Our guest is president of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) Jamie Cowen

Dear Jamie, please tell us about UMJC a little.
- The Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC) was formed in 1979. It is an association of Messianic Jewish congregations from around the world. There are currently about 90 congregations affiliated with the UMJC. The UMJC provides annual national conferences in the United States, regional conferences in the US and Canada, ordination and certification of Messianic rabbis and leaders, an internship program for up and coming leaders, Planter's program for new congregations, a seminary - Messianic Jewish Theological Institute, educational materials for children and adults and more.

What else large Messianic organizations are in the world, have you friendship with them?
- The other large Messianic organization in the US is the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America, in which we have a very close relationship, and work together on numerous projects. In the former Soviet Union we have close relationships with Shalom Network.

How many Jews believing in Yeshua (Jesus) are now?
- This is a very difficult question because many Jews who believe in Yeshua are members of churches and so statistics are difficult to gather. There are approximately 500 Messianic congregations in the world. The best estimates of the numbers of Jewish people who believe in Yeshua is probably around 100,000.

What is your opininon: how can we preach the Good News to Jews and Gentiles more?
- Preaching the Gospel effectively to Jewish people is not an easy task because of the centuries of Christian anti-Semitism. Thus, Jews who believe in Yeshua are often seen as traitors to the larger Jewish community. I believe today Messianic Jews need to involve themselves in Jewish communal activities to show the community that Messianic Jews remain as Jews. Then our light will shine in the midst, and many will inquire about the light within us.

Is it difficult to preach the Good News in Israel?
- There is a revival in Israel today. The Messianic congregations are growing and many Israelis are coming to faith. Persecution still exists among the ultra-Orthodox. But the difficult times that Israelis are facing today have made them open to the Gospel.

Have you some contacts with Jewish, Christian organizations?
- Yes. I'm a member of our local Jewish Community Center and sit on various committees. I'm also a member of B'nai Brith, an international humanitarian Jewish organization. Many in our national organization also have contacts within the Jewish community. As to Christian contacts, yes there are many and at the highest levels in most churches.

Please tell us about yourself and your family a little.
- I am the rabbi of Tikvat Israel Congregation in Richmond, Virginia since 1990. We have about 250 members. I am married to Stacy; we have three daughters, Amy, Jennifer and Rebecca. Jennifer immigrated to and lives in Israel. I am also the President of Russian Immigration Services, a legal and social service organization that assists Russian immigrants in our city. Previously, I served as the Chief Counsel to a U.S. Senate Subcommitee in the U.S. Congress for 9 years. Our congregational website is www.tikvatisrael.com

07. 2004