| CFMDA Ambulance |
"Faith without works is dead" (James 2 v26 )
Who are CFMDA?
Christian Friends of Magen David Adom UK (CFMDA) is an organisation which was founded by Born Again Christians whose faith and theology leads them to stand with Israel in obedience to the Lord.
How did they begin ?
After a "chance" meeting with Norman Feingold, who works enthusiastically for the regional side of Magen David Adom UK, a small group of Christians were asked to form a Christian Friends group.
What is Magen David Adom?
Magen David Adom - The Red Shield of David - is the Israeli equivalent of the British Red Cross. It is an a-political, non-sectarian organisation which is Israel's only emergency service. It is particularly active in wartime and during suicide bombings when it treats the injured indiscriminately, regardless of faith or nationality.
What are CFMDA's aims?
- Their immediate aim is to provide an ambulance to be deployed in Israel. The ambulance will have the words "Christian Friends of Magen David Adom UK" written on the side. This will serve as a witness to the people of Israel that a group of Christians are standing with them during what will prove to be the most difficult period of their history.
- Through their 'good work' the CFMDA group want to alter the perceptions of Christians and the Christian faith and demonstrate that everyone can work together.
How did CFMDA provide the first ambulance?
The ambulance was bought with donations, as the Lord lead them to give.
Current update on our Fundraising
As of 20th August 2008, we have raised £52,818.
How do we 'fit in' with the work of the Lord?
- According to The Jerusalem Post (05/09/06) this is a time of burgeoning ties between Israel and the Christian Evangelical community throughout the world. We believe that we are part of this move.
- We are making friendships which are leading to conversations regarding our respective faiths.
Profiles
Norman Feingold - Christian Friends of Magen David Adom was the brainchild of Norman Feingold during the recent war with Lebanon. Norman has a history of over 60 years fundraising for Israel.
The Reverend Mark Madeley - The Reverend Mark Madeley is the vicar of St John the Baptist Church in Coley near Halifax. He is an evangelical in the Church of England also Patron of Anglicans for Israel and runs a travel company taking people to Israel.
Peter McGowan - Peter is a Bolton businessman. He believes that CFMDA will show, in a practical way, the love Christians have for their Lord and the Lord's love to Israel.
Barrie Robinson - Events organiser who works alongside Peter McGowan and also runs very successful market stalls, for CFMDA, in the Bolton area.
Richard Simon - Richard is the UK Regional Director for Magen David Adom and is responsible for co-ordinating CFMDA.
Bookmarks
CFMDA Bookmarks are now available through the Manchester office at a cost of 50p each with a minimum order of 10. Payment by cheque made out to "MDA UK"
CFMDA Ambulance Dedication
On Monday, 2nd June 2008, the dedication took place of the first CFMDA Ambulance at Tiberias MDA Station. This was the culmination of a mission to Israel by many members and there were some 80 people at the dedication ceremony.
"I have made some wonderful Christian Friends on the visit... I have learned more about Israel and our Jewish roots.... The Ambulance given by CFMDA is just one way of continuing the ministry of Jesus to the Jewish nation."
Jassy Dawson
" The main thing I took away from my pilgrimage to Israel was what I learnt about the importance of Israel"
Elizabeth Northcott
"I thank the Lord that I was able to be part of the tour and the dedication of the Ambulance"
David Corless
"The ambulance is a vehicle of survival, not only for the people it picks up, but for those at the dedication, for the Jewish people and for the Christian people.... It is a privilege to have found you and a privilege to know you."
Norman Feingold
Events
King Sway. On Sunday, 21st October 2007, there was an evening of song and dance at the Kingsway Christian Fellowship in Waterloo, Liverpool. CFMDA founder, Norman Feingold, addressed those present on the work of MDA and thanked those present for their support.
For further information on Kingsway Christian Fellowship, please contact Alan Chester on 0151 920 5111.
Barrie Robinson's Market Stall - Barrie, a local businessman sets-up stalls in Bolton Market and Bolton Town Centre and has now raised nearly £4,000 for CFMDA.
Pie & Pea Evening, Bolton - This was held at the Bethel Church in Bolton in December 2006. Over 170 people attended from a wide area of the North West. Being the fourth night of Chanukah, Richard Simon invited four people to light the chanukiah after he had recited the various blessings. Four members of CFMDA then led the meeting in songs of worship including the Hatikvah.
The Reverend Mark Madeley delivered a sermon based on the story of the Good Samaritan whilst introducing himself and his position with regard to Magen David Adom and Israel.
Richard Simon then gave an informative talk on the work of Magen David Adom which was followed by the latest DVD. After a prayer by the Reverend Stephen Marchant, a collection took place which raised a stunning £1,064.
Salute to Israel Parade
On Sunday, 29th June 2008, many of the Christian Friends of MDA took part in the Salute to Israel Parade which ended up with a "party in the park" at Heaton Park, Manchester.
The Future of CFMDA
As a Friend of CFMDA, I believe that, like Caleb, we should be looking to the future and overcoming all obstacles and events around us that can frighten and intimidate us, which can stop us reaching our goals. It is important that we pray for guidance and also that people will come on board and help us grow as a ministry, so that we can bless the people of Israel and can continue to provide ambulances and, maybe, ambulance stations, God willing.
Barrie Robinson. Events Organiser
Roy Cryer
Roy Cryer feels that it is time for him to step down as National Vice-Chairman. He, and his wife Anne, originally believed that they should be in the work for a year "to get it off the ground." They extended this time as we were so near to buying the first ambulance. However, events of last year have confirmed that their decision is right. They will, of course, continue, as Friends, to support CFMDA financially in prayer. We thank them for their enthusiasm and hard work and wish them every blessing as the Lord leads them into the future.
Making a donation to Christian Friends of Magen David Adom
A donation towards the work of the Christian Friends of Magen David Adom can be made by credit or debit card using our secure online donation facility, and choosing 'Christian Friends of MDA' from the 'Make a donation to' selection box.
Alternatively, please send a cheque, and a copy of the CFMDA Application Form to Richard Simon at the Regional Office.