Bible Teaching at Lake Taupo, New Zealand

In April 2001 Mottel went to New Zealand to co-teach with Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum of Ariel Ministries at a week long Bible Study Camp for Jewish and Gentile believers. Yes, believe it or not, there are Jewish communities in each of the major cities. This trip was sponsored by believers in Auckland. One of their concerns is a recent trend in the 'Messianic Movement' of Jewish people who have come to faith in Messiah Jesus. There is a confusion over Law vs. Grace among some, with the sad result that many are involved in the 'legalism' of mandatory Mosaic Law observance. So, Arnold and I, 2 Jewish believers, were able to clearly teach that one can be both a Jewish believer in Messiah, having a healthy sense of our identity as Jewish believers, and fully embrace the Freedom & Grace that is found in the finished work of Messiah. We had over 90 students. Mottel taught 10 one hour classes over a five day period on 2 subjects: "Understanding the Bible through Understanding the Covenants" and "The Jewish People in the Book of Romans". Dr. Fruchtenbaum taught 12 hours on "Life of Messiah". The study camp was a great blessing to all.

	At left is the beautiful campus of the retreat venue, and above Mottel with Tony & Diana Woods who were gracious hosts and arranged the conference.
Lunch offered great fellowship	Sam & Robin invited us to climb 'their' mountain, Rupeahu. The brave souls are Mottel, Sam, Neville, Gillian and Clive with Robin at the camera.

Mottel Baleston and Arnold Fruchtenbaum at Messianic Conference 2001

Mottel Baleston and Arnold Fruchtenbaum, April 2001,
at Lake Taupo Conference Center, New Zealand

Mottel says: "For eight summers, from 1980 thru 1987, it was my privilege to be a student of Dr. Fruchtenbaum at Camp Shoshanah, the 3 week Ariel Ministries Summer Bible Training School in New York. Arnold Fruchtenbaum is one of the leading scholars of the Messianic Movement of Jewish people who are believers in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Arnold was born to an Orthodox Jewish family in Europe and was raised in that tradition. After coming to faith in Messiah he graduated from an evangelical seminary and earned his Doctorate from New York University. His role has been that of biblical scholarship and consistent, balanced wisdom in the diverse Messianic movement. My understanding of the Scriptures has grown as a result of his teaching and his example of being a diligent student of the Word. During the last decade I've been able to continue to learn from him and now privileged to teach alongside him at Camp Shoshanah and at conferences." Dr. Fruchtenbaum is an author and the founder of Ariel Ministries, his books are a wealth of Biblical insight. You can browse his books and reach the Ariel Ministries website at www.Ariel.org

Mottel Baleston teaching "The Jewish People in the Book of Romans"	Friday Evening Dinner - Shabbat Shalom !
People came from a variety of backgrounds	New friends at the conference