Christian Friends
Christian Friends of Magen David Adom UK
“Faith without works is dead” (James 2 v26 )
After having now donated two Ambulances and a Blood Mobile to Magen David Adom, the Executive of CFMDA has decided to continue their fundraising but to move their focus to another vital area of magen David Adom – ambulance stations. The project is to pay for 50% of the reconstruction and refurbishment of the MDA Station at Kiryat Shmona which equates to £375,000.
Who are CFMDA?
Christian Friends of Magen David Adom UK (CFMDA) is an organisation which was founded by Born Again Christians whose faith and theology leads them to stand with Israel in obedience to the Lord.
How did CFMDA begin?
After a “chance” meeting with Norman Feingold, who works enthusiastically for the regional side of Magen David Adom UK, a small group of Christians were asked to form a Christian Friends group.
What is Magen David Adom?
Magen David Adom – The Red Shield of David – is the Israeli equivalent of the British Red Cross. It is an a-political, non-sectarian organisation which is the Israeli Red Cross organisation. It is particularly active in wartime and during suicide bombings when it treats the injured indiscriminately, regardless of faith or nationality.
What are CFMDA’s aims?
Their initial aim was to provide an ambulance to be deployed in Israel with the words “Christian Friends of Magen David Adom UK” written on the side. This has been done and two such ambulances are now in service. This has served as a witness to the people of Israel that a group of Christians are standing with them during what is proving to be a most difficult time in their history.
Through their ‘good work’ the CFMDA group wants to alter the perceptions of Christians and the Christian faith and demonstrate that everyone can work together.
How do I join CFMDA?
You can call the Regional Office on 0161 766 1010 for an Application Brochure, alternatively, you can request one by e-mailing cfmda@mda.org
The cost is £25 per person or by family and this can also be paid by credit card if required.
How did CFMDA provide the two ambulances and a Blood Mobile?
The three lifesaving vehicles were bought with donations from supporters as the Lord leads them to give.
Current update on our Fundraising
Fundraising for the £90k Blood Mobile has now been completed and the vehicle is now based at the MDA Station in Be’er Sheva. Current fundraising to date is close to £200,000.
How do we ‘fit in’ with the work of the Lord?
The Jerusalem Post in September 2006 reported that this was a burgeoning time for ties between Israel and the Christian Evangelical community throughout the world. We believe that we are part of this move.
We are making friendships which are leading to conversations regarding our respective faiths.
Profiles
Norman Feingold – Christian Friends of Magen David Adom was the brainchild of Norman Feingold during the recent war with Lebanon. Norman has a history of over 60 years fundraising for Israel.
The Reverend Mark Madeley – The Reverend Mark Madeley is the vicar of St John the Baptist Church in Coley near Halifax. He is an evangelical in the Church of England also Patron of Anglicans for Israel and runs a travel company taking people to Israel.
Peter McGowan – Peter is a Bolton businessman. He believes that CFMDA will show, in a practical way, the love Christians have for their Lord and the Lord’s love to Israel. Another Man called Peter
Barrie Robinson – Events organiser who works alongside Peter McGowan and also runs very successful market stalls, for CFMDA, in the Bolton area.
Alan Chester – Alan Chester is very much involved in the running of Kingway Christian Fellowship in Liverpool who have been major donors to CFMDA.
Janet Hume – is our Executive representative for the North East area.
Rachel Wilkinson – joins Janet Hume as our representative in the Noth East.
Jean Brannigan – is our Executive representative for Scotland.
Annette Bettridge – is our Executive representative for the West Midlands.
Celestine King – Our new Executive member in the South East/London area.
Richard Simon – Richard is the UK Regional Director for Magen David Adom and is responsible for coordinating CFMDA.
CFMDA First Ambulance Dedication
On Monday, 2nd June 2008, the dedication took place of the first CFMDA Ambulance at Tiberias MDA Station. This was the culmination of a mission to Israel by many members and there were some 80 people at the dedication ceremony.
“I have made some wonderful Christian Friends on the visit… I have learned more about Israel and our Jewish roots…. The Ambulance given by CFMDA is just one way of continuing the ministry of Jesus to the Jewish nation.”
Jassy Dawson
” The main thing I took away from my pilgrimage to Israel was what I learnt about the importance of Israel”
Elizabeth Northcott
“I thank the Lord that I was able to be part of the tour and the dedication of the Ambulance”
David Corless
“The ambulance is a vehicle of survival, not only for the people it picks up, but for those at the dedication, for the Jewish people and for the Christian people…. It is a privilege to have found you and a privilege to know you.”
Norman Feingold
The ambulance is stationed at Kfar Saba.
CFMDA Second Ambulance Dedication
The second CFMDA Ambulance was dedicated on Thursday, 10th September 2009 to coincide with the visit of MDA Paramedic, Sarah Cascella, to Bolton. The dedication was also attended by the Manchester MDA Chairman, Jeremy Hart, and MDA UK Chief Executive Eli Benson.
The ambulance is stationed at Nazareth.
CFMDA to complete building of Kiryat Shmona station
The next project that CFMDA will be fundraising for is to complete the redevelopment of the Magen David Adom station in Kiryat Shmona. To find out why this station is so critical, just click here. to donate to this project, click here.
Events
For future events in your area, please contact Richard Simon at the Manchester Regional Office on 0161 766 1010 or e-mail cfmda@mda.org
For information on Gospel Rocks support of CFMDA click here.
The Future of CFMDA
As a Friend of CFMDA, I believe that, like Caleb, we should be looking to the future and overcoming all obstacles and events around us that can frighten and intimidate us, which can stop us reaching our goals. It is important that we pray for guidance and also that people will come on board and help us grow as a ministry, so that we can bless the people of Israel and can continue to provide ambulances and, maybe, ambulance stations, God willing.
Barrie Robinson. Events Organiser
Making a donation to Christian Friends of Magen David Adom
A donation towards the work of the Christian Friends of Magen David Adom can be made by credit or debit card using our secure online donation facility, and choosing ‘Christian Friends of MDA’ from the ‘Make a donation to’ selection box.
Alternatively, please send a cheque, and a copy of the CFMDA Application Form to Richard Simon at the Regional Office.
Our Current CFMDA Newsletter
Please download our October 2011 CFMDA Newsletter here.
