The Dire Straits Arrows from Zion 7/29/2020

The Dire Straits, The 9th of Ave & the Isaiah 19 Highway
by Donna Diorio

The end of the mourning period of the Dire Straits for 2020 is culminating Wednesday night in the beginning of Tisha b' Av, the 9th of the Hebrew month of Av. This is an annual fast day in Judaism, on which a number of disasters in Jewish history occurred, primarily the destruction of both Solomon's Temple by the Neo-Babylonian Empire and the Second Temple by the Roman Empire in Jerusalem.

For many years I have resisted the notion that as believers, we should enter into the traditional Dire Straits mourning period with an expectation of evil unfolding. But just today (Monday) as I write this, I have had a whole other concept of this period because it is not only certain that into every life rain must fall, but this also is strongly prophetic for the end times, as well. We all go through "dire straits" periods of life, some longer than others, but everyone experiences times like Lamentations 1:3 speaks of:

"Judah has gone into captivity, under affliction and hard servitude; She dwells among the nations, she finds no rest; All her persecutors overtake her in dire straits.”

Tisha b' Av is the destruction of the temple without Yeshua. But many of the Jews have been regathered by God into a restored nation of Israel and before the last times of dire straits ends, many more will come into the place where Yeshua will become their salvation - in Israel. Like Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones and Paul's "all Israel shall be saved".

As the end of this age the whole world comes into a period of "dire straits" there is good news: God's plan is not for our destruction but to give us a future and a hope. On an individual, personal level that means no matter how long our own "dire straits" have dragged on, when our persistent hope remains in Him, we also have another destiny awaiting us if we persevere in faith. As Israel has a destiny in Yeshua, a God-given hope and future, so also do we.  That is why I am so excited to feature the upcoming Zoom conference on the 9th of Av, Thursday, July 30.

I believe by listening to what God purposes for Israel in the Isaiah 19 Highway prophecy, we will receive an uplifting and refreshing revival of hope for our own lives. Read more below as Asher Intrater has shared on the Revive Israel Facebook page.
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Asher Intrater, Revive Israel in Jerusalem

      video invitation
The Isaiah 19 vision is a prophecy that speaks of a postive destiny, a blessing and outcome for all of the horrible conflict in the Middle East. It speaks of Jews and Arabs and other nations around here from Egypt to Assyria with Israel becoming a shelishi, the three becoming one—a revival in Egypt, a coming together and becoming a blessing to the whole world. It's an amazing prophecy in the midst of a lot of difficult, judgmental prophecies.

So this is our hope for something good coming out of this. Many of us have been involved in what we call the Isaiah 19 Highway for many, many years, but this is a time where we are all coming together to agree in united prayer for the fulfillment of this prophecy. The Gathering will be with our friends David Demian and Mike Bickle, with Jews and Arabs in Israel and internationals who've been working on this for years, decades even. It is a special time.

We will be streaming live online July 30th at 3:00PM (Israel Time)  which it will also be on the Jewish mourning day of Tisha be Av in which we mourn the destruction of the Temple. We're doing this on purpose with the Arabs joining in with the hurt of the Jewish people and believing that out of all this tragic history it is going to have a positive ending, and a beautiful blessing and destiny from God.

Don't miss it as we join our hearts together in united prayer and understanding of the meaning of this prophecy, we will share a little bit about that, and giving birth to this fellowship of Jews and Arabs here in the Middle East. It's going to be really exciting. Don't miss it.

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

Also from Revive Israel: Watch the Tuesday, July 28 Revive Israel Facebook Global Broadcast with worship from Israel and a teaching message from Asher Intrater that will give you insight into the biblical basis for the Thursday Global Broadcast of The Gathering referred to above. See Revive Israel on Facebook

From Israel Pochtar's Voice of Judah outreaches here is a Devotional: Our Shabbat Rest by pastor Pochtar who writes, "Lately I’ve been meditating on the concept of Shabbat and observing how different demographics and religious groups honour Shabbat in Israel."  Also a VIDEO & Article about The Father's Heart Widows and Orphans Relief Project and how God Answers Prayers and Provides. Here is how to DONATE to Voice of Judah ministry projects

Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem, Chuck Cohen sends his Watchmen from Jerusalem Issue #3, 2020, in the opening writing:  " Words of wisdom from S.H. Kellogg's 1899 The Book of Leviticus, sum up events in today's societies. He was discussing what theologians call the Holiness Law in Leviticus 18-20. "The church needs to come back to the full recognition of the principles which underlie the Levitical code; especially…that marriage and the family are not merely civil arrangements but divine institutions; so that God has not left it to the caprice of a majority to settle what shall be lawful in these matters…"

Eric Benson of the House of Victory rehab ministry sent this last week right before we mailed the last Arrows but you can still watch: On Facebook a live meeting with worship, testimonies, prayer and preaching (now past last Wed. July 22 at 7pm Israeli time) BUT still viewable here!

From the Aliyah Return Center,Chaim Malespin sends Episode 6 and Episode 7 videos of the What is Alilyah series featurning Mt Arbel and Mimilla, Jerusalem respectively. Also see the article Aliyah News Report for July 23, 2020

Ron Cantor of Messiah's Mandate has been writing a new book in the midst of quarantine, called Birth pangs. He hopes to have it ready by the end of August. Meanwhile, he has part 2 of his blog post on face masks, the bible and civil disobedience. A little closer to home, Ron asks prayers for his daughter who had a traumatic experience at one of the protests sweeping Israel concerning a new lockdown. Like the USA, people are fed up with lockdown because of the loss of jobs, money, contact with people and all the rest of what we consider normal life. Pray for Danielle, his daughter who organized a relief effort that got food to 15,000 plus people during the initial lockdown.

Jackie Santoro of Ahavat Yeshua congregation and Zion's Glory in Jerusalem writes about the place God desires for us during these tumultuous times - being refreshed in His Garden of Peace. There is a place in Him that gives a reviving spirit even in the midst of confusions, disunity, uproar - the enemy coming in like a flood.  Read more online click title

Guy Cohen also writes a spiritual perspective on the Fast of Tisha b'av (the 9th of Av). He writes of I2 Kings 19:15-19, "This is where we are today; watching our nation being pulled from every direction. People are changing before our eyes; looking inward at their individual needs and responding with anger at the government and those in authority. We are in a time of trouble which is affecting the health of the nation as well as the economy, security and future. Our government stands as in the time of  Hezekiah; meanwhile brother is turning against brother. The question is whether our leaders will rise up and run to God as Hezekiah did or will they put their trust in foreign gods and idols; succumbing in the end to their authority and not God's. Have they even noticed that in the meantime the enemy has arrived at our borders waiting for our destruction?"  (Read it in full on Guy's  Facebook page - it is posted in an Asian language, but hit "translate" for the English)

Our friend at the House of Beauty worship arts ministry on Mt Carmel writes about a direction of the Lord received for a visit to the USA. God's instructions were precise and she was able to leave right before flights were shut down. Pray for 3 areas of great importance to the ministry right now: the publishing of a new book, the creation of a new website - both in progress. And also some new directions that came out of a recent meeting with the board of directors for the ministry.

A ministry that is new to my subscribers is Ariel (Avi-Asher) and Shayla Hyde Tree of Life Ministries in northern Israel. The ministry is evangelistic - on the streets and online Israel and if the name sounds familiar, yes this is a son of Carolyn and Richard Hyde, Heart of G-d Ministries. Avi and wife Shayla serve in the Carmel and Kerem-El congregations. To learn more about this ministry and team with viral Gospel messages in the Land, learn more at their website. Watch some of the videos online as God is using them to bring Israelis to faith. Online is important everywhere, in Israel it is a great key to reaching many.

Gil Afrait and the Tiferet Yeshua congregation - Viktoria, Tamar, Moti and Olga - are on the frontlines of Israel's 'sin city' in Tel Aviv but they are also on the frontlines of religious opposition from the ongoing legal battle with ultra-Orthodox government ministers opposing their charitable accreditation from the government.  It's been 7 years of resistance keeping them from the tax break that is a right that faith institutions (churches, synagogues, mosques) enjoy in the western world. They covet your prayer support in releasing them from this battle so they do more with the donations they receive. In their prayer letter they share two recent testimonies of new believers that they are also asking prayer for - one a middle-aged Israeli man from a religious background and the second a talented young Israeli professional from a secular background. If there is any place that you can plant seed in Israel - PLEASE make it a place that is effectively ministering the Good News and seeing Israelis come to faith in Yeshua.

In the Tikkun Global ministry letter, there is an appeal for considering a generous gift to Tikkun's general fund. Since the start of Covid, they have been exclusively promoting their fund for the needy, but now their general fund which cover the teams that make Tikkun ministries work is suffering. This is another highly evangelistic group of ministries you can partner with. Also read India’s Coming Revival and Dan Juster's Why Does it Seem Charismatics Have Such Integrity Struggles: I have been recently involved with leaders from around the world to produce a statement on integrity for five-fold and charismatic ministry leaders. It is gaining great traction. We have great hope, but it raises a large question for me.  Why does it seem that charismatic leaders are so lacking in integrity, including prophetic statements that do not come true with no repentance, financial mismanagement, supporting power ministers who are not sufficiently vetted, and then fall into sin, bizarre practices and amazingly weak approaches to interpreting the Bible?  What goes on under the name of spiritual warfare sometimes seems more like wishful thinking and magic than biblical faith.

Hasdey Yeshua sends a testimony of one of their members, born in Israel but whose parents had lived in Mumbai part of a large community of Jews known as ‘Bene Israel’. "For some reason my mother began to watch believers’ TV. She wrote to the station requesting a Bible. They sent her a New Testament in English, which she proudly showed to me and my brother, but without explanation. Curious! Then some years later she was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and we saw the peace of God on her. She knew where she was going after she left this world." Her unspoken testimony brought him to faith. Quite a beautiful testimony and now he is in charge of the congregational humanitarian warehouse. The congregation which is in Arad is again unable to assemble in person due to the changing health ministry restrictions. They are sending out Shabbat messages online. This is the most recent message in English on Zecariah 9, and this time we’re offering two worship songs in Hebrew. Enjoy! Study on Zechariah 9  | Elohim Lanu Machaseh Va’oz - The Lord is Our Refuge & Strength | Ram Venisa haMashiach - High and Exalted is the Messiah

Cody and Liat Archer report they are now set up in their new home in the Golan Heights and have had amazing visits from fellow residents in their town as well as many believer families too. Biggest adjustment may be to the heat (Jerusalem is quite a bit cooler). They will be ending their sabbatical in September and getting back to the work of the Lord in their new environment. One thing they will be doing is starting a house church.  

Orna Grinman of A Sign & Example has a new blog post on The Fast of the Fifth Month – Tishah B’Av* | Today is the ninth day of the month of Av - Tisha B’Av. The worst date in the Jewish collective thought throughout our history, as some of the most horrific events happened on that day (well, at least according to tradition they happened on this day, though there is no real way of proving it). . .

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

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, as she has been prepared for chemotherapy which will begin next Monday. | Ronit Bender whose cardiologist told her that her irregular heartbeat is SEVERE, and is suggesting further tests. Please intercede for Ronit: No weapon formed against her shall prosper! | Olga Bikas severe back pain has kept her in "quarantine" for the past 4 years or so! Please pray for God to do a miracle of healing for Olga. | Please pray for Rachel Netanel's brother who is recovering | Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva  | Continue please to pray for Ruth Nessim Critical prayer need she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.|

Blessing Israel

Donna:  Shani's message resonates very strongly with me. It's true: Christian ministries with a generic "Bless Israel" message thrive financially. That is not the case with ministries like mine with a message to Christians to "Bless the Israeli Believer ministries who will bless Israel in the name of Yeshua." It is not good enough to say, Christians donated this money to bless you because the real blessing lies in the eternal blessing. Knowing that is the fact of the matter, in the past 19 years I stayed the course with God's highest desire on this, that Christians link with Israeli Messianic believers in order to bless Israel — not only materially, but spiritually too through sharing the Good News of the Messiah to all Israel.
 

7/23/20 Ari & Shira Sorko-Ram, and Kobi & Shani Ferguson  Maoz Ministries Tel Aviv prayer@maozisrael.org Website |Shira on Facebook  Fergusons on Facebook 
Donations by various means: https://maozisrael.org/donate/

The Last Time This Happened it Didn't Go Too Well | by Shani Ferguson | I (Shani), recently found a letter my grandfather, Gordon Lindsay, wrote to his supporters in 1966 about Israel. In it he explained two things that were wildly out of the box for the thinking of the day:
     1) The Jews have given us so much, it’s time we did something for them in return, and,
     2) We must reach the Jewish people with a “Messianic message.”

His first idea seems to have found overwhelming traction these days. I can’t count how many organizations thrive on the message of “blessing Israel.” The second idea, however, has proven much more difficult to fulfill.

There’s a lot of water under that bridge, and so many terms such as mission, Gospel, crusade and even Christ carry with them centuries of cruel baggage. Many Jews will never listen to the full Message of Life because they can’t get past the first few words.

Maoz has been in Israel for over 40 years, and we have dedicated our lives to helping Israelis see the truth of the Jewish Messiah. Reaching them requires much patience, prayer—and creativity.

Church history should not shame today’s Christians into silence today. If anything, it should drive Christians even more to right the wrongs committed by their predecessors and give the New Covenant back to the Jewish people. This is the very thing you are doing when you support the work of Maoz in Israel.

Every gift you give and every prayer you pray is pushing back and helping to wash the stain history has left on us. The Gentile church tried to go it alone the first time—what if we tried to do it together this time? Reach Israel Together - Give Now

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Donna Diorio  donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
THANK YOU to those who support this ministry with donations. ♥
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P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006  |  I do not have tax exempt status.