For more than 20 years, a group of Jewish Adventists longed to connect with their Jewish neighbors living in one of California’s cities. Inspired by their vision, Michael Levin, director of Jewish Ministries for the Southern California Conference, began sharing his dreams with church leaders.

In 2023, that dream came to life. A new urban center of influence, House of Hope, was launched under the leadership of Pastor Alex Ivanov, a local church minister with an international congregation.

The House of Hope team shares God’s love through many creative avenues, but personal relationships are at the heart of what they do. Most of the Jewish population in the region comes from Russian and Ukrainian backgrounds, making Pastor Ivanov and his multicultural congregation uniquely suited to connect with them. Although not Jewish himself, Ivanov speaks their languages fluently.

“I’ve always had a deep interest in this community,” Ivanov said. “I wanted to understand how they think, how they live, and how they view God. Now the Lord has opened that door.”

To connect with secular, non-practicing Jews, Ivanov and his team—including two bilingual Bible workers—began by hosting neutral, community-oriented events. As people grew more comfortable, they introduced spiritual elements for those who showed interest, all while continuing to welcome newcomers through the secular events.

Their calendar includes concerts (both secular and sacred), casual gatherings with refreshments in local parks, hiking trips, and visits to area attractions. They also celebrate Jewish holidays and host Kabbalat Shabbat, a Friday evening service to welcome the Sabbath.

“The more activities we offer, the more people join us!” Ivanov shared.

Each event deepens trust and builds bonds, allowing the team to gently share God’s love, biblical truths, and the promise of the Messiah’s return.

At one Friday evening gathering, Mira,* a first-time visitor, noticed Ivanov’s kind, attentive care for another guest, Rina. After the service, she approached him with a warm smile and said, “I see there’s a motherly heart in this community—which means it’s a good one!” Over time, Ivanov became close friends with Mira and her partner, Ben.

One day, Mira observed Ivanov studying the Bible with Rina and said with mock seriousness, “When are you going to study the Bible with me?”

“Whenever you’re ready,” Ivanov replied, thrilled that she had taken the initiative. “Had I invited her, I think she would have made an excuse and said no,” he reflected. “That’s how our Bible study journey began. Praise God!”

Every Tuesday, Ivanov and his team hand out literature at a local park, engage in conversations, and host a follow-up program. On one occasion, two married couples who had previously kept their distance surprised him by approaching together. “They asked, ‘Who are you? And why are you doing so much for the Jewish people?’”

Ivanov explained who Adventists are and what their ministry is about. He then introduced them to the prophecy of the world kingdoms in Daniel 2. “This represents the coming of the Messiah, whom we are all waiting for,” he told them.

“When will this happen?” one woman asked.

“Very soon,” Ivanov replied.

“This is very interesting,” they responded, clearly moved. “We need to think more about this.”

In its first year, House of Hope has welcomed more than 600 people to it gatherings. Many are now requesting literature and even asking for personal copies of the Bible. But the team remains mindful of the many more in their broader Jewish community. Their goals include expanding their events, increasing small group Bible and Torah studies, securing a permanent meeting space, and deepening meaningful relationships.

By God’s grace, House of Hope has only just begun to share the blessings that spring from warm friendships and the promise of a soon-coming Savior.

* Names have been changed.

Urban Centers of Influence

Global Mission supports a wholistic mission to the cities through the ministry of dozens of urban centers of influence. These centers follow Christ’s method of ministry to meet people’s needs and start new groups of believers. Please support urban centers of influence by visiting GMsda.org/Give.