Arrows from Zion 7/4/2018

Happy Independence Day USA!

Priority Prayer Focus

If you understand the truth that God is returning to Israel in mercy in the last days - and by mercy I mean above all that He is opening their blind eyes to their Messiah King Yeshua for eternal salvation - then you may also understand that the book of Acts of the Apostles is an unfinished book of the Bible. As God is returning salvation to the Jews and Israel takes center stage of what God is fulfilling prophetically, so too is the demonic focus is far more intense on the Israeli Body of Messiah. Although there is incredible forward motion in all the congregations and ministries in the Land, there are also debilitating attacks on the ministries.

Last week we put the support donation crisis in front of you as the Priority Focus. This is not just a "summer dip" that many ministries experience as people go on vacations and have other distractions. This has been an ongoing issue over the last year. Now we are also seeing repeat life threatening health attacks on ministry leaders. Just yesterday we learned that Jacob Damkani is dealing with a life-threatening return of fungus growing around his aorta implant. Damkani will have to go through another operation which is extremely dangerous. You know that Eddie Santoro has had brain cancer crop up again, had had surgery and is not starting biochemical cancer fighting therapy.

Both of these men were first afflicted with deadly health issues in 2015.  There were three of them that year: Santoro and David Davis were diagnosed with cancers in mid-summer 2015; Damkani was struck in December 2015. David Davis, who founded and pastored the great Carmel Congregation in northern Israel, fought in faith but went to be with the Lord in May of 2017. Eddie and Jacob developed secondary battles, and now three years later they are again in the fight for their lives. Brothers and sisters, this is the time to rise up and fight WITH THEM.

As I am seeing these attacks against the Israeli body unfold, I am brought back to two critical chapters of Acts which are pivotal to this ministry: Acts 11:27, a prophet from Jerusalem goes to Antioch where  Paul and Barnabas who have founded a church. The prophecy is about an imminent worldwide famine. The Antioch disciples acted on the prophecy by deciding to send help specifically to one group of believers: those in Judea. Paul and Barnabas, elders of the Antioch church were to deliver the donation to Jerusalem.

When they arrived the Israeli body of Messiah was under a demonic attack. James had been arrested and executed. Then Peter is also arrested. The believers were praying earnestly as Peter awaited trial and miraculously angels appeared to release Peter from prison. Paul and Barnabas were there with the donations from Antioch taking all this in.

In my study of the scriptures, I believe it made a remarkable impact on Paul because from that moment onward, in all the churches he oversaw, he encouraged the Gentile churches he oversaw to take collections up for the Jewish leadership to distribute for the work of the ministry in Israel. In fact, his last push to go to Jerusalem was to carry the donations that had been gathered by the churches to the body of Messiah in Israel. He knew by prophecies along the way that he would be imprisoned if he went, but he knew he had to deliver the donations - not for the immediate need but for the spiritual precedent he would be setting and which he wrote about in Romans 15:27 "For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings."

And this is not only about donations to the Israeli ministries, it is also about the events that were unfolding in Jerusalem with the demonic attack on the Israeli ministers.  It doesn't matter whether the demonic attack to kill Israeli ministers comes from evil kings executing them, religious zealots stalking them, or the all-out assault on the health of Israeli ministers. A demonic attack against them is not to merely sideline them, but to cause their premature death. 

So now the parallel is clear to me: from the book of the Acts of the apostles to the current days of the Acts of the apostles, it is within the power of the praying international Church to generate both prayer and material support for the Israeli ministries.

We do not want to see another James, or David Davis pass from this life before their time. We want to see Eddie Santoro and Jacob Damkani miraculously delivered from death just like Peter was.  This is our indebtedness that Paul wrote of to the Gentile Church in Rome. Now is time to quit ignoring the simple meaning of Romans 9-11 and awaken fully to the call of one new man. - Donna Diorio

Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com

NEW URGENT PRAYER FOR JACOB DAMKANI the life-threatening return of fungus growing around his aorta implant. Damkani will have to go through another operation which is extremely dangerous.  They have asked on the world's best Cadiothoracic surgeons to do the surgery and ask that we pray for favor and the Lord's guidance through all the decision. Jacob writes, "We are totally dependent on the grace of God. Again. As always. He can do that, He can guide the hands of the doctors, give them wisdom and a steady hand and He can save my life. We pray for that, we believe that. Yes, we believe that the Lord will glorify Himself in this seemingly hopeless situation. He has promised to be with us and He is."

Let us unite in prayer for these strong men of God in the Israeli body, that they will not die but live to declare the goodness of God.

Tikkun International ministries in Jerusalem shares article, videos and books by several of their Israeli ministers:  Ron Cantor's Islam: “Save em’ or kill em’”—not God’s heart (Oops! I better read this!)  And Ron's 3 VIDEOS to help you reach Jewish People | Isaiah 53 Explained. Also the initiative hosted by Tents of Mercy in the north of Israel to disciple IDF soldiers who have recently completed their service in this article Discipleship Mentoring Project.

Lastly Daniel C. Juster literally wrote the book - Growing to Maturity - used as the discipleship standard by Messianic congregations since it was published in 1985. It is a guide to the first steps of understanding and spiritual practice, tailored for the Jewish believer, but applicable to anyone. It's goal is to aid the student in living as Yeshua's disciple, one who learns from the example of his teacher. This guide is structured according to recent advances in individualized educational instruction. Discipleship is serious business and the material is geared for serious study and reflection. Each chapter is divided into short sections followed by study questions. Discipleship has been a foundational key to the Tikkun-affiliated ministries from their beginnings.

Israel Pochtar is excited to be celebrating the Beit Hallel 13th Anniversary. He writes about the vision God gave him for the congregation and how it would be a "building filled with people worshiping, a ministry that would impact not only Ashdod and its surroundings, but the whole country. The Lord told me then that I was the one He chose to carry out that vision. It was the biggest challenge I ever faced, but I chose to accept His calling for me. Little did I know that after 13 years of prayers, hard work, challenges and obedience even in the face of the harshest persecutions and obstacles, we would be standing here today - one of the largest congregations in the south of Israel, the biggest one in the city of Ashdod, that God has used to reach thousands of people with the gospel through the years."

Pochtar gives us other reports of their activities, like the Men's Conference, Discipleship courses, and evangelistic outreaches, but one thing I would like to say is how impressed I have been since getting on their mailing list because they are running with the vision God set before them. They are always pressing in to do more, reach more. Praise the LORD. In this report there is also a spotlight on one of the young men of their congregation whose video testimony went viral in Israel, watched by over 500,000 Israelis

From Revive Israel this week - another ministry that continues to amaze me as they press in to the vision God has given them to see Israel saved - is an excellent article by Cody Archer which is so simple, clear and positive in how a the 5-fold ministry is meant to flow together even with the conflicting perspectives of each of the five ministries:  apostle, evangelist, pastor, teacher and prophet. Recommended reading: HealthyTension Between Leaders

To learn more about the congregation, Ahavat Yeshua  founded by Revive Israel, it is a Hebrew speaking, Holy Spirit empowered, 5-Fold community in Jerusalem. To learn more, click here.  Other news from Revive a "thank you" for helping to build a new film studio for greater outreach potential Watch this 2 1/2 minute video in the new studio with Ron Cantor and Asher Intrater. Also this video from Asher, What Comes Before Revival and this one from Cody Archer interviews Peter and Audrey May.

Ronit Bender, our special friend in Carmel who attends both the Carmel Congregation and it's daughter plant Kerem-El, writes about a touching service recently with pastor Carter of the Times Square Church in NYC and the Carmel pastor, David Sayag. She writes, "David Wilkerson, the founding pastor of Time Square Church in New York, was closely connected to David and Karen Davis from my place of fellowship, Carmel Congregation in Haifa, Israel. David and Karen were sent out to Israel by Pastor David. Both David Wilkerson and David Davis have graduated to heaven, and now the next generation is forging a renewed covenant. There are moments in our lives that are so divine, when history being made. I felt this recently when pastor Carter and his wife Theresa from Times Square Church visited Israel. For the past two years, Pastor Carter has been prompted by the Lord to more closely connect with our congregation and with Israel.  I wept through the meeting as I sensed the importance of this pivotal moment in the spiritual and physical realms. I know both Israel and the USA will be blessed."

Ronit also shares news of the TB outbreak in Tel Aviv which is especially hitting the street people hard - pray for all the workers who minister among them from across the country to be protected! She also shares a prayer guide written by her new daughter-in-law in Australia who shares the passion for Israel. It is "How you can pray for Messianic believers in Israel" and can be read in the Weekly Summary subscription list.

Eddie Santoro sent us an update just hours before starting his new biological drug regime to battle the brain cancer that has arisen again. He remains strong in faith and continues to depend upon God. I would really encourage you to read the short book that Eddie wrote about the cancer battle just prior to discovering it had reappeared in his brain. This is not a depressing book - quite the opposite! You see the true intensity of the battle, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually but also learn the keys to overcome in the face of any trial. Lifted up, now available on Amazon, is a book that will lift you up spiritually to fight in whatever battles you may face.

Stefan and Keren Silver serve in northern Israel at the Kerem-El (God's Vineyard) congregation. Their family ministry letter focuses on their activities in the congregation and also the real concerns of all who live up on the northern border of Israel due to the strong potential for war spilling over into Israel from Lebanon and Syria. But they focus on the good things: the 2nd annual retreat they held in June; more baptisms and declarations of faith. They ask prayer for their congregation as some members have been under attacks by the enemy.  Stefan has been preaching every few weeks and Keren is working hard on her new album - the new baby is growing fast and their two elder girls are enjoying their summer break. To read their report, see the Weekly Summary subscription.

Yeshua' Israel Ministries, Kobi and Shani Ferguson, are again filing a report on their upcoming Sports Camp for school-aged believer children to have a great time of fellowship and develop skills in various sports by professional coaches, leadership mentoring and discipleship. Some of the kids will be introduced to various sports for the first time ever and as the Ferguson's report, "Our own children spoke all year of the friendships they made during the camp last summer and begged to go again this summer." Learn how easy it is to help sponsor children at this camp Click to Donate

Ron Cantor's ministry letter deals with some interesting things that are happening in regards to Iran: The rise of pro-Israel Iranians, the impact of Bibi's video to the Iranian people on their performance in the World Cup, and the new protests that are a true Iranian grassroots protest against the Iranian government. Ron writes, "More shocking are the chants of 'Death to Palestine,' 'No to Gaza, no to Lebanon,' and 'Leave Syria and think of us' Other shocking chants include, 'We don’t want the ayatollahs' and 'Death to the dictator.' These Iranians are risking their lives for freedom." Pray for them and the overturning of the Iranian fundamentalist government.

Cantor also writes about the horrible humanitarian crisis in Syria and how Syrians are running to the Israeli border where they will be helped not hurt. The death and destruction that fundamentalist Islamic governments have unleashed on their own people, has begun to open the eyes of their citizens to the truth. This is a critical time to pray for the gospel to go forth throughout the Middle East, with signs and wonders!  Read more of Ron's reporting and prayer points in the Weekly Summary subscription.

If you do not have a Weekly Summary subscription, write me: donna@israelprayer.com
In the meantime, here are a few of the articles and videos Ron Cantor shared this past week: 6 Ways Angels Work in Our Lives, Ron Cantor Live From Southern Israel | Gaza Update, The Joy of Yeshua Even in most movies that seek to illustrate the New Testament, there is a lack joy in the one who is playing the role of Yeshua, Five Hebrew Words you should know!

Martin Sarvis has a good report, but a great analysis of a recent Jerusalem Post article featuring two Messianic IDF soldiers. This coverage demonstrates the remarkable change of press coverage of the faith of Israeli Messianics that has come about and Martin points out where and how.  Martin writes,  "These appearances tell us something—the presence of Messianic Jews in Israel is growing—and Jews in Israel and abroad are becoming aware of who Yeshua is, that there are a growing number of His followers in Israel! The Post, via its Internet Edition, is read by English-speaking Jews around the world.  Most native Israelis of course read the Hebrew papers—but those too, are rising above the taboo of writing about the presence of Messianics in Israel.  It is important to realize that until recently, the vast majority of Jewish Israelis were not even aware that a sector of Jewish believers in Messiah existed in the Land—that there were any Jews who believed in Jesus, much less in Israel.  Nor are they any more made up chiefly of those who have brought their faith with them when they immigrated."  This is a report worth seeking out —read it in the Weekly Summary.

Maoz Ministries (Ari & Shira Sorko-Ram) writes about the plight of the Syrians rushing to Israel's border for help. "While our government and military are determined not to let them cross the border into Israel, several of the injured Syrians were transported to and treated in our hospitals. In addition, the IDF transferred multiple tons of humanitarian aid, including modern tents, food, blankets, medicine, and other supplies to the refugees. Israeli leaders and commanders related a clear message to the Assad regime, that should attacks get close to the border and cross into the buffer zone, Israel will defend herself by any means necessary."

Also they write, "As if all this tension on our borders is not enough, this week Hamas leaders swore to surprise their Zionist enemies [that's us!] in a way never before seen...If not for the Lord who is on OUR side..." Pray "For God to watch over and protect Israel."

From KehilaNews.com here are a few of the articles posted this week

What are you worth? | by Eitan Shishkoff | Eitan writes, "Deep down every one of us needs affirmation of who we are on the inside. If we are honest, there is an essential longing to be valued, esteemed, accepted, appreciated and loved."

Rough stones | by Avi Gidon | I took this photo as my wife and I are celebrating 12 years of marriage. The stones represent what we looked like as we entered our marriage – uncut and rough at the edges.

Jerusalem Encounter 2018 – Building the living stones of Messiah’s kingdom in Israel | Kehila News Israel Staff | The heart and vision of the three-day powerhouse conference, sponsored by the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries, was to inspire, network and build the living stones of Messiah’s kingdom in Israel.

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

NEW URGENT PRAYER FOR JACOB DAMKANI the life-threatening return of fungus growing around his aorta implant. Damkani will have to go through another operation which is extremely dangerous.  | Following a 2nd brain surgery Eddie Santoro has now started a biological drug which drug is given intravenously twice a month. According to the doctor, this particular treatment is very effective in 60% of the cases. | Rick Ridings: We need your urgent prayer for our daughter, Esther Ridings Moore, who has been in intensive care the past two weeks (at a cost of $32,000 to be paid soon). Rick also has set up a GoFundMe page to help with her medical expenses. Click on updates at the page for the latest report on Esther | Ruth Nessim, one of the pioneer ministries in Israel, was hospitalized twice for 10 days with severe Gastro-Enteritis. I have had 5 attacks in the last less than two months and ask for your prayers  | Rachel Netanel has a polyp on her vocal cords. Please pray for complete healing for this evangelist in Israel.  | Olga Bikas continues to suffer from chronic, acute back pain. She is getting medication and physiotherapeutic treatments but without any substantial improvement | Sensitive Information I cannot share names of several who have asked for prayers for the last several months for certain of their grandchildren who are afflicted, even tormented. The enemy not only strikes at us through our children, but also our through our grandchildren. Please pray for these Israeli grandmothers crying out to God silently for their grandchildren.

Praying the Headlines

How Terror Plays its Game | Jerusalem Institute of Justice | On June 5th the BDS movement (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) celebrated a supposed victory—won with threats and manipulation by the PACBI, the cultural boycott branch of the BDS movement. In early June, the PACBI launched a campaign to pressure the Argentina National Team to cancel their friendly match in Israel, which was to take place on June 9th in Jerusalem.

The Argentina National Football Team cancelled their preparatory game, not as a political rejection of the State of Israel, but rather in response to horrific threats placed upon the lives of Argentine players and their families. Read more online by clicking the linked title and link to JIJ website clicking its name

Teaching Articles 

Healthy Tension Between Leaders | Cody Archer of Revive Israel in Jerusalem sets forth how the 5-fold ministries differ in their points of view, and how they can flow together in an environment that fosters humility and mutual brotherly love:

   Apostle: “We have gathered for our monthly vision and planning meeting. I want to hear what is on your hearts concerning how we can strategically equip and build up the saints God has entrusted to us as we move into this next year.”

   Evangelist: “I would like to go first. I have noticed that when we come together as a community, we spend too much time inside the four walls of our building. There are people on their way to hell everyday and it is our responsibility to share the good news with them. The harvest is ripe and it’s time for us to hit the streets and bring the lost into the kingdom.”

   Pastor: “I feel as a community we are not ready for this yet. There is still much counseling and inner healing needed among many of the congregants. I feel we should first focus on loving each other, discipling our people and growing as a healthy community.”

   Teacher: “Honestly, I’m not sure our people know the bible well enough to be able to communicate the message of the gospel to the lost. We should do a teaching series where we can systematically go through the foundational truths of our faith. Then our people will be rooted in God’s word and be able to effectively give an answer for the hope we have in Yeshua.”

   Prophet: “I think you guys are missing the most foundational point here. If our people are not seeking God in regular worship, growing closer to Him in intimacy and learning how to hear His voice in their daily lives, all of this is in vain. If they are not being led by the Holy Spirit and receiving revelation of how to minister to people, how can they be effective?”

            Read more online by clicking linked title or follow Cody featured often on Revive on Facebook.
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Donna Diorio 
donna@israelprayer.com  or donna@d10r10.com
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