Jamie and Stacy Cowen

In a historic breakthrough, the UMJC has become involved in humanitarian projects at an Israeli military base, facilitated by the Knesset Social Welfare lobby (the Knesset is Israel's house of parliament). For Passover, UMJC supporters helped provide boxes of food and supplies to nearly 300 families and soldiers connected with the base. Just before the High Holidays, we helped another large group, and UMJC president Jamie Cowen visited the base in September to speak there, openly representing the Messianic Jewish community, in a way that was unheard-of in Israel just a few years ago.

The UMJC also sent emergency war relief to Israel through Messianic ministries there, which helps not only to meet immediate needs, but to enhance the reputation of Yeshua among Israelis. Here's a word from one of the Israeli Messianic ministries that we helped: 

During the war we had many opportunities to provide food, fans, mattresses, tents, flashlights, diapers, formula, hot meals, recreation, emergency lodging and transportation for those upon whom Hizballah bombs were raining in northern Israel, our home. We were able to do this because of your rapid response to the war relief effort. May our joint effort continue until Messiah comes!

The UMJC will continue to build our connection to Israel, and especially with its Messianic Jewish community. Our 2007 Shavuot offering will focus entirely on Israel, and our summer conference will include an entire teaching track on Israel. In 2008, we will bring a major tour and Messianic conference to Israel, as we did in 2003.

Watch for details at www.UMJC.org.