This is the testimony of our Senior Pastor, Dr. Jay C. Burgman.
I was born and reared in a Jewish home in suburban Long Island. Despite attending many years of Hebrew classes, my religion had little impact on my life. I knew many of the Old Testament stories and characters, but I had no relationship with YHWH. In college I began a spiritual journey which took me through American transcendental thought, Eastern mysticism, American Indian mythology, and finally to the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner (anthroposophy). Although I did not realize it at the time, Rose and I had become involved with a cult. Providentially, the Lord was watching over us and, through a series of events that are difficult to summarize, Rose and I were introduced to an independent Bible church in Garden City, New York. The pastor there, Dr. David Bucci, challenged me to see Jesus Christ as the Son of God; however, I was too educated, too intellectual, to accept this. I met his challenge with one of my own: "You may attempt to prove that Jesus is the Christ; however, you may only use one source to do so." Bucci queried, "What source may I use?" "The Bible," I responded confidently, assured that there would be no practical way Dr. Bucci could convince me without using secondary source material. He began a study with Rose and me that would change our lives, a journey that led us to faith. As we met, Dr. Bucci led us through various Biblical passages, including the Messianic prophecies. He ended each study with the same question, "Well, who do you say Jesus is?" Approximately six months after we began the study, we were convinced that Dr. Bucci was correct. While sitting together in our kitchen in West Hempstead, New York, Rose and I prayed to receive Christ. We began a journey that day, many years ago, which continues to this day. My desire that day was to serve and follow Him, and that is still my desire today. What a privilege it has been to grow in the Lord, along with my helpmate! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jay