Pastor Steven A. Barrows – Bible Baptist Church of North Spencer, NY

August 8, 2010

Re:  Letter of Reference for John Metzger, Ariel Ministries

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in the name of Yeshua Ha Mashiach, Jesus the Christ!

Have you ever wondered what it was that Jesus said to the disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:12-35, especially verse 27, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”  We might not hear it from Jesus’ lips as the two disciples did, but we can hear it nonetheless.

It is with profound pleasure that I introduce and recommend my great missionary friend, John Metzger.  I met John about a dozen years ago when, as a career changer, I was in Bible College and he came from Ariel Ministries to share his heart and passion for helping local churches to reach out to the Jewish community.  He opened my eyes to the vast treasures of Jewish teaching that have helped me over the years to better understand the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day and the Jewish uniqueness of who our Savior is—Yeshua Ha Mashiach.

John is a skilled exegete of the original biblical languages.  His careful translation and detailed study always produces preaching and teaching that excites, edifies, and leaves you wanting more.  For example, he has preached the Word of the Lord faithfully here numerous times and our congregation is always blessed, being edified and better equipped to understand and reach out to Jewish people.  In fact, each time he is here, congregants are eager for more and a number have obtained John’s writings for further study.  We have found that John is able to open up Jewish culture in a way that shows a path to effective witnessing to Jewish people.  After a visit, our people discuss and refer back to John’s teachings for months after he has gone.

If you are looking for a Missionary Educator that can both impact your congregation’s understanding of the Jewish roots of our Christian faith and help prepare you for more effective Jewish evangelism, then John Metzger is your man.  I most strongly recommend him to you, brother pastor, and to our sister congregations.  We felt so strongly about John’s impact for the Kingdom that we took him on to help support him in his missionary outreach.  Call him.  Invite him.  You will be blessed by John as he begins “with Moses and all the prophets” and opens up the Scriptures with fresh, Jewish eyes!

Serving the King Together,

Steven A. Barrows, Pastor

721 Ithaca Road, Spencer, NY   14883

www.NorthSpencer.org        bbcns@htva.net      607-589-7505