2000 years ago Jesus issued the Great Commission from the Mount of Olives, just outside of Jerusalem: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15). At that time, the call went out from Jerusalem. Today, however, we are putting forth the call for disciples to go to Jerusalem and preach the good news to the people of the Holy Land.

Originally planted in 1996, the Jerusalem church at one point numbered 22 disciples. Having suffered through a division within the church and persecution from outside the church the 8 brothers and sisters in Jerusalem and Bethlehem represent “the few who have not soiled their clothes”. They remain faithful but are spiritually wounded and in need of support. For this reason, we are initiating an effort to send a mission team to Jerusalem this fall.

While our goal is to send a reinforcement team of ten to Jerusalem by the end of this year, we would like to select leaders for the Jerusalem Church first. For a variety of reasons Aziz & Marie Sarah, who have been leading the church, have decided to move back to the states (click here for Aziz’s letter). Aziz and Marie have given their hearts to the church in Jerusalem and our prayers are with them as God takes them in a new direction in their lives. With Aziz and Marie leaving Israel by this upcoming fall we would like to find new leaders as quickly as possible.

We are looking for a couple with some prior ministry training and with a heart to spread the gospel in the Holy Land. The couple must be prepared to not only help strengthen the brothers and sisters already there but also zealously spread the gospel in Jerusalem & Bethlehem despite difficult conditions. Having a Jewish or Arab background is not a necessity but would certainly be a plus. If you would like to be considered to lead the church in Jerusalem please email us your interest to missions@cjcoc.org and specify that you would like to be considered to be the lead ministry couple for the church.

As soon as leaders are selected we will then begin to put together the rest of the 10 member team to go out to the Holy Land. Anyone interested would need to be committed to staying a minimum of 18 months. In terms of financial support, we are prepared to provide housing for the entire team but we are asking that everyone interested also help raise support for their work in Israel. All potential team members should be evangelistic, zealous, spirit-filled men and women who have an ability to adapt to new situations without compromising convictions. Team members must also be willing and able to work or go to school while in Israel.

If you are interested in being part of this team please email us at missions@cjcoc.org by July 30th. Please include the following information in your email:

Current congregation

Years as a disciple

Single/Campus/Married?

Name and contact information for ministry leaders

We look forward to hearing from you!