Memorial Service and memories
The Memorial service for Zola was held last Sunday.
Many have asked if they could get a recording of the service to watch. Ken Berg’s staff filmed the service and they will be making a video, which will be offered through the ministry. They’re very busy with upcoming TV shows right now, but this will be available in time. And if possible, it will be available for watching on the website.
Ken Berg had recreated Zola’s TV set on stage—the bookcase along with Zola’s actual desk and chair. On Zola’s desk was a chess set, a few musical recorders Zola played, and there was a set of his golf clubs nearby. There was a small group of musicians on stage and Sammy Davenport, Zola’s musical arranger, was playing piano with them. This was all held in the brand new movie theater-like auditorium of the Fellowship Bible Church, where Zola’s congregation meets weekly. It is actually in an old movie theater that they renovated and was just opened last month. From what I could tell, I think it was about two-thirds full.
There was a welcoming prayer and then Zola’s wife, Sandra greeted us and said a few words. Ken Berg talked about the set on stage and told some stories about Zola’s chair and desk. These were second-hand pieces and have always been a bit rickety. But they served their purpose. Ken then told some of his memories about Zola. This led into a video memorial that he created of clips from Zola over the years. It was just wonderful to see.
Sammy Davenport talked about his memories of Zola and his music—how Zola would give him music written on napkins and air sickness bags. How he said Zola kept him around when he found out that Sammy could fix Zola’s ice maker. I can relate to that comment. I have gotten many late-night phone calls from Zola needing help to get his iPod or TiVo or PC or PC printer to work. Sammy and the orchestra played a medley of some of Zola’s music, including one of his last, written to Sandra. This is the one that Zola played on the “A Personal Note” TV episode.
Zola had his hand in so many things, with the TV show, newsletters, book-writing, lecturing—but he said what really touched him is when people reacted to his music. Music was his first love and he never left it. To TV viewers, it may seem like an afterthought or sideline, but it still really meant a lot to him. He wrote just about all the music used on the TV show and never stopped writing. When there was a lull at a conference or speaking engagement, Zola would often hop on the piano and play a little interlude. He was even very critical of the transitional music on TV shows that they play when coming out of commercial—he just couldn’t listen to most of it (“Why do they need to put in all those drums?!”). A consummate musician. He often had to have restaurants turn their music down when it interrupted the mood. At one in particular, when she saw Zola come in the door the hostess would run for the stereo to turn it off.
Anyway, at some point, Ken showed a “blooper reel” of outtakes from Zola’s TV show. They were very funny and just a joy to watch—something we really needed at a memorial service.
There were three speakers and all of them were just great. First, Zola’s good friend, Dr. Tom McCall spoke of when he first met Zola, just after Zola had been saved. Someone had told Zola that he was now a gentile since he had accepted the Messiah—Dr. McCall was the one who set him straight on that.
Todd Baker, one of Zola’s staff theologians and missionary to Israel, spoke about how he first met Zola after having listened to him on the radio for some time. He told the story of how he first met Zola, because of a radio show that was promoting replacement theology. Todd arranged for Zola to be on the show to give a rebuttal. Todd now runs Zola’s congregation.
Tony Derrick, a minister who runs Zola’s travel agency, spoke last. He had many great things to say about Zola but most importantly said that if anyone in the audience hadn’t got themselves right with God that they should do so right now. That was also Zola’s message. Tony then closed out the service.
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Zola said, when he found out that he had this disease, that he had lived the equivalent of four lives in the time that he’s had, he had done so many things. He always surprised me with a story about a job he once had doing something I had no idea he had ever done. So, though it seems like his life was cut short because of all we imagined he could have done in the future, it really wasn’t. Zola considered his life to have been very full.
And God, as always, is still in charge. He knows what is best for us and we will someday understand His decisions better than we do now. Zola had hoped to have lasted until the rapture. But it seems to me that since Zola taught about the rapture so much, it doesn’t really make sense that he should go as a passenger. I fully expect him to be one of the greeters on the other side and to give us a tour of our new home. And I think it’s quite possible that this will happen soon. Perhaps this next feast of Trumpets—or perhaps tomorrow.
Zola had been playing chess for many years, but he studied with an instructor (who I met at the memorial) to improve his game. He would often collaborate with his friend Lou (the editor of the Levitt Letter) over the phone on chess games they would play on the internet. He started playing golf several years ago and became pretty good. He played frequently and studied it on TV, but also had a golf instructor to help him improve his game. These things weren’t just hobbies as most of us would think of them. He didn’t just “do” them, he worked at them. He threw himself fully into them—as I guess he did with most things.
Anyway, that was Zola, and I miss him greatly. But he’s still around in photos and on TV and I still hear his voice in the recordings. Just no more phone calls. It’s still like a dream. A dream that I got to spend so much time with him and his family in the past few years and a dream that he’s now gone from us here. But someday we’ll wake up and be together again.
Greg Hartwig
Webmaster for levitt.com
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May 10th, 2006 at 6:38 am
Blessings to all those who love Yeshua, Messiah, and to whom His Servant and Messenger Zola Levitt is at His side, finding all the answers to the unanswerable questions to be more magnificent that we who are left behind as workers for the harvest.
To the ministry staff, loving family, and to all those who will see the King because of the Message from the Messenger, annointed by G-D, and to whom he bravely and steadfastly told the world of the LOVE OF GOD …. we are of one family, the Family of God, Himself,
I want to thank you for the words you write that bring to life the moments we want to share with you. After reading this, Greg, it was like I was there – laughing, crying, sharing, and watching a testimony of the Warrior of the King. We may be so far away from y’all that we are unable to hold each one of you, tell you how much we love and appreciate all that you are sharing with us.
So I will ask the LORD to put His strong and capable arms around each one of you and let you know that the hugs we send out are real and we will one day be able to do it in PERSON, when our LORD shouts the great shout for us to come up hither!
I have not yet listen to the entire Memorial Service, but I will and I know it will be like I was there. If there was a way to let you all know how much your sharing is strengthing our (MINE) faith, my joy would be complete!
I am reading Zola’s book, “Dateline Jerusalem”, taking in every word and telling others about what I know. Some reject, but some accept and agree. It is like watching a movie and not wanting it to end, but since it was good, I’ll go see it again and again.
I’m sooo long winded at times, but it seems to me that I am learning anew more about my God every day and if I do not share it I will explode!
Thank you – little words, but mean so much.
As always, you are all in my prayers,
and I look forward to time together when
we will all have plenty of time.
I can’t help but envision Zola chatting with Paul and all the Saints and hearing their laughter and joy as they sup with the LORD!
Sha lu Shalom Yerushalym
I can say it clearly now
Thank you Zola.
Love always and forever,
Diana
May 10th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Thank you for the fine summary of the Memorial to Zola. My husband and I look forward to the video. May the ministry Zola leaves behind be forever blessed and prosper in the holy name of Yeshua our Messiah.
May 10th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
Zola’s last breath on earth was followed by his first breath in heaven with our Lord and our Savior. Now that IS exciting!!!
He has left with us an eternal testimony of God’s love, grace, and mercy.
Though something in me wants to weep, there is a greater peace that is so thankful for his life and his ministry. His witness and his ministry will continue to encourage those of us who love him as a dear brother in Christ. As our brother, we will continue to love him because He lives who makes it so that he lives.
May God bless you and indeed keep you. May God’s countenance continue to shine upon you and your family. May the God of Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, and yes His Son, Jesus Christ give to you His peace that most assuredly passes ALL understanding.
In His Loving Care,
Charles A. Fulghum
Fayetteville, NC
May 10th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Dear Sandra and all the Levitt “family”–
Thank you for sharing this special time with those who cherished the message of Jesus that Zola was steadfast to maintain.
I truly can’t imagine how painful this separation must be for you as I’ve only known Zola from his t.v. program and books and still I feel an ache at his having gone home at this time.
It’s amazing how the Lord Jesus unites us in love for the brethren–
Darlene
May 10th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
What an amazing life Zola has lived. His ministry reached uncountable numbers.
He taught us so much and we are so grateful for his life, his graciousness, and depth of teaching us our Hebrew roots.
May God continue to bless ZLM in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing with us.
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Smith and Family
May 10th, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Dear Sandra and Levitt family,
My husband and I have watched Zola for many years on TV and have read many of his books. He was the first Jew we had ever seen who was a believer in Yeshua. He helped us to understand the Old Testament, that it was the book that Yeshua read and lived by, and that our roots are in the Jewish faith and beliefs.
We had the privilege of meeting you, Sandra, at the Southeastern Bible College in Alabama several years ago. We felt as if we already knew Zola after seeing him on TV for so many years but had not had the pleasure of meeting you until then.
God bless you and keep you. We will continue to support this very important ministry although we will miss that dear man who always had the twinkle in his eye as he closed out each of his programs with the phrase “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”.
Sue Dodd
Birmingham, AL
May 10th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
Dear Sandra and family of Zola, plus his staff,
We’ve watched Zola and supported the ministry since it first came on television. We pray for all of you and know God’s grace will hold you up and keep you going. We’re so looking forward to meeting Zola in heaven and having a good talk with him. We appreciate so much all we’ve learned from the TV program and his books. His music is so special also; what a gift to the church he was!!!! You’re in our prayers and thoughts. We look forward to the ministry, as we know it will continue to be a real blessing.
Sincerely, Tom and Ethel Long
May 10th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Thank you for the message about Zola’s memorial service. Regarding Zola’s love for music, maybe our Lord will have a place for Him to play in His great orchestra – maybe in the choir, too!
I Chronicles 25. Love and prayers are with you all.
May 10th, 2006 at 10:08 pm
Dear Greg,
Thank you so much for the Memorial Service update..I have been checking every day since it was conducted to hopefully get a glimpse of something and feel I was somehow there..Please convey our prayers and love to Sandra and the family..I love and treasure Zola and the ministry very much and have been so encouraged, inspired, and educated for many years..I sat up many a night at all wee hours,as a single Mom, crying and seeking the Lord’s wisdom and comfort…He often sent it through Zola over a TV screen in the dark of night.. It really does seem unreal that he is gone from this earth, so I can imagine that void for those of you so close to him. God bless you, the ministry, and family..Jesus Christ be praised and honored and adored…
Love, Gina
May 10th, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Dear Family and Staff,
You guys are so considerate with us, with all the updates during this tough time, thanks! Bless you all, and may this ministry continue to move forward with God’s blessings and how Zola would have wanted. Shalom.
May 11th, 2006 at 1:35 pm
Thank you for the update on the memorial service…..this is great….makes us feel like we were there also….looking forward to ordering the video.
Zola’s life was a wonderful blessing to all of us and he will be missed by everyone….Praise the Lord for Zola though, now his work on earth is finished and he did an outstanding job…..Well done Zola!
Thank you Jesus,
Dortha Mae Spurgeon, Redding, California
May 11th, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Zola taught me and my family so much about my Lord Jesus …about my own heritage …
I’ll never forget the Seder Supper show that taught me what Jesus did at the “last supper”, and what it all meant …
The symbolism was so beautiful; that I share with people, all the time, about what Zola taught.
“Thank you Jesus for a life well spent for you and your kingdom ….”
It will be a Glorious day when He takes us all home …
God Bless the Levitt family and friends …
The Eiben family
May 11th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
Thank you, Greg, for the wonderful update on the Memorial Service. I am still praying, along with thousands, for Sandra, the ministry and all Zola’s friends he left behind, including you.
I await the dvd on the Memorial Service and also on the 2 part testimony that Zola (thankfully for me) recorded.
God bless!!
May 11th, 2006 at 10:27 pm
It is the most powerfull testimony I have ever heard or seen!
Thank You! Zola, for sharing your “physical strength”, your “spiritual intellect”
with “us” your flock, in these lastest television programs.
My “cup” runneth over!……
May 12th, 2006 at 12:10 am
Words cannot even describe how I felt upon hearing the news that
my spiritual mentor of 18 years has gone home to be with Yeshua.
I got saved in April of 1988, and it was than I began to watch
Zola on TV. Ever since than I’ve followed every program, recorded
every show he produced. God used Zola to put a love in my heart for
the Jewish people, for Israel. I had and still do have such a hunger
for the Jewish roots of Christianity, because of Zola. I graduated
from the Institute of Jewish Christian studies in May of 1996 that
prepared me for future studies in our Jewish roots. Because of the impact
that Zola had on my life for 18 years I now have a Bible prophecy
ministry, a pro-Israel web site,www.myspace.com/todayinbibleprophecy,
tours to Israel once a year, and a Jewish outreach mission. No one can
or will ever fill Zola’s shoes. The body of Messiah has lost a great
defender of the faith, and a defender of Israel. May we pick up where
Zola left off, defending Israel, exposing the false teaching of Replacement
theology, the error of progressive Dispensationlism. May we as Christian
Zionist speak out for Israel, and call the Church back to her Hebraic
roots. I have been honored to meet Zola on two occasions. All I can say
is Zola, Liela tov (good night), Shalom Havier (goodbye friend), until
we meet again. Soon
May 12th, 2006 at 9:51 am
Hello- Thank you for your consideration of all who visit the web-site in this Season of Grief in all of your lives… Blessed are those that mourn they will be comforted… The only bad part of learning this truth is losing someone you thought you could never live without…
May the Lords Grace and Peace be multiplied unto all…
May 12th, 2006 at 1:12 pm
I would like to say that my prayers are with the Levitt family, and to also say how much Zola helped my faith to grow in Yeshua the Messiah. I know he’s with his LORD now. God bless all of you. Tom Morris
May 12th, 2006 at 7:47 pm
Thanks Zola for your wonderful work. Although I was not a supporter of your ministry financially I benefited from some of the products you sold and your television ministry. Sometimes when people let you down, especially some in the ministry, one can struggle with his or her faith. Then I remember God’s faithfullness to His promises when considering Israel and the regathering of them to their own land. What a uplifting of my FAITH! Nothing the skpetic or unbeliever can say can explain this miracle of history away!! God is indeed alive and well and in control of this Earth and is coming to bring everlasting rightouessness and justice on this Earth. So when people let you down, or you even let yourself down, we must always remember our faith is in God and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who never has failed us and never will! Blessed be His name! Praise God!
Again thank you for your work Zola and perhaps we will meet at the Rapture!
God Bless.
Tom K.
May 12th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
We have watched Zola’s TV program several years, as well as receiving his news magazine. We have learned so much from his teaching. Our prayers are with his family and the continuation of his ministry.
May 15th, 2006 at 2:22 pm
Watching Zola and his TV ministry made me feel like I was “one” with Jerusalem
and Israel. It made me feel “at home”. I know it will be my home some day.
I always hated for the show to be over.I will miss Zola! It was like Zola was giving me a preview of my new home. I have these feelings when reading the word. Zola put pictures with my feelings. May the Messiah’s ministry at “Zola Levitt” continue until His second coming!
May 15th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
Seeing Zola again last night and hearing the catch in his voice as he talked about the disappointing results of treatment as of March 30th, made me cry. It occurred to me that this wounded warrior, whose Captain was calling him off the battlefield, not only helped us learn to live, but was now, by example, helping us to learn to die too. Zola said he was not sorry to leave us, for he knew what was ahead. How courageous. He did not ‘put on a happy face’, but rather showed us he knew the end was coming on quickly. But he remained at his post, though weak and broken. That’s honesty, folks. Zola, should the Lord tarry, I hope I can have such courage, perseverance, fortitude and integrity at my end of life. May we all remember your shining example of life and death. Brother, you certainly are something and I truly look forward to embracing you in Glory and thanking you for tremendous work down here. Great is your reward. Praying for the peace of Yerushalyim! Love, Polly
May 16th, 2006 at 6:05 am
Zola finished his course, the race is over for him, the impact that Zola has made on believers cannot be measured. Zola led with gentleness, intellect, and reason. He blessed us with his music and song. I believe Zola is with the Lord, but Zola lives on in all of us, He has imparted to us the Gospel of his life. Zola was in so many ways like Paul, I cant imagine how the believers felt at Paul’s departure, but one thing is sure, the purpose and plan’s of the Father will go on. So let us all carry on the will of the Father, in the Spirit of Messiah, and let us hold on to the great cloud of witnesses who have gone on before us, as an example. We count them blessed, do we not?
Let us continue the work laid before us, and fulfill our calling, let us be imitators of Christ, and of Paul , and of Zola, and may our names be recorded with theirs as the faithful in Christ Jesus.
May 16th, 2006 at 11:48 am
I’ve watched Zola since I was little because of my parents. Through him I learned a love for Israel, the Land and the Jewish People. His teachings were the foundation for what would later be my decision to convert to Karaite Judaism. I was even impressed he had Nehemia Gordon on. His defense for Israel is unparalleled in this day and age as well as his fight against replacement theology. May the Lord richly bless him.
May 16th, 2006 at 5:42 pm
For the first time today I heard some of Zola’s music on cd; my sister gave me two of them as a gift.
NOW I know why the Lord took Zola home; He waited as long as He could bear; He wanted to hear that MOST beautiful music uninterrupted, and into eternity. I know I surely would. I know Zola is resting in peace, but busy making Heaven’s music.
God’s blessings on you and your families at this difficult, yet glorious time.
May 17th, 2006 at 12:36 am
I will miss Zola’s program. There is no one else quite like him.
May 18th, 2006 at 12:48 am
I had the privilage to go to Zola’s memorial. It was not what I expected, it was better! I cried, I laughed, I cried some more and left being extremely thankful to G-d for blessing me with Zola’s teaching, Zola’s life.
Though I never met Zola in person he was and still is my mentor…the impact he made in my life is still with me today. I am now like a walking, talking Levitt letter…Zola was my example…to be an advocate for Israel and my Jewish people, to fight anti-semitism…to shed light on what Islam really is…I’m now writing and blogging and credit Zola for what I’m doing today. Todah raba Yeshuah for blessing your people with Zola!
At the memorial it was wonderful to see Zola as a child, a young man…he had no clue how G-d was going to use him to reach millions. May that be a lesson to all that think that they can never do great things for G-d.
I’ve been a supporter of Zola’s ministry but now I’m going to do it “automatically”! I pray that this ministry never ends…(until the rapture ofcourse) and that Zola’s legacy will live on.
I continue to pray for you Sandra, and your children and every single person that feels the pain of Zola’s departure. I can’t wait for the day that I meet my Lord and His heroes…among them Zola Levitt!
Your Jewish sister in Yeshuah,
aly
May 20th, 2006 at 5:05 am
Thank You Webmaster: for this report on the Memorial for our beloved Zola. I am still very sad knowing he has left us but am warmed and blessed by his broadcasts and Levitt Letter that still contain Zola’s words and work. I will be looking forward to the good work that comes out of Zola Levitt’s ministry. Thanking our Lord for this wonderful man and also for the wonderful people who carry on this ministry….Marietta Redman of Redondo Beach, CA
May 21st, 2006 at 1:02 am
How can one summarize the impact of the loss of someone like Zola. His voice warmed our home on so many occasions. His heart seeped through the television into mine. I never met Zola in person, but I feel as though I have lost a great friend. I know he is in a better place, and I know that I will see him again, but now I mourn, and now I weep for my friend and his family.
I was watching old Tivo recordings of his show when he mentioned his physical fate, I jumped on the web and saw that he had gone. I am crushed. I am sorry to leave such a negative note, but I am truly heart broken tonight. God bless you Zola, and those of you left to carry the torch. Peace and grace to you!
June 7th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
To the family of dear Chaver Zola,
‘Ha Ma kom ye na chem, et chem, be toch, sheh ar avaley Tzion vee Yerushalayim”
…May you be comforted with all those who mourn in Zion and in Jerusalem, never to know any further sorrow for many years to come.
This is the Jewish traditional response to the mourners when a Jewish neshama leaves this earth and goes to be with Hashem. Zola Levitt, may his memory be for a blessing, has gone to be with Jehovah. His Messiah, Yeshua who is the Ribbono shel Olam and Jehovah incarnate, is embracing Zola with loving Divine arms… the Everlasting Arms.
Zola will greet all of us when the Shofar HaGadol sounds and when, in one-ten thousandth of a second we go to be with Yeshua. I look forward to celebrating the
Great Chatana of the Ayil with Zola, and shepping nachas with the whole family of God for eternity.
To the family … Baruch Dayan HaEmet … Blessed be the True Judge. Your sorrow will be turned into joy , even as Yeshua Hamashiach has come that our Joy might be full.
Shalom u’mevorach. Mara – na – ta
June 13th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
Greetings to the Levitt family. I am touched by the ‘passing from this life’ of my fellow labourer in Christ, Zola.
I first saw him on TBN a few years ago and was excited and blessed to see someone explaining the scriptures the way he did.
He took me on trips to Israel, through the program, and enlightened and encouraged me through his teaching. His manner was that of a well studied teacher. For the short time that I have heard him I was enlarged and truly grateful. I have someone else to look forward to introducing myself to when we meet after I have accomplished what I have to do on this earth.
He was so amazing, I will miss him. Do keep on speaking and teaching the scriptures.
May the Lord continue to bless and keep you, may he continue to make His face shine to upon you and be gracious unto you, may He continue to lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Until we meet in Jesus name, Amen.
Peace to you. Peace to Jerusalem.
May 31st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Sunday May 31st: At the moment I am in shock. I have looked for Zola and I have never given up, today I was searching for music played on the Shofar and found the news of Zola’s death. How I enjoyed his teaching I have remembered him for years and will constantly remember him still. I am 79 years old and I will expect to see him in heaven, maybe sooner than later. He will be welcomed in heaven, SUCH a teacher.