Bagels and Blessings – Details, episodes & analysis

Nathan is the first-born son of Paul and Luanne Wilbur and is currently operating as the Director of Wilbur Ministries. After finishing two years of undergraduate work, a semester of Jewish studies at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas, and graduating from the Jacksonville Police Academy, Nathan was hired to manage the ministry office and oversee the ministry travel schedule.

When ten years of service and travel as a part of the team had been completed, Nathan was ordained as a minister of the gospel with several leading pastor’s affirmation and participation. Today Nathan continues as the Director of the ministry which also includes oversight of the monthly streamed service called First Friday. Nathan also continues to travel and minister as a part of the Wilbur team, sharing preaching, ministry and administrative duties.

Nathan, along with his wife Malki and their eight-year-old son, Caleb currently live near Jacksonville, Florida.

Jonathan resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Elisangela, and their two daughters. He has a heart for Los Angeles and is excited to see Jewish and interfaith families thrive in the Heritage Community!

Dee grew up in a non- Jewish home and fell in love with the Jewish root of her faith and the Jewish people many years ago. She encountered the Lord many times, from being rescued from a harmful marriage, to being healed of cancer several times, and even when she had an out of body experience. She loves to share her joy of the Lord with anyone who will listen. I know you will enjoy this interview with a very sweet woman who loves the Lord!

Rabbi Eric Carlson is founder and shepherd of Congregation Zion’s Sake, a Messianic Congregation, located in Newport News, Virginia. Eric is a native of Fairview, Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor of Theology degree. He attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, retiring in August 2003 after 22 years of decorated service in the Submarine Force. Responding to God’s call, he founded Congregation Zion’s Sake in May 2000 and entered full time ministry upon retiring from Naval Service. Eric is married to the former Barbara Patterson of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Barb teaches Israeli and Messianic Worship Dance and leads the Congregation Zion’s Sake Dance Team.

Beckah credits her mother, who was raised in a Jewish family, as being a key influence in her spiritual development.  In her early 20's she was at an all time low and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and joined a cover band.  While there she began to feel an empitness creeping in, she was searching for a home.  She searched online for a church then attended the worship service there.  Beckah says, "During the worship service, I was crying out to the Lord, 'Make a way out for me. I'm so sorry."

Paul Liberman became a believer in the Messiah in 1971. He was instrumental in founding two Messianic Congregations: Beth Messiah Messianic Congregation in Washington, D.C.
and Tree of Life in San Diego, CA.

He also served as a congregational leader at Beit Asaph in Netanya, Israel, when he resided in the Land for nine years. There, he was the Executive Director of The Joseph Project, Ltd.
(humanitarian aid importer), and was elected Chairman of the Messianic Political Action Committee.

For five years, he served as the Executive Director of the International Messianic Alliance, was the publisher of “The Messianic Times” newspaper for six years, a founding board member of MAOZ, Inc. (Israel), former Executive Director of the Alliance for Israel Advocacy, and past President of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA).

In September of 2023, He received a Lifetime Achievement award from the MJAA, and was recently elected President of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance, at their annual
meeting in October. His greatest achievements are still unchanged, the husband to one, the father of two and the leader of many, at Ohav Shalom Messianic Congregation, in Cathedral City, California.