Thursday, November 18, 2021

The Feet of Them: Attacked in the Media | Arrows from Zion | 11 18 2021

 

Treasures in Jars of Clay |  Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 

  John 15:20|Yeshua:  Remember the word that I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.


The Feet of Them : Attacked in the Media
by Tiferet Yeshua congregation leadership in Tel Aviv

This last month, there have been two attacks against believers in Israel on social media and in the mainstream media. The attack this week in the mainstream media was particularly high profile. While it is very unpleasant when believers in Yeshua are maligned in Israel's media, we understand that God is using even this "negative press" to draw more attention to Yeshua the Messiah.

Negative Media Attention  on Jewish Believers in Israel

The picture on the left with the soldier holding up his Hebrew Bible with New Testament was published on an IDF new site welcoming new recruits into the army armored division. Immediately social media exploded with outrage over this picture (note there was not outrage over a Muslim soldier holding a Koran), and the IDF immediately took down the picture.
     The picture on the right with Foreign Minister Yair Lapid from an ultra orthodox news site, bears the caption saying "Disturbing and distressing: Yair Lapid's sister-in-law and the connection to the 'Messianic Jews'".
     Years ago, Lapid's sister-in-law was a part of Tiferet Yeshua congregation and married our then worship leader. Fifteen years ago, the couple left the congregation and has not been connected with any congregation since.

     While the controversy over Lapid's sister-in-law stems from perceived nepotism and political intrigue involving the religious parties, there were quite a few media articles mentioning "the cult of Messianic Jews".
     While it is unpleasant being labeled "a dangerous cult" in the media, we are believing that God will use this to cause more people to seek the truth about Yeshua and the New Testament! We are praying Genesis 50:20 over this situation: "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."
Please pray: 
that God would use the high profile nature of this negative media attention to cause many to seek out the truth about Yeshua and the New Testament   | that God would bring to light the truth about the New Testament and the Jewish believers in Messiah, bringing the slander against the truth to nothing | that God would give Jewish believers wisdom and love when speaking the truth about Yeshua, the New Testament and who we are as Messianic Jewish believers in the face of this media controversy, whether it be on social media or among friends and family, so that there would be a clear, strong and loving voice of truth raised among believers to be a powerful witness during this time

From all of us at Tiferet Yeshua congregation, we thank you for standing with us in prayer! We could not continue doing what God has called us to do without your prayer support and covering. May you all have a blessed and peaceful Sabbath in the Lord's presence.  Click to
support this congregation.


Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries

Howard Bass of the
Yeshua's Inheritance Congregation (Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua) also writes “"The organized anti-missionary groups are threatening Messianic ministries who carry the gospel message with them, whether through videos, or through encouraging late teens/young adults to know and be prepared to proclaim the message of the gospel to Israelis, and especially if in Hebrew, and to Jewish Israelis.  This is no different from what we read in the New Testament when the gospel first went forth within Israel among the Jewish people.  Nothing new under the sun; and, the Scriptures are written for us living at the end of the age:  they are relevant for us now although written from almost 2000 up to 3400 or so years ago.  This is the sovereign wisdom of God, who knows the end from the beginning.  Please pray for wisdom and courage and love (in order) to not fear man, or the one who can only kill the body, but to fear Him who is able to destroy both the soul and body in hell.”
     Howard also asks prayers over the Hetzim (Arrows) pre-military training program a the Netivah ministry led by Joel Goldberg.  It is for the recent high school graduates of Messianic families about to enter in to IDF service.  This is where a large percentage of young believers fall from faith as they must “overcome the temptations and traumas of military life and war.” Pray for them to trust the Lord in trying circumstances and be supporters of each other.   
     Gatherings of 100 are now allowed so services are becoming easier, but still with logistical challenges. In their house groups they are studying the book of Hosea. …they are also studying current relevant subjects – like homosexuality and what does the Word of God say. Howard also invites reading some of his recent website posts including on Superman, the gospel, and identity.

From
Kehila News Israel a brilliant profile piece on the ministry of Avi and Chaya Mizrachi How Does One Overcome by the Word of Their Testimony?  Also from Maoz Ministries Shani Ferguson a profile on Israeli worship and music artist Shilo Ben Hod in Voices in the Desert. And  Ten ‘Jewish Facts’ You Need to Know About the New Testament by Ron Cantor.

A great report from the Tree of Life ministries, Ariel and Shayla Hyde, on their new round of evangelistic street interviews. “We set up a sign saying “Does God exist? If so, who is He? Let’s talk!” in a very public area. Not only did we get some great interviews on camera, but our team had numerous conversations about the Lord with many others who came by. But it wasn’t without opposition. In the middle of the first interview, a man who was listening in started to get very upset, then started cursing viciously and threatened to kill all of us! Surely the enemy of our souls wasn’t happy with the Gospel spreading on the streets of Israel!”
          Please pray with us | For more street interviews - for God to send the right people and give great anointing, fruitfulness, unity, protection, signs and wonders, and salvation to many!  If you’d like to sign up to get future special updates and prayer requests
    For street outreaches to the poor we’re relaunching soon with some new twists, hopefully with many more believers involved than before because the restrictions have lessened!
    For the Pro-Life and Gospel campaign - every week several new people choose life for their babies, including four more this week!

Pastors Najeeb and Elizabeth Atteith of the Immanuel Church and outreaches in Haifa reflect on how when complications and restrictions come in to halt one part of their ministry work, the LORD can turn it into an answer for them in another area. While they have not been able to operate the Christian Soldiers Home under covid restrictions, it has become a perfect place of worship for Immanuel church meetings. Also while they have not been able to travel to Jordan to minister to refugees there, they have been able to conduct Zoom meetings with them and provide spiritual food for hungry people. They have also turned to ministry in Armenia where there are not tight covid restrictions but many displaced from Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. They are making new contacts in Armenia: “Our heart is with both local and displaced Armenians and our desire is for them to know God’s word and trust in the Lord. They need Christ and that is why we want to serve them.”  They also were able to make contact with a team of Armenian-American doctors making return visits to their homeland to treat those in medical need – sharing the gospel with those doctors also, and meeting with the American ambassador in Armenia.
     “We always thank God for the unique opportunities He gives us to share God’s love with those we meet.  In a couple months, we are planning another trip to Armenia to visit and serve the children of fallen soldiers in last year’s war. We want to prepare an afternoon of fun and joy with the children. We will prepare some fun activities, stories, songs, distribute small Christmas gifts and, most importantly share the message of salvation with them…. Please pray for this budding ministry and for the salvation of many Armenians.”

From Chuck Cohen’s Friday Prayer Points  11/12/21 Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem:  Iran is struggling internally, yet is bullying the world externally. No one has appeared on the world's stage to replace Bibi Netanyahu in challenging the West with the grave danger of an Iranian nuclear bomb. Most Western leaders want to appease Iran instead of confronting them. This is very dangerous and a recent history lesson is Chamberlin's ‘peace’ with Hitler.”  Read the powerful prayer points with scriptures cited and all the other points for the week by clicking link above.

Cody Archer of Fields of Wheat gives a report of the completion of his yearlong sustainable agriculture course. “It was such a valuable experience, with much promise for the future. I was impressed by the diversity of topics and farmers we met along the way. I was able to make new friends, made significant long-term connections and shared my faith with many. Thank you for sowing into me so that this course could be possible!” Here is a video he made for the final project I presented before my class. It is a small taste of what I learned and of the projects I invested in. Hope it inspires you! With love and a green thumb

From pastor Israel Pochtar in Ashdod of Beit Hallel and the Voice of Judah ministries network, a few short videos & articles including, Discover Tamar, the Ancient Desert Fortress of King Solomon, Jewish-Arab Young Leaders Conference at the Red Sea: “When an opportunity arises to bring together Jewish and Arab believers, it is an opportunity worth seizing, because God is all about unity, and if there is one example of unity that shines like a bright beacon of hope for the world, it is seeing Jews and Arabs together, as brothers.” |Opportunities to Partner: Final Call to Action: Support Our Galilee Evangelism and Helping Israelis reconnect with their Jewish Messiah through the prophetic significance of the Feast of Light and demonstration of the love of God Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights | Plus a short video from pastor Sasson Pochtar On the Hill of Jonah

Chaim Malespin, now in the US, sent this out on the Aliyah Return Center’s new AmbassadorAcademy (Hebrew: Shagririm) program aims to nurture better understanding of the deeper importance of God's plan for the Land of Israel as related to prophecy and the Nations” – not just learning for learning’s sake, but how to personally experience and fulfill the prophecies.  If you missed the launch, catch yesterday’s replay, and past episodes you may have missed | Check out more info on what being an Ambassador of Heaven between Israel and the Nations is all about  Bible | Sign up to join us for the rest of the upcoming sessions offering edifying insight
     Also VIDEO  Ten Aspects of God’s heart for Israel (6 mins) with Chaim  and Chaim’s newest song on his concept album: “Joy Unspeakable” |  Our new Aliyah Podcast on Youtube and Facebook, premiering TODAY (11/12) in just half an hour at 4pm Israel time (9am EST) | JOIN US LIVE for all 8 nights of Hanukkah as we discuss the "Mystery of the Menorah"! WATCH THE PROMO

From Revive Israel, Ariel Blumenthal writes about his journey in Struck by The Difference PLUS Read Ariel Blumenthal's book One New Man as he unpacks the "mystery" found in the second and third chapters of Ephesians: God is reconciling Jew and Gentile together "in His flesh" through the cross of Christ.
     ALSO Partner with us to
Bless Ethiopian Jews  ( Article and video ) | Global Broadcast | Praise, Prayer, Prophecy, Preaching from Israel. This week, Ron Cantor shared a message about "Promises to The Land of Israel"

From Out of Zion Ministries of David & Josie Silver, David’s Midweek Update Video  11/16 and  Friday Video Update 11/12 | David’s article on Kehila News: How to Practically Prepare as the End Time Pressure Increases  | Plus the Out of Zion Prayer for Israel Zoom meeting every Tuesday 9 pm Israel time - 7 pm UK - 2 pm EST - 6 am NZ -  email them for details of how to connect

Restoration from Zion is the personal ministry of Dan and Patty Juster, along with son Benjamin and Lorena Juster. Ben leads the Tikkun-America branch of Tikkun Global and recently Dan flew in from Israel to participate in several major meetings in the US with Ben including meetings at Gateway Church, the International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders, and several meetings in Messianic Jewish Congregations. They also met with the Tikkun America Apostolic Team. Ben writes, “Be encouraged!  Your prayers are continuing to open up new doors. There is progress in furthering the work of alignment of the Nations to God’s Kingdom purposes for Israel. Your financial support is what makes these engagements possible. Would you consider a special end-of-year gift to propel us into 2022?”
      Here is one gem given from Ben that will excite: “A recent 2018 report by LifeWay Research estimates that over 800,000 evangelicals in the United States have at least on Jewish parent or grandparent. This is an astounding figure. To put it into perspective, we have a network of about 30 congregations in North America that represents roughly 1500 people. Of those 1500 people, perhaps 10-20% are Jewish or of Jewish descent (150-200 people!). The report indicates that the vast majority of Jewish believers (and those who attend with a believing spouse) are within churches and not Messianic Jewish Congregations. The Lord put it on my heart, along with a few other messianic and church leaders, to envision how we could best support churches in reclaiming and nurturing the Jewish identity of their members. We believe that Jewish people that come to faith in Jesus are called to identify and live as Jews (Rom 11:29).”

The City of Life congregation in Sderot is led by Michael & Dina Beener, doing such valuable work in that hard city near Gaza to bring hope and relief to their city. One of the practical ways they are helping the poor is by providing radiator heaters. Learn more Winter Is Coming To Israel. A fun project is their Hanukkah Help read more about how they will be blessing the stretched-thin and weary during Hanukkah.

Dov Bikas writes with a Zoom Conference in partnership with a partner ministry in Amsterdam. It’s this Saturday – one time 16.30 hrs. CET (Central European Time)  for English speakers and another time 10:00 AM Amsterdam for Dutch speakers.  EMAIL Dov for his ZOOM MEETING REMINDER email for all the details of how you can connect with the right Zoom meeting. 

The program is:
1. Opening by the chairman of “Stichting Aviv”, Jan van Capelleveen.

2. Testimony of a friend of Aviv Ministry, Jane Lasonder, about child abuse and domestic violence. Jane is the author of several books about abuse and human trafficking. Q & A will be included.

3. Alfred Muller (a Dutch journalist and publicist, who has lived in Jerusalem since 1983) will show us some statistics about the situation in Israel.

4. Dov will present an update about the ministry, in particular about the Women’s Shelter. The last developments will be shared. Again Q & A included.

5. Closing by one of “Stichting Aviv” Board members.

The total time will be (give or take) 2 hrs.

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

Please keep in prayer the Israeli believers who are fighting for their lives or other urgent health needs: 

Please Pray for Claude Ezagouri of the Morning Star Fellowship who has started a treatment that is due to last at least 6 months for a medical problem he has been suffering from.  Believe in prayer with them as they look to the Lord for complete healing and for  prompt recovery from some other ailments.  | Ronit Bender finally has seen a new cardiologist she likes because he is caring, she’s taking new meds, feels better but still asks for our prayers | Pray for Carolyn Hyde whose left hand is so pained she can no longer play guitar and it is also sometimes painful to play piano | Silvers: David's knees and Josie's back pain | A prayer request for Naomi, for a dear family that is a part of Israel Pochtar's pastoral team, who was diagnosed with colon cancer. "Despite what this battle entails, we are confident in God’s unfailing Word and promises." Read in her own words| Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva | Dov Bikas – I have been very tired these days: probably as a result of a combination of factors: my age, stress of the days of running to the bomb shelter, work load in the ministry, etc. Olga Bikas: We are grateful that Olga is feeling better these days! Though the doctors never found the cause of the dizziness that put her in hospital a month ago, they did rule out major issues like brain tumors, heart problems, etc., so this is already comforting. Olga’s back also keeps improving and she is able to walk more outside now than she did before.



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