This issue is dedicated to the memory of one of the most anointed
musician-songwriters who ever ushered us into the Presence
In Memory of Marc Chopinsky
He had not been feeling well for several days, and
was found unconscious on the floor of his office. A hymnal laid open beside
Marc where he had fallen out of his chair, his son Eli shared at his
funeral. The hymnal was open to "I Believe in Jesus".
Marc's death has come as a shock to his family — his wife Leah, his son Eli and Eli's wife Vanessa. Their three grandchildren were Marc's obvious pride and joy from the many photos he posted on Facebook. His death has come to a shock as well as to his close ministry family, and the friends and followers Marc had throughout the Messianic community.
Eitan Shishkoff, who led the Tents of Mercy congregation where Marc served as Worship leader for so many years broke the news to us via Facebook: "A humble giant in the faith, a treasured friend, and a pioneer in Messianic praise and worship has gone to his radiant reward. Marc Chopinsky departed from his temporary, earthly body this morning. His wife Leah, son, Eli and his wife Vanessa, mourn his loss but celebrate his victory over death. This entirely faithful servant of the Most High exemplified a true worshiper. Marc provided us with melodies and lyrics to express the depth of our love for Yeshua. We are stunned, but profoundly grateful for the life and legacy of a faith-filled man of God."
Marc's death has come as a shock to his family — his wife Leah, his son Eli and Eli's wife Vanessa. Their three grandchildren were Marc's obvious pride and joy from the many photos he posted on Facebook. His death has come to a shock as well as to his close ministry family, and the friends and followers Marc had throughout the Messianic community.
Eitan Shishkoff, who led the Tents of Mercy congregation where Marc served as Worship leader for so many years broke the news to us via Facebook: "A humble giant in the faith, a treasured friend, and a pioneer in Messianic praise and worship has gone to his radiant reward. Marc Chopinsky departed from his temporary, earthly body this morning. His wife Leah, son, Eli and his wife Vanessa, mourn his loss but celebrate his victory over death. This entirely faithful servant of the Most High exemplified a true worshiper. Marc provided us with melodies and lyrics to express the depth of our love for Yeshua. We are stunned, but profoundly grateful for the life and legacy of a faith-filled man of God."
On his way back from the funeral on Monday, Ron
Cantor of Messiah's Mandate, stopped to make a short video sharing some thoughts of those who have been touched by
Marc's life. With eyes that had obviously been crying, Ron related what a
friend, Jeff Bernstein said, that "Marc was probably the nicest
person in the entire Messianic movement - just a kind, gracious, sweet human
being."
This seems to
be the universally held opinion of Marc by everyone who was blessed to meet
Marc along his way. He was a beloved treasure in the Messianic community as a
whole, and particularly in Israel where he served for so many years. Marc shared a little bit about himself in
an interview in 2004 at the annual Intercessors for Israel prayer conference in
Jerusalem where he led worship so many times over the years.
Marc wrote some of the most anointed praise and worship music ever written. Some of the songs that Israel's Hope and Paul Wilbur has made famous all over the world, Marc wrote. The Israel's Hope trio of Marc, Paul and Rene Bloch are the classics of Messianic praise and worship. Blessed is the Man, O Yeshua, Behold, Bless the Lord, We Give You Thanks, Baruch Ata Adonai and many others.
Paul Wilbur, upon learning of Marc's death said, “Marc’s songs became the calling card of the ministry and the reason the phone kept ringing,” Paul Wilbur wrote after hearing the news.” Always humble, always tender hearted, Marc was the unflappable one who always had a soft answer and a large smile.”
Daniel Juster of Restoration from Zion shared, "Today, during a bris for dear friends who were part of our congregation, Beth Messiah in Maryland, we received word that Mark Chopinsky had died. It was only in the last spring that we celebrated his birthday up north. It was quite amazing. Here we were entering this infant into the Covenant of Abraham, and then right after it we got the news on Mark. The passing of a giant was announced just after we believed that this infant would become a spiritual giant.
Marc wrote some of the most anointed praise and worship music ever written. Some of the songs that Israel's Hope and Paul Wilbur has made famous all over the world, Marc wrote. The Israel's Hope trio of Marc, Paul and Rene Bloch are the classics of Messianic praise and worship. Blessed is the Man, O Yeshua, Behold, Bless the Lord, We Give You Thanks, Baruch Ata Adonai and many others.
Paul Wilbur, upon learning of Marc's death said, “Marc’s songs became the calling card of the ministry and the reason the phone kept ringing,” Paul Wilbur wrote after hearing the news.” Always humble, always tender hearted, Marc was the unflappable one who always had a soft answer and a large smile.”
Daniel Juster of Restoration from Zion shared, "Today, during a bris for dear friends who were part of our congregation, Beth Messiah in Maryland, we received word that Mark Chopinsky had died. It was only in the last spring that we celebrated his birthday up north. It was quite amazing. Here we were entering this infant into the Covenant of Abraham, and then right after it we got the news on Mark. The passing of a giant was announced just after we believed that this infant would become a spiritual giant.
"I was Marc’s pastor for 16 years, Dan
continues. "He and later his wife Leah, were a blessing to my life that
cannot be put into words. When Marc came to us at Beth Messiah, he was leaving
a career as a rock musician. He believed that God spoke to him to put his
guitar away and not give himself to music for the next season until he knew
that this was not the basis for his meaning in life. When Marc believed that
God spoke to him to again take up the guitar, it was in a new direction, to
glorify HaShem and his Son Yeshua. Marc met Leah in our congregation. I was
part of the marriage preparation and then officiated.
"...When he left us for Israel and to serve our beloved Eitan Shishkoff and the new congregation in the Kriyot north of Haifa, Marc again was a foundational leader, and led people into the Presence. He became an elder as well. He also became the worship leader at national gatherings of leaders in Israel. I indeed was able to enjoy these times. We were sad to lose him, but what a gain he was the Kingdom for these last decades in Israel. He and his wife Leah also gave themselves to leading a chavurah in our congregation in Maryland. They trained in marriage ministry and became a key couple for healing marriages. Leah also served selflessly and wonderfully. Marc and Leah are on my short list of those who were the greatest blessing to us in serving with us in His Kingdom."
Dr Michael Brown also wrote of Marc, "What a saint Marc was! I never once remember seeing him visibly agitated, and I don't remember hearing an unkind word from his lips. And that steady smile was always there. How selflessly he led us into God's presence, and how much he must be enjoying that unfiltered holy presence right now. "
In 2005, I too was delighted to meet Marc Chopinsky at Tents of Mercy when I went on the Baruch HaBa tour in Israel. By that time Marc was serving as the worship leader at the Tents of Mercy congregation led by Eitan Shishkoff at the time. Marc was a sweet, unassuming person and afterwards, over the years we occasionally communicated on Facebook. He supported the work I was doing for the Israeli Ministries, and I was truly grateful that he did.
Marc was an amazing musician and songwriter. In Israel he also took steps to become a mentor to many Israeli Messianic musicians and recorded many in his recording studio. His son Eli follows in his footsteps as a music studio producer for Israeli Messianic artists in his Ashira Project.
The legacy of Marc Chopinsky is one his family can be truly joyful for as Marc is remembered by all as a true saint of God. He has left us for now, but waits for us in the kingdom of Heaven. We ask that you join with us in prayer this week for the Chopinsky family.
"...When he left us for Israel and to serve our beloved Eitan Shishkoff and the new congregation in the Kriyot north of Haifa, Marc again was a foundational leader, and led people into the Presence. He became an elder as well. He also became the worship leader at national gatherings of leaders in Israel. I indeed was able to enjoy these times. We were sad to lose him, but what a gain he was the Kingdom for these last decades in Israel. He and his wife Leah also gave themselves to leading a chavurah in our congregation in Maryland. They trained in marriage ministry and became a key couple for healing marriages. Leah also served selflessly and wonderfully. Marc and Leah are on my short list of those who were the greatest blessing to us in serving with us in His Kingdom."
Dr Michael Brown also wrote of Marc, "What a saint Marc was! I never once remember seeing him visibly agitated, and I don't remember hearing an unkind word from his lips. And that steady smile was always there. How selflessly he led us into God's presence, and how much he must be enjoying that unfiltered holy presence right now. "
In 2005, I too was delighted to meet Marc Chopinsky at Tents of Mercy when I went on the Baruch HaBa tour in Israel. By that time Marc was serving as the worship leader at the Tents of Mercy congregation led by Eitan Shishkoff at the time. Marc was a sweet, unassuming person and afterwards, over the years we occasionally communicated on Facebook. He supported the work I was doing for the Israeli Ministries, and I was truly grateful that he did.
Marc was an amazing musician and songwriter. In Israel he also took steps to become a mentor to many Israeli Messianic musicians and recorded many in his recording studio. His son Eli follows in his footsteps as a music studio producer for Israeli Messianic artists in his Ashira Project.
The legacy of Marc Chopinsky is one his family can be truly joyful for as Marc is remembered by all as a true saint of God. He has left us for now, but waits for us in the kingdom of Heaven. We ask that you join with us in prayer this week for the Chopinsky family.
Pray also for the Tikkun Ministries, which Marc
Chopinsky was so great a part of, as they are in the midst of their annual
Baruch HaBa tour which Eitan Shishkoff is leading. I am struck that also
recently Avi Mizrachi's father passed into eternity with the LORD at Sukkot and
how they announced they would not be sitting shiva because of the Sukkot
holidays. The pressing forward in the work of the ministry is so critical now,
there is no time to stop to do things as we normally would. It reminds me of
Amos 9:13-14
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD,
when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes, the sower
of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, with which all the hills will
flow. I will restore from captivity My people Israel...."
Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Deaths and births. So clearly we see the cycle
of life which is not only natural, but also the spiritual cycle of life
advancing the kingdom of God.
We begin with a thank you from Avi and Chaya
Mizrachi for all the kind words following the death of Avi's father, Nessim, a
believer in Yeshua who passed away at Sukkot. Also in their "bittersweet
season" the announcement of their daughter and their daughter-in-love's
pregnancies. Both are due in early 2019.
A good word on the mixed emotions we face even
in the death of someone we know has gone to the Presence of the LORD, written
by Guy Cohen of the Acco Harvest of Asher congregation. Guy is also one of the young men out of the
Tents of Mercy congregations who had many years of close relation with Marc
Chopinsky. Please keep the families and all those whose relationships with Marc
were especially close in prayer.
I believe there is something profoundly prophetic in the account of
two families that Rachel Netanel's sons brought to her to minister to. One
brought a secular family and the other a religious. Each of the families spent
a week at the home of Rachel and Gilad. Rachel writes, "Beloved friends,
thank you so much for reading this letter and for standing in prayer for the
people we share about and for the salvation of Israel. We are very grateful for
your support. May the Lord be your help
and your shield, and may your hearts be glad in Him."
Joel Jelski who is ministering in a
discipleship program connected with Tikkun in northern Israel has landed in
Texas where he will base as he ministers and holds meetings in the USA until
mid-November. He asks, "Please pray for this trip to be fruitful for us in
terms of partners and raising support. . . . As soon as I arrive back in
Israel, we hit the ground running and begin the discipleship program on
November 18th. We have 2 students signed up already, but hope to have 4 to
start with, as well as still needing to raise the funds for the program to run
for 3 months. Would appreciate your prayers as we continue preparing for this
even while I'm traveling."
The Maoz Ministries letter focuses us on the Gaza
rocket attack that struck a home at 3:39 AM in Beer Sheva on the 17th. The single
mother of three, hearing the sirens, woke her children and fled to the safe room,
saving them all from a Grad rocket which blasted through three layers of
concrete. There is such little time between siren alert and impact, it is truly
a miracle of survival. Praise the Lord! Maoz'
Katy Smith also writes about the five months of Hamas using Gaza civilians to
riot on the security fence at the border to Israel, "Needless to say, the
situation needs a resolution. Not only does Hamas hold two million Palestinian
hostages in Gaza, it is also bent on holding Israeli citizens as hostages, and
this is not a reality we are ready to continue living in. At this time, our
leaders and commanders need your prayers... as do we all!"
From Revive Israel, MUST VIEW Overcoming Accusation, a video discussion
with Asher Intrater that is so fundamental to the current spiritual warfare! Also a bigger problem in some nations than you
might think: How should we handle a polygamous marriage
when they come to faith in Yeshua? VIDEO Dealing with Polygamy | and Cody Archer
on the continual attack Israel is under even though restored to their land, Israel's Repeating Pattern. Plus Asher's November speaking stops in the
USA, including Info/Live Webcast at the
IHOP services, a service in Garland, TX and a conference in Burleson,
TX. Read more by connecting directly
with the ministry, or by subscribing to the Weekly
Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries.
Intercessors for Israel Jerusalem (IFI) offers
their Friday Prayer Points via
email. The last Friday prayer points covered are numerous, including terror
attacks, potential wars, the public opinion war, special prayers for IDF
traumatized by having to take a life in conflicts, the (welcome) US decision to
bring consular services of Palestinians under its Jerusalem Embassy, potential
move of the Australian embassy to Jerusalem; upcoming - very important - city
elections in Israel, desperate need for rain & IFI's Chuck Cohen in the NW
USA.
The Yuval Messianic Worship Center for Music
and the Arts is sponsored by King of kings congregation in Jerusalem and led by
IIrit Ifert, Jael Kalisher and Alex Atlas. They write, "Yuval worship
center has begun the 9th year and we are so excited to be able to share with
you all the joy that we feel about it! thank you for your prayers and your
love. We feel blessed to have you all standing with us in our vision in faith
and support. Check out our latest VIDEO about who we are, what we do and how we can
connect!"
Kobi and Shani Ferguson's Yeshua Harvest
Ministries sends an article on Israeli history that you will enjoy. Learn more about
the miracle of the rebirth of the Hebrew Language. Father of the Modern Hebrew Language Part 1 by Shani
Ferguson
From the top online
community news and information portal by the community (kehila) in Israel, about
the community (kehila) in Israel, and for the community (kehila), both in
Israel and around the world —KehilaNews.com,
here are just a few of the offerings this past week:
Remembering
Israeli Musician Marc Chopinsky | Tzippe Barrow
Netanyahu to Christian media: Continue to tell the truth | Kehila News Israel Staff | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked journalists attending the Christian Media Summit for their ongoing support and, responding to a suggestiion, said he would consider appointing an ambassador to the Christian world reflecting Israel’s recognition of it evangelical allies.
Netanyahu to Christian media: Continue to tell the truth | Kehila News Israel Staff | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked journalists attending the Christian Media Summit for their ongoing support and, responding to a suggestiion, said he would consider appointing an ambassador to the Christian world reflecting Israel’s recognition of it evangelical allies.
One
critical challenge to One New Man | by Sandra Teplinsky | ARTICLE SUMMARY:
While deeply grateful for Christian support of Israel, we have watched
increasing numbers, especially leaders, seek to bless the Jewish people at the
cost of compromising, withholding and then denying, the Gospel. This approach
was well intended. A remnant of evangelicals wanted to heal 2,000 years of
Christian anti-Semitism by demonstrating unconditional love to Israel. Over
recent decades, they have ministered with sacrificial kindness and gracious
sensitivity. As a result, Christian friendships with Israel are starting to
mature. In this process a critical time has now arrived, calling for another
approach. It is time for Jewish and Gentile believers, together as one, to be
and share a living testimony of Yeshua. Such a testimony has scarcely been seen
or heard by the international Jewish community. Believers seeking this new way
will want to discern how to rightly navigate it. We pray this letter can serve
as a step in that direction.
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
Keep praying for CONTINUED URGENT PRAYER FOR JACOB DAMKANI (See
Elisheva's update below) | Praise the LORD for the ALL-Clear on EDDIE SANTORO's
latest MRI showing no more signs of cancer in his brain! | Albert a Messianic leader from southern
Israel, has had a successful surgery and an amazing recovery but keep praying
for total restoration | Rania Sayegh asks for prayer of
restoration of strength, energy, and complete healing.| Olga Bikas continues to suffer from chronic, acute back pain. She
is getting medication and physiotherapeutic treatments but without any
substantial improvement | Ruth Nessim has several health issues, read
in her update this week: Most critical EYES.|
Continue pray for Marianna Gol's urgent requests shared last week for Streams in the Desert (widows & orphans): A, the 20 yr old jailed man | M1 following surgery last week & many related needs | M2, mother getting a mastectomy who has an autistic needing 24/7 care. Many needs | T, mother of 3, bed-ridden with severe back pain. Many needs including a correct diagnosis which will determine eligiblity for financial.
Pray also for Israel intercessors/supporters in other nations with urgent health needs: Jeurgen at ICEJ, Karen and Yonit in Israel. Also for Israel intercessors: Cecelia Toth, Arlene Stucki, Una Gere, Mo Murray, also from our friend Steve in the UK for his wife Elizabeth, and Debra Koen Abernethy still recovering from complication following double lung transplant
Continue pray for Marianna Gol's urgent requests shared last week for Streams in the Desert (widows & orphans): A, the 20 yr old jailed man | M1 following surgery last week & many related needs | M2, mother getting a mastectomy who has an autistic needing 24/7 care. Many needs | T, mother of 3, bed-ridden with severe back pain. Many needs including a correct diagnosis which will determine eligiblity for financial.
Pray also for Israel intercessors/supporters in other nations with urgent health needs: Jeurgen at ICEJ, Karen and Yonit in Israel. Also for Israel intercessors: Cecelia Toth, Arlene Stucki, Una Gere, Mo Murray, also from our friend Steve in the UK for his wife Elizabeth, and Debra Koen Abernethy still recovering from complication following double lung transplant
Elisheva Damkani writes, Three weeks ago we
have taken Jacob home and that was so good, we had a wonderful time here. Jacob
was so happy, his condition improved tremendously, he was so very joyful,
interacting and smiling - even laughing - a lot. Still not conscious in the full
sense of the word, Jacob has been with us, interacting with his beautiful,
tender and thankful eyes, with his eyebrows talking volumes, and his typical
sweet 'rascal' smile. He is with us, he just can't come out totally. Some call
it "locked in", which sounds like the best explanation to me so far.
Then we received message that finally he was accepted for rehab in one of the
best places, probably the best, in Israel. It wasn't an easy decision to leave
home again and go there... but in the end we decided to give it a try; they do
have great ways to get him back on his feet, back to life. . . .I believe that
the opportunities for him there are much bigger than at home, we met a real
friendly, good and motivated staff, which encouraged me. And I hope their professionalism
will make up for the atmosphere that isn't as peaceful as it is at home. . .
.Please continue to pray with me for precious Jacob.
Praying the Headlines
IDF Seeks to Lower Number of Abortions | In light of the skyrocketing number of abortions performed on female IDF soldiers in recent years (839 in 2017, according to Army Radio) which costs the Defense Ministry millions of shekels annually, the IDF Medical Corps announced this week that so-called “day after pills” will soon be made available. Various forms of contraceptives, paid for by the Ministry, are already available to soldiers, according to the IDF.
On Twitter Israeli channel 10 news reporter tweet: BREAKING: Jared Kushner: "The status quo between Israel and the Palestinians in unacceptable. The situation is only getting worse. At some point the leaders will have to take a bold step and make compromise. We hope to find leadership who is ready to do it". Then Martin Indyk, the former US Amb to Israel replied: Jared Kushner is beginning to sound like the other JK (John Kerry not Jamal Khashoggi) who also said the status quo is unsustainable. Hillary too. But the reality is that Bibi and Abu Mazen both prefer the status quo to any alternative and they have shown it IS sustainable. Now there appears to be a response from Netanyahu in his comments at the General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America.
Netanyahu
reaffirms commitment to demilitarized Palestinian state | "The
only possible solution is that they will have autonomy over themselves," Netanyahu
said, "but not the ability to harm
us."
________________
Donna Diorio
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
Please pray about making a financial gift donation.
Make donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio
and mail to: P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006
Or via PayPal, Send to: donna@israelprayer.com or https://www.paypal.me/DonnaDiorio
I do not have tax exempt status.
