CONFERENCE REPORT FROM KANSAS CITY MISSOURI
JUNE 30-JULY 4, 2002
ONE YISRAEL KNOWING YHWH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
OF THE UONYC
By
Rabbi Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky
PRE-CONFERENCE
Israelites from over 10
countries and 25 states came to middle America in July of 2002, for the annual
conference in Kansas City Missouri, which turned into a wonderful celebration
of unity, restoration, and healing in both houses of Yisrael. In this our
second annual conference but first at the Westin Crown Center of Kansas City,
there were many unknown factors regarding the venue and quality of our hosts.
However those questions were readily answered, as the hotel and convention
center provided the best service possible to all conference attendees, as
well as to the Union itself. All the conference needs were met by a courteous,
and friendly staff, that took it upon themselves to assist the Union in any
area where help was needed, ranging from setup to tear down, and all the needs
in between. It was immediately apparent to us from the first day upon arrival,
that the Union board had made the right decision in holding the annual conference
in Kansas City at the Westin. We felt as if those at the hotel were putting
the conference on with us, as opposed to having to do it all ourselves. It
became immediately obvious to the conference organizers that this venue would
continue to be the host site for all future One Yisrael Knowing YHWH Conferences.
When confronted with quality and professional service, one must be grateful.
And grateful we all were.
CENTRAL
FOR ALL
Another great benefit
of having the annual conference in Kansas City Missouri is the accessibility
for the entire messianic community to the city. Most conferences of a messianic
nature are held on the east coast of the USA, and as such Israelites west,
north and south of the Mississippi find it very excruciating when planning
to be involved. By hosting the event in Kansas City, the Union is stepping
out by making a declaration of its intention to serve all of the scattered
messianic communities, not merely the east coast community. Many visitors
who came were not two-house or true Name but were there to be open, and to
explore through discovery, if these things were true. Our guests ranged from
Messianic Jewish rabbis just checking things out to Presidents of well known
sacred name groups who are not yet fully Torah honoring, to Christians ready
to leave their pews. The conference was planned in such a manner, that it
would afford the opportunity for both seeker, and citizen alike to have their
needs and questions answered. The open atmosphere for learning and for brotherly
love silenced some critics of the Union, who had felt that the Union message
was too exclusive and too limiting. The opening night even saw unsaved Judahites
walking around in the corridor just outside the ballroom, trying to catch
a peek.
The unofficial festivities
got under way on Erev Shabbat, and Shabbat morning as pre-conference services
were held in the Westport Room on Shabbat by Beth Lechem of Columbia South
Carolina. Both events ministered to the early arrivals, as we all worshipped
and entered His presence together, as hearts were prepared to receive the
things to be ministered at the conference. The pre-conference Shabbat services
were so successful that they will be offered next year as well.
SON-DAY-YOM
RISHON PM 6/30/02
On site registration began
in earnest on Yom Rishon with an opening pre-conference workshop on Torah
Worship by Rebbetzin Wendy McNulty. This workshop was designed to prepare
our hearts in worship, and prepare our hearts it did. That evening the second
annual conference officially commenced with the blowing of both the shofar,
and the twin silver trumpets of assembly, calling all Yisrael to convene.
To our surprise, the conference kicked off with a song in the Ruach given
by Yahweh to our Master of Ceremonies Rebbetzin Wendy McNulty, as she sang
a song wherein Yahweh reminded us that we are His garden but that in order
to blossom properly our hearts had to be open. During that love song hearts
did pop open, and Israel was being prepared for the exciting and dynamic worship
of Yeshurun, the contemporary Messianic Yisrael musicians who made their second
appearance at the Union conference. Immediately upon the commencement of worship,
spontaneous dance broke out led by Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rob and Barbara Gordon,
as they led messianic dancing to the joyous sounds of restoration, and deliverance
coming from Yeshurun. The sounds of Yeshurun were so refreshing in that their
style is unique and individual, since it is patterned after the actual temple
worship in Yisrael, as opposed to pop messianic music, designed to entertain
in a concert mode.
Later that evening Union
Nassi, and founder Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky, delivered part one of the message
that was designated as the conference theme to the assembled crowd of 450
Israelites. Seeking, Standing, Asking For The Eternal Paths.
The evening message would set the table for a vision, and a declaration that
all the conference speakers in the ballroom, and in the workshop sessions
all seemed connected to. That being the return to the ways of righteousness
that were established by Yahweh on Sinai, and renewed in the first century
CE before Judah and Rome came forth with their well-known corruptions of monotheistic
atonement based belief. The tone of the conference was firmly set as Yahweh
presented two paths for the 2 houses. We saw the clear difference between
the true Torah of Yahweh that Yahshua was sent to confirm, and renew, as opposed
to the torahs or dogmas of man that Yahshua had come to nail to the tree.
MONDAY
JULY 1, 2002 YOM SHANEI AM
Monday morning saw the
conference spring into full action, as three main ballroom sessions challenged
all Israel to look deeper into the many dimensions of our walk with Messiah
Yahshua. Rabbi Tom Mitchell reminded us that the enemy is working overtime
in this last hour to destroy the Torah that is the very foundation of our
faith, since were s.a.tan to overthrow the veracity
of Torah with Moshe Rabainu as the only true author in the minds of believers,
our entire faith would fall. It was Yahshua who stated that all of Moshe’s
writings speak of Him, and so by casting doubt on Moshe’s authorship of Torah,
the Messiahship of Yahshua would then become questionable.
Truly all heard the warning sounded out by Rabbi Mitchell.
Following this warning
and admonition, Avi Ben Mordechai brought forth a power presentation, along
with his power point overheads, as he taught the assembled kiddushim that
the Word of Yahweh in all places in the Brit Chadasah is synonymous with the
words of Yahweh in Tanach called Torah. Avi beautifully laid out the biblical
case that in order to understand scripture, one cannot separate the Brit Chadasha
Word from the eternal Word of Torah, proving conclusively, and quite forcefully
that the writers of the Brit Chadasha all referred to Torah, when using or
employing the term “Word of Yah”. During this lecture many basic terms were
clearly re-defined, showing just how twisted are many of the most basic doctrines
presented to us by the Roman system of false religious faith.
The morning closed with
a war cry from Rabbi Web Hulon, who brought to our remembrance that the nation of Israel
is a nation on assignment, and that she is to prove herself faithful to her
call to move, and march in the things of Yah. The actions of Yahweh designed
to bring the people of Yisrael victory are outlined in scripture, and as Web
reminded us they all require dedication, commitment, and action as opposed
to merely the excersise of study.
After the very first morning
it became clear that Yahweh Himself selected all the speakers who were the
“creme of the crop” in Messianic Yisrael. They are
the most fearless, and non-compromising that the messianic movement has seen
to date. It was Yahweh’s will that there be fewer speakers than last year
but that those who were selected would be those who had proven themselves
in tenacity and consistency for Yahweh.
BREAKOUTS
The
afternoon breakouts were a blessing to all as Rabbi
Web Hulon, Rabbi Rob Miller,
Rabbi Charles Zechman, Dina Mordechai, Rabbi Asquith Michael,
Rebbetzin Wendy McNulty, Rabbi Paul Todd, and Rabbi Tom Mitchell, all
presented various topics of Israelite interest. The breakout sessions on Yom
Shanei were packed to the hilt, as many rooms that
only held 75 people needed to have extra seating added, as the hungry of Messianic
Yisrael came to be fed spiritually in these more intimate and close up settings.
While some were learning Hebrew, others understood the next major move by
Yahweh among black Ephraimites and Jews, while others were learning the restoration
of the half shekel as a means of repentance from paganistic footholds in Yisrael.
A diversity in unity was the main course, as Yahweh provided the common thread
through all the speakers, as they all tied neatly into the conference theme
of Seeking, Standing, Seeing Asking, And Walking In The Ancient/Eternal
Paths.
Several
ladies were mikvahed into Yahshua, as they accepted biblical immersion for
the first time. Others were re-mikvahed in immersion into the Name of Yahshua,
as opposed to past mikvot done in the false Trinitarian formulas. This exciting
event took place in a mini-pool on the 5th floor, which was utilized
as a pool of immersion.
EVENING
The second evening
started with a Hebraic benediction from our MC and progressed into a stream
of overflowing worship that was sweet and Israelite based, using true Names
only. Many of the selections were introduced to all of assembled
Israel for the first time that night, as Israel ebbed in the flow of soothing
love, and adoration, directed at our Abba though Moshiach. Yahweh had visited
us with fresh Tehellim, and all Yisrael tasted the sweetness of scriptural
based worship. Following the ministry of music, Rabbi Ed Nydle, board member
of the Board of Rabbis of the Union, took to the microphone, and simply blew
the keddusim into new heights of understanding and insight in his message
entitled “Yakkov’s Ladder And The Two Houses.” Rabbi Ed showed
us how the entire account of Yakkov's ladder was a declaration of Israel’s
two houses, held together by Yahweh and His middle pillar of emanation, (that
being the Word of Yahweh). It seemed like the time just flew by, as all joined
Yakkov in that close-up view of the ladder between Israel and their heavenly
King.
YOM SHLISHI/TUESDAY
JULY 2, 2002 AM
Tuesday began with the continuation
of the conference theme delivered by Rabbi Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky in parts
two and three. In these sessions Yahweh instructed kol Yisrael as to the necessity
of choosing, and not merely looking into the things of redeemed remnant Israel,
as Yahweh challenged the attendees to go deep in rest for their beings by adopting
all of Israel’s eternal ways, that are neither old or new but eternal. As the
conference theme was delivered in deeper layers, Rabbi Moshe admonished the
set-apart ones to enjoy His rest as Israel, so that the way of Yahweh would
lead to Margovah/Eternal Rest in the coming kingdom, as we rest from our restlessness,
and as we leave the path of the goyim behind, and embrace the ways of Tzion.
Immediately
following the message, Rabbi Rob Miller in a message entitled “The Midnight
Cry”, reminded all Yisrael that Israel was called to be ready for Messiah’s
return but that based on the condition of scattered Israel in the nations
and the churches, Israel was not ready to meet her King. This sober but loving
call to wayward Israel was presented in the comparison and analysis of the
differences between being a prepared virgin versus being an unprepared virgin,
with special insight into the simple steps Israelites need to take to be prepared.
Contained in Rabbi Miller's message was the candid call to Yisrael not to
fall into the trap of many who spiritualize away all of scripture thus leaving
Israel without a physical reign in the days of the Messiah.
AFTERNOON
The
afternoon of Yom Shanie saw the introduction of several new speakers to the
conference of re-gathered Israel. Among the notable speakers were Minister
Eddie Chumney, Rabbi Ed Nydle, Rabbi Rob & Rebbetzin
Barbara Gordon, and Moreh Avi Ben Mordechai. Later that afternoon Rav Ed Nydle
provided an introductory course to those brand new to two-house truth. The
Union is always concerned and attentive to the needs of new Israelites just
leaving the false systems based in Babylon and Rome, and therefore the need
for the introductory courses. Fifteen men were mikvahed in the immersion pool
on the fifth floor, with several recommitting themselves to Yahweh along with
others committing to an Israelite lifestyle for themselves and their families.
EVENING
Yeshurun
came back on the platform to bless us with even more new wine messianic music,
designed to lead and march the worshipper into the holy of holies. The shalom
of Yahweh fell and prepared the hearts of the assembled. Their unique blend
of contemporary and scriptural worship challenged all Israel to give their
all in homage to our melech. The Union is fortunate to have such a committed
and talented team as a staple of it’s annual conferences. Many worship songs
were presented from their recently newly released CD, naturally entitled “Yeshurun”.
Avi
Ben Mordechai delivered a most powerful and challenging evening message by
pointing out the historicity of the transition from three primary manifestations
of Elohim taught by Yahshua and the talmidim, to the three person deity of
today in an unforgettable message called “The Trinity: How We Got From The Hebrew Shema To The Three
Person Deity Of Rome.” This address answered many of the questions that many
believers through the ages have asked but never seemed to get satisfactory
responses to. Avi documented the path of deviation followed by the so-called
church fathers, all the while preserving the basic underlying truth of the
diversity and plurality of the clear unity of Yahweh-Elohim.
It was a presentation that no one could withstand due to its historical documentation,
even though the message itself is often hard for many recovering from spiritual
abuse to receive at first.
YOM
REVEE/WEDNESDAY JULY 3, 2002 AM
The last official day of the set-apart gathering began with
an early morning instructional in putting on or laying tefillin. The word
delivered to us by Rav Nydle entitled "Binding To Purpose In Israel"
was a call to Israel to restore all things that are scriptural, and a warning
not to view some traditions as being tradition but rather as divine connections
to Yahweh outlined in Torah. Sadly often the practice of tefillin is limited
in Messianic Israel due to many misunderstandings, and misconceptions regarding
the practice, which Rav Ed reminded us, are very scriptural.
The morning's second teaching by Rabbi Asquith Michael from
Trinidad entitled “What Did You Go To The Wilderness To See?” was a reminder
to all of Israel to continue in belief despite hindrances, tribulations, and
oppositions. Rabbi Michael clearly showed the conference that all Israelites
will suffer ridicule, and separation from the world, and the religious community,
and that we must count the cost of true discipleship before our wilderness
appointments. A cost that Messiah Yahshua told us would cost us not just our
comfort zone, and our reputations but even our lives, and past religious lives
as well. He left us pondering the motives for our very attendance in Kansas
City.
Next on tap was the lecture
“Understanding Moshiach’s Unity Prayer Of John 17” which was delivered by
Minister Eddie Chumney a friendship affiliate of the Union. Using the true
Names of Yahweh and Yahshua, Eddie dissected the High Priestly prayer of Messiah,
and used Messiah’s petition to display conclusively that Yahshua was sent
by Abba Yahweh to not only die for the world’s sins but also to restore the
true Name among His talmidim. Eddie emphasized that
in the light of 9/11, and all the gods that claim to be the real true and
living one, that it is necessary to see Messiah's prayer, as a prayer that
the true Name of Yahweh would not only keep Israel separate from the nations
but that it would guard them in times of crisis.
AFTERNOON
Wednesday
afternoon the Union held its annual Open Panel Discussion, which was moderated
by Rabbi Tom Mitchell, who did a wonderful job of keeping things flowing.
Many difficult questions were taken, and entertained by a panel of Union leaders,
ranging from explaining the two houses, to the proper calendar of Yahweh,
to the issue of new moons, and even the necessity of true Name usage. The
questions were fair and well thought out, as were the answers to those questions
that were all submitted ahead of time in written format. The people of Israel
seemed to enjoy this opportunity to ask direct questions from the leaders
of two-house restoration.
That
afternoon’s workshops saw many specific teachings with additions from new
Union leaders such as Avi Ben Mordecahi, and Daniel Payton. Rabbi Charles
Zechman who also taught at conference, is soon to be returning to Zimbabwe
Africa to teach all 60 Union groups in Zimbabwe about the deep things of two-house
truth, since they already are well versed in the moadim/feasts and the Shabbat
along with the true Name. Rabbi Zechman has spent much of his adult life ministering in Zimbabwe.
Now he returns with the fresh vision of the 2-house revelation that he learned
in the past 18 months while stateside. There are even rumors of an imminent
marraige for the Jewish rabbi from Zimbabwe.
FINAL
EVENING
The
final official evening began with Rabbi Rob and Barbara Gordon leading a special
dance routine. The songs and music were well choreographed, as the dance routines were exciting
with new steps not seen before at Union conferences. The coordination was
excellent and the dance routines prepared all Yisrael for a time of sweet
worship immediately following. It is apparent from watching
the dance presentation that Hebraic dancing has purpose, meaning, and direction,
whereas the wild giration “dancing” of some other
systems not based in Hebrew understanding seem to be nothing more than “bounce
off the wall and run down the isle sessions” of uncoordinated and unbridled
“me “ism”.
Prior
to the final evening message Rabbi Moshe announced that the 2003 One Yisrael
Knowing YHWH Conference would be held at the same place in Kansas City Missouri
July 13-16 2003, as applause sprung forth from the assembled nation grateful
for a conference gone well.
The
final evening message was delivered by Minister Eddie Chumney, as Eddie spoke
concerning “The Two Houses In The Brit Chadasha” Many eye opening points were
presented, showing how the two house truth is not only taught in the Brit
Chadasha but is actually emphasized on all four Hebraic levels of teaching,
and understanding. Such examples as the woman with the issue of blood being
a type of Israel being unclean and unable to return to Yahweh due to illness
and waywardness, as she is seen as the unfaithful and unclean woman of Israel
portrayed by the prophets such as Hosea and Isaiah. Eddie brought forth a
bag full of spiritual goodies that convinced even the most ardent skeptic,
that not only did Messiah and the talmidim know about the two houses, they
lived for its reunification. Many things that have been in the Good News record
all along, seemed to pop up in obvious realization.
The
conference ended with the blowing of the twin beaten silver trumpets, dismissing
the assembly of blood washed Yisrael, as Rabbi Moshe pronounced the Aaronic
Benediction which placed Yahweh's eternal and true Name upon all Yahweh' s
people for all times. Yahweh’s people being sealed in Yahweh’s Name were then
ready to depart with all the goodness and love of Yahweh contained within,
and sealed from leakage in His Name, thorough the final pronouncement of the
Aaronic Benediction.
YOM
CHAMISHI/THURSDAY JULY 4TH 2002 AM
The
annual Rabbis and Rebbetzins Leaders Forum for Union leaders took place when
leaders met to discuss various issues of Union business. Many insights were
gained in these discussions, including a possible outreach via Internet radio
or short-wave radio word wide, as well as a Derech Emet Yeshiva overhaul,
designed to use more of the materials from Union leadership on CD, rather
than from outside paperback sources. Another important issue was the affirmation
that the Union remain open to congregations and ministries only, rather than
individuals who may bring in all sorts of beliefs, and doctrines.
The
items and matters brought to the forefront were later analyzed, and discussed
at the annual Union Board of Rabbis meeting where the concerns and suggestions
from the leaders meeting were analyzed along with other key issues regarding
the immediate, and long term future of the Union of Two House Messianic Congregations.
SEE
YOU ALL NEXT YEAR JULY 6th-9th 2003 AT THE WESTIN CROWN CENTER FOR THE 3RD
ANNUAL ONE YISRAEL KNOWING YHWH CONFERENCE.
