Restorers of Zion

Last Revised: feb/08

Scriptural Sources

Our name in Hebrew is Meshivei Tsion.

The name and concept are rooted in several Scriptures that are prophetic and describe different kinds of restoration that Israel needs.  Following are a few examples, which have led us to pay attention to certain areas of restoration:  They are mentioned in our vision that follows.

- Isaiah 49:5-6.  The prophet, speaking (v.5) for the "Servant of the Lord", tells of His task to "bring back" (Heb: leshovev) Jacob to G-d.  While this is clearly the Messiah, it also refers to His servants who follow Him and do what He does.  Then (v.6) G-d answers His Servant (and servants), saying that He (they) will "restore" (Heb: lehashiv) the "preserved ones of Israel" (Heb: notzrei Yisrael) - using the word that became a Hebrew name for both the Messiah Himself and His first followers, now translated respectively as "Nazarene" and "Christians".  The verse goes on to say that this restoration will result in "light" and "salvation" for the Gentiles as well.

- Isaiah 58:12.  Those who perform "the fast which I [the L-rd] choose" will be found caring for the needy in many ways.  They will also "build up the waste places" that were abandoned, and raise up old "foundations of many generations" - someone who does these will be known as "the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer [Heb: meshovev] of streets in which to dwell."  The "waste places" and "foundations"  are not only physical, but also include distinct Torah-related elements, as in the very next verse that speaks of honoring the Sabbath.

- Isaiah 1:26.  When G-d purges Israel of her impurities, He gives special attention to integrity and righteousness: "And I will restore [Heb: ve'ashivah] your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city."  It is only fitting, and necessary, that such faithfulness and righteousness be restored to the Body of Messiah in Israel first, and that the Israeli believers acquire a reputation as wise judges and counselors, for "it is time for judgment to begin with [or from] the household of G-d." (I Peter 4:17)

- Jeremiah 27:22.  G-d also makes a clear promise to the Jewish people who were carried into exile, that He will "restore them [Heb: lehashivtim] to this place [the Land of Israel]."  Therefore, part of restoration means to actively assist in bringing back the Jewish people "to this place" - and as Paul said (Galatians 6:10), wherever possible we should minister to "the household of faith" first. In addition, many passages in Isaiah (49:22; 60:10, 16; 61:5; 66:19-20) clearly say that the Gentiles will take a leading role in restoring Israel to her place.

There are many other passages as well that speak of additional restoration activities, using different Hebrew words, and they also serve as guides in setting goals and priorities for Restorers of Zion.

Our 7-Fold Vision for Restoration

1. Restoring stability to troubled Israeli believers.
    Israeli believers are struggling under the burdens of poverty, lack of marketable skills, spiritual pressures and faltering relationships.  They often feel alone, and their congregations are not always able to help them regain stability on every front.
    Restorers of Zion seeks to meet these needs in the following ways:
- financial (emergency aid)
- career (underwrite tuition costs, sponsor mentor-apprentice programs, promote worthy businesses)
- spiritual (refer needy people to known resources)
- relationships (offer and/or find counseling for individual and family needs)

High-priority groups:
    We have become convinced from the Scriptures that orphans and widows should be given special attention for restoration.  As of the beginning of 2005, Restorers designates a tithe of all donations received for the exclusive needs of orphans and widows in the Israeli Body of Messiah.
    At some point in the future, we also want to address the issue of congregational stability, since more than a few leaders have turned to Restorers for financial help at a congregational level.

2. Restoring the Jewish believers to the Land.
    Aliyah (immigration to Israel) is relatively low among Jewish believers, partly due to ignorance of their inheritance, and partly due to lack of a support structure.  Many (particularly from the West) who do manage to immigrate end up going back because they are not able to weather the pressures and changes.
    Restorers of Zion seeks to increase successful aliyah among believers in the following ways:
- promote aliyah in Messianic circles abroad, with realistic information and faith-building testimony
- forge Messianic Diaspora links with Israeli believers (both individuals and congregations)
- seek adoption of new immigrants for long-term support, by Diaspora believers (finances and prayer) and Israeli believers (absorption and integration)

3. Restoring Biblical integrity among Israeli believers.
    Sadly, the believers in Israel often fall short in standards of Biblical righteousness in their business dealings, even when relating to other believers.  This is symptomatic of the prevailing low integrity standards among Israelis in general, in a selfish effort to "get by" in harsh economic conditions at others' expense.  But faithless conformity by the Body to such standards brings shame on the Name of the Messiah.
    Restorers will seek to raise standards of integrity through a new "Council for Israeli Messianic Business Integrity" (CIMBI) to be established in the future as the Lord wills. Through this Council we hope to do the following:
- maintain a paying membership, open to Messianic believers here (full member) and abroad (associate)
- foster business integrity (maintain lists of "preferred businesses" in Israel for commendation, and "questionable businesses" which have complaints on file)
- promote preferred Israeli businesses, stimulating patronage among believers worldwide
- include non-profit organizations and ministries as "businesses", from the standpoint of management and financial integrity
- seek integrity in business conduct (when requested, offer mediation service and/or evaluations based on Biblical standards)
- uphold models worthy of imitation (publish profiles of local business leaders and tradesmen with good reputations)
- sponsor Q&A forums, discussion lists and seminars on integrity issues

4. Restoring unity and teamwork in the Israeli Body.
    Too many Israeli congregations are isolated from one another.  Other than minimal contact among leaders at "national conferences", there is not much awareness of gifts and ministries operating in other congregations.  As a result, efforts can be duplicated, or some parts of the Body can be needlessly deprived of vital support that is available from others.
    Restorers of Zion seeks to nurture a higher level of cooperation and interaction, with the following activities:
- keep tabs of needs and resources among Israeli congregations, via a "Shamash Network"
- maintain screened lists of gifted people who are approved and accountable
- maintain lists of local congregations, study groups, training opportunities, services, etc
- serve as a national hub for information
- match available resources to needs (underwriting some of the costs if necessary)
- check on the effectiveness of our matchmaking

5. Restoring the Covenantal signs to a place of honor in the Messianic community.
    The Covenants that G-d made with Israel are precious and endure as long as this creation, and yet many Israeli believers are not taught to honor them in the ways commanded by G-d to Israel.  This not only deprives the Lord's Body of a rich heritage, but it undermines the Body's claim to uphold the Word of G-d in passages where these Covenantal signs are affirmed.
    Restorers issues a call to Israeli leadership to reverse this condition, in the following ways:
- offer teaching (originating with Restorers or with others) about Covenantal signs, their importance for Israel's calling, and their place in the 1st-century Messianic community
- encourage Israeli believers to take the "forever" signs as seriously as the rest of Scripture
- emphasize the Shabbat as a major covenantal sign G-d gave to Israel (while allowing freedom of conscience on how to apply it in practice)

6. Restoring full Gentile partnership in this calling.
    According to the prophet Isaiah, it is G-d's plan to have the Gentile believers take a major role in the restoration of Israel.  This is an important calling that will transform Israel and cause her to know her G-d, and yet it is not well known among Christians as a Scriptural mandate and privilege.
    Restorers of Zion seeks to educate Christians in fulfilling this vital role, in the following ways:
- publish teaching about the Gentile role in restoring Israel, as described in Scripture
- seek twinning of Christian families and congregations with Israeli Jewish counterparts
- help facilitate Christian "working tours" to Israel for service and solidarity
- sponsor training on how Christians can help restore Jewish believers to their Jewishness
- urge Gentile believers to participate in sharing their material blessings with the Israeli Body
- form working associations with like-minded organizations in the worldwide Body

7. Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel in Israel.
    The Gospel is rooted in a thoroughly Jewish context, right?  Then why are Jews generally resistant to it?  Not only that, but the stronger their Jewish identity, their love for the Land, and their knowledge of Hebrew, the stronger their resistance!
    Although Israelis have become increasingly tolerant of Gentiles embracing Yeshua as Messiah, they politely but firmly refuse to embrace Him themselves.  Even worse, increasing numbers of Jewish believers are leaving their faith in Yeshua as they move into a stronger Torah lifestyle... having become convinced that the two are not really compatible.
    This is because today's evangelists and disciplers are missing the fact that the apostles proclaimed the Gospel in two distinct formats: the original one addressed "to the circumcised", and another one addressed "to the uncircumcised." (Gal. 2:7-9)  Today, only one format is offered to Jew and Gentile alike: "the Good News to the uncircumcised."  Many who bring the Gospel to Israel are unaware that their message lacks the Jewish logic and foundation described in the New Testament, which was drawn from the Torah (the written and oral Law) by Spirit-filled men anointed for the task by the Lord Himself.
    Partial restoration of "the Gospel to the circumcised" has occurred over the last decades, but it has been selective compared to the 1st-century message to the House of Israel.  Until our message is restored to the point where Jewish believers look, sound and walk like the apostles did, we will not see the prophesied national repentance of Israel.
    Restorers of Zion seeks to bring that day closer with the following services:
- sponsor teaching about the apostles' presentation of the Messiah known as "the Gospel to the circumcision"
- raise awareness concerning the remaining stumbling-blocks that keep Israelis (and Jews in general) from recognizing Yeshua as their Messiah
- encourage and support Israelis who are creating an authentic Jewish witness in love and obedience to the Spirit
- recruit intercessors who will support these efforts in prayer

Administrative Structure

Restorers is administered in a basic amuta framework (registered Israeli charity). The by-laws for operation, reviewed and approved by the founding members, were submitted to the Israeli government and were approved in late 2003.  We began operation officially on Jan. 1, 2004, with our first general meeting.

Personnel:

- Amuta members currently total 7 (the legal minimum, but more are possible and desired).  A flexible number of associate members are also welcome.  Their duties: to promote the work of Restorers in whatever way the Lord should lead them;  to help the Executive Committee in their duties when asked.

- Executive Committee (numbering 3 from among the amuta members): to provide oversight of activities, evaluate needs and resources, make referrals, set policy and priorities, serve as public representatives, help with recruitment for amuta membership. [1]

- Management Team:
-- Office Manager:  responsible for financial reports, donor lists, document file maintenance, and other record-keeping. [2]
-- (possible future position) Public Contact Director: responsible for newsletters, surveys, fundraising contacts, and other public contact by mail or phone.
-- (possible future position) CIMBI Director: responsible for all CIMBI activities, newsletters and membership issues.

- Outside Consultants:
-- Legal Counsel: a licensed lawyer in Tel Aviv, consulted as needed.

- Resources:  associated believers, organizations and congregations willing to partner with Restorers through gifts and/or service to Israeli believers.

Compensation for personnel:

- Amuta members and Executive Committee: volunteer. [3]
- Management team: volunteer.
- Outside consultants: paid for services rendered (no retainers).
- Resources
--Teachers or guest speakers at seminars: honorarium, if desired and as finances permit.
-- Others: volunteer, except in the following cases: where an individual is practicing his/her chosen profession (then he/she may charge the standard rate for services rendered); or where someone is devoting so much time that his/her financial stability is at risk (then Restorers will provide compensation in accordance with Israeli labor law).

Amuta membership requirements:

- Full members: must hold Israeli citizenship or permanent residency, be confessed followers of Yeshua, demonstrate spiritual maturity (fruit of the Spirit, rather than works of the flesh - as described in Galatians 5), have a good reputation in the Body, be submitted to a spiritual covering for purposes of correction, agree with the 7-fold vision of the ministry, and express the desire to serve our goals in a practical way.  Full members have voting status at meetings.

- Associate members: must be living in Israel, be confessed followers of Yeshua, agree with the 7-fold vision of the ministry, and express the desire to serve our goals in a practical way.  The management team will be associate members.  Associate members do not have voting status at meetings, but may be active observers (participate in discussions).

Activities

Fundraising:

Because of our small size, and our desire to channel the maximum funding directly to needy Israelis, we have decided, as a rule, to refrain from using donated funds to finance fundraising trips abroad.  Instead, we rely on those already living (or travelling) abroad who are willing and able to raise funds on behalf of the Israeli Body, and who want Restorers to help them in putting it to good use.

- One fundraising source is independent groups (unions, alliances, and congregations) that share our vision of restoration for Israel.  Most often, the initial contact is made by a personal encounter with an amuta member or a friend of RZ while the group leader is here in Israel.  Sometimes the contact is made abroad the same way.

- Another source is individuals who hear about a specific project approved by our ministry (particularly "Ot U-Mofet").  As above, initial contact is usually made by email (someone has seen our website or received our brochure) or by a personal encounter (they were part of a group touring Israel, or part of a group that invited a Restorer to speak).

- A third source is individual believers and groups acting on their own initiative.  When asked, we supply information about known and verified needs that can be adopted as a project for supporting Israeli believers - either through Restorers, or through an organization or congregation that already has an active vision for Israel.  We also offer creative ideas on how to do independent fundraising for an adopted project, or for the work of Restorers.

Services and public contact:

- Website.  This website will eventually become a multi-level site with the following sections:
-- general information for the casual surfer and potential supporter.  This already exists and includes links to Restorers activities, as well as "spiritual food for thought" produced by the ministry.
-- (future idea) a "members only" section for donors and amuta members, accessible by password, with more specific reports (financial, activities, needs, etc.), a newsletter archive, and complete access to learning tools.
-- (future idea) a "members only" section for CIMBI members, accessible by password, with advisory lists of preferred and questionable Israeli businesses, as well as a member list.

- Newsletters.  We hope to eventually produce three newsletters, to be sent whenever possible by electronic means or by fax (to minimize expenses).
-- a simple but informative quarterly letter that (a) shares some of the insights the Lord is teaching us, and (b) reports on our activities.  This already exists (the "Restorers Updates") and is distributed to all donors, as well as anyone else requesting it.
-- (future idea) a regular newsletter to Israeli congregations, letting them know of our services, upcoming seminars, etc., the resources available in sister congregations, fostering participation and interaction.
-- (future idea) a CIMBI newsletter to members and associates.

- Restoration tools.  We produce materials that further restoration through teaching, available at cost or free of charge (where possible).  These include articles explaining the importance of different kinds of restoration, insights from the Hebrew Scriptures, and practical ways that Jewish and Christian believers can be involved in the Restoration.
    Restorers seeks to offer insights and resources that address neglected areas.  These currently include:
-- My Law on Your Heart: Living Yeshua's Jewishness (book, pub 1995)
-- "Proclaiming the Kingdom in Judea: Restoring Jewish Evangelism" (pamphlet, pub 1996)
-- The Learning and Turning Corner (collection of articles for promoting spiritual growth)
-- Restoring Lost Believers (a series on rescuing believers who leave the faith... still in progress)
    Where such tools already exist and fully express our vision, we will promote these (rather than "reinventing the wheel").  Examples so far:
-- "Orphans and Widows: Your Responsibility Before G-d" (on-line article by Orna Greenman)
    See our homepage for relevant links.

- Seminars.  We host learning seminars for modest admission fees, to cover costs and a honorarium for teachers or speakers.  These have included and/or will include CIMBI conferences, Jewish observance issues, "Jewish gospel" issues, and practical issues such as financial counseling and grief counseling.

- Shamash Network.  We maintain contact with Israeli congregations through a  "Shamash" (the Jewish equivalent of "deacon") appointed by each participating congregation to keep us updated on changing needs and resources within that congregation.  See our homepage for the links to more details.

- Surveys.  We sometimes conduct surveys of Messianic congregations abroad, and seek to link them with those already in the Land.  We will likewise query congregations here and abroad to locate new resources and services, adding them to our archives.

- Partnerships.  We are joining forces with like-minded Restorers in Israel and abroad to accomplish our goals.  We are already in contact with various groups who are involved in (or considering) the following:
-- bringing Christians to Israel for "service tours", ministering in practical ways to needy believers free of charge.
-- accepting apprentices for career training in trades that are in high demand in Israel (electricians, car mechanics, etc.).
-- supporting needy Israelis with financial help.
-- sponsoring Jewish believers who want to make aliyah.
-- twinning Christian families with Israeli families for spiritual, moral and material support.
-- teaching Christians about their Scriptural calling to restore Israel.
-- teaching Jewish believers about their inheritance in the Covenants of Israel.
-- serious intercession for Israeli believers.

We invite all kinds of inquiries from believers in Israel and abroad, Jewish or Gentile, who would like to be involved in any of these activities.

[2] Currently our only "management team", besides the Executive Committee, is our Office Manager (Sheila Powlison) who is serving on a volunteer basis.  Restorers does not rent office space or pay for phone lines; operations are carried out from the homes of the Committee Head and General Secretary.

[3] According to Israeli laws for Amutot, Executive Committee members may NOT receive any payment, or compensation of any other kind, for services rendered to their charity.  The only exception is expense reimbursement (for travel or other expenses incurred while rendering service).
        If any services are performed by amuta members, the member may accept designated donations as compensation, but may not receive a salary or guaranteed fee.  We note that this restriction on amuta members is somewhat more stringent than the actual law in Israel, and it may go beyond what is practiced in many other Israeli charities.  But Restorers members have agreed to this restriction, in order to ensure that the maximum possible of Restorers funds will go directly to needy Israelis.

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