Ariel New Zealand was established in 2002 in recognition of the need for this ministry to be represented and active in New Zealand on an ongoing basis. Prior to this Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum had visited and taught in New Zealand every two years.

New Zealand has a population of over four million including approximately 12,000 Jewish people. We have our office in Auckland (population about 1,000,000) from which we distribute virtually all of Ariel’s materials. The office is enthusiastically looked after by Helen Mackie who has been full-time with us for two years.

We feel that now that we are established, we are in a position to focus on the mission of Ariel Ministries – Jewish evangelism and the discipleship of Jewish and Gentile believers. We believe that the first phase of outworking that mission is to inform the Church at large of God’s plans and purposes for Israel and the Jewish people, and that His methodology for Jewish evangelism calls on Gentile believers to “make them jealous”. Coincidentally this was the subject of ‘Fruit from the Frucht’ in the recent newsletter (Volume 2, 2006).

There are believers in New Zealand who love Israel and the Jewish people, and who are active in hosting many of the 7,000 young Israeli visitors who come here every year. There is however a widespread lack of teaching in the Church about Israel and an ignorance of God’s covenant promises and of the call for us to be involved in Jewish evangelism.

We consider that one of the most effective ways of informing the Church is by teaching Arnold’s “Life Of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective” and we now have weekly teaching groups in Auckland and Hamilton. In August 2006, Tony conducted a ‘Highlights of the Life of Messiah’ Seminar at Rangiora near Christchurch in the South Island, and this was well attended. We hope to see these teaching groups multiply.

We will follow this up with a program on “God’s Methodology for Jewish Evangelism.” There is a lot of work ahead but we believe that as we follow God’s Word and instructions there will be fruit.

We are working with Celebrate Messiah (Australia) and Chosen People Ministries in holding ‘Simcha NZ 2006’ during Rosh Hashanah. Alan Shore from CPM (USA) and Lawrence Hirsch from Celebrate Messiah will provide teaching and ministry. We are looking forward to inviting our Jewish friends to participate with us in this celebration.

We recognize the absolute need for prayer and welcome your support in this area.