Understanding the Christian-Jewish Tension
“When my family first visited Israel, we were embarrassingly uneducated about Christian-Jewish history. Much has happened over the last two thousand years. What started as a simple desire to love the Jewish people well became something much deeper and more complex. I wanted to say, ‘Hey, I’m a Christian. I love people.’ That’s what we do as Christians, right? But then I felt this tension from the Jewish people, as if they were saying, ‘That’s not what we know about Christianity.’
“That tension changed everything. I began digging into our shared history, only to uncover painful truths that reshaped my understanding. I was completely unaware of the horrible things that Christians made Jews endure. The weight of that discovery made me want to shout, ‘That’s not who I am. That’s not who Jesus is!’
“What struck me most was how deeply that horrendous history still lives in the Jewish community today. The Jewish people remember their history. They know the stories, and their memories shape their perception. Many Jewish people see Christians as their enemy who want them gone from the world, and it shook me to my core.
“My family felt compelled to respond. Dad said, ‘Okay, we’ve got to do something about this. How can we step in and help bridge this gap between Christians and Jews?’ That question became the foundation of everything that followed.”
Christians Serving in Israel
“We were just farmers from Tennessee, but we could see that Israel had a lot of agricultural things happening. The land was coming back to life. We just happened to arrive in Israel right as many of the vineyards were coming into their fifth year, so we asked, ‘Hey, can we help out?’ And they responded positively to our offer.
“That simple act of service became something far greater. Our family moved to Israel, and over the last twenty years, we have seen how serving in Israel helped the Jewish people see that there are Christians who actually love them. It wasn’t just about farming; it was about restoration—a work of reparation in Jewish-Christian relationships and what could be a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Isaiah wrote, ‘Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards’ (Isaiah 61:5 NIV).
“Building Jewish-Christian relationships is a huge honor for sure, and our sense of purpose continues to grow. Our family—my wife Becca, our nine children, and extended family—as well as many other volunteers, are hoping the Jewish people know they’re not alone. We’re also hoping Christians learn why their support for Israel is so important.
“Over the years, I have seen transformation in the volunteers who come to serve. When people help on the farms and in the vineyards, their faith comes alive. This sparked a new vision for us: instead of a one-time experience, what if we actually helped people understand the theology behind this restoration between Christians and the Jewish people? I realized I needed to be equipped for this mission. I needed to go to seminary.”
A Mission to Equip & Restore Christian-Jewish Relationships
“A few weeks later, Pastor Nic Lesmeister and Pastor Wayne Wilks from Gateway just happen to visit us. Before I knew it, they made it possible for me to enroll at The Kings’ University. Gateway Church blessed me with tuition. The King’s program is especially valuable for those preparing for ministry in Israel. The Messianic Jewish Studies (MJS) progr and led by Dr. David Rudolph. It features a unique concentration in anti-Semitism and Jewish advocacy. Students can pursue MJS as a concentration within a Master of Divinity or through a Master of Practical Theology, offering flexibility based on ministry goals.
“The King’s mentorship has truly impacted my life. They don’t just give knowledge. They ask, ‘How does this apply to your life? What’s God doing in your life right now?’ My time in theological training has only deepened my vision, and The King’s mentoring model is something I plan to carry forward in our mission: the Israel Lighthouse for the Nations.
“Israel Lighthouse exists to equip Christians to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness through authentic discipleship, raising up torch-bearing servant-leaders who bless Israel and illuminate the nations. We have been given permission to build a seminary in the mountains of Samaria, land allocated from a Jewish community for a Christian organization. I don’t think anybody else could come in without proving they are here to bless and serve.”
Life Under Sirens in Israel: Faith & Resilience
“Many probably question why we stay in Israel in the middle of a war. We know why we’re here. It’s not because it’s comfortable, or safe, or convenient. We are here because this people, in this land, in this moment, should not be alone. And God has called us to say so with our presence, not just our words.
“When a siren sounds, we have ninety seconds to get our nine children off beds and couches and floors, down the hallway, through the shelter door, and sealed inside. We have done this so many times now that our legs know before our minds do. All the children go in, Becca goes in with the baby, I ask, ‘Everybody here?’ while doing my own rapid head count, then, if there’s no little one left out, I slam the heavy door shut.
“Inside the shelter, we wait for the booms to come. They always surprise like a balloon popping, but the weight is more like a waterfall or a thunderclap, the kind of sound that you feel in your back teeth. The house shakes. The kids look at each other, wide-eyed, and rate how big that particular boom was. We look at our phones. Bombs are intercepted. Intercepted. Intercepted. We breathe and go back upstairs. We wait for it to happen again and pray there won’t be another one that night. Most of the missiles come at night, so sleep has become a precious commodity.
“Then, morning comes. The work doesn’t wait. My MDiv degree and our children’s homeschool studies continue and a household still must be led, loved, and held together. And Israel Lighthouse moves forward.”
Connecting Christians to Israel: Faith, Reconciliation & Why It Matters
“We are here at this moment in time to connect the nations to God’s people and God’s place. This motivates us to press on through the hardships and stand in our calling. The heart of Israel Lighthouse is to make faith tangible. Christians want something real, and Israel provides that connection. Students will be able to walk through Jerusalem and see where Jesus walked. It brings their faith alive.
“Not everyone can come to Israel, but there are still ways to connect. We hope to provide online courses, small group studies, and ways for people to understand why Israel matters. It’s so important to support the Jewish people globally and in your local community.
“God is good at crafting our journeys. I can see His timing in it all, and while there are still challenges—especially in building support—we have a vision of reconciliation and of a faith made real. What began as a lack of understanding has become a lifelong mission. And through it all, our purpose remains clear: to help people connect, love, serve, and help bridge this gap between Christians and the Jewish people.”
Blessings from Samaria,
Zac, Becca, Asaph, Shlomo, Nechemyah, Elkanah, Emunah, Ellyanna, Dvash, Asher & Tzofia Waller
Additional Resources
Learn More About the Jewish Ministry at Gateway.
Learn More About Global Trips and Outreach at Gateway.