Paul Luckraft reviews ‘The Feasts of the Lord’ by Kevin Howard and Marvin Rosenthal (Thomas Nelson, 1997).

Kicking off our coverage of recommended resources for Passover season, Paul Luckraft reviews an older classic on the Jewish Feasts.

There are many excellent books to choose from that teach us about the Feasts but this one stands out in so many ways. When a friend first showed me this book it immediately grabbed my attention. I gratefully accepted the offer to borrow it and within a couple of days I had bought a copy for myself. It is brilliantly and beautifully produced, and is not only a great read but a perfect reference book to return to time and again.

The book is written jointly by a Messianic believer (Marvin Rosenthal) and an ordained minister (Kevin Howard) whose insight into Jewish culture and the Hebrew language is the result of his involvement in the Jewish community and his frequent trips to Israel.

The book aims to keep both Jewish and Christian readers in mind, and is greatly enhanced by over 150 full-colour charts and photographs, which is one reason it stands apart from many other books on this topic. For instance, there is a double page spread of a Passover table, with all the items annotated and described. A separate page gives a close-up of a magnificent Seder plate.

Fascinating Material

The opening section of the book acts as an introduction, containing an overview firstly of the Spring Feasts and then of the Fall Feasts, both written by Marvin Rosenthal. The introduction concludes with information about Jewish time, the year and the calendar, written by Kevin Howard who is also the author of the rest of the book.

The book is written jointly by a Messianic believer and an ordained minister.

In the second section each of the seven Feasts of Leviticus 23 is taken in turn and in each case the format is the same – description, fulfilment, application. Here the book scores highly again. As well as learning about the ancient biblical observance we come to understand how each Feast is observed in more modern times and also, most importantly, its fulfilment in Jesus and what it can mean for Christians today.

The final section is taken up with additional observances, something that other books often omit. The four chapters are on Tisha B’Av (the fast of the fifth month), Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication), Purim (Feast of Lots) and the Jubilee Year. Here there is plenty of fascinating material which is likely to provide something new for every reader.

A Book to Enjoy and Treasure!

Overall, the explanations are clear and very full. Each page is a delight. There is plenty of background information of historical and cultural interest as well as all the necessary scriptural details. This is book to enjoy and to treasure.

To cap it off there is an excellent index with hundreds of entries spreading over 14 pages, enabling you to find all you need quickly and easily as well as realising that hidden in the book are things you didn’t know about. The index itself becomes a starting point for exploration!

Each page is a delight.

There is also a five-page index of Scripture references, a single page bibliography and a chart showing the dates of the Jewish feasts until 2020.

Although I also greatly value other books on the feasts this is one I would recommend wholeheartedly, both to newcomers to the topic and to those with existing knowledge and experience of what the feasts can mean to us all.

The Feasts of the Lord (224 pages) is available from ICM Books Direct for £14.49 or on Amazon.

Paul Luckraft interviews Piers Crow, Bible teacher and director of The David House, a charity and para-church ministry with a vision to share God's heart for the Jewish people.

When I met Piers over a late breakfast one sunny morning, I soon realised I was in for a fascinating time. The more he shared the clearer it became that this ministry has an important role to play in what God is doing, not just in this country but elsewhere around the world, especially in Ukraine. Moreover, his own background and the way he was led into this work offers encouragement and stimulation for those seeking to serve God in similar ways.

Prior Preparation

Piers had the benefit of a Christian family and upbringing, but rebelled in his teenage years and dropped out of school. However, at the age of 19 he was saved and his journey with God began. After beginning A-levels again, Piers chose to study Christianity, Judaism and Islam and went from there to study Theology at Cardiff University. He describes this experience as intellectually stimulating but spiritually dry. However, one major plus point from his time there was meeting a Swedish girl who would quickly become his wife.

However, God had a plan for all that study and a 'chance meeting' on a shuttle bus going to the airport in Sweden led to a conversation about biblical prophecy. Chatting with his fellow passenger during this brief journey, Piers was challenged by the fact that the Bible has so much to say about Israel and the Jewish people - something that he had not come across before, either in his university degree or at his church. This made a lasting impression and was a turning point in his life leading to more and more study of the Jewish roots of his faith. But what should he do about this new revelation?

The David House charity has two main aims – to reach local Jews and to teach Jewish roots to the wider Church.

Piers Arthur-Crow, director of The David House.Piers decided that the next step was to enrol for a year at a Bible school in Sweden known for its heart for Israel. This was a much more inspiring experience which ignited his faith and helped him grow towards what God had planned for his life. Yet, where was all this leading? Piers was not at all clear about what to do next but he was determined not to lose sight of the Lord and the life of prayer and study he had encountered whilst away.

He took up a part-time job as a postman so he could continue to study Hebrew and the word whilst praying into God's plan for him. Then, in 2007, out of the blue, The David House came into his life.

Encountering The David House

The David House was not a new venture at this time. It had been started in the late 1960s by Ken Price and since 1966 it had been the UK distributor of the Vineyard magazine, a world-wide publication which aims to stimulate readers to faith in God and his Messiah, Jesus (Yeshua). This magazine is still going strong and is available today.

In 1972 The David House became a charity with two main aims: to reach local Jews ('local' meant in the Cardiff area) and to teach Jewish roots to the wider Church. Ken never went out of his way to seek funding, standing on the word God had given him from Isaiah 49:23, "for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me". He simply prayed and the finances came in, even when the charity grew to such an extent that it was necessary to purchase a building in Cardiff out of which to operate the ministry. God clearly had his hand on this work.

Looking back, Piers finds it astounding that this ministry building was on the same street where his father had had his family business and where Piers had lived as a student in Cardiff. He had passed The David House building many times, never knowing what a key part it would play in his life and calling!

Piers first joined The David House as a trustee, but God had destined a greater role for him there. He later left the Board in order to become an employee of the charity, with the specific remit of running The David House in the UK. Piers very much wanted to continue in the way that Ken had operated and with the same degree of faith. He regards himself as having inherited the mantle from its founder.

The ministry stresses to Gentile believers the need for a firm understanding of the Jewishness of Jesus and the Hebraic nature of God's word.

Mission: The One New Man

What does The David House do today? Its aims have not changed over the years. A primary goal remains to reach the Jewish people and share God's love and purpose for them. But alongside this is the equally essential task of teaching the Church about God's heart for the Jews and of the nourishing root they provide to the Gentile branches of the Olive Tree. It is a key part of the ministry to constantly stress to Gentile believers that without a firm understanding of the Jewishness of Jesus and the Hebraic nature of God's word, it is impossible to fully discern God's plans and purposes for the world, both today and in the future.

In recent years the Lord has impressed upon those involved in The David House the global work he is doing in this day to bring together Jew and Gentile as 'one new man' in Christ, as laid out by Paul in Ephesians 2:11-22. This work was won at the cross (Eph 2:16) but for so long the Body of Jesus has not realised the fullness that Jesus has purposed in bringing Jew and Gentile together in himself.

The stirring of the Gentile Church to realise its Jewish roots goes hand in hand with the steady and significant growth of the Messianic movement in the last few decades. Piers is reminded of Romans 11:12, "Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!" Rather than a passing phase, it is part of the promise of the return of the Jewish people to their Messiah as the Gentile Church becomes ready to provide a greater witness and welcome than it ever has before.

This might seem a daunting task, especially as similar initiatives elsewhere have not always proved successful. But it has become increasingly clear that the One New Man movement is not just the work of a few enthusiasts trying to spread their ideas. Rather, this is both spontaneous and Spirit-led, the mark of God himself upon his Church, clearly indicating the direction in which it should, and eventually will, go.

The Lord is currently doing a global work in this day to bring together Jew and Gentile as 'one new man' in Christ.

Fruitful Conferences

It was perhaps most astonishing to hear that Ukraine is at the forefront of this. God is clearly moving most significantly in that country and The David House has recently started running conferences there, beginning in the spring of 2015 and continuing at six-monthly intervals, with its fourth conference being held in Kiev this coming September.

Hundreds of leaders are attending with an approximately 50-50 split between Jews and Gentiles. Believing rabbis meet with Christian pastors to consider topics such as the identity of Israel, the nature of the Church, the Hebraic context of the Bible, the curse of anti-Semitism and God's will to establish the One New Man. Overall the growth of one new man through these conferences has the dual success of defeating Replacement Theology within the Church and providing a strong Messianic witness to the Jewish people.

The David House also runs conferences in the UK, both on the south coast and in south Wales, and puts on events to celebrate the main feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles to bless and edify believers.

Overall, talking to Piers gave the impression that this is just the beginning and that the One New Man movement is really gaining momentum. The outcome of efforts so solidly biblical and providential is more certain and the fruit more lasting. This is definitely the case in those areas where The David House is involved.

To find out more about The David House or for regular mailings please contact Piers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or PO Box 5395, Hove, BN52 9YD.

Christians pray for a miracle to restore their broken and divided nation.

For the first time in the history of Ukraine, all of the churches of the country recently came together for a National Day of Prayer for their war-torn nation and for peace.

The three-hour event, that took place on Saturday 18 June 2016, was attended by thousands of people and church leaders at the National Sports Palace in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, and broadcast 'live' by three national TV channels.

Supported by Ukraine's Bible Society, Greek Catholics, the Baptist Union, two Pentecostal Unions, Charismatic and Independent Unions, and the Senior Rabbi of the Messianic Congregation in Ukraine, this was the first time that all these unions have come together in unity to call on God to restore their broken and divided nation.

Church representatives also included those from the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox churches.

Incredible Unity

An especially enthusiastic welcome was given to church leaders from East Ukraine, and also the leader of the nation's Messianic Jewish Community. It was a far cry from a media image of politicians fighting in Parliament, Russian tanks, corruption, economic stagnation and a civil airliner being shot out of the sky!

At the prayer event, they joined to sing hymns to Jesus Christ, and also recited a bold declaration, asking God to unite their nation, where corrupt leaders failed. Church people lined up to pray, asking God to stop the fighting, remove the tanks and bring peace.

Each prayed in their own tradition, before uniting behind their Bible Society leader, praying for a miracle to rebuild Ukraine upon the Bible, which they all have in common.
It shows, when all else fails, desperate people turn to God.

Influence of David Hathaway

The event was called for by British evangelist, David Hathaway, who is little publicised in the UK, but almost a household name in Ukraine.

He was known in this area of Europe after he called for prayer conferences in East and West Germany in 1988 and 1989, which were attended by thousands of people, who prayed for the Berlin Wall to come down. Around this time, critics suggested the Reverend Hathaway might be 'mad', until, shortly afterwards, the whole of the Iron Curtain came down shortly. Then, people stopped such criticism.

Ukraine's first-ever National Prayer conference concluded, not with prayers for Ukraine, but for Russia and Vladimir Putin, the current president of the Russian Federation.

David Hathaway leading Christian church and Jewish leaders in prayer.According to Hathaway's Prophetic Vision website, "After the Russian annexing of Crimea in March 2014, war broke out in eastern Ukraine the following month, April 2014, when Russian-backed separatists seized control of a number of towns and declared independence.

That summer the Ukrainian army recaptured the rebel stronghold of Slavyansk and moved to encircle Donetsk, the defacto separatist capital. Following two decisive Russian military interventions which effectively reversed Ukrainian gains, a peace agreement was signed in Minsk in February 2015. The effect of this agreement has been to slow, rather than end the war; the killings continue to this day."

In view of that, just think of it. Thousands of Ukrainians, praying for Russia and President Putin is extraordinary! The Ukraine problem is that their history, culture and language, are closer to Russia than any other country, on earth.

For Russia, their foundation and precious Orthodox Church come from the 'Rus' - in what is now Ukraine, and their leaders and ancestors are buried there. For Russia, Ukraine is in the blood. For Ukraine, Russia is in the blood. Even Mr Putin's first name – Vladimir -- comes from Ukraine, 1,000 years ago.

A Turning Point?

I believe that this prayer gathering will be a turning point for both countries, and the two Presidents of each will be mindful of this.

As the European Union (EU) tries social engineering and expansion that it really can't afford to pay for, in Ukraine, so the currency keeps falling. The driving force is economic. War brings poverty. Both need reconciliation and restoring their mutual economies, especially as Russia argues with Turkey.

For Ukraine and Russia, forgiving and reconciliation will be a miracle. Only God and the people's prayers can deliver that.

First published by ASSIST News. Author: Gareth Littler. Gareth spent years building up UCB (United Christian Broadcasters) in the UK and is now planning an Anglo-Russian News, Gospel & Orthodox TV project.

Christine Burden reviews 'The Messianic Church Arising' by Dr Robert D Heidler (2006, 224 pages, Glory of Zion International Ministries).

I first read this book in 2008 and was so impressed with it that I bought several copies to give away. In re-reading it more recently I have found it just as refreshing, relevant and challenging for the times in which we are living! It is a book about restoring the Jewish roots of Christianity.

Heidler, senior pastor of Glory of Zion Outreach Centre (USA), is passionate about restoring the Church to its covenant roots. His book is divided into two parts: the first entitled 'Discovering Our Lost Inheritance' and the second dedicated to 'Recovering Our Lost Inheritance'. In addition to this there are three helpful appendices dealing with God's heart for the Jews, the Jewishness of the early Church and the Jewish Feasts.

This book is thoroughly researched and well-presented and I did not find it difficult to read. As an aside, as a Messianic believer myself I appreciated the thoughtful note included that this book was written for Gentiles and for that reason the author uses terms and expressions easily understandable to Gentile Christians (p2).

This book, about restoring the Jewish roots of Christianity, is refreshing, relevant and challenging for the times in which we are living.

Messianic Revival

In the introduction, the author reveals a startling fact: as recently as 1967, there were no known Messianic congregations anywhere in the world! Over the centuries, Jewish people had come to recognise their Messiah, but they had been assimilated into the church and had "forfeited their Jewish identity" (p13).

However, everything began to change after the Six Day War in 1967, when Israel regained the City of Jerusalem. For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, Jerusalem was no longer "trampled underfoot by the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24). Since then, more Jewish people have come to recognise who Jesus is than in all the generations since the 1st Century AD – and many of these believers are retaining their Jewish identity.

Heidler goes on to note that now, there are Messianic congregations worldwide. This has not happened since the days of the early church. God is doing something: "The veil that had been over the eyes of the Jewish people has begun to lift" (p13)! Heidler then examines when and why this began, which is one of the main thrusts of the book.

Since 1967, more Jewish people have come to know Jesus than in all the generations since the first century AD.

Chapters of Interest

In his second chapter, 'The Root and The Branches', Dr Heidler looks at the influence of paganism, which he believes has caused mankind to lose "any understanding of spiritual reality" (p34). He raises many interesting points that could be quite a challenge to believers. For example, he discusses the effects that a pagan mindset has had, and still has, on Gentile understandings of God's relationship with the Jewish people – causing many Gentiles to struggle to see that there is one God, rather than 'one of many gods'.

There is also an excellent chapter entitled 'Living in Covenant', in which the meaning of covenant is unpacked. Heidler refers to Genesis 26:26-28 and states that covenant is "the key to security" in a lawless world (p108). Later, he compares 'cutting' covenant (the correct terminology) with "Jesus our Covenant Partner" (p114). He explains that believers are now in covenant with God and tells of the blessings which come from that.

The book contains useful appendices on the Jewishness of the Early Church and on celebrating the Feasts as God's appointed times. In this the author takes us through each feast in turn, showing how to appropriate them into the Christian life. A special mention goes to Appendix 1, 'God's Heart for the Jews'. I found that this chapter touched my heart, and I could see the compassion Dr Heidler has for the Jewish people. He reminds the reader that God has not forgotten Israel – and that there is an urgent need for the Church to wake up and mature in its understanding of the Bible, which is very much a Jewish book.

This is a book that will show you how to regain your lost inheritance as part of the 'One New Man' with Jewish believers.

Breaking Down the Wall

If you are being called to be part of the 'One New Man' with Jewish believers (which we all are), I would recommend this book to you. It covers the burning issue of Replacement Theology and the diabolical influences of anti-Semitism within the historical 'Church'. It is relevant and thought-provoking to us in these end times and it helps to "break down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile believers" (Eph 2:14).

The purpose of this book is not to make you Jewish, but to help you experience the fullness of Christianity - to know Christianity as God intended. Overall this is a book that will show you how to regain your lost inheritance. You will read and be refreshed and revived, and want to cry out, 'Lord, let me return to my roots and receive your blessing!'

'The Messianic Church Arising' is available from Sozo Books for £10.99 + P&P.

Charles Gardner reviews a spell-binding new book from Julia Fisher, which looks at the costly path of discipleship being followed by Jews and Arabs in Israel.

Stories of healing, restoration and forgiveness, along with a remarkable outflowing of love and reconciliation...sounds rather like the gospel accounts of when Jesus walked the land of Israel! Actually, it's also the story of what is happening there today, according to a spell-binding new book by British author-journalist Julia Fisher.

What is God doing in Israel? (Monarch Books) is a gripping account of the lives of individual Jews and Arabs who have had a supernatural encounter with Yeshua (Jesus).

In each case it has led to a dramatic transformation in their lives. And the cost of their discipleship – whether coming from a Jewish or Muslim background – has been no less demanding than that experienced by Paul and the original apostles. For there is nothing half-hearted about their faith, with passion undimmed despite painful suffering, especially through rejection by family or community.

Modern Apostles

Appropriately, therefore, the book is divided into twelve chapters, each dedicated to what I would call a true modern 'apostle'. Most of the Jewish believers included have been disowned by their families at some point – in the case of Sandy Shoshani it was 14 years before she was reconciled with her father, who subsequently gave his life to Jesus on his deathbed!

As Jesus said: "No-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life." (Mark 10:29)

Also featured is the more widely-known story of David and Leah Ortiz, whose teenage son Ami was virtually blown apart by a bomb (though he has since miraculously recovered). Perversely disguised as a Purim parcel, the device was sent to the family home during the Feast of Purim, when Jews exchange gifts to celebrate their rescue, by Queen Esther, from a plot to exterminate them in ancient times. The perpetrator of the atrocity, a Jewish extremist, believed the Ortiz family were betraying his people by encouraging them to follow Jesus.

As far as some of the Muslim-background believers are concerned, they have become like hunted animals after deciding to follow Christ, with Julia having to carry out interviews with a great degree of stealth and care so as not to attract attention to these brave men and women risking their lives for the sake of their Lord. Many have been tortured, imprisoned or forced to flee the land.

This gripping account tells the stories of Jewish believers who have been disowned by their families - and Muslim-background believers who have become like hunted animals after deciding to follow Christ.

The Power of True Reconciliation

The shocking irony of it all is that these persecuted believers actually hold the key to peace in this troubled region. Palestinian and Jewish believers are clearly united by their love for Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah; they pray and fellowship with one another and are a powerful demonstration of the reconciling effect of what Jesus did for them on the cross, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and creating "one new man" out of the two (Eph 2:14).

"This is something the politicians cannot do" said Mazen Naswari, a Palestinian pastor in Jerusalem's Old City. "This love that we as believers in Jesus share, no matter what background we come from, shows that we can love one another."

Patrick Radecker was a seemingly hopeless drug addict who lived on the streets for seven years but, with the help of a rehabilitation centre in Haifa called House of Victory, he has been totally cleaned up and renewed, almost unrecognisable to those with whom he used to hang out in downtown Tel Aviv. A Jew whose family immigrated to Israel from Holland, Patrick too has developed a special love for Arabs since he started following Yeshua.

Here is the answer to conflict in the Middle East: all these people, Jews and Arabs, have found peace through the Messiah whom the prophet Isaiah foretold would be the "Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:6).

What is God Doing in Israel is out today (19 February 2016), available for purchase from Amazon or from Lion Hudson, both £8.99 + P&P (Kindle edition £8.54).

A Tribute by the Revd Dr Clifford Hill

Lance Lambert has had an outstanding ministry of huge significance for relationships between Jews and Christians. His father was a member of an aristocratic family in Italy but as a Jew, he feared for his family when Mussolini joined forces with Hitler. He sent his wife and two children to England, where she changed her name in case Hitler won the war and persecution reached these shores. As a Messianic believer, Lance was in a unique position in Jerusalem where he was accepted as a wise counsellor by many in leadership in Israel. He kept a kosher household so that his orthodox friends would always feel comfortable in his home.

Lance Lambert has had an outstanding ministry of huge significance for relationships between Jews and Christians."

I've known Lance since the days of his ministry at Halford House in the Richmond area of London back in the 1970s in the early days of the Charismatic Movement, when he was already an established leader. His ministry at Halford House was always biblical and even in those days showed his interest in the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith - which was long before he made Aliyah to Israel. He also had a considerable interest in the prophetic ministry which grew out of his love for the prophets of ancient Israel and their role in the history of the nation.

Journey to Faith

After he settled in Jerusalem, my wife and I often spent time with him in his home on our visits to Israel. He talked about his family and how his father was arrested and sent to Auschwitz. They never heard from him again. His mother rarely spoke about their Jewish family background. Then one day, there was a tent mission near their home and Lance's sister went with some friends and responded to the call for salvation. She came home full of it and Lance's mother reacted strongly, forbidding her to go again. Lance was so intrigued by his mother's reaction that he went to the mission the following day and he also responded to the gospel which was the beginning of his Christian life. It was only after this that he learned about his Jewish past and it wasn't really until he was pastoring the church in Richmond that he began to take it a particular interest in his family history.

Lance's ministry was always biblical, and even in its early days showed his interest in the Hebraic roots of the Christian faith."

His home in West Jerusalem (near the Windmill) was full of antiques and I remember over the stairs there was a wall hanging that he said was of great historical interest and was of the same era as the Turin Shroud. Having a conversation with Lance in his home was usually in competition with two very noisy parrots but it was always worthwhile to listen to his scholarship and to benefit from his great knowledge of Israel and the contemporary Middle East.

A Word about Syria

He lived in the area where most of the ruling class of Israeli politicians and businessmen lived, so he knew most members of the Cabinet and he was always well-informed on contemporary issues. On one occasion my wife and I were enjoying a Shabbat meal at his table and I told him that I'd had a strong word of warning which I believed to be from the Lord that there was an imminent attack coming from Syria within a few days. It was Friday 13 April 1984, which was just prior to Passover. It was not long after the bombing of the American Embassy in Beirut and most Western forces were being withdrawn from Lebanon, leaving Syria the dominant force in the Middle East.

Lance thought it highly unlikely, as there was no special alert and Israeli military intelligence was usually very efficient. We returned to England the following day and we listened to every news bulletin over the next day or two but there was no incident, so we concluded that I must have been mistaken in the word that I thought I had heard. But a month later Lance came to London and telephoned asking me to meet him. He sounded excited and I arranged to go to Richmond the next day. This is the remarkable story he told me.

Early on the Saturday morning, Lance called to see one of his neighbours who was the Minister of Defence in the Government, who dismissed the suggestion of an impending attack from Syria but promised to check with the military. Two hours later he came to Lance's house and began asking numerous questions about me; who I worked for and questions about my background. The Minister was convinced that I must have high-level contacts in Syria as satellite information revealed the massing of military forces in southern Syria moving towards the Golan Heights with an imminent invasion possible. Within hours Israel was on full military alert so Lance began calling Messianic leaders inviting them to meet in his home on Sunday afternoon. They concluded that if God had revealed this to them they should do something about it.

Saved in the Storm

They began a time of fervent intercession for the protection of Israel. By 6 o'clock that Sunday evening a storm swept across the land and struck Jerusalem with hurricane-force winds and torrential rain. Storms in Israel at that time of year are very unusual and this was a storm of great intensity. Lance said the noise was so great that they had to shout to hear each other praying and he expected a tree in the yard to come crashing through the window at any moment. The storm continued right through Monday 16 April and through to Tuesday 17, covering the whole of Israel, southern Lebanon, southern Syria and parts of Jordan.

On Wednesday 18 Lance met the Minister, who quietly said "Lance, the storm saved us". He reported that intelligence indicated that there was to have been a missile attack followed by a full-scale assault by tanks and troops, but the ground was so soft that heavy armoured vehicles would not have been able to make progress. Once the surprise element was lost the planned assault had been cancelled. He also told Lance that Israeli intelligence had been checking his friend in London but that so far they had been unable to identify my source of information! Lance thought that was hugely funny and he said that he hoped they would soon find out.

Lance was wise, generous and loving. He will be greatly missed for the hugely influential ministry that he exercised."

This incident firmly established my friendship with Lance. I learned a lot from him: he was wise, generous and loving and he will be greatly missed for the hugely influential ministry that he exercised. After that incident in 1984, Lance gladly agreed to be one of the leaders of the prophetic gatherings at Mt Carmel and in Jerusalem, some two years later in 1986. He played an important part in both these meetings. At Carmel he received an important prophecy which is still quoted today (click here for a full transcript). It spoke of the shaking of the nations which he believed began with the First World War and was about to escalate in line with the prophecy of Haggai 2 and Hebrews 12 and the warnings that Jesus gave concerning the end times.

As a Messianic Jew, Lance was in a unique position as a bridge between Christians and Jews in Israel. He was a man with a mission, raised by God at a special time in history. He was surely a forerunner of what St Paul in Ephesians describes as "the one new man" – fully accepted by both Jew and Gentile – a very precious brother.

Long may his influence continue!