The day had been chosen and set aside by the BIBTF and sister organisations the BIWF and the CPF. for special prayer for the Israel people in Great Britain and Ireland, in nations in mainland Europe, and spread out to the ends of the earth. The day was specially fitting for this purpose because 29th September is widely recognised as the Feast Day of Saint Michael and All Angels in the western Christian calendar.

Michael the archangel is recorded in scripture as fighting against and defeating Satan in the war in heaven (Revelation ch. 12 v. 7), and Michael is named as the prince which stands up for Daniel's people (Israel) at the time of their greatest trouble and deliverance (Daniel ch. 12 v. 1).

The morning session, which commenced at 11 a.m., was led by Pastor Robert Phillips,  minister at the Elim Free Bible Pattern church (Edwards Street, Carlisle).

He read out encouraging messages of support and greeting, with requests for prayer, from various individuals and organisations in Canada, New Zealand, USA, and the Netherlands. He emphasized that the gathering was highly significant at this time of moral, military and economic trouble.

The congregation re-gathered upstairs for the afternoon session that started at 2:15 p.m. and chaired by BIBTF Secretary Mr Paul Boyd-Lee who gave a warm welcome to Mr Martin Lightfoot as guest lecturer from the BIWF and his wife Sue.  The first address came in the form of a fascinating power point presentation entitled ‘The Greek Connection’. After Sue read from Isaiah chapter 52 verses 5-10 which speaks of ‘all nations’ and ‘all the ends of the earth’, Martin noted that Israel’s (and hence our) national calling and business is to focus on taking the gospel of salvation, something Israel has often done as missionaries in the past.

Martin then spoke about the early history of the tribe of Dan  and their movements by sea.  He suggested a link between the port of Dor and the Dorian Greeks.  The practice of giving a tenth (tithe) and giving firstfruits found in Greece but not elsewhere (e.g. in Egypt or Assyria) except by Hebrews like Jacob (Genesis chater 28 v. 22) was an interesting clue.  Early links to other D-N place and tribal names across Europe and in Ireland were highlighted by citing quotations from classical and later authors.  

A Thanksgiving Day offering for the work of the BIBTF was received during the singing of a hymn.  Supporters who wish to add to this can do so by sending donations marked ‘BIBTF Thanksgiving’ to Mr Brian Longford, 197 Sleetmoor Lane, Swanwick, Derby.  DE55 1RH.

Following on from Martin Lightfoot a Thanksgiving Day offering to aid the work of the BIBTF was gratefully received during the singing of a hymn.

Supporters who would like to add to this offering can do so by sending donations marked ‘BIBTF Thanksgiving’ to Mr Brian Longford, 197 Sleetmoor Lane, Swanwick, Derby.  DE55 1RH.

The chairman then welcomed the second afternoon speaker, Pastor Jory Brookes (from Detroit, USA), who spoke on ‘The Three Sisters of Prophecy’.

Jory read Ezekiel chapter 16 verses 44-55, noting that this passage is ignored by most Bible commentators.  If not ignored it is woefully misunderstood, even by many British Israelites. After citing examples of such confusion, Jory made a clear case for the following interpretation.

After citing examples of such confusion, Jory made a clear case for the following interpretation.  1.  The elder sister is Samaria (Northern Israel), termed the elder because it included the birth right tribes of Reuben and Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh).  2. The second sister is Jerusalem, which fell outside of the tribal system under the king, rather akin to the Vatican City in Italy which is a modern imitation of Jerusalem.  3.  The third sister is Judah (the Southern kingdom) likened to Sodom and Gomorrah in Isaiah chapter 1 (vv. 4 & 10). He noted that all Israel went into captivity as three main sections in these divisions; namely: 1.  Northern Israel (Samaria) in 721 B.C.;  2.  Southern Judah (except Jerusalem) in 701 B.C.; and, 3. Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

Finally, we were blessed again with another duet sung by Pastor Robert Phillips (who also played the piano) and his wife Lynn.

As is our custom the afternoon service was concluded with the Aaronic blessing (see below) before most were able to stay on for an hour to enjoy tea, cake and a chat together.

We would like to give many thanks to all those who helped with food, literature, music, and in other ways to make the day so enjoyable and run so smoothly.