"Giving Tuesday" refers to the
Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving in the United States. It is a global
movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform
their communities and the world.
For the believer ministries in Israel, Giving Tuesday and Year End Giving are critical periods to raise donations to fund their activities in the year ahead. Everyone has budgets and the period we are in right now will be determinative of budgets for 2021.
We are thankful for God's blessing on our lives and with thanks let us give to help our Israeli brothers and sisters ministering the Gospel to Israel.
Thanksgiving 2020 Giving Thanks
by Israel Pochtar
Beit Hallel and Voice of Judah Ministries
The first thought of Thanksgiving, for most Americans, is of a table full of food surrounded by loved ones ready to devour said food. The second thought, for most people, would be to consider what we are thankful for. But the fuller meaning of Thanksgiving is lost in the food and commercialism of this holiday in America.
The celebration with a feast known as Thanksgiving began when the Pilgrims had invested themselves for the first year in this their new land. The Pilgrims that chose to uproot their families and move them to Plymouth did so as a statement to the many generations to come. They were saying to England they wanted better for their children. Those humble, adventurist parents wanted their children to grow up with a focus on Christ in their lives and not a focus on worldly things of the day. This was the main reason for the Pilgrims coming to America.
Another vital reason they came was to spread the Gospel. The men and women who loved and were committed to Christ knew and understood the great commandment; “Love your neighbor as yourself” and “Go and make disciples of all men”. So they uprooted their families, packed up their lives, boarded ships, and embarked on a long journey across the Atlantic. They were the forerunners for many missionaries crossing our oceans to share the truth of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Can you imagine this commitment that the first Christian families made to come here to America? It was a commitment grounded in the Word of God. In Hebrews 11:13-16 it says, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” The Pilgrims truly kept their eyes on Heaven and came to America with this calling.
The Israelites were also “Pilgrims” leaving a life of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:31-43), taking all they owned and moving their families to an unknown land, a better land, a promised land (Exodus 23:20-33), to be missionaries to the nations (Exodus 19:5-6), and a place where they would be free to worship Yahweh. There is not an equal comparison with persecution and a life-long slavery of the Israelites, however, there is the realization of generations overcoming oppression with God’s help.
Yahweh set the feasts as times of remembrance and to give thanks for what He had done and will do for His people, His chosen. He commanded Joshua to place twelve stones as an alter after they crossed over into the promise land, to remind them and their children of God’s promise.
We celebrate Thanksgiving as a harvest celebration from that first harvest in 1621. We no longer feast for three days, but do look forward to being with family and friends to celebrate what God has done; His provision, our freedom, and His mercy on America.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, momentarily remember our ancestors and the sacrifices they made to make our nation what it is and their original intent. Also, remember Israel and their God given heritage that reminds us of How faithful He is. We give thanks for them and strive to be fore-runners for our children too. We pray, God willing, that there will be many more saved by the blood of Jesus Christ in the years to come, not only in America, Israel, but the entire world.
Israel Pochtar Beit Hallel Family Network of Congregations & Voice of Judah Israel Ministries
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It means a lot to me how and why people came to America to pursue life, liberty and happiness. As Israel Pochtar pointed out, the first Thanksgiving was observed in 1621 after pilgrims had landed at Plymouth Rock a year earlier. They did not disembark for 3 days because they were fasting and praying before they set their feet down on the New World. It was only 17 years after that first Thanksgiving that my father's family first set their feet on the ground in 1638. My ancestor came as an indentured servant from Clerkenwill, Islington, then just outside of London. Edward Brantley came destitute and as a servant for his passage to the
new world he would work 7 years. at the end of that he would receive a parcel
of land that he could bring his wife and children to live on. The survival
rate for indentured servants was 1 in 3. I was tough going but he survived
and today the United States is filled with people named Brantley. Except for
one line of Brantley's all Brantley's in the USA are in the family line of
Edward and his courage to try to do better for his family. I am thankful for
Edward Brantley and thankful I still live in a place where the Brantley
family has contributed to building from the beginning. It is worth it to me
to have the courage to stand for its preservation today. In God we trust. |
Arrows from Zion
Summarized
from the Weekly
Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Israel
Pochtar also sends a video & article Hear Yeshua's Knock — Listen to His Voice
| Launching Our New Distribution Center | During
this year, with the many challenges and restrictions, we have had to adjust not
only the way we minister, but also our humanitarian outreach work. | Give
Israelis the gift of the Gospel through your donation this Giving
Tuesday.
From Shani Ferguson of Maoz Ministries currently touring in the US with their family says there are less protests than they expected to see. She also asks prayers for deepening relationships as they greet old friends and meet new ones. She comments on the holidays that "can be both an incredibly heartwarming time as well as incredibly sorrowful for those longing for lost loved ones or mourning broken relationships. This annual phenomenon will only be exacerbated this year, as people have spent most of the year with some level of social deprivation." Praying for a refreshing emotionally for all. Also, here in the midst of the election conflict, she asks that we all pray over local leaders who have far more impact on our daily lives that we usually invest in prayer for them.
In-the-I-wondered-what-happened-to-you-Dept: After 9 months we finally
heard from Evan Thomas of Beit Asaph in Netanya again! They went on a planned
3-month trip to New Zealand, then because of the Covid were restricted from
returning to Israel until just recently. While away, they also had a major
issue with the computer system that blocked all access to their recipient
lists! Quite a time of isolation, now they are returning to pour their
attention into the congregation, like all of Israel, there is a horrible impact
that the virus and poor management have inflicted on the citizens, including
all the Messianic and Arab congregations.
Evan writes, "In the long term we must carefully consider our options and
be creative in ways to encourage fellowship among the saints and outreach to
the broader society. These are the big goals while at a specific level develop
programs for our kids. We must find ways to utilize our expensive facilities
while reminding our community of its financial responsibilities. These are not
easy tasks in this present ‘climate.’ Each day as we perceive and understand
the situation around us, the burden gets heavier. We need your prayers
personally, congregationally and nationally perhaps more than ever! We are
so grateful for you all. We are also totally aware that you all have your
own huge challenges to overcome. If you can spare us just a moment or two and
uplift us in prayer, we would be so appreciative."
From Tikkun Global, Asher Intrater writes Cleaning Up the Mess in the Charismatic Prophetic World – Part 1 | Yoni Koski Prepare for the Perfect Storm | Dan Juster: The Church's Response to Israel's Judgment. Also because of the focus on helping suffering Israelis, Tikkun Global became underfunded in other important areas. Your generous year-end gift to Tikkun Global will help meet this $120,000 need. IAMWITHISRAEL
Ronit Bender in Carmel sends a report on her travels with taxi drivers since her usual driver is recovering from surgery - including one who told her, "Satan is my father, and I am his son!" The man's life story, which he told her, was one of no love and much rejection. She asks prayers for "S" and another taxi driver who is a wounded believer. Ronit's visit to the dietitian for her heart issue, opened a door to testify to her faith and also someone in the waiting room who recognized her from her childhood! A woman deep into the occult recognizing a woman she probably last saw at the age of 12. Something tells me God gave her a little help recognizing Ronit. ♥ She also writes about a 3rd Israeli lockdown, Israelis are really being hurt by Covid. "I am daily thanking the Lord for all the intense prayer going up to heaven ~ both from here and in the nations. I want to thank you for your friendship, your caring heart and the love you show to this widow here in Israel in the service of the Lord! As we move into this holiday season, may the Lord watch over you and your family."
Asher Intrater sends a brief summary of the Revive Israel ministry activities of 2020: Humanitarian Aid | Corona Giving | Tel Aviv Congregation | Jerusalem Congregation | Jerusalem Street ministry | Global Prayer meetings | Global Broadcast | Shelanu TV | Discipleship Training Center | & Tikkun Family, our core group of leaders and several spheres and generations of spiritual sons and daughters Please consider an extra special year-end gift to launch us into this next season to advance Yeshua's kingdom. DONATE. Also join us Every Thursday at 3pm Israel time for fa time of worship and a timely word from our team in Israel in our Global Broadcast
Marianna Gol of Streams in the Desert, ministering to widows and orphans, invite us to a 'Prayer Blitz" for families with persistent, extreme challenges and serious health conditions. Tuesday 12/1-Friday 12/4 by Zoom in 30 minutes each 4 days of sessions. If you are interested contact. Also she sent an urgent prayer for a family, a mother with 2 daughters, the 23-yr old one had to be admitted to a psychiatric clinic, the 16-yr old witnessing her sister's breakdown, is now traumatized. Pray for the family: repentance, forgiveness, restoration.
Liat Archer is pregnant and their young son called it: Yair told us this summer that mommy would have a baby girl soon. So, another child on the way (baby makes 4) the Archer's need a bigger vehicle. With a trade in of their 2011 Hundai + 70,000 shekels to raise will put them in a larger second hand vehicle with lower kilometers. Cody writes, "We invite you to pray about sowing a special one-time gift that would go towards us purchasing a seven-seater vehicle in 2021. Every size gift will make a difference and one-time gifts can be given here." He also writes his work with Fields of Wheat is going great. "The shared values, vision and unity we share with Eitan and Joel in our weekly meetings and frequent communications is refreshing. We are moving forward with updating the website, Social media, strategizing about future discipleship programs and looking seriously at a possible property to purchase." They are also continuing to meet with young families in the Golan.
Another great report from Ariel Hyde at Tree of Life as they minister to thse who are hearing the Gospel through their online. One man who grew up Orthodox called their follow up line and spoke of some of the life tragedies that had made him a broken man. Listening to Sarah Liberman's testimony (English version) he now saw Yeshua as: “He’s light - He’s pure light!” Pray for this man to take the next step of faith. Plus they give a report on a man from an extreme ultra-Orthodox neighborhood was what baptized. It is an exciting testimony as they walk with those who are finding Yeshua online. Also they have a new Pro-Life and Gospel campaign that they are creating a Hebrew website for and several other prayer requests for an ultra-Orthodox woman & her male cousin they are ministering to over the phone. Pray for their outreaches to the poor and for revival in Israel for Israelis of all backgrounds.
Avi Mizrachi of Adonai Roi and Dugit Messianic Outreach wrote, "In all of my days, I have never seen such great need in Israel and such great opportunity to reach the people of Israel as I see now. Poverty, fear, desperation, and uncertainty are running rampant in lives and hearts. We must be the light that shines in the darkness. We must point people to salvation and healing in Yeshua. And with your help we will." He writes that "multiple coronavirus lockdowns have required us to take our Distribution Center to those in need and bring food, encouragement, and the love of Yeshua right to their doors." They are also ministering to people via the internet Shelanu TV. Avi writes, "I want you to know I am also thankful for you, that you share our heart for the people and nation of Israel. I am so thankful that you are willing to pray for our outreaches and sow into our ministry during these difficult days. 'This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.' 2 Corinthians 9:12" For any gift this month the will send a beautiful Reflections of Israel calendar made in Israel & featuring the gorgeous watercolors of a local artist See it and donate here)
Norma Sarvis in Jerusalem has a new blog post Hodu l’Adonai Oh, give thanks to the Lord
Evan Levine of HaTikvah with the new HaTikva House, an emergency shelter home in Israel in the name of Yeshua. Watch this video and please donate to help HaTikva House.
Chuck Cohen Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem Friday Prayer Points 11/20/20 and 11/27/20
Kehila News Israel
has a new sister site that is a launch to news stories Israel-aligned believers
will be interested in, it is All Israel News | Joel Rosenberg.
Catch these 2 articles on KehilaNews Second
COVID closure presents major setbacks to Messianic preschool in Jerusalem
and Tuvia Pollack's Why
I’m celebrating American Thanksgiving that made me cry.
From David & Josie Silver in
Haifa, Out of Zion Ministries, is
David's Comment: The Change of Voting Patterns: "... if the result of the 2020 USA
election turns out to be anywhere close to being honest, why liberal politicians
Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and the Democratic party received the amount of voter
support that they did. The deceived public voted for these deceived leaders to
take over the running of the country, which can only result in further
deception, increasing the decline of the USA, as they nation moves further and
further away from GOD, bringing America closer and closer to the day of judgment."
Avi Tekle of Tents of Mercy
in north Israel, Kiryat Yam, writes "Though chaos and crisis
surround us, God’s call resounds stronger. When the storm rages, we look for
the one who can calm it. When darkness descends, we look for light. Such
encounters draw us out towards our destiny." They celebrated a special day
of thanksgiving called Sigid for those of Ethiopian Jewish descent, as they "gather
as one in Jerusalem to offer up thanks to our Lord for His faithfulness in
bringing us to the home of our forefathers. Life in Israel hasn’t always been a
promise fulfilled; yet being thankful has everything to do with who God is in
our lives and not what we get out of life." He writes to say happy
thanksgiving to Americans, and "Even if we don't live in the United States
or officially celebrate the holiday, giving thanks is a biblical mandate for us
all."
The pastors at Kerem-El in Carmel —Yonatan Arnold & Stefan Silver—send thanks to God for "faithfulness and support throughout the ups and downs of 2020 and the Covid-19 global outbreak. Truly, we can say, God has heard our prayers and provided for our needs through our faithful partners and friends in the nations.... As you look to 2021, would you take Giving Tuesday to consider giving a one-time gift or partnering monthly with us in the coming year? Partner with Kerem-El Kerem El is located on Mt. Carmel, right in the middle of the modern city of Haifa. Stand with us in our vision to cultivate a Messiah-centered community, equip people in their faith and impact Haifa, Israel and the ends of the earth with the good news of Yeshua the Messiah."
Sally Shiff, my friend at HaMaayan in Kfar Saba writes that "Whatever this year brought you, His promise that
He indeed works all together for good. I am grateful for you, for your prayers
and your love." In just a few weeks, Sally writes that "I will be
celebrating my 40th year in the Lord, and year 60! Hard to believe, and thanks to an excellent
beautician, people tell me I don't look it at all." (I love that!) Happy
birthday - both birthdays, Sally.
Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue
Please keep in prayer these Israeli ministry leaders
and believers with urgent health needs
Ronit Bender wrote, I am
feeling pretty good, but do have trouble climbing stairs and walking is getting tougher for me because of my heart situation. My
cardiologist was changed by my health provider. He is very unpleasant and I
want a new one. | Rachel
Netanel wrote, Please pray for me as well. I have very high blood pressure and the
doctors have sent me to have a number of tests. The results won’t come for a
while but please pray that all will be well. I do have peace in Yeshua. | Christian Arab
Pastor Victor Bahbah is still in a medically induced coma in
treatment for Coronavirus is gradually being awakened & his family are just
waiting to see how he has fared | Sally Shiff
still faces 2 more surgeries but "my pain that I had in my legs continuously is
gone!" | A prayer request for Naomi, for a dear family that is a part of Israel Pochtar's pastoral team, who
was diagnosed recently with colon cancer. "Despite what this battle
entails, we are confident in God’s unfailing Word and promises." Read in her own words| Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and
his dear wife, Elisheva | Moti Cohen of Tiferet Yeshua has
been healed!| Hadassah Nisim Lerner still
requests prayer for rest & healing after successful surgery for a cancerous
tumor, no remaining sign of cancer & it had not spread to the Lymph nodes |
Carolyn and Richard Hyde's daughter Deborah 10/23
Deborah got out from the hospital after over a
month in ICU! And she’s coming to live at our home for long term recovery and
therapy. Deborah just kept marveling that she’s alive and she and our family
are truly grateful for all your love and prayers! Olga Bikas is slowly recovering from the operation, but last Thursday
she lost consciousness for a couple of seconds because of a sudden spasm of
pain and as a result fell and broke her ankle. | Also Aleksey Raikhstadt's special needs son
tested positive Covid and the whole family is now in extreme quarantine
Donna Diorio, November 10, 2020
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
THANK YOU to those who support this
ministry with donations. ♥
Donations
appreciated | on PayPal donna@israelprayer.com
Or by postal mail make
donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006 | I do
not have tax exempt status.
