🏠 Ray & Jane │ BBPN Beit Simcha │ October 12, 2025
On R.O.C. Taiwan’s National Day, the Lord orchestrated a beautiful encounter at Beit Simcha, where we welcomed five young Israelis—two couples and one solo traveler—who had met in Taipei and were road-tripping together. This connection began with TL, who had heard from a friend about the warmth she received at Beit Simcha and longed to experience it herself. Though their original plan in Chiayi missed Pastor George, God still led them to our team in His perfect timing.
🍽 Encountering Love: Language Was No Barrier
For me (Ray), this dinner was a step of faith. It was my first time sitting with three Israeli friends, conversing in English without any translation help. But thank God—with simple English and a translation app, we were able to communicate freely. Z shared how surprised he was to be received so kindly as an Israeli, especially in a world where antisemitism still runs rampant. I replied, “Because we trust the same God—welcoming Israelis is like welcoming family.” That statement deeply touched them.
We also talked about cultural differences—like how Israelis often eat lunch at 2 p.m., only to find Taiwanese restaurants closed, which led them to fall in love with 7-Eleven 😆. Amid laughter, I felt our hearts quietly drawing closer.
Toward the end of the meal, I asked, “Why spend a year traveling the world?” They answered, “Because some things can’t be learned secondhand—you have to experience them yourself.” My heart lit up—faith is the same. Only by personally encountering the living Yeshua in daily life can we truly know His love.
🕊 A Moment of Blessing at Home
After dinner, we gathered at Pastor Jamie’s home to taste seven flavours of “Ning’s Brew” kombucha. We took turns offering blessings for “life, hostages returning home, National Day, joy, love, friendship, and health”—toasting seven times. They also shared Hebrew language and culture with us. Irene told the story of the woman with the issue of blood, and Pastor Jamie testified of her cancer journey, songwriting, and her experience at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv—all bearing witness to the love and power of Yeshua.
TL was moved by the Psalms shared, Z was deeply touched by Pastor Jamie’s faith through cancer, and TR’s eyes welled with tears as he nodded silently.
I (Jane) gave them AI-designed “Memory Cards,” telling them this encounter was a carefully arranged blessing from the Holy One of Israel. As they held the cards and listened intently to Pastor Jamie share prophetic blessings received in advance by the Burning Bush Prayer Network’s Australia intercession team, their eyes reflected resonance and wonder, with occasional laughter and surprise. I believe these prophetic blessings have quietly taken root in their hearts—helping them see the One who has always seen them: Yeshua.
🎆 Fireworks in the Sky, Fire in the Heart
Before parting, they told us our sincere love, warmth, and attentiveness had deeply impacted them. We responded, “Baruch HaShem! All praise and thanks to the Lord!” Because we are merely vessels of His love—some give, some serve, some pray—all moved by God’s prompting.
Later, my husband and I, along with Irene, accompanied them to watch the National Day fireworks at Taipei 101. As the night sky lit up, our hearts overflowed with joy and gratitude. Though it was late, I felt no fatigue—only fulfillment. Because I knew: the love sown that day was remembered by God Himself. We may not yet see the fruit, but I believe it is an eternal seed planted in their hearts. When God’s time comes, that seed of love will sprout, blossom, and bear a hundredfold harvest.
May the Lord continue to raise up more people to join in the ministry of welcoming and loving Israel and the Jewish people—so that His name may be glorified among all nations.
