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Answers to your questions
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T H E A P P L E O F H I S E Y E M I S S I O N S O C I E T Y & Y O U R CHURCH
We are BOLDLY declaring Y’shua as Messiah; URGENTLY equipping God’s people to do the same!
Since our beginnings in 1996, our missionaries have given presentations in over 1,000 churches in almost every state in the union. Each presentation is coordinated mainly by Glenda Smith (above) and the leadership of the congregation to best suit both the needs of the congregation and the mission of The Apple of His Eye.
The process begins with informing the church of who we are, what we do, how we do it and seeking to find the best fit within the overall programming of the local congregation.
Once a presentation date is settled, we send out our confirmation paperwork. Two months prior to our presentation, we send out a packet of information to assist the local church in informing their members and the community of the upcoming presentation.
Our overall goal is to win the hearts of God’s people to pray, witness and give over and above their own church giving so that others might hear the Good News of Jesus, the Messiah.
We come simply on the basis of a free-will offering received through our offering envelopes, and when out of our home area, assistance with travel ($125 maximum) and overnight housing when appropriate.
WHY HAVE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE COME TO OUR CHURCH?
Over the years many have asked us this question and there is one primary answer: so that we might assist the members of each congregation to better fulfill the Great Commission in reaching out to all, including the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel - the Jewish people.
Steve Cohen, our founder, grew up in a Jewish home and was surrounded by Christians who, for the first 23 years of his life, never told him about Jesus. They went faithfully to church, observed the rites and festivals of the church, but never spoke to him about Jesus.
The silence of the church even today is deafening in the ears of the lost. They are facing a Christ-less eternity where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. We have a demonstrated track record of seeing change from silence to active witnessing.
BUT WE DO NOT HAVE A LARGE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN OUR AREA!
Many church leaders are surprised how many of their members actually do know Jewish people through work, school, and even inter-marriage. We say that Jewish evangelism is NOT a function of where we live, but results best from the relationships God places us into.
WE NEED TO DISCUSS THIS WITH OUR BOARD!
Great! We plan most of our presentations 6 months ahead of time to allow ample time for the normal processes of the church to be followed. When we come, we want to serve the whole church whole-heartedly.
WE HAVE MULTIPLE SERVICE TIMES ON THE WEEKEND!
Wow! Each of our missionaries are skilled communicators who understand the needs and sensitivities of the local church. In consultation with the pastor, we tailor our time to fit into the regular order of services. We offer dynamic presentations which have been shared in as many as six services over a weekend.
WE ARE ALREADY SUPPORTING OTHER MISSIONS!
Praise the Lord for your support! When we come, we never ask for the members or church to “transfer” their giving from one agency to another! Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, we invite all to recognize that no single agency can reach everyone. We simply ask for consideration on “expanding the posts of their tents” and opening their hearts to include Jewish people in the mission of the church.
WE HAVE A MINUTE FOR MISSIONS AVAILABLE, IS THAT OK?
A growing number of congregations are sharing minutes for missions during their services, and we are more than happy to send along a report that could be read during that time. The purpose of our missionary presentations is much more than giving a report: we give the opportunity to your members to call and bring their Jewish friends to hear of Jesus in a Jewish setting.
WE ARE TOO BUSY TO SCHEDULE AT THIS TIME!
We love busy churches! They are going and growing, just like we are. This is why when we call, we have in front of us a two year calendar for our missionaries. Busy churches plan ahead and so do we! We think that sometime in the next 104 weekends we could find a mutually appropriate date.
We like to return to congregations 3-4 years after we have had an initial visit to share some stories from the field, update the prayer concerns for us and further equip and encourage members of the local church. If it has been a while, let’s look at a date for the near future. FROM THE E-MAIL BAG
12/11/2006
Dear Steve, The peace of the Lord be with you. I did go to your website and read through your year in review. Quite impressive! The pictures do speak volumes, your speaking schedule is incredible and God be praised for all the lives touched with the Good News of Jesus Christ through what you do. I pray God continue to strengthen you and your team for the work He’s set you apart to do. I’m proud to be associated in ministry with you.
Blessings.
Bill Diekelman 1st Vice President The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Recently a pastor from Collinsville wrote:
Thank you again for being with us ... In addition to the words of thanks and encouragement others personally shared with you, I want to pass along the appreciation for some lasting effects you had on our people. As you shared your faith through opening a piece of your life with us, many received the encouragement they needed to be focused on what really matters in life. One phrase you taught us in our Bible class has been passed on as others who missed it, so the students became teachers (as it should be!) was, “What does Jesus mean to you?” I believe that phrase – simple, to the important point, and an open invitation – will become a well used tool.
On
a follow-up from our personal conversation, our Missions Ministry Area
met last night, and will be planning on financially supporting The Apple
of His Eye annually.As we also continue to bring mission work to the
attention of our people, we are also looking forward to inviting you (or others) to speak again.
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