How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!
Romans 10:14-15
Having started my ministry as a young evangelist on the streets of Tel Aviv almost 30 years ago, I know first hand just how hard it is.
I can make a list of 10 reasons why street evangelism in Israel simply cannot work. However… it does. Simply because God is in the business of defying human logic and reasoning.
Times have changed, there are many new factors in place that have shown us there is definite power in carrying the Word of God to people right on the streets.
Recently our team of local evangelists led by Chaim, have launched an initiative to engage in street evangelism in Haifa during this festive season.
Why Haifa? Why the Festive season?
Haifa is one the 3 biggest cities in Israel with the uniqueness of being a totally mixed city. It is truly a melting pot of Jews, Arabs and Christians. People from all walks of life coexist together in one city, in the same shops, restaurants, schools. It is the kind of place where you will see Hanukkah menorahs alongside Christmas trees lit side by side.
Our team chose Haifa because we knew it would be very fruitful, especially during this holiday season when people are so drawn to the concept of Christmas even without understanding its true meaning.
Every Saturday for the past few weeks our team of 20 street evangelists have been going out and just preaching to people on the streets of Haifa, where thousands of Israelis, both Jews and Arabs, visit this city to enjoy its festive atmosphere.
The testimonies of salvations and people openly receiving Jesus right there on the street is proof enough that street evangelism works, because God is at work in the land of Israel.
Sasha is a young man that was just passing by our team, when he looked at Chaim he felt compelled to stop and speak to him. It was one of those moments out of time when God meets a man on his own personal “road to Damascus” and reveals Himself.
Sasha’s destiny was to encounter Yeshua that day, because he didn’t have a single doubt in his mind, he accepted Yeshua as his Lord and Savior.
As he prayed Sinner’s Prayer, he said his heart filled with inexplicable warmth and joy. We told him not to worry, these were just “side effects” of inviting Jesus into your heart, and he should get used to it. His life will never be the same!
Testimonies like Sasha’s are the reasons why street evangelism is not only important, it works. Especially in Israel, where so many need to hear the message of our Messiah, so that “…all Israel shall be saved.”
Beit Hallel is a Messianic Jewish congregation in Ashdod, led by pastor Israel Pochtar, serving holocaust survivors and the poor and needy locally and throughout the nation of Israel, while building up the body of Messiah in the promised land of Israel.