Although Adventists and Jews both keep the Sabbath and avoid unclean foods, the two groups rarely have interactions in Australia.
Dr Richard Elofer, director of the General Conference’s World Jewish Adventist Friendship Centre, based in Paris, spent time in Sydney recently, talking to church members about how to engage with Jewish people.
Dr Elofer presented a series of workshops at Waitara church, which included explaining Daniel 9 and how biblical prophecy relates to Jewish people. He encouraged Adventists to befriend Jewish people and, rather than trying to focus on doctrine, to instead demonstrate God’s love to them.
A prayer breakfast was held at Woollahra church on the Sabbath, with Eva Fischl, president of JOINT Australia, as the special guest. JOINT Australia is a Jewish organisation that provides welfare for those impacted by disaster around the world. Ms Fischl spoke on Tikkun Olam: repairing the world. Adventist vocal group, Men of Hope, performed at the breakfast. One of their items was a Jewish song, sung by Gluto, a Jewish member of the group who also shared his testimony.
Woollahra pastor Daniel Przybylko has been working on planting a church in Bondi Junction, an area where many Jewish people live. In the afternoon, Dr Elofer attended Fountain in the City, another Sydney church that has a Jewish community nearby.
The Greater Sydney Conference (GSC) is focused on reaching special ethnic groups and sees connecting with Jewish people as important. Dr Elofer came to cast the vision and get more people interested.
“We are looking for people who feel a calling from God to make a commitment to Jewish ministry,” said Dr Sven Ostring, GSC director of discipleship movements.
“Richard wants to support and work with us in training to be effective in reaching Jews. We would like to form mission teams, particularly in Bondi and St Ives—other areas where there are Jewish communities. Our long-term focus is on building relationships with Jews. We’ll support them from the Conference office.”
