In Touch Quarter 1 - 2017

1 st Quarter 2017 • No 190 Christian Friends of Israel UK
His love to Israel
endures forever
Ezra 3:11
INSIDE
EDITORIAL
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF AN ADVOCATE
HEBRAIC BIBLE STUDY - WHY ISRAEL?
HEBREW WORD STUDY - THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS
AREA REPRESENTATIVES CONFERENCE REPORT
RESOURCES & EVENTS
Education • Advocacy • Aid

Editorial
Jacob Vince
Greatly
Distressed!
About us
CFI-UK seeks to bless Israel by
means of practical and moral
support, and to serve the Church in
teaching about God’s purposes for
Israel and the Hebraic heritage
of our faith.
CFI also produces a monthly Prayer
Letter, an audio Middle East News
Report and distributes the Haverim
Hebraic teaching CDs.
Please send for full details of
projects in Israel and also of the
many teaching resources available.
As an educational charity,
we carry a variety of
resources relevant to our
purpose. We do not
necessarily endorse every
view expressed by our
guest writers or authors
of these resources.
Published by:
CFI Charitable Trust
PO Box 2687
Eastbourne
BN22 7LZ
Tel: 01323 410 810
Fax: 01323 410 211
Email: info@cfi.org.uk
Websites: www.cfi.org.uk
www.keshercourse.org.uk
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twitter.com/cfi_uk
Registered Charity
No. 1101899
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Front Cover Image:
The River Jordan
‘Greatly distressed’ (Acts 17:16),
might at first glance appear a strange
way to start an editorial! However,
it does in fact follow the theme of the
apostle Paul’s emotion concerning all
people to whom he preached. Firstly,
as discussed in the third quarter 2016
In Touch editorial, for his own ethnic
people Paul had, ‘great sorrow and
unceasing anguish in my heart. For
I could wish that I myself were cursed
and cut off from Christ for the sake of my
brothers, those of my own race, the people
of Israel’ (Romans 9:1-3). Then, in the
fourth quarter In Touch editorial, to
the predominantly gentile church, ‘I
have you in my heart’ (Philippians 1:7-
8) and, ‘besides everything else, I face the
daily pressure of my concern for all the
churches’ (2 Corinthians 11:28).
Well, the phrase ‘greatly distressed’
comes from a description of the apostle
Paul’s emotion following his arrival
in Athens, having first been driven
out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9) and
then Berea (Acts 17:10-15) after much
fruitful response to Paul and Silas’s
ministry. Paul finds himself in Athens
waiting for his fellow workers Silas
and Timothy to join him. Sometimes
we might find ourselves, for whatever
reason, with time on our hands. Here,
the example of Paul shows us that we
can use this time usefully as he did,
carefully observing areas of need, so
that when the opportunity arises to
address them we are better able to do
so, ‘For as I walked around and looked
carefully at your objects of worship, I even
found an alter to: an unknown god. Now
what you worship as something unknown I
am going to proclaim to you’ (Acts 17:23).
But Paul did not simply address the
issues with clear-headed thought and
presentation, something he manifestly
did, but alongside this he had a heart
of compassion for the lost he observed
in this world, ‘While Paul was waiting for
them, he was greatly distressed to see the
city full of idols’ (Acts 17:16).
The apostle Paul then takes action,
stimulated by this concern. Rather
than condemning these sinful and
gentile Greek people, something which
his earlier compatriot and prophet
Jonah had struggled with concerning
Nineveh, Paul adopts the posture of
God himself who speaks to Jonah
following the turning of Nineveh from
their sin. ‘But Nineveh has more than a
hundred and twenty thousand people who
cannot tell their right hand from their left,
and many cattle as well. Should I not be
concerned about that great city?’ (Jonah
4:11) – notably, the very last words
written concerning the prophet Jonah.
So, what does Paul do? Firstly he
commences reasoned conversation in
the synagogue with the Jews and Godfearing
Gentiles. Then, or as well, he
reasons in the marketplace day by day
with those who happened to be there.
Paul was not afraid to reason or contend
on behalf of the faith. This he had done
earlier in Thessalonica, ‘he reasoned
with them from the Scriptures, explaining
and proving that Jesus is the Christ’ (Acts
17:3), through which, ‘some of the Jews
were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas,
as did a large number of Greeks and not a
few prominent women’ (Acts 17:4). In fact,
sometimes Paul preached, other times
he sought to persuade, there appears to
be a place for both; and in like manner
we need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom to
guide us as to how we speak, where
and when.
So perhaps, similar to the apostle Paul,
God has laid on our hearts a passion
for the gospel alongside a heart for the
Jewish people, Paul’s ethnic race, plus a
concern for the churches, and finally a
heart for the lost - sufficient to cause us
likewise to be ‘greatly distressed’. From
this we need to make the transition, still
recognising our emotion, to carefully
measure our words and approach in
a manner that will be best listened to.
Paul’s calling was primarily to reach
the Gentiles, but this did not stop him
reaching first to the Jews.
Our remit at Christian Friends of Israel
is clearly to show Christian friendship
to Israel, but this includes working
with the churches (the ‘Christian’
emphasis in our ministry name), out of
real concern for the churches, humbly
expressing friendship toward Israel
and the Jewish people. Then, finally,
as Christians following the example
of Christ, expressed in this instance by
the apostle Paul, holding a heart for all
those lost to God’s complete salvation
through his son Jesus Christ; the one
who lived, died, was resurrected from
the dead, ascended, is glorified and
who will one day come again.
2 IN TOUCH • 1 st Quarter 2017
www.cfi.org.uk

Feature
Robin Lane
A year in the life
of an Advocate
We had a busy start to 2016 at CFI, so it was
helpful that the Parliamentary Lobby Day
was arranged for February rather than
January. Personally I went along with some doubt as
to the value of many people travelling to the Houses
of Parliament from various places around the country
in order to speak to their MPs. Would we really have
much impact?
The morning briefing in the Emmanuel Centre
The day turned out to be pleasantly surprising. It was
good to see the enthusiasm of around 180 advocates as
they arrived at registration in the Emmanuel Centre, ready
for the morning briefing. And a few excursions from the
registration desk into the hall revealed that the briefing was
going well – drawing much interest from the advocates.
But it was the large meeting with MPs in the afternoon
that proved the Lobby Day to be worthwhile. One after
another of the MPs who addressed us stated how important
it was that we were there to lobby Parliament on behalf of
Israel. And the meeting that I and four colleagues had with
our own MP was most encouraging. So the Lobby Day was
a good start to advocacy in 2016.
The chosen topic of ‘incitement and radicalisation in
Palestinian Society’ was significant to that success. Most of
us really wanted to appeal to MPs to do something to reduce
that awful behaviour amongst those who call themselves
Palestinians. Thus it was that in March we followed-up the
Lobby Day with an email campaign in support of an Early
Day Motion (EDM) about the misuse of British aid money to
support convicted terrorists. That campaign was conducted
in collaboration with the newly-formed Israel Britain
Alliance (IBA).
At first it appeared to have been unsuccessful, as support
for the EDM itself was very limited. However, across all
IBA groups nearly 1,300 people sent emails to their MPs,
causing many of them to enquire with the Department for
International Development (DFID), which suddenly found
itself on the defensive regarding the way British aid money
was being used.
In April the next campaign took a different tack, writing to
the Foreign Secretary (Philip Hammond at the time) to urge
the European Union (EU) to proscribe the political wing of
Hezbollah as well as the military wing. It seemed very strange
that the EU had decided to differentiate between the two!
Another campaign in May returned to the previous
topic by grasping an opportunity afforded by a Daily Mail
petition about the misuse of British aid money. That petition
resulted in a debate in Westminster Hall about abandoning
the UK policy of spending 0.7% of GDP on foreign aid. So
we were able to write to MPs again, urging them to attend
the debate, present evidence about the misuse of aid money
by the Palestinian Authority, and urge the Government to
direct aid money towards projects that support co-existence
of Jews and Arabs in and around Israel.
After a short break the next campaign took place in July
with more email messages directed to Philip Hammond
(still as Foreign Secretary), drawing his attention to the
reports of an arms build-up by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and
urging him to take action to stop the threat of war breaking
out again between Israel and Hamas.
Then in November we were presented with a further
opportunity through another debate in Westminster Hall,
this time on the subject of the Balfour Declaration and its
forthcoming centenary. So we took part in another IBA
email campaign, urging our MPs to attend the debate and
make a positive contribution to the case for celebrating the
Balfour Declaration rather than apologising for it. That
campaign seemed to be successful as a good number of MPs
attended and the overall tenor of the debate was positive
towards both the Declaration and Israel.
Finally, in December we acted separately from the IBA to
write to the new Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, about the
UK voting in favour of six resolutions against Israel in the
General Assembly of the United Nations. That voting stood
in stark contrast to the warm words being spoken by senior
government ministers about the UK’s relationship with
Israel. We wait with interest to receive a reply!
Shortly after that final campaign for the year, the impact
of advocacy regarding the misuse of aid money became
clear. On 16 th December DFID issued a statement about
three critical changes of policy regarding aid money paid
to the Palestinian Authority. First, UK support will now
focus solely on vital health and education services. Second,
UK funds will no longer be used to support the salaries of
Palestinian Authority public servants in Gaza who have not
been able to work. And third, the Palestinian Authority will
need to show progress against certain reforms in order to
secure future payments from the UK.
Can advocates for Israel have a real impact? By the grace
of God, yes we can!
If you would like to become an advocate with CFI UK,
contact us on 01323 410810 or by email: advocacy@cfi.org.uk
facebook.com/cfiuk twitter.com/cfi_uk 1 st Quarter 2017 • IN TOUCH 3

Hebrew Word Study
Melissa Briggs MA,
Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Melissa is an experienced Hebrew
teacher with a desire to make the
rich language of the Scriptures
accessible to Christians.
Adonai Tzidqenu
The Lord Our Righteousness
יְהוָה צִדְקֵנּו
Imagine there is a British man who desires to be a
citizen of Jerusalem. He wakes up each morning
believing he is still in London and spends his busy
days planning, striving, navigating, travelling, and
worrying about how to make his way to the Holy City.
At the end of each day he feels exhausted and discouraged,
wondering if he has yet to determine the right route.
Surprisingly, what he does not realise is that he is already
there. For years this man has already been in Jerusalem -
exactly where he hopes to be. But, no matter what others tell
him, all he can think is how he must try harder to travel to
Jerusalem by his own means. Obviously this looks very silly
to those around him!
Over the last year I realised that I sometimes act like this
man; not believing I am already exactly where I long to be.
The journey is already complete. Jesus has picked me up
and put me back down safely in ‘Jerusalem.’ He has paid
the travel fare and done all of the work. Isn’t it so much
easier to stay put right where you are than to travel to a
seemingly unattainable destination?
All along I had precisely the status I strived for so many
years to earn – righteous in the sight of God. Jesus had made
me acceptable and pleasing to God. Why was that so
difficult to believe? God was not disappointed
in me, nor was he withholding his love until I
performed better. How much wasted time,
energy, and heartache to not accept this truth!
If we have accepted God’s free gift of salvation
through Jesus, then we are already seated in
heavenly places with the Messiah. All we have
to do is to stay put! To abide,
“… and be found in [Messiah], not having my own righteousness,
which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Messiah,
the righteousness which is from God by faith …” (Philippians 3:9).
Righteousness (tzedeq in Hebrew) is so central to the
message of the Bible!
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise
to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper,
and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In his days
Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely. Now this is his
name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord Our Righteousness’
(ADONAI TZIDQENU)” (Jeremiah 23:5-6, see also 33:14-16).
Righteousness is essential to the character of God
(Psalms 71:19; 116:5). He is righteous and all his actions
are righteous (Deuteronomy 32:4). The Messiah embodies
and demonstrates this perfectly: “Loving-kindness and truth
have met together; righteousness and shalom have kissed each
other.” (Psalm 85:10; 96:13). His righteousness is available
for all mankind: “The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.”
(Psalm 98:2)
Biblically, righteousness is a ‘right-ness’ of morals/ethics/
character/actions that lines up perfectly with truth. It is a
right-standing before God, and to be blameless in relation
to the Law. In English, we often separate the two ideas
of being justified in a judicial sense and being morally
upright/blameless.
We use the two words ‘justice’ and
‘righteousness’ in English to accurately explain this single
Hebrew word/idea. There is a family of Hebrew words
around this topic:
(verb) - Tzadaq - to Be Righteous / Just צָדַ‏ ק
- Tzadiq - Righteous / Just / Righteous one צַדִּיק
(adjective) (see Isaiah 24:16)
(noun) - Tzedeq - Righteousness/ Right-ness צֶדֶ‏ ק
צְדָ‏ קָ‏ ה
Righteous
in the sight
of God
- Tzedaqah - Righteous Gift (Alms/Charitable
Giving) (noun)
So how can one be made righteous? Is it through
religiosity, good behaviour, or the keeping of the Law? No,
the Bible is clear we cannot reach the status of tzadiq by our
own merits:
“As it is written, “there is no one righteous, no not one ….
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified [made
righteous] in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But
now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being
witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of
God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For
there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God, being justified [made righteous]
freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation
by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his
righteousness, because in his forbearance God had
passed over the sins that were previously committed,
to demonstrate at the present time his righteousness, that he might
be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where is
boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by
the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified [made
righteous] by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”(Romans 3:10,
20-28)
No one can earn righteousness, but God will freely give
it – not in instalments, but in one lump sum! Even Abraham
was only reckoned righteous because of his faith, and not
his works (Genesis 15:6). Jesus’ sinless life, and then his
death, burial, resurrection, and ascension was God’s creative
solution to the problem of the ages: that God might remain
righteous, and yet make the unrighteous righteous. There is
no other way the problem could be solved but through the
Cross.
To be made righteous we must come to the end of ourselves
– to go through the Law as our tutor (Galatians 3:24) – until
we realise we cannot do it ourselves, and that we do not need
to do it ourselves (Romans 10:2-13; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). The
Law itself is perfectly good and righteous, but mankind is
incapable of keeping it fully because of our sinful nature
(Romans 7:12). When self-righteousness is finally laid down,
we can understand that the Lord is our Righteousness –
Adonai Tzidqenu.
4 IN TOUCH • 1 st Quarter 2017
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In humility we can admit that we have nothing whatsoever
to commend ourselves to the grace of God, but faith in Jesus
(Isaiah 64:4). Because of Jesus’ imputed righteousness, God
can be pleased with us, despite our own weaknesses and
failures. Although I understood that salvation itself was by
faith through grace alone, I had stopped short of grasping
the fullness of God’s gift. I falsely believed that once
saved by God then I had a stack of expectations for me to
continually meet in order to reach the status of ‘righteous,’
or else he would be disappointed and disapproving of me.
Have you stopped short too? All of God’s expectations –
the righteous requirements of the Law – have already been
decisively met on our behalf by Jesus on the cross. Because
Jesus kept the Law perfectly and then traded places with us,
we can be made righteous in him (Romans 8:1-6; Colossians
2:13-14). “For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that
we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians
5:21). He has traded our failing grade for his perfect
report card.
Now we can live out our faith and calling, in grace
and obedience by his Holy Spirit. This is not to earn our
righteousness, but out of a love for God in light of our freelyreceived
status as righteous ones (John 14:15, 23; Ephesians
2:8-10; 2 Timothy 4:8). He deserves all the glory!
“For the Lord is righteous, he loves righteousness; the upright
will behold his face.” (Psalm 11:7)
If you are interested in learning the Hebrew language through online
tuition (or in person if you are local to Berkshire), or if you are interested
in hosting a Hebrew language day for a group in your area, please contact
Melissa for more details at: hebrew.explore@gmail.com
CFI-UK EVENT 2017
Strategic Prayer Conference
Call us on:
01323 410 810
23 rd – 25 th March 2017
‘Filled with the knowledge
of his will…’ (Colossians 1:9)
2017 Venue: Windmill Farm Conference Centre, Clanfield, Bampton, Oxon, OX18 2SN
We return this year to Windmill Farm Conference Centre, which is fully residential. Programmes will be sent out nearer the time,
but the conference will begin with light refreshments served between 2.30 and 3.00pm on the first afternoon Thursday 23 rd and the
programme will go through until lunchtime on the final day, concluding with a meal after the last session on Saturday 25 th .
To include full board overnight accommodation (evening meal, breakfast and lunch x2 days), the fee for the conference this year is
£160* per person. [*For those requiring a single room there is a single room occupancy surcharge of £30 per person].
Please make cheques payable to: CFI Charitable Trust. Pre-booking is essential and subject to availability.
For those living within closer proximity, there is a day visitor option for Thursday half day, to include evening meal £20, Friday all day
to include lunch and evening meal £35, and Saturday, half-day, to include lunch £15 [Please request a Day Booking Form]
facebook.com/cfiuk twitter.com/cfi_uk 1 st Quarter 2017 • IN TOUCH 5

Feature
James Whitman
serves as president
of The Centre for
Judaic-Christian
Studies (JC Studies)
Reading the Bible for all it’s worth! PART 4
Why Israel?
The way we understand Israel’s story influences the way we read sacred Scripture.
In this article, I want to share with
you how Israel, rightly understood,
connects the Testaments and helps you
read, study and live the Bible for all it’s
worth. One caveat before we begin.
As important as the rebirth of the State
of Israel in 1948 is, that topic is beyond
the scope of this discussion. However,
if we start with the biblical witness,
I believe the prophetic implications
of modern day Israel become selfevident.
Imagine reading the Bible for the
first time. You watch with wonder the
genesis of humanity unfolding from
Adam and Eve through Abraham
and Sarah. You witness the birth and
adventures of the Patriarch’s grandson
Jacob up to a captivating confrontation
punctuated by YHWH changing his
name to Israel; an event that provides
us with a word play and a definition.
Israel can mean “God strives with”
and is defined in the context of Genesis
as, “you have striven with God and with
men, and have prevailed.” (Genesis 32:28)
From this point forward you clearly
see how the God of Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob forms a people – Israel – to
redeem them, and through them bring
redemption to the world (Exodus 19:5-6).
As you continue working your way
through the holy history of these
peculiar people, you enter a prophetic
reality of priests, prophets and kings.
You encounter a vibrant culture formed
by the experiences of the Exodus
and evidenced by literary creativity:
storytelling and social record-keeping,
law-giving and community structure,
poetry, hymnody, wisdom writings,
and more. All built around a central
revelation stated in first-person tense,
“they shall know that I am the Lord their
God, who brought them out of the land of
Egypt that I might dwell among them. I
am the Lord their God.” (Exodus 29:46)
As the prophetic pages of the
Hebrew Bible push you forward into
the New Testament, you recognise the
place as Israel, the people as Jewish,
the Jewish Messiah as Jesus (Yeshua).
The Gospels lead you into the Acts of
the Apostles (who were Jewish) and
their Epistles (letters) where the good
news of this God of the Hebrews, as
revealed in his Son, shines out from
Jerusalem and begins radiating across
the globe. Even the majestic closing
book of the New Testament canon,
the Revelation of Jesus Christ given
to John, is filled with Israel imagery
and is itself, in terms of literary genre,
uniquely Jewish. It is an apocalypse
(unveiling).
Continuing with my illustration,
suppose you read the whole Bible
without the aid of earthly instruction.
Would your overall opinion of Israel be
judgmental or sympathetic? I have met
many such people (typically outside
of Western countries) and can tell you
that their view is overwhelmingly
positive. For them the question is
not, ‘Why Israel?’ It is, ‘Why anti-
Semitism?’ (prejudice against Jewish
people and things). To profit from a
biblical understanding of Israel that
edifies our Bible reading, we need a
competent guide. Our Lord Jesus has
handpicked one of his apostles for just
such a task.
Paul, the author of the letter of
Romans who gladly identifies himself
as an Israelite (Romans 11:1), wrestles
with the place of Israel in God’s
economy in light of the birth, life,
death and resurrection of Israel’s
Messiah, the Jewish Jesus of Nazareth.
In so doing the apostle to the Gentiles
provides handles for New Testament
believers to overcome negative
stereotypes and to grasp the value of
Israel and the larger story of God.
“To begin with,” he says, “the Jews
were entrusted with the oracles of God”
(Romans 3:2), a sobering commission
with a heavy responsibility. Three
thoughts spring to mind. First, can
you imagine the satanic opposition
to such a vocation? It certainly puts
into perspective Israel’s failings as
well as her treatment by the nations
throughout history. Next, they have
proven faithful stewards of that trust.
Modern archaeology proves beyond
a doubt that Israel preserved, passed
down and gifted the word of God to
the world. Finally, if Paul said nothing
else this should be enough to root out
all anti-Semitism. We owe a vast debt
to the People of the Book. But Paul has
much more to say concerning Israel.
As is typical of the passionate apostle,
we learn much about his worldview by
the way he brings it to bear on subjects.
For example, in Romans 8 we find
some of his most beautiful expressions
concerning the love of God in Christ
Jesus. Paul continues in Romans 9:1-3
by lamenting the condition of Israelites
(his original birth family) who don’t
accept the messianic message (his
new-birth family). His deep grief is
for those who – in light of their high
calling – are missing out on that for
which they’ve been waiting. The list
Paul provides also picks up and moves
forward the value of Israel argument
he initiated in Romans 3:2.
“They are Israelites, and to them
belong ...” (Romans 9:4-5)
... the adoption - introduces an idea
that is exclusive in the history of
religions. To YHWH, sonship is not
for the elite or initiated, his invitation
is by grace through faith and is for
every man, woman and child. “Thus
says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son”
(Exodus 4:22).
... the glory - is a marvellous concept
referring to the Shekinah that first
filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34)
and later the Temple (2 Chronicles
7:1). Adoption and glory point us to
the Father’s twin goals, to rescue and
restore.
... the covenants - highlight the historical
nature of God’s saving work as
opposed to the false dualism of spirit
vs. matter popularised by Greek
philosophers. Each divine covenant is
a matter of YHWH entering space and
time to offer “steadfast love for thousands,
forgiving iniquity and transgression and
sin” (Exodus 34:7).
... the receiving of the Law - needs
to be informed by the Hebrew word
‘Torah’ which, like living under the
6 IN TOUCH • 1 st Quarter 2017
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care of godly parents, has rules of right
conduct along with God’s wisdom and
instruction for the life he envisioned.
The upshot of all this is that rescue and
restoration results in responsibility,
“I have set before you life and death,
blessing and curse. Therefore choose life,
that you and your offspring may live”
(Deuteronomy 30:19).
... the worship - points to the provision
of sacrifice and the service of the
Tabernacle/Temple which modelled
the ideals of family and community.
As a kingdom of priests, Israel received
the privilege and responsibility to
intercede for humanity before God and
to mediate his presence to the world.
... the promises - originate in the
Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15; Romans
16:20) and blossom with Abraham
(Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:16).
For Paul, the emphasis is on the
faithfulness of the Promise Giver.
... the patriarchs - are both a shorthand
way of referring to Israel itself and
Israel’s vocation. Through one man
(Adam) sin entered the world and
through one man (Jesus) sin has been
defeated to the praise of the God of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
“... and from their race, according to the
flesh, is the Christ (Messiah), who is God
over all, blessed forever. Amen” (Romans
9:4-5).
Like Paul, I urge that you prayerfully
meditate upon this list and never grow
overly familiar with it. Even though
we’ve just scratched the surface, I pray
that you discern the divine design
that sets Israel apart in the history
of religions, and how essential this
heritage is to nurturing new creation
growth under the governance of the
Spirit of Jesus.
In closing let me offer some ways to
help you remember the significance of
Israel as you read the Bible.
1. Think of their story as a case study
in who God is, what he is about and
who we are in response (this includes
our failures and our successes).
2. We owe the Jews a great debt. Make
friends with Jewish neighbours and
thank them for the Hebrew Bible.
You’ll be pleased with the result.
3. Support the crucial work of faithful
organisations like Christian Friends
of Israel UK with their proven track
record of teaching the Church, offering
care and compassion to Jewish
communities, and courageously
confronting anti- Semitism by speaking
truth to those in positions of authority.
Israel is a gift to the world. Like their
namesake, the people of the covenants
have striven with God and with men,
and have prevailed. Why? In order
to secure for us the blessing given to
Abraham. Now – in Israel’s anointed
representative Jesus – God strives with
us and through us, to give that same
blessing of grace to all people.
It’s fitting that Paul should have the
last word here, from the letter we call
Romans:
“I ask, then, has God rejected his people?
By no means!” (Romans 11:1)
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom
and knowledge of God! How unsearchable
are his judgments and how inscrutable
his ways! For from him and through him
and to him are all things. To him be glory
forever. Amen!” (Romans 11:33-36)
Resources www.cfi.org.uk/shop call: 01323 410 810
ISRAEL NEW PERSPECTIVE - Theology, Culture & Politics.
This CD set contains edited highlights from the one day conference held on 7th February 2007 at Salter’s Hall London,
including the keynote opening session by Dr Dwight Pryor, President at the time of the Judaic-Christian Study Centre,
Dayton, Ohio, USA. Contributing speakers: Dr Dwight Pryor, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Mr Shmuel Ben Tovim and Dr
Margaret Brearley
Disc 1: Introductions (Miles Park, Lord Anderson) Reassessing the place of Israel and the Church in God’s story
(Dr Dwight Pryor, see booklet transcript below)
Disc 2: Israel and Judaism (Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg); The Economic Roadmap to Peace (Shmuel Ben Tovin)
Anti-Semitism in Europe (Dr Margaret Brearley)
Disc 3: Open Forum & Question Time
CDS44 // CD SET (re-issue) // £9.50 (incl. UK p&p) Order by phone, post or website.
A DIFFERENT GOD? - Reassessing the place of Israel and the Church.
This is a re-edited and amended transcript of the lecture on ‘Reassessing the place of Israel and the Church’ given at the
Theology, Culture & Politics conference at Salter’s Hall, London, Feb 2007.
Founder of the Centre for Judaic-Christian Studies in Dayton, Ohio, Dwight Pryor was also a founding board member
of the Jerusalem School of Synoptic Research in Israel. While studying in the Land, he came to realise the critical
importance of understanding Christianity’s Hebraic origins and worked with both Christian and Jewish scholars there,
researching the background to the life and teachings of Yeshua Mi Natzeret (Jesus of Nazareth), the Jewish Messiah.
BT118 // BOOKLET (re-issue) // £3.50 (incl. UK p&p) Order by phone, post or website.
JOEL CHERNOFF - Come Dance With Me
Joel Chernoff is perhaps best known as one of the pioneers of Messianic Jewish music. For 20 years he was lead singer
and songwriter for the music group Lamb. It is through the music ministry of Lamb that Messianic music gained a wide
international audience.
Songs include: Baruch Adonai, Fall on Me, When You Rise Up, The Sacrifice Lamb, Not By Might, and Unfailing Love.
MC9 // Music CD // £13.50 (incl. UK p&p) Order by phone, post or website.
facebook.com/cfiuk twitter.com/cfi_uk 1 st Quarter 2017 • IN TOUCH 7

Report
Area Reps Report 2016
David Soakell
David Soakell reports back on some of the highlights of the biennial
Area Reps’ training day held before last year’s annual conference
For some, this was their first
Area Reps’ training day. For
others, 2016 was their first
National Conference experience
too. We took the opportunity
to give special tribute to David
Masson and Chris Walker, now
with their Lord.
Those attending were David and
Julia Soakell, Jacob Vince, Julie
Archer, Philip Aitchison, Bill and
Val Crudgington, Robert and Sheila
Figures, Caroline Geuter (and husband
Andrew as observer/support), Paul
and Mo Hayes, (Julie Uttridge as
observer) and Roy Thurley. Reports
were read out from all Area Reps who
couldn’t be there, but had sent one in.
During session one we emphasised
that we are very keen that the heart of
the work we do must always be done
well as ambassadors for the Lord and
often ‘the face’ of Christian Friends
of Israel (CFI) in the regions. Our
primary function is the mandate of CFI
through education, advocacy and aid,
to serve the Church and bless Israel
- although we must be led by what
the Lord puts on our hearts as to the
weight attributed to which strand.
This means displaying literature
such as ‘In Touch’ alongside ‘For Zions
Sake’, but also using the ‘Watching
Over Zion reports’, ‘Watchmen’s
Prayer Letter’ (monthly from Sharon
Sanders, Jerusalem office) and email
as a way of helping equip supporters
in teaching and in prayer. Area Reps
are expected to encourage people to
sign up to the CFI UK mailing list;
encourage visits to the CFI websites,
Facebook page and Twitter feed; and
to promote events CFI UK host, such
as Strategic Prayer Days. Bookstalls
are available to enhance Area Reps’
roles particularly with an emphasis on
reaching out to open enquirers as well
as encouraging existing supporters.
Sharon Sanders’ tour in 2015 was a
great success and encouragement to
all. Prayer Conferences and Speaking/
Teaching Conferences were organised
by Donald MacDougal and Philip
Aitchison. Members of the group of
Area Reps also hosted the Kesher
Course, some for first time. David
Walker has also hosted the ‘Text and
Context’ course with great support
from local leaders. Julie Archer did a
full series of house groups for all in her
church with good feedback and took a
teaching session at a Summer Camp.
Some Area Reps shared that they
have had breakthroughs in the last
year, gaining access to churches not
previously interested in CFI or Israel.
It was felt that, through the Area
Reps and the summer festivals this
past year, many have seen a spiritual
change to issues regarding Israel in
general – a great answer to prayer.
CLAN and New Wine both in 2015
and 2016 were great experiences for
Audrey Lee, Bill and Val Crudgington,
Matt Elwick, Philip Aitchinson, and
Paul and Mo Hayes. All felt that these
were worthwhile, and New Wine in
particular had great sign-up totals as
well as four Church Links recruited
and a possible new Area Rep. Martin
and Julia West have had input in new
churches in Bristol along with putting
on conferences and more. Other Area
Reps such as Moira Dare-Edwards
did events for CFI such as CRE etc.
Others had been able to establish a CFI
prayer group.
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD)
has been a great opportunity for
many Area Reps to educate churches,
local communities and witness to the
Jewish community that we can and
do stand with Israel and the Jewish
people. Again, Moira Dare-Edwards
had a very full HMD week of events
and she was privileged to be invited to
Washington in the USA to speak about
her work for HMD in Essex through
Yad Vashem. Other Area Reps also
had Holocaust Memorial events in
their areas including Dave Walker in
Birmingham; Roy Thurley and Sharn
Asbridge in North Wales; Kristy
Daniel-Sam (nee King) in Sheffield. In
addition, David and Julia Soakell were
invited to Stoke on Trent to speak and
put on an HMD event.
New initiatives throughout 2015
and 2016 included radio broadcasts
for a regular show on Branch FM
in Dewsbury with David Soakell,
along with Heart for a Generation
conferences with Julia Soakell, being
hosted by Donald MacDougall and
Philip Aitchison.
Other events included standing with
the Jewish Community – with Audrey
Lee being involved in a vigil outside
a Glasgow theatre for the play ‘When
the Siege Came’, which was written by
8 IN TOUCH • 1 st Quarter 2017 www.cfi.org.uk

a Palestinian theatre company.
Session Two of the training day
was led by Julia Soakell and looked
at equipping. We considered how we
can move forward and equip ourselves
best, and how we can influence
churches and recruit new Area Reps.
How do we simplify the role to make
it easier to communicate? How do we
build on successes? Is the Lord leading
us to think outside of the box? Do Area
Reps need a greater prayer covering?
Forming a team of like-minded,
biblically sound praying friends to
assist and support the Area Reps
in their role was encouraged, as we
know it can be isolating and difficult
without this. Were there opportunities
to recruit Church Links in the Area
Reps’ regions? These Church Links
could then be part of an Area Rep’s
team. How can praying for Israel and
CFI be encouraged in their region?
Could the Area Reps themselves set up
a group if there isn’t one locally. Can
we encourage a ‘Timothy’ – someone
we could mentor for the future?
Other ideas were discussed such
as to think about film nights, which
are great if you are not confident to
teach/speak for whole sessions. With
permission, ‘It is No Dream: The Life
of Theodor Herzl’, ‘Jacob’s Tears -
Blessing, Curse or Co-incidence?’
could be used. ‘Nicky’s Family’ and
‘Forgotten Refugees’ are also great
tools for dates around HMD.
Session Three was a message from
Jacob Vince – CFI UK Chief Executive,
with a short Bible study illustrating
our remit to bless Israel and serve
the Church. Jacob stated, “I’d like to
start with an observation. The wider
Church has little time for Israel, whilst
those who do, have little time for the
wider Church. I think neither of
these positions is correct. I take as my
reference point the apostle Paul, who
was designated as the apostle to the
Gentiles. Notwithstanding this, Paul
had great passion for Israel, expressing
his unceasing anguish for his own ethnic
people (Romans 9:2). But he was also
passionate about the Church - Paul
described facing the daily pressure
of his concern for all the churches
(2 Corinthians 11:28). So both are
important and when we consider all
that Paul gave, as he was used by God
to bring the gospel message to both
Jew and Gentile, surely this places on
us an equal obligation to reach both
Israel and the Church, one which
should be reflected by us at CFI.”
Jacob provided some practical ways
in which we can do this and the need
to make good use of our sign-up
sheets (accurately too). He gave a brief
overview of how CFI UK finances have
been used across the three strands of
education, advocacy and aid; and the
benefits of Gift Aid and those who
have chosen to leave legacies to CFI UK
in their wills. Some items of concern
were raised by the Area Reps as well as
opportunities to enhance their service
through improved resourcing.
Area Reps were encouraged to press
in and persevere. The day concluded
with a time of prayer for the work and
for one another.
CHURCHLINK Update
Julia Soakell reports back on the new way supporters got involved in 2016
Julia Soakell
L
ast
year saw the launch of Church Links within
CFI UK for our supporters to be involved in a
new way!
Church Links are a ‘grass roots’ way of endorsing the CFI
mandate of blessing Israel and serving the Church. Each
quarter a Church Link will receive literature about the work
of CFI in the UK through this publication, ‘In Touch’, and
through ‘For Zions Sake’ from our Jerusalem office, and
will help to make them available for their own fellowship
or church. This way Christians will see the solid base of
Scripture and teaching about God’s purposes for Israel and
the Hebraic heritage of our faith. Hopefully they will be
encouraged to sign up for our regular quarterly mailings
through the post or by email, by filling in a simple form.
We now have at least twenty Church Links on board –
thanks to all who have responded. Some loyal supporters
have been doing this vital work for us without the recognition
of the title, and we are so grateful for their perseverance
and service. These Church Links are a vital part of our
Team – hopefully believers will be encouraged to pray more
confidently and be better equipped to answer questions, and
the teaching included in our publications will bring a great
harvest to us individually and corporately to the Church at
large. Church Links can then make connections with CFI
Area Reps and help advertise local and national CFI events
like our National Conference each September. Many others
have received a Church Links Pack – please pray that the
Lord will lead more to get involved and return their forms
too. The requirements you will need are to have a heart for
the ministry, be on our mailing list and have the support of
your pastor; and preferably be able to communicate through
email.
Could you take on this simple role and help your Church
understand its Hebraic roots and how they can also support
Israel? Help to bless your Church … For more information
email: julia.soakell@cfi.org.uk
CFI PRAYER SUPPORT
Do you have a heart for prayer? Why not use the
prayer pages on our CFI website, where we have
helpful suggestions on prayer and regular updates
of areas which need your specific support. If you
lead a group that prays for Israel and would like to
be on our CFI Prayer Contacts listings, let us know
– we hope to be able to send out direct requests for
strategic prayer in the days and months to come, as
the needs arise.
Contact: julia.soakell@cfi.org.uk
facebook.com/cfiuk twitter.com/cfi_uk 1 st Quarter 2017 • IN TOUCH 9

CFI-UK EVENT 2017
CFI-UK Annual Conference 2017
Friday 22 nd & Saturday 23 rd September, 2017
Venue: Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Road, Eastbourne BN21 1UE
Israel: Covenants & Kingdom
Speakers: Revd. Willem Glashouwer; Andrew Tucker
We are pleased to announce the date, venue, subject and speakers for our CFI
Annual Conference in 2017.
Our main guest speaker planned is Revd. Willem Glashouwer, Bible teacher
and author of several books including ‘Why Israel?’, plus an additional
session with Andrew Tucker, who advocates for Israel in International Law.
An exhibition will include the CFI UK bookstall and the stalls of other local
and parallel ministries.
Please put the date in your diary now and look out for the forthcoming
brochure. We look forward to welcoming you and please encourage your
friends to attend. Free entry, tea & coffee provided.
Revd. Willem
Glashouwer
Advance
Notice:
Dates for
your diary
Andrew
Tucker
CFI UK Annual Conference 2016
Resources www.cfi.org.uk/shop call: 01323 410 810
ISRAEL: COVENANTS & KINGDOM. Rev Willem J.J. Glashouwer
In 1948 the State of Israel was born. For over a century before this world-changing event, the nations could see a
miracle happen: the return of the Jewish people to the Promised Land of Israel. Age-old biblical prophecies were and
are being fulfilled before our very eyes. For centuries Christianity had been teaching that God was finished with the Jews
and the Church had replaced the Jewish people as the new chosen people of God, the new Israel.
This theological concept was challenged by the actual return of the Jewish people to their land. Suddenly many
Christians started to realise that God was being faithful to all the promises he gave to Israel. And all the covenants he
made with them. Where will this process lead? What will be next on God’s agenda? How do the covenants relate to the
biblical concept of the Kingdom of God?
B484 // BOOK // 184 pages // £10.50 (incl. UK p&p)
WHY ISRAEL? Rev Willem J.J. Glashouwer
This important book explores the biblical significance of Israel and the Jewish people for Christians today. It looks
at the concepts of replacement theology, election and covenants, and shows that the Bible supports the return of the
Jewish people to the land. It challenges the Church to embrace and bless the Jewish people and the nation of Israel.
Written in a popular style and easily usable for personal and group Bible study. Why Israel? gives a clear picture of the
Middle East, as well as why and how to pray for Israel.
Willem is the President of Christians for Israel International, an ordained minister of the Dutch Reformed Church and a
former director of the Evangelical Broadcasting Company in the Netherlands. He is married to Marianne and they have
4 children.
B483 // BOOK // 226 pages // £12.00 (incl. UK p&p)
Order by phone, post or website.
Order by phone, post or website.
10 IN TOUCH • 1 st Quarter 2017
www.cfi.org.uk

CFI-UK Israel Tour
Please complete and return to:
May 2017
Travelink Group Ltd
50 Vivian Avenue
London NW4 3XH
Tel: 020 8931 8811
groups@travelinkuk.com
Options
Main Tour
+ CFI Conference
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Please ensure you hold a full valid passport with at least six
months unexpired from the date of your return from Israel
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Please note: Non UK citizens may require a VISA - www.embassyofIsrael.co.uk. Tel: 020 7957 9500 (14.30 - 17.00 Mon-Thurs only)
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Please complete the following section only if our Insurance has not been affected
As your tour operator we would like to remind you of the importance of adequate holiday insurance. Such insurance should ensure you
are fully covered against unexpected cancellation charges, medical expenses arising abroad, losses of luggage or money and personal
liability claims. The Travelink insurance (ONLY VALID FOR UK RESIDENTS) particularly selected for travel to Israel with high cover at
low premium is highly recommended. If you decline this policy or are non UK resident please complete the following statement.
I have taken an alternative holiday insurance policy which provides cover comparable to or greater than that provided by the Travelink
Group policy, including cancellation cover for all causes beyond my control and offering a 24-hour emergency telephone service.
My Insurers are: ........................................ Policy No: ........................................ Insurer’s Emergency contact Tel: ........................................
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must obtain insurance in their country of residence)
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facebook.com/cfiuk twitter.com/cfi_uk 1 st Quarter 2017 • IN TOUCH 11

CFI-UK Israel Tour
May 2017
2017
Main Tour
CFI Conference Extension
CFI-UK Israel Tour
info@cfi.org.uk 01323 410 810
This tour is operated by: TRAVELINK GROUP LTD - ABTA: V7117 and ATOL: 1886
THE PRICE INCLUDES: Return air fare, all airport & local taxes, meeting & assistance on arrival and departure at Ben Gurion
Airport, sharing twin room half board hotel accomodation with private facilities, private air conditioned coaches for all transfers,
licensed guide throughout the tour, and all porterage, in Israel but,
DOES NOT INCLUDE: Tips & Gratuities (£5 per person per day), Single Room Supplements @ £295 per person Main Tour,
*
£398 per person for CFI Conference Extension = Total £693 per person. Insurance is available (rates noted on booking form).
Flight supplement for return flight on 26th May which will be advised at time of booking. Please call 020 8931 8811.