Blessings in Messiah,

My name is Manuel. I gave my life to Christ in 2004 at the age of 24. A year later, I heard a Messianic Jew share his faith. He brought out an interesting perspective from a Hebrew point of view. I know that as a Hispanic, many times when I try to translate jokes or words into English, a lot gets lost in this attempt. I wanted to know more of this frame of reference. Brother Lance, who introduced me to Christ, told me that a Hebrew saint that he knows spoke highly of Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. The next day at work I Googled the name. I had to call a few times to get the correct spelling! The web sight was very friendly and they had a Podcast called Come and See. I listened to the 10 minute bible studies at work. (My boss is also a Born Again Christian. She allows me to listen to Christian radio because of my work ethic). I wrote down the references and would check them during lunch or when I got home. I was hooked! It was like honey to my lips. I listened to the most current broadcast, but I could not wait a whole day for the next 10 minutes of bible study. Not only did I like the Jewish perspective, but I was extremely delighted that he brought out the different views that some hold certain passages of Scriptures to mean, and the passages that they use to support their view. He also goes a step further and explains why the verses that they use cannot support their view in light of related passages, and he also gives many Scripture references explaining his views, (according to the Golden Rule of Interpretation).

I began to order materials from Ariel Ministries, including the Come and See series, PDF files, and topical studies. I also bought Footsteps of the Messiah. I read the whole thing! (I had only read two books in my life at this point, and one was because I landed myself in jail and they were both about 60 pages long). I read the first chapter and again I was hooked. I would carry it every where for about 3 months until I was finished. When the complete audio collection came out, I listened to all the studies for 5 months. I am blessed to have met Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum on audio and the teaching that God has gifted him with. I own pretty much everything that Ariel Ministries produces. I am currently waiting for the systematic theology studies to be converted into mp3 format. I always reference your website to Christians that are interested in studying the Word. I have a deep-rooted love for Israel and the Hebrew people, even though I only know one Jewish person, but that recently changed when I went to the good news of the Passover seminar in San Antonio. Now I know at least two more! To know the love of Christ and His peace and rest is what God has purposed in my heart to share with the unsaved. Only God knows the full extent of my joy and growth that I have because of you! Thank you, thank you, and Glory to GOD!

Manuel B.
El Centro, California

P.S. I pray often for Ariel Ministries' needs and the different missionaries that you support through your newsletters. Thanks once again! Bless you!

(02/02/28)