AriseNow vol.12

arisenow ISSUE #12/MARCH 2016

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THE UNEXPECTED As believers in Jesus we all have moments when we wonder “Where is God in this?

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ACADEMICAL

DOUBLE STANDARDS Aacademical world boycotting Israel

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GO FOR IT

Getting to know the most exciting evangelist in Norway.

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OUR vision is to courageously and creatively teach, live and share God’s passion for the young generation and stand firm by His plans for Israel and the world.

Blessings from Jerusalem,

Jani Salokangas

WORKING IN: USA, Canada, Germany, Finland, Norway, England, Philippines, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Namibia, Switzerland...

Rooted in the powerful scripture of Ephesians 5:14, Arise stands to unlimitedly glorify God: to inspire and promote Biblical truths into young people’s everyday lives. Arise devotes itself to cause a generation to arise for spiritual awakening, works of love and support for Israel.

arisenow

CREDITS

International Director JANI SALOKANGAS International Administrator SARAH AJILEYE Graphics / Illustration DAFT DESIGNS Writers JANI SALOKANGAS, SARAH AJILEYE, MARYSA BONNEMA, KURT VETTERLING, ADAM GABELI Photography WILLÅ PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK,

From its beginning in 2002 the ARISE movement has had one mission – to gather students and young people from across the globe to live a life centered in God. We believe that God has a special plan for each person and it is our responsibility to live that calling to its fullest potential. Above all we want this generation to see and discover the unique and crucial plan that God has for Israel in His epic world redemptive plan.

The Arise movement is spreading worldwide. Join the movement today!

ARISENOW IS PUBLISHED BY ARISE ICEJ.

REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED.

International Christian Embassy Jerusalem www.icej.org

For more information contact us www.arisegeneration.org arisegeneration@icej.org Telephone: +972-2-539-9700 PO Box 1192 Jerusalem 91010 Israel

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From the leader’s pen

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fter forty years of wandering through the wilderness in pursuit of God’s promise for a better life, God’s people finally are going to get to cross into the Promised Land.

God gives Joshua directions explaining what was going to happen. They were to cross the Jordan river during its flood stage and enter the land of Canaan.

So when the people set out

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up in a heap very far away, at

ow you might think this is not a whole lot different from when the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, but it is. When Moses parted the Red Sea, the winds blew all night and there was a path through the sea. In this case, God’s leaders had to physically step into the water before the water stopped flowing.

from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the

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his time God called upon them to literally make a “step of faith” before he would deliver them. He wanted them to display their trust. When the soles of the sandals on the feet of the priest touched the water, the water stopped flowing. I wonder how many times God doesn’t answer our prayers because he is simply waiting for us to take the first step of faith?

Jani Salokangas is the Arise International Director and he is based in Jerusalem with his family.

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hat is it that you dream of doing or being for God? Are you waiting for the right time to step out, for the perfect conditions to act? Follow God’s lead. He turns dead ends into detours. God never leaves you. Never.

nation finished passing over the Jordan. JOSHUA 3:14-17

Hot articles in this issue Cross of Grace

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JOIN

the movement today facebook.com/arisegeneration

The Unexpected page 8 Events worldwide page 12 Singing a new song

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Academical double standards

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Go for It page 17 Israel - Why do you matter?

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Young Druze Innovators

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Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve and mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve.

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CROSS

OF GRACE Jani Salokangas | Shutterstock

Every good thing in our lives and even every bad thing that God turns to good - was obtained for us by the cross of Christ. Apart from the death of Christ, sinners get nothing but judgment.

Apart from the cross of Christ, there is only condemnation. Therefore, everything that you enjoy in Christ - as a Christian, as a person who trusts Christ - is owing to the death of Christ.

And all your rejoicing in all things should therefore be a rejoicing in the cross where all your blessings were purchased for you at the cost of the death of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Apostle Paul says it well in Galatians 6:14, ”May it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he is saying that Christ crucified always be our boast and exaltation and our joy and our praise. Jesus made His priestly offering in agony and pain so with His own blood so we might have life, hope and praise.

One of the reasons we are not as Christ-centered and cross-saturated as we should be is that we have not realized that everything was purchased by the death of Christ for us. We simply take life and breath and health and friends and everything for granted. We think it is ours by right. But the fact is that it is not ours by right. Everything we take for granted was given to us sinners who did not deserved a drop of these blessings.

It doesn’t matter what your title or status on earth is, Jesus bought you with His blood to give you eternal life in Heaven.

No one can ever exaggerate the power of the cross!

The atonement in Jesus blood is perfect; there isn’t anything that can be added to it. It is spotless, impeccable, flawless and all trespassing in grace. It is perfect as God is perfect. Grace is when God gives us what we don’t deserve and mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we do deserve.

It doesn’t matter what your title or status on earth is, Jesus bought you with His blood to give you eternal life in Heaven. The implications of the cross give us all reasoning for majestic awe. We walk on earth but yet we are seating in heaven. We are born on earth but our true home is on heaven.

Through the cross we are citizens of heaven declaring His glory still on earth.

On Easter morning, he burst his grave clothes to give us a way out of our pride, to recover awe. The resurrection restores our astonishment. The way out of pride is worship, to look upon a God who is greater than ourselves. We recover awe when we acknowledge the greatness of his sacrifice, the depth of our sin, and the height of his love — all in the person of Christ. •

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T im e ou t!

Movie

Food

Sparks fly UPWARD

(short movie)

A story of two friends who harbor secrets that has a strain on their relationship. Sparks fly upward is a short film produced by Alto Concept and entirely shot in Israel. The stunning landscape of northern Israelsuch as Luzit Caves; Montford Castle; British Park in Judea; Netanya beach and Jerusalem- is a backdrop for intrigue and suspense as friends ‘Adam’ and ‘Will’ embark on a hike; one has a sinister agenda whilst the other is oblivious. On their journey both are joined by a strange fellow who shows up with a plan of his own.

Sparks fly upward starts off slow, there are elements of small talk dialogue between the two leads actors but soon after the stranger called ‘Raymond’ appears the plot begins to thicken. The film addresses issues such as loyalty and betrayal and how ones reaction to the latter can lead to consequences.

Considering the fact that a very small team was involved in the production of the film, it’s fair to say that their hard work paid off as the camera shots were well done and also the music. Most of the production team and cast are Christians living in Israel and so there is a faith based undertone that can be picked up in the film. The ending leaves the viewer in slight suspense and shines light on the subject of forgiveness.

The full movie can be found on www.altoconcept.com as well as on youtube.

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MASABACHA

WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT Recipe by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi

(makes 4 servings) Makes four servings 2 eggplants 2 cups chickpeas, cooked and hot 2 cups hummus 1 cup raw tahini 1/2 cup tatbilah sauce ½ cup warm water ‫‏‬preferably the cooking water from the chickpeas‫)‏‬ salt For garnish: olive oil hot cooked chickpeas cumin paprika Heat your oven using the grill setting. Lay the eggplants in a roasting pan and roast on the top rack of the oven for 15 minutes on each side. Scoop out the eggplant pulp; transfer to a strainer to drain the liquids, for at least 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, put the whole chickpeas, hummus, raw tahini and tatbilah sauce. Mix with a spoon and add cooking water from the chickpeas until you get the desired consistency. It is important to keep the chickpeas as whole as possible. Add the roasted eggplant and mix.

Spoon into a deep serving plate, drizzle generously with olive oil and top with hot chickpeas, cumin and paprika. Serve immediately, with hot pita and raw onion.

Music

‘Grace through the wandering’ - Aaron Gillispie Aaron Gillespie is a Christian musician originally from Florida. From his youth days he started leading worship at the age of 15 and later became the drummer in the band Underoath. Things took a change in his life and music career when on a missions trip to Africa- his first solo album Anthem Song was released afterwards.

Gillespie’s most recent album released in February 2015 is called ‘Grace through the wandering’. There is an up-beatness to Gillespie’s current album and this is evident the rhythmic drumming of the song “In you there is hope” yet even though the electronic sound of “Hold me close” is soothing, its repetitious chorus fills much of the song and kind of leaves it feeling a little empty at the same time. There are songs of thanksgiving of the Creator God which can be heard in the tracks like “A love like yours” and “You alone are God”. However, “Give us your heart” stands out from all the other tracks as the soft introduction and vocals seem to earnestly call for strength and breakthrough from God, this track by far feels like a song that you could listen to on repeat.

Aaron Gillespies rendition of “Come thou fount” has an interesting southern-blues sound and indeed is a unique version of the old favourite.

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Book

ONE B1G THING

-Phil Cooke Where do you stand out against everyone else in this world? What do you do differently? In “One Big Thing”, Phil Cooke sets out to help readers answer these questions.

Life offers so many distractions. In the age of multi-tasking, it’s hard to find anyone willing to focus on anything exclusively for very long at all. When’s the last time you had an uninterrupted conversation with someone?

When’s the last time you were able to give your full attention to any one thing. When’s the last time you composed a letter or blog post without stopping to check your email?

(Guilty, and it was just a couple pieces of SPAM.) Focus and intentionality are the main themes in this book and Cooke encourages the reader to discover what they do best through these disciplines.

Great insights for any one who is confused about their purpose in life. It will definitely help you focus in that ONE thing you are naturally best at. If we could only turn off all the things we think we want to do and focus in the thing we love to do above all things, we will be exceptional.

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A rticle

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THE UNEXPECTED Kurt Vetterling | Shutterstock

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As believers in Jesus we all have moments when we wonder “Where is God in this?” We ask questions.

“Why did this happen?” or “How could He let this happen to me?” For some of us these are large-scale events, the death of a loved one, serious illness or an unexpected turn of events. At times it seems that all your hopes and dreams were shattered in a single moment. Other times, perhaps it is simply locking your keys in the car. But at some moment we all ask, where was God at?

The thing is, we so often ask God “Where were you?”

But, recently, I have been challenged with a different idea, one that asks, to put it bluntly: where was I? What if I had taken action and prevented this? What if I had instead decided to make the best of the outcome? Would I have done this even if it meant losing some of my own reputation?

This all came to a head for me one week as I was reading Luke 3:21-22, about the baptism of Jesus. As I was reading, I was reminded that when Jesus was baptized He did something that was unexpected. Now of course, we all think of the dove coming from heaven and a voice speaking from the sky is pretty unexpected. But the question has to be asked, why did Jesus need to be baptized? He is the son of God, he was clean and sinless. So why did this man need to go to the river with John the Baptist and be baptized? Jesus was being baptized to identify with man kinds sin, but we are baptized to be identified with new life. I heard one person describe it as, “Jesus does not accept immersion for the sake of his own sin. His participation in the rite, indicates his readiness to take up humanity’s cause in salvation.”

For us to receive this new life, Jesus had to take on our death. But for Jesus to take on our death, he had to show up and show he was ready. For us, Jesus showed up that day so that we can be in heaven one day. We all have challenges we will face, but we all have been endorsed to be the Children of God! When the Dove landed on the shoulder of Jesus, the voice says, “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.”

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The thing is, we so often ask God “Where were you?” But, recently, I have been challenged with a different idea, one that asks, to put it bluntly: where was I? He endorses Jesus first as his son, he tells him he loves him, and that he is pleased with him.

We read in different accounts of this in the gospels that it was an audible voice that people heard. So Jesus showing up was not just him telling the world he was ready, but it was a declaration from Heaven that this is the son of God and he is pleased with him. Here we see God declare his love for his son, but this would have never happened if Jesus had not been obedient and went to get baptized.

We want to see God do amazing things in our lives? We want to have moments where we can say, yes God was there? Then we need to

show up in faith believing he is already there and going before us. Jesus did not go into any situation wondering or hope if he had the ability to heal or to help. He went believing in the authority of God. So when Jesus showed up, God showed up. This has been such a challenge to me in my daily devotionals and in my prayer life. If I want to hear from God, I best start showing up and talking with him. Reading his word and hearing all that he has to tell me.

Now there is a time when Jesus showed up, and God did not. The one place that happened is at the day of his crucifixion. At any time God could have stepped in and stopped what was happening. At any time, Jesus could have said what they wanted and either been set free or just killed on the spot. But that was not the case, Jesus chose to continue to show up in the darkest moments of this life. And God chose not to show up and stop it. What we see is that God chose not to show up for his son, instead he let Jesus show up for us. God blew us away and did the unexpected, he let Jesus show up and let our lives be saved.

Now this is a miracle in itself, yet God has done this many times in the lives of others as well. One of those lives I love to think about is the life of Rahab. This woman was a prostitute, the outcast of her community, with a terrible reputation. But she had heard about God and all the things he was doing while Israel was wandering in the desert. When the

The unexpected tends to be more then what we thought God could do.

But the reality is, sometimes the unexpected is the reality of God.

day came that the spies needed her help, she was more than ready to put her faith in a God she had only heard of, but never seen.

She made a decision that day to change the course of her entire family’s destiny.

God took a woman that no one expected, and used her to defeat a city that no one thought could be conquered. This is the result of a God who can use any one to make the unexpected happen.

The unexpected tends to be more then what we thought God could do. But the reality is, sometimes the unexpected is the reality of God. Like Rahab, God took the unexpected and made her the heroine of a nation. God used Jesus, and had him bring us undeserved eternal life.

And now, each one of us is an unexpected miracle waiting to happen. Challenge yourself to be the voice of the unexpected. Be the person who with the power of God shows up to the next opportunity and see what God does.

When I started ministry, I started in youth ministry (ages 14-18). I remember once being told that in youth ministry you need to wait 10 years before you start to see the difference you made. It was so true! Only in the past 3 years have I started to see these people step up and do some of the most unexpected things. God will use you, tomorrow, today or 10 years from now. But every time you see an opportunity, show up. Because one day, you could change the course of someone’s life, or of a whole nation. •

Kurt Vetterling is currently the Associate Pastor, King of Kings Community Jerusalem

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GLOBAL YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT

EVENTS OUTCRY TULSA

TULISIELU

Tulsa, USA, 14. Aprl.

The heart of Passion is God’s glory, and God is most glorified in us when we live lives that are fully satisfied in Him. In an effort to flesh out this desire

FINLAND, 6-12 JUNE. Tulisielu is a week-long conference for young adults with a vision to change hearts, ignite people for God and help to find people their own place in the church and in the Kingdom of God. The conference gathers the Finnish pastors and spiritual leaders equipping participants to know better the Word of God, teaching on subjects which are relevant to their heart and vocations.

OPENSKIES FESTIVAL

FEAST OF TABERNACLES

IRELAND, 12-14 AUGUST. A 3 day worship festival located in Northern Ireland with a strong focus on prophetic and spirit filled worship without limitations. Space for people to retreat from the stresses and pressures of life, to camp around His presence, and to realize what it is to enter into His rest.

Land.

ISRAEL, 16-21 OCTOBER. For the past 35 years, Christians from all over the world have come to Jerusalem each fall to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. People all over the world come to take part in a dynamic worship experience and to taste of the joy of the Lord in the age to come.

ARISE SUMMER TOUR

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S U M M E R

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TO U R

ISRAEL, 21-31 JULY. 10 exciting days of exploring the land of the bible and see where it all happened. Show God’s love for the people through practical outreach projects and experience firsthand what God is doing in Israel today. Make new friends www.arisegeneration.org from all over the world as we pray, worship, learn, laugh and experience Jesus together in the Holy Land.

SINGING A NEW

SONG Marysa Bonnema | Shutterstock

“I am yours” as I sang these words of surrender to the Father, pouring out my heart, I felt His gentle voice remind me, “I am yours is a declaration of your identity.” Often I would sing these lines with passion in my heart knowing that I have been called to live a life of submission to Jesus and my life was not my own, but His. All of this remains true, however, as I began to ponder on the statement, I felt the Father whisper into my heart, as a child of God you have been called an heir with Christ. We are no longer slaves to what had easily entangled us, rather we are now free sons and daughters with the choice to love Jesus, and to commit our lives to Him. As heirs of Christ, we are also given the same authority that Jesus had as He walked here on earth. Jesus walked in signs and wonders, performing miracles for all to see. His desire was for the world to experience the unconditional, and merciful love of a perfect Father.

Our lives are now hidden in Christ, so, as we sing, “I am yours” we are not only singing a song of surrender but, we are declaring that we are loved sons and daughters, who have been predestined for greatness in order to demonstrate the unfailing love of a perfect Father. At times, how easy it is for our thoughts to wander. We allow doubt to confuse us, and we believe that we are not good enough.

So, we try harder to earn our acceptance as children.

However, in Christ our identities are sealed, and we are called beloved. We are welcomed to lay down our own efforts, and come just as we are, knowing that our identity flows from the heart of Jesus.

Let this year, be a declaration of “I am yours” knowing that you have been chosen and called for the sake of a greater purpose, to be loved, and to love. As you choose to declare with confidence that you are a child of God, Jesus sings it right back to you, you are mine beloved one. He that has chosen you, and desires you each and every day. •

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Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:6-7)

Marysa lives in Montreal, Canada and she attended the Arise summer tour in 2014. Her talent for writing has led her to contribute regularly to Revival magazine. Marysa has a heart to spread the word of God which she does through various forms of creativity.

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RED ALERT

DOUBLE DOUBLE

academical

standards

Jani Salokangas

A group of academics in the UK has proclaimed in a paper (“cultural bridges” letter) that they intend to boycott Israeli universities. The 343 British academics pledged to uphold an academic boycott of Israeli Universities due to their “support for Israeli violations of international law and support for the occupation,” the scholars pledged not to visit Israel, work with Israeli institutions, or par-

This academic boycott is intended to serve as collective punishment of a group of academics because of the place where they were born or where they work. There is no other explanation to it. It is the same as refusing to rent an apartment to someone who was born in Israel or teaches at an Israeli University. It is discrimination in its most open and grotesque way.

China occupies Tibet, India occupies Kashmir, Turkey occupies Northern Cyprus and Russia occupies Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Moreover, many countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have the most extreme abuses of human rights. Noboby seems to care, pay attention and not even mentioning anykind of boycotts over these countries.

take in any referrals to Israeli academic centers.

“It is the same as refusing to rent an apartment to someone who was born in Israel or teaches at an Israeli college. It is discrimination in its most open and grotesque way.”

From my personal experience in Israel where Arabs and Jews are studying side by side; in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem where many of my friends all are learning together; listening to lecturers from various academic institutions across sectors and without looking at race, this boycott is like trying to help a fish by drying its pond.

Absolutely more cooperation could be done but I wonder how much cooperation between arabs and jewish professors happen in Universities of Doha, Riyadh or Tehran?

My guess, none. Israel is the only country in the Middle East with academic freedom and free speech for all women and men.

Does this proposed academic boycott extend to the thousands of Israeli Arabs who study freely and openly in Israeli colleges and universities? If so, then who are they trying to help here? Again this boycott seems to miss its point totally and simply is a non-starter. •

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TRUST GOD, SO DO WE WWW.ARISEGENERATION.ORG

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Q&A

GO

FOR IT PÅL PEDERSEN PREACHER EVANGELIST PÅL PEDERSEN • I HAVE BEEN PREACHING IN SEVERAL PLACES AND MANY COUNTRIES. I LIVED ALSO IN ITALY OVER A LONGER PERIOD. • I LOVE TO GO MOTORCYCLE RIDING, BOAT RIDING, FISHING, BESIDES BE IN THE GYM.

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“After Jesus probably Peter.

He did not hesitate, he was always going for it. I love that.”

1. Where do you live (city) and what is the best part of the area where you live?

I live in Porsgrunn, Norway. We call this Norway in miniature. That means we have all the good things from Norway here. The fjords, the mountains, rivers and the locks. The scenery is stunning.

“I went forth in the altercate and I dedicated my life to preach the Gospel.”

2. Who is your favorite person in the bible and why?

After Jesus probably Peter. He did not hesitate, he was always going for it. I just love that.

3. With what other biblical character would you like to sitn with in heaven and have a chat, and why?

That would have to be King David, I just love him. He was a tough soldier, but he had a soft hart. He was all in for his God. 4. How did you come to know Christ?

I grew up in Church, so I have always believed in God. But the Christian life was not appealing to me. I believed in God, but for me it was impossible to live what i thought was the Christian life. So when I was about 14, I made a decision that I would no longer go to church.

I never had drug addictions or problems with alcohol, but I was a little bit wild. I liked to party, drive my motorcycle, fight and chase girls. When I was 25 years old, i was going to court because I had hurt a few people in a fight. I was working as a bouncer in different nighclubs at that time. And I felt that God was calling me. A man came up to me one day and said: Pål I have a word from the Lord to you. It’s in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”. I just riddiculed him, but this words did not let left me. So one night when I was all alone in my bed, the night before the trial I felt God was calling me to follow Him. On that night I made the decision to follow Jesus and I have followed Him ever since. This was the 23rd february 1992.

5. How did you find your calling?

When I found out who Jesus really was and what it really ment to be a Christian, I thought “Why has nobody told me this before?”

And since that day I have been preaching the good news. I think the 18 AriseNow

calling is not a complicated thing. You need to do what is natural for you. If you have a fire on the inside, just do it.

I still remember the day I really answered God. It was the first summer after i became a Christian. I was in a conference where the preacher was preaching a serious sermon about heaven or hell. I went forth during the altar call and I dedicated my life to preach the Gospel. Since that day I have followed that calling.

6. At what point did you realize that God also has a plan for the Jews and Israel?

I got saved in February 1992, and started bible school that same fall, we where taught about God’s plan to save the world, and the role that Israel and the Jewish people have in it. I knew it from the beginning of my Christian life, but I really got a passion for it after I visited Israel for the first time several years later.

Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing.

Capital: Oslo Currency: Norwegian krone Population: 5.084 million (2013) World Bank Neighboring countries: Sweden, Russia, Finland

7. What is God’s purpose with the message of ”Israel” in your opinion?

For me it is very important that the message of Israel do not become a thing for people with a special interest. God revealed His plan for saving the world in Genesis 12. He would raise up a people, a nation, a country from where the Messiah should come from, and he should redeem the whole world. The same Messiah will return, to a land, a nation, and to the same people. I see the jewish people as a people who are priests before God on behalf of the whole world.

8. What is you favourite place in Israel and why?

Ben Yehuda Jerusalem. Because you are in the Center of the world, centre of history and center of everything. At the same time you meet great people and having the best swarma. I also love Masada.

9. What is the best part in what you are called to do for God’s Kingdom?

What I love the most is that no matter where I go, no matter who I meet, no matter what is happening I always have good news. I can bring good tidings wherever I go in the whole world. No matter what has happened, I can bring comforting words, and healing power. I just love my life and my ministry.

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10. What would you like to tell to someone who doesn’t know if God’s is faithful?

There is only one way to find out.

Make a decision to receive God in to your life. I have failed, I have missed it so many times, but he never abandons me. Do not be religious, but start a relationship today, its the best choice you’ll ever made. •

“I have failed, i have missed it so many times, but he never abandons me.”

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A rticle

ISRAEL, WHY DO YOU MATTER TO YOUNG CANADIANS? Adam Gabeli

“There is a great antiSemitic sentiment on the rise in our Canadian society”

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There is a disturbing trend beginning to take root on Canada’s college and university campuses, from the famed University of McGill in the east, to the beautiful campus of UBC in the west. Not only do we see this trend amongst Canadian post secondary students, but we are also beginning to see it in all facets of Canadian youth/young adult society, even in the Church. The trend I am speaking of is an aggressive anti-Semitic voice that is rising up against the modern day state of Israel.

This anti-Semitic voice is not a voice we are unfamiliar with. We can see the ugly face of modern anti-Semitism poking its head out all across the globe, from the Iranian Regime to terrorist groups like Islamic State and Al Qaeda. Furthermore, the interesting and scary trend in the west is seeing anti-Semitism taking the form of anti-Israel sentiments such as the Boycott-Divest-Sanction movement (BDS) and so called civil rights campaigns like “Israel Apartheid week”. According to research institutes such as the Institute for the Study of Global Anti-Semitism and Policy (ISGAP) and other organizations that combat anti-Semitism like ICEJ, Modern anti-Semitism has taken a new form. This new form is anything and everything that has to do with undermining and attacking the Jewish State.

There is a great anti-Semitic sentiment on the rise in our Canadian society, whether it is through violence, defamations, ideology or even economic boycotts and sanctions. Its time to ask the question, why is this happening? In reality Israel is the only free democracy and beacon of western values and liberties in the Middle East, so why do we see “Israeli Apartheid weeks” on our campuses? Israel is the first line of defense against violent Jihadists, so why do we see motions in our student bodies that push BDS policies like the ones that were pushed earlier this year at Montreal’s McGill? When Israel is the only state in its region that is really protecting and offering shelter to persecuted religious minorities, especially Christians, why is it that during last years Mission Fest Convention Vancouver it was proposed to show an anti-Israel film? I believe the answer is two fold.

1.

Canada has lost its moral compass.

Although we enjoyed almost 10 years under a government who pushed against the global tide by standing in with Israel in solidarity as a friend, economically, militarily and ideologically, our current administration has begun to dismantle much of those standpoints. Even more than our national leadership, Canadian society has been on a moral down turn for the past half century. With our stance on marriage, abortion and euthanasia, we have lost almost all sense of morality. Sexual immorality is no longer looked down on in our schools, but as we have seen with recent motions passed in the Ontario and Quebec school boards, it is now encouraged. Our youth from a very young age have been exposed to and encouraged to buy into a worldview that is diametrically opposed to the values of the Bible. So as the Bible has been rejected in Canadian society, we can see the rejection of the people of the Bible, Israel.

2.

“...the Canadian church has dropped the ball in many ways and is partially responsible for the state of our young Canadian generation.”

“The Lord in his sovereignty is raising up ministries like Arise, that have biblically sound teaching in regards to the relationship between the church, Israel and the Jewish people.”

www.arisegeneration.org

Canadian Christian Youth have become Silent and apathetic.

Partially due to this moral decay, the Canadian church has dropped the ball in many ways and is partially responsible for the state of our young Canadian generation. The youth of Canada, much like those in the rest of the western church, find themselves in the pressure cooker of a society opposed to everything they know is right. I have heard it said among youth that I have pastored “its not cool to be a Christian”. Unfortunately, that statement has never been truer than it is today. In Canadian high schools, colleges and universities, Christians either choose outright ostracism or fade into the shadows by disguising who they really are. The majorities have fallen into the latter category and either fear that their reputation would be marred or are in total apathy.

Young Christian Canadians are oblivious to the importance of Israel and the Jewish State.

Furthermore it is sad to see how the Canadian church’s biblical responsibility towards Israel is almost abdicated. They might remember the verse “pray for the peace of Jerusalem”, but in reverse, many have grown up in churches that preach a replacement theology. So no wonder why many youth end up confused and wondering “why should I care about Israel?”

The good news is that there is counter culture arising within the Canadian church and we praise God that it is being spearheaded by those of the younger generation. The Lord in his sovereignty is raising up ministries like Arise, that have biblically sound teaching in regards to the relationship between the church, Israel and the Jewish people. Arise Canada, under the leadership of ICEJ Canada has the great privilege along with many other similar ministries across this nation to stand up for the truth. Over the past few years we have made it our mission to expose Canadian youth and young adult leaders to the truth of what God is doing in Israel and with Israel. By providing scholarships and sending teams every year to the summer Arise Tour we have seen a change in the climate of multi denominational young leaders that are able to stand up for Israel and speak the truth in their communities. Our goal is not just to send young people to Israel, but also to equip them to stand up for truth in the face of the lies, which are prevalent in our society.

We are blessed and excited to be part of this time in history when we can make a great difference in not being silent during this time of great opposites. We are truly able to see the voice of truth rise up and reveal to the young generation why they should care about Israel and its people. •

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Young

DRUZE Innovators Sarah Ajileye | Shutterstock

“The students came up with the project themselves”

The ICEJ recently hosted a group of budding entrepreneurs from the Druze community. The youths aged between 13-16 visited the HQ to present their science project, one which had won first prize in a competition comprised of various schools in the northern Israel district and won them a place to compete in the nationwide LEGO League competition in Tel Aviv. The teens, accompanied by their school principle, project supervisor and community elders, were welcomed by ICEJ staff. The International Director Juha Ketola took time to speak to the visitors about the work of the ICEJ and informed them that ICEJ’s support of the Druze community was an extension of the global Christian community via donations and prayers. “We want to thank you [students], you have a great future ahead of you and we want to continue working with the larger Druze community too”, expressed Rev. Ketola. After which a community elder thanked the ICEJ for their support and explained a little about the Druze culture.

The research carried out was to ‘Investigate the effect of compost worms called Eisenia Fedida to decompose crude olive cake (waste)’. In Israel at the end of the olive harvest, tons of cake waste is produced. Crude olive cake consists of the olive kernel shell crushed into fragments, the skin and the crushed pulp, it contains about 25 percent water and a remaining quantity of oil making them subject to rapid spoilage, which in long term can be an environmental problem. The research was carried out by the students- from different classes and neighbourhoods- during their free time after school (including weekends) for six months with support from teachers. “The students came up with the project themselves” explained Dr Kamal Sharaf, a Druze scientist who served as a supervisor to the team, “I simply guided them and informed them of the various environmental issues that need solving”.

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One by one each child stood and briefly explained the aim, purpose, results of their project with an air of professionalism fitting for future scientists. The embassy staff listened intently as the students explained their work; the worms decompose i.e. break down the cake waste and in turn produce organic matter that can be used as rich chemical free fertilizer. The fertilizer produced was found to be better at growing plants than the average on the market. How do we know this is the case?

Well like any true scientific experiment there must be a control- “Yes the controls were pure fertilizer and pure soil, which were used to compare with the worm fertilizer” said Dr Sharaf.

And the results showed that the best and tallest plants came from the fertilizer produced by the worms, which the students called WormGift.

“We want to give our heartfelt thanks for your generous support for our program and in general for the Druze community”, said the school principle, “You are investing in the leaders of the future”. He added with a smile; “There’s an Arab expression: the students will go on to become wiser than their teachers and professors”.

The ICEJ Aid director Nicole Yoder informed the visitors that the ICEJ wants to continue working with their community as well as other Druze communities around the country. Each student was awarded a certificate and a gift from the ICEJ as well as a donation to go towards the Selaf Felek community in northern Israel.

When asked what they hope to achieve with the results of their research, one of the girls answered “We hope to have a small factory which produces commercial environmentally friendly fertilizers.” •

www.arisegeneration.org

“Each student was awarded a certificate and a gift from the ICEJ as well as a donation to go towards the Selaf Felek community in northern Israel.”

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ICEJ REPORT

T H E N E ED Since 2010 the ICEJ started a historic initiative to help survivors in need. A unique home of holocaust survivors has been established in Haifa hosting more then 70 survivors. They established a unique community, occupying 9 different buildings finding the attention of Israel’s media.

This home helps the survivors to escape their loneliness and allows them to be a part of a unique and vibrant community of people who survived the most horrendous chapter of human history.

Holocaust survivors meet the Prime Minister & President The 27th of January each year marks International Holocaust Memorial Day, commemorating the Soviet Army’s liberation of the largest Nazi death camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, on that day in 1945. Whilst it is a solemn occasion, this year was also a particularly special one for the Holocaust survivors of the ICEJ’s Home for Holocaust Survivors in Haifa, as they had the unique opportunity to meet with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The next day included another meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

A group of 15 Holocaust residents of the Haifa Home, escorted by ICEJ Aid Director Nicole Yoder, met with Prime Minister Netanyahu at his Tel-Aviv office on 26 January. It would be an understatement to say that the survivors were excited to meet Mr. Netanyahu- many said that they had never imagined in their wildest dreams that they would have the chance to meet the Prime Minister of the country closest to their hearts.

Whilst the residents were full of excitement to meet Mr. Netanyahu, it was clear that this feeling was mutual. The Prime Minister expressed his honor and feeling of privilege to meet the people who did so much to build up the Jewish state.

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ENVISION ‘16 Pastors & Leaders In January 140 pastors and leaders from around the world attended the annual Envision conference hosted by the ICEJ. Held at the beautiful Hotel Yehuda, the four day fellowship helped church leaders to connect, learn, meet and receive briefings from key leaders in Israel.

Delegates heard biblical teachings from local leaders in both the Jewish and Arab community whilst also visiting ancient biblical sites in Jerusalem. The group of international church leaders were also taken to the Israeli parliament called the Knesset, where they heard from government officials about the growing ties between the Christian and Jewish groups.

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J O I N U S F O R 1 0 E X C I T I N G D AY S O F E X P L O R ING THE LAND OF THE BIBLE AND SEE WHERE IT ALL HAPPENED. MAKE NEW FRIENDS FROM A L L O V E R T H E W O R L D A S W E P R AY , W O R S H I P, LEARN, LAUGH AND EXPERIENCE JESUS TOGETHER IN THE H O LY L A N D .

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