A Victory in Israel!
This morning, we bring you love and greetings from our brothers and sisters in Israel! For the past two months, several members of the Texas community—Brother Nathaniel Adams, John and Blair Joel Adams, Simeon Cunningham, and their families—traveled to Israel for a time of intensive ministry. Sister Regina Adams also joined them for a few weeks.
This season of ministry has been incredibly fruitful, culminating in a joyous baptism service on the final Shabbat, just before Brother Nathaniel’s return to Texas. The Israel community welcomed six new members—Patricio Calle Alvear, Rebeca Caetano, Noa Axt, Donna Kurucz, Jordan Grau, and Kara Stewart. Kara, Jordan, and Dana now represent the second and third generations in this vibrant community.
The church in Israel is made up of brothers and sisters from the Bet El communities, with many coming from Germany and Canada. A few Israeli families, formerly part of Messianic congregations, have also joined us. Paulo, Rebeca, and her father, Patricio, share a particularly touching story of God’s grace.
Patricio Alvear immigrated to Israel from Ecuador in 1998 and recently became an Israeli citizen. He first encountered our fellowship in 2021 alongside his daughter Rebeca and son-in-law Paulo. For many years, Patricio had been a nominal Christian, feeling the emptiness of a life without the Spirit. His marriage had fallen apart. Yet, in the past few weeks, God has renewed him with His Spirit, restoring not just his soul but his marriage as well. Sister Liz Adams graciously translated for Patricio, who speaks neither Hebrew nor English, allowing him to understand the meetings and baptism teachings and declare his desire to be baptized and joined to the body of Christ just three weeks after his life-changing encounter with the Spirit.
Rebeca has lived in Israel for many years and served in the Israeli military. In 2016, after her mandatory military service, she traveled to Africa, where she met Paulo Caetano, who grew up in Mozambique. Paulo tried to visit Rebeca in Israel, but he was deported and given a “black stamp,” barring him from entering Israel for ten years. Despite this setback, they married in Mozambique and later lived in South Africa. While in South Africa, Paulo had a vision he believed was from God, directing him to move to Israel, where he would come to know God through a community of believers. Though it seemed impossible due to his black stamp, Paulo recognized the voice of God.
Miraculously, they were able to gather the necessary funds for documents and legal fees. Rebeca, as an Israeli citizen, petitioned for her husband to be allowed to live with her in Israel. Soon after, Paulo received a special invitation from the Israeli Ministry of the Interior, with a document ensuring he could not be deported. They moved to Israel and, in 2019, attended a fair hosted by our community.
Yet, by 2021, their marriage was in such turmoil that they considered divorce. They had tried various churches and sought counsel, but nothing seemed to help. They resolved to cry out to God one last time. The very next day, Rebeca’s old friend Sharon called, saying she and her husband planned to visit. Sharon and her husband brought Brother Le’ad, who shared the message of repentance and reconciliation. Paulo later recounted that it felt as if Jesus Himself had entered their home.
That weekend, Paulo and Rebeca visited a meeting. At the door, Paulo heard the same Voice that had spoken to him in his vision, promising he would come to know God in Israel through a body of believers. This time, the Voice said, “Welcome home.”
Brother Paulo was baptized in December 2023. Earlier this year, Paulo and Rebeca visited Texas, where God worked deeply in Rebeca’s life. After Rebecca’s baptism, the couple asked Brother Daniel Link to reconsecrate their marriage. It was a joy-filled day, concluding with the whole church singing, “O happy day, I’ll never be the same!”
In that same meeting, the engagement of Rafael Axt (Noa Axt’s brother) and Michaela Kurucz was announced! They will be the fourth couple to be married in the Israel community. We rejoice with them and are grateful for the continued growth and unity in this beautiful community.
