ARROWS from ZION

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Arrows from Zion 3/27/2019

Our hope is in the LORD. Photo of the Armon HaNetsiv,
southern Jerusalem hills at daybreak by Joan Lipis of Novea Ministry

Faith is the substance of things hoped for

We are living in incredible times. It is hard to understand all that we can see with our own eyes taking place in this world. I don't know how people who are without God in the world can cope. It must be the proverbial bliss of ignorance. But for those of us with spiritual eyes these are times that the warfare and the victories are coming so fast it is a challenge to keep our balance. To do that, we have to keep our hope in the LORD.

This photo that Joan Lipis of Novea Ministries posted many weeks ago captured a feeling I have had over many years of following the ups and downs of life in Israel, especially through the eyes of the Israeli ministry leaders. There has never been a shortage of major challenges facing both the believers and Israel; both have many enemies and also have God watching over them for good - not for evil. When the evil and enemies seem to mount up, that is where we are challenged to keep our faith for the things hoped for, the things that God has promised to see us through to His deliverance.

This photo of Armon HaNetsiv spoke to me of the darkest hour just before dawn, though there be clouds on the horizon the silver lining is that the glory is breaking through to being the light of a new day. This place is said to be the spot where Abraham and Isaac first saw Mount Moriah, where Abraham came within a hair's breadth of sacrificing his beloved son.

Often times is seems the challenges of Israel and the believers in Israel come within a hair's breadth of being sacrificed too, then God breaks through with the substance of things hoped for, like the super abundant rainfall that has been poured out on Israel in the winter rains. Or, as Ron Cantor points out this week, how US President Trump's courage to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem and recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights has caused a spiritual release as many other nations are finding the courage to follow suit. Praise the name of the LORD.

While anti-Semitism continues to increase globally, and Jews who considered themselves safe in Western nations now increasingly look to immigrate to the Jewish homeland, we see both the negative and the positive in this reality. The darkness of the world can surely be measured by increase in nations where Jews are becoming unsafe. But God is continuing to gather the Jews back to Israel, because His intention is to there to bring them into faith of His Messiah. Our brothers and sisters of the Israeli Messianic Jewish community are pivotal in God's unique plan salvation for the Jews and the parallel harvest of salvation in the nations. This is the substance of things hoped for and why we continue to press forward in our effort to bring more believers into connection with Israeli ministries.

If you believe as I do that the Israeli Ministries are to play a critical role in the salvation of the Jewish people and the last great sweeping harvest of souls in all the nations, please support an Israeli ministry financially as you are able, and also pray that God will give the younger generation of Christians a powerful renewal of His Spirit to take up the call to support Israel and especially the work of the ministry within Israel. Pray for this generation to awaken to and accept God's Scripture as the ultimate definition of justice. Pray for the Spirit to reveal to them the unbroken promises God has made to the restoration of faith in Israel. The next generation of Christian Israel-supporters is not yet risen to its calling - and as we age, it is past time that we called forth our Christian children to step up into this calling to stand with Israel. Pray for breakthrough! - Donna Diorio, March 25, 2019

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

Eddie and Jackie Santoro are in the lead of prayer request this week - they write about Gaza, the elections, Purim & their ongoing fellowship meetings with over-60's, but it is the health news that we ask you to prioritize in your prayers. Eddie has come to the last of what doctors can do for him, he really needs a miraculous healing from the hand of the Lord to live. We agree with the hope that that Eddie and Jackie have placed in the LORD for a total restoration of the areas of the brain that have been affected by this brain cancer. Not only have they placed their trust in the LORD for this, but they have walked for decades in faith and love trusting the Lord in every step of the way. Surely as they wrote, "We know that to live is Messiah and to die is gain," but we appeal to Heaven with them for LIFE to continue on this earth for Eddie who has been such a great blessing to all in the land.

Abba, grant Eddie an extension of his life, even as you did king Hezekiah of old, Isaiah 38:1-6 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was near death. . . . Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord, and said, “O Lord, I ask you from my heart to remember now how I have walked with You in truth and with a whole heart. I have done what is good in Your eyes.” ...Then the Word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘The Lord, the God of your father David, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. See, I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will take you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria. I will fight for this city.” Abba, extend Eddie's life in Yeshua's name that he may be a witness to the fulfillment of Your promises to Israel.

From Tikkun Global - the monthly newsletter filled with articles from various Tikkun ministries Israel's Restoration in PDF format | Also from Tikkun Cares, this special feature on Pastor Leon Mazin, of the Return to Zion congregation in Haifa | Some of my top article picks this week from Tikkun.TV mailings are: Training the Next Generation to Take the Land | The Messiah is not returning to the land of Israel | True Community — Emotional Health | Jews in Christian Churches

We don't always hear from them often but when we do Daniel & Shirya Yahav of the Peniel Fellowship is full of news from their thriving congregation in Tiberias. First up they are praising God for the abundant rains which were at 100-yr lows & dangerously close to irreversible ecological problems which could have rendered the water quality permanently damaged. There is such a spiritual principle in that which we can take get hope in God for: When all looks lost, keep faith in our God who is able to restore and replenish and literally turn the tide.

The Yahav's have a great testimony of healing in this ministry letter and how it became a witness of the faith to doctors; they encourage us to pray for IDF soldiers on active duty and reserves called up to often dangerous situations; they need provision as they have been forced to leave the small messianic school bldg they have operated for 30 years; they ask prayers for the coming Passover Youth Camp; for the healing of an 84-yr old former elder of the congregation; for the larger meeting place they have been saving for many years (they have 60% of needed funds). Daniel will be ministering in Germany June 14-23 and Brazil May 17-19. Write for more info.

Orna Grinman of A Sign & Example has a new blog entry: “I Want an Honest Answer…” “I must ask something, and I want an honest answer”, Y’ exclaimed in a decisive tone, as he stood up to ensure we were all paying attention. It was during the Purim party we held for the holocaust survivors in our area.

KehilaNews.com had server issues last week but OK now - plus the new site will launch in a couple of weeks. Appeal for support in fulfilling the vision to serve the Body of Messiah to have an impact and influence in the media realm. Some of our top picks from Kehila: Could Messianic Jews be represented in Israel’s parliament? | Rocket hits home in central Israel, children among the injured | Golan Heights recognition by the US - The timing couldn’t be better

Eric Benson for the House of Victory in Haifa is associated with the HaCarmel congregation and is a ministry that helps addicted men - Jew and Arab - to find their way back to life from the bottom of humanity's barrel. This is tough work - I cannot think of tougher ministry personally and so much the heart of Yeshua to reach these lost souls with salvation and set them on the Rock of abundant life in the Messiah. Eric's ministry letter is full of news about what they are doing to transform lives, but I want to focus attention on this understated prayer request: ."Please pray with us that the Lord will provide so that we may be able to restart regular outreaches to homeless addicts and prostitutes on the streets of Tel Aviv."

The need for financial support to return to former levels is understated among - I venture this educated guess - ALL of Israeli ministries. Over the past couple of years the level of financial support has dropped so dramatically that many of the ministries I post in this summary that many have had to make urgent appeals to stay afloat, reshuffle the resources and in some cases lose staff and pull back on certain areas of outreach. There could be many explanations for the drop - my own theory is because the aging of Christian supporters of Israel has not been re-seeded by the entrance of the younger generation of Christian Israel supporters. Whatever the reason, God knows. Please appeal to Heaven for an answer to this financial drought, and an outpouring of resources for the work of the ministries in Israel.

Howard Bass of the Yeshua's Inheritance congregation in Beer Sheva also writes about the wonder of abundant rain in Israel this year. What a blessing! He has also been teaching from Genesis on the Days of Creation - one of my favorite studies of all times. Here is access to 3 weeks of messages: Genesis 1-12 Introduction | Genesis 1:1-13 Days 1-3 of Creation | Genesis 1:14-31 — Days 4-6 of Creation. Howard also speaks about the Israeli parliamentary elections on April 9, the message of Purim & anti-Semitism, and his ministry trip with Randi to England and N Ireland upcoming. See Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries for all of the prayer requests, or contact Bass directly.

From David Lazarus (pastor at Beit Immanuel Jaffa) for Israel Today magazine, Anti-Messianic Update: A Mayor Supports Jewish Believers. This is an important article for understanding why kind of pressure and persecution is leveled against the Israeli Ministries, this time (and many times in the past) this is against Israel Pochtar's Beit Hallel congregation.

Martin Sarvis provides an update, background and prayer points for the current attack on Israel from Gaza

Joel Jelski of the Olive Tree Ranch, writes on the behalf of Fields of Wheat about the upcoming Katzir Youth Camp. Joel has become the assistant of Eitan Shishkoff, who is the founder of the Katzir Youth camps. This next camp is April 12-14 and will be held in the southern part of the Golan Heights. Two specific prayer requests: We have been encountering pushback from one Israeli government office. Please pray for God to soften hearts. This is clearly because we are a Messianic non-profit. Please pray for quick resolution for us to be able to expand operations | Please pray for the upcoming youth camp. Pray for all our young adult leaders, youth who are coming, and our leadership team. Pray for God’s tangible presence in our campsite, for fresh encounters for the youth with God, and for the Holy Spirit to touch their hearts and lives.

Avner Boskey of David's Tent: Thorns, snares and the fire of judgment...and the thorn called ‘Hamas’ | The God of Abraham said to Adam in the Garden of Eden, “… Cursed is the ground because of you. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you…” (Genesis 3:17-18). Since that day, the destiny of mankind has involved dealing with thorns, sweat and trouble. Read more online

Dani & Luanne Sayag of HaCarmel congregation open with the rocket attacks from Gaza - they are praying fervently from the top of mount Carmel, even for their enemies. They just completed their 40th Carmel School of Ministry study tour with 100 participants from 10 nations in the 12-day program. to learn more about this study tour see SOM website. Other reports of their outreaches may be accessed by connecting directly with the ministry or read the filing if you are subscribed to my Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries. This is a robust ministry doing many outreaches, worship & prayer meetings, discipling and congregation planting.

Michael and Dena Beener of the City of the Living congregation, a congregation that gets its name in direct counter to the name that Hamas has spoken over the city of Sderot write about their ministry in a city with the largest number of bomb shelters in the world. Let that sink in! Currently they have a great news even in the midst of the horrible rocket fire coming from close by Gaza: They have been able to acquire a new building which will be refurbished to include a bomb shelter that their elderly can access without struggling down slippery stairs to reach the safe room. In the Weekly Summary they share extensive details of the refurbishing needs - what they will be building and the breakdown of the costs. If you want to help protect Israelis, what better place to start than in such a hard-hit area for the body of Messiah in S'derot?

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

CONTINUED FERVENT PRAYER for EDDIE SANTORO A troubling update does not stop us from believing for total healing in our brother /see update above; and Elisheva's good report last week for Jacob Damkani's rehab | Ronit Bender is home from the hospital and being watched for more definitive evidence of the leaking heart valve. Please pray that no weapon formed against all three of these shall prosper & that miracles of healing will flow.

Ruth Nessim has several health issues, one of the most critical is her EYES which has sent her to the hospital many times. Please pray for Ruth in Nahariya| Olga Bikas’s health condition that seems to have become chronic, with no hope from the doctors for any improvement in the future. This, no doubt, puts an additional emotional and physical burden on our family. Please pray for her acute back pain. | 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. | In the Acco congregation: Prayer for 5 year old Leon is still very much needed.

Praying the Headlines | Israeli News You Can Trust

To save maximum space for Israel Ministries oriented material, please link to my IsraelWatcher blog where more of these news articles of interest from the last week are summarized.

The Purim Miracle: Israel's Golan Heights

Trump Signs Document Officially Recognizing Israeli Control Over Golan | Herb Keinon, Jerusalem Post | "Today I am taking historic action to promote Israel’s ability to defend itself, and really to have very powerful and very strong national security, which they are entitled to have.”

VIDEO Ron Cantor Debunks Reports that Trump's Recognition of Israeli Sovereignty
over the Golan Heights is No Big Deal. Ron says WRONG: It is a big deal that
released something positive in the spiritual realm. The courage of President
Trump's pro-Israel moves has given other nations the courage to follow his lead.

Other news articles online on the subject of: Global Leadership: Time to Favor Israel AND Global Islamist Terrorism is Always Anti-Israel.

Donna Diorio
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com

Please note change in PayPal donations:
paypal.me/DonnaDiorio
Or by postal mail make donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006

I do not have tax exempt status.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Arrows from Zion 3/20/2019 Purim

Prime Minister Netanyahu, wife Sara & son Yair
hosted children suffering from cancer during 2013 Purim festivities

It’s Purim, So I'm Voting for Bibi
by David Lazarus for Israel Today | David is the congregational leader of Beit Immanuel

In yet another inexplicable, some would say divine, turn of events, the future of Israel is once again weighing in the balance, and just in time for Purim.

Israel’s general election just weeks away, Hamas rockets are flying over Tel Aviv, antisemitism has been unleashed around the world, there is mayhem in Gaza and on the Temple Mount, Hezbollah is digging in on the northern border and terror attacks are on the rise. The timing of these events and more coinciding with Purim cannot be ignored. Who can forget Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with former-US President Barack Obama on Purim during the Iran nuclear crisis, when he placed into the hands of the American leader a magnificent, hand-written manuscript of the Scroll of Esther? With Mordechai-like clarity, Netanyahu declared, “Mr. President, we must stop Iran, before they destroy us!”

For the Jewish prime minister, Israel is facing a modern-day Haman. Netanyahu has described Haman as “a Persian antisemite who tried to annihilate the Jewish people.” Netanyahu explained that “in every generation, there are those who wish to destroy the Jewish people. In this generation, we are blessed to live in an age when there is a Jewish state capable of defending the Jewish people.”

Again today, Netanyahu’s message rings clear. Purim reminds us that we must take action to save ourselves. It is not enough to just allow events to take their course and wait for divine intervention, though it come.

Purim is the assurance that the divine hand will turn the tables on Israel’s enemies, when someone is willing to stand up for what is right. The hero of Esther’s Scroll is not fate or consequence, though the story unfolds around a series of humorous coincidences. It is about a young girl, who with good sense, a woman’s intuition, and feminine persuasion manages to convince a king to listen to her plea. It is about the “stroke of luck” that happens when a faithful uncle risks everything to stand up for what he believes, and without hesitation warns his people of impending danger.

Purim is our annual reminder that Jews have enemies dedicated to our destruction, and that we can, and must, do something about it. When the chips are down, and it seems like the cards are stacked against us, we do not sit around and brood. The celebration of Purim shakes us out of apathy. It calls us to do whatever we can to turn the tables on our enemy, to foil our foe by exploiting his own foolishness.

Netanyahu has stood alone against Iran. He is not afraid to declare that Israel is a Jewish state, for the Jewish people, and more than most, he will resist US President Donald Trump’s pending “peace plan,” if necessary, to protect our country. Watching Netanyahu is like reading the pages of the Purim story, the only biblical text without God’s name in it. That’s an indication that the message of this story is that human initiative is required, even if divine assistance is implied. Netanyahu is reading Esther and Mordechai’s story correctly when he calls for active Israeli self-defense against our nation’s existential threats.

Long ago, the die was cast. There is no diplomatic solution to Israel’s security in the Middle East. Israel cannot risk her survival with wishful thinking. The only question remaining is whether the US, or any other nation in the world, will cast their lot with our people. When Bibi sent that Scroll of Esther to the US president, he could have highlighted Esther’s warning with a yellow marker: “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place… And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Purim is here, and I am voting for Netanyahu on April 9th.

online at Israel Today

Pray for our leaders and the April elections in Israel | Wendy Halloun for KehilaNews.com | Wendy writes, "Our nation has elections coming up on April 9, 2019. Whatever your political allegiance might be, God’s word instructs us to pray for those in authority."

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

Congratulations to Israel and Vicky Pochtar, the first time grandparents of a beautiful granddaughter Sky, born to their son, Sason and his wife, Sophie. Mazal Tov to all the Pochtars as they continue to run their race with zeal in the Land. It is hard not to be impressed with the vigor that this ministry is doing to reach out in every direction to reach the Jewish people. There is not enough space here to include all the mini-reports of their ministry efforts reported in this ministry letter, but you can connect with them directly or read the filing if you are subscribed to my Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries.

Two areas I will mention here in the prayer requests for Pochtar's Beit Hallel: One, the Security Gates update. they have reached the halfway mark for installing the $10,000 security gate around the building perimeter - this is MUCH NEEDED for the protection of their congregational facility as they are frequently targeted by anti-Yeshua religious activists. Also, their Bible School which they are preparing students for the stepping into ministry leadership in Israel. Pray for their discipling of new ministry leaders.

Maoz Ministries weekly prayer request focus on the elections. Katy Smith notes that there is an unprecedented 43 parties running for the 21st Knesset. This is such a fractured electorate it reminds of the time of the Judges when scripture notes "everyone did what was right in their own eyes". God bring forth a Judge in Israel to lead the people through the next season which has every indication of being extremely troubling. Do not leave Israel defenseless having chosen leadership unable to guide the nation wisely in the midst of the rising waves of trouble. For more of the prayer requests from Maoz, please connect with them directly or read the filing if you are subscribed to my Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries.

Sally Shiff, an intercessor at the Kfar Saba congregation of the Wellspring which is led by Tony and Orna Sperandeo - Sally also acts as a English-speaking liaison for the congregation in speaking engagements in the USA - is still troubled with as a yet to be identified knee issue. Please pray for doctors to zero in on the issue and that the Lord will extend healing to her. She writes about a new intercessory assignment she has entered into with an Israeli intercessor group that is comprised of prayer warriors from all over the country and different nationalities. Jew, Arab and gentile, we come together to pray and proclaim God’s promises at strategic places such as Hebron, Beit El (place of Jacob’s dream) and next week, the temple mount. Every month, we have different times of 2 hours each to pray for Israel, as well as these prayer trips. The caliber of the people is top notch, and we are seeing things change and shift in our nation. I am humbled that God is using me in this, and excited to be a part of it. Pray for this group. You can see the entire list of prayer points Sally sent this month by referring to the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries (you must subscribe by email: donna@israelprayer.com) or by connecting directly with Sally Shiff. She is now arranging speaking times for her Oct/Nov US visit.

Chuck Cohen of Intercessors for Israel has written a new book called, Humanism The Last of the Giants that you can Buy online here. Also the Friday Prayer Points for Mar 15th cover the elections, Netanyahu, Aliyah (praying for God to stir up Jews in the West - UK, EU and USA - to immigrate as anti-Semitism continues to alarmingly rise up worldwide. They also pray over the northern borders and Gaza - both are extremely hot...plus the Mercy Gate and temple mount in Jerusalem.

The March Team Update for friends of Revive Israel is out, including an invite to the life streaming of the Esther Fast going on now. Revive sends a report on the breakthrough they are seen in Japan and Hong Kong as believers there are awakening to the truth of the One New Man connection with the Messianic remnant in Israel. Plus two videos Why does IHOPKC Pray for Israel? Cody Archer gets answers from IHOP's john Chisholm AND Discipleship Journey Israel 2019

Ron Cantor's timely message Hipster Jesus and Updating Bible’s Moral Code comes with a hilarious depiction of a bespectacled, right social-justice garbed Jesus. As many call the Bible’s view of morality, “culturally outdated” Ron provides a course correction for that generation: " My point is that Jesus had no problem challenging outdated and corrupt “policies.” But when it came to the moral code of the Bible, He went in the other direction.

Ron Also shares these: Hamas Accidentally Bombs Tel Aviv as sirens send Israelis looking for cover, Understanding Israel’s Secular vs Orthodox Culture, Israel's First General Was American Podcast 1 and Part2 and Come Up To Zion with Ron & Elana Cantor Dec 11-21-2019 Fall Israel Tour. Stand with us! It's Time for Revival in Israel!

As the shadows of anti-Semitism lengthen across the globe, and as nations take counsel together and devise cruel strategies against YHVH, His Anointed and His Jewish people, Avner Boskey of Final Frontier Ministries, remembers what God said and has remained true to throughout numerous periods in history of attempts to annihilate the Jewish people: "I will be honored through Pharaoh"

Plus: see Avner Boskey - interview on Jonathan Bernis' "Jewish Voice" | It's our pleasure to let you know that an excellent 30 minute interview with Avner Boskey is now available on Rabbi Jonathan Bernis' Jewish Voice TV program Scroll down the page to the interview. Avner shares his own journey to faith, and gives background to the helpful book "Jews, Arabs and the Middle East - a Messianic Perspective" available at on our David's Tent website

Ye'shi (Jesse) Reinhardt of Hands of Mercy, a humanitarian effort in hard hit S'derot sends a plea for financial support and prayer support for their work as they deal one of the most rocket-pocked community in Israel as their proximity to Gaza has a permanent X mark on the city. It is a poor community and many of its members are suffering from the trauma of living with the bombardment. The after effects are detrimental to local economy and employment opportunities, destroying family stability and the health of our children. As a result, some of the most vulnerable members of our community suffer from various negative psychological and physical effects: depression, trauma and physical illness due to their inability to sleep. These stressful situations challenge us to reach out in hospitals and homes to many dear moms and their children with expressions of mercy and faith for the difficult days ahead. Please help all the Messianic ministries to do humanitarian work in the land.

¡Olé! Carolyn Hyde has released her new music video with Lenny Flamenco in Hebrew and Spanish called "Ata Yeshuati" - "Tú Eres Mi Salvación which means "You Are My Salvation" in English. Plus: Interviews - Entrevistas | Xtotv Enlace Bolivia | March 18 at 10 AM Bolivia time and CVCLAVOZ - March 21 at 11:30 AM Miami, Florida time.

The Hydes have so many world events in the coming months, see their schedule Upcoming Journeys. Plus check out these blessings from their journey in Uganda - powerful! Return Ministries Sing Together with Christians and Jews at the headwaters of the Nile. | Israeli tourists on an El Al flight arrived in Entebbe, Uganda for the first time since the legendary hostage rescue in 1976 | Hine Ma Tovu at the Africa-Israel Alignment Conference

Arni and Yonit Klein also have a report on their trip to Africa. Arni writes, "Many preachers and missions have sown much into the African continent. People attending meetings have numbered into the hundreds of thousands and more. Though there have been pockets and moments of awakening, a fraction of the potential has barely been tapped. This is not surprising given what they’ve been taught. The message has centered largely on personal salvation. Additionally, the fact that little is understood about the place of Israel can’t help but affect the degree of the manifest Presence of God. Though what Yeshua did is proclaimed, in the end it still centers largely on man and getting our needs met."

Also an update on their course, "We are encouraged by the reports from various groups going through the Israel Revealed course in the US, the UK and Australia. Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Dutch translations are in various stages of development. The German version is finally going to print. German materials can be obtained from Benjamin Martin at genesis.2456@yahoo.de. For the record, we do not sell these or any other materials. We suggest an offering of ten Euros, Dollars, or Pounds Sterling to fund reprinting and translations to other languages. Contributions can be sent via PayPal from the donations link on the website, and in Germany also via Cornhouse as noted on the site. The messages of God’s heart for Israel, its centrality in God’s global plan, and the call to absolute surrender cannot be separated."

Rania Sayegh in the Nazareth prophetic intercessory House of Prayer & Exploits writes about the upcoming gathering of Arab and Jewish spiritual mothers in April. "The vision for Deborah’s Clan is a dream that has been in my heart for many years. I desire to see Jewish and Arab spiritual mothers come together in unity to form a strong core that will cause a breakthrough in our nation." Watch these video featuring Rania with Orna Grinman and Rania with Chaya Mizrachi speaking about the conference. " Pray for God’s clear guidance and revelation His heart to lead us in these 2 days." Get more detail by connecting directly with Rania or read the filing if you are subscribed to my Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries.

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

Praying the Headlines | Israeli News You Can Trust

Anti-Semitism is heating up all over the world, the political strategy of Islamists is pressing in harder in the USA than we have ever seen before as it already has in the UK and Europe. It is impossible to keep up with all the news that matters, but it is important that we do not close a blind eye to what is happening in our world. We need to be vigilant. That's why I am offering a few of the news stories that caught my eye over the past week. Please pray over these issues as you read the summaries, or the articles.
To save maximum space for Israel Ministries oriented material, please link to my IsraelWatcher blog where these news items articles of interest are summarized.

Teaching Articles

A while back searching for a photo of a certain type of Israeli tree I happened across the blog of an Israeli tour guide, and not just any Israeli tour guide, but a person of like precious faith — an Israeli Messianic Jewish tour guide! His name is Ran Silberman and he is a congregant in the HaMaayan Congregation in Kfar Saba. This week I got an email notification of a new blog post by Ran that had some really interesting details you will enjoy.

Judah: The Lion that confessed by Ran Silberman | We Jews, are called after our father Judah - Yehuda in Hebrew (יְהוּדָה), the fourth son of Israel. What did Judah do to get the honor that all of the Jewish people are called after him? ....Although he was the fourth son, he was the one who got the best blessing. Judah was compared to a lion! This is a blessing that prophesied the role of Judah in the genealogy of the Messiah! What was it in Judah that gave him the primacy and blessing from his father? The name Yehuda, comes from the word "Hoda" - To praise and give thanks....The Hebrew word "Toda" (תּוֹדָה) that means "thanks" comes from the same root of Hoda and Yehuda. Read this greatly informing teaching message at Ran's blog

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Arrows from Zion 3/13/2019 The Fig Tree Buds

"Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. "So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near." Luke 21:29-31

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree

by Donna Diorio

In the 70th anniversary of the restoration of the state of Israel, with anti-Semitism growing by leaps and bounds in all the Western nations and surrounded by enemies on every doorstep into the Jewish State, yet the promise of God is that the kingdom of God is coming within Israel. We see this in the parable recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke about the time that the fig tree begins to bud with tender new branches forming, budding with leaves and fruit.

The thing about fig trees is that it is only on the "new wood" that fruit and leaves can bloom. The old wood branches from last year will not produce fruit in the coming year, only the newly forming branches will produce that fruit.

This is one reason we see so many of the Israeli ministries who have been focusing for many years on pouring their lives into developing strong, balanced faith among their young people — not just for the salvation of their own children, but so their children would be equipped to carry the vision of "all Israel" coming to the knowledge of Israel's Messiah, Yeshua.

In Yeshua's parable, it is only in the Luke account that "and all the trees" is added on to "Learn the lesson of the fig tree". That is interesting to me because it seems to include a promise: when we see the "fig tree" (Israel) beginning to put forth tender branches and leaves, we will see a parallel of new growth on "all the trees. I think that refers to all the nations. As you can see from the photo, the fig tree blossoms with new branches, leaves and fruit all at the same time. So the parable from Luke seems to indicate that when Israel begins to bear the fruit of salvation, so also will there be a parallel bearing of fruit in the nations.

We can get too focused on the "headlines" of what will be happening in the world that Jesus was describing in these accounts of the Fig Tree parable and miss the subtlety of the spiritual promise He was sharing with us in the lesson. Pray for the generation who has given itself to bringing forth abundant fruit in this generation already budding and bringing forth fruit.

The kingdom of God is drawing near, not only because we see the wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, pestilences and persecution coming on the whole earth, but because we see Israel bringing forth increasing fruit. Even in the midst of the screaming bad news headlines, God's promises to us prevail.

"The fig tree ripens its figs; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come away, my darling; come with me, my beautiful one." Song of Solomon 2:13 This is yet another prophetic indication that the rapture of the Christians does not occur before the fig tree, Israel's fruit ripens bearing its fruit.

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

There has been a super abundance of snow and rain this winter season which Israel has not experienced in years, reports Eddie and Jackie Santoro from Jerusalem. In this 70th year of the restoration of the modern State of Israel, we look for the spiritual parallel this abundant rain of God's promise of outpouring upon the re-gathered Israelis to the Land that holds God's greatest promises of restoration. “Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before.” Joel 2:23 “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 44:3

Eddie celebrated his 70th birthday in this 70th birthday year of Israel, "I had thought of this day so much especially in light of all I have walked through." Please keep praying for our beloved brother who learned last week that the brain cancer continues to grow, the treatments are failing —but God! Eddie writes, "Although this was difficult news to hear, we remain strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. We ask for your continuing prayers for a miracle. God is able to do above and beyond what we ask or can imagine. Our heart's desire is to live and to declare the great works of the Lord!"

He also notes, "The Kingdom of God is advancing here in Israel in so many ways and it is exciting to be a part of it." Indeed, the Santoros are a great part of advancing the kingdom of God in Israel, as they have discipled and mentored so many of the young new generation of Israeli ministry leaders for a couple of decades. It has been their call and vision from the beginning.

Israel Pochtar also sends a ministry letter that is focused on the next generation: "Our annual youth conference "Next Level" was born a few years ago when we saw a great need in the body of Israeli believers for a powerful discipling ministry geared towards the young people." The vision to raise them to a new level of anointing and power in the Lord Yeshua. The next 3-day conference is coming up during Purim and you can help. Watch Video "Next Level has been producing tremendous fruit throughout the years and we have seen several new youth ministries being born into Israeli congregations as a result of this conference. Israeli congregations send their young people to Next Level to be ignited and equipped anew"

The Sorko-Ram's Maoz Ministry features an article by Shani Sorko-Ram Ferguson of Yeshua Israel on their enduring history of helping people get established in the Land. They continue this much needed help through the wonderful ministry of the Aliyah Return Center up in the Galilee. Just the photos of the Aliyah village is inspiring! Read more in Rebuilding Israel (Because they are still coming). Also at the end of this issue, read Shira's Praying against Jew Hatred and Anti-Semitism

KehilaNews.com has many articles & videos, here are just a few: Messianic senior citizen home in Israel looking to expand by Violet Chemiker| Reconciled Identities – Israeli and Palestinian Disciples of Jesus Share the Search for Peace by Lisa Loden | A new season for Israeli unity by Eitan Shishkoff | and Towards unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace by Howard Bass

L♥ve the report from the Mizrachi's of the Dugit Messianic Outreach. As a result of their connection made with First Nations representatives of Samoa, last year they were able to meet with the Samoan PM and pray for visa requirements to Israel to be removed making it much easier for Samoan's to cover worship the King of Glory in Israel. That prayer has just come to fruition as headlines indicated: Samoa PM Tuilaepa’s Jerusalem Visit Highlights Israel-Samoa Ties This is a big impact from the prayer last year!
Read more in the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries and Learn more here about the Mizrachi's Tel Aviv ministries

A wonderful report from one of Rachel and Gilad Netanel's Friday Kabbalat Shabbat dinners where people from all walks of life come for amazing food, hospitality and to hear the sharing of the good news of Yeshua. Read more by connecting directly with the ministry, or by subscribing to the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries.

As wonderful as the report is, I want to focus our prayers on the part that was not so good, which is, in the general trouble that is stirred up by the Waqf (Muslim religious authority) on the Temple Mount and the Mercy Gate, the Netanel's are also getting trouble over the road into their property - "Two sheiks (one from Jordan and the other from the Waqf) came to the door last week to threaten us.... They want to make the property between us and the road a Muslim shrine or some such nonsense." We have more in the news section of the uproar on the Temple Mount, but please be praying over this threat and if you can help by donating, the Netanel's have had to hire a lawyer at great expense to defend themselves as they "continue to fight this seemingly un-ending battle which has been going on for almost 10 years. Lord help!!!"

From Asher Intrater's Revive Israel: If you want to get biblical about it, here is, Cody Archer's The Real Cause of Climate Change | VIDEO The Isaiah 19 Highway Today with Michael Karem | and VIDEO Different Kinds of Love with Asher Intrater. PLUS and invitation: The Fast of Esther | Annual Event Live Streamed from Jerusalem | A Jewish fast from dawn until dusk, commemorating the three-day fast observed by the Jewish people in the story of Purim. Learn more

Avner Boskey writes Speaking light into darkness Speaking favorably or speaking truthfully? ....The pull on God’s spokesmen to ‘speak favorably’ was strong, and it remains strong in our day as well.

Dan and Patty Juster's Restoration from Zion ministry letter features a writing by Patty on Generational Transfer and how "the expectations of the Kingdom where God wants, even commands, all his children to take on the family business: the business of extending his kingdom on earth and living a Kingdom life on earth as it is in heaven. . . . We are interconnected: who we are is a product of who went before us; what we do affects future generations." In that respect, Patty writes, "Our oldest son, Benjamin, whose name means “son of my right hand,” will come on as an associate apostle in the Tikkun America Network this summer."

Ben Juster, who you may or may not have been exposed to before, certainly carries a strong anointing of the Lord, in my eyes. He writes about the 9th Annual Emerging Leaders gathering for the Tikkun America network they just wrapped up with over 60 leaders participating of younger leaders to inherit the vision and carry forward the pastoring of these communities. . Dan Juster also adds: " like us, Ben is involved both in the Israel work and in the work in America. We are thrilled to have his help here and in the United States. More will be said about our joint ministry in the future."

Martin Sarvis writes about the upcoming Purim relating it to the "covenant-hating “Amalek” spirit at work behind the religious system of Islam.... The influence of this spirit extends throughout Islam—both within the Shia and the Sunni streams." His teaching on this is excellent, and he offers prayer points for this season.

From Tikkun.TV: The Discipling Difference by Asher Intrater / The Spirit and Discipleship by Dan Juster / VIDEO Your Israel Connection Ron Cantor / Best Wave of the Day by Eitan Shishkoff / Serving Holocaust Survivors by Shavei Tzion / Messianic Jews Burned at the Stake by Dan Juster / Bibi Comes out Fighting by Ron Cantor / Camaraderie Forged in the Crucible by Eitan Shishkoff / Democrats wimp out on anti-Semitism resolution after Far Left stands with Omar by Ron Cantor /

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

Praying the Headlines | Israeli News You Can Trust

Temple Mount shuttered after firebomb thrown at police post | by Judah Ari Gross, Times of Israel | The longstanding closure of the area near the Gate of Mercy on the compound has ignited tensions between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli police in recent weeks. Worshipers have forced the area open and entered on several occasions. ...Israeli officials believe the work carried out by the Waqf, which refused to allow any Israeli observers, led to the destruction of antiquities from periods of Jewish presence in the area. Last month, the Waqf reopened the site and Palestinian worshipers began to use it as a mosque, despite Israeli attempts to keep the area sealed. The Waqf has repeatedly challenged the closure, convening and staging prayer-protests in the area, which often erupted into clashes with police.

IN A RELATED Prayer letter from the Netanel ministry, the Waqf are also challenging access to their home in Ein Kerem is visited by hundreds of people each year who come the wonderful hospitality fellowship and to listen to the couples' testimony of Yeshua. Please pray over both situations.

Palestinians: No Peace or Reconciliation with the 'Infidels' | by Khaled Abu Toameh, Gatestone | The ruling by the Palestinian Scholars' Association is also aimed at sending a message to the US administration that the Palestinians and the Muslims will have nothing to do with the "Deal of the Century." ...even if some Arabs do sign peace treaties with Israel, there will always be those Muslims who will denounce them as "traitors" and accuse them of acting against the Koran and the rulings of Islam.

on Facebook Dr. Michael L. Brown: YouTube just demonetized our entire channel - almost 1600 videos! - for no good reason at all. If our videos have been a blessing to you, please click here to help us with a one-time donation as we fight back for our rights on YouTube.

Political Powerlessness Is Expensive | by Lee Smith, Tablet | American Jews have only begun to pay the price demanded by the Democratic Party’s new math

Multicultural Jew-Hatred: Failed Ideologies Bond Over Scapegoating | by Michael Ledeen, PJ Media | This Islamist anti-Semitism fits well with the secular version long peddled by a significant segment of the Arab, Iranian, and Western Left.

CAIR's Damaging Influence Evident in Ilhan Omar Controversy | by Benjamin Baird, IPT | Despite presenting itself as an innocuous Muslim civil rights organization, records show that CAIR was created as part of a Hamas-support network in America. Hamas is a Muslim Brotherhood legacy group which openly seeks Israel's destruction. The FBI severed formal relations with CAIR in 2008, saying the group was not "an appropriate liaison partner"

AIPAC and the Company that Rashida Tlaib Keeps | by Petra Marquardt-Bigman, Algemeiner | The annual AIPAC Policy Conference always draws protests by anti-Israel activists who have contempt for the well-documented fact that a majority of Americans strongly support the close alliance...

VIDEO Theologians Under Hitler An enlightening book I (Donna) read in the early 1990's is a documentary that sheds light on our current rise in anti-Semitism and the divide it creates in Christian circles as some justify Jew hatred

Time for the U.S. to Recognize Israeli Sovereignty in the Golan Heights | by Zvi Hauser, Tablet | Any Israeli withdrawal to the shores of the Kinneret guarantees a structural instability which, sooner or later, will require American military intervention

Peace Can Only Be Achieved ‘Through Strength,’ Israel’s PM Netanyahu Says | by Algemeiner Staff | Peace can only be achieved “through strength,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Tuesday. Speaking at a state memorial ceremony in...

Hezbollah added to UK’s list of terrorist groups | by Richard Hall, UK Independent | The British government has designated Hezbollah’s political wing a terrorist organisation, amid a US push to isolate Iran and its proxies.

Europe: Trying to Legitimize Iran's Regime | by Giulio Meotti , Gatestone | "The E.U. only seems to care about the nuclear agreement and trade ties. It pretends that the regime is legitimate and that Iranians have no alternatives to living under tyranny". — Alireza Nader of New Iran, reported by Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News.

Prayer Insight for Current Events Related to Israel

Praying against Jew Hatred and Anti-Semitism | by Shira Sorko-Ram, Maoz Ministries as posted on Facebook | As the evil ruler of this world continues to take ground over any particular entity, sooner or later, anti-Semitism becomes a permanent function of that movement. A couple of years ago, I wrote a book called The Islamic Strategy to Conquer America (Click to read the intro). The plan of the American Muslims was spelled out quite clearly. The FBI uncovered a trove of Islamic plans with projected dates as to how they would take over America (before Obama muzzled the FBI on that discovery.)
* Click here to obtain a copy of the book

Muslim strategists were focusing on universities and elected offices as ways to gain influence. Now with just three Muslim representatives in Congress, the chaos and hatred coming from the two newly elected Muslim women are only a hint of what is to come. Just think if there were 10 Muslim representatives? Or 20? Their hatred for Jewish people and the nation of Israel comes from a hatred of the God of Israel who gave the Jewish people their inheritance.

The two Muslim women have now dragged the Democratic party (not altogether unwillingly) to accept a torrent of serious anti-Semitic rage. Ilhan Omar, born in Sudan and Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian are leading the Democrats by the nose.

The Democratic party, is now getting marked as the anti-Semitic, anti-Christian, anti-God, anti-Israel, pro-abortion, pro-infanticidal, pro-LGBT party.

Jewish Americans, are mostly Democrats for certain exact reasons. They tend to be afraid of Christians because they perceive that the Nazis were Christians. Germany was a “Christian” nation in WWII. In fact, “Christian Europe” has been anti-Semitic for many many centuries, as a result of replacement theology. Jewish people thereby also mistakenly believe that the more freedom to live whatever lifestyle you want, gives the Jewish people a better chance of being Jews without too much hassle.

What our Jewish people do not understand is that the more anti-God and sinful a society becomes, the more they will hate the Jewish people. Hating God ultimately brings hatred to His chosen people. You can’t really explain this to the typical non-believer because, of course, the phenomenon is spiritual. Before WWII, Germany was a very secular, enlightened society. The Jews of Germany were thoroughly satisfied with the open-minded, sophisticated and elitist culture of Western Europe.

Even today, Western Europe is one of the most anti-Semitic areas in the world. America has mostly escaped this evil – until now.

Israelis are very concerned about the new Islamic push of these congresswomen against Israel and the Jews in general. And the masses who are following them, especially of this latest generation, the likes of what has never been seen before in America. So here are some prayer points:

First of all, I pray that America will not turn its back on the Jewish people, because God will bless those who bless the Jewish people and curse those who curse them. I pray for America to continue to be blessed, and continue to spread the Good News around the world. Incredibly important.

Secondly, I pray for many Jewish people to see the truth that will set them free!!

Thirdly, I pray that both Israelis and American Jews will realize more and more that the only faithful friends they will find themselves left with are the Evangelical, born-again Christians.

Dear Heavenly Father, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, We pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters, especially in America, who have lost their way. We understand that they have no clue that satan hates them and will never give up his plans to destroy them once and for all. Because we understand that the devil especially hates them because they are Your living example that You exist, that You keep Your Word for thousands of years… That You are bringing Your exiled people home as You promised.

We pray that You will hear our prayers and reveal Yourself to hungry Jews who are looking for truth, but don’t know where to find it.

We pray for the work of all the Messianic Jewish ministries – both in the abroad and here in Israel. That You will bless us and prosper us and anoint us to reach multitudes of the hungry.

We pray that You will open up many opportunities for our Christian brothers and sisters to receive opportunity from You to witness truth, hope and eternal life to our Jewish people.

We pray that every evil thing that satan plans for the Jewish people will be turned around by Your great power, love and pity for Your people. That Your divine strategies to save Israel will send satan packing.

We pray that President Trump will not try to divide up the Land of Israel and give it to the followers of Allah.

For Your Great Name! For Your Glory! And for the Precious Souls of all that Your Son Yeshua, died to save. Amen.