Canary
in a Coal Mine?
Foreword by
Donna Diorio
Israel is often referred to as the
proverbial "canary in a coal mine" which is a
reference to how miners used to take a canary in a cage down into the mines
with them because if there were air quality problems, the canary would die
before the men's breathing would be affected.
As I was reading the update from Evan Thomas about what steps they have had
to take to keep their congregation connected as the novelty of Zoom meetings
has worn off, I started thinking about what would happen if circumstances developed
where we were not allowed to meet in congregations? The practical steps that the Beit Asaph
congregation has had to turn to reminded me of that "canary in a coal
mine" description of Israel. The way things are going politically in the
United States, covid or not, there is much uncertainty about how much
"return to normal" that we can reasonably expect. — D.Diorio
Beit Asaph Congregational Update
by Evan Thomas in Netanya
We trust this finds you well and 'weathering the storm' as we enter 2021, many of us in severe lockdown conditions as our governments and health authorities do their best to combat the Corona pandemic and its effects on our nations. All of us face enormous challenges in the year ahead, not the least the Body of Messiah.
We cannot be seen to be mere spectators of events as they unfold. We have a call on our lives right out of God's Kingdom to make the Comforter known to a world that is in great distress. We hope this report will be a help to make known the needs as we pray for and encourage one another. You are all sincerely appreciated and remembered here in our corner of Yeshua's vineyard in the House of Israel.
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, Fulfill your vows to the Most High, And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me And to the blameless I will show my salvation.” Psalm 50:14, 15, 23 | These verses from Psalm 50 are among many that teach us about two key
elements that honor God in our lives in times of distress…A grateful heart and a willingness to call out to Him for help. Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:4-7) emphasizes for us, Yeshua’s followers, these same two points.
Those of you receiving this in NZ or Australia may find it increasingly difficult to identify with those of our recipients in Scandinavia, Europe, the UK or the USA, or even with us here in Israel. Maala and I thank God daily for your relative safety “Down Under” with summer conditions and firm governance that keep the Covid-19 pandemic under control. This gives us enormous peace of mind.
Corona Update: Here in the Northern Hemisphere the situation is dire. We are presently in the grip of winter with all its “bugs” and in many of our nations, less-than-satisfactory governance has greatly added to our distress. In Israel we are in the midst of our 3rd lockdown, which will be extended every two weeks while the daily statistics remain high. Currently new daily case statistics exceed 10,000and January’s death toll is expected to exceed 1000. Increasingly, we know more and more people testing positive and this week three of our families are in quarantine with the virus having been brought in by their children from kindergarten and primary school.
We realize that for many of you the vaccination issue is extremely controversial and the Body and society is divided (also here in Israel.) To date over 2 million Israeli citizens, including Maala and I, have received their first inoculation; this is followed by a second, three weeks later. Tests indicate a 95% effectiveness two weeks after this second booster shot. Approximately 150-170,000 people are being vaccinated daily as more virulent strains of the virus emerge. Please pray for the health of our nation.
Because international tourism is one of our primary industries, the Israeli economy is severely stretched. It is heart-breaking to see so many businesses closed. Our political scene adds to the national distress as we face a fourth round of elections in the coming months. With the PM facing criminal charges if he loses and many new parties emerging, outcomes are impossible to predict. Please pray for strong, resolute and righteous leadership.
As we reported in our October newsletter, our first task upon our return home was to do a full evaluation of the congregation. This required phone calls to every home and daily elders meetings. As indicated, most of the community were keeping the faith and actively finding creative ways to fellowship. One of greater concerns was the spiritual well-being of our large numbers of small children and youth. To our joy we discovered that parents of young ones were taking responsibility for their children, praying and having bible lessons with them and arranging field trips with other families. What a relief and answer to prayer.
In reality, since early March last year, Shabbat services have been limited to four gatherings in July with only 50 people each time following the protocols of wearing face masks, temperature checks at the door and seating 2 meters apart. This hiatus was short-lived and we had to resort to virtual meetings with YouTube worship and messages and Zoom prayer meetings. Over time, however, interest in using social platforms for larger groups has waned and we have had to rely more on our home-groups to provide physical fellowship and social interaction. Every day Maala and I invite couples for Zoom meetings to encourage one another and pray together. Smaller groups seem to work much better and we thank God for the internet; we cannot imagine the situation should this privilege be taken from us.
What does the near future hold? Evan and Lev’s interaction with other pastors around the nation, in both Jewish and Arab communities, shows a general trend of finding creative ways of keeping connected with their flocks. Some are live-streaming services and conducting prayer meetings and bible studies via Zoom. But by-in-large, most are waiting it out, holding onto empty facilities and hoping to return to, “business as usual” as soon as physically possible. Some pastors report that their flocks are beginning to drift away…An important subject for prayer!
In Beit Asaph we have decided to be pro-active. Our ‘reading of the signs’ indicate no end in sight and in fact our sense is that the situation will worsen here over the coming months. The pandemic and all its political and economic
implications may not be the only challenges ahead. As a result, we have begun a process to lead the congregation through a major paradigm shift, meaning shifting the emphasis from collective Shabbat services (impossible anyway under current conditions) as the primary life of the congregation, to a system of “Life-groups.” We would like to close the contract on our large facility and seek something much smaller and closer to the city center. This would serve as a multi-purpose community center – for prayer meetings and training seminars and an outreach hub. We certainly will look for a space where our Youth could congregate and classes could be held for the children once restrictions are lifted. The space will also house a pastoral office and central administration.
Once collective gatherings are permitted, life-groups can meet together for intermittent celebration services. Our yearly calendar certainly allows for many such occasions, whether on special Shabbats or around the Feasts. But most important at this juncture is the development of the Life-groups and much effort has gone into their design and function. They will remain small (maximum of 10 members) and weekly meetings will contain the basic elements of worship, prayer, study of the Scriptures, and the Lord’s Table. As well as providing ‘life support’ for its members, a fundamental goal of each group is to reach out and grow and then create new groups. Pastoral work for Evan, Lev and other senior lay-workers will be focused on training and discipleship of facilitators and of course they will be far more mobile. Social media apps will support communication within the life-groups and more broadly as a congregational network. Fortunately, the circumstances of this past year has raised our skill-sets and the networks are well-established! Despite the current lockdown the groundwork is well underway.
Groundwork: Key couples and individuals are meeting with Evan and Lev on Zoom to pray and discuss the strategies for the Life-groups. Time is of an essence as we prepare to help people back into a fellowship framework.
Meanwhile, negotiations are taking place with the owners of the building Beit Asaph currently occupies. They have approached us knowing we cannot continue to economically sustain the facility. Meanwhile, another company has shown interest in the space we rent and we pray we can finalize details and close contract in the very near future. Our third track – to find and establish a suitable community center is also being undertaken. Our plea to you all is to partner with us in prayer – so that we would be like the “Sons of Issachar who could wisely read the signs of the times and then know what to do!” Exciting times!
I believe we have provided you with considerable material for prayer. For those of you in NZ and Australia receiving this appeal please find time during your summer holidays to remember your brothers and sisters living in distress. And those of you living out your faith in the nations of the Northern Hemisphere and sharing in the distress of the raging pandemic, our hearts go out to you. Your brothers and sisters here in Israel pray for you and your communities. Be well, stay safe and above all, keep the faith! Evan and Lev (for the Beit Asaph team)
Arrows
from Zion Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Continuing the prayer letter from Immanuel Church & Outreaches led by Najeeb & Elizabeth Atteih, they write that despite corona lockdowns, the refugee families they have been ministering to in nearby countries have had open hearts that God has made them able to touch long distance through Zoom ministry and humanitarian aid. They were also able to provide locally for people of every type in their own community who desperately needed groceries, for the holidays and for everyday need. They ask for prayers and for help to continue to bless as many as possible. In Armenia, with 5000 dead soldiers from the war, the widows and children are crying out in great desperation. They write, "Please continue to pray for Armenia and pray that God would send help to her people. " Write them for donation information at immanuel.haifa@gmail.com Continue to pray for their ministry to Arab IDF soldiers and also for Osta, who is lost in grief over the death of his young son to cancer...pray God will speak to him so his faith is not buried with his son.
Evan Levine is over the moon VIDEO Big News! with the response to their call to support the HaTikva House, an emergency shelter home for traumatized children that they have now been able to sign the documents to purchase. This ministry that seeks to bring hope to the need of Israel in the name of Yeshua ministers to the needs of believers and unbelievers - they also have found some unusual ways to do so like this HaTikvah House, Dental clinics, Foster Care & Adoption, and other humanitarian aid projects. Learn more at the website
Danny and Tammy Meyuseff's primary source of income, an organic Israeli product line of olive oil, anointing oil, date honey and Balm of Giliad, has been shut down, because Israel has not allowed tourists in the past year. (This has hurt many whose ministries & personal income depend on tourism.) Their products fund their humanitarian support and ministry to widows, orphans, single parent families, so needless to say it has been greatly challenging for them. they have still been able to minister to people in desperate need (I wish you could read the two testimonies they sent in their letter). People with terrible problems ...and so many more they would love to be able to help. Pray for them as they continue to minister to those God brings their way. Also they ask prayers for their children, a son who works as the spokesperson for a Messianic organization in Israel, his wife who works for a Messianic publishing house; Their daughter & her husband that run the Yuval Arts Messianic center of worship and arts. All their grandchildren and youngest son who is in need of guidance and direction from God for his life and future.
From Michael
& Dina Beener in the Ir HaHaim, or City of the Living, congregation - their
name is derived from the opposite of what Hamas calls Sderot: City of the
Dead. Between Hamas rockets and
religious persecution, this congregation has its hands full, but they keep
helping their needy fellow residents in the name of Yeshua. The latest
religious persecution " in addition to the hateful messages, threats and
insults by telephone, the incursion into our building, the publications against
us in local media and the lies instilled in the population about us," recently
their security cameras caught religious man writing "Death to the
Missionaries" on the entrance to the ministry. And another episode many
religious persons barged onto their Bible Bus Tour warning the attendees they
must "take care of their Jewish souls" from the missionaries ,among
other things, trying to persuade them to take distance from us...Read more online click. The Beeners are also working with people who are living
in tragic hardships. If you can help they are looking for Christians and Messianic
Jews in the Diaspora for partners.
Kehila News Israel articles that caught my eye: Meet the Domari
people of Jerusalem – the hidden Gypsies you've never heard of and
great wisdom from Howard Bass: Vaccinate or
Not, Do It Unto God
In Tel Aviv, the
Dugit Messianic Outreach led by Avi & Chaya Mizrachi is doing so much to
reach Israelis (you can see their outreach
areas online)but as Israel has been hit so hard by Covid unemployment above
20%, nonexistent tourism & 53% families with declining income, they see care for needy families & the
homeless going up. Even with the Good News
going out in the 130 hours of ministry videos in Hebrew, they are pushing to do
more and more to held. One of the ways is by partnering with other Israeli
ministries like the pro-life ministry in Jerusalem , Be’ad Chaim; and an
Arab/Christian congregation located near Ben Gurion airport, Ramla Church; also
Ima's Cookies, that shares "care packages" of baked goods in the name
of Yeshua to IDF soldiers. They are also helping the Christian Arab Soldier’s
Center provides soldiers with food, toiletries, and a hot shower & the Good
News to all who will listen. They are also are helping out the Sderot City of
LIfe congregation. Can you help them? As they press in to help others? sow a gift of any amount
Avner Boskey's VIDEO Teaching on the
Minor Prophets | ‘The Prophet
Hosea – Part Two’. Subscribe to their
YouTube channel – Signet Ring
Media
Gil Afriat of Tiferet Yeshua writes about Exposure, an act of grace to remove things in and around us that hinder His love. Moti Cohen wrties, What does this holiday have to do with prophecy? They also write about how police have encountered violent resistance from extremist groups in the Haredi society: on the evening news Israelis are watching images of rioters, burning dumpsters, and the firebombing of a bus in the ultra orthodox city of B'ney Brak." (Sound familiar?)
Chuck Cohen of
Intercessors for Israel with VIDEO How Should We Live in These 'Last Days'?
and
Friday Prayer
Points 1/29/2021
The Elders at Hasdey Yeshua in Arad send testimonies of some of the individuals they are ministering to who "Out of the Depths" of their circumstances have been crying out to God for help. Their stories will rend your heart. Because the lockdown continues, they have not been able to meet of services or even prayer meetings. Please pray for this congregation and their city. Learn more about the congregation here
Gilad & Magi Rosinger of Radiant Israel in the Galilee are offering a Global Shabbat Prayer Call (listen to the playback of the one held 1/29/21. It's a prayer call you can join by calling a number in your own country (get all the details by email). Read about the Global Shabbat The Supernatural Blessings of Shabbat - Part 1 & be blessed as the Word comes out from Zion.
Succat Hallel Director Rick Ridings has some new insights into how to pray in this season. Intercession is necessary to stave off war.
Shani Ferguson in this Video sit down with Chip from Maoz UK for a fun Q&A session. Also, read the Maoz prayer letter online at the link covering "Prayers Concerning Agitators" and "Concerning Fellowship" (Zoom gatherings, even though a blessing, cannot replace human contact)
Avi Tekel of
Tents of Mercy in Kiryat Yam sends VIDEO | Slavik: What
Tents of Mercy Means to Me and asks if you can help them prepare for
the Mar 27th Passover holiday. This year they want to provide food bags for 900
of their needy neighbors - new immigrants, single parents, the elderly and unemployed in our city. To be ready, we
must order supplies soon. " For $85 you can pay for a bag of food that
will be given to a family in need. We invite you to join in this act of
kindness that will express the love of Yeshua to His people. Give here to fill an $85 bag"
Orna Grinman of A Sign & Example, writes Testing Voices
Part 2 of her series. See Part 1
here.
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
Christian Arab Pastor Victor Bahbah is in
rehabilitation! A post from Sonia Bahbah Abu-Duhou in mid-Dec. read:
"Christmas will be extra special for our family this year as we almost
lost our beloved brother to Covid. It has been a very long and tough road for
him and his family. But he fought hard for his life and is now on the road to
recovery. Praise be to God. Thank you to our family and friends for keeping him
you your prayers God bless all my brothers and sisters and their families and
bless you all." | Sally Shiff
still faces 2 more surgeries but "my pain that I had in my legs continuously is
gone!" | A prayer request for Naomi, for a dear family that is a part of Israel Pochtar's pastoral team, who
was diagnosed recently with colon cancer. "Despite what this battle
entails, we are confident in God’s unfailing Word and promises." Read in her own words| Ronit Bender wrote, I am feeling
pretty good, but do have trouble climbing stairs and walking is
getting tougher for me because of my heart situation. My
cardiologist was changed by my health provider. He is very unpleasant and I
want a new one. | Rachel Netanel wrote, Please pray for me as well. I have very high blood pressure and the
doctors have sent me to have a number of tests. The results won’t come for a
while but please pray that all will be well. I do have peace in Yeshua. | Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear
wife, Elisheva | Olga Bikas is slowly recovering
from the operation, but last Thursday she lost consciousness for a couple of
seconds because of a sudden spasm of pain and as a result fell and broke her
ankle.
Donna Diorio, November 10, 2020
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
Donations appreciated | on PayPal
donna@israelprayer.com
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P O Box 111302
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