Page 11 - Bridges For Peace Continuing Ed Module 1

had the institute. Rather, the Lord called him home through a sudden heart attack
in 1980. Left behind were his wife and family, his institute, and this infant
organization. Now nearly 30 years later, BFP is one of the largest Christian
organizations operating in Jerusalem and throughout Israel with offices in seven
other countries around the world as well―an operation whose scope and impact
far surpass Dr. Young’s original vision!

In its infant years, BFP maintained an educational focus, adhering strictly to the
beliefs and sensitivities so important to its founder. Dr. Young had believed that
this new organization could become an important weapon in the fight against
replacement theology and anti-Semitism, as well as a vehicle through which
Christians could discover their long-forgotten connection to the Jewish people
and Judaism. Through the Dispatch from Jerusalem and the Israel Prayer Letter,
the Word went forth from Zion, and, slowly but surely, the readership increased.
Interest in this new endeavor grew, and volunteers came forward to become the
hands and feet of Dr. Young’s idea. These selfless, dedicated, and hardworking
individuals from around the world gave freely of their time, energy, and resources
to build bridges of understanding with their local Jewish communities,
disseminate information about BFP, and advocate for the nation of Israel. Many
left home and family behind to put their talents to work in the Land itself. Through
this new volunteer “work force,” BFP continued to grow.

As tour groups arrived in the city of Jerusalem, BFP was there to help them
connect to their Hebraic roots, study the Bible in the Land where it was written,
and gain a true picture of Israel’s political, social, and economic realities. Interest
around the world was also on the rise as more and more Christians began to
recognize the prophetic significance of events that were occurring in Israel.
Meanwhile, BFP’s relationships with the Israeli people and their government
were intensifying, as it continued to build on Dr. Young’s long-standing
reputation. The BFP publications grew more sophisticated, bringing an ever-
increasing flow of information and knowledge to a small but growing segment of
the Church. It seemed that Dr. Young’s vision was well on its way to fulfillment.

A New Work Birthed

In the mid-1980s, however, God began to whisper a new message. Education
was not enough. Tangible acts of love and support were needed to help the
Jewish people recognize that there were Christians who were sincere in their
unconditional friendship. BFP must become a channel of blessing, providing
opportunities for Christians to meet the real needs of Israelis. But how? Although
BFP had achieved some level of recognition in the Land, the overwhelming
majority of Israelis had never heard of it, and many Orthodox Jews viewed
Christians with deep suspicion. Still, the message persisted, and attempts were
made to expand the scope of BFP’s work. Sewing machines from the United
States, computers from China, even a small herd of hybrid sheep constituted
some of the earliest attempts to bring blessing to the Jewish people from