A Place at the Table
The Kingdom Around a Table
Good afternoon, and Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem!
Over the past two and a half weeks, the Lord has been teaching me something unexpected:
The Kingdom often advances around a table.
Some of the most meaningful ministry I've experienced this summer hasn't happened from a stage or behind a pulpit. It's happened over coffee, around dinner tables, and inside people's homes.
Again and again, God has been opening doors through hospitality—creating spaces where trust is built, friendships deepen, and conversations about Jesus naturally unfold.
One of the first "tables" the Lord brought me back to was with several of the young men I discipled while living in Jerusalem last year. Watching them continue to grow has been one of the greatest joys of returning. One of these men is now leading a ministry of his own and recently asked if I would serve on his spiritual advisory team. It's been an incredible privilege to encourage him and invest in the leaders serving alongside him as they prepare for an upcoming outreach here in Israel.
The Lord has also continued opening the doors of Jewish homes. I've shared meals with both religious and secular families who have welcomed me with remarkable kindness. Naturally, the question often arises: "Why do you keep coming back to Israel?" Those conversations have led to thoughtful discussions about my faith, Jesus, and the hope I've found in Him. I'm continually amazed by the openness and curiosity the Lord has created through simple acts of hospitality.
Last week I hosted a dinner with several Messianic Jewish believers, and it became a beautiful evening of fellowship, encouragement, and prayer.
This coming Tuesday may become one of the most meaningful evenings of my summer.
For the first time, I'll be gathering around one table religious Jews, secular Jews, unbelieving Jewish friends, Messianic believers, and Christian friends.
In the past, I've intentionally kept many of these relationships separate—not out of fear, but out of respect. I wanted my unbelieving friends to know they were genuinely loved and valued as friends, never treated as projects.
Yet I sense the Lord inviting me to create a different kind of space.
Not a debate.
Not an apologetics event.
Simply a table.
A place where people can share a meal, laugh together, play games, build friendships, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the reconciling heart of God simply by being together. I would deeply appreciate your prayers for this evening—that Christ would be honored, meaningful relationships would deepen, and every guest would experience the love and peace of God.
This coming weekend I'll also be traveling to Israeli communities near the Gaza border with a dear friend whose family lives in the area. We'll be spending time encouraging local believers, leading worship, and ministering to families living under the weight of ongoing conflict. Please pray that the Lord would bring comfort, hope, and His peace to everyone we encounter.
After returning to Jerusalem, I'll have the privilege of hosting a delegation of twenty-five young leaders from around the world who are visiting Israel through the German ministry that invited me to speak earlier this year. I'll be gathering several Messianic Jewish young leaders to worship together, pray over them, and encourage this international team during their time in Israel. Once again, the Lord has provided another table around which nations can gather in worship and fellowship.
I also had the opportunity to visit the Tel Aviv University campus, where I'll begin my second master's degree this fall. Walking through the campus only confirmed what I've sensed for some time—that Tel Aviv is a city filled with people searching for meaning, purpose, and hope. As I prepare to move back to Israel in late September or early October, I'm continuing to search for an apartment in the area. I would be grateful for your prayers that the Lord would provide the right home in His perfect timing.
On a more personal note, I've been battling a throat infection over the past several days that has left my tonsils swollen, my lymph nodes enlarged, and my energy significantly reduced. If things don't improve, I'll likely need to visit a local clinic for testing and possible treatment. While the Lord has been incredibly faithful, this has been an unexpected expense in the middle of an already full season of ministry.
As I finish these final weeks in Israel before returning to Houston in mid-August, I'm seeking to raise $1,800 to cover the remaining ministry and living expenses for the summer, including these unexpected medical costs.
Every meal shared, every gathering hosted, every conversation over coffee, every act of hospitality, and every opportunity to disciple and encourage others is made possible because people like you choose to partner with what God is doing here.
As I reflect on these past few weeks, I'm struck by how ordinary so much of this ministry appears.
Coffee.
Dinner.
Living rooms.
Conversations.
Games.
Shared meals.
Yet these ordinary moments have become holy ground. Again and again, God has used hospitality to open hearts that might never have opened through a sermon alone.
If you've been encouraged by these stories and believe in what God is doing, would you prayerfully consider partnering with me financially to help me finish this summer well?
Thank you for praying, encouraging me, and investing in this calling. Your generosity isn't simply helping fund a trip—it's helping keep the table open. Together, we're creating spaces where friendships are formed, trust is built, disciples are strengthened, and the love of Christ is made known.
Giving details are under the “Become A Partner” tab.
I'm deeply grateful to have you on this journey.
With gratitude,
John
