“ Tents of Mercy: The Oasis Vision”
Imagine an oasis: tall date palms swaying slightly in the waves of Middle Eastern heat, camel laden caravans, tents filled with fresh supplies of dried fruit and bread, and a spring-fed pool of water---the mercy of God in such a desert.
This is the vision of Tents of Mercy, in Hebrew - Ohalei Rachamim, to be an oasis for Israel's returning exiles and for her native born sons and daughters. In the ancient Near East an oasis was an absolutely vital center of refuge, supply, healing, equipping and sending out again. God has sovereignly called us to be Tents of Mercy amidst the yet spiritually dry sands of regathered Israel.
Beginning in one modest living room of an immigrant family in 1994, we have watched this oasis vision materialize. Today, by the grace of God, the vision is being carried out in five nations, the central focus being Israel. The features of an oasis find expression in the following five identifying marks of Ohalei Rachamim.
1. A Humanitarian Aid Center, an oasis of
practical assistance to new immigrants, Tents of Mercy. Thus says the Lord "Behold, I will bring back the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places." Jeremiah 30:18
An oasis is a place of Refuge from hard conditions, Supply for the rest of the journey and Healing from wounds sustained in travel. This chapter of Jeremiah pictures the oppressed condition of Israel's exiles. While saying that our wounds will be impossible to heal, God declares "but I will heal you."
His promise to re-establish us in the Land of Covenant arises from His compassion. He wants to express that compassion in practical ways. Therefore, Ohalei Rachamim provides the following services for new immigrants: humanitarian aid distribution (Supply - food, clothing & household items), short term absorption housing (Refuge), apartment search and employment counseling.
2. A spiritual Community based in Homes, each member being
equipped for the work of the Lord, because there are NO SPECTATORS in the Kingdom.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers...having all things in common...and meeting from house to house. Acts 2:42-47
We are seeking the way of life experienced by the first Messianic believers. Through a network of home cell groups, an evening Bible training center and a variety of ministries - each of our members is encouraged to develop as an active agent of Yeshua's redemption. Healing happens when someone turns from being a victim, to serving others. Our vision is the Equipping of Israel's returning exiles for the work of harvest in the land.
The apostle Shaul (Paul) defines the job of congregational leaders in this way "To equip the saints for the work of the ministry." Ephesians 4:11.
Ohalei Rachamim places a high value on the fulfillment of every person's calling in God. This creates a vibrant, serving, growing, integrated community.
3. A Messianic synagogue celebrating our Torah roots of New Covenant faith, embracing Yeshua as Israel's Messiah, declaring “Yeshua, Come Home!”
I did not come to destroy the Torah, but to fulfill it. Matthew 5:17
They will look upon me whom they have pierced and they will mourn for him…Zechariah 12:10
We believe strongly in the inextricable bond between Tanach (Hebrew Scriptures) and Brit HaChadasha (New Testament). But more than that, we are privileged to be part of an historic restoration. Since the first Messianic Jewish congregations in 1st century Israel, God intended Jews who embrace Yeshua as their Messiah to remain Jewish and to reflect His faithfulness to Israel. For nearly 2000 years this plan of God has been foiled and Israel has been estranged from her own Redeemer. Therefore it is vital that we, as a congregation, "bring Yeshua back" to His original Hebrew-speaking Jewish home.
4. A Tabernacle of priestly worship and intercession where God's presence is passionately sought. Because God said “I will meet with you at the tabernacle.”
Throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet with you to speak with you...and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory. Exodus 29d: 42,43
The prophet Joel prophesies that in the last days we will be like priests, crying out to God "Spare your people, O Lord!" Joel 2:17 We are asking the Lord to show us how to pray and to intercede. We long for His presence to be re-established, as it was when the pillar of fire stood amidst the camp of Israel. The Spirit of the Lord is calling us to surrender all, to worship with abandon and to weep for the lost. "Those who sow in tears will reap with joy." (Psalm 126:3)
5. An apostolic Network Of congregations and ministries, bringing together
Jewish and Gentile servants of the Lord in the salvation of Israel and the nations
Having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them out. Acts 13:3
The early congregations were active in Sending Out teams to evangelize and to plant new congregations. The kingdom of God multiplied because men and women left the safety of familiar settings and ventured forth in apostolic teams. An oasis is not a permanent stopping place, it is a Sending Station. We are thrilled to be a base to launch other congregations and ministries. We are now seeing the return of this apostolic dynamic in the planting and equipping of congregations in Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan and Germany.
Where will this Vision lead us?
The Book of Ruth gives us a clue: Israel's end-time harvest revival. Spiritual life is returning to Israel in our lifetime because non-Jewish followers of Yeshua are committing their lives together with Messianic Jews, to serve and intercede until Israel (Naomi) is transformed by the mercy of the Lord of the harvest (Boaz).
If you believe this vision is from God please join us in living it.