Sharing Yeshua (Jesus), the Jewish Messiah
by Grace Brickner 

  Ever since I can remember, sharing Jesus (Yeshua) with others has been one of my greatest joys. When I was about 5 or 6 years old I remember peaking through the hedge of our neighbors' backyard in Temperly, Argentina, a suburb of Buenos Aires, and shouting that he was going straight to hell if he didn't stop beating his wife. My need to be involved in the lives of others was ever present. (By the way, he stopped beating her.)

  It wasn't that God was just some great hero or Santa Claus that solved all my problems. It was more than that. There was the sense of His abiding Presence with me at all times. I never felt "all alone".

  Even during the Second World War, when things were scary and our family of four, (mother, daddy, sister and I) were on the freighter, Rio Salada, heading for the USA from Argentina, I had full confidence that we were safe.

  I would assure the sailors on board that no harm would come to our ship - even though their sister ship had recently been blown up by the Nazis. I knew that the LORD was protecting us.

  My parents sharing of the Scriptures and living the life before me did much to help me in my walk with Jesus and my faith  in Him as my Heavenly Father.

  However, there came a time in my young life, when I was about 11, that I felt all alone. Family did not seem to understand my inner struggles and feelings. I felt isolated, unloved and lonely. I remember sitting by myself in my bedroom, telling the LORD "It's just you and me, LORD. Please be my best friend and send me someone who loves more than anyone else. It was a simple prayer but one that was heard and answered.

  When we pray to God with a sincere heart, He hears us' He cares for us and loves us. I remember the verse "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you". 

  Not long after my talk to God my family moved to Detroit, Michigan. I was about 12 going on 13 at that time. I was still struggling with inner doubts about myself and my great need for a close loving friendship.

  I never stopped being concerned for others, but knowing how I fit in was still not clear to me. Many young people were coming to our Messianic Bible Studies. Along came Harold Brickner and his brother, Al. Their family was struggling with his father's lung cancer. In their time of need, finding Jesus (Yeshua) as their Messiah and Savior filled that horrible gap. I saw such joy in their lives in spite of their great trial. The whole family came to know Jesus, including Harold's father, Nathan, and peace came to this terrible situation. I saw the change God made in their lives. He wasn't a god far off, He was their Heavenly Father.

  I had always felt close to God because of Yeshua (Jesus). Now I was seeing others come to this same personal closeness with our wonderful Messiah and it gave me much joy! Rather than being taken up with my loneliness and needs, I began reaching out and becoming friends with the young people in our congregation. Many of these friendships are still with

me today, especially this cute, young man named Harold Brickner.

  It wasn't that Harold was so dashingly handsome - no- he was a skinny kid that looked younger than his age. It wasn't anything physical that attracted me to him at first - no - he had an inner glow and love for his Messiah that made him stand tall over all the others. His sense of humor was contagious. To this day these are some of the qualities that mark my husband of over 55 years.

  Ours is a love story made in heaven, for he was the answer to my childhood prayer. Although I was brought up in a Jewish home where love for Yeshua and living a life for Him was stressed, celebrating the Jewish Holidays was not part of our lives. Through Harold and his family, I became aware of exactly who  I am and how much I love my Jewish People. To this day, we share our love and closeness to God with others, especially to the people of Israel.

  Following the Lord does not mean that life becomes or is a "bowl of cherries." Just like others we suffer the same trials of life. During our marriage, dear Harold suffered seven years with a "nervous breakdown".

We had two little ones, so I became the breadwinner of the family, and was told to divorce him, which I DID NOT DO. (That experience is a whole story in itself.) He was miraculously healed and has been a wonderful husband and father ever since.

  I have had to deal with several serious physical problems, but again the Lord has always carried me and seen me through. It is wonderful to have the Creator of the universe as my Heavenly Father and His promise "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 

  The experiences of my life continue to validate my faith and confidence in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. He is the most precious one in my life and is still working on me to conform me into his likeness.

  Harold, my husband and life partner, is the congregational leader of Beth Messiah, a Messianic Congregation. Together we have been and are continuing to serve our Heavenly Father. Whenever I meet a new person

or develop a new friendship, my greatest desire is to share with him or her, the dearest person in my life and the eternal hope He gives us. I long to see the joy and peace that Jesus imparts through His transforming power evident in those who know Him as Savior and Lord of their lives.

Shalom