Living Six Miles From Lebanon with Efraim Goldstein

In our latest episode, episode 85, titled "Living Six Miles From Lebanon," we were graced by the unexpected but deeply enriching presence of Efraim Goldstein, a missionary with Chosen People Ministries. What started as a prayer night in our community turned into an eye-opening conversation when Efraim walked in and we decided to hit the record button.

Efraim has been in ministry with his wife, Jeannie, since 1975. They've spent the last few decades in Israel, serving communities and sharing the love of Yeshua. Currently, Efraim pastors the Light of Galilee Congregation in Nahariyya, a city that lies just six miles from the Lebanese border. His congregation is unique as it consists of both Jews and Arabs, and he even co-pastors with a Lebanese Christian.

His early years in a Conservative Jewish home in the Bronx instilled in him a deep love for his Jewish heritage. However, it was in college, amidst the turbulence of the 1960s counter-culture, where he discovered Yeshua as the promised Messiah. Ever since, he's carried a burden to share this life-changing message, especially within Israel. According to Efraim, "Israel is one of the most open places to share the message of Yeshua with other Jewish people. All you need is some courage, and the willingness to share your faith."

As if the night couldn't get any more remarkable, a Jordanian Christian friend of ours joined us toward the end. We seized the opportunity to capture her perspective on how the current events in Israel and Gaza are affecting the Jordanian Arab community.

Right now, Efraim is heading back to Israel, to a community on edge as tensions with Hezbollah escalate. We invite you to keep him, his family, and his congregation in your prayers.

This episode provides firsthand insights into what life really is like so close to conflict and how faith plays a pivotal role in navigating these uncertain times.