Two good men, their friendship and a legacy. The Teacher and The Preacher

by Tom Brennan,

Some time back, a Methodist Pastor struck up a friendship with an Orthodox Jew in Israel. They began to discuss what they shared in common, and found that there were more things in that common ground than they thought. A radio program began which discussed the Hebrew Roots of Christianity and the absolute necessity of supporting Israel, the home ground of both faiths. Charlie Schiffman, the Teacher and Pastor Dave McGarrah, the Preacher let their friendship, openness about the past and the promise of the future open up more doors than they or their listeners ever thought would be opened.

Recently, Charlie died from a massive and unexpected heart attack. Dave was at a point of whether or not to continue the broadcast. Friends urged him to continue. Then the floodgates opened and guests, interview sources and a wide variety of influential journalists, Israel supporters, IDF soldiers and social media activists began to open their hearts, minds and souls for Israel.

We are told that The Almighty works in mysterious ways. Tragedies and dead ends become bridges and wide open gates to astounding results and opportunities. Personally, I used to block out the half hour for The Teacher and The Preacher each week, no matter what I had planned. The broadcast is also available by podcast. The news of Charlie’s passing was a shock but the new format was an introduction to the voices of others who shared his vision, optimism and determination.

Jews, Christians and Messianics have much to gain by learning the ways these two good men made use of their knowledge of God’s Word, their ability to talk openly and learn from each other and the ways we can rebuild the strained relationship that has come upon too many over time. Charlie Schiffman left a legacy with a value that is immeasurable. He surely must be pleased at the success of the program and the ministry to promote reconciliation, support for The Land, and solidarity in defending Jews and now Christians as they see persecution from hostile governments and a media that seems sworn to destroy both of them.

Thanks Pastor Dave and thank you Charlie Schiffman, two men of honor, courtesy and integrity and solid faith in The Almighty we all serve.

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