Born Again in Jerusalem

by Aviel Sela

Born in Moscow, Vera was 9 years old when she and her family fled from the Second World War. I met her at an educational course I organised in 2020.

The first time I spoke to her about Jesus, she was quite angry.

Then the Corona virus struck, and I had to move the course to the Zoom programme. Vera needed my help with the technology (though she’s a retired physics teacher whose mind is still very sharp!). The first time she saw people’s faces on Zoom, she wept with joy. We became good friends, and she was no longer angry when I spoke to her about Jesus.

In 2021, I gave Vera a book about Isaiah 53. She studied it diligently and brought all her questions to the rabbi she’d been going to for many years. His answers did not match what she saw in Scripture, so eventually she stopped going to him, but continued to meet with me.

In January 2022, as we were speaking on the phone, Vera said, “I understand who Isaiah was talking about, and look forward to discussing it at our next meeting.” Sure enough, Vera realised that Isaiah was talking about Jesus, and she gladly prayed to receive Him. Beaming with joy, Vera told me, “In a couple of days I will be 90 years old, and God has given me the best birthday gift!”

Thank you so much for partnering with Jews for Jesus to help us reach Jewish people like Vera with the gospel!

Aviel Sela serves on our Israel team in partnership with International Mission to Jewish People (IMJP)