Tree of Life Congregation

Tina Stephens

I don’t know why I’ve never written a review for this church, so it’s long overdue. I’m Jewish by heritage but came to the Lord Yeshua when I was almost 14, so my Jewish background was a lot like a lot of Jewish families in America; they fell from it and hid it. So I was only raised, in the Deep South at that, knowing I was Jewish but nothing more. Being told from both the Jewish community and a lot from the Christian community that if I believed In Jesus then I wasn’t Jewish anymore. So, I didn’t want to stop believing in Yeshua so like most Jews whom come to Christ in America, we go to regular Christian churches and go with the flow on what they teach and do. Even if we do bring up issues like following all of Gods word (OT and just the NT) and following his feats as commanded etc etc, we get told that’s just a Jewish thing. I thought it was a God thing but okay. I was looking for a new church to attend and God answered my prayers. I asked for a church that loves God and all of his word. A place where I should and need to be at and can grow in all ways for him. I was also at this time trying to connect with my heritage and try to embrace it instead of hiding it somewhat or ignoring it as I was taught to do. I had about 8 different people tell me to go to Tree of Life. So I heard God and listened. I had my 11 yr old (at the time) son go with me so I wouldn’t be alone. I had never even heard of the term messianic until about 2 years before this time (April/may 2021) and never knew until these amazing people told me about this church, that messianic synagogues existed. So to say I didn’t know what to expect is an understatement truly!! We went and all I can say about that first day is: wow!!! From the singing and praising in English and Hebrew, to the pulling of the Torah and in that moment reading the blessing that came with that and hearing that God trusted my people, ME and then my kids one day, to pass on the Torah to everyone and being Entrusted with something like that, was something I never heard before. Then hearing the rabbi read the Torah to us in the original language and then English and then teach on it, was great! Rabbi stan was the one to do the reading that day. I was amazed. And somehow I felt closer to my heritage and to God and to how Yeshua himself worshipped in the synagogues! How wonderful. I knew in that moment I was in the right place and I remember all throughout the service that day praising God for leading me there. Sid was the first one to speak to us and then later Stan. They both took the time to get to know us and was genuinely interested in us. Yes Stan asked if we were Jewish and what led us to his church. I answered that God led me here! We’ve been here over a year now and I’m transferring my membership to this church. I’ve finally been able to complete by bat mitzvah (something I wasn’t allowed to do cuz girls weren’t allowed). My son is now training for his bar mitzvah next year at this church! I was worried I would have to go to a Jewish synagogue to have him train and complete it and with us following Yeshua I knew that would be a major issue. So I’m thankful we have the ability to do it here! I’ve learned Hebrew (still learning) and have done the Torah darash a few times now (yes I’ve been entrusted with it and it’s a huge honor I take seriously) and I have learned so much here in this year than all my years as a believer combined! They have messianic dance class where we learn Jewish dances of praise, they have Torah study after the service by an amazingly talented woman named Adia! She speaks 8 languages fluently including Hebrew and Greek; so you won’t learn the Bible anywhere else like here. Rabbi Jack and his wife Sandi are back and they love the church so much. You will love this place, jew and gentile, alI promise! All are welcome but for me, I have a place I belong and know more about my heritage, feel closer to God and I’m truly thankful for this place. For Stan, Josh, Jack, Sandi, Aida, EVERY MEMBER, I love you deeply and indebted to you all!

Paula Youngblood

I was warmly welcomed. The Word was clearly and accurately presented. It was obvious that this was a congregation of love. I feel like i have found my church home. Praise Adonai!

Todd Pardue

Was greeted friendly at the door but then was interrogated by one of the Elders. The rest of the congregation which was maybe less than 20. for the most part was not friendly. I guess I wasn't Jewish enough!

Esther Watts

Beautiful people, good Word!!!