Used For Jesus

REMEMBERING HOLLY (COULSTING) MEYER (1957 - 2011)

2011-11-27T02:46:00.001-08:00

MANY OF US RECALL OUR SISTER HOLLY WHO SERVED WITH JEWS FOR JESUS

Holly lost her battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Nov. 23rd. 2011

She is survived by husband Stan (married 1990) and daughter Carrie (adopted from China 2005).

If you are inclined to pray, pray, or think good thoughts and/or do something good for someone today in her memory.

Drop Stan a line and let him know that even though you might have left the JFJ organization, you share his grief:

stan.meyer@jewsforjesus.org

This from an old JFJ faithful.

2011-11-21T01:11:00.000-08:00

Jews for Jesus seems to have weathered the divorce of its executive director David Brickner.

The entire Board of Directors of Jews for Jesus stood by David Brickner, while only a few men and women of principle left the organization.

Has David Brickner's divorce caused the donations to drop?

How much has the death of the founder, Moishe Rosen contributed to any loss of revenue?

David Brickner pulled the traveling evangelistic team, the Liberated Wailing Wall off the road, does anyone know how much that decision cost the organization? How much has the economy affected the financial health of Jews for Jesus?

How will this story end? Stay tuned!

2011-11-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

October 2011

Thinking of our sister Holly Meyer

Holly Meyer served with Jews for Jesus for 21 years, traveling with their singing group The Liberated Wailing Wall and serving in Los Angeles. In those years she met and ministered to hundreds of women, praying with them, teaching them the Bible, and pouring her life into needy people. Holly led a physically active and fulfilling life, handing out literature on the streets, traveling on the road, singing and performing across the United States, and speaking in churches. Holly, with her husband Stan, traveled to China in 2005 where they adopted Carrie-Fu ...

2011-06-15T23:40:00.000-07:00

JFJ is returning to its hippy days!

The recently divorced David Brickner is opening a commune for discipleship of believers! Watch this space!

On an unrelated note, the recently divorced Patti Brickner is offering massages in the Michigan area.

Musical Chairs! Passover 2011.

2011-04-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

All branches and missionairies are getting swtiched around and David Brickner is going to quietly stand-down. Watch this space!

Hannukah 2010 - The effluence is hitting the rotating cooling device - again!

2010-12-06T12:19:00.001-08:00

Make of these what you can:

http://roshpinaproject.com/2010/11/30/chosen-people-missionary-sues-jews-for-jesus/#comment-16003

http://life.nationalpost.com/2010/12/06/breaking-the-jews-for-jesus-code

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2010/11/30/Evangelical-group-ex-missionary-suing/UPI-29961291161852

Marin County blues

2010-10-04T00:35:00.000-07:00

I remember the days of Corte Madeira, when we were all a happy family, when we had cause and purpose, when there was real interest and real criticism of our message in Jews for Jesus.

Those days have long gone, the corporate goals and public façade of JFJ is seemingly more important (to the leaders of JFJ) than following the Spirit of God.

Now that David Brickner (the current Executive Director of JFJ) snidely changed the almost 30 year old Worker's Covenant to allow him to stay in power at the helm of JFJ — even after 'unscriptural divorce' (words from the original Worker's Covenant) — it's open season, what will happen next?

What example is this showing to the modern messianic movement? That it's OK for marriages to fall to pieces but for leaders to stay in power — when moral turpitude and adultery is the norm?

Come back people.

2010-09-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

Happier Times (I recall singing this with these two people)

Mine eyes have seen the pierced One,
Descending from the clouds,
Ten thousand angels at His side,
The trumpet sounding loud:

Chorus:
Come back people, children of Abraham,
Come back people, sons of Jacob,
The Lord has come, He's heard your cry,
Open up your eyes, your redemption draws nigh.

My soul did mourn at Jesus' death,
And I was born anew.
He filled me with His Holy breath,
And I was pierced too.

(Chorus)

The mountains split beneath His feet,
The heavens opened wide,
My Lord amidst Shekinah light,
His glory fills the sky.

(Chorus fade-out)

Dear Friends at Jews for Jesus - an open letter to answer your private messages

2010-08-31T03:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends at Jews for Jesus

Thank you very much for all of you who have written to us at 'Used for Jesus' expressing your concern about the recent announcement of David Brickner's divorce.

We mourn with you about your 'feelings of betrayal', 'double-dealing', and 'ungodly behavior' (to name but a few comments).

We also understand that a good few of you are considering leaving Jews for Jesus but feel trapped because of the housing, mortgages and retirement perks that you have and most likely will not retain if you leave JFJ.

For those of us who left, some a long time ago, and some recently, we can attest to the fact that 'doing the right thing' is preferable to staying with a group who 'moved the goalposts' to accommodate their own proclivities.

Thank you again for your messages, some of us are happy to hear from those of you who stopped speaking to us when we left JFJ.

Blessings.

Brickner divorce… Brickner marriage

2010-08-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear… your wedding suit, the Emperor's New clothes or something else fitting.

Whilst David Brickner, the Executive Director of Jews for Jesus is getting a divorce, his son is about to get married.

It seems that again, there's a large elephant in JFJ that no-one is talking about.

2010-07-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

The following (inserted image scan) is from a recent Jews for Jesus newsletter informing of Executive Director David Brickner’s impending divorce.

It is shocking and saddening. Some close to the Brickners have attested to the Brickner’s marriage being strained for a long time (years) and that also David Brickner’s extensive travels (which he himself, in a recent JFJ newsletter said was a significant percentage of his time) was definitely not conducive to maintaining a good marriage.

Knowing of all too many other JFJ people who have found their marriage imperilled by JFJ - the article reminds us of “closing the door after the horse has bolted”. We have also received a number of emails from current serving Jews for Jesus staff extremely sad, hurt and perplexed about this situation. Some saying how Mr Brickner, the executive director of Jews for Jesus had the Worker’s Covenant changed because he knew this divorce was on the way. One particular insider has informed us that Mrs Brickner did not say what is written in this article.

Read on and make up your own mind.

PRAYER PROMPTERS

AN IMPORTANT WORD FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR, DR. JIM CONGDON…

Because your trust is important to us, it’s my duty to reluctantly inform you that Patti Brickner, David’s wife of 30 years, has told him that she intends to dissolve their marriage. I’m sure this sad news comes as a shock to you, as it has been to all of us who serve closely with him, and we continue to pray for God to heal their relationship.

Our worker’s covenant requires a Staff member whose spouse files for divorce to offer his or her resignation. David did so as soon as his wife revealed her intent. From the outset, David has been opposed to divorce and immediately sought pastoral accountability and marriage counseling. He made every effort to do whatever he could to save his marriage, including offering to leave the ministry to spend more time with his wife, but to no avail. Mrs. Brickner has said that David has been a good and loving husband and wonderful father, and is not to blame for the circumstances surrounding her decision, which do not reflect on his character or treatment of her.

Our policy provides two exceptions for retaining divorced staff: “in the case when a believing partner was abandoned in the marriage or divorced against his or her will .”

The Board appointed a special committee to weigh all the circumstances and receive input from all parties. After much time in prayer and a rigorous decision-making process, we, the board of directors on June 18 made the decision to retain David as our executive director. The board is confident that David is still God’s man and the right person to meet the needs and biblical imperatives of his unique position. We unanimously recommitted to support David’s leadership of Jews for Jesus, as he has done so capably for the past fourteen years. We further granted David’s request to take a full leave of absence for two months and a partial leave of absence for the following two months to devote time to his personal life

We want you to share our sense of peace amidst the grief, that God is in control and that we did what He would have us do. We are determined not to be distracted or hindered from the great work God has in store for us. The Bible is full of stories of people who overcame personal setbacks to accomplish great things for Christ. We are convinced that this will be the case with David.

Please pray for our ministry as we continue a mission that is challenging in the best of times. With your prayers, support and understanding, we feel we just might be on the verge of a great breakthrough for the cause of Christ.

In light of our knowledge that Jews for Jesus is a litigious organization, we would like you to know that this selection from the Jews for Jesus newsletter is copyrighted to Jews for Jesus © 2010 and was received by ourselves directly from them and not via a third party. We are quoting it as fair use so as not to misrepresent this sensitive information. The purpose of the quotation is for informative purposes only and educate those who may be interested. There is no commercial motivation in our quotation.

Respectfully remembering, Moishe Rosen 1932-2010

2010-05-20T01:45:00.000-07:00

Remembering...

The JFJ leadership is dying - pray for them.

2010-05-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

We hear that Moishe Rosen is sick and undergoing chemotherapy.

If after your time with Jews for Jesus you still are a person of faith, pray for him.

And remember the leadership of Jews for Jesus at this time as they undergo a difficult time, death, marriage and divorce are said to be the most stressful of human experiences.

can someone please stop these fanatics?

2008-09-07T03:04:00.001-07:00

The JFJ have gone and done it again (or at least one of my correspondents forwarded another article).

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/president/27958514.html?page=3&c=y

I escaped their cult after years of being a missionary with them - with my faith shaken - but still intact.

For those of us who seek to share with our Jewish brothers and sisters about our Messiah, the actions of the JFJ cult, pandering to the whims of the Christian church is sickening. They embarrass us but think they have the hegemony and right to do so - as they are "out there" preaching the word.

It really is a sleight on us, the JFJ - or at least David Brickner are deceived.

He should desist in calling himself a Jew forthwith and desist in purporting to speak for those of us who indeed are halachically Jewish and believe in the hope of Israel - Yeshua the Messiah.

He can keep his church mangled Christ should he so wish.

Sickening.

David Brickner is an antisemite?

2008-09-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

The half Jewish (via his father) leader of the Jews for Jesus recently spoke in the church of Sarah Palin in Alaska.

She's been accused of some rather racist remarks, but you'd think that the leader of the Jews for Jesus might be a llittle more sensitive, what with purporting to be Jewish and all:

I'm so shocked - you can read them for yourself here:

You can read a transcript of the sermon here: http://www.wasillabible.org/sermon_files/2008_Transcripts/The%20Jerusalem%20Dilemma.doc

Evangelism is not of God

2008-08-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

Maybe that title caught your eye...
the same old, same old methods of the JFJ - wherever you are, craft fairs, street markets, street corners, university campuses,
all vying for attention with those ads for learning English, cutprice suits, laundromats etc.
The Lord of All Creation being peddled by kids who should no better but sadly their elders haven't taught them, being reduced to a commodity to be pushed on the streets. Maybe you just wanna get home from the metro stop but you can't avoid them and their "witty comebacks" -

be sure to be asked
1. who do you think jesus is
2. have you ever considered he is the messiah
3. you know you could invite him into your life here and now
4. would you like to

all of these things are great, but motivation of the kids asking might be to attain kudos and another statistic, not the kingdom of heaven

forgive my rant - it's the middle of the night!

I had a dream and Moishe Rosen was singing the old song "the ballad of 47th street"

2008-08-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

come back people,
write more postcards,
come back people
do more sorties
moishe has come
he's heard your cry
open up your wallets
redemption is nigh

the streets were crawling

2008-07-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

all over the world with human beings doubling for paper distribution machines

BYG - Bring your (own) God

the embarrassing Jews for Jesus

2008-04-11T15:53:00.001-07:00

Can't someone explain to them that their methodolgoy [sic] is more bothersome than helpful?

In an amongst all those who peddle their wares on the street are annoying people who push their religion on you, I used to badger people too.

It sure does seem black and white to some when eternal destiny is concerned.

Advertising the Gospel

2008-04-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

"I even had a sign all made, says Moskowitz and Daughter,
But now you've picked a different trade; you don't wanna preach the Gospel?"

Tradition!

Seems that many of the offspring of the Jews for Jesus are going their own way, some arrested for more than personal supply of drugs, others working in dubious positions at well-known companies and yet others doing things that would have got their parents thrown out of the JFJ cult for "moral turpitude" (as their workers' agreement/covenant states).

Is nothing sacred any more!

Can anyone consider giving?

2008-03-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

From the Classified Ads of the most recent issue of Christianity Today:

"An outstanding Evangelistic Agency needs a single donor who can give
$1,200,000 in one donation. This will make an immediate difference
in facilitating evangelists of the most direct and biblical
character. If you can give that kind of gift we will be happy to
explain. Call Dr. T. Zaretsky, 310-367-3926."

Liable to Libel

2008-01-09T03:46:00.000-08:00

The definition of libel is to publicly defame someone in print of something that is later found to be false.

In the famous French newspaper headline "J'accuse!" (I accuse) the writer Emile Zola stood up and stood by Alfred Dreyfus, a Jew in the French army, who was charged and convicted of treason. Charges later found to be false (fabricated because Dreyfus was Jewish). However, Zola was also found guilty of libel and defamation. Both were later exonerated - but Zola paid ultimately with his life and Dreyfus with ill-heath.

Maybe we at Used for Jesus will be found guilty of libel to speak (the ultimate "treason") that Jews for Jesus abused their workers. Moishe Rosen and David Brickner have both been executive directors of the organization and ultimately are culpable and responsible for the actions of those in their command.

That's our view - if it's libellous - let the organization find legal remedy.

However, we say "j'accuse" (or nous accusons to be grammatically correct in French!). We accuse the Jews for Jesus of abusing their workers.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

and a happy new year!

"God hates America"

2007-12-08T22:41:00.000-08:00

… or so says Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church.

I wonder if the Jews for Jesus will be going on deputation (speaking engagement) to this church.

Seemingly, "God hates everyone" according to the Church and (according to Jews for Jesus), those who speak out against them (JFJ) are haters of the gospel.

Nothing can be further from the truth!

I don't hate anyone, at least after my morning coffee ;-)

I led them - to failure

2007-11-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

When I was branch leader of Jews for Jesus in XXXXX, I set impossible goals for the people who were there as missionaries - in my command.

I did it to always keep them on their toes and to show my leader that I was doing well.

For that, I'm sorry.

They say ...

2007-11-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

they say we are being "unChristian" or not acting in accordance with the gospel because we have chosen anonymity on this site.

They being the Jews for Jesus group.

If Jews for Jesus would like us to be accountable for the comments we make, then we call them to join us in an "on-camera public debate" moderated by two witnesses (one to be chosen by each party respectively) that will be posted on relevant websites (YouTube, GodTube, etc.) concerning the above.

We again call the Jews for Jesus to differentiate between previous bad behavior and persecution for the sake for the gospel. There are some fine believers who wish for their brethren in JFJ to be called to account, and also some now non-believers who would wish the same.

Just a thought.

Call on line 2

2007-11-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

Shall I pass you the phone or just throw it through the window?

The latter actually did happen to a Jews for Jesus worker when he didn't answer the phone fast enough or something, the phone was thrown at him through a window.

Just a day in the life of Jews for Jesus.

I work in Production

2007-11-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

squeezing pomegranites

Production Man

2007-11-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

Oh Milan, Production man

Welcome home Baruch

2007-10-28T05:15:00.001-07:00

We missed you.

Do you remember?

2007-10-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

The days when you were new to a job, a relationship, a house or an area?

How things seemed new, wonderful, and maybe you were happy, but then maybe the honeymoon didn't last.

I remember a little office in Corte Madeira, north of San Francisco, where a few people with zeal to share their faith got together to share their faith as Jews believing in Jesus, long long before the paranoia of one man who thought he was our "god-ordained" leader shaped an organization and turned the work of the Holy Spirit into a twisted work of man.

We all fail, we are all human and fallible, we simply have to face up to our faults.

Used for Jesus doesn't begrudgingly seek redress in a spiteful manner against the spiritual abuse of Jews for Jesus, just a call in the wilderness - for accountability.

Blessings.

Are you culturally sensitive to Jews?

2007-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

If so, apply to help out the Executive Director's assistant Susan Perlman in the JFJ HQ - but be careful, they do say (and we're not kidding) that one of the boss people is Jewish and a "bitch" [sic].

Like many that have gone before, you too can be "Used for Jesus"!

Festival Blessings

2007-09-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

Every morning on 42nd street, where the Hassidim come to work…

"I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication… turn O my people, turn… "

We're all Jews for Jesus

2007-09-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

We got an email today concerning the Jews for Jesus van crash last month, that we were insensitive to post a mention of it.

We did ask for your prayers or good thoughts and did share in the pain of those who were hurt, knowing all too well how others were hurt in the past either directly or indirectly in the service of Jews for Jesus.

Unlike JFJ, who are unable to apologize for their actions but rather put the onus on the victim to seek restitution, we would like to unconditionally say:

If our words offended, we are sorry and we do apologize if any offense was caused.

wouldn't stand for it on the streets

2007-09-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

The JFJ summer advertising campaign is well under way, if you're in New York City - you might see them in subway holes, on the streets, everywhere and anywhere.

You might think that these leaflet distributors are poor volunteers, and maybe they are - but they're staying in a plush 5 star hotel.

When you're going about your business - they'll be there - telling you about Y'shua (Yeshua which is the Hebrew for Jesus). They'll more than likely be sleep deprived, more than likely turn a little incident, good or bad into a big one, more than likely been trained to counter your apathy or your hostility with witty repartee.

I know, because countless times I was part of this effort.

Hear them speaking in code? They might be speaking about you - you're a UJ, JB, UG or GB.
An unsaved Jew or Gentile, Jewish or Gentile believer.
Of course, like in anyone you can change from U to B, just pray with them and fill out their "decision card" you can make a GBD or a JBD (Gentile Beleving or Jewish believing decision)....

it's all enough to give me the heebeegeebees (again)

does anyone know Roger Williams?

2007-09-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

He's putting up with the JFJ campaign in NYC, bless his heart.

It was rumored…

2007-08-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

that a JFJ executive director was having an affair with his female assistant. Someone showed up at his office at a time when they weren't expected and almost discovered an "in flagrante delicto" scene.

It was also rumored that a JFJ executive director was reading a pornographic publication in his personal bathroom.

Unfounded rumors, we know, but why would such rumors arise?

it still goes on…

2007-08-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

The Jews for Jesus organization frequently claim that under their current Executive Director David Brickner, things are vastly different than the time under the previous Executive Director (and Founder of Jews for Jesus) Moishe Rosen.

In speaking with some recent "roadkill" of JFJ, one man in particular remarked on methods of dealing with workers that were the same as those 20 years ago.

Some ask why do you carry on with this? and the only answer that is possibly found is to prevent and avoid people being burned by this group. We're not looking to destroy them or their efforts to do what they believe is the right thing to do, we're simply seeking redress and recourse and calling the abusers to some accountability for their actions.

Saddened

2007-08-22T01:24:00.000-07:00

I recall sitting in the San Francisco JFJ inner sanctum (that they call executory) in meetings with Moishe Rosen (and later David Brickner) discussing how to deal with sensitive issues.

Maybe the JFJ don't know how to deal with this latest embarrassment to their sacred public image, when cars crash and people are injured. Their silence on their website speaks volumes.

I'm also saddened I took part in some decision making decisions that became vindictive abuses of power.

The very "leitmotif" of JFJ was to share the gospel with fellow Jews. Unfortunately JFJ became a Christian evangelical ministry using Jewish symbols as a direct-marketing means of fund raising and self-survival.

In 1979 JFJ regrouped in what was called "Avodah" (work in Hebrew), I think it's high time they regroup and rethink again. Admitting one's weaknesses is a sign of strength - one which JFJ shuns. As the high-holydays approach, we all need to assess our failings and shortcomings, I (for one) sought peace with JFJ a long time ago, sadly to be met with the response that I had somehow been to blame and brought bad things upon myself.

The gospel is a message of reconciliation, I'm sure Yeshua/Y'shua isn't so happy about the abuses in his name.

Wake up and smell the coffee!

2007-08-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

In an instant things can change, the daily grind most people experience filters their ability to see clearly.

Yesterday's Parasha (weekly reading of the torah) concerned judges and leaders for the people. The Holy One, I am sure, foresaw that people wouldn't always see eye to eye.

In the cases of abuse it's not a case of a difference of opinion, but a case of someone being taken advantage of. UsedForJesus do not seek the downfall of an organization, simply that people would be made aware of the abuse of a group who should be preaching the gospel and living in accordance to the good news they proclaim.

So, to those who say we are nay-sayers, disgruntled or simply emotionally unbalanced, wake up and smell the coffee! We're not.

Some people think we're just bitter and disgruntled.

2007-08-17T16:34:00.001-07:00

It's all well and good to say that about someone who is, however after much prayer and thought (for those of us still believers - even following the abuses of Jews for Jesus), and much thought (for those of us who are no longer believers!) we have to say we worked through those issues a long time ago.

The numbers of people who go through the organization of Jews for Jesus and come out of it complaining of the same abusive style of management and behavior is staggering.

We're not here to hurt anyone (that's JFJ's job ;-) ), many of us would simply like to reach out to those who were our dearly loved friends who are still in JFJ.

After all, you wouldn't tell an abused spouse that they are in the wrong to stay with their partner and nor should you tell those catholics who were abused at the hands of priests to stay quiet.

No bitterness and disgruntlement, hoping that the truth will come out.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

2007-08-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

LATEST NEWS - August 2007

JEWS FOR JESUS VAN CRASHES

DRIVER REPORTED TO HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL.

See the report here.

We are thankful there were no fatalities.

Read a terrifying account from one of the people in the van here.

Comment: I remember being a missionary with JFJ having to drive from LA to SF on pain of financial penalty to get back for a meeting and I too fell asleep at the wheel. That was nearly 20 years ago, it appears that the JFJ machine is treating its workers (and volunteers) in exactly the same manner, unfeasible and ungodly goals, ones which people are afraid not to fulfill. If you're into praying - pray for the people hurt in this "accident". (Editor).

Jews for Jesus pressures Ex Jews for Jesus to remove their stories.

First it was Baruch Goldstein - a veteran of the core founders of Jews for Jesus. He wrote an extensive piece on the abuses of JFJ which appeared for some time on a site similar to this one (you can check out the remarkably similar story of Barry Goldberg on this site, click here). Baruch asked for his story to be removed as one of his daughters began working for the organization that he documented abuses of. Stockholm syndrome maybe?

And now, one of the other founders of a similar site to this one is also being asked to remove her story.

However, check out the story Sentenced for Life - one that speaks volumes - tells the story of one Joann Farris, a JFJ missionary - who under the pressure of JFJ had a car crash and was duped by JFJ to continue working.

The similarities abound.