2020 Annual Report

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

Annual Report

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Contents Message From the Executive Director

3

Who We Are

4

Israel Relief

6

North America

8

International

10

Media

14

Operational Highlights

16

Board of Trustees

18

Get Involved

19

John 13:14–15 “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

2

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear Friend of Israel, When our Lord Jesus washed the feet of His followers nearly 2,000 years ago, He charged all of us to continue in His example to love as He loves (Jn. 13:14–15).

I do not need to speak about the massive, global upheaval our world has experienced in the last year. The pandemic has affected us all. Even though the world is changing and the circumstances in which we minister have changed, our mission at The Friends of Israel remains the same: to communicate biblical truth to the fallen world and to bring physical and spiritual comfort to the whole of Israel—His people.

Our utter dependence on God has grown our faith in His provision.

He is faithful and true, He does not abandon us, and we do not walk alone.

We have not allowed the challenges we have encountered in the last year to change our calling. With the Lord’s continual guidance, we have used these challenges to get creative, to grow, flex, and develop new opportunities to reach those in darkness.

There are many positive things coming out of the past year of ministry at The Friends of Israel. I am very encouraged and want to share some of them with you here in the 2020 Annual Report. Behind every statistic there is an encounter between Jesus and the ones who seek Him. While it may not look the same as in years past, He is moving through this ministry like never before.

In a personal way, I want to thank all of you for your generous support and devotion to blessing the Jewish people. Through your partnership, you make Christ’s love tangible every day in our medical clinic, backpackers’ center, summer camps, Bible studies, congregations, ambulances, bomb shelters, on the radio, in mailboxes, and online.

Thank you.

In His Service,

Jim Showers, DMin Executive Director/President

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

3

Who We Are

83

years of ministry Est. 1938

We operate regularly in

15

countries.

4

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

OUR MISSION We are a worldwide evangelical ministry proclaiming biblical truth about Israel and the Messiah, while bringing physical and spiritual comfort to the Jewish people.

OUR VISION Our vision is to see everyone believe in God’s Son and understand God’s plan for the ages.

OUR VALUES 1

2

3

4

Loving God, His Word, and the Jewish people

Sharing our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Supporting Israel’s right to the Land and opposing antiSemitism

Living a life of humility, integrity, and respect for others

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

5

Israel Relief

31

Bomb shelters built in Israel

111,000 pounds of fresh produce distributed to Israel’s most needy

2.5M+

$

invested in Israel Relief since 2012

6

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

14,000

+

meals and showers provided through Christian ministry to drug addicts and prostitutes

1,500

+

meals served to Holocaust survivors

172

Jewish olim (immigrant) sponsored to return to Israel

17

babies saved from abortion and sponsored for their first year of life

1

ambulance donated to Israel’s Magen David Adom THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

7

North America

3,066

people participated in the live Anchored Conference

Viewed in

41

countries

222,000

35,000

+

+

views of Canadian virtual conferences & online ministries

Passover Seder views * first-ever online Seder

33

Prayer 100+ Canadian Gatherings

3

482

families ministering across North America

Canadian virtual conferences

Hanukkah baskets delivered

600 speaking engagements 8

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

STORY OF TRANSFORMATION

RICHARD’S STORY An American friend of FOI

F

orty years ago, we led a Jewish man named Richard to the Lord.

His oldest son passed away this year, and his family asked me to conduct the funeral. Richard was a believer and a Jewish war veteran, so he and I have some significant things in common. His wife and children are not believers. The Lord provided a marvelous opportunity to proclaim the gospel to many unsaved people at the funeral that day. The Holy Spirit was working

The Holy Spirit was working in the members of Richard’s family. in the members of Richard’s family.

My feelings were confirmed when Richard’s daughter later called and told me that she and her mom were deeply touched by the message. Together, we prayed about her faith, that she and her mom would have every joy that belongs to those that now belong to God.

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

9

International

4.5M VIEWS

23

families ministering in the International Field full time

The Messiah of Israel video series of the gospel in Hebrew

16

6

International ministry interns

publications translated German Polish → Russian → →

80

people attended 2 Holidays With the Bible in Poland

16

Jewish communities ministered to in Ukraine

10

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

STORY OF TRANSFORMATION

ROBERTO

is a shop owner in Argentina

L

ast year we brought you the story of Roberto who came to know Christ through medical care at the FOI Medical Clinic in Buenos Aires. The pandemic has made it nearly impossible to identify regular clinic patients because of their facial masks. Upon a closer look, we recognized a familiar pair of eyes. It was Roberto! This time, his eyes reflected worry. As it usually happens, patients open their hearts and pour onto us all their worries and concerns. Roberto owns a small shoe shop in the neighborhood. Given the current pandemic and government laws surrounding it, he was forbidden to open the doors. He said, “It’s not me that I am worried about, it’s just that the shop is the treasure of my life, and I don’t think I will be able to continue This time, his eyes with it. I might need reflected worry. to close the shop forever.” Then we related to Roberto, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt. 6:21) and how important it is to know that God’s love towards us is eternal, “incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4).

Roberto’s eyes revealed that he was listening with much attention. We continued, explaining that wealth is an earthly treasure deeply coveted by many, but that it can be lost or taken away. Instead, treasures in heaven are eternal. Ongoing discipleship and encouragement at the clinic builds bonds and advances the cause of making Christ known as Messiah and Savior. Please keep Roberto and the Argentina Medical Clinic in your prayers.

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

11

International

35

blood pressure machines delivered to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe

40

Israeli Meet at the Mountain backpackers (NZ)

18,000

+

patients per year (Argentina)

12

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

750

pounds of potatoes delivered in Ukraine during the pandemic

Responded to

4,400+ ambulance calls in Buenos Aires

STORY OF TRANSFORMATION

ANNA

A grandmother saved by her granddaughter’s testimony

F

OI’s Eastern European Relief Fund focuses on tangible, physical relief in the former Soviet bloc. When Anna heard a rumor in her Ukrainian synagogue that there were Christian people from Poland visiting Jewish homes in her town, she called a local pastor and asked that we visit her.

She was eager to meet with us. When we arrived, Anna shared with us that her granddaughter went to one of the FOI summer camps we organized in Poland for children. It was a surprise for us to learn that her granddaughter started to attend a local Sunday school at one of the churches when she returned. Because of this, the whole family became believers in the Messiah. We prayed with Anna and praised God because He works even when we do not know!

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

13

Media 292,000 podcast downloads (5x as many as 2019)

1.3M

+

radio listeners

500

+

radio stations

350,346 Israel My Glory magazines distributed

60

countries receiving IMG

1,850+ IMG magazines and other publications gifted to 921 prisoners

5

new publications

49,016 publications sold

The Common Thread The Common Thread Study Guide 3 Jerusalem in Prophecy 4 10 Reasons Christians Support Israel 5 Anchored DVD 1 2

14

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

STORY OF TRANSFORMATION

KEN Letter from an inmate who receives Israel My Glory

H

ello dear brothers and sisters! My name is Ken. I am an inmate in an American correctional facility. I wrote to you nearly one year ago asking for a free subscription to Israel My Glory magazine, to which you graciously obliged. I would like to share with you some things that have happened as a result of your kindness.

Coming from a background in Replacement Theology, I now feel I have a more appropriate view of Scripture and God’s plan through it.

Since you donated Israel My Glory: → I have gained a more biblical perspective of the

nature and purpose of Israel. → I have begun teaching, in a classroom setting,

the things I am learning from the contributors of Israel My Glory. → The “blinders” of Replacement Theology have

begun to open up here. → Your teaching has helped improve my own biblical

understanding, as well as that of the men I share with. → I use Israel My Glory as a resource for research

for my degree program at a theological seminary.

I hope and pray I will be able to continue to receive Israel My Glory until I am released from prison and am able to purchase my own subscription.

I would like to thank you for your generosity and for your love and prayers. Moreover, for showing me the truth of Israel in God’s perfect plan.

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

15

Operational Highlights <

REVENUE

1%

Contributions

8%

10,729,000

$

10%

Legacies & Annuities

1,302,000

$

Publication Revenue

986,000

$

Program/Event Revenue

20,000

$

82

%

Interest, Dividends, & Other

49,000

$

13,086,000

$

Visit foi.org/vision/financials to view full audited financial statements The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 23-1365331 16

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR 2020 (USA)

5%

EXPENSES

19%

Program Ministries

8,919,000

$

Administrative

2,198,000

$

Fundraising

580,000

$

76%

11,697,000

$

Our Financial Commitment to You

The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry is firmly committed to good stewardship of funds entrusted to us by our friends and donors. We pledge to use your gifts wisely and effectively to reach others with the Word of God and the hope of Jesus Christ.

To ensure our financial accountability to you, our donor, we are a long-time member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. We fully support the purpose and goals of the ECFA, and display its seal proudly to reflect compliance with its membership standards.

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

17

Board of Trustees BOARD OFFICERS

Dean E. Good, MDiv

David R. Benner

Pastor Grace Church of North Olmsted

Chairman Retired Engineer Urban Engineers

Vice Chairman Retired President Heick Die Casting

Founder & President World of the Bible Ministries Research Professor Liberty University

Jim Showers, DMin

Robert C. Sullivan

Laurence H. Murray

President The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

John Wilcox, CPA* Treasurer The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

William King Secretary President The Nova Group

President & CEO Believers Stewardship Services

William E. Sutter Former Executive Director The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

Jim Vogel, DMin Network Executive Director Northeast Fellowship

BOARD MEMBERS

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

Daniel L. Anderson, ThD

W. Sherrill Babb, PhD

President Appalachian Bible College

Kenneth W. Murray Retired Vice President The Quaker Oats Co.

Jonathan W. Glock Trust Officer Believers Stewardship Services

*non-board member

18

J. Randall Price, PhD

||

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

President Emeritus Cairn University

Philip G. Brodsky Partner Scripture Truth Book Co.

Elwood McQuaid Former Executive Director The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

Charles F. Scheide, Sr., DMin Retired Pastor & Dean Word of Life Bible Institute

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Jim Showers, DMin Executive Director

Steve H. Conover Executive Vice President Director of Media Ministries

John Wilcox, CPA Vice President of Finance Chief Financial Officer

Tom Geoghan Vice President for Ministry Advancement

Steve Herzig Director of North American Ministries

Mike Stallard, PhD Director of International Ministries

Lorna Simcox Editor-in-Chief Israel My Glory

THANK YOU!

For 83 years, faithful supporters like YOU have made it possible to shine the light of the gospel in uncertain times in an uncertain world.

GET INVOLVED Pray

Your prayers are critical to accomplishing His work.

Give

Your gifts make the Lord known to His people worldwide. Thank you. foi.org/givenow

Share

Your stories inspire us! If the Lord has reached you through our ministry, we would love to hear from you. Submit your story at foi.org/yourstory

Attend

Refresh your walk with the Lord­ —online or in person. Please invite your friends and family. To find or request an event at your church, visit foi.org/events

Volunteer

Make a difference for eternity when you serve our friends in Israel. For the latest volunteer opportunities, visit foi.org/ outreach

Serve

Are you called to minister in biblical truth and build lasting relationships with our Jewish friends? Come build bridges and bring hope alongside us. Please contact us! Visit foi.org/serve

MAKE A GIFT TODAY

BY PHONE:

ONLINE:

Call Ministry Services at 800-345-8461

Scan the code or visit us at www.foi.org/givenow THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY

||

19

THE FRIENDS OF ISRAEL GOSPEL MINISTRY, INC. P.O. BOX 908 BELLMAWR, NJ 08099

TH E

Friends of Israel G O S P E L M I N I S T RY Building bridges. Bringing hope.

VISIT US AT

FOI.ORG

TO DISCOVER MORE

FIND US ON SOCIAL

FACEBOOK

TWITTER YOUTUBE

@FOIGM

MAIL P.O. BOX 908 BELLMAWR, NJ 08099 PHONE 800-345-8461 MAIL P.O. BOX 428 STN A, BRAMPTON, ON L6V 2L4, CANADA PHONE 888-664-2584