Youval Yanay
Native-born Israeli, Youval and his family have roots in the Land stretching back many generations. His father was a leader in the founding of the State of Israel which gives Youval significantly deep insight into Israeli history and Jewish culture. This knowledge is reflected in his teaching, preaching, evangelism and ability to penetrate his culture with the gospel. His background as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry also contributes to Youval’s ability to give unique understanding of modern day Israeli society. As a perpetual student, Youval is always up-to-date on inside-track information that is rare among the Body of Messiah.
Youval has been studying and serving under Asher Intrater and other messianic leaders for the last 6 years, and he brings great understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures and their connectedness to the New Covenant scriptures. Over the last 3 years he has served as guest conference speaker and congregational preacher in Israel and Europe. Youval lives out the later part of Acts 1:8, traveling 3-4 times a year out of Zion to bring the good news to the nations. In addition, he currently serves as Director of Israeli Administration of the non-profit ministry of Revive Israel. Youval lives in the Jerusalem area with his wife and 4 children.
TESTIMONY:
Growing up in a secular Jewish family, he spent his early years searching for truth. This search brought him into rebellion, Eastern religions, workaholism, illicit drugs, alcohol and other dark places. He was looking for the secret to freedom and happiness, but had lost almost all hope of finding it.
One day in 2000 everything around him began to collapse. The restaurant business he owned was forced to close and he lost all his money and possessions. He couldn’t find a job and felt more humiliated than ever when he didn’t even have enough money to buy food or take a bus. He then began to contemplate death. His parents paid for a vacation to Cyprus and there he was offered a job as a scuba diving instructor, something he had always dreamed of doing.
As he settled in the new job, his roommate invited him to church for the first time. As Youval entered the church building, suddenly the Holy Spirit and the presence of God came down upon him. He felt love and saw a great light. He pondered whether it was an optical trick. In a moment of grace, he was able to see for the first time with the eyes of his spirit. His life was forever changed. The love he felt that day never left him. He began to read the life story of Yeshua and fell in love with Him. Even the Tenach (Old Testament) seemed suddenly completely different. He soon discovered that he believed every word of the Bible was literally true.
During the next few years many wonderful things happened to Youval and his family. They learned that God guides, comforts, teaches, gives wonderful gifts and promises that He will always love us. Youval completed the discipleship and study program at Gateways Training School in Cyprus before returning to Israel to serve the Revive Israel vision.
For an audio of Youval's testimony, click here. Look for "Youval's Testimony."
