A Picture of Success With an Empty Soul
Stan Telchin was a man who seemed to have it all. By the age of fifty, he had built a successful career in the insurance industry, enjoying the comforts of material wealth in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With a large home, luxury cars, and an international reputation, life appeared to be a picture of success. ## Confronting His Jewish Identity
However, beneath the surface, Stan grappled with spiritual uncertainty, identifying as an agnostic despite his Jewish upbringing.
The turning point came unexpectedly on his 50th birthday, September 14, 1974, when his daughter Judy, a university student, called to share her newfound belief that Jesus is the Messiah. Shocked and feeling deeply betrayed, Stan's initial reaction was one of outrage. He had always viewed such beliefs as aligning with the very 'enemy' his mother had warned him against.
Judy's challenge was simple yet profound: 'Daddy, you are an educated man. Read the Bible for yourself and make up your own mind. It is either true or it is false and if you read it carefully and ask God to reveal the truth to you, He will.' Determined to win his daughter back, Stan embarked on a journey through the scriptures, expecting to disprove her claims.
Instead, as he delved into the Bible, Stan was surprised. He discovered that the New Testament was not a book of hate, but a narrative penned by Jews about their God and the Messiah. This revelation upended his understanding, leading him to question his beliefs. His internal struggle culminated at a National Convocation of Messianic Jews, where he realized his priorities had been misplaced.
On July 3, 1975, at 7:15 AM, the weight of his spiritual search lifted as Stan confessed, 'Jesus is our Messiah! He is my Messiah! I do receive Him as the Lord of my life!' This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, where Jesus became the center.
In the years following his conversion, Stan's life took a new direction. He founded the Living Word Fellowship and shared his testimony worldwide, emphasizing that it is possible to be both Jewish and believe in Jesus. His story, detailed in his book *Betrayed!*, continues to inspire many by demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus Christ in a life once marked by skepticism.
