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Myles & Katharine Weiss

Dear Friends,

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; …” —Deuteronomy 30:19

As Katharine and I walked the Land recently with our precious pilgrims, the above verse came alive in many ways. The return of my Jewish people to our ancestral homeland signals the era of Messiah’s coming … or rather, return, as we understand Him! Everywhere the soles of the Jewish people’s feet tread produces abundant life. Swamps that are drained, vineyards planted, houses built, and the laughter of children testify to the goodness of God and His commitment to His Word and His covenants.

The prophet Amos declared,
“I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. “I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God. —Amos 9:14, 15

Like a giant, cosmic, two-step heartbeat, “L’Chaim! L’Chaim! L’Chaim! —To Life! To Life! To Life!” pulsated inaudibly throughout Israel. Yet even as love, laughter, and life witness to the Lord, some people and nations remain committed to snuffing out the Jewish people and “wiping Israel from the map.”

Incomprehensible? It should be, but it is unfortunately true. Even as you read this letter, the nations are being sifted as they conspire to cooperate with this death knell … to their own peril. The days are approaching (or are they here?) when touching the “apple of God’s eye” will have serious consequences again:

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there on account of My people, My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.” —Joel 3:1, 2

Here at the ministry, we continue to “work while it is day … for the night comes when no man can work …” (John 9:4) It is very satisfying to be part of this team with its multi-faceted approaches to ministry. As we lead pilgrims through a life-changing experience in Israel, our “To the Jew First” mission team, led by Todd Baker, preaches the Gospel to Israeli Jews and Arabs. Team members bring the Good News, hand out Bibles, and draw the people of the Land into a living relationship with Sar Shalom, the Prince of Peace.

Katharine and I teach at significant biblical sites, and the pilgrims “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” in Jerusalem (and throughout Israel). This became an important physical prayer as rockets fell on Be’er Sheva, Ashdod, and Ashkelon during the first few days of our most recent journey. While we were never in danger, it was a mitzvah (good deed) to pray for our Jewish family in those towns, including the immediate family of our awesome bus driver David Minay, who lives in Ashkelon.

After the pilgrimage, Katharine and I met with our TV crew and hit the ground running, shooting footage for an enthralling eight-program series: Abraham—the Father of Faith. We walked the Way of the Patriarchs and affirmed the Jewish presence in Israel for the last 4,000 years. The drama, the teaching, and the incredible interviews will edify and sanctify you. We were especially blessed to interview Itamar Marcus, of Palestinian Media Watch; David Ha’ivri, the government spokesman for Shomron (biblical Samaria, a.k.a. the West Bank); and Rachel and Avi Lipkin (a.k.a. Victor Mordecai), experts on Islam and Arab-language media. These interviews will pepper our series and other programs, as will a commentary from former terrorist Walid Shoebat and the former mayor of Shiloh, David Rubin.

Taken together, these people represent some of the finest information sources today. Some of their insights will shock you, but all will enhance your understanding of our world. It has become evident that you and I can interpret current events clearly only by looking at them through the lens of Scripture. This teaching will be even more essential as we Believers and unbelievers alike approach the Day of the Lord.

Before these new programs are completed, you can view the following programs, which are scheduled to air on television this month (in addition to being available at www.levitt.tv):

Behind the Scenes —
Special guest Mark Levitt shares the background of the ministry and gives us a tour through ZLM headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Paul Wilbur, Marty Goetz, and Ted Pearce perform their spiritual music.

The following week, we begin our new eight-program series, Acts: Then and Now… the Story Continues, which examines the implications of the Acts of the Apostles in history and the future.

The Birth of the Church —
Bringing Good News from the Middle East, Myles teaches about the birth of the Church on location at the Jerusalem Temple’s Southern Steps. We learn how Evangelist Jacob Damkani, a Persian Jew, fearlessly brings the Gospel to Israelis.
The Good News —
At Jerusalem’s Liberty Bell Park, Myles illustrates how the Gospel traveled west, with a positive impact on Europe and the Americas. The United States is a shining example of what the Gospel can produce—and how that is being challenged today. Katharine interviews Rita Tsukahira on Mt. Carmel, where Rita leads a ministry for troubled Israeli Arabs and Jews and for refugees from Africa.
To Hear Something New —
On Mars Hill in Athens, Myles teaches about what Paul encountered while bringing the Jewish Gospel to the Greek world. Demonstrating his mastery of cross-cultural missions, Paul drew the nations into the commonwealth of Israel through the cross of Yeshua. Dr. Dan Juster explains the theological connection between Jewish and Greek thought.
The Word Goes Forth from Zion —
Corinth, the mercantile center of Paul’s world, presented Paul a unique challenge: to preach of a Holy God in the most unholy environment! Yet, out of the Corinthian letters come timeless instructions on how to live together in a vibrant faith community. Myles interviews father and son, Asher Intrater and son Solomon, on the faith life of the contemporary Messianic community and its reach into the nations.

These contemporary voices express the current “life” in the believing community throughout Israel. Such television programs make it clear that the Messianic remnant is lighting the Way—an example of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, preparing His people for the coming of Yeshua.

If you feel led to visit your future home—Israel—consider coming with Katharine and me. Now is the optimal time to register for our Fall Tour this October. Choose among four options:

  1. The Athens/Israel extension travels October 9–24.
  2. The Israel leg travels October 14–24.
  3. Extend your stay and visit Israel and Petra in Jordan: October 14–28.
  4. Or include all three tours—Athens/Israel/Petra—October 9–28.
    (This package offers the best value. Getting there is a major portion of the tour expense. If you’re already going, adding an extension is very cost effective.)

During our recent visit to Israel, Katharine and I attended a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he affirmed Israel’s friendship with the American Evangelical Christian community. Don’t we live in truly remarkable times? The dialogue between Christians and Jews has never been more lively and positive. Our shared destiny is unfolding in the midst of our differing views regarding the person of Messiah and the meaning of biblical Judaism.

Love characterizes these interactions—after two millennia of contention and destruction! I recall the apocryphal story of the meeting between the pope and the chief rabbi of Jerusalem. After nine hundred years, the pope apologized for the Crusades and the Inquisition. The rabbi’s response? “Better late than never!”

Your messenger,
Myles

P.S. Hopefully, you have noticed this ministry undertaking back-to-back productions of marvelous series of television programs. Please remember our efforts in your prayers and financial stewardship. It is your tithes and offerings that enable us to forge ahead filling mailboxes and living rooms with desperately needed Bible teaching. Thank you for continuing to stand with Israel, the Jewish people, and us. And as you go, please … Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim—Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

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