WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 8/31/2016

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION on the
MONTH of AUGUST MARKING our 15th ANNIVERSARY
of the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries

It is the last day of the month of August, the month that 15 years ago I launched a weekly prayer summary devoted to the ministries of Israel - the most overlooked and under-valued nation of laborers in the Lord's international harvest. This was the only national group of believers that if you mentioned your support of "the believers in Israel" you could count on most Christians you talked to becoming defensive and immediately retorting, "What about the Palestinians!?" The ignorance of that attitude ALWAYS bothered me even though I tried to answer it with patience because we do not leave out the desire of the LORD for the salvation of Arabs. I wanted to make a difference in the understanding level of most Christians about the Israeli body of Messiah because they clearly knew very little. God put it in my heart to expose who they were through their own prayer and ministry letters. This is what I have done on a weekly basis for the last 15 years, and what I will do, God willing, until I draw my last breath. So with that said, the online version of the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries - called Arrows from Zion - a name Asher Intrater gave me in a prophetic word in the early 2000's - is online this morning.

Priority Prayer Focus Aug 31, 2016

This seems to me to be a passage of scripture relevant to several current situations in question within the international body of Christ, as well as in the Israeli body too.  Worth reflecting on the wise counsel we find here in Acts 5:29-31, 33-35, 38-39

But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority. The God of our ancestors raised Yeshua from the dead after you killed him by hanging him on a tree. Then God put Him in the place of honor at His right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven....

When they heard this, the high council was furious and decided to kill them. But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up and ordered that the men be sent outside the council chamber for a while. Then he said to his colleagues, “Men of Israel, take care what you are planning to do to these men!

 “.... my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”  

Arrows from Zion
Strategically Aimed for the Lord’s Harvest in Israel
Contact info for all the ministries included inside the subscription-only Weekly Summary.

From Revive Israel Ministries' Asher Intrater, an article Joint Destiny of Arab Christians and Messianic Jews (Part 1)  also and audio teaching, The Battle for Holiness.  Here is a video you will want to watch by a grassroots group of believing teens and young adult Israelis who are Calling a 40 day Fast starting Sep 3-Oct 12. Also follow their blog chronicling the fast.

Also from Revive, Meet the Team: Aviva and a Video message (with translation to Mandarin Chinese) from Ariel Blumenthal in China The Two Great Conditions for Yeshua's Return

In Tiberias, the MorningStar Fellowship led by Claude Ezagouri there has been an ongoing focus on worship and connecting worship teams in the whole Galilee region.  He writes, "We trust that vertical worship and high praise will dissolve the heaviness in the spiritual realms over our cities."  They are also pleased with the group of intercessors God has assembled in their fellowship and ask for prayers that more intercessors will join in an the prayer movement continue to grow among them.  Another prayer request is for teachers and workers for their children. Read more congregational requests inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Claude also has several insightful prayer requests concerning Israel:  

1. Car accidents have risen considerably this year and especially during the summer holidays. The authorities fail to curb the statistics and this has become a small plague in our country.
2. This year there has been a constant rise of the housing prices and Israelis, especially young couples find it very difficult if not impossible to buy a house. In parallel the rents are rising too, which make it harder for many people, particularly in The Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa areas where jobs are easier to find.
3. Ahead of the municipal election in Judea and Samariah Israel worries that the Hamas may take the majority, which would be a serious threat just next door. Some prominent Hamas leaders have been arrested lately in Ramallah. Read these request fully inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Brian Slater's humanitarian outreach, Abundant Bread of Salvation writes , "The work we do is not your typical pony ride" but is "the constant barrage of challenges and spiritual warfare that happens behind the scenes."  He encourages himself and us, too with the words of James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."  Also, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Yes and amen! We can all use those words!

They were especially blessed by unexpected volunteers (intercessors and pastors) from Kenya in their Food Bag Distribution. "Believe me," Brian writes, "these servants from Kenya really know what poverty is. Out of all the people in the world and out of their own poverty, they support our charity!  What an amazing example of faith for all of us!"  The ministry also got help with an Optical Clinic supplied by Jewish Voice Ministries giving away free eye exams and high quality reading glasses.  Finally is Brian's report on a day-trip for about 80 orphaned girls which they treated to an artificial ski resort day of fun. Please read more fully what this outreach ministry is doing inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary
You will also find contact information and website links to this and all ministries featured in Arrows from Zion.

We have a wonderful follow up report from the Arad Hasdey Yeshua congregation about a young man who has come to faith by watching his believing mother pass from this life without fear and hopelessness.  His mother suffered from a terminal illness but what he saw in her faith caused him to seek out and know what gave her such grace and assurance of her salvation as death approached. The young man has come to face and has been baptized. Read more of the story inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary. They also have a story to tell about the immersion (baptism) pool, which was later used by a family of ultra-Orthodox. You really want to read this story, glean from the insights and prayer requests they make for their religious neighbors so weighted with a "great spiritual heaviness"

Plus more updates from Arad on the youth & children, the Ark and "Gila's" upcoming surgery 

Martin Sarvis in Jerusalem writes about the return to school 2 million Israeli Jewish and Arab children and teens. "Israel is presently suffering an acute shortage of thousands of teachers for such core subjects as math, English, Bible, physics, chemistry and biology.  In some cases, students wishing to specialize in such subjects are required to be driven to other schools several times a week in order to receive teaching.  ...Pray That God stir up a vision and resolve in those who are to become teachers in the disciplines which are needed to make Israel strong.  For Messianic Jews and Christian Arabs to rise up into teaching and administrative positions in the Israeli schools."  Read more requests and a praise report on the summer believer camps inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

So then it wasn't just me who LOVED the report sent by David Lazarus on their Beit Immanuel congregational meeting of their elderly folk and youth!  They apparently got a big response about their report, and what wasn't to like? So hope more congregations pick up on this superb tactic for bridging the generational divide!  In his new report, David also writes about their summer camps for the children of the congregation. Read about what a true blessing this is to the kids and their faith inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

The Sorko-Ram's ministry letter opens with a good list of prayer requests over the rocket launch from Gaza last week and expected confrontations and even war that lies ahead.  Also Ari's travel to Guatamala to meet with pastors, church leaders and to speak at a conference. They also report on plans for upcoming High Holy Days and various new projects "to reach Israelis who do not know Yeshua". Read more inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Sally Shiff, a lead intercessor/liaison in the Kfar Saba Hamaayan congregation that is led by Tony and Orna Sperandeo, also starts off her prayer-ministry letter this month focused on all the wonderful things that happened for their congregational youth at the summer camps this year.  We are seeing great emphasis in pouring out of the Spirit into these young lives, so please pray over them all for abundant fruit to form within the youngsters.  Sally reports that each week a new group of visitors shows up for the congregational services with hunger for the Word of Truth - many are young adult Israelis seeking Yeshua.  I would urge you to read Sally's full report with also covers the ground of upcoming High Holy Days, their school of Biblical Zionism which will launch in Jan 2017, and protection from increasing threats of conflict with Arab surrounding nations. Read it in full inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

One final thing from Sally on the High Holy Days fast, "We are seeing a number of marriages being tested, especially those of leaders who have stood for years against opposition. We are seeing an increase of acceptance of alternative lifestyles from the people of Israel and our government. We are seeing our children walking away from the faith or deceived about the character of God and His love for us.  While the physical borders of our nation are “quiet” for the time, the spiritual borders are breaking down.  This is one of the reasons why we are coming together as a congregation.  God trains our hands for war, and our fingers for battle (Psalm 144:1), and gives us the ability to intercede (pray) for our nation and family.  We await His answered prayers…  Thank you for your ever faithful love and prayers on our behalf!

These are a selection of features from the last two emails from KehilaNews.com

Interview about Messianic Elementary School in Tiberias | AUDIO on Peniel Learning Center
Yad Aman – Setting the Stage for Messianic Music and Art | ARTICLE by by Rachel Scapa
Internecine Warfare by Howard Bass
The Gates of Zion (Sha'arei Tsion) |MUSIC VIDEO | Carolyn Hyde

Another Popular Orthodox Rabbi Demands our Death for Sharing the Gospel in Israel| VIDEO | One For Israel Staff

Because Arrows from Zion is also published online each week, I will only mention here that there are detailed  health updates for Jacob Damkani and for David Davis inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary. 

Israelprayer:  Please be praying for these leaders as well as all the intense health issues that are against other Messianic leaders listed below.  We recognize that this attack is a spiritual attack to 'strike the shepherds, so the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Pray for mighty miracles of God's healing hand to be on these leaders as a witness of signs and wonders to the Israeli congregations, and the yet unsaved watchers in Israel.

Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue

Please see inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary to keep in prayer the Israeli ministry leaders and believers with urgent health needs including the fight for their very lives: 

PLEASE Pray for ANOTHER MIRACLE:  We have received a new update from Jacob Damkani please read his update in the main Weekly Summary. The new surgery advised was even more dangerous than the one a year ago & they have decided to trust God for healing and forego the surgery;  Also an new update from David Davis please read his update in the main Weekly Summary;  Shelly M, Israeli pastor Eitan's wife whom doctors have sent home to die as cancer has returned to a new place in her body;  Eddie Santoro - a new form of cancer unrelated to the brain cancer; "Gila" in the Negev will have surgery involving amputation of one of her limbs. Please pray for her. Ruth Nessim has received a clean bill of health from cancer treatment: pray it does not rise up a 2nd time; Continued prayer against cancer in Rick Ridings daughter, Esther Moore; David O., Ami (unhealed wounds),

Long term disease battles:  Leah; an unnamed forefather of Messianic Judaism; Moshe M.;  the son of an Arab pastor, Ghazi, who is suffering from Leukemia. Judy, wife of pastor Yaakov K;  Evan Thomas in still painful occupational therapy phase after serious arm fractures; Carolyn Hyde, Eddie Beckford, Claude Ezagouri; Rachel Slater; Patti, wife of Dan Juster; Baruch and Karen Maayan; Michael E and unnamed Israel-related ministers.  Pray also for Tal Bass. Miriam Abramov, incisional hernia, Ronen a congregant & faithful volunteer in the Tiferet Yeshua Tel Aviv congregation.

Praying the Headlines

Anti-Semitism on an Olympic Sized Scale?  | By Lydia Morgan, CAO on behalf of the JIJ Team

Israeli Olympic athletes, like those from other countries, commit themselves to their sport from a very young age. After years of training, injuries, personal failures and successes, they finally reach the apex of their training. The Olympics, when the eyes of the entire world turn to watch them take the stage. 

But for Israeli Olympians it is not just about giving their best performance. Their moment of glory is often spoiled by blatant acts of racism and hatred.  You may have heard of some of these instances, and maybe you took notice.  But maybe you didn’t.  Get the FACTS online

Donor Beware

July 2016   From wayoflife.org

RABBI HAS RAISED OVER A BILLION DOLLARS FOR ISRAEL FROM CHRISTIANS

But says Christians can't cross the line
of preaching the Gospel to Jews
& should also shun Messianic Jews.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has raised $1.25 billion for “global Jewish  needs,”  largely from Christians, even though he preaches non-proselytizing.  

Eckstein  says,   “Christians are called to bless Israel and the Jewish people,  and that is their form of  witness.  If God  wants  Jews to believe in Jesus,  He will take care of  it.... Proselytizing  is  a  line  [evangelicals] cannot cross”  - [DD: Not according to my Bible]

Eckstein  urges  Christian  donors  to  “put messianic groups aside,” referring to those who believe  in  preaching  the  gospel  to  Jews. The Lord  Jesus  Christ  commanded that the gospel be preached  to  Jews, and His apostles  boldly set  about  that task even though they were persecuted unto death.

The apostle Paul said, “For I  am not  ashamed  of  the gospel  of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone  that  believeth;  to  the  Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Teaching Articles

8/16/16  Orna Greenman in Modi’in A Sign & An Example (Ot Oo’Mofet)  
A ministry to orphans, widows and single parents in the body of Messiah in Israel
aleftav@netvision.net.il  http://www.signandwonder.org/  
Follow Orna on Facebook  Read regular updates on Orna's new blog
In the US, donations can be made to: House of Stephanas, c/o Sharp, 1005 Elaine Trail, Chattanooga TN 37421, USA  Please include notation the donation is for: Orna Greenman/Ot OoMofet  If you prefer to use PayPal or Western Union, please email me for details.

BLOG: One Day She Will Not Remember That Shame Anymore  | This week we commemorated Tisha B’Av. The ninth day of the month of Av. The worse day of the year In Judaism throughout our history....This week I learned something really interesting about this fast. Never heard it before. Apparently, at the end of the fast, orthodox women (mostly Sephardic Jews) return home from the synagogue, and start cleaning their homes diligently, polishing it, even painting the walls afresh. Why? Because in the face of destruction, the nation is always looking for some hope. And what is the hope of these women? “The coming of the Messiah,” they say. They clean their homes in preparation for Him, in case He will show up. There is even a Talmudic tradition (tract Berachot) that speaks about the Messiah being born on that day.

Israeli Ministries on Tours  |  BOOKING meetings now (See open dates)  Inside the attached Weekly Summary are itineraries and open dates for Guy Cohen, Harvest of Asher;  Kobi & Shani Ferguson Family, Yeshua Israel; and Orna Greenman, A Sign & An Example

The Israeli Messianic Marketplace  Feature of the Week:

The apple does not fall far from the tree. This is an announcement from Marc Chopinsky's son Eli who is continuing to be a blessing in the realm of Israeli Messianic worship.

Eli Ben-Moshe, The Ashira Recording Label in Israel | Ashira means "I shall sing" |   Ashira produces Hebrew worship written by Israelis at no production cost, allowing local songwriters to record their songs who would otherwise not be able to.   

Ashira is Moving Forward | Ever since I began Ashira last summer, I have been praying and looking for active partners in this ministry. Although we found each other quickly, it took a chance meeting in the vacation capital city of Israel, Eilat, for Kobi and Shani Ferguson and I to come together.

Kobi and Shani are the founders of Yeshua Israel Ministries, an outreach that uses media, teaching and family discipleship to both bring Israelis to know Yeshua and to help Israeli believers reach their potential in the Lord. Since our meeting in Eilat God has opened many doors and has led us to "joining together".  As of this writing, Ashira is now officially a subsidiary of Yeshua Israel which has allowed me to make this my full time vocation and been crucial in providing the finances to make our vision possible!                        

Joining Forces | The speed and efficiency with which God opened these doors is breathtaking! Together we will continue to serve Him by producing music that will bless and honor His name and nurture the body of Messiah in Israel and the nations.

Partner with us | Now that Ashira is part of an official ministry, all donations will go through the proper channels.  Rest assured that you will still be supporting Ashira when you donate through Yeshua Israel, only now you can receive all the tax benefits of charitable donations. Donate Now

On to even better things! This will also be the last independent newsletter that I send out. Future updates will be sent from Yeshua Israel with Ashira's full support. Thank you for supporting us, both spiritually and tangibly to this point! I pray you will feel led to continue to do so as we move forward with this vision!

________________________________________

Donna Diorio 
 arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
If your weekly ARROWS from ZION email does not come in,
check online each Wednesday at our new blog site location ARROWS from ZION

If you appreciate the efforts of this ministry to share both the  challenges and the great things God is doing among the Israeli indigenous ministries, please pray about making a financial gift donation. 

Make donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio and mail to: Israel Prayer  P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006  Or go to www.PayPal.com My account is:  donna@israelprayer.com  I do not have tax exempt status.