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By Linda Smith
In Austin, Texas you often hear three simple words. These are spoken prayerfully, proclaimed from political podiums and displayed on automobile bumpers requesting that “GOD BLESS TEXAS.” Far from Jerusalem, Central Texas received unexpected blessings when The Covenant came to Austin! Rita Adams, ICEJ volunteer and “ambassador for Israel,” believed this reality and trusting her unchanging vision, a tiny interfaith group plunged into a life-changing experience. At the onset we had no funds, no venue, nor volunteers but Rita presented an outline plan with needs and budget that only God could provide. And, provide, He did. Through her enthusiasm and leadership, He touched hearts, opened purse strings, and awakened talents. He brought His people together and revealed His Heart as we walked and accomplished one small task at a time.
At the beginning, there were dual outcries from both Christian and Jewish Communities. The presentation was either “too Christian” or “too Jewish” and stepping toward it was awkward for both Peoples of the Book. Invitations were issued to prominent pastors and rabbis but none joined our endeavor. Even though this was discouraging, it became apparent that God’s ways are not our ways. His family works through non-conventional leadership. People were enabled to step away from comfort into unfamiliar paths. Standing with Israel and literally believing God’s Unchanging Covenant was the common factor that knit a determined group of skeptics into a unified body. Because we trusted the Creator of the Universe, we learned to trust each other and move toward a unified goal. In initial meetings we did not shy from direct questioning about “missionizing” and the possibility of an underlying goal of Jewish – Christian conversion. This recurrent stumbling block was addressed before a single step could be made. Historically documented horrors confirm all hesitation and distrust from Jewish friends and unconditional love is the ONLY gift a Christian can offer. This basic understanding brought supporters, talents, and fruition to the presentation and dramatization of His Faithfulness. A committed contingent of friends from the Jewish Community united with a like-minded contingent of Christians.
At an early planning session, God revealed the vision to a young pastor, Jarrod Baker. Brazilian born Rita Adams and Pastor Baker’s Family ministry in Brazil provided an unexpected international connection, whereby these two hearts combined to begin our journey. As the initial presentation concluded, he offered a meeting with his senior pastor. God’s blessing continued as PromiseLand Church, one of Austin’s enthusiastic growing congregations offered their stage, dressing rooms, staff and talents. Confirmation was dramatically complete as we saw the Star of David prominently displayed in the PromiseLand Atrium. Initially, an auditorium for 800 was offered but in several weeks, the larger 2000 seat facility was used. From this one congregation came multi-talented people, security, lighting, kitchen facilities and peripheral needs involved in such a production. With a venue in place, we had confirmation that The Covenant would come to Austin and God would provide.
Weeks filled with cast practices, sleeping, travel, and eating arrangements flew by with warp speed. Before we knew it, the Jerusalem team was in Texas. This certainty made our efforts seem dreamlike and no one anticipated the impact we experienced. Children, props, energy, fatigue, enthusiasm all melded together. A feeling of awe was apparent as we realized the effort expended in accomplishing this feat. Robert and Elizabeth Muren, the authors/writers of the Musical Drama, were completely in charge and, yet, their servant spirit in implementing The Covenant loomed to the forefront. To blend Texans into this international group was an obvious need. On arrival, it was “them” and “us” and the two groups who needed to be one entity. It happened through Elizabeth as she directed and choreographed, as she sang and taught us to sing the history and remember “His Promise to Us”. God’s Spirit touched us; it brought minds and hearts together toward His People and reminded us how he made a nation when there was no nation. As reported, we experienced His miracle again from Moab, from Babylon, through Esther, through David, and especially through the children. Their trusting and unblemished faces and effort proved once again that each must appear as a little child, and with reassurance that God will never forget the daughters and sons of Abraham. We ourselves must never forget our childlike dreams.
The Jewish Community was outstanding in help and generosity. They purchased large blocks of tickets to help finance our needs. They hosted a great breakfast and opportunity for ‘breaking bread” with the Jerusalem cast and volunteers. With untiring effort, they offered support through a promotional video, advertisement and advice. A tender moment occurred when the children sang a production song and the rabbi pronounced God’s blessing. Surely, our Father smiled on all His children that morning.
Comments poured from all who came and without exception, they reveal transformation. There was transformation from wariness to trust. There was transformation from apathy to commitment and an awakening that The Promise and Covenant is never changing. Israel will stand as the Land where God wrote His Own Name!
(Quotes from the Jewish Community)
“You know, when Elizabeth told how she came about the idea of the HABRIT (Hebrew for ‘The Covenant) I was overwhelmed with emotion. You know, for a Jew like me to hear a Christian ask for forgiveness (for things SHE has not done) is unbelievable. Everyone of us (Jews and Israelis) carries the Shoah (Hebrew for Holocaust) all our lives. My grandparents, aunt and her families all perished there. When I grew up, none of us kids had grandparents, and we realized only when we were adults what it meant. We thought it natural that nobody has grandparents….We all carry heavy baggage. This is why I SO MUCH appreciate what the Christian Zionists do for Israel and the Jews.”
“What I liked best was that they did it right. They didn’t add to or distort the stories that got it right.”
“Rita, your love and hard work have sparked a meaningful discussion in our community. Thank you for your devotion.”
(Quotes from the Texas Cast)
“Praying in a Moses costume, the spirit of Moses came in. I felt a spirit of people’s desperation, and related to the fact ‘Our hands are stained with blood.’ Made me realize how much the suffering of the Jewish people is at the hand of the church. Never again! It will not happen on our watch. Not in the name of Yeshua!”
A mother with four children in the cast: “My son didn’t want to be in the play at first. The children came alone and through this, there came a desire to travel with the cast. I want my children to have a heart for Israel.”
“Carrying the Arc, the Spirit of God hit. I felt like a different place. And, Esther it takes just one person. This cast gave up a month to travel. I am changed.”
“There was a wall between groups when the group arrived. However, in working and performing together, it disappeared, and all were one accord in giving the Covenant.”
“Nothing could have prepared me for being still on stage, waiting for the correct moment to rise, to come back to life and sing Hatikva. Looking into the audience as they stood, sang, wept and experienced, I simply wept.”
“Before the performance, I never knew that God was with us. A child told me Jesus was above you and angels were under you”
“I dreamed of living in Biblical times and found a welcome at PromiseLand. It was an opportunity to live out the stories in the Bible. I feel like I fit in.”
“I came to dance but then realized that anything was enough….just to be a part of it all.”
“I feel like I met Abraham.”
(Others)
“I don’t know why I was chosen, out of so many and given this opportunity. It is awesome to love what God loves.”
In recent news, a report issued wherein the Chief Rabbinate in Jerusalem issued a ruling that Jews not participate in a Jewish-Christian Women’s conference. This ruling has great power and it is very difficult to disobey it. In Austin, the Rabbi instructed the people not to come. Yet, a minority of the Community stepped out and joined with us. God will change hearts on both sides and we must never forget that while we (Christians) are grafted in, they (Jews) are the root. There is a real reason for distrust and apprehension. Yeshua (Jesus in Hebrew) Himself said “whatsoever you have done to the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me.”
Transform is defined as to markedly change, make different, or alter. We were transformed. Because ICEJ sponsored and originally developed this gift, individual lives in Texas are different in heart and attitude. Our participation or help in the production, whether by planning, implementing or audience participation, made a difference and we must never tire of telling about it. We are thankful for the opportunity and say as in the scene of Esther, “for such a time as this.!” We are hopeful that Austin has begun a mutual dialogue, information exchange and appreciation and in this endeavor, we will move forward. Blessings from Texas.
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Visit Israel October 26th-November 8th, from Austin, TX
with your host Linda Smith – Tour to Israel |
