Thursday, July 8, 2021

Priority Prayer Request | Arrows from Zion July 8 2021

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Pictured: one of the National Leadership Conferences to question Tikkun ministries theology.
This was sent in a report at that time from a non-Tikkun associated Israeli pastor
who attended the meeting in Modi'in on April 27, 2018.

The pastor wrote in his report on the meeting, "The topic was spiritual authority in local congregations/ churches and in the broader sense beyond the autonomous local fellowship.  This topic has become one of serious discussion and debate here in Israel, as some of you are aware. I have attached a letter (see on the last page of this summary) from some of the representative leaders in the Body here with respect to where we stand at present.  Please use this update as a help to better pray with understanding for the situation, that the Head of the Church -- Jesus/Yeshua -- will have His way, since He is our ultimate authority, and the Word and the Spirit of God exalt Him. It is our duty to strive to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, even as we grapple with controversy and end-times understanding."

Priority Prayer Request
by Ron Cantor for Tikkun Global

Isaiah 62 speaks of watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem, who are not to be silent day or night and not to give God any rest until He fulfils His purposes for Jerusalem. I have long believed that those watchmen on the walls are Gentile believers from around the world in the end-times. I want to enlist your intercession for the body of believers in Israel.

     We will share more with you in the coming weeks, but many of you know that we have been under intense scrutiny and attack. Gossip has caused great harm to our congregations and great pain to many believers around the country.

     We regularly express to God that we bless our accusers and forgive them. We have worked tirelessly to express our views accurately. Some of these discussions have born great fruit. However, a core of critics remain skeptical, completely convinced that we have bad intentions.

     I am not asking you to pray for me or for us. We are blessed! But I am deeply concerned for the unity of the body of believers in Israel. We need to see this wound healed, and quickly.

    Pray for the young believers in our congregations, that they would not be deceived nor allow gossip to poison them.

    Pray that people around the body would think twice before they spread rumors and gossip, and that they would have a deeper understanding of how evil speech can limit the effectiveness of the gospel in our midst (see ancient Israel). This is why Paul fought so aggressively against personality cliques and divisions.

    Pray for those who have accused us,  that the Lord would speak graciously to them. We wish no evil upon them, but we do want to walk with them again in unity, truth and the love of Messiah.

    Pray for Israeli pastors—particularly those in Tikkun who have had to process the rumors and innuendos with congregants—as we come to discuss this issue and make a final determination in October. We are not asking you to pray that other leaders “agree with us,” but that they will have keen discernment from the Holy Spirit.

    And lastly, pray for God’s purposes to not be hindered as we continually look for His great and glorious appearing. Messianic leaders in Israel could not do what we do in the holy land without the powerful and effective prayers of the watchmen on the walls--You! Thank you, dear friends. Until all Israel is saved, Ron Cantor for Tikkun Global


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

Continuing the Tikkun Global letter from the Priority Prayer Request cover story above, June edition of Israel's Restoration magazine is available for pdf download and contains many articles including Sons & Daughters of the Covenant | Are These the Birth Pangs? | One Body | Some True Essentials | We Discovered Our Calling as Women!  Daniel Juster has another article elsewhere on How You can Become a Better Bible Defender: I recently got an earful of anti-Bible and anti-Christian vilification from an unbeliever.  It made me realize that the Bible and Christianity were being understood by the narrative of the secular anti-Christian culture. That narrative claims the Bible is anti-women, pro-slavery, and sends people to Hell lightly. This evaluation is unfair. People should seek to understand any religion through the eyes of its strongest proponents. Only then can we fairly disagree.  We have to show that we understand their point of view to their satisfaction. 

From the Kfar Saba congregation HaMaayan led by Tony & Orna Sperandeo they are noting that despite Covid and war, “Our first six months of 2021 have seen a restoration of relationships, both to each other and to Yeshua Himself.”  In the past 18 months they have seen “a number of new believers and seekers in the faith.  Each of them strong and excited about the good news. Every day, there is discipleship in one form or another in homes, city parks and at the congregation.” There is also a fire lit in the children and the youth: “we are seeing the children bring their parents to our congregation meetings, Bible studies and outings in the city park. Our children's classes are growing in numbers and excitement in the faith.” Also “Our young adults meet often for breakfast, discipleship and prayer together on the roof. New believers and seekers come …. Twice a week, young and old meet to intercede for our congregation and the nation. We are watching prayers of restoration and revival take place before our eyes almost every day!” Exciting!
     In the congregational needs: Since the war of 2014, we have had the vision to purchase the basement of our building for a bomb shelter. After years of dealing with bureaucracy, it looks like the purchase can happen soon. In the meantime, as the congregation is growing, God has expanded our vision and we are looking to purchase the other parts of the building. Our downstairs neighbor is ready to sell his portion. This will save us so much money each month as we still rent 2 big rooms from him. We have started a building fund with our members and partners across the world. As one of our members suggested, "All we need is 1000 donors to pledge $1000 USD, and the building will be ours!” Would you consider joining us? 

 Michael and Dina Beener continue their good work for the missle-shocked town of Sderot near the Gaza border.  They are doing a Post War Major Food Distribution for the needy population from their City of Life congregation, also they have a need to create a space for the great demand they have on clothing distribution to the needy. See more at PROJECT: Blessing Clothing and review the other compassionate outreach projects they are doing.

Two articles of interest from Kehila News Israel – the first is notable because a secular Jerusalem newspaper wrote an openly praising report about an IDF officer who is Messianic. Tuvia Pollack writes Messianic IDF officer praised in local Jerusalem newspaper. At their sister paper, All Israel News is this: Director of Passages tells ALL ISRAEL NEWS young Evangelicals are neutral – even skeptical – when it comes to Israel: “From Shabbat dinner to the West Bank, Passages takes a different approach than most Evangelical tours enabling students to connect with the people.”

The Kerem-El congregation – offspring of the HaCarmel congregation – is also loving being able to gather together after Covid and the war. “Since we have not met together physically for so long, we are placing a lot of emphasis on creating times of fellowship together.”  They are doing focus groups with the different ages of people and are returning to Worship Nights where they also pray for the needs of the community and nation. Prayer Points | Pray for the new believers we are discipling and for the those who are still yet to make a decision for Yeshua Pray for those of the congregation that are dealing with health issues, for complete healing and strength to persevere with the uncertainty of treatment. | Pray for openness in hearts and a new willingness to hear of Yeshua among the people of Israel, and, with that, boldness for believers to share their faith confidently. | Pray for more laborers to enter our "harvest field" to build God's kingdom in Haifa | Pray for God to provide the financial needs of Kerem-El in 2021, above and beyond what we expect. | Continue to for our leadership, Stefan and Keren Silver and Yonatan Arnold, as they lead the Kerem-El Congregation through this season of crisis and strive to be attentive and obedient to the leading of the Lord.

Revive Israel’s Asher Intrater writes, “When everything looks hopeless, we have an opportunity to share real Hope. The evangel message is more relevant than ever before.” Continuing, “Hearts have been softened by so much shaking. The world looks like a sinking ship. People want to know how to be saved. There is a desire for eternity in the hearts of every person (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Our message is not one of temporary innovations, but of eternal hope. In Yeshua, we have forgiveness, life and the all-embracing love of our heavenly Father.” 
     He has also written an article called Two Jerusalems talking about the time that the New Jerusalem will come down from Heaven: “....Because of the separation between Israel and the Church over the past 2,000 years, there has not been the right harmony between the earthly and the heavenly Jerusalem. However, our generation is blessed to see the beginning of the reconciling of the two. God's will for earthly and heavenly Jerusalem will be unified as Israel and the Church are reconciled.  Today as there are Messianic Jewish believer in Yeshua (Jesus) living in Israel, there are angels ascending and descending from heaven to earth and vice versa to bring about that harmony. Yeshua reigns in heavenly Jerusalem by right of being the Son of God; He will reign in earthly Jerusalem when He returns by right of being the Son of David. Thank God Yeshua is both” (Ro 1:4).

Sally Shiff, an intecessor and liaison at HaMaayan for English speakers, writes about how faithful God is to hear our heart’s desire even when we see no way both with timing and finances. God provided her with both so she return to the US for her mother’s 94th birthday. Anyone living far away from a parent of that age, in delicate lucidity, can appreciate how much this meant to be able to travel through a couple of unexpected and unprompted financial donations. She also noted it was healing for other relationships and believes we are in a season of God restoring relationships. May it be so in all of our families! Sally also writes about HaMaayan, “There is a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit in my congregation. …Part of my reluctance to travel to my family was the happenings around my congregation and the people I love. With prayer meetings either face to face or virtually every day, a greater dependence on God and His response is taking place. People are getting saved, healed and strong in Him.  The undercurrent of grace is evident, yet there is a spiritual fight that is clearly seen. I pray that our eyes would see how God wars on our behalf. Honestly, my sense is God is teaching us that our weapons are only through prayer and dependence on Him.” This is my sense in my personal realm too. 

Chuck Cohen’s Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem Friday Prayer Points   7-2-2021 features one important security prayer as we continue to see 2-state peace talks pressed in our national news sources: Chuck writes:  “The beating death of a critic of Palestinian Authority President Abbas by PA security forces who were to arrest him has stirred up the Palestinian street in huge protests against Abbas and his cronies. This could lead to a Hamas takeover which, while worse initially for Israel security-wise – would write in bright neon lights, "Dead!" over any further peace deals.” See the prayer points clicking the link above.

Chaim Malespin of the Aliyah Return Center notes: “Aliyah requests to immigrate to Israel are up and backlogged by 85% from the USA alone.”  As anti-Semitism increases in many nations, the need to help the immigrants once they arrive in Israel is even more pressing. One way Christians can make a deep impact on what may be the hold up on the Israel side of the backup is through the humanitarian aid that Israeli Messianic congregations and ministries are doing to help needy immigrants. Getting people to Israel is only part of the problem; taking care of them afterwards is the other CRITICAL part.  Since the anti-missionaries pressured the Jewish Agency to oust the Aliyah Return Center operations from their facility in the Galilee, ARC has continued to press into developing other ways to help the immigrants who many arrive very needy, to receive free help. Their latest venture is opening a free clothing store “specifically bless those that have recently moved to the promised land, Israel.” To support the work of the Aliyah Return Center, please DONATE.
     Canadian Dean Bye and Israeli Chaim Malespin are in the US now trying to raise awareness of this issue. . . and in talking to an Israeli Messianic writer friend this past week, I have learned that the slow down of processing immigrant requests is an article my friend is in the process writing about now. Stay tuned!

I always love hearing from Jackie Santoro, one of the co-founders of the Jerusalem Ahavat Yeshua congregation along with her husband, Eddie who passed away two years ago and the Intrater’s.  One, because Eddie had a particularly astute spiritual assessment ability of current events and since he joined the LORD in eternity, it has become clear to me that he passed that mantle on to Jackie. She writes, “The recent war with Hamas led to very violent demonstrations between extremist groups, both Jewish and Arab. The nation watched in horror and shock as each group set out to destroy businesses and wreak havoc and even kill those on the other side. The spirit of hatred and division was boldly manifest even in areas that had prided themselves on the ability to live in peace with one another. The trauma to the nation was said to have been even greater than all the rocket attacks that fell during the same period.”
I can relate so well to that because in 2020, I believe most Americans suffered the same kind of horror and shock as we saw domestic extremists set fire to so many of our cities. It was unwarranted and demonic.
     The after effect has been “violent caused violent demonstrations against Israel throughout the world. There has been a significant rise of anti-Semitic attacks especially in Europe,” Jackie writes, continuing, “May the Jews of the world hear what the Spirit is saying and come home!”
     Jackie also writes “June 15th marked two years that I have not had my dear Eddie walking by my side. As I have clung to the Lord through all the difficult moments, He has drawn me to that door and He has called me to ‘Come up.’ I have found myself absorbed in wanting to learn about Heaven and imagining what it is like.” Read her full letter

From Out of Zion’s David and Josie Silver, Join David Silver for his Midweek Update Video -  July 6th|

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 | Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82351582826  (Passcode: 146188) |  For a full list of resource and products available please see the RESOURCE page on the Out of Zion Website where you can also read our teachings on the new Out of Zion website and watch our VIDEOS.  To partner with us

Mariana Gol has a marvelous report about Rut (Ruth):  Two weeks ago Rut had routine medical tests relating to her cancer condition. Her main concern has been that her death will leave (her daughter) Shirrel without the provision she needs for care. Rut just received her results and the doctors are astonished. The cancer has not metastasized. The doctors say that the treatment Rut's received has worked unexpectedly well!  Rut wants me to express her overwhelming gratitude to you, to share her relief and joy, and to celebrate what she believes the Lord has done. We are all so encouraged, and our faith so empowered. Thank you very much, so very much for your prayers.

Lastly how antimissionary activists still have too much sway with the Interior ministry in getting people kicked out of the country. Caspari Media Review noted on the accusation of one ultra-Orthodox man, a Christian couple who has been in Israel on various visas working as volunteers for around 16 years, has been ordered to leave Israel. They were just about to get permanent visas to stay when a Haredi man accused the woman who drove Haredi midwives on Sundays of missionizing his wife. From there it went to Yad L’Achim activists and then on to the Interior Ministry who told the woman and her husband they had to leave the country. It is only one story, but I wanted to include it because there have been hopes that with the new government, less persecution of believers would be forthcoming. That appears not to be the case. The bureaucracy of the Interior Ministry is systemically opposed to believers in Yeshua, but apparently the new Knesset head of Interior is no less inclined to deal with that. Pray for this couple having to leave Israel, and also for the injustice that is caused by this religious persecution.




Why is it so important to financially support Israeli Messianic Ministries?
by Donna Diorio

I have been exploring what the thinking is behind Christian Zionists and Messianic Jews in the nations failure to see how important it is to not only pray for Israeli Messianic ministries, but also to provide the financial support they so desperately need to carry out the full visions God has given them to reach their countrymen with the Gospel.  I’m talking about the negative, false ideas that are holding back the kind of full-throated support that our SPIRITUAL brothers and sisters in Israel need to do the work of the ministry to their fullest abilities. They have the desire, they lack the funds.
     Honestly, I was quite appalled talking with a Christian Zionist this week who pours major funding into the coffers of rabbinic pet projects, including but not limited to preparations for rebuilding of the temple. It is not that he said something new to my ears. I have heard the same cavalier attitude from other Christian Zionists over the years. I was just appalled because he also connects with Israeli Messianic believers, so I could not understand his lack of empathy for the spiritual brethren in Israel. He seems to think all Jews are his spiritual brethren, not recognizing that there is major spiritual difference between the Israeli Jews who are believers and those who aren’t. Many who aren’t are truly gracious to their Christian benefactors, but vehemently hate and persecute the Israeli Messianic believers. A lot of Christian Zionists refuse to believe that reality.
     Anyway, I was shocked when he brushed off the financially struggling Israeli ministries (following Covid, no tourism, war) writing, “The struggling of the Jewish believers is being counted to them as righteousness. It is not fun. But we must turn the cheek and love our brothers." He is referring to the rabbis he funds in Israel who are unsaved, not understanding they are still as the apostle Paul said, “enemies of the Gospel.” The simple matter is if Christians – and Messianics are funding anything in Israel and not making the Israeli Messianic ministries who are preaching the Gospel in Israel their priority to finance, then that is a massive failure for whatever reasons are given in hastening the salvation of all Israel.
     In the future I will be addressing the thinking patterns that stop Christian Zionists and Diaspora Messianic Jews from prioritizing funding the Messianic congregations and ministries laboring in Yeshua’s harvest fields of Israel.  It is not to condemn, it is “casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God” and His plan to bring spiritual restoration to Israelis – including many religious Jews who now persecute the believers.
     I do believe God is gathering Jews to Israel so they can be restored spiritually as a nation of Israel...not merely salvation of  individual Jews scattered all through the nations but that God has a blessing for the whole world in the salvation of the nation that before our eyes. There are already an estimated 1 million individual Jews who have come to faith in Yeshua around the world, but for the NATION of Israel to come to faith! This is something that really registers to people the world over especially because Jewish disdain for Jesus is so well known. I believe as Israel comes into faith before the eyes of the whole world, many in the nations are going to marvel at how God loves the Jews.  It will release gentiles in the nations to come to faith just witnessing Israel's Jews coming to faith in Jesus/Yeshua!  No wonder the enemy uses every misdirection in the book to keep Christians and Messianics in the Diaspora from seeing that. God did not re-establish the nation of Israel just to show He could do it. He did it to show the world that His unfailing love is TRULY unfailing.
     That is the first time I have been able to express so well the WHY of WHAT I believe is going to happen in the coming years of Israel's salvation. It will be like "life from dead" not only for the Jews who get saved in Israel, but for the nations where seekers will see it and explode with the faith it will create in Messiah Yeshua, Jesus the Anointed.
      Genesis 22:17-18 "I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Furthermore, through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed my Voice."  I do not believe this promise of God to the Jews is only referring to Jesus/Yeshua coming out of the Jewish people, but there remains a blessing on the world as Jews come to faith in Yeshua in Israel - obeying the Voice of God.


“To All Interested Parties” | March 2018 |  We, pastors and elders of the Messianic congregations in Israel, wish to bring to your attention a certain process that has been taking place among us.

 Some suspicions arose among us as a result of internet and social media postings:

1.       That the “Tikkun” movement thinks of itself as the (unique) representative of the Israeli Body of Messiah to the worldwide Body of Christ.

2.       That the “Tikkun” movement, and its top leaders—Dan Juster, Asher Intrater, and Eitan Shishkoff—consider themselves as modern-day apostles; and see themselves as a continuation of, and with the same authority as, the New Testament apostles. 

3.       A concern was raised about a matter in one of Dan Juster’s books, in relation to the salvation of the non-believer (“Wider Hope”).

 

After two meetings with many pastors, elders and the “Tikkun” leadership, several things have become clear to us:

1-      The men of “Tikkun” clearly expressed that they understand that their manner of expression in different forums—in recordings of messages and on websites—could possibly cause those who are not part of the “Tikkun” movement to think that they believe themselves to be a continuation of the apostles from the time of the writing of the New Testament, and as a (unique) representative of the Israeli Body. 

2-      The men of “Tikkun” clarified, in the strongest terms, that they do not hold these views.

3-      The men of “Tikkun” expressed regret about this misunderstanding, and expressed their apologies and repentance in regardsto their manner of expression which is prone to cause misunderstandings with respect to #1 above; and promised to change their manner of expression concerning the above matters in every forum, on the internet, and in social media. 

4-      The men of “Tikkun” began to apply the above changes between our first and second meetings. 

5-      An intense discussion was begun concerning the view of Dan Juster and Tikkun about the salvation of the unbeliever without faith in Yeshua the Messiah; Dan began to explain his position as the “Narrow Wider Hope.” 

The Israeli Body of Messiah views the men of “Tikkun” as brothers in the Messiah. There is an expectation to continue the discussion in order to bring clarification to this issue, and other issues, which at the present time we do not agree on.

6-      It should be mentioned that within the Israeli Body of Messiah there are a variety of opinions in relation to ecclesiology and eschatology.  We discussed these issues both in the context of Tikkun’s views, as well as in the wider context of the whole Body of Messiah in Israel.

7-      We discussed whether the Scriptures allow for apostles to exist and function in our day.  To a group of the participants it is clear that Ephesians 4:11-13 does allow for the existence of apostles in the Body of Messiah today, but that they are not on the same level as the apostles of the New Testament.  Along with this, we discussed the question of whether or not the Tikkun leaders are in fact apostles, and there was no agreement about this. It was agreed that there could be another meeting at which this would be one of the matters to be discussed.   

8-      These meetings cultivated a desire for leaders to continue to hold discussions on these issues of soteriology (doctrine of salvation), ecclesiology (doctrine of the church), and eschatology (doctrine of the end times), and other issues.  It is our intention to continue in this way.

Signed, Marcel Ribai | Erez Zoref | Daniel Yahav | Meno Kalisher | Asher Intrater | Oded Shoshani


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: 

Pray for
Ronit Bender whose heart arrhythmia sent her to ER! She is home now with new meds but still needs 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 | the Silvers: David's knees and Josie's back pain | Rachel Netanel  is still recovering from a broken ankle. She asks for healing & for the pain to subside. Her ankles were weak already, so the process is slow and painful| 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 is getting better slowly, but still has a long way before her, so please keep praying.



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Friday, July 2, 2021

Hope Deferred | Pregnant with Zion | Arrows From Zion 7 2 2021

 


Hope Deferred | Pregnant with Zion
by Donna Diorio

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.  Proverbs 13:12

When we live for a long time with our hopes deferred (postponed, delayed or held to a future pointed date) in time our lives can become conditioned to low or no expectation. Instead we begin to face our days waiting for the other shoe to drop, because that is what "heart sick" means. 

     Before anyone gets on their faith high horse, some of you have not lived in a situation where your hopes were postponed, delayed or held to an appointed future date. You just haven't. We ALL have our trials, but some of you have not endured long standing "deferred hope" that drags on and on with a deferred hope that is big enough even in a person of faith, to establish a "heart sickness" like Proverbs 13:12 is talking about. Be glad you have not, but don't gloat thinking your faith is superior — just stronger and better, because it just hasn’t been equally tested. 

     In Revelation 12 the apostle John sees a dragon, a serpent that releases a “flood” like a “river” to “sweep away "a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth."

     Everyone pretty much realizes by now that the flood of water is a flood of words - evil words, words meant to tear down, steal from or destroy the target of the serpent’s words. A flood - a relentless, powerful torrent sweeping away everything in its path, carrying everything off to utter destruction. It sounds like the last 2,000 years of Jewish history to me.
     Some have interpreted the woman in Revelation 12 as being the Church because she is clothed in the sun; others believe the woman represents Israel, the Jewish people because she is wearing a crown of twelve stars representing the 12 tribes.  I believe the woman is both: the One New Man in Messiah made up of a Church that is in one-unity with the body of MESSIANIC BELIEVERS.  The church is the mid-wife interceding for Israel's salvation and actively helping their Israeli MESSIANIC brethren to bring salvation to birth in Israel.
     Israel is pregnant with God's salvation. It is going to take the midwife of the Church helping the pregnant Israeli believers in Israel to bring forth this only awaited salvation of "all Israel," to bring forth Zion.  It is God's end game as the apostle Paul said in Ephesians 2, to make of two (Jewish and Gentiles BELIEVERS) one new man in Him, Messiah, Jesus/Yeshua.  This is Zion in the making.

     But the dragon, the serpent, has been dragging on and on what is hoped for : Zion.  So the Church gets the message to love Israel, but continues to fail to fulfill GOD's DESIRE to fully unite with the Israeli MESSIANIC body, so this pregnancy can come to full term, and all Israel be birthed into the kingdom of Messiah.

     Even many Messianic Jews have such "hope deferred" over the Church failing to see what God wants from us that they have become heart sick. The expectation of change, where the church isn't focused on the wrong things, but on the spiritual pregnancy of Israel, they have almost – not quite — lost hope about their Christian family. God will not let them lose hope entirely because He will revive hope for His desire will be fulfilled at the appointed time. We sure seem to be in the contractions already.
     When the spiritual birth comes in Israel it will be a "tree of life" not only to those whose hopes have been so deferred for so long, or to the newly saved, but it will be a tree of life to peoples in all the nations. When Israel comes at long last to the spiritual birthing that God has held back to these days in front of us - the appointed time – the nations will see it and rejoice that in their own nations too they are seeing so great a salvation.

     I relate these things on a personal level and also on the level of being an advocate for the Israeli Messianic community. I believe God has shown me that He has a certain end game for Israel where Israel comes to faith by Messiah Yeshua, and He has made me understand through the things I have experienced in life, many aspects of what Israel has gone through to get to this very pregnant stage of His plan.

     Over the past couple of years, if there is anything that God has been working on me about, it is to break me from my heart sickness of low to no expectation because of hope deferred.  Repeatedly that has been His message to me as I experienced perils and unexpected rescues. He has used the repetition to speak to my hope-deferred-heart, because trust requires repetition. He has been renewing my hope so I could exercise my faith, that it is indeed as He promised:  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

     I say to the Messianic Jews of Israel who have experienced the heart sickness of hope deferred in seeing the Church truly come alongside you for your labors in God’s harvest field of Israel: Look up for Israel's redemption draws near: "For the vision awaits an APPOINTED time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3

     We are very close.


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

Chava Stein wrote
Why have you abandoned the Israeli Messianic Jewish community? In Kehila News Israel following the recent outburst by Mike Evans over Israelis electing someone other than Netanyahu.  Evans made the comment that Israelis were ruining everything that Christian Zionists hard worked so hard to build. It was almost the exact sentiment expressed last year by another high profile Christian Zionist, Laurie Cardoza-Moore when she condemned GOD-TV for helping the Israeli Messianic ministries to launch a cable TV network (ShelanuTV) that delivered the Gospel in Hebrew for a secular Israeli cable network. She also said they were destroying all the good will Christian Zionists had established in Israel. But who are we trying to please here, God or the unsaved nationalist-religious rabbis and the Israeli government?
     The Israeli Messianic ministries have long kept their mouths shut as so many Christians got focused on everything in Israel EXCEPT the Gospel. It is time that stopped being the rule of Christians helping Israel. It is time Christians got focused on God’s real plan for establishing Zion, because that’s what the Israeli Ministries are pregnant with: Zion. Are we going to mid-wife that delivery to birth, or what?!
FYI: I name names because all these things were very public. . . .and the apostle Paul named names too in such cases.

Also from Kehila via its sister publication, All Israel News, Messianic Jews, Arab Christian leaders pray for unity in wake of Arab-Jewish unrest, violence. Many people do not realize, but there is unity between Israeli Messianic ministries and Christian Arab ministries – at least some of them.  For Arrows from Zion, I steer clear of the Christian Arab leaders who do not comprehend that our unity is based on our blood-relation through Yeshua, not our ethnic-nationalistic relations.



Donna: I have a cover story on the Jul/Aug 2021 Messianic Times profiling the ministry of Myles and Katharine Weiss in Napa, California. Many of you probably recognize them from their six years as hosts of the Zola Levitt Presents broadcast. I am spotlighting this profile because Myles and Katharine’s ministry serves as a model for how Christian churches can relate to and connect with the Israeli Messianic body of believers. In fact, their own congregation in Napa is based on the model they were exposed to at the HaCarmel congregation in Haifa. How they have set themselves to teach Christians about sharing faith with Jews in their own communities and also connecting with the body of believers in Israel, is something I would love to see catch fire among Christians and Messianic congregations in the nations. Myles and Katharine are a great example of what “one new man” unity looks like …it was also about the most fun interview I believe I have ever done.  I would love it if you would read this article. Find it online at MessianicTimes.com for a modest subscription price.

Gil Afrait, the lead pastor of Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv, also writes about unity – between Israeli Jews and Arabs, in Israeli Society, divisions over the Covid vaccine & politics. But the most serious division is one that has been going on under the eye of most believers internationally and that is the severe division between the non-charismatic and the charismatic Israeli ministries, instigated and perpetuated by the non-charismatic leaders over several years now.  Gil writes, “
Like everywhere, there are denominational \ theological differences in the Body of Messiah in Israel which, for the most part in the past, did not keep us from participating in different ministry events or conferences together. That is until several years ago when a group of non-charismatic leaders began to take issue with a fellowship of charismatic congregations (of which Tiferet Yeshua is a part) because they felt our platform was becoming too public and influential, and therefore our "errant" theology, in their opinion, was now a danger. The issues raised by the non-charismatic leaders were brought to multiple meetings of the National Committee of Messianic believers  here in Israel with the intent to bring to a vote on whether or not the theology of the charismatic fellowship is "dangerous" to the Body of believers. The conflict raised over these issues has bled deeply into the Body of believers, and congregations and ministries have been black-listed, causing much hurt and division. The National Committee of Messianics here in Israel, largely led by non-charismatic leaders, is bringing this issue to a vote in October this year.  We ask that you please pray.”

     I have asked you many times in this mailing list to pray over this injustice going on in Israel.  The vote in October is greatly alarming because if the Israeli body of Messiah splits into two groups – non-charismatic and charismatic, I believe it will be a division and separation that ultimately breaks out internationally. In all the patterns I have witnessed over the years, what happens in Israel does eventually happen in the nations too. Perhaps because most Israel supporters are non-charismatic, the non-charismatic leaders in Israel believe they are able to control the donations to charismatic ministries by publicly blacklisting the charismatic ministries.  I know with great certainty that GOD does not desire nor condone such a division between non-charismatic and charismatic Israeli believers.  If the October vote goes against the Israeli charismatic ministries, then I for one demand the individual votes be made public. If conviction against charismatic teaching is so great, then let each voter be held publicly accountable for their vote. I do not want to support in anyway going forward those who will divide the body of believers in Israel so blatantly in disregard of God’s will.

Lastly from Tiferet Yeshua, they are still trying to raise the 2021 budget for the congregational rent after a major donor’s support was lost. They have commitments of $75,000 on the $100,000 rent budget, so are still in need of $25,000 for the year. Please pray and see if you are one called to contribute.

From Sderot, Michael and Dina Beener’s City of Life congregation did a recent Gospel tour with many non-believers visiting places where many important episodes in biblical history took place, giving us room to introduce the Messiah. There was a call to repent and pray for salvation where many prayed and testified of something supernatural during the prayer. They also continue to minister to the needs of their poor city, one way is with clothing. Read more online

Beit Hallel’s air conditioning system is now beyond repair and must be replaced as Israel Pochtar writes in    Like a Snow-Cooled Drink at Harvest Time. Can you help? He also writes about their passion: Evangelism, Discipleship and Building the kingdom of God in Israel. After a powerful response to an evangelism outreach event, they launched a new 6-week discipleship course for those that have met the Lord at the outreach event, and those that are on the way. This is another reason why ‘Vacation Evangelism’ will never be as effective as ministry from the believers in the Land who can go on to make disciples as Yeshua commanded. (Click title for VIDEO). Plus Hebrew Worship from Israel

Rick Ridings of Succat Hallel writes, One of our worship teams of Israeli young adults are now touring in the USA!  Led by Shilo Ben Hod, the team has on their heart to bring worship and the fresh word of the Lord out of Zion, to the USA! We want to welcome you to join them as they will be traveling all the way from NYC to LA, visiting different churches and congregations! Visit  Shilo’s website for the full schedule and locations, and support if you would like.

Another excellent report from Ariel Hyde and the team at Tree of Life: “we’re experiencing a whirlwind of God’s Spirit moving in people’s hearts and bringing breakthroughs, healing, and salvation. There are so many stories we couldn’t share them all, so…” Read more online

From HaCarmel congregation’s Karen Davis, Co-Founder/Worship Director, Piercing the Darkness with Prophetic Praise: “[My] life was utterly transformed by a revelation of the depth of God’s love toward me.  Alongside this new unspeakable joy filling my heart, I was awakened as never before to the deep pain and comfortless grief of my own Jewish people. Centuries of anti-Semitism perpetrated by so-called "Christians" have created thick walls of resistance in Jewish people to even hearing the name of Jesus. Most Jews today remain blind to their own Jewish Messiah and stand outside the gates of His healing love, unable to enter into His goodness. After the atrocities of the Holocaust, many Jews arrived in Israel with their essential belief in God shattered. As the Lord began to lead me into the depths of His heart in intercession and travail for the Jewish people, I received His promise that one day I would live in the land of my inheritance... Read more online

     Also from HaCarmel are prayer requests for the new Israeli government – pray for their good, not against them; pray for the authorities and military wisdom against the enemies plots in Gaza, Hezballah and Iran. Now that Covid restrictions are lifted “the Lord has been sending us groups of Israeli tour guides who are open to hear about what we believe as Messianic Jews, experience our live worship, and learn of our humanitarian work. Many have taken Bibles and free gospel literature in Hebrew. Please pray that the seeds planted will find good soil and many will come to faith in Yeshua.”  Also pray for much needed maintenance equipment needed for repairs and renovations so they don’t have to hire outside contractors. Click for details list

Chaim Malespin is currently in the US touring for the Aliyah Return Center. Back home they are announcing the Lone Soldiers House Dedication: | Join us on July 7th, 2021 at 7 PM IST online. Join us in putting this multi dwelling "home" and garden together for the lone soldiers by watching the video here: Lone Soldiers House – Garden Renovation. This whole Upper Room, is going to be a place of refuge right in the hearts the city of Tiberias, near the beach, where shabbat dinners will be served; comedy nights, and live music will recharge the batteries, and refresh the weary defenders of Zion. Soon we will have 9 dwellings ready, and a magnificent "City Garden" Expenses are about $1K per soldier, per month. Click to donate from the drop down menu choose  "Lone Soldier's House." ALSO  watch the VIDEO Virtual Tour of Israel  *******FREE STILL******* *** All FUTURE proceeds go to the work of blessing new immigrants to Israel and poverty stricken families across the country.

Revive Israel’s Asher Intrater writes about Yeshua: 
Fire in His Eyes. PLUS Their #IAMWITHISRAEL is helping much needed victims after the recent Hamas attacks on Israel.  We created the “I am with Israel” program for times just like these. There are many needs in Israel right now. And by God's grace, in the name of Yeshua the Messiah, we're going to do our part with you to help the people of Israel.

     • We want to invest in mobile bomb shelters.  • We want to provide assistance for poorer Israelis who have been suffering.   • We want to go into cities that have been hit the hardest, with toys for the children and encouragement for the adults.  • We want them to know that they have not been forgotten! I'm going to be bold and ask you right now to make a generous donation to #IamwithIsrael.  |  Also consider becoming a Partner with Revive Israel 

Out of Zion Ministries in Haifa/Mt Carmel | Join David Silver for his Friday Update Video -  June 25th | Click to Watch |Also 6/29 Midweek Update |  Read David’s CommentTeach Your Children Well” on Kehila News |  Plus join the Out of Zion Prayer for Israel Zoom meeting every Tuesday 9 pm Israel time - 7 pm UK - 2 pm EST - 6 am NZ | Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82351582826  (Passcode: 146188)  

Hasdey Yeshua wishing one of their robust Joshua 14:11-12 elders a happy 80th birthday.  The congregation is trying to conquer a mountain of an obstacle that has kept them from enjoying a permanent congregational building for years now – they’ve wandered from houses of friends, to parks, and are still searching for a place that can be theirs without being subject to persecution in Arad (pressuring landlords to put them out.) Please pray for this. They also  have great reports about their ministry in the Bedouin villages, especially among the women and children, also sharing pictures of the “hovels” than many live.  It is heartbreaking to see…but the women are so receptive. Thank you for praying for their outreaches.

Eric Benson of the House of Victory rehab has a great report about the positive things that have happened as they have added bicycle sporting activities. It has deepened the fellowship bonds, even as their priority remains discipling the men in the LORD. One of their men, a 70 year old man was presented a trophy by a a cycling figure in a major bicycle race in Israel. The man was quite eager to hear more about their story and vision of House of Victory: “
As we sat together some of the riders had a chance to share their testimony. Harel was amazed to hear that former homeless men bound by alcohol or substance abuse can be transformed by the power of God. He was in awe that our beautiful abode was able to freely open our doors at no cost. He was stunned to hear that financial support and donations from the international community enable us to provide our ministry for free. . . . Our participation in this event has opened a door for us to be a witness to a wider spectrum of the Israeli public. Our time of training for our desert road race has propelled us to train for a more demanding challenge in the city of Jerusalem. It is our hope to travel up to the Gran Fondo Jerusalem/New York competition on October 1.” Eric shared much more, like the successful graduation of 4 of the men from their 2-year old Halfway House and many other personal testimonies and requests for prayers over individual men. It is a hard work ministering to addicts, but there are many who are snatched from the fire to be set on the Rock of salvation. You can get the prayer letters sent directly to you if this is the type of ministry that God moves your heart to support. | Also Eric preached Carmel Congregation's mid-week message on June 16, 2021.  

Tony and Orna Sperandeo have their latest prayer & ministry online at the HaMaayan blog

Ronit Bender is like many who are living testimonies as they go about their daily life, running errands, shopping, stopping for coffee. She blesses many – it is just part of her daily routine.  Imagine her surprise to learn a neighbor is the new Israeli Prime Minister’s mom!  Not only that, but she used to live in the same apartment around the corner that Ronit lived in as a child with her mom.  Pray for God to bless this relationship in all the ways He sees fit!  Ronit also relates a sad story of a Druze man she has known for many years who recently took his own life in despair of his problems. She writes, “
His death really hit me. We had many talks about God and shared our testimonies with him, but he never committed…. Two weeks before Samir's death, I took some friends to eat at his restaurant, they met him for the first time, and were touched when they heard about the history between him and I. I remember hugging him and asking if all is well, as I sensed something was wrong. He assured me that all was well. Why do I share this story with you? Maybe you have people in your life that are going through a tough time, but do not share, and the burden might be too much for them to carry. Let's be sensitive to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit and thereby, maybe prevent another tragedy from happening.

From Tikkun Ministries is an exhortation from Asher Intrater to love.  When everything looks hopeless, we have an opportunity to share real Hope. The evangel message is more relevant than ever before…. We may have nothing other than that; but that is everything. It is the only essential thing. Maybe we don't have explanations for every situation; but we can be living examples of the love of God in any situation.” He also writes about the Joint Destiny of...Arab Christians Messianic Jews ?! and Hannah Tekle wrties about Sons and Daughters of the Covenant.  Lastly, Dan Juster clarifies What Messianic Judaism is and is Not.

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: 

Pray for
Ronit Bender whose heart arrhythmia sent her to ER! She is home now with new meds but still needs 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 | the Silvers: David's knees and Josie's back pain | Rachel Netanel  is still recovering from a broken ankle. She asks for healing & for the pain to subside. Her ankles were weak already, so the process is slow and painful| 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 is getting better slowly, but still has a long way before her, so please keep praying.


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Thursday, June 24, 2021

Unexpected Breakthrough | Arrows from Zion | 6 24 2021

 Thank you for donating to my ministry if it is a blessing to you.
I am trusting God for His favor in my finances. I believe it is a holy work I do.


The Tiferet (Glory of) Yeshua congregation has been wrestling with government authorities for 8 long years to get the rightful religious non-profit tax status. This allows their congregational members to get a 35% tax reimbursement on donations at the end of the year. After the switch to the new government, the Israeli Supreme Court finally ruled in their favor! This is an example of the kind of changes we hoped and prayed would occur with the major shift in religious party power once the Netanyahu premiership had ended. This is a good thing and we pray just the beginning of a loosing of justice for Messianic Jews in Israel.

Unexpected Breakthrough
by Gil Afrait, Lead Pastor at Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv

A Good Day for Democracy in Israel |  This week as we sat in our team meeting, I received a call from our lawyer who had unexpected and wonderful news for us: the Israeli Supreme Court had just ruled in our favor in our eight year-long battle to receive non-profit tax status as a religious non-profit organization. This is a huge and meaningful victory for several reasons.

     First of all, Tiferet Yeshua members who support the congregation through their tithes and donations will receive, like all religious congregants in the West, tax reimbursement at the end of the year—in our case 35%. Furthermore, the ruling of the Supreme Court has made a bold stand for religious freedom here in Israel and called out the politicians’ efforts to deny our rights by labeling us “dangerous to Israeli society” as nothing short of religious discrimination. Finally, this victory for us will open the door to other Messianic Jewish congregations in Israel to also receive non-profit tax status.

     The Struggle | All non-profit organizations in Israel must go through a rigorous verification process, and we began our process eight years ago. Our petition for non-profit tax status (article 46(a)) was granted by the Israeli Tax Authority but has been repeatedly denied by the parliment Finance Committee which has been chaired by the ultra-orthodox Moshe Gafni who openly declared that our congregation, Tiferet Yeshua, will receive article 46(a) “over my dead body”. The reasons for his opinions against us are obvious and not surprising. What was surprising was how Gafni, the head of the Finance Committee, was able to unify all parties in the Knesset behind his campaign against us.

     Unprecedented Political Unity against Us | In October of last year we wrote this article about the decision of the special Finance Committee session, representing members from all across the political spectrum, which unanimously denied our petition. Even our new foreign minister, Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid party, made a special effort to participate in our Finance Committee vote and to add his comments that we are “dangerous missionaries”.     
     The flash point which unified the entire Israeli political spectrum against us at the time was the issue of the conversion of minors and financial coercion to faith, which is against the law in Israel. Conversion of minors is an issue that hits a raw nerve with Jews as it conjures images from Europe’s dark past of forced conversion when Jewish children were abducted, baptized against their will, declared Christian and taken from their families to be raised in the church.

     Tiferet Yeshua’s article 46(a) petition was considered together with that of a Jehovah’s Witness organization which engages in questionable practices regarding minors, and most of the session was devoted to them. However, spurious allegations were made that Tiferet Yeshua also engages in the conversion of minors, which is patently false as we completely abide by the law regarding minors and financial coercion to faith, and the committee failed to produce any concrete evidence to the contrary.

     Former Prime Minister Menachem Begin was an advocate for a powerful, independent judiciary and saw it as the “last fortress of human liberty”. Begin knew that a majority in parliament could become a tool of oppression in the hand of politicians, and a strong, independent judiciary is needed to check government action and guard citizens’ rights, even when a majority seeks to disenfranchise them. This is exactly what happened this week in Israel regarding our case.

     With one accord, Israeli supreme court justices expressed that the Finance Committee had overreached their authority by declaring the activity of a religious non-profit illegal because of “personal emotions or deep disagreements” with us as Messianic Jews. Judge Anat Baron stated that the Finance Committee’s criteria of labeling religious activity as illegal because it is, in their opinion, “controversial” would set a dangerous precedent of reaching decisions about non-profits “…based upon extraneous considerations, prejudice, inequality, and arbitrariness."

     We thank God that, as Menachem Begin said, “there are judges in Jerusalem” who protect the rights of minorities and apply the standards of equality and freedom of religion according to the spirit and values of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. We hope that this decision which came after eight years of legal battle will open the doors for many other Messianic congregations to receive this tax credit status and that it will benefit the Messianic public in Israel in large. Moreover, we pray that prejudice and discrimination will continue to break as truth shines forth in Israel.


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

Chava Stein has written two articles at KehilaNewsIsrael that explains a lot why the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu from Prime Minister of Israel may have been exactly what Israel needed at this time. In fact, I think it probably was, and I believe it was for the same reason Netanyahu was removed from office in 1999: because he allowed Israel’s religious parties to rule the roost, threatening the Messianic Jews with greater and greater persecutions. This same thing has been building steadily again under PM Netanyahu. He is marvelous for upholding Israel but God is EVEN more concerned that the Israeli Messianic believers have the ability to lead their people to faith in Yeshua. That is a fact many Christian Zionists ignore.  Chava Stein’s articles are Bibi – Great for Christians, not so much for Messianic Jews and A word to Israel’s new government – It’s time to embrace the Israeli Messianic community. Additionally, an excellent brackgrounder on former Knesset Minister, ultra-Orthodox Moshe Gafni who in the late 1990’s and the more recent Netanyahu administrations, has led the charge to make criminal the sharing of faith even by Israel citizens. Another KehilaNews piece by Tuvia Pollack

Israel Today follows with this report of action that Yad L’Achim, also anti-Messianic religious activists, have taken in filing a lawsuit against the media arm of the Messianic-run Israel College of the Bible (ICB) in Netanya: Google, YouTube Sued for “Missionary Ads Targeting Children in Israel”. It is a common ploy anti-missionary activists operate in by filing lawsuits with false claims that Israeli Jews being ‘duped’ by Messianic believers. They say a Jew was duped into professing faith in Jesus but now have recanted. The Activists do not name names on whose behalf they are filing the legal accusation because it is all bogus – just their public relations gambit to stir up public opposition against Messianics.

Heart of G-d ministries’ Carolyn and Richard Hyde devote most of their out of Israel ministry efforts to encouraging Jews to make Aliyah, that is to immigrate to Israel. This they will continue on their next planned US tour, writing, “we hope to see you along the way from Ohio to Texas!” They write they believe God is revealing more of His plans for the great coming Aliyah from the West. Meanwhile at home in Israel they are helping to bless the widows, single mothers and fatherless children of Tsfat or Safed with a “Salad Kitchen” and ministering in the every Wednesday from 3-6PM Israeli time on the Altar of Prayer.  The write their thanks for support of their family (sons who lead the Tree of Life ministries) and the the Media Team outreaches and pro-life projects. Pray for this family whose activities in the Gospel have brought religious hounding to their big, big family in Israel.

Dan and Patty Juster are in the US for a period of ministry among the Tikkun-America network, which son Benjamin leads. The topic for Ben, Patty and Dan in the latest Restoration from Zion ministry letter is that of walking in the joy and the favor of the LORD. Patty notes from a Jim Wilder book , “The Other Half of the Church, that healthy relationships are the source of a life of joy. Joy increases as you encounter people who are happy to see you. Joy helps you to bounce back from negative emotions…. Through grace we can be filled with joy through the Holy Spirit and impart that joy to others. When a person is walking in joy that is not dependent on circumstances they have power to change the atmosphere around them!” Ben notes, “Many are desperate for Yeshua's love to be demonstrated through authentic and passionate believers. It is time for us to lift up our eyes and to look ahead! Though the world may have changed, our future is guided by the Father's hand. It would be a grave error to spend our time and efforts in going back to the way things were. Instead, pray for wisdom for walking into the new things that God is doing and will do through you!”
     And Dan adds: “This season has been one of the happiest in recent years.” One reason he cites is the fruit they are seeing in the Tikkun America network. I highlight one:  “One of the fruits of Jack (Jacob’s New York) ministry is working for unity with the churches of the region. One especially fruitful connection has been with the Chinese Alliance Church in Tappan, New York. I was privileged to preach at that congregation. They are committed to us on a deep level and support our Tikkun Israel congregation and ministries in Haifa under Leon Mazin. This fulfills a vision that has been hard to effect, but deeply desired, that the Tikkun America Congregations would be linked in covenant love with the Tikkun Israel congregations, and that support from their relationships with churches would go toward building up the Israel congregations. They do so much, with humanitarian aid and very important programs for all ages. So far, this is a great visit to the United States!

     FYI from Donna: This last comment from Dan Juster really caught my attention because I have suspected for a long time that American Messianic congregations do not have a vision for the significance of directly supporting the Israeli believer congregations and ministries, or encouraging the churches they are in relationship with to do so. I have assumed the Messianic congregations were trying to 'buy' their own Jewish credibility within Israel. Lately however I have begun to think it is because they do not see the significance of God deploying specifically the Israeli Messianic believers into speaking the Gospel to fellow Israelis as the most critical development impacting global end times salvation. I have heard only excuses from Messianic believers as to why they do not give to Israeli Messianic congregations (while they are contributing to other Israeli causes). I have often wondered how we could expect the churches to understand the significance of salvation for the Jews springing forth in Israel when the Diaspora Messianics don't. 
     I am glad to report that this is something the Tikkun network gets, as Dan Juster told me, “We have a program called Ambassadors where every Tikkun Congregation will give and also motivate churches to so connect (with Israeli congregations).” Would that ALL Diaspora Messianics did the same.

From Israel Pochtar, Beit Hallel & Voice of Judah ministries, a fantastic report on their own “unexpected breakthrough following an evangelistic outing they did recently taking non-believers to the Galilee where they heard the Gospel for the first time: An Extraordinary Turnout Last Shabbat after our Evangelism Outreach event. Next Shabbat their congregation in Ashdod saw an amazing turnout of those who had been drawn to learn more. The dry Land is thirsty for the good news and they are hearing, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the Waters" Isaiah 55:1. Pastor Israel writes, “Your help in supporting this work makes it possible for the gospel to be preached to Israelis and helps us reach more and more people, fulfilling God’s prophecies regarding this nation, until “…all Israel shall be saved!” – Romans 11:26  Please visit our DONATE PAGE to support this work. Thank you and God bless!
     He also sends VIDEO The Calling of Israel with pastor Israel Pochtar | VIDEO & Article Carriers of God’s Glory and this An important Prayer Alert for New Israeli Prime Minister: Death and Life are in the Power of the Tongue  | by Israel Pochtar on the “pulsa de-nura” curse rituals used against against Israeli Prime Minister Bennett (also used on Ariel Sharon and Yitshzk Rabin…and pastor Israel, too)

Tikkun Global sends a word about the major political change in Israel and how “In the Bible, change in the Israelite government was often accompanied by a change in the message of the prophets.” Message by Asher Intrater includes a series of short videos describing Asher’s impressions about how to pray for Israel in this coming time period. On Revive Israel Facebook link above.  Also these articles: Israel's New Prime Minister by Ron Cantor | Toxic Shame by Dan Juster | Three Way Joint Effort & Fruit  by Valerie Yanay |  Breaking Through the Walls by Eitan Shishkoff


Kobi and Shani Ferguson now leading the Maoz ministry are currently in the US for meetings to minister and also encourage the churches and congregations they visit to support the pioneer work that Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram – Shani’s parents – started and they are continuing to beat a pioneer pathway in Israel. In what ways? They are pioneering Israeli worship music, young leaders with Hebrew-speaking congregations, strengthening the Body of believers in Israel through their benevolence fund.  These are all important works in establishing an infrastructure to minister to all the yet to come to faith Israelis who are coming because the Holy Spirit is now beckoning them to do so. Is it time for you to consider partnering in the pioneer work so strategic to “all Israel” being saved?

In the Friday prayer points from Chuck Cohen at Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem, one point is about how “Many Western Jews never considered making aliyah because they were more liberal than all of Netanyahu's previous governments. Yet now Israel has a government whose members represent a wide range of political and social views. So with this anti-Bibi, anti-right-wing excuse removed, will Western Jews actually come home? The chances are not good – yet we can pray.” He gives several prayer points surrounding this issue of Aliyah that you might not think of: like the commitment of the new Israeli govt to build 300,000 housing units and a serious attempt to lower housing costs. Also a pray for the new Interior ministry to be a blessing and help new immigrants – including Messianic Jews – whom Cohen prays will have a new sense of urgency and courage to also immigrate…with Christians helping.  “Let the Body of Messiah truly understand that supporting the Jews to come home is an important way for them to be preparing the way for the return of the Lord (Isa. 40:1-5; Matt. 23:37-39).”

Ron Cantor of Messiah’s Mandate and ShelanuTV also writes about the legal ruling for Tiferet Yeshua It is a great of great victory for the Gospel here in Israel.  Also he gives a good report on the matching funds drive for bomb shelters in Ashkelon, a city only 10 miles from Gaza. They reached their goal of raising $30,000 to meet the pledge of matching donation from a church in Texas. So the matching donor has pledged and additional $30,000 in matching funds. Let's match the next $30,000 If you are going to bless Israel in some way – whether providing protection from the rockets or in humanitarian aid, PLEASE look to the Israeli Messianic congregations most of whom are doing every outreach that you could possibly want to contribute to. LET THE BODY OF THE LORD IN ISRAEL BE SEEN AS THE ONES WHO BRING BLESSING FROM THE CHRISTIAN WORLD TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.   

Rachel Netanel is still in the long process of healing for a broken ankle that sure seems to be an excessive period of healing – in fact, I believe our sister is being opposed by the enemy and that we should all pray for God to provide miraculous healing to Rachel who is a very effective witness of the Gospel in Israel. She and her husband Gilad provide hospitality, breaking of bread (with all the fixings!) at their home in Ein Karim, outside of Jerusalem, and also in Zukim. Then Rachel speaks spiritually to all her guests, telling them whatever God puts on her heart to minister to them. She needs to be set back on her own two feet. Please pray.  Even handicapped with her injury, she is still ministering and recently was approached to do a TV interview with a secular reporter, first in Zukim and then they came to Ein Kerim to do more taping.
     Rachel writes, “They had heard that I have a very interesting story and were intrigued.  I sent them a copy of the film that my son had made about me and my faith and the manager of the station became quite excited.  So he ordered his people to make a film about us.  I told them that I was in Zukim, but they decided to come with a film crew to interview us there.  They travelled from Tel Aviv and were there for 7 hours.  They asked me many questions about my faith.  They wanted to know the difference between Christians and Messianic Jews.  They wanted to know how we pray and much more.  I told them that I pray in the name of Yeshua.  The interviewer was a man and I saw how interested he was and when I told him that if he wanted to know the truth,  that he could ask for a sign. No sooner did he hear this, than sirens suddenly started to sound throughout the village as Hamas sent a number of rockets our way. We ran for cover and he looked at me and said, “Was this a sign???”  The interview will air in a few weeks and she will try to pass on a YouTube link when it is available.

The Beer Sheva congregation led by Howard Bass reported that they were able to meet altogether at long last, first in an outdoor setting, then in their congregation. He also writes about how in the prior week there was a leadership meeting of Jewish, Arab, and other Christian/Messianic leaders who came together for a day of acknowledging our unity as believers and we prayed for one another and for our people. Howard writes, “Israel as a nation is very divided right now, and is threatened on every side by those who seek its destruction.” That includes “an outbreak of unrest between Jewish and Arab citizens…. Sadly, this unrest between the two peoples has come into the Body of Christ/Messiah, which has been a common occurrence every time there is a war between Israel and Hamas or other Arab countries. Yet it is a New Testament imperative that brothers in the household of faith in Jesus strive to maintain the unity of the Body in the bond of peace.  We cannot do that if we identify more strongly with our natural families and cultures than we do with the Lord Himself, outside the camp!” Listen to Howard’s teaching for Prayer for Israel - UK, based upon Jn 6:66 and Rev 3:8, keeping Yeshua's/Jesus' word and His name.  It is about 36 min long.     

     I also loved Howard’s comments on A recent survey in the U.S. shows that young evangelicals are weaker in their support for Israel than their parents: “When God's word is replaced or made void by humanistic and demonic indoctrination, the outcome is a falling away from a consensus of truth, and of right from wrong, good from evil.” 
     And on Israel’s new government: “It can be said that this government is truly representative of all the people (except, maybe, for the ultra-orthodox religious sector which has always had excessive control of the purse and of the Ministry of Interior, and some of whom are not even Zionists, meaning that they do not accept the legitimacy of the country either!).

     While having been a remarkable PM for the last 12 years in many respects, "always" able to remain in power, Netanyahu did nothing to ease restrictions on the Messianic believers and evangelical Christians here in Israel, particularly with respect to immigration and visa permits.  One of my prayers four months ago 'inspired' by the Biblical origins of Purim was that a new government would be formed that would make it easier for Jewish believers to immigrate, and for those Gentile believers married to Israeli believers to be allowed to receive at least permanent residency status and freedom to work.  It is still too soon to know if this coalition will be instrumental in that. See also Howard’s articles The Rise and Fall of Leaders, Political and Spiritual and The beginning of the last generation.

Aleksey Raikhstadt of the Beit Immanuel congregation in Jaffa writes that in all the troubles we have been seeing in a short period of time, yet the prophet Jeremiah declares God’s intentions to be "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He wrote of setbacks (from Covid) and fears (rockets from Gaza) that he spoke to his own children regarding: “Suddenly, I discovered that sometimes I could not just simply tell my children that there was nothing to be afraid of, that God holds us and keeps us in His hands. But the more rockets were fired towards us, the more we saw God's protection and peace come to the hearts of our children. As soon as the attacks were over, the streets were filled with people, as if nothing had happened.” The promises of God we learn from our own journey through the threats and hardships we each face. Aleksey writes, “ Dear friends, I want to thank you for your prayers and support….I thank God for each and every one of you and that we have the privilege to do God's will here on the Earth together. Please tell us how we can serve you and pray for you. With much love in our Messiah Jesus.”

Avi Mizrachi of the Dugit Messianic Outreach Center in Tel Aviv, and also the Adonai Roi congregation writes, “Perhaps 50 miles from where I am sitting right now, Yeshua (Jesus) looked out over the crowd around him and He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36–38 NIV.
     We know it is true, but it is startling to think about living in a place where we could say that Jesus looked out over a crowd not 50 miles from where we are sitting at home. Israeli believers have the most unusual circumstance of all to be living in the Land that Yeshua walked up and down in 2,000 years ago and where He will return to the nation’s capitol to take His throne of the Kingdom.  And yet, it is still a land filled with people who still reject their own Messiah as a foreign, Christian god that has nothing to do with them as Jews. I know that many Christians hear the verse Avi quoted above from Yeshua, and they hear it as a clarion call for Christians to come to Israel to labor in Israel’s spiritual harvest fields. It is a clarion call to help provide for the laborers that are already there and simply impeded by the lack of funds to enter full time ministry. It is the same lack that impedes those who are already in full time ministry from being able to do all the outreaches God has given them vision for to reach the Israeli people...people who are really more open today than ever before in history to hear the truth about the Israeli Messiah Yeshua.
     My own deepest prayer is that Christians will hear Jesus’ appeal to all His disciples – "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field" – and hear His call to us to send provision for the workers to go into His harvest field in their own Land.

          Some of the ways you can help provide the Mizrachi’s labors is by supporting their ministry in the Daughters of Zion Women’s Conferences, in their Distribution Center serving those in need, for support to victims of recent attacks. “These days we are seeing so many new needs and so many new opportunities here in Israel—the harvest is truly plentiful! Please give now.”  "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35 NIV


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: 

Pray for Ronit Bender whose heart arrhythmia sent her to ER! She is home now with new meds but still needs 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 | the Silvers: David's knees and Josie's back pain | Rachel Netanel  is still recovering from a broken ankle. She asks for healing & for the pain to subside. Her ankles were weak already, so the process is slow and painful| 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 is getting better slowly, but still has a long way before her, so please keep praying.


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