CEE Story From The Mission Field
Russian Jews Accept Jesus as Messiah
June 3, 2008
by Karen Pearce
Twenty-one people bowed their head and prayed to receive Jesus in the small hall in the center of Moscow. It wasn’t a church service or an evangelistic crusade—it was a Passover Seder celebration, and 18 of the new believers were Jewish.
This was truly a day of celebration for Ruth Johnson*,who has been serving among the Jewish people of Russia for the past 5 years. Working closely with Jews for Jesus, Ruth began hosting Seder celebrations four years ago, inviting both Jews and non-Jews to attend. Volunteers from the States come to help prepare and participate in these celebrations.
“We have used these Passover Seders not simply to teach Jewish people about the Passover holiday traditions, but also to show to them how Passover was fulfilled through the death of Jesus, the Passover Lamb,” Ruth said.
Every year more people have attended, excited to take part in a cultural tradition that most have never experienced; and every year people have responded to the closing invitation to profess Jesus as Lord; but never has there been this many at once.
“I sit back in awe at what God has done,” Ruth said. “Hallelujah! It just doesn’t get any better than this.”
Now the hard task is follow-up. Ruth and her team are pro-active in trying to disciple these new believers and others who have shown interest in learning what it means to be a follower of Messiah. However, it has proven much more difficult to gather people into weekly Bible studies or discipleship groups than to persuade them to attend a large group celebration.
“This is an area where we continue to ask God to give us His wisdom and strategy,” Ruth said.
The Call
Ruth’s calling to Jewish people began during a trip to Israel over 20 years ago. She left Israel knowing that one day she would return to minister there, and did, indeed, live and work in Israel for three years. Later, she traveled to South Africa to work with Jews and finally has made her home in Moscow, Russia.
“I grew up with no Jewish friends and no knowledge of the Jewish people,” Ruth said. “In college I started to read books about Jewish history and God began to give me a love for them. After college I began to understand God’s plan for the Jewish people of today.”
Ruth has been working ever since to help to share that plan, wherever God has placed her.
The Strategy
Reaching a specific people group in a mega-city like Moscow takes some planning and inspiration. Ruth has led her team to do many varied things to make the Gospel accessible to “her” people.
Jewish holidays
By far, the most effective tool in reaching the Russian Jews has been the Jewish celebrations. One of Ruth’s neighbors attended a Passover celebration and gave her life to Christ.
“I have been ministering to her for over 3 years,” Ruth said. “She is not interested in attending English club or Bible study but she always enjoys attending Jewish holiday celebrations.”
In addition to Passover, Ruth and her team have hosted celebrations for Hanukkah and the Feast of Tabernacles. At the Feast of Tabernacles celebration last year, they had a professional harpist from South Africa join them. She participated in the celebration and also gave a harp concert, which was very well received.
English club
Ruth began an English club, primarily focused on topics that would be interesting to Jewish people in 2005. The club began with one person, who still attends, and has since expanded significantly. Over the past 3 years, more than 100 people have been involved, about a quarter of them being Jewish. At club, they learn about and celebrate Jewish holidays, discuss Jewish history and learn functional English such as banking, shopping and giving directions. Outside of class, they have also had picnics, movie nights, excursions to synagogues and Holocaust museums and parties.
“The goal of the English club is to build relationships in a neutral environment and to seek out opportunities to share truth and involve people in Bible study,” Ruth said.
Two English Bible studies have grown out of our English club. Both currently averages 2-3 people, but over the years has had about 15 or so involved, including Jewish believers, Gentile believers and Gentile non-believers. One of the Jewish believers is missionary with Jews for Jesus and uses the method that she is learning in Ruth’s Bible study to teach Bible studies in Russian to Jewish believers and non believers. This extension of ministry is a great source of joy for Ruth.
English camp
Last year Ruth and her teammate Janet hosted their first English camp. A total of 11 campers came. The camp was secular but all of the American counselors were believers so it was a great sowing field. Shortly after the camp ended, one of the participants gave her life to the Lord.
“It has been very exciting to see her life transformed as she grows in her faith.” Ruth said.
The second English camp will be held this July. Ruth and Janet are expecting 15 Americans from Texas and are praying for 30 Russian campers. They are focusing on inviting students from the Moscow Jewish University and other Jewish agencies and are praying for many Jewish campers this year.
Joining the Team
If you are interested in helping Ruth reach the Russian Jews for Christ, Ruth would welcome you with open arms. Through praying, volunteering or giving, you can make an eternal impact among these unique people. To find out more information, contact Ruth at jewish.team.moscow@gmail.com.
*Names have been changed for security purposes