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I had mixed emotions as my plane touched down at the Houston airport. This was my first visit back to Houston to minister at Beth Yeshua HaMashiach (House of Jesus the Messiah) Congregation since their leader Gus Elowitz had died suddenly a few years back. Gus was a man of God who devotedly reached out to the Jewish community with the Good News of Messiah. His wife Kathy, a gifted singer and mature servant of the Lord was a perfect complement in his ministry calling. His faithfulness in boldly sharing Messiah never failed to impress me. I first met Gus in the late 1970’s soon after he came to faith in Messiah. He attended a Bible study that I conducted in midtown Manhattan. He loved to learn and serve. Later as his supervisor, I saw him become an effective evangelist and Bible teacher in New York City. In 1989 Gus and Kathy were called to serve in Houston, and as my schedule allowed, it was my delight to occasionally serve and assist them at their congregation Beth Yeshua HaMashiach. It has been over two years since Gus had gone home to be with His Messiah, so I prayed the Lord would use me as an instrument of encouragement to strengthen their leadership. As we met together on Friday and Saturday evenings we took time to, pray and discuss strengthening their ministry in Houston with its growing Jewish population. I was struck by the level of commitment of these leaders. Their questions and concerns revealed their desire both to care more effectively for those who have come to faith, and to see successful outreach. Yes, this congregation had gone through a time of difficulty. The attendance dwindled to a few dozen as they recovered from the shock of the loss of their beloved leader. But rather than the congregation failing, it began to thrive and grow once again. Jim Pratt stepped up in service to be the congregation’s leader. Kathy, Gus’ wife, is serving in various leadership roles as well as using her great talent to lead the worship team. To the glory of God the congregation has doubled in size in the last 18 months! In my heart I felt an even deeper appreciation for Gus’ ministry whose solid work survived his own time of service. This house- Beth Yeshua HaMashiach - was founded upon the rock, and withstood the storm!
A House Of Prayer
From 1:00 to 3:00 pm I led a teaching session entitled “Answers to Messianic Questions.” There was so much interest that we extended the teaching for an additional 2 ½ hours. It was a rich time of discussion that covered many topics such as: how the New Covenant is the jurisdiction for all believers in Messiah, how to share Messiah with Holocaust survivors and how only the written word of Scripture is authoritative. The only reason we had to end this session was so I could leave for the next scheduled leadership meeting, otherwise I might be there still! On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking in a local church that has a particular love for the Jewish community of Houston. I noticed a woman in the audience who was listening intently. It turns out that Molly* was brought by her believing daughter and son-in law who attend, the Messianic congregation. My message on the Feast of Tabernacles was well received, even by Molly, who in the past had been very opposed to the message of Messiah. And after the service we all went to lunch, where I had the privilege of sharing Messiah with Molly for two hours.
Seeking Her Messiah Molly also asked, “Why did the Messiah die the way he did?” I asked, “Do you mean, why did Messiah die as a criminal on a cross?” “Yes, I don’t understand.” Molly replied. So I explained that Yeshua the Messiah was not saying the things that the political and religious leaders wanted to hear; Then I asked Molly, “Did you know that our prophets predicted that the Messiah would die this way?” She looked surprised as I explained Isaiah 53:4-8. When it was time for us to part company, I whispered to Molly, “Molly, do you believe that Yeshua is your Messiah?” When it was time for us to part Molly’s face grew serious; she pondered this question and quietly replied, “I think He just may be? I’m thinking about it, Sam.” Thank you for keeping Molly in your prayers as she considers who Yeshua is and His great love for her. And thank you for praying for Beth Yeshua HaMashiach Congregation as they continue to share Messiah in Houston and develop disciples that will honor the name of our Lord and Savior. *Names changed for privacy. Y
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