Welcome to the Alliance of Redeemed Israel (ARI). We invite you to meet our Founders, our Shepherds, our Advisory Counsel, and our Talk Group Moderators.
OUR FOUNDERS
Angus and Batya Wootten
Angus Wootten
In 1967 Angus retired from the United States Army. In the early Seventies he and his wife, Batya, became involved in the budding Messianic Jewish Movement. Later they followed Angus’ vision and founded the Messianic Israel Alliance. As the Messianic movement grew, they felt the need for Believers to move into an even greater understanding of the purposes of the God of Israel and to be encouraged to walk in both Spirit and Truth. Thus, was born the Alliance of Redeemed Israel (ARI).
Angus’ principal focus has been on declaring the mission of the people of Israel. His primary interest is to see the Kingdom of our Messiah be restored to the whole house of Israel. This longing led him to write the book, Restoring Israel’s Kingdom. His next book was written to help bring clarity to issues about the Torah: Take Two Tablets Daily, The 10 Commandments and 613 Laws. His efforts have been focused on helping to develop a greater understanding of the God of Israel and His chosen people, and on providing fresh insight into His current purposes in the end time in which we live. He and Batya also continue to work to further develop solidly Scriptural books through Key of David Publishing.
Angus and Batya have ten children and many delightful grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.
Angus regularly posts exciting and challenging articles written by a variety of authors on his website, Zechariah’s Patrol (see www.zechariahspatrol.com ).
You can contact him at: angus@redeemedisrael.com
Batya Wootten
Batya and Angus were pioneers in the Messianic movement. Decades ago they began publishing a first, the “House of David Messianic Materials Catalogue,” which was created to serve a fledgling new interest in Israel, the Jewish people, and relationships between Christians and Jews. This work led to them seeing “both of the houses of Israel” in Scripture (Isaiah 8:14), and then to publishing “The House of David Herald Newsletter.” They also hosted conferences and wrote books, including Batya’s seminal classic, Who Is Israel? And Why You Need to Know. This book was reprinted four times and then replaced with Redeemed Israel, Reunited and Restored. A shorter companion version, Who is Israel? Redeemed Israel: A Primer, has been used by thousands as a handout that quickly explains the restoration of Ephraim and Judah. Batya’s unique book, Israel’s Feasts and their Fullness, offers insights that relate to Israel’s restoration. People have called it “The best feast book I have ever read.” Her book, Mama’s Torah: The Role of Women, is loved by both men and women alike. She is now working on a new book, A Door of Hope for the Last Days.
The life-changing truths that Batya brings forth are helping to restore a brotherhood broken apart long ago. Her emphasis on the need for mercy and grace to both houses of Israel is helping to heal the wounds that began when Israel’s Kingdom was divided ages-ago.
You can contact Batya by email at: batya@redeemedisrael.com
REDEEMED ISRAEL ALLIANCE SHEPHERDS
Our Shepherds are husband and wife teams who address the needs of member congregations as well as doctrinal issues that impact the Alliance, and they offer overall suggested guidance for ARI. We do not want to exercise “denominational controls” over those who choose to ally themselves with us, but to instead have an honor-based Alliance: We ask that those who ally with us honor our essential statements of faith, and we will in turn, seek to honor those who are allied with us.
Daniel and Sylvia Calderon
Daniel and Sylvia were faithful Dance Leaders and Conference Coordinators for the Messianic Israel Alliance for many years. We are blessed to have them working in these same capacities, and to also be Shepherds with ARI.
Yah called Dan and Sylvia to teach and lead Congregational Dance in Worship in 1990.
They also were in leadership in a Messianic congregation in Texas for seven years, and were congregational dance leaders in a Seattle-based congregation for three years. They now serve as Congregational Dance leaders at various conferences throughout the country with various ministries.
Through their ministry, New Jerusalem Designs, they offer an instructional Hebraic Dance Video, iDance, that explains Dance Terminology, offers Practice Sessions, plus detailed Instructions for 22 dance steps. You can view free of charge many of the choreographed dances listed on YouTube on their website. They also do custom-made T-shirts, Tote Bags, Hats, etc. for ministries throughout the nation.
See Daniel and Sylvia at: http://www.newjerusalemdesigns.com/home_page.html
Dr. John and Joie Conrad
John and Joie live in a Believers’ community in Western Utah. John is the leader of the House of Aaron, a ministry that is dedicated to serving the whole house of Israel. They believe in the restoration of all things and emphasize music and dance and Levitical ministry in these last days. They seek to bring Believers together and to declare the truth about “both the houses of Israel” (Isaiah 8:14).
John and Joie have six children and are grandparents of eight. John is a Veterinarian and works on their community dairy that features prized, registered Holsteins. Joie has been involved in congregational leadership and dance, and in other organizations such as Aglow International. They seek to awaken Believers in this day to their Israelite heritage and to turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers.
The Conrads can be reached at johnjoiecn@aol.com
David & Faith Jones
Dr. David E. Jones is the Senior Pastor of Ruach Ministries International in Brandon, FL. Pastor David’s desire is to reveal the heart of the Father so that all may come to know Yeshua intimately. He has a passion to bring the body of Messiah into maturity of faith by walking in the eternal paths that the Father desires for His children. He has written two books “Famine” based on Amos 8:11-12 and “the King invites you to His table” Concerning the feasts of YHWH. Also a new DVD series on “the Gospel According to Avraham”. David & Faith have been associated with A.R.I. /M.I.A. since 2000. He currently resides in Brandon, FL with his loving wife Faith and his three Children.
R.M.I.
P.O.Box 6370
Brandon, FL 33508
Twitter: @RuachTweets
Website: WWW.RUACHONLINE.COM
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuachMinistries
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/theruachlife
Email: djones@ruachonline.com
Wallace and Kathy Smith
Wallace E. Smith (Wally) was born in Los Angeles and moved to Las Vegas at the age of 8. He devoted his life to the service of YHVH at the age of 25. In preparation for pastoral ministry, Wally began teaching Junior and Senior youth at Grapevine Fellowship under the mentorship of the late Bud Higginbotham. In 1994 Wally received his first appointment as Senior Pastor by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. In the early Nineties, he and his wife, Kathy (and a few faithful Bible students) pioneered the House of Israel Fellowship in Las Vegas, NV.
Wally has compiled and edited two books: Are Christian Holidays… Holy Days? and, The Revelation of Yeshua, A First Century Look at a First Century Book. Batya Wootten joined Wally and helped to write his third book, Israel Empowered by the Spirit. In it, Wally brings out the important truth that it is the Holy Spirit that empowers Believers to be able to walk in the eternal truths of Torah. Filled with unique insights, Israel Empowered is a handbook that presents the truth about the Ruach haKodesh from a balanced Messianic perspective.
Kathy, a retired school Administrator, now works hand in hand with her husband at their House of Israel Congregation. She also takes time to lovingly spoil her grandchildren and to volunteer as a counselor at one of the busiest crisis pregnancy centers in the country. Wally and Kathy care passionately about helping pregnant women who are in a crisis.
See them at: http://www.houseofisraelfellowship.org/
The Smith’s can be reached at: fspastor@cox.net
Marvin and Karen Taylor
Pastor Marvin and Karen Taylor have been friends of the MIA since its inception 1999. They live in Miami Gardens, Florida with their three children. The name of their congregation is Voices of Israel Ministries. Many people have been blessed at MIA Conferences when they heard this towering giant of a man sing the Shema with incredible depth of feeling. Many have likewise been blessed when hearing him preach encouraging truths with power and conviction.
Marvin is an anointed teacher of righteousness who loves the truth of Scripture, the liberating truth about our Israelite roots, as well as the all-important truth about the empowerment of the Ruach haKodesh. Marvin is a humble man of true integrity and Karen is a true mother in Israel. They have a beautiful family and the MIA is honored to work with them.
You can reach Marvin at: marvin_taylor2001@yahoo.com
ALLIANCE OF REDEEMED ISRAEL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Realizing that there is wisdom in many counselors, we are blessed to have a group of Counselors who offer suggested guidance to ARI. These volunteers are people of character and experience who love Israel and are willing to serve as needed. They are trusted friends who are valued for their faithfulness, wise counsel, and expertise in a wide range of areas.
Bob and Katharine Maul
Bob and Katharine Maul have been married for 30 years and are now Floridians who hail from Wyoming. Bob managed a major warehouse for Lowe’s and is now retired. Katharine currently manages two office locations for the largest physician group in Central Florida. Many years ago Katharine began to question her Catholic faith – which led to her reading numerous books about Israel, Hebrew roots, and the Messianic life. After finding the MIA on line, and, two days after moving to Florida due to Bob’s job transfer, they had dinner with Angus and Batya Wootten and a deep friendship was formed between them. Katharine loves to study Scripture and to learn. Both Bob and Katharine know beyond all doubt that, our God will answer when we cry out to Him. Together, they want people to know YHVH through relationship and not religion, and to help Believers learn to walk with Him, in faith, as did our forefathers: Abraham, Moses, David, and so many others.
Susan Miller
Susan Miller is a true pioneer at heart. She has been an MIA Advisor since its inception, was a Realtor with a degree in Education, and now teaches Believers about the whole House of Israel. Susan also was the co-founder, along with the late Elizabeth Janicki, of High Places—a cutting-edge bookstore and gathering place in Estes Park, Colorado. In this well-known destination point for tourists from all over the world, they shared the truth about their Hebraic roots and changed the lives of untold thousands of Believers. Since 2002, Susan has led an interactive Torah study at Fellowship of Messiah in Loveland, Colorado. Her creative PowerPoint presentations help to communicate Biblical concepts in memorable ways.
David Pennington
David Pennington lives in Argos, IN with his wife, Rita. They have a son and a daughter, Jared and Jessica, who have blessed them with four wonderful grandchildren. David works for the State Highway Department, and Rita is a song leader at the church where David was ordained 25 years ago. He loves and has collected thousands of gospel songs (Christian, Messianic, and Jewish), and he loves to read biblically oriented books and materials. David especially enjoys learning about the ancient Jewish/Hebrew culture—which helps him to better understand the words and metaphors of the prophets and the apostles. He has been a highly esteemed Moderator on Messianic Israel Talk for many years and is presently a Moderator for ARI Talk Groups. His colorful country upbringing included lots of funny escapades with lots of boisterous brothers, and his experiences, coupled with his veritable fountain of knowledge has made him a truly unique contributor there. His picturesque comments, kind nature, and unusual ability to link things together are truly appreciated by everyone.
Al and Anita Robertson
Al and Anita have been working toward Israel’s full restoration for decades. They oversee Festival Congregation in Ada, OK, and Anita is a Moderator in our Talk Group, Celebrating the Feasts of Israel.
Over the years, they pastored several churches, hosted many dramatic feast celebrations, and, Anita became an accomplished Calligrapher and worked for Dayspring Cards. To help fulfill their heart’s desire, which is to help put the written Word of YHVH into every aspect of the lives of Believers, they eventually started their own custom calligraphy business: The Scribe and the Scroll. Anita’s work is Scriptural and inspirational, with a Hebraic flair, and Al is a master at matting and framing. Working together, they have successfully attended art shows all over the country. They have also begun to offer clothing with Scripture embellishment, and Hebraic marriage contracts, or ketubot.
You can see their work here: http://www.thescribeandscroll.com/
You can contact them at: anita@thescribeandscroll.com
Scott Skaggs
Scott Skaggs is a Louisville, KY father of twin boys: Nathaniel and Gabriel. He is also a Painting Contractor in a family owned business. When Scott is not painting, he loves to read and study Scriptures. Scott grew up going to church in a faith-filled family that included a grandfather, father, uncle and brother who were or are either pastors, missionaries or evangelists. However, Scott’s faith was greatly enlarged when he read Batya Wootten’s seminal book, “Who is Israel?” Taking in the information written in that book changed his life. Scott writes, “I remember reading the book on my couch and steadily weeping while what felt like ‘hot butter’ ran down my head and back as the Father revealed to me my heritage in Israel. (I remember it as if it was yesterday!) I’ve never looked at the Scriptures the same way, and my calling and inspiration has since been to proclaim the message of the restoration of Redeemed Israel!” Scott has been a Moderator on the Messianic Israel Talk Group (yahoo.com), for many years. There, his love of Scripture, kindness, compassion, and balanced replies to inquiring questions have been attested to by many.
Will and Debora Spires
Will and Debora Spires are lovers of truth as well as lovers of the kindness and compassion of the God of Israel. They seek to help return the children of Israel to the Covenant promises of Scripture and to be empowered to walk in its ancient paths. Will is also an accomplished music minister with several published CD’s. He and Debora are Moderators on the ARI Talk Groups. Debora has a special interest in seeing people be delivered from addictions (See Torah Portions for more information on Will and Debora.)
TORAH PORTIONS AND SCRIPTURE COMMENTARIES
Each week we post various Torah Portions for the week, plus a Scripture Study/Commentary, through our email postings and on our website. We invite members of the ARI to submit Torah portions for consideration, and we wholeheartedly welcome your comments and input. We are blessed to have regular contributors who offer us inspiring teachings each week. We are grateful for their thoughtful and insightful writing. It takes a great deal of study and much time with the Father to produce these encouraging teachings. We are so thankful to have the following friends as regular contributors.
Torah and Glory School
Dr. Hutch and Patti Church
Hutch and Patti have studied their Hebrew roots and hosted both Friday and Saturday home meetings for many years. They have pioneered two churches, and served in pastoral, educational, and music ministry for 24 years. Hutch has now completed his doctorate in ministry and they live in North Carolina.
Through their Torah and Glory School, they invite people to invest one year in study and spiritual growth. They offer two levels of association: 1. Reader level. The lessons are available for use to everyone. 2. Student [Talmidim] level. Students enroll in the school, commit to working the program, and invest one year of their lives into intense spiritual transformation. For more information about the process, requirements, and advantages of enrollment, see their Introduction Page: www.blesstheland.net/Torah–and-Glory-School—-B-resheet.html
B’midbar Ministries
Will and Debora Spires
Will and Debora are a Praise, Worship, and Teaching Ministry. They live with their son, Colby, in Little Mountain, SC and teach at Restoration of Israel Ministries in Columbia, SC. Will’s heart-driven, Scripture-based song lyrics reveal his love of the “weightier matter” that is taught in Scripture: Love of God and love of His people. Will has several music CD’s, one of them being, The Return. It tells in song the awesome story of Israel’s restoration.
In his writings, Will keys in on issues that speak to the hearts of YHVH’s chosen and set-apart people. As an ever-searching disciple of YHVH, Will’s teachings also draw on Paleo-Hebrew symbolism and on Israel’s ancient Temple service. He emphasizes the Father’s great love for us and encourages us to respond with true commitment and trust. Will and Debora also encourage us to be open and honest in our ever-present call to repentance—and to move on in the Glory of the Lord. Like a voice crying in the wilderness, they challenge us to feed on the Covenant promises of Scripture and to walk in its ancient paths.
You can see Will and Debora at: http://www.willspires.com/biography.html
Contact Will at: wpspires@gmail.com
Christine’s Bible Study
Christine Miller
Christine was raised in the Lutheran church and was born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit at the height of the Jesus Movement in the 70s. She and her husband David have been married 30 years, and have three children, whom she home schooled, and they now have four grandchildren.
David and Christine have served in many and various capacities in church. They recently left Colorado where they raised their children, and relocated to Florida to be with David’s family. Christine’s passion has always been God’s Word: reading, knowing, and believing it, and sharing it in an uncomplicated way.
When viewed in context, A and A* will help to explain each other, as will B and B*, C and C*.
You can see Christine’s work here: http://christinesbiblestudy.wordpress.com/
You can reach her at: christinesbiblestudy@gmail.com
IN MEMORY OF ISRAELI LT. COL. (RET.) DAVID YANIV
Israeli Lt. Col. (Ret.) David Yaniv
David Yaniv had a powerful testimony. He was present when, in 1973, the God of Israel openly protected Israel’s soldiers during that war. David and other soldiers managed to safely crawl through a heavily loaded mine field—after the Holy One had miraculously caused a powerful and unique wind storm to reveal the location of all of the land mines.
At the time, David and his wife, Sheila, lived on a Moshav in Israel. While working on its farm, David fell, and was paralyzed due to a medical mistake made during an ensuing operation. Confined to a wheel chair for seven years, David began to “secretly” watch the 700 Club TV program and he ultimately became a Believer in the Messiah. One day, a word of knowledge was given on the program and David was completely healed. His healing was later declared to be a “Medical Miracle” by many Israeli Doctors—but David knew, and openly declared that, Jesus Christ had healed him.
That confession cost the Yanivs dearly. They were voted out of the Moshav and soon lost everything, home, jobs, friends, and relationship with some family members. They were then presented with a full scholarship to “Christ For the Nations” College in Dallas, TX, and in 1995, they founded and became the Senior Pastors of Roots Messianic Congregation in Lynnwood, WA.
David’s love for his Jewish people was unending. However, he also loved the people who kept alive the truth about the Only Begotten Son of God. He knew that the Messiah had profoundly changed his life, as well as that of his wife. So it is that, knowing the truth of Yah’s love for both the houses of Israel, the Messianic Israel Alliance became a perfect fit for this dynamic duo, and they soon became “Goodwill Ambassadors” for the MIA.
Truly, the Lion of Judah (ARI) roared in their lives, and for a season, we were blessed to be able to call them our International Ambassadors.
Colonel David Yaniv once crawled across a mine field in Israel after the Holy One of Israel miraculously uncovered all of the mines so David and his troops could go on to victory. Later, due to his spinal injury, he could only move about in a wheel chair—until Messiah Yeshua healed him. Then he walked among us as a beloved Pastor, teacher, and author. And now, David Yaniv walks on streets of gold with the Holy One of Israel.
We miss you David. And, we remember that in your last days on earth, you were concerned for the care of your beloved bride, Sheila. Moreover, we know that James 1:27 tells us, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress….”
Knowing of David’s concern for the care of his widow, we invite you to join us in helping to provide for her. To designate funds for her, click on the “Support” tab, then move the pull down menu to Sheila Yaniv and specify the donation amount.
We will be grateful for any help that you can give.
For more information about David’s military miracle, and his documented healing, we invite you to visit the following pages.
http://www.rootsmessianic.org/
http://www.againstalloddstv.com/episodes.php (See Episode 1: The Assignment)
http://www.itbn.org/index/
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http://www.gospellights.org/Pages/DYaniv.aspx
http://www.sidroth.org/site/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
http://www.jewishvoice.org/
http://www.dailymotion.com/