual success and divine mission accomplishment without Him. However, the long years of helping Jewish people recognize that Messianic faith in Yeshua does not lead to cultural suicide is paying off in Kingdom dividends. While the majority within Israel are still God-resistant, according to new Pew Research polls, about 34% of Jewish people see faith in Yeshua as compatible with Jewish identity. Of the current 15 million Jewish people worldwide, perhaps as many of 400,000 are believers in Yeshua at this writing. These compose the “remnant of Zion” that God continues to work with and through in every generation alongside Gentile believers engaged in the ministry of reconciliation. Perhaps these are just a “remnant,” but we choose to celebrate the reality that the tide is turning in Yeshua’s favor! God has no “Plan B” for the Jewish people. Yeshua is God’s only plan. All the blessings promised to Israel will find their richest expression in reality when Israel begins to obey the Prophet that Moses insisted was indispensable to Israel’s success. (Deut. 18:15-18)
MJBI.org
We at MJBI, like the Apostle Paul, envision the day when “all Israel shall be saved.” We desire to be fully engaged in provoking Israel to spiritual jealousy, serving as beacons of God’s love, grace and Messianic light. The day will soon come when all Israel yields to Yeshua as her God-appointed King and Leader, and will successfully accomplish her divine assignment of reconciliation.
We desire to be fully engaged in provoking Israel to spiritual jealousy, serving as beacons of God’s love, grace and Messianic light. Looking to that day, MJBI remains busy training a new generation of believing ambassadors to carry the message and mission of the Kingdom of God to Jews around the world. With MJBI campuses in Jewish communities in Ukraine (for Russian speakers), in Ethiopia (four campuses for Amharic-speaking Jews), in Zimbabwe (for nearly 50 Messianic Jewish pastors), and in Israel (three language programs in focus), we continue the prophetic mission of the apostles to bring Israel to faith in our own generation. We long for the day when the Lord’s heart sings for joy as a redeemed Israel, no longer a remnant, completes the Great Commission task of reconciling the nations to Him, the God of all! z Dr. Ray Gannon has been a front-line pioneer in Messianic outreach and education for over 40 years. Ray and his wife, Kassiani, have three children and twelve grandchildren, and he enjoys motorcycle riding, hiking, and pool exercising.
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SCHOOL OF MESSIANIC THEOLOGY
SMT
GO WHERE
THE EYES ARE!
H
ow does a relatively new and unknown online school get 388 students from 37 countries in a relatively short period of time, from a fairly small niche market, and with zero dollars spent on traditional advertising? Easy! A combination of the blessing of the Lord and by “going where the eyes are.” What does this mean? Whether at the coffee shop, airport, restaurant or any other public place, people’s eyes are buried in their electronic devices. By optimizing the use of strategic inbound Internet marketing techniques, our School of Messianic Theology (SMT) has been found by English speaking students searching the web all over the world. With traditional marketing (outbound marketing), companies spend large sums of money on finding customers. They use shotgun marketing techniques that are expensive and poorly targeted such as cold-calling, print and television advertising, junk mail, spam, and trade shows. But where do most modern day students get their information, do research and purchase their products and services? On their electronic devices. The SMT “go where the eyes are” inbound marketing model uses keyword optimized website technology, content creation, videos, social media properties and other Internet marketing techniques to capture these digital searches. For example, when a keyword search for “Messianic Jewish” schools or study programs is performed, SMT and/or one of our other optimized Messianic Jewish studies website properties are found. We are simply stepping in front of those potential students who are already looking 10
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by FRANK LUGENHEIM USA Director of Operations
WE HAVE BEEN FOUND BY ENGLISH SPEAKING STUDENTS SEARCHING THE WEB ALL OVER THE WORLD. for what we provide. Therefore, inbound marketing costs less, is better targeted, and is an investment rather than an ongoing expense. Due to these marketing techniques, what we thought would be a product that would attract students primarily from the larger English speaking countries like the USA, England and Australia has ended up with surprising international coverage and appeal. By continuing to optimize our inbound technology, we are getting international exposure without spending a dime on traditional marketing. With 37 countries and counting, by God’s grace we’ll continue to “go where the eyes are!” z
SAVE 10% ON NEW SMT COURSES WITH DISCOUNT CODE: SMT10 www . S M T E n g l i s h . org SMTEnglish.org
REKINDLE: A N
E V E N I N G
Other participants included (L-R): Pastor Robert Morris, Rabbi Jonathan Bernis, Dr. Ray Gannon, Rabbi Marty Waldman and Bishop T.D. Jakes
R E M E M B E R
BY ALISA STEPHENSON DIRECTOR OF EVENTS & PARTNER RELATIONS
A
pproximately one thousand people gathered for MJBI’s most widely anticipated event to date at the beautiful Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas on November 14th, ready to see and hear one of the most influential presidents in our country’s history. Security concerns were heightened and addressed by MJBI’s security and registration teams as the event drew near, making access almost seamless for attendees. The venue was lovely, and the visuals provided by the décor teams were exceptional. Volunteers did an outstanding job in every area from greeting to ushering. As the crowd filtered into the ballroom for dinner, they were enchanted by the creatively plated cuisine prepared by an expert chef—and delighted to discover it was as delicious as it was beautiful! Excitement began building when it was announced the President was about to take the platform. The crowd stood and erupted with great applause as MJBI’s president, Dr. Wayne Wilks, and then America’s 43rd President, George W. Bush, appeared on the stage. It was obvious he was loved by this audience. It was evident from the beginning that Dr. Wilks’ interview of President Bush would be different. Rather than a moderator firing questions at a candidate, it was like listening to a fireside chat between friends. The rapport was comfortable and the tone relaxed. Everyone felt included in the conversation as we listened to stories, thoughts and reflections of a man of vast experience. We were mesmerized. The hour went by like mere moments. When President Bush and Dr. Wilks stood, locked arms, and shook hands, it seemed no one, including the President, wanted the conversation to end. The interview concluded just as it began, with thunderous
T O
applause and a standing ovation in honor of this great American. As the evening closed, excited chatter could be heard around the room. The one question on everyone’s mind was—“Who will they have next year?” While I can’t give the answer away yet, I can tell you it will make everyone happy, happy, happy! Reserve your spot now by emailing events@mjbi.org or by calling 817-864-9300.
Note: With the generous backing of event sponsors,
table hosts, ticket holders and over 100 volunteers, the MJBI surpassed all previous fundraising records! Thank you to the partners that have committed resources, time, talent and ingenuity for these banquets each year. These events help us bring awareness to Messianic ministry and allow us to raise much needed support and resources to further the critical work of the MJBI. This banquet was a success greatly because of you and we applaud your awe-inspiring achievements!
z
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MESSIANIC JEWISH BIBLE INSTITUTE
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ARLINGTON, TX PERMIT #255
P. O . B o x 6 1 0 1 0 5 D a l l a s , Te x a s 7 5 2 6 1
March 20, 2014 Tyler, Texas Dr. Michael Brown March 25, 2014 Abilene, Texas Dr. Michael Brown April 3, 2014 Amarillo, Texas Speaker TBA For more information go to www.MJBI.org