ARROWS from ZION : 2017

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 12/27/2017

Priority Prayer Focus Dec 27, 2017

You only have a few days left to make charitable tax deductible DONATIONS to Israeli Ministries.

Year End Giving is so important to ministries because it helps them meet their obligations for the year. For some, it can mean a more solid future for the year to come to fulfill their ministry vision. For many even a small donation can make a huge difference.

As a ministry that has not applied for non-profit status, my own donations are not tax deductible. That is more of an issue for American subscribers than for my many foreign subscribers. I always wonder what would happen to U.S. ministry donations if the write-off disappeared completely! Also, some people cannot imagine why a prayer ministry would even need any donations - as is the experience of some other of my Israeli ministry friends who provide mailing list and online services that are outside the traditional concept of "ministry". But we have ministry overhead too. And it costs to devote oneself to providing even online resources, much less all the outreaches that are highlighted here each week by the UNDER-FUNDED Israeli ministries.

So the priority prayer request this week is that many, many would be as the three wise men who traveled from faraway lands to place their gifts at the feet of the baby Yeshua. Truly, the body of Messiah in Israel are "the feet of Jesus" in the land of Israel today. So important that we bless those who are destined to increase in significantly blessing the nations through their desire to see that "all Israel shall be saved."

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.

I will never see "The Little Drummer Boy" the same way again after reading Ron's Cantor's brilliant little article, The Little Drummer Boy was a Messianic Jew. You can enjoy it, too inside the Weekly Summary attachment - along with links to Ron's favorite version of the little drummer boy. [pa rup pa pum pum]

Also, Ron, who is also the Revive Israel Media Director, shares how "Revive Israel Media is now about to take things to a whole new level and we want to take you with us! We are launching a weekly Facebook Live show called “Revive Live” from our ministry center at Moshav Yad Hashmona in the Judean hills. In fact, the first episode may have already aired by the time you get this!" Get all the details inside the Weekly Summary attachment

From Howard Bass in Beer Sheva (Yeshua's Inheritance congregation) on Dates and Appointed Times about "the birth of His beloved Son, widely celebrated at this time of year."

Howard also sent a photo he took "in Jerusalem at the 100th anniversary of the day when General Allenby walked in through Jaffa Gate and up to David's Citadel, located right across from Christ Church. On that day of Dec 11, 1917, he received the keys to the city of Jerusalem in the official ceremony marking the surrender of the city by the Turks and Ottoman Empire to the British-led allies. The battle over Jerusalem is still on-going."

The inverted rainbow seen above David's Citadel in this picture is highly unusual - a rarely spotted phenomena since it occurs at such a great height. It was certainly clearly visible this day in Jerusalem! Howard writes about it inside the Weekly Summary attachment — and I was so intrigued that I did some research on it and also wrote about it at the end of Howard's comments.

From Revive Israel, Asher Intrater gives an exciting video report Breakthrough in the Arab World and how the Arab Christian world is aligning with the messianic body in Israel - the prophesied revival and the Isaiah 19 highway is coming. Ron Cantor's article, God's Prophetic Timetable, tells us: "It would appear that God has a set timing for Zion's restoration and we are witnessing it in real time!"

You will also see a report from the Revive Team about the Katzir Youth Camp that just wrapped up and enjoy a couple of videos: Watch a short video recap from the camp! And: Hear more about the vision of the camp from Eitan Shishkoff

I really do hope you are praying over the political situation in Israel that is impacting the community of faith in Israel in an extremely negative way. As long as the ultra-Orthodox Shas party has power and control of the Ministry of the Interior, it is BAD NEWS for the Messianic Jewish citizens of Israel - because they will stop at nothing from trickery to lies in order to eject the believers in Yeshua no matter how long they have lived in Israel and no matter how many family members will be adversely affected.

This is the case with the Hydes, as Carolyn Hyde has become the target of efforts to deny her citizenship. There are new developments in Carolyn's case which you can read inside the subscription only Attached DOCX Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries. Please be praying that NO WEAPON formed against her and the entire family shall prosper and every tongue that rises to condemn her, shall be declared impotent and false.

Over the Christmas holiday on Twitter I saw many Israeli officials speaking about how Israel protects the right of Christian citizens. I could not hold myself back from tweeting to Ambassador Ron Dermer on Christmas Eve: "Asking Israel to be good to the Israeli Jewish community of faith in Yeshua @Jerusalem_Post seems to think it is OK with Christians in the nations if Israel kicks out Israeli Jewish citizens who believe in Yeshua It's NOT OK for Interior Ministry to discriminate against them!"

Personally I believe it is time to let many of the Netanyahu government officials know that Christians not only care about how they are treating Christian Arabs and Christian internationals, but we are vitally interested in how they are treating their own Messianic Jewish citizens - or allowing the Interior Ministry to abuse them. This must be done with a clear voice of support for Israel in her battle with the nations - but not by sacrificing the Messianic believers on that altar. They must do better by these citizens and it is time Christians began to speak into that.

Last week, at the last minute I included a beautiful music video, "O Holy Night" in Arabic with a Middle Eastern flare. It was sent in (and recorded) by Kobi and Shani Ferguson of Yeshua Israel ministries in Jerusalem. This is only one of the many worship recordings they are doing from their Yeshua Israel Worship Initiative. Read more about them inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Avner and Rachel Boskey send along their personal ministry letter letting us know how they rejoice that their home is filled as "a place of worship and fellowship, week after week, year after year... with many friends — long-time Israelis and new immigrants, Russian, Hebrew and English speakers, Jews and Gentiles, believers and pre-Messianic friends, young and old, locals and internationals." Among other topics, how it is going with the E:37 Training Institute, son Daniel's video creations and Avner's teaching and writing. Some recent USA messages are shared: : here, here and here. AND MORE inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Evan Thomas of Beit Asaph sends his ministry letter, writing, "This year has been full to overflowing, like the traditional Shabbat wine cup! It has been a challenging yet fruitful year both personally and as a community." They write about the highlights of their year and look forward into 2018 a bit.

Also, as you may know, Evan carries a particular sensitivity to brotherly love with the Christian Arab community in Israel. He writes about the "Enormous controversy was triggered by President Trump’s announcement to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem, and so recognize the city as Israel’s eternal capital. For the Jewish community this has been hailed as a long-awaited breakthrough. But for the Palestinian community, it is regarded as a loss of all hope of a future state of their own. They know that Israel will do everything to prevent Jerusalem ever being divided again. So we live out our faith in this ever-present tension. Our Savior was born into a similar context of tension and uncertainty and brought with him a message of hope and security found only in another kingdom, not of this world. This is what we, as Yeshua’s modern-day disciples, cling to; it is the only true message we bring to our divided communities."

Israel Pochtar, who share so well with us each week in all they are doing in outreaches, takes this time to share a few of their personal family updates - including his and Vicki's recent 25th wedding anniversary and the recent wedding of their firstborn (son). Read more inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Orna Grinman, whose ministry to orphans, widows and single parents in the body of Messiah in Israel, truly is A Sign & An Example - the translation of the ministry name, Ot Oo’Mofet. Orna posses a real biblical heart and knowledge for touching wounds among these vulnerable groups. I have been touched by her writing many times. Orna's main connection with us in the nations these days is through her blog rather than emailed ministry letters. You can read her latest blog entries, Cooo-eee! In Those Days, At This Time and Nittel Nacht – the Chassidic Reaction to Christmas

News from Avi and Chaya Mizrachi (Happy birthday, Chaya!) of the Dugit Messianic Outreach and the Adonai Roi congregation in Tel Aviv, is good news for all the Messianic women of Israel. Namely that Chaya and Norma Sarvis in Jerusalem decided it would be a great time "for the Daughters of Zion to come together to strengthen and encourage one another. In these times, we feel it is so important for Israeli women to worship the Lord together and to shout and proclaim that we are indeed "Women of Hope!" They have just started developing the conference for as many of the believing women in the Land to come - and this is a wonderful opportunity to invest in their efforts to subsidize the cost of the conference so their guests will have the option to receive meals, lodging, and transportation for just a minimal fee. Please read more inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Joel and Teresa Jelski, along with their little one have been in spiritual discipleship training for the new role that Joel is about to play in a discipleship training ministry in northern Israel. This last phase of preparing them involves their discipleship for five months at Gateways Beyond Training School which has been training young people from Israel , and indeed Messianic young people from the nations, for decades. This is how you can help: The Jelski's must raise the funds to be prepared at this powerful ministry discipleship program. You can learn the details inside. As Joel writes about the program, it is "an integral part of our journey to seeing a future discipleship and missions program here in Israel for Jewish and Arab young people." Learn more inside the subscription only Attached DOCX Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries

Rachel Netanel has the gift of an evangelist and it is expressed in a fully Israeli style - which of course she is, a fully Israeli native-born Jewish woman. Married to Gilad, the couple live in Ein Karim in a most unusual cave-house that has been thrown open with great hospitality to all who come. Rachel writes, "This month was one of the busiest we have experienced for a long time. We had more than 300 people visiting of which the majority were non-believers. They came as individuals and also in groups and as exhausting as this was, I am filled with joy that I can share a little about some of them." Please read about the Netanel's ministry inside the subscription only Attached DOCX Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries - much of which I would rather not post in public forums for the sake of protecting all.

Martin Sarvis writes about Christmas Day in Jerusalem with lots of Christmas music - it's something very unusual which may surprise you to hear! Read it inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Finally we have a few of the features being shared by KehilaNews.com this week - and also this message: "Thank you to our 12,000+ subscribers of Kehila News Israel (KNI)! If you enjoy receiving updates from the Messianic community in Israel, please consider a one-time year-end donation of $10. If all KNI readers gave $10, our budget for 2018 would be covered. Thank you for standing with Israel and the Messianic community in Israel.

Five believing organizations that minister to the poor in Israel | Karen Faulkner | KNI has highlighted five believing ministries that help the poor and vulnerable in Israel. Importantly, these ministries also provide opportunities for believers from anywhere to join the work as volunteers, pray and donate financially.

Evangelical influence prompts Guatemalan embassy move to Jerusalem | Kehila News Israel Staff | Apparent evangelical influence prompted Guatemala to join the United States in announcing it will move its Israel embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, acknowledging that the city is the capital of the Jewish state.

Netanyahu confirms Israel to withdraw from UNESCO | Amir Tsarfati | In his weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would follow the United States and withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, at the end of 2018.

World Vision Gaza: The questions continue | Hannah Weiss | Eighteen months ago, the Gaza director of the evangelical aid organization World Vision was arrested by Israel and charged with diverting their aid to local Hamas terrorists. Today the affair remains clouded by contradictory statements, biased media coverage — and important questions no one is asking.

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

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My Word

Tips for the 2018 Prophetic Barrage | by Donna Diorio | Here it comes everyone: 2018 will bring a ton of prophetic words and here are a few pointers for you.

1. JUDGE the prophetic word, don't just automatically receive it. There are several sources of 'prophecy' and not all are God! "Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: 'Hear the word of the LORD!" Ezekiel 13:2

Which brings us to:

2. Measure the prophetic word by the Word of God - not just a random verse here or here, but the whole Word of God. If you don't know the Bible cover to cover, how are you ever going to know if a prophetic word lines up with God's Word? You won't.

3. Do not worship any prophet. Revelation 19:9-10 Then the angel tells me, “Write: How fortunate are those who have been invited to the wedding banquet of the Lamb!” He also tells me, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that—for I am only a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Yeshua. Worship God! For the testimony of Yeshua is the Spirit of Prophesy.”

It is the Gift-giver, not the gift.

4. Recognize we have entered a prophetic shift: When the age of the Gentiles was about to get underway with the birth of Yeshua-Jesus, the prophets of Israel fell silent and there were no prophetic words being released to the nation of Israel.

The exception is the prophetic words that were released directly related to the birth of Yeshua - like Elizabeth, the mother pregnant with John the Baptist when Miriam came to her pregnant with Yeshua, who prophesied that Yeshua was LORD, or the wise men who traveled from afar with gifts to lay at Yeshua's feet. Or the prophecy of Simeon as Yeshua was being dedicated and Anna who prophesied that this newborn baby was the Redeemer of Israel.

Now as the age of the gentiles is coming to full-fillment once again there is an unseen shift in the prophetic: the prophetic word of the LORD is being released among the Israeli prophets. It is not that the Christian prophets have fallen completely silent as the Jewish prophets did before the birth of Jesus, but there is a dramatic shift is certainly taking place. It is a shift back to the nature and type of prophecy of old in the Israeli prophets. The type of prophecy that has been exercised throughout the two millennia age of the Church continues, but now there is a revival of the type of prophecy of old, and it is within the Israeli prophets.

To learn more about this prophetic shift:

A New Dimension of Prophecy | Video teaching by Asher Intrater

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Donna Diorio
arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com

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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 12/20/2017 O Holy Night

Priority Prayer Focus Dec 20, 2017

In just a few days almost the whole world will be celebrating Christmas
— many will celebrate without a clue of its true meaning
for they are still in a world engulfed in sin and error pining.
It is not only strangers, but many of our own families, as well.
Please join with me in prayer for our families, young and old,
to come to the knowledge of the true meaning of Christmas
and to know the thrill of hope and rejoicing
for the breaking of a new and glorious morning in their lives.

Literally a last minute addition to this letter from Yeshua Israel ministry:

O Holy Night recorded in Arabic with musicians from Nazareth

recorded in the Ferguson's Jerusalem Ministry Center

WATCH VIDEO HERE

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.

I so love the testimony given by Eddie Santoro from the Ahavat Yeshua (Love of Yeshua) congregation in Jerusalem this week. God prepared his heart to step out with boldness when a miraculous door was opened for him to declare the goodness of God to cancer patients about his own incredible testimony of the healing of two cancers he has overcome in the past couple of years. Please read this remarkable door that was opened for him from an unexpected source - a miracle in itself. Find Eddie's testimony inside the Weekly Summary attachment

This ties into the major thread this week about the religious opposition to the faith of Yeshua among the Israeli Messianic Jews. I write in Praying the Headlines about an experience of trying to comment on an extremely prejudiced article in the Jerusalem Post about Israel's Messianic Jews. I believe it is important for Christians who support Israel to STOP letting abusive conduct and statements about the Israeli community of Messianic Jews go by unchallenged. They are our spiritual family in Jesus, and if you think it will ingratiate you to Israeli Jews, it may for some, but God will be sorely displeased by the betrayal.

In the several articles I picked out to highlight from the KehilaNews.com email from 12/19, there are three articles from three Messianic ministers in the Galilee, the Negev and in Jerusalem. Eric Morey writes about a new campaign in Israel called, "We're also Jews Anti-discrimination Campaign". Howard Bass responds to the JPost article and Benjamin Berger asks, Who gave the rabbis authority to decide who is a Jew?

Real life in Israel does not agree with the conclusions of the JPost article, and is offset by Eddie Santoro's testimony, as well as David Lazarus' article (see Messianic Articles below) in writing about the 22-year old Messianic Jewess who has received "overwhelming support" in her bid to represent Israel in the 2018 Eurovision. No matter what the religious opposition, when something or someone is from God, what He is doing cannot be stopped regardless of how much effort is put into ill feelings being whipped up. That is just a fact of God.

From Revive Israel (I thought this was a timely word to add to their weekly ministry email) —a VIDEO teaching by Asher Intrater on The Chanukah-Christmas Connection. If you follow Revive Israel on Facebook you will notice that a great many of the teaching videos and articles recently being shared have a focus of preparing the saints for end times events —and if you are not following on Facebook, you probably should be because the teachings are invaluable and uplifiting, even on topics like the end times. This week there is a short article from Asher on "Attitudes toward Tribulation" which you can read in full inside the Weekly Summary attachment. There is also another video: teaching by Asher, Prophesying the Resurrection

Ron Cantor of Messiah's Mandate and Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv has this timely offering: 7 Thoughts about Christmas from a Messianic Jew—Part 1 | While the understanding of the Jewish Roots of the New Testament is important (I wrote two books on the subject), we are not called to be zealots, preaching against holidays that many people celebrate with pure hearts. I hope this blog series helps.

God bless the ministry of Dov Bikas who does evangelism and outreach among the drug addicts and sexual abuse victims in South Tel Aviv. Why? For this: "These days, when the whole Christian world celebrates Christmas, let us ask ourselves this question: Why was Jesus born and why did He come to this world? We find the answer in the words spoken by the angel to Joseph: 'You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins' (Mat 1:21). The angel tells Joseph how to name the baby and explains why God chose this specific name for His Son: 'because he will save his people from their sins'. For most of those who do not speak Hebrew this explanation says nothing, but if you look into the dictionary you will see that the direct meaning of the name “Yeshua” (Jesus) is “Savior”. And now imagine a lifeguard on the beach. Who will he be saving? Who will appeal to him for help? Only the one who is drowning and cannot save himself." Read in full inside the Weekly Summary attachment and please remember to pray for their BeerSheva Rehab Center.

The weekly Maoz ministry letter begins with an encouragement for us to pray for the Israeli towns surrounding Gaza who are again under attack from terror groups lobbing missiles into Israel. The excuse this time is because Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital, but make no mistake about it, one way or the other the missiles were bound to be launched again and again. Please pray - and also over all the well-armed enemies surrounding the Jewish state. We are in the battle in earnest, and the sooner we realize this, the better prepared we will be to enter the fight with spiritual cover for Israel.

Find this and the list of Maoz ministries prayer requests inside the Weekly Summary attachment . Also from their monthly Maoz Israel Report, please read about Supporting Arab Christians in Finding Their Destiny

The Kfar Saba HaMaayan congregational ministry letter is published in a blog that you can access here. In it Tony and Orna Sperandeo who lead this Congregation of the Wellspring share highlights from the past year.

Such a wonderful healing praise report occurred that Avi and Chaya Mizrachi had to send out a special email to give testimony to bless and encouarge us all. Eight months ago one of their women was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 3 cancer. They started a prayer network to intercede for her and after 8 sessions of chemo and a scheduled surgery, when doctors went in they could not find any cancer cells. Cancer was gone! They are rejoicing - as are we that EVERY KNEE shall bow to the preeminence of the Name of Yeshua.

Prophet Avner Boskey has a new word available on David's Tent: YHVH the warrior and the art of strategic pre-positioning "As Christmas lights twinkle, many people will once again have cause to remember and think about Isaiah’s Prophecy of Peace “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). But peace is not yet breaking out in the Middle East."

Kobi and Shani Ferguson of Yeshua Israel ministries in Jerusalem write about an important part of their mission, which is "mentoring and supporting Israeli families is the most effective way for long term expansion of the Kingdom of God and rooting its influence deep in the heart of Israel." They offer an opportunity to help them as they have "adopted" several new Messianic families across the country. READ MORE

Yeshi Reinhardt, who humanitarian ministry is located in the heart of the hard-hit town of Sderot (hard hit and often target of Gaza missles), also has opportunities for you to help them bless the needy. Get contact information inside the Weekly Summary attachment and watch this video of ministering to toddlers to relieve stresses of bomb shelter runs. WATCH kids getting some much needed fun!

We have a great update from Lebanese pastor Najeeb who underwent hip replacement in Germany - plus the opportunities he had to share his faith with Muslim doctors, and other during his surgery and recovery. There is good news, but also bad news inside the Weekly Summary attachment - the bad news being that donations to continue the Arab IDF Soldiers' Home has not come in and the home is in danger of having to be shuttered. Read about it in the Weekly Summary.

Guy Cohen, a sabra (native) of the northern Israeli town that he now heads a Messianic congregation in, Akko, writes to us about "The True Light" who is Yeshua. "Yeshua Himself proclaims in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” What I receive or better put, my perception of these words, is alignment. How can we that are called His sons and receive His power bring light into the Kingdom of God here on earth? How is it possible for us to accomplish this when Yeshua himself walked on the earth but the world did not know Him and His brothers did not accept Him?"

The Jerusalem Institute of Justice sends out its updates in a PDF form that I cannot copy and paste to share here, but here is a short appeal to help them as they represent religious freedom in Israel on a pro bono basis (absorbing the legal fees). "Please introduce JIJ to your friends and help us reach our goal of 1000 new friends giving a $10 monthly donation to sponsor our pro-bono legal work safeguarding the rights of Christian minorities in Israel. No gift too small, nor any amount too little to make a difference for justice. Pro-bono legal work accomplishments: 800+ cases handled in the last 13 years; 22 Supreme Court Petition victories in the last 13 years; 58+ assisting communities and families in 2017; 2 Know Your Rights seminars in 2017. ALSO Featured article: Jerusalem Gold and the US Embassy

One last note - it is a great time to get in one last opportunity for Year End Giving and I would like to add this article I wrote a few weeks back: We Three Kings of Orient Are. Wise men still come to Israel to the Body of Messiah bearing gifts.

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 continue to pray for the list which reamins unchanged from the past couple of weeks - with the exception that Eitan Shishkoff has written of his restoration from travel and respiratory issues after the days with the young people of the Katzir gathering in the Galilee.

Praying the Headlines

Last week a Jerusalem Post article titled, Will Israel Ever Accept Messianic Jews? came to my notice. The sub-heading read: Indeed, Messianic Jews are largely shunned by mainstream Jewish communities around the world, and are commonly seen as proselytizers. Here is what happened when I tried to rebut that in the comment section of the Jerusalem Post. Read inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Messianic Articles

David Lazarus writes about the 22-year old Messianic Jew who has wow'd the judges and public in her audition to represent Israel in the international 2018 Eurovision Song Contest. Please read this! inside the Weekly Summary attachment

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 12/13/2017

Priority Prayer Focus Dec 13, 2017

Today is the second day of Hanukkah. This prayer letter respects both the Jewish and the Christian traditions of the season. I believe if the intent of the heart is to honor God and His Messiah, then it is worth celebration and respect.

My own family tradition is Christmas. There is much about aspects of both traditions that is not great, but I believe the very worst is the annual arguing within the community of faith over who is screwing up the most with their celebrations of the season.

Luke 2: 28-32 Simeon received Him into his arms and offered a blessing to God, saying, “Now may You let Your servant go in peace, O Sovereign Master, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples: ‘A light for revelation to the nations’ and the glory of Your people Israel.”

Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Miriam: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well."

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.

Something a little different to start off this week, from Martin Sarvis' better half, Norma. Notes from Norma shares that in this Hebrew year of 5778 they are continuing to hear that it is prophetically a year of gates and doors. " The Hebrew letter-number for “8” is the letter het, which is shaped like a door and often used to symbolize that.

She writes that doors are important in Jewish thinking and provides many examples of that from scripture. Also, she writes, "Gates and doors are places of guarding and exercising discernment .... In 5778 we will see many gates opening on both personal and national levels. We are already experiencing that here in Israel. Since Israeli believers welcomed the nations at the “Welcoming the King of Glory” conference two months ago, we and other Israeli leaders have found many gates in the Spirit opening or already opened in Israel! We believe that President Trump himself opened a gate this past week, a blessing for his own nation and for Israel, as he honored Jerusalem by publically acknowledging her to be what God has from the beginning established and raised her up to be." Read more of this encouraging word inside the Weekly Summary attachment.

Next we have a dose of reality written that is a description of the Muslim response to various historical events - sent to us by Eddie Santoro of Ahavat Yeshua in Jerusalem and "written by a dear friend of ours, Elhanan Ben Avraham. Take a few minutes to read it as it gives a clear picture of what is going on. And please keep praying. No matter what occurs in the natural, we know that the Kingdom of God is advancing every day- in our lives, in the nation of Israel and throughout the world." Read it inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Howard and Randi Bass of the Beer Sheva Yeshua's Inheritance congregation are happy to be welcoming back their daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren who are returning to Israel after a year in Singapore. They ask, "Please pray for their resettlement, and for the ongoing work of kehilanews.com , a website ministry resource for the believers around the world with an active interest in the Body of Messiah here."

Howard notes (on 12/10) "Tomorrow is another landmark commemoration this year: 100 years since Jerusalem was officially handed over by the Ottoman Islamic Empire to the British forces led by General Edmund Allenby. Political considerations seem to be keeping this event at a rather low-profile level. Interestingly, the rather historic and courageous announcement by President Trump that Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel was just days before. I have commented on that here"

For other congregational news, and for news from two major ministries in Israel that Howard attended Board meetings for recently - the Caspari Center and CMJ-Israel, please read more inside the Weekly Summary attachment

From Revive Israel, an article by Ron Cantor on Trump’s Recognition of Jerusalem. A video by Asher intrater on The Jewish Revival where Asher explains: Before Yeshua returns it says that the Jewish people will welcome him back, 'Baruch Haba beShem Adonai." But what does this mean? | And last but not least Asher's important book we hope all of our subscribers with read and consider, called Alignment. The manifest glory of God will rest on the city of Jerusalem and the people of God everywhere. The nations of the world will be lined up on one side or the other.

You may have heard that terrorists in Gaza have been lobbing missiles into the surrounding Jewish towns like Ashkelon and Sderot. We have a request for prayer for Michael and Dina Beener in Sderot from City of the Living congregation (so named because Hamas has named Sderot, "the city of the Dead"). The Beeners ministry is there to counter that demonic labeling in every way! they ask that you would keep the people living in the whole area safe, and also that you pray for salvation not only for the Jewish people but also the residents of the Gaza Strip.

Since it is the Chanukah season, kids are out on school break and the Katzir (Harvest) Chanukah conference begins this week starting th 14th with the counselors, then all the youth join on 15 thru 17. Pray for this conference to build up the faith of the young Messianics.

Avi and Chaya Mizrachi of Dugit and Adonai Roi in Tel Aviv sent out a "Thank you" note: "We want to thank president Trump for recognizing JERUSALEM as the capital of our country, Israel. This is a historical statement and the time has come for the nations to acknowledge that JERUSALEM is the capital of the Jewish state of Israel. As you know, David Ben Gurion proclaimed the birth of our country and our independence in Tel Aviv, on 14 of May 1948. We are approaching our 70 years of independence and celebrate three thousand years of this city, JERUSALEM, where our forefathers and our kings and our prophets, came to worship the Lord in our Temple. This is the city of our King Messiah, Yeshua and we believe that He is coming back soon to His own people and city!" Yes and amen!

Sally Shiff of the Congregation of the Wellspring in Kfar Saba, returned home for a 6-week tour in the US just in time for the historic speech President Trump made recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and beginning plans to move the US embassy there. Sally provides links to Donald Trump's announcement and Netanyahu's response . "How wonderful to arrive home to this breaking news! Watching history take place before my very eyes, yet there is a solemnity in the spirit that I want to address. So please take a moment and read my thoughts..." inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Ruth Nessim of the Light of the Galilee congregation in Nahariya sends news of torrential downpours as Winter makes its way to Israel. There is great need as usual so keep praying for the rains. She is delighted with the news of Trump's announcement, and speaks a little about the underground wall along the Gaza that Israel is building to defeat the terror tunnels from Gaza to the surrounding Jewish villages. Ruth also catches us up with dear people she has ministered to for many years, read more inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Maoz Ministries has sent a short but encompassing list of prayer requests for Israel, the government leaders of Israel and the US, salvation of the Jews and Arabs, and for their specific ministry needs., including for their ministry heads, Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram. Read it and pray along inside the Weekly Summary attachment

An update from the Peniel Fellowship in Tiberias led by Daniel and Shirya Yahav begins with praise reports about the 11 new babies and several weddings among their members this year. But you will want to read about three babies among them that received miracles in answer to prayer - plus another with a 13-year old son whose heart implant at aged 2 failed. He lives and has an amazing testimony to tell of seeing Yeshua in the Garden of Eden when his heart stopped beating. These are very powerful healing testimonies I encourage you to read inside the Weekly Summary attachment.

The congregation is also taking up special prayer vigil for several families who have prodigal youth and young adults. For more on this and other congregational news, please read in full inside the Weekly Summary attachment

Last but not least:

KehilaNews.com KNI is a reader supported non-profit news ministry and is not financially backed by a large organization. We depend on your generous gifts to continue in 2018 to pay freelance writers, staff, and web expenses. Please click here to support KNI. Below is just a sampling of KNI items this week:

Israeli believers react to US recognition of Jerusalem as capital | Kehila News Israel Staff | Following the historic announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, KNI asked believers from around the country their perspectives on this decision and its implications for their future as citizens of Israel.

VIDEO: President Trump's Statement on Jerusalem of Dec. 6, 2017 | Kehila News Israel Staff | Watch the official White House video of President Trump's speech in which he recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Yuval School of Music and Arts - Teaching the heart of worship | Karen Faulkner | The Yuval Messianic School of Music and Arts (YMA) in Jerusalem is a worship center where students of any age or income can learn music and art with the aim of enhancing their skills to glorify Yeshua and grow closer to him.

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:

Eitan Shishkoff run down after a month of US travel, Eitan has a strained respiratory system. Pray for healing and grace to slow down | Shlomy Abramov is suffering from a slipped disk in his back and is in much pain. Please pray | Olga Bikas continues to suffer from chronic, acute back pain. She is getting medication and physiotherapeutic treatments but without any substantial improvement, doctors are now beginning to talk about surgery| Ye'shi (Jesse) Reinhardt of Hands of Mercy-Israel underwent a successful Coronary Bypass surgery but had complications with a lung infection. Ye'shi has returned to work & is thankful for your prayers. | Lebanese Christian Pastor Najeeb Attieh had two surgeries on his thighs & a hip replacement after in Germany where he is currently being cared for by friends. Pray for full recovery| Rick Ridings daughter, Esther Moore, miracle needed for cancer battle | From Dugit/Adonai Roi: Sarah, wife of a worship leader, being treated for cancer and Chaya Mizrachi, healing from wrist surgery but with complications in shoulder and eye | Eliyahu Ben Haim, IFI's chairman, had back surgery 7/6. The operation was a success. Pray for his wife Hannah, and that his recovery from the surgery be complete and speedy | Esther Ridings Moore for cancerous tumor to yield to treatment and prayer with full healing | PLEASE CONTINUE PRAYER FOR for HaMaayan congregant Danny Meyuseff suffering poor health on several fronts, David Ortiz, Ami Ortiz, Ruth Nessim, Eddie Beckford | PRAY for RECOVERY of David at Revive Israel; Gila in Arad, Chaya Mizrachi | LONG TERM BATTLES | David Stern, David, Leah and Ami, Moshe M.; the son of an Arab pastor, Ghazi, who is suffering from Leukemia. Michael E, Claude Ezagouri; Baruch & Karen Maayan, Judy, wife of pastor Yaakov K.

Praying the Headlines

Inside the Weekly Summary attachment find an article, How to Pray After President Trump’s Declaration Recognizing Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel By Rick Ridings of Succat Hallel. Also this VIDEO VERSION

Prophetic Teaching Article

READ ONLINE at DAVID's TENT Jerusalem the joy of the whole earth | by Avner Bosky | The glow of tinsel and winking Christmas tree lights are already warming many hearts. But as the Western world prepares for Christmas, the God of Israel is quietly engaged on a secret mission. He is turning the hearts of kings and presidents wherever He wishes, like channels of water in the hand of YHVH (Proverbs 21:1). Jerusalem is the hot button. And once again in response, the peoples are in an uproar. Why do the nations rage and the Palestinians call for days of rage (Psalm 2:1-2)?

Read more online by clicking the linked title.