My dear friend,

I was asked by Jewish leaders in Los Angeles to hold a dialogue at the great Nessah Synagogue (Iranian Jews) in Beverly Hills. Only two would participate, Rabbi Isaac Jeret and me. It was a new kick-off for the fledgling “Israel Christian Nexus” organization inspired by Israeli General Shimon Erem. Shimon is a great friend who has dared to reach out to the evangelical community seeking friends to support Israel's lonely fight to exist.

Various members of Rabbi Jeret's family perished in the Holocaust. That pain is indelibly etched in his young face. It is also why he asked such tough questions to see if Christian support is real without hidden agendas and if they can ever trust us beyond just our words.

At no time was I asked to deny my belief that Jesus is the answer for all people or the fact that I am to preach the gospel to all as commanded by the Lord. In fact, I openly said that was what I did and taught those I discipled to do.

But I also pointed out that if not one Jew ever believed in Jesus, I would still be at their side because my support was based on God's commands to bless (Genesis 12:3), pray for (Psalm 122:6), comfort (Isaiah 40:1) and show mercy and justice (Romans 11:31) to the Jewish people and to Israel.

The darkness of “replacement theology” was exposed as a lie (how some teach that God has abandoned Jews and Israel in favor of Christians and the church).

I also declared that Christians who call for “quid pro quo” support from Jewish leaders are not in line with Jesus. Some evangelicals told Jews, “We will support you if you support us”. This is not what Scripture teaches. You and I are to stand with Jews and Israel (and anyone else) in their pain whether or not they return to us kind words or actions. It's called “unconditional love”—and it means just that!

How I sensed the need for Christian integrity in order to avoid even the appearance of deceit. That's why I tell my messianic friends (some listen, some don't) that if they are to be denounced by fellow-Jews for believing in Jesus, let it be out front—no disguise or deceit. Put the word “Messianic” on the sign outside of the building so no one can say “They are trapping innocent Jews who don't know who they are.” And don't use the “Rabbi” title that only infuriates your Jewish neighbors who also label that deceitful. Besides, didn't Jesus say not to seek that title “Rabbi” (Matthew 23:8) and wasn't even Paul called “Brother Saul”—not Rabbi Saul?

We believers have lots to teach those who don't know the person of Jesus. But we also have much to learn from the persons of others—like our Jewish neighbors. We can—and must—preach Jesus openly to all. But our lives must be our first silent witness. All of us must be first to stand at the side of persecuted Jews. Some of us must be first to go to Israel when the nation is threatened—not just when it is “safe for tourists”. And when Jews say “Not interested” to our witness for Jesus, we must care just as much as if they were interested.

Those are the rules of “Eiklor's Army” that I declared before that Jewish audience and would repeat before all the world.

Please pray that integrity will always mark this ministry as we reach a hurting world. I'll sure appreciate your financial support again this month. There's so much to do!

Grateful for you,

Frank Eiklor

P.S. We have our first videos on the internet. I teach for 5 minutes on each. We're earning a top 5 star rating so far. Hope you enjoy those web-casts and the lessons from the St. Paul School of Leadership. http://www.shalomworldwide.org/