UMJC RSS Feed| Navajo nation supports Israel |
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After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. (Rev. 7:9) On December 12, the UMJC was represented at a historic gathering in Farmington, New Mexico, a “Navajo One New Man Conference” in support of Israel. About 350 people—the majority Navajo—gathered on a snowy Monday afternoon and stayed through the evening, to hear Rabbi Russ Resnik of the UMJC as one of four keynote speakers, along with Dr. Raleigh Washington, president of Promise Keepers, Dr. Ray Gannon, director of Messianic Studies for King’s University, and Robert Wolff, editor of the recently released Awakening the One New Man (see http://awakening1.com/). Many Navajo attendees came in traditional garb, such as richly colored velvet dresses and shawls, deerskin moccasins, and the famed tribal silverwork. The dance troupe from Beth Emunah, Agoura Hills, California, added to the color and sense of celebration, highlighted by worship leader Corry Bell and Lev Shelo. The theme of “One New Man,” based on Ephesians 2:15, emphasizes unity in Messiah that honors the distinctive traditions and callings of all ethnic groups, and especially the unique role of the Jewish people. Speakers honored the Navajo people for their steadfastness and creativity through a challenging historical journey, and for their resolve to stand with Israel today. The Navajo are the largest Native American tribe and have often taken a lead role as a sovereign nation operating with wide autonomy under the United States government. Navajo president Ben Shelly attended the event and received prayer for his work, especially plans to cooperate with the state of Israel in agricultural and technological projects on the 27,000 square-mile Navajo reservation. Pastor Robert Tso and his congregation, Victory Life Church of Shiprock, NM, were instrumental in bringing together participants for the event from the entire Four Corners region, and in mobilizing support from the Navajo nation. Keynote speaker Robert Wolff commented, "It was Robert Tso's efforts that made this whole event soar to such lofty heights. We have a Native American brother who put his life on hold to make this happen."
UMJC executive director Russ Resnik was asked to share his story as part of his message. “Navajo believers are intensely interested in Israel and the Jewish people, but don’t know many Jewish people,” Russ explained. “They wanted to hear my story so they would better understand what it means for a Jew to follow Yeshua. They also wanted to learn how they could stand with the state of Israel.” All of the speakers emphasized the impact of supporting Israel as Christians. Toward the end of the event, participants signed a “Declaration in Support of Israel,” which concludes: The First Nations of America honor the First Nation of Israel. The First Nations respect the Promised Land the Creator has designated for you. Our First Nations are the recipients of your First Nation’s blessings. We recognize the gift your Nation has been to humanity. With grace, humility, and joy we call you our brothers. We declare the First Nations are one. Conference sponsors plan to launch an effort to bring representatives of all the First Nations of America together to stand with the Israel, through joining the Navajo Nation in signing and supporting the declaration.
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