In 1978 I met Naomi Shemer and her husband Gideon. I was an Associate Pastor and director of a music group called The International Singers from Denver Colorado. We were Christians who would perform Jewish music at synagogues, churches, civic functions, youth camps -- wherever the opportunity opened for us. The Singers would perform for one-half hour, take a five minute break, I would explain why we as Christians supported Israel and Jewish causes without intent of conversion, and then the Singers would perform the second half of the program.
Word reached Naomi Shemer that we were touring Israel to perform for the troops, similar to what Bob Hope did with the USO for American troops. She invited us to meet her. At a motel in Ramat Gan on a balmy afternoon in March, we sat down for tea. As enthralled as we were with her beauty of soul, it was her husband, Gideon, who spoke words that opened the windows of Heaven.
As we talked about our commitment to Israel, Gideon told us of a dream he had in the late 1940's. He had written it down lest anyone think him opportunistic, and Naomi confirmed his words. He said that in his dream he saw small groups of people covering the entire globe who would stand out publicly and support Israel. He said that these small groups were not connected to each other buy anything except the survival of Israel and peace upon Jewish people everywhere.
We have never lost that commitment. Over the years many of those "small groups" have banded together in unified efforts. The dream prevails, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still "rules in the affairs of men" (Daniel 4). "May you see your children's children and peace upon Israel" Psalms
I write this to encourage any reader.
In 1978 I met Naomi Shemer and her husband Gideon. I was an Associate Pastor and director of a music group called The International Singers from Denver Colorado. We were Christians who would perform Jewish music at synagogues, churches, civic functions, youth camps -- wherever the opportunity opened for us. The Singers would perform for one-half hour, take a five minute break, I would explain why we as Christians supported Israel and Jewish causes without intent of conversion, and then the Singers would perform the second half of the program.
Word reached Naomi Shemer that we were touring Israel to perform for the troops, similar to what Bob Hope did with the USO for American troops. She invited us to meet her. At a motel in Ramat Gan on a balmy afternoon in March, we sat down for tea. As enthralled as we were with her beauty of soul, it was her husband, Gideon, who spoke words that opened the windows of Heaven.
As we talked about our commitment to Israel, Gideon told us of a dream he had in the late 1940's. He had written it down lest anyone think him opportunistic, and Naomi confirmed his words. He said that in his dream he saw small groups of people covering the entire globe who would stand out publicly and support Israel. He said that these small groups were not connected to each other buy anything except the survival of Israel and peace upon Jewish people everywhere.
We have never lost that commitment. Over the years many of those "small groups" have banded together in unified efforts. The dream prevails, the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still "rules in the affairs of men" (Daniel 4). "May you see your children's children and peace upon Israel" Psalms