🏠 Ray & Jane | BBPN Beit Simcha | April 19, 2026
On the evening of April 14, we hosted a backpacker from Israel named O. He was the most open and most direct guest we have ever received when speaking about Yeshua. During dinner, he proactively asked about how we came to faith and expressed how much he enjoys hearing testimonies shared by members of Beit Simcha from different places. For him, being born into a Jewish family means faith is almost like an inherent background; yet when he saw a group of people not raised in Christian families yet so firmly believing in Yeshua, he was deeply moved. When we asked him about his impression after hearing many testimonies, he responded emotionally: “It seems there is a common thread—people encounter God in the process of searching for direction.”
We also asked him about his thoughts on faith. He honestly shared that he grew up between different backgrounds and is still exploring faith. He said that although this journey was not intentionally seeking a specific destination, he believes it is filled with “signs,” and he longs to discover clues and markers that can provide guidance through engaging with different faiths. When we mentioned “Messianic believers,” he showed great interest and a strong desire to understand more.
The First Glimpse of the Messiah Through the Hebrew Scriptures
Returning to Pastor Jamie’s home, the loquats on the table and Jane’s carefully prepared card brought him great surprise and stirred warm memories of his family. After listening to a prophetic blessing prayer from “Voice of Burning Bush,” he was deeply moved.
He then proactively asked about the formation of the New Testament. Pastor Jamie quoted Jeremiah 31:31: “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah,” opening a door of understanding for him. When we invited him to read Isaiah 53, he specifically looked for the Hebrew version and read it carefully. After reading, he thought it was Isaiah describing the life of Yeshua. When we explained that this was a Messianic prophecy written hundreds of years before Yeshua, precisely fulfilled in Him, his expression was profoundly shocked. He also mentioned that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, and we responded that this prophecy was also fulfilled in Yeshua. When all these scattered Hebrew Scriptures prophecies about the Messiah were brought together, they formed a complete picture—pointing to the same answer: “Yeshua.”
Love of Willingness: Redemption Across History
Carrying this sense of awe, he continued asking about the connection between the Old and New Testaments, the background of New Testament authors, and the meaning of Yeshua’ crucifixion. Pastor Jamie briefly shared that the authors of the New Testament were mostly disciples who personally followed Yeshua, and also spoke about Paul’s life transformation after encountering the Lord on the road to Damascus.
We also emphasized that Yeshua’ sacrifice was an act of willing love, not one that placed blame on the Jewish people. We spoke about the angelic appearance to the women after the resurrection, how the Gospel reached the Gentiles in the Book of Acts, and the historical divisions between Christianity and its Jewish roots caused by theological misunderstandings. Although the conversation was not pre-planned, it unfolded naturally under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, far beyond what we had expected.
The Drawing Near of Hearts: A Continuing Sign
At the end, we asked how we could pray for him. After some reflection, he shared that he hopes to meet more Christians like this in the future and continue learning and exploring faith. We believe God Himself will guide him to find the truth, for those who seek will surely find.
Before leaving, he wrote these words:
“Your presence has made my journey so meaningful. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to host me and meet with me. We call this ‘קירוב לבבות (Kiruv Levavot),’ which means the drawing near of hearts. The connection between different cultures and faiths is so astonishing to me and brings great strength. You have given me much to reflect on, and I desire to continue learning and thinking further.
To all Israeli travellers: this is the meaning of travel—to encounter amazing new friends, and even though we are different, still be able to connect and let our worlds intersect. I love you all very much.”
This evening’s encounter was not merely a cultural exchange, but a journey of hearts being drawn closer together. That sign has already been gently placed in his heart, continually pointing toward the One who has been waiting for him all along.
