Beit Asaph - Israel

Beit Asaph was established in Netanya in the late 1970s as a result of the consolidation of two small groups of believers who discovered each other existence by divine appointment. During 1980 the congregation began to express a clear identity, with consistent biblical teaching, celebration and interaction with other established groups around the Land. These roots of consolidation continue to be expressed in the inclusive nature of Beit Asaph. They have produced a strong vision for the unity of the believing community across all barriers.

Netanya today has a population of approximately 190,000 and is situated in the Sharon Valley, the heart of the coastal plain. During the last major wave of Russian Aliya, nearly 40,000 were settled in Netanya and those of Russian background now constitute 65% of the local congregation. The city and its surroundings are one of the most productive and rapidly growing areas of Israel, economically. This attracts more people into the area and affects the life and growth of the messianic community as well.

Beit Asaph consists of approximately one hundred and seventy committed believers and seekers, is predominantly Jewish and has a diverse makeup of Russian, Anglo Saxon, South American and Ethiopian immigrants as well as native-born Israelis. The main worship language is Hebrew with high quality translation provided to both Russian and English. A system of language specific home groups throughout the Sharon Valley provides welcome relief to congregants frustrated by the limitations of multi-lingual services. These groups, each between eight and twenty participants, often provide effective evangelistic stations where seekers can comfortably integrate into messianic life and belief before committing to a larger form of expression.

Providing stable and faithful leadership for the congregation presently falls on the shoulders of the Elders: Evan Thomas David Loden and Lev Guler. These men share co-equal authority and responsibility for leading and teaching the flock. Other responsibilities are shared according to their individual gifts. They have a strong commitment to the development of new leadership for the steadily expanding community. Their vision to plant local messianic congregations throughout the Sharon Valley is furthered by leadership training and biblical study for the younger men and women of Beit Asaph. Practical application for them includes; the responsibility of leading home groups, children and youth work, teaching and leadership in services and evangelism.

Beit Asaph has a longstanding vision for the severely disabled. For several years the congregation has provided support and service to a number of disabled brothers and sisters who have accepted Yeshua as Redeemer and Lord. Volunteers from the congregation help provide transport, friendship, teaching and coordination with care organizations to try and improve their living conditions. A center for distribution of clothing and household goods is held weekly at Beit Asaph in cooperation with the international messianic ministry, Joseph Project. This too provides a means for Beit Asaph to bless the community at large. 

They have a strong commitment to the vision of reconciliation between those who are committed believers in Yeshua, whether from Jewish or Arab background, or from the other nations of the world