Hi, my name is Chris Wallace and I’ve been a member of Coromandel  Elim Church for the last 9 years.  It’s been a blessing to have been actively involved in the life of this church in prayer, general service and worship.

Since childhood, I have been extremely aware of the significance of Israel and the Jewish people In God’s plan for man and after returning to the Lord in adulthood, a great passion and dream for living in the land of Israel and serving God there was born.

After visiting Israel for the first time in May 2008, I knew I would never be the same again, and from that point on,  the dream began to come to pass – to serve and stand with the Body of Christ in the Middle East, in the land so dear to the heart of God.

In February of 2009, I left for Beit Bracha, or House of Blessing, a prayer retreat and guest house in Migdal, a rural town in the Galilee to volunteer  for at least a year, possibly longer. This is a unique ministry under the umbrella of ITAC, Israel Trust of the Anglican Church, a division of a 200 year old ministry called CMJ or Church’s Ministry to the Jews. This organization is about building relationships between Christian believers of all peoples; particularly promoting understanding, truth and support between Arab and  Jewish  people in the land. This is done through living our faith at a grassroots level – supporting local congregations and believers, becoming involved in community life and forming strong relationships and friendships which break down barriers of  suspicion, fear, ignorance and prejudice with the truth of the Gospel. CMJ ‘s vision is built around the 3 E’s of Evangelism, Education and Encouragement.

Ted and Linda Walker have lived in Israel for about 30 years and served full time with various significant ministries, the last 4 years being the Directors of Beit Bracha. They have a very longstanding involvement in the pro-life organization, Be’ad Chaim (Pro Life), having helped establish it with local believers and setting up the first crisis pregnancy centers. With a population of only 7 million, 2 million babies have been aborted in the 60 years of Israel’s existence! Abortion is legal here up to the 9^th month of pregnancy and the Israeli army offers 2 free abortions to every female soldier. Be’ad Chaim is a non-profit organization which provides private counseling, practical assistance, education and crisis centers throughout the land for those facing an unplanned pregnancy. Help is free of cost, with ultrasound, alternative housing, support during delivery, and assistance throughout the baby’s first year, among other things being generously provided.

Beit Bracha is a centre for meetings and conferences of local and international believers – Jewish, Gentile, Arab and Druze.  It has built close relationships with many congregations throughout Israel and also within the community of Migdal ,and it is a privilege to serve these guests as they enjoy the peace and beauty of the Galilee region. You never who you might meet!

Volunteers here are not only involved in the day to day hands on operation of this wonderful facility, but participate in its spiritual life as well, using whatever gifts and talents they have to enrich Beit Bracha’s ministry. I’ve had the joy of finding God connecting me with a local Arab community and experiencing lively and beautiful friendships being formed. There have already been numerous opportunities to serve in very practical and often surprising ways, and in the 3 months that I’ve been in Israel, I’m finding new avenues of service opening up sometimes daily!

Your prayers and support are extremely valuable to me in this frontline area of ministry, with each prayer being a tangible source of strength and connection! Thank you!  It is a privilege and honour to be an extension of Coro Elim at the ends of the earth in New Zealand to the other side of the planet in Israel!

May God give each one of you a heart and passion for His Kingdom purposes, not just here in Israel, but wherever you serve. It’s all about Him; may His Kingdom come and His will be done every day, in every way until He returns!

Blessings,

Chris