Strengthening The Remnant | Raquel Smilovici

About this sermon

Your love and engagement during this difficult time has been life-giving! You are part of Tikkun from wherever you are, and I want to share a story from one of our team members, Raquel Smilovici, to help you understand life in Israel for believers in Yeshua. As I ate dinner with the Smilovici family in their home, Raquel described a recent occurrence she faced with Orthodox Jews. A few months ago, she was walking into a venue for a worship night with messianic musicians and artists. There was an intense commotion at the front door, and security stopped her—a group of Orthodox Jews was demonstrating against the Messianic Worship event. As Raquel waited out front for security to allow her to enter, a black and white-dressed Orthodox Jew began questioning her. He was hostile and probing. Orthodox Jews are sharp and knowledgeable about their beliefs, and speaking to them can be intimidating—especially about our faith in Yeshua. But Raquel says she felt the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to converse with the gentleman. She boldly and gently defended her faith in Yeshua, as it says in 1 Peter 3:15: "Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Raquel witnessed to him about why she is a believer in Yeshua the Messiah; her opposite spirit defused his haughtiness and brought peace. This demonstration occurred just a few days after the historic Pentecost 2023 gathering on the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount in the Old City. Orthodox Jews held similar protests and were physically aggressive at that event, and some of our brethren were injured. Friends, opposition is definitely on the rise. We must STRENGTHEN THE REMNANT of believers in Israel with training and tools to bear witness of Yeshua and share their faith. As part of this remnant, Tikkun Global devotes time and resources to evangelism, discipleship, and congregational communities in Israel. On Tuesdays, an in-depth teaching of the Scriptures occurs in our Hevruta. More and more Hebrew-speaking Israelis are taking these lessons and growing more robust in the faith— preparing them to share their hope with others in Jerusalem and Israel. Thank you for being part of showing Yeshua to the people of Israel and strengthening the remnant of believers here to defend their faith. Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem.