CMI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Reginald K. Lisemby Executive Director CMI Chattanooga, Tennessee
My love for the Jewish people began with the realization of the Jewishness of Jesus, the Bible, Christian faith, and biblical worship and practice. My first visit to Israel, the place Ezekiel called the ‘navel’ of the earth, was in 1979, and the pilgrimage greatly impacted my life. Subsequent trips to Israel doing missions moved me to genuine love for the Jewish people who historically have experienced a history of one long night. Missions is demographically categorized as either Foreign or Home. We press the issue that the biblical pattern of missions is prioritized (1) to the Jews first, and then (2) to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). The purpose of CMI is twofold, to embrace the Jewish people with the gospel of Yeshua, and to inform and enlighten the Christian church of their Jewish roots and the great opportunity we have to reach Israel.
Lane Keith Chairman CMI Chattanooga Tennessee
I have become grounded in the doctrine of Romans 1:16, ‘to the Jew first and also to the Greek,’ and believe that everything we Christians embrace spiritually is due to the Jews. They are the authors of the Scriptures (Romans 3:2), they are the progenitors of Jesus Christ (Romans 9:5). We as believers have a debt to Israel, and therefore a responsibility to help facilitate their recognition of Messiah, Yeshua HaMashiach / Jesus Christ. Supporting CMI is an excellent way to reply to this responsibility. Through representatives in Israel, Ukraine, and the United States, CMI is engaged in the vital work of proclaiming the saving message of Yeshua and teaching believers about our Jewish heritage. Partnering with CMI is an excellent opportunity for Christians to assist in growing the body of Christ in this unique area of ministry.
Bill Pryor Chattanooga Tennessee
We have been blessed, challenged, enlightened, and changed by the outstanding Bible teaching of Reginald Lisemby. God has equipped Reginald with the gift of teaching and empowered him to translate the printed word of God into the living word of God. Reginald's teaching has given us a never ending desire to study and know more about God's Holy Word so we can be a convincing witness to our precious Jewish friends.
Mike Swift Secretary CMI Ringgold GA
I have known Reginald and his family for several years. I have gone on several mission trips with him and his family, twice to Kenya, to Wyoming Indian Reservation, and I have always been impressed with his dedication to the Lord and his evangelizing of the Jewish people. Reginald is very knowledgeable of the Bible. I am also glad I know him as a friend.
CMI PASTORS/CHURCH LEADERS
Dr. Ken G. Hanna Dallas Seminary Houston, Texas
The full extent of the atrocities committed against the Jews by Hitler was finally being revealed to the world as the Nazi war machine crumbled before the Allied forces in 1944. This served to intensify the concern of Christians, worldwide, for the Jewish people. In Chattanooga, Tennessee God was burdening special people with the need to reach their Jewish friends an obligation to share the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah. The heart of this ministry is the ongoing witness of CMI representatives in Israel and Eastern Europe, explaining the gospel of Christ one-on-one. Here at home the message goes out under many strategies of ministry in particular, radio, publications, and ministry in churches. When Jesus approached Jerusalem, He wept over the city. His heart was broken by the unbelief, and burdened by the knowledge of the suffering awaiting its inhabitants (Luke 13:34, 35; 19:41-44). Christians need to weep again over the city and pray that its inhabitants will embrace Jesus as their messiah.
Dr. Darryl Craft Senior Pastor Chattanooga, TN
I am honored and consider it a privilege to recommend CMI and its Director, Reginald K. Lisemby to you. The ministry of CMI is so very vital to our calling to reach the Jewish community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although this is a very difficult task CMI has been faithful to the Word of God and worked diligently to build relationships to share Christ with Jewish people around the world. Reginald K. Lisemby is a personal friend as well as a member of our church. He and his family are very faithful and involved in the life and ministries of Brainerd Baptist. We have had the privilege of having Reginald speak at Brainerd. He is a scholar and a gifted communicator. His theology is sound and his testimony is strong. Every time I hear Reginald speak, I am challenged and overwhelmed by his love for the Lord, God’s Word, and the lost world. I wholeheartedly recommend this ministry and this man to any group or church wanting to grow and be challenged in their faith. CMI is a wonderful ministry that God is using to touch and change lives.
Barry Wilks Associate Pastor of Administration Education Outreach and Missions
It is my privilege to tell you about a missions centered ministry. Reginald Lisemby and his family are actively involved in mission opportunities here at Brainerd Baptist Church, their home church. Mr. Lisemby serves as the Executive Director for the Christian Ministry to Israel. He is a dedicated Christian who is following the Biblical mandate to present Jesus to the Jews as their Messiah. I would like to encourage you and your church to consider partnering with Christian Ministry to Israel. I can assure you that Brainerd Baptist will continue to be involved in this ministry and it is our desire to have many more people involved so that all peoples including the Jewish people may know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Please prayerfully consider how God would use you to bless Reginald and the Christian Ministry to Israel (CMI).
Larry Frick Mission’s Pastor Woodland Park Baptist Church
The opportunity to work with, financially support, and labor in prayer with a ministry which is focused on reaching Jews is greatly encouraging to me as a Missions Pastor. We have been able to meet and work with several CMI missionaries and always are impressed with their heart and integrity. I highly recommend the services and ministry of CMI to any body of believers with a heart for God's precious chosen people. Reginald has shared at our church on various occasions. He is gifted in communicating and has a tremendous Biblical knowledge of the Jews' past and present as well as His future plans for them. We as a church have learned much under his own personal ministry.
Dr. Mike Holloway Senior Pastor Warner Robbins GA
CMI has spoken in our church in Warner Robins, GA on two different occasions. Once dealing with Israel in prophecy, and once leading a Passover Seder Dinner. I am thoroughly thankful for their willingness to let us share in their ministry. They are very knowledgeable about the areas in which they speak, such as Christian outreach and Bible Prophecy. I am grateful for a ministry that has a vision for reaching God's chosen people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. I have also personally known the Executive Director, Reginald Lisemby and his family for near 25 years and have never seen him waiver in his faith. He has been a model for me to examine for much of my life and I believe has had a great impact on my walk with the Lord today. You will not find a greater combination of biblical knowledge, compassion for the lost, commitment to a task, or courage under fire than you will find in Reginald Lisemby and Christian Ministry to Israel. What an opportunity we have to use and support this ministry!
Rev. Doyle Ashburn Pastor Pikeville TN
I have known the ministry of CMI for some 25 years. I have seen God’s hand upon this work and I consider Brother Reginald K. Lisemby to be a good friend and a true follower of Jesus.
David W. Cox Pastor Chatsworth GA
When I became a Christian at the age of 27 one of the first and best things I learned was to love the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. CMI provides an avenue whereby I, and the church I pastor, can express that love in ways that will last for eternity. I am convinced that God will bless local churches that have significant involvement in Jewish evangelization. I am also convinced that Jewish evangelism is a New Testament mandate. By blending Mark 16:15 with Romans 1:16 we get the following command: “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature…to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” I am further convinced that local churches should actively seek out Jewish mission boards with which they can become partners in the gospel. I invite you and your church to become regular monthly supporters of CMI with your prayers and finances.
Kent Kressenberg Missions Director Chattanooga TN
I have appreciated the work of CMI for they show genuine concern for the individuals to whom they minister. There are far too many "Jewish missions" groups who go out like kamikazes, caring little for the image they project or the feelings of the people they target. Our Jewish friends aren't likely to do anything more than withdraw when confronted with a heavy-handed and impersonal presentation. Thus, I appreciate the relational side of CMI. I am delighted that CMI acts on the scriptural promises to Israel, and the faith that God is not through with His chosen people, Israel. CMI is uncompromisingly biblical, yet ministers in grace. The head and the heart are in balance, fueled by a healthy zeal. May God continue to pour out blessings on CMI
Rev. Ellis LeBouef Pastor Sulphur LA
I have known Reginald Lisemby and his family now for over thirty years and without reservation, I can hardily recommend him and the ministry of CMI. Mr. Lisemby has a God given love for the lost, especially God's chosen people Israel. The seeds now being planted in the Holy Land through CMI may not come to realization until the great tribulation, but as God's Word says, "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father". When you realize the meaning of YHWH you understand the importance of the work of CMI to all of us.
Steve Gilbert Pastor McDonald TN
I am writing in regard to Christian Ministry to Israel and Reginald K. Lisemby, Executive Director. Mr. Lisemby has conducted Passover Seders the past two seasons at Heritage Fellowship. His presentations are informational and inspirational. I highly recommend Christian Ministry to Israel to you if you are considering their services and ministry.
CMI FRIENDS AND CONSTITUENTS
Boyd Coleman Chattanooga Tennessee
Consistent with Romans 1:16, I believe God’s order is to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile. Christian Ministry to Israel does now and must continue to follow this order, reaching first to the Jewish people. Christian Ministry to Israel must encourage Gentile believers to take the Gospel to the Jew.
J. and F. Gold
For over a decade we have partnered with CMI in sharing a common purpose and objective (the same one I believe the Lord Yeshua had), bringing the gospel to the Jewish people - i.e. forwarding
Fred and Eva Schweig Representatives in Israel
Eva and I met Reginald Lisemby many years ago while I was a pastor in Israel. I have been blessed for the opportunity to maintain an ongoing relationship over the years.This man has a genuine heart for the lost and for the Jewish people in particular. He does all that he can to send the message of the gospel of grace and forgiveness all over the world which often means going himself! As a Jewish believer and called to the ministry of evangilism,I have learned much from all that the Lord has invested in Reginald.
Rachel Decosimo Signal Mountain TN
For such a time as this, Reginald K. Lisemby is at the helm of Christian Ministry to Israel. His passion for Israel is a reflection of the Apostle Paul’s love for Israel, that the Jewish people might be saved. While some churches teach that God has cast aside the Jews, or that Jews don’t need Jesus, Reginald Lisemby’s strong Biblical training at Moody Bible Institute has connected CMI with Israel. Anti-Semitism has once again, risen its diabolical head worldwide, and the opportunity to obey God’s command is our privilege. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Jerry and Donna Shannon Chattanooga TN
Through the years our association with CMI has been because of their stance to minister "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." We thank God for ministries that will take the position of ministering to God's chosen people when most of the world shun them. We are thankful for all they do for the Lord and His people.
Don and Jamie Taylor Hixson TN
We are so grateful for the ministry of CMI. It is a blessing to support servants of God like Reginald and Crystal Lisemby and the CMI staff. They truly walk the walk of devoted believers and servants of Jesus Christ. We have been so impressed with their faithfulness, their love for the lost in Israel and around the world, and their knowledge of God's Word. We have never had to wonder where our money goes or how it is used when we give it to CMI. We know that they will use it wisely and frugally to reach the lost, support hurting believers in poverty-stricken and/or persecuted countries, and minister to those who are in need. Our family praises God for what He is doing through Christian Ministry to Israel. Humbly in Christ’s Unending Love.
Bob and Lucy McElhaney Chattanooga TN
My wife and I want to thank you for your ministry and teaching. We attended the Prophecy classes at Brainerd Baptist Church and were blessed to attend the Seder Meal you led at our neighbor's home earlier this year. I was raised Baptist and my wife was raised Methodist. We both came to realize, during your teachings, the great significance of God's chosen people Israel. Your dedication to God's Word and thorough research in your class presentations show us a true servant's heart. May God continue to guide your steps.
Mrs. Jeannette Fox Personal Assistant to Kay Arthur Hixson Tennessee
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). The Lord has used the ministry of Christian Ministry to Israel to teach me so much about my Jewish heritage. I am thankful that CMI provides opportunities to participate in Seders, speaking, and teaching engagements and other celebrations throughout the year, as well as the radio ministry, ‘Hear O’ Israel.’ The heart of CMI is loving Israel.
BUSINESS PERSONS/OWNERS
Bill and Peggy Pryor Pryor Realty / Caldwell Banker Chattanooga, TN
We have been blessed, challenged, enlightened, and changed by the outstanding Bible teaching of Reginald Lisemby. God has equipped Reginald with the gift of teaching and empowered him to translate the printed word of God into the living word of God. Reginald's teaching has given us a never ending desire to study and know more about God's Holy Word so we can be a convincing witness to our precious Jewish friends.
Mike and Paula Smith Smith Engineering P.C. Chattanooga TN
There is a famine of teaching the “end time” subjects these day. How refreshing it was to be introduced to Reginald Lisemby, Executive Director of Christian Ministry to Israel and to hear his teaching. We found him to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable on the book of Revelation, the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Israel, God’s chosen people. We have been blessed by the ministry of CMI, the teaching of Rev. Lisemby, and do not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who loves the study of God’s Word.
Walter Jahncke Dayton Tennesse
For years I have been blessed whenever a ‘completed Jew’ has shared his or her faith in Jesus Christ as their savior. I have always felt that the Jewish people have special insight because of their Jewishness that others do not have. When I was asked to serve on the board of Christian Ministry to Israel it seemed as if God was giving me a way to return the special blessing that only Jesus can bring to his chosen people.
Tom Meade Appalachian Environmental Resources Inc Johnson City TN
The Apostle Paul has given us the wonderful book of Romans. In this writing he clearly and emphatically speaks to his Jewish brothers and sisters as well as to Gentiles. Paul’s message to them is also for us today. Romans 11:13-15 is one of my favorite passages in all of scripture for here I have dis-covered some of the most selfless words ever written by man other than the Lord Jesus Christ. The challenge and the instruction from the Apostle is clear…”But I am speaking to you who are Gentiles. In as much then as I an Apostle of Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if somehow I might move to jealously my fellow countrymen and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” These marvelous words confirm to us today that God has indeed made the way for Jews and Gentiles to be united in the body of Christ. How wonderful it is to know that salvation is available to all regardless of a person’s identity, sin, or heritage…all through the unearned and undeserved favor of God.
Skip and Rose Pittman
My wife and I have been friends with Reggie and his family for many years. Reggie and CMI have taught my family, and many others, the importance of Israel to God and also how to share Messiah with Jews and Gentiles alike. God Bless CMI!
Gloria Murphy Mercy Jail Ministries
It has been such a privilege and blessing working with CMI. I have learned so much about Israel and her people through the vast knowledge of Reggie Lisemby and the Israelogy classes. His passion for the Lord and the work in Israel pours out in his teaching. O how my heart has been stirred to a deeper awe and worship of my Lord through the presentation of the Passover meal that I attended. Then there was the mission trip to Israel in November 2009. The preparation, organization, and logistics of this trip were phenomenal. I met nine of the missionaries and became acquainted with their families, testimonies and ministries. And, yes, Reggie, the Master Artist has incorporated paintings of the land so that I now see His Word in color!!! O how I was truly blessed and awed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as He walked me through the preparation process, the trip and the wonders of the Holy Land ! O the things He spoke to me there! Every time I read my journals, look at the pictures and pick up the " Israel - Our Journey Home" book I am blessed afresh and the learning continues. CMI, their families, the missionaries and the ongoing work in Israel remain in my prayers. A great big thank you to CMI for the privilege of partnering with them to reach the Jew first with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
