The story of Beit Sar Shalom begins in the late 1980’s when a staff member from Chosen People Ministries came to Israel and started a small home group. The home group grew into a small congregation of about 10 people in the Jaffo-Tel Aviv area. The congregation quickly became involved in local evangelism and service ministry to the body of believers in the area. In the mid 1990’s, the congregation became the home for many Russian speaking immigrants, many of them coming to faith in their Messiah in Israel. In the period between 1995 and 1998, over 100 people came to faith through the work of the congregation and Beit Sar Shalom. It was during this time that the staff grew to five people with dozens of volunteers helping with the work.

Since then, Beit Sar Shalom’s work in Israel has expanded in many directions to minister to the people and help them with practical and spiritual needs. In 2004, there was a new addition to the ministry as the ‘Jerusalem Messianic Center’ was purchased in Jerusalem entirely through the generosity of our supporters. The Jerusalem Messianic Center serves as the home base for Beit Sar Shalom and also as a home for numerous events and activities; conferences, seminars, Bible studies, prayer meetings, banquets for Holocaust Survivors, housing for short term missions, concerts, Jewish holiday activities, special evenings for single mothers, fellowship, youth ministry and one-on-one evangelism.

Today, our staff has grown to 14 full time workers, 7 part-time workers and over 60 volunteers who serve all around the country. Following the success of the Jerusalem Messianic Center we opened the Ramat Gan Messianic Center called Ha Mercaz as a vibrant and creative place for young adults, families and people in the workforce to be able to attend music and café nights, delicious Shabbat dinners and interesting seminars, to name a few of our activities.  We also have food Distribution Centers in Jerusalem and Sderot where we are able to give food parcels to an approved list of poor and needy Israelis. In these parcels are basic household food items that many find hard to purchase. It is a blessing for all!

Our desire is to help the poor and needy and those who need an extra hand or a special hug. Our outreach to Holocaust Survivors functions as practical, emotional and spiritual encouragement. These elderly are needy in many areas and crave a listening ear and smiling face. Holiday dinners, tours around the country, three-day retreats and even special trips outside Israel help them see and understand who the God of Israel is and why He loves them so much!  We are also have a unique ministry to single mothers, soldiers and new immigrants. During our children’s camps held over the school breaks, we see many changes in the children and their special relationship with God. Of course, they have an amazing time with camp songs, games and crafts and make new friendships with other believers scattered throughout the Land.  Many of the children have grown up and have now become mature believers desiring to serve as counselors in the camp!

Often a person’s spiritual eyes cannot be opened until their physical needs have been met. We have seen many changes in people through this kind of ministry! Of course, the everyday opportunity to share about the love of Messiah with our neighbors, friends and those we meet along the way is never overlooked. We are humbled to be able to share about the Lord through our word and deed. We pray that His Light and Life will be received by many.

See our Jerusalem Center!                        See our Ramat Gan Center