Shalom from Tennessee,
As we count the days to Shavuot there is an ever increasing expectation. I can sense this as we chat when you call to, “check in,” with the home office. You are busily working to spread the Kingdom message about the re-gathering of all of Israel in your local area. You are enjoying some of the fruit of your labors. Still, you know there is more.

Here are a few of the recent happenings around the MIA that should encourage your efforts...

Our international conference in Nashville is generating a great deal of excitement. There are only a few hotel rooms left so if you are waiting to book your room you better “get’r done” (a little Tennessee lingo) or they will be gone.

Plans are progressing on our Messianic Israel Study Center. Hale Harris is working with Hank and Marilee Hobson and others to bring this vision to reality. They are discussing curriculum, logistics, and other pertinent information. At the same time, the fine folks at Old Paths Assembly in Lucerne Valley California continue to make improvements to the property in anticipation of our first group of talmedim.

For Shavout, many will gather in Salt Lake City once again this year. The folks from the House of Aaron at Eskdale, Utah have assembled an able and stable group of teachers who will bless His people and strengthen the Body of Messiah. It is worth the trip just to enjoy their Orchestra. I believe it is the only Messianic Israel Orchestra in existencex so far!

I can attest that the telephones are ringing more than ever. The pace of the restoration of all of Israel is quickening. Yes, we still have our detractors but I know that His Word is true and if we stay faithful to the call with clean hands and pure hearts we will receive His blessing. The biggest blessing is watching lives changing before our eyes.

Recently I spoke with three different men who unknowingly gave me great encouragement. Like three angels they were there just when I needed them to be.

The first was a man from southern Texas. He is a long time Believer and has dedicated himself over the past seven months to getting to the truth as never before. I quietly listened to his comments and testimony. Like most of us, he is just an “average Joe” who loves the Elohim of Israel. As our conversation progressed he had a few questions. During one of my responses I could hear him crying. I stopped checking to see if he was alright. He assured that he was fine but just overwhelmed as his understanding increased concerning his lost heritage. He was coming home.

Last week a gentleman stopped by our office. This is a bit unusual, as we are not a store front operation and our only visitors are typically members of our congregation. So there we were, Kevin, Sarah, and myself, going about our daily routine when this stranger enters in his business suit, sits down, and begins to tell us his story. We learn that he is a busy man who runs his own advertising business here in the Nashville area but has a deep thirst for the Word.

He is a kind man who is obviously in hot pursuit of the Kingdom. A few years back he wrote a book about the Dead Sea Scrolls and Y’shua. He then mailed the book to 5000 synagogues in the United States. He proclaimed, “God told me to reach the children of Jacob.” I waited awhile and then told him that he better print many more books because those children of Jacob are more numerous than he could imagine. He is a man who listens to the Almighty and then takes action.

He told me that he was a, “good Baptist” but then stated that while he loved the Baptist Church he only “gets snacks” there. He is looking for a meal. I invited him to join us in Nashville this July to meet the rest of his family and partake of the buffet!

Then today, I get a call from Louis Sahagun, a Staff Writer from the Los Angeles Times. He is working on a story about the Messianic Israel movement. Now, he did not know what to call it, but through a series of phone calls to various individuals he was increasingly made aware of the growing number of Christians who are pursuing their Israelite heritage. Ultimately, he ended up at our web site and called the Messianic Israel home office.

As we spoke, for about forty minutes, he seemed genuine in his pursuit of this story even though he had no idea where the beginning or end might be. He had spoken to others and was going to speak to an orthodox Rabbi from Israel after we finished. I asked him to query the Rabbi about the lost ten tribes of Israel. He assured me he would. I look forward to seeing the story in a week or two in the Los Angeles Times.

Now, why would this reporter be in search of such a story? Why would a gentleman end up sitting in my office for over an hour in pursuit of the children of Jacob? Why is there a man in Texas crying?

I have to believe it is due to two reasons. First His Word is true and His Spirit is being poured out upon His people. Those who were once afar, are now being drawn near to the Commonwealth of Israel. Secondly, His Spirit works through His people. The seeds that you have sown are beginning to bear fruit. You have been the forerunners of this message. You have remained faithful to His call and taken care of business in your local community. Some have reached out past their personal comfort level and spread the message even further. The restoration of all things spoken by the holy prophets has begun.

I know that many of you have been laboring in seeming obscurity for many years. You hand out books, invite people over for Bible studies, witness to those who will listen, and then get frustrated when they do not “get it.” Then you attempt to walk away. I understand.

Some days it is just plain hard to continue. The work load seems too great and the resources too few. I get frustrated. I loose my peace. I want to roll over and get a bit more sleep. And then I hear that still small voice say, “Scott, stop acting like a baby!” So, I pull myself together, wipe off my self pity and plead to the Father for strength and wisdom.

Yes, I know your struggles and I share your burden. I have led a fellowship for twelve years and seen people come and go, and come againx and go again. I have felt my flesh tear as those who once loved me turn and walk away. I have labored for many hours while wondering, “will this make a difference?”

The answer to that question is a resounding YES! Together, we have made a difference. We are moving the Kingdom here on earth forward every day. I know it is hard, and at times frustrating, but PLEASE KNOW how vital you are to this move of the Father. We cannot stop because there is an unmistakable call on our lives. We were created for such a time as this.

It is now time to turn it up a notch. We are gaining momentum and have our enemy staggering. Let us pull together as one people and push hard towards the mark. We will be victorious. I have read the end of the Book – we win! It is time to get’r done!

The reporter from the LA Times asked me an interesting question today, “What is your goal?” My reply came quickly, “the return of our Messiah to this earth.” Of course he had a follow up question, “Why do you do what you do?” I simply stated, “I believe the work of the MIA is vital to His return.” I pray you do as well.

Blessings to your Messianic homes,
Scott Diffenderfer
Chief Operating Officer
Messianic Israel Alliance