Erez Saroff, President of One for Israel, and Seth Postel, Academic Dean of their Bible College, share profound insights on faith in the Middle East. They discuss the impact of regional conflict on ministry and the importance of unity between Jewish and Arab believers. Erez recounts his personal journey from a Jewish background to embracing Jesus and highlights the college's role in fostering leadership. Both emphasize resilience and compassion amidst crisis, showcasing how their efforts promote understanding and collaboration within their communities.
The podcast highlights how One for Israel's ministry has adapted to the ongoing conflict, revealing new opportunities for outreach among seekers of faith.
Dr. Soroff and Dr. Postel emphasize the vital need for community support and prayer in transforming ministry dynamics amidst the current challenges in Israel.
Deep dives
Introduction of Notable Guests
The session features Dr. Aris Soroff, president of One for Israel, and Dr. Seth Postel, academic dean of One for Israel Bible College. Dr. Soroff shares his background as a follower of Christ from a Babylonian Jewish heritage and highlights the impact of his ministry, which includes Israel's only accredited Bible college and a significant online evangelistic presence. His leadership has resulted in over 125 million views of evangelistic videos in the past year, demonstrating unprecedented exposure to the gospel in Israel. Dr. Postel, originally from New Jersey, recounts his journey to faith, which was influenced by his mother and led him to devote his life to studying the Hebrew Bible and sharing the gospel.
Impact of Current Events
The ongoing war and its implications for ministry are central themes of the discussion. Both guests reflect on the personal toll of the conflict, noting that their families are directly affected, with some members called to service. The war has paradoxically opened new opportunities for outreach, as many people search for meaning amid chaos, leading to an increase in interest in the gospel. The conversation underscores the importance of community support and prayer for those involved, emphasizing that the situation has transformed the landscape of ministry in Israel.
The Mission of One for Israel
One for Israel serves as a key educational and evangelistic hub for Jewish and Arab believers, focused on training leaders and spreading the gospel. The college began in the late 1980s and has grown to become the only accredited Bible college and seminary in Israel. The ministry includes outreach in Hebrew and Arabic, targeting both Jews and Arabs in Israel and neighboring regions. In response to the recent crisis, One for Israel has mobilized resources to provide humanitarian aid to those in need, showcasing the compassionate aspect of their mission.
Unifying Jews and Arabs through the Gospel
The unique structure of One for Israel fosters collaboration between Jewish and Arab students, which is further enhanced by a shared commitment to the gospel. The approach transcends political differences, focusing on the common goal of serving God and spreading His word. Faculty and students prioritize the teachings of Jesus, creating an environment where diverse backgrounds unite in faith. This commitment helps mitigate political tensions, allowing students to pursue theological studies together while fostering mutual respect and understanding.