From Merritt Island, Florida, USA, Tom Bradford — a retired business executive — and his wife Becky, a devoted grandmother and homemaker, have dedicated their lives to helping Christians reconnect with the biblical foundations of their faith and to stand with Israel in meaningful, tangible ways.
A Calling to Bless Israel
Over two decades ago, Tom and Becky felt a clear calling: to bless the nation of Israel and to help Christians understand the Bible through the lens of its original Hebrew context. What began as a small “Jewish Studies” class with 35 parishioners in their local church quickly grew into something extraordinary.
Tom recognized that most Christians had never been taught the Jewish roots of their faith or the biblical basis for the Jewish people’s connection to the Land of Israel. Together, he and Becky developed an in-depth curriculum combining careful study of the Hebrew Scriptures, historical insights from Jewish sources like the Talmud, and a deep appreciation for God’s covenant promises.
When they advertised their first “Torah” class in a local church bulletin, over 100 people showed up on the very first day. The class soon outgrew its space, moving first to a hotel banquet hall and later to a Veterans Administration center, where double sessions are now held to meet the demand. Today, over 200 students regularly attend.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
Tom’s approach has drawn students from every walk of life — pastors, churchgoers, and even those who had never stepped foot in a church before. Many students testify that for the first time, they truly understand how the Bible was given to the Jewish people and why Israel’s claim to the land is both historical and biblical.
This new understanding has led to action:
- Recordings and Resources – Tom’s classes are recorded and distributed widely, either for a nominal fee or freely, so that the message can reach far beyond Merritt Island.
- Children’s Classes – Two professional teachers who attend his classes now volunteer to lead a simultaneous children’s Bible study, ensuring the next generation also learns these truths.
- Special Guest Speakers – The group has hosted voices like Taysir Abu Saada, a former PLO fighter who now speaks publicly on behalf of the Jewish people. They also once welcomed CFOIC International Director, Sondra Oster Baras, who shared about the biblical heartland of Israel and the communities living there.
- Israel Tours – When Tom and Becky announced their first group tour to Israel for the Feast of Tabernacles, including visits to communities in Judea and Samaria, it sold out within a week.
A Shared Passion for the Land and People of Israel
While Tom Bradford’s ministry is independent, his message aligns with much of what we at CFOIC Heartland seek to share: a love for the Word of God, a deep respect for the Jewish roots of our faith, and a commitment to standing with the people of Israel in the land God promised to them.