Arrows from Zion 4/10/2019

The Phenomenon That Is Bibi!
by Ron Cantor April 9, 2019

There is a joke about Netanyahu: What is the difference between Bibi and President Trump? Netanyahu speaks good English.That is not a slight against the President, but more the fact that Netanyahu’s English is so good, he could be mistaken for an American.

He is polished to the tee. While the evangelical world loves Netanyahu—who can forget his bold speech before congress, attacking President Obama’s Iran Deal—he is the most polarizing figure in Israel. Walk down any street in Israel and you will get two responses to the elections.

1.       Rak Bibi! Only Bibi
2.       Anyone but Bibi

But surprisingly Netanyahu is polling well amongst young people. This has intrigued the experts. As a 53-year-old man, I forget that for many young people, Bibi is the only leader they have ever known. While there are clearly domestic problems, no one can deny that he has kept the country safe in the midst of ISIS, Hamas and Iran. Maybe they are simply frightened of a new leader.

Think about it. Bibi has been in power for 10 years. The left wing Prime Ministers before him served two years (Barak), one year (Peres) and three years (Rabin). If Netanyahu wins in today’s elections and makes it to July, he will surpass Ben Gurion, our first prime minister, as the longest serving prime minster in Israel’s history.

Bibi History | Born in Tel Aviv to secular parents, his mother a native-Israeli and his father an American immigrant, Netanyahu enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces just after the Six Day War. He served in an elite commando unit. He fought bravely on the front lines in the wars between 67-73, once getting shot in the shoulder.

His brother, Yoni, is one of the most famous of Israeli war heroes, as he led the raid on Entebbe, freeing Jewish hostages taken by terrorists to Uganda. If you have time to read Shimon Peres’ No Room for Small Dreams, his chapter on the Entebbe raid is fascinating.

Bibi graduated from the illustrious MIT. One of my Hebrew teachers at Tel Aviv university was not only one his classmates, but part of his inner circle of friends. While she is a dyed in the wool left-winger, she had nothing but praise for Bibi as a person.

Gulf War and CNN | The first Gulf War was the first war fought on TV. Elana and I would stay up late at night watching CNN and the latest developments. It was then, that a young, handsome Benjamin Netanyahu won the hearts of Americans. The former Israeli Ambassador to the UN, and present deputy foreign minister, spoke intelligently, with charisma, in perfect English. Everyone knew he was destined for great things.

Then, Rabin was assassinated in 94. Had Shimon Peres called for immediately elections, there is no doubt that Peres would have crushed Netanyahu in the wake of public sympathy. But Peres knew that would be manipulative; an abuse of Rabin’s memory. By the time elections came a year later, Israelis had no faith in Arafat or the PLO and were growing weary of terror. Bibi  defeats Peres and becomes prime minister.

He was the youngest prime minister we have ever had and served until he lost to the arrogant Ehud Barak in 1999. Barak was sure he could fix things. However, after he offered everything to Arafat, including parts of Jerusalem, and still Arafat rebuffed him, the public threw him out for Ariel Sharon.

Netanyahu bided his time for the opportune moment to get back the premiership. In 2009 he came back to power and has not let go. Despite leading a country of less than 10 million people, he is one of the most recognized world leaders, right up there with Trump and Putin. Love him or hate him, he is one of the most extraordinary figures in the last 50 years. Over the past couple years, he has managed to build relationships with some of our worst enemies like Saudi Arabia. Recently he was received in the Muslim Majority nation of Oman.

Rocky Road | His life had not been without bumps. He cheated on his first wife who promptly divorced him. He married his non-Jewish mistress who converted to Judaism. However, they soon divorced. Then he met a flight attendant on an El Al flight named Sara. She was studying for her master’s degree in Psychology at the time.

Sara may be the most famous, or infamous, wife of a Prime Minister that we have had. She has made bitter enemies in the political world and has been accused of arrogance and living a lavish lifestyle. She has been under police investigation for corruption for the past few years. For that matter, Bibi was recently recommended for indictment for taking bribes.

He will go before the court in the next several months. If he is elected to a fifth term today, he will be the first sitting Prime Minister under indictment. Bibi’s pitch: No one can lead the country at this time like me.His main rival, Beni Gantz: Our democracy hangs in the balance this election. 

By the end of the day, it will either be the end of the Netanyahu era or the next chapter. We will see.
               
WEDNESDAY: And the winner is Bibi!
Here is Ron's follow up Bibi wins unprecedented fifth term! Here is what it means.

MY NOTE:  I love Netanyahu too - BUT this increases the power of the ultra-Orthodox party (Shas) which has been getting worse and worse about harassment and persecution of the Messianic Jewish believers in Jesus in Israel. As Christians we can rejoice that Netanyahu will hold the line for Israel but WE MUST begin to open our eyes to the religious persecution his win imparts to those who actively seek to do harm to the believers in Israel. If we don't make them OUR priority, we are failing the highest purposes of God for Israel.

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

Regardless of how the vote turns out today, I am writing on 4/9, this one thing I know: whether it becomes more dangerous or less dangerous for Israelis to share the faith of Yeshua with fellow Israelis, the Gospel will go forth with signs and wonders following.  That is why I positioned the first several ministries at the top of this report because each one is emphasizing evangelism. Not one of them is escaping persecution for their ministry of the truth. Each one has experienced many times of religious harassment and persecution because of their ministries, not just recently but going back many years. Guess what. They are still out there spreading the Word because the precious lives of Israelis are too valuable to waste because of fear. 

First up is Asher Intrater of Revive Israel writing a superb article on Indigenous Evangelism that gives intercessors a much greater grasp of how ministry in Israel differs from what they are used to. He writes, " By 'indigenous' we mean within the local culture. ...To do this in any culture often means discarding ministry methods and structures that were successful in other countries but are not bearing fruit among the native population. This is what Yeshua meant when He said, “new wine must be poured into new wineskins” (Matthew 9:17).      BOOM!

Also from the Revive Israel letter this week:  Cody Archer's Preparing for Persecution, Roaring from Zion video with Paul Wilbur & Cody, & Israel, the Church, and the Coming Revival video of Asher teaching

Israel Pochtar, who leads the Ashdod Beit Hallel congregation, has been getting a weekly write up in the Hebrew news media summaries of the Caspari Media Review. Not always mentioned by name, but certainly referencing what is going on from the religious opposers of his ministry, Israel Pochtar receives what I consider high praise from one opposing rabbi, saying that Beit Hallel is one of the "boldest missionary organizations in the country." 

However, we need to understand that calling someone a missionary in Israel triggers all kinds of negative response because of bad Jewish historical experience with missionaries and forced conversions. But the main point is, that Pochtar & the Voice of Judah outreaches are ministering to new immigrants from Russia who are not as closed to traditional forms of outreach. The religious anti-missionary activists are the ones with the problem against their outreaches, like the Purim event Pochtar wrote about last week. I hope that will cause you to up your prayers for Pochtar, the congregation in Ashdod and all of the ministries, congregations and outreaches connected with them.

In Israel Pochtar's current ministry letter, they are getting ready for the Passover season and will have a great Passover Seder meal in the dessert with over 300 families, believers and non-believers, celebrating together.  In fact, they have 3 Passover events they are hoping you will pray for and help support financially. Watch these 3 videos on the events planned and see if you might help: Watch: Beit Hallel Seder Pesach | Watch: Beit Hallel YouthCamp 2018 | Watch: VOJ Humanitarian Work. They also have an upcoming event in the Galilee for 600 non-believers.  

From Maoz Ministries comes this message:  "Regardless of the outcome of these elections, the vision of Maoz Israel remains: Reaching Israelis with the Gospel of Messiah Yeshua and strengthening the body of believers in the Land. You, too, have a crucial role to play in Israel's salvation!" One of the ways they bring good news to their city, Tel Aviv, is by Project Feed Tel Aviv. Situated on the border "between Tel Aviv’s booming financial center and southern Tel Aviv, home to some of the poorest, most marginalized and needy communities in the country," their hearts were touched by the dire straits of those so near their congregation.  Read more by clicking article title.

Tiferet Yeshua, the congregation founded by Maoz, is also planning for a congregational Passover Outreach. But for "many Israelis who don’t consider themselves religious, the holidays serve as a cultural touchstone". This is a key time to reach family, friends and neighbors, in the method that Asher Intrater and Rachel Netanel found to be the most natural form of reaching Israelis: breaking bread and sharing your life and testimony." There is a famous Jewish joke about Jewish holidays: " They tried to kill us, we won, let's eat!" Fellowship and food is a key in sharing faith in Israel. Read more online

One of the ways the Shavei Tzion (Return to Zion) congregation in Haifa ministers is through its Eagle Project which ministers to young adults. Designed for spiritual growth it is a discipleship program that incorporates journeys to and with those from other nations. Their ministry trip this month will cost $25,000 and they write the would be grateful for financial support and prayer.

Kehilat Hamaayan (Congregation of the Wellspring ) led by Tony and Orna Sperandeo  in Kfar Saba  post their ministry letter online here

Arni and Yonit Klien of Emmaus Way write about their passion for worship, and the 37th group they welcome at the end of the week for a time of unplanned, unrestricted worship. Then, "the next gathering is designated for German speakers and will be from May 16-26. Please pray about joining as there are a number of places yet to be filled." They also write about their "ten-session course entitled 'Israel Revealed.' There has been some wonderful feedback from groups going through the course in the US, the UK, and Australia." 

Daniel Juster writes in his personal ministry letter, Restoration from Zion, about how he is continuing to minister during his 8 months in Israel, then 4 months in the USA (plus world travel). Dan not only breaks down his responsibilities to the Tikkun ministries in Israel and the US, but also how the donations from his personal ministry are applied, and also the donations of the Tikkun ministries are applied. They have precise designations that pay for the travel costs for the equipping ministry he does, as well as travel to minister in foreign nations, and as part of unity movements.  If you want a lesson in how to order your life, read this in the Weekly Summary!

I was tickled to see that Dan is currently writing a book "aimed particularly at Millennials on the subject of social justice, based on what the Bible says about social justice and slicing through and refuting the almost Marxist ideas of social justice in our western culture." I believe the great challenge Israel loving Christians have before them is the departure of their children - believer and unbeliever - from biblical values through social justice peer pressure. If you love your young people, I would advise buying a stack of these to bless Millennials with. We must see a turnaround!

Avi Tekel, who leads the Tents of Mercy, or Ohalai Rachamim congregation in the Kiryat Yam, writes about their planned Passover Outreach: "This year we are gearing up to help 800 families in our local community celebrate the Passover with a bag of food and household items worth more than $80. Among the recipients are single parent families, new immigrants, Holocaust survivors, families in financial difficulty and lone soldiers (soldiers without family in Israel) and pensioners." Would you consider a special gift PARTNER for PASSOVER  (choose "Humanitarian Needs" in the drop-down box)

Joel Jelski writes about the next Katzir youth camp coming up in a few days, and Passover. Pray for Joel as he is the director of this camp for the first time. The camp will take place in the Golan Heights and will be focused on Bible Meditation. They are delighted to be in the Golan right after the unexpected and unprecedented recognition of Israel sovereignty over the Golan. Joel and family have a prayer request which I am going to leave unnamed in public forum - but which I know you would be happy to pray over them for no complications and a quick, good report from the deciders.

Barry and Batya Segal of Vision for Israel are also delivering humanitarian aid to needy Israelis for Passover.  They hope to reach 1,000 families at $150 for Passover food. Donate here

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

Please keep in prayer these Israeli ministry leaders and believers with urgent health needs 

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.

Elisheva update on Jacob Damkani Beloved friends out there, Grace and peace be with you.  For a long time I didn't write, there wasn't much new...  Today it has been nine months since that surgery - July 9, 2018.

Nine months since I received back my husband alive after a 11 hours surgery that was so difficult and dangerous that no one in the operating theatre had believed he could survive it.

Nine months after his brain suffered from a lack of oxygen - carelessness maybe but surely not out of God's control. And my God promised that everything (!) will have to serve for our best!

Nine months of many hopes and doubts, faith and desperation, great support and people that burdened me.

Nine months in which we saw friends disappearing while others came very close to our hearts.

And nine months in which many days God was closer to me than I was to myself and other days He seemed to be so far away, out of reach...

And here we are today...With great hope and with unsolved questions. With great accomplishments and with many problems that have to be sorted out. With good plans for the future and issues I don't know how to even approach them....

(Read in full on Facebook here or in the Weekly Summary, if you are a subscriber)

Praying the Headlines | Israeli News You Can Trust
No news articles collection this week.

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Donna Diorio 
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
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Arrows from Zion 4/3/2019

The Israeli Elections are Upon Us
by Dan Juster, Restoration from Zion Also online here

For Whom will Messianic Jews Vote? | Elections on Tuesday April 9 | As you get this article, the Israeli elections will just be upon us. I want to write concerning the difficult position of the Messianic Jewish community in Israel in trying to decide for whom to vote.

Among the many parties in Israel, there are two blocks of parties that seem like they will need to join together:  a right wing block and a centrist block now called Blue and White. There is little desire on the part of the Israeli public for a left-wing government. All the parties that have a real chance to be in the government are, in my view, for free enterprise and for strong security. Though Prime Minister Netanyahu may accuse the centrists of being leftist, the joined list of former General Benny Gantz’s Resilience Party and Yair Lapid’s There is a Future Party (Yesh Atid), is not truly leftist

Comparing and Contrasting Right and Centrist | A vote for Likkud under Benjamin Netanyahu is a vote for the continued policies of a strong national defense and managing the situation with the Palestinians without a real solution until there is a change and a true desire for peace on their part. This could be many years away. My guess is that the Gantz-Lapid coalition would enforce the same policies on security that we have seen in recent years. A Blue and White Coalition would probably do more for domestic issues, especially the terribly high prices in Israel.

The difficult position of the Messianic Jewish community in this election, is really in regard to religious policy, which is crucial. The rightist coalition would probably keep the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic Shas party in control of the Interior Department. They persecute Messianic Jews, seek to remove our citizenship, and seek to keep some Ethiopian Jews, who converted under pressure to Christianity, from coming to Israel though that has been approved by the Knesset… and more. They seek to prevent those qualified by law for citizenship in Israel from coming, if they are followers of Yeshua. In addition, ultra Orthodox parties in the coalition will continue to support large welfare payments for men who will not work or do national service, but only study Talmud and other religious texts all day.  (The centrist coalition will not join with these parties who themselves are committed to not be in a government with Yair Lapide.) 

The centrist parties support civil marriage which would give hundreds of thousands of mixed-marriage Jews the chance to have an official wedding in Israel, currently denied by the rabbis for those who are considered not legally Jewish!  However, the centrist parties support gay marriage as well.

A Coalition Compromise | The Blue and White centrist party says they would be in a coalition with the right (Likkud) if it is not led by Netanyahu who is under indictment for bribery. That could point to a coalition between the right and the center minimizing inordinate influence of the ultra-Orthodox. 

The right and the responsibility we have not only to vote but to vote well, places us in a difficult moral dilemma. Messianic Jews are mutually empathetic but, as you know, here in Israel we do not always agree on a number of things. You can take it from me that the Messianic Jewish block is not all going to vote the same way.

So the question remains: for whom will Messianic Jews vote when the time comes? Pray for us and for the country that we will get the government we need and not necessarily the government the country deserves!

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

Israel has been in the news because of the elections and the ongoing, yearlong violent protests every Friday at the Gaza border. Asher Intrater of Revive Israel sheds light on the missile lobbing in Why Missile Attacks from Gaza? Asher shares the perspective of a Gaza Arab friend who reveals it is Hamas way of diverting the growing dissatisfaction of Gazans with them and trying to re-focus them on Israel instead. There is also news speculation that Iran is attempting to further its own agenda against Israel by pushing the terrorists they support in Gaza to escalate. Also there are political "narratives" about it. Bottom line:  Asher says it's the people of Gaza who are suffering horribly. Pray accordingly.

Dov Bikas of the Aviv ministry outreach to addicts & sexual abuse on the mean streets of Tel Aviv says they are seeing a breakthrough in their rehab work and ministry in Tel Aviv. They served 2000 meals a day in February and more people are responding to the call to start rehab. They have a special need for a minivan as theirs is on its last legs. Vehicles are wildly expensive in Israel, so donations would be greatly appreciated for this vital tool in the ministry. See more of the good reports from Dov by connecting with them directly or read the filing if you are subscribed to my Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries. Please continue to pray for Olga Bikas for the chronic severe back pain she has been enduring.

Shira Sorko-Ram writes about the April 9 elections Who will be Israel's new Prime Minister?   Also the Maoz Israel Report is out with features on  Eliezer Ben Yehuda's Destiny | Two Steps Forward, One Step Back, Reaching Israelis with the Gospel - in Hebrew!, Rebuilding Israel (Because They are Still Coming) about the Aliyah Return Center and Representing Israel at the 2019 President's Prayer Breakfast (Ari goes to Washington)

To be a blessing is the mandate of the HaTikva Project led by Evan Glasser and it is not only as an outreach to those who don't know the LORD in Israel, but a great measure is to be a blessing to the body of Messiah in Israel who are in need of blessing also. That's why their dental clinics are such a great blessing to everyone. Dental is not covered by Israel's socialized medicine, so it is a huge blessing that the HaTikva clinics are run to give dental care at much lower prices for believers, Holocaust survivors and others in need. It only takes $25 a month to put a smile on Israeli faces through HaTikva. Follow HaTikva on Facebook   

The Arad Hasdey Yeshua congregation reflects on the meaning of Purim:  The question is…. Will we make ourselves available?  With high stress levels due to the violence in the land, we have to remember this is a spiritual battle. They ask prayers that "God will raise up many like Mordecai and Esther from among our children and youth." Also for prayers over their outreach to the Bedouin - to keep both the ministers and those being reached protected from harm. They ask continued prayer for Hussain, a Bedouin to be rooted and grounded in his faith, and for their door to door evangelism outreach.

There is a wealth of prayer points and scripture verses to pray over in the last Friday Prayer Points from the Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem - far too many to go into in this brief but you read more in the Weekly Summary if you are a subscriber, or by connecting with IFI directly to receive this email. One item they are calling all the "Jews in exile" to make aliyah. It is crystal clear that the "hunters" are emerging around the world, so it is time for Jews to get to the Land of Promise. 

Israel Pochtar of the Beit Hallel congregation gives a report on their regional Next Level Youth Conference which you can watch some highlights from here: Video Moments . There are some great testimonies from the kids in his report too. Also the Purim gift hampers for children of new Jewish immigrants were a great blessing to many children that Israel writes "have known hardship and displacement." What a delight to bring gifts, music and smiles to the faces of needy children. This ministry does much outreach within the Russian immigrants in their area. Please consider helping them bless others in the name of the LORD. 

Martin Sarvis in Jerusalem addresses the elections including this: "As Messianic Believers we must honestly say that we do not at this time see before us a clear and obvious choice. We are in need of Divine insight. One doesn’t necessarily vote for the party containing one’s choice for Prime Minister—it can be just as important to support another party which would be strong enough to enter the coalition and bring balance to the government."

Martin also asks prayers for Brazil's President Yair Bolsonaro: "Because Brazil is the largest producer of beef approved for Muslim use in the world, he has been under strong pressure from Muslim nations not to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital by moving Brazil’s embassy there." (Last report I received on this is that Brazil will open a "diplomatic office" or a "trade mission" in Israel rather than an Embassy.) 

Ronit Bender whose heart issues we have been praying over sends a wonderful  ministry letter about a forgiving opportunity she had recently and it is a good word because we ALL have forgiving opportunities, don't we!  She also had opportunities to just be a blessing to several whose paths she crossed last month.  On her heart, she is waiting for a mid-June appt for her next heart check up. She has some short windedness but her doctor has cleared her for travel, so she is planning a ministry visit to Perth in October. 

The Joseph Project, which is the largest importer of humanitarian aid to Israel, continues in its efforts to provide for needy Israeli s through reputable organizations and professionals. For instance, the make "survival kits" with toys, games, and activities for children that are pre-stored in community bomb shelters and help considerably to alleviate the anxiety, fear, and boredom that results in these bomb-shelter stays. This has been much needed as recent news indicates (at least recent news IN Israel, since not much emphasis is placed on that in international news reports). 

They write, "this month has been full of transition and restructuring. As Joseph Project continues to expand the Blue & White Initiative (in which we a receive surplus goods from domestic, Israeli businesses and organizations who wish to donate), we have been overwhelmed, literally and figuratively by the volume of donations coming through our warehouse!" If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, please let us know! You can contact our staff by email at info@josephproject.org.il.   

Ron Cantor is staying on top of the news with many reports on Facebook and emailings. Here are just a few recent but important: Israel remains on high alert at Gaza border and With national elections next week: Bedouin village backs Netanyahu; Fake news plagues candidates.

Ron also has big news about Tours of the Holy Land, he writes, "Now, we are not only doing our own tours, but helping churches and congregations put together their own Israel experience with our special touch, as Messianic Jewish Israelis. Imagine spending time with Messianic leaders here in Israel, hearing the testimonies of Israeli believers and meeting soldiers in the IDF. I know of no tour company that specializes in connecting YOU with the believing community here. We don't just specialize in it...it is our mission! Of course, you will see all the great sites as well, from Jerusalem to the Galilee, from the Mount of Olives to the Dead Sea. Here are two coming up: Dec 2019 |  May 2020

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|  Please continue to pray for Olga Bikas' for the chronic severe back pain she has been enduring.

This, no doubt, puts an additional emotional and physical burden on the 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

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. Please pray over these issues as you read  the summaries, or the articles.

This week I've chosen a sampling of 17 of the broad spectrum of probably 100 news articles that caught my eye over the past few weeks. Short summary & links to the articles at IsraelWatcher.

Teaching Articles 

How Can We Agree On The Place Of Israel?

by Dan Juster, Tikkun

Why does it seem so hard to agree on the place of Israel in the plan of God? Though the issue is so central to the prophets, some Bible Believers give little thought to the issue. Why?

Recently, we documented the hopeful signs of the advance of the Gospel in the Southern Hemisphere of our globe. It is a faith in Yeshua that is vibrant, growing and akin to New Testament supernaturalism. Yet I also sounded an alarm concerning the failure of this emerging church movement to recognize the importance of Israel and world Jewry. There are wonderful exceptions to this in Southern Hemisphere leaders such as the Anglican Archbishop in Kenya and Ram Zango, an important apostle in Burkina Faso, Africa. Even so, replacement theology, though repudiated by many denominations including the Roman Catholic Church, is making a comeback.

As I travel the world, I encounter such a divergence of viewpoints on Israel. Though most Israelis do not walk in God's ways, Christians Zionists, mostly in America, encourage Israel to stand firm on the basis of Biblical promise and take all the land now! They are more Zionist than some Israeli prime ministers and were angry at them for leaving Gaza or offering huge "land for peace" deals. Some encourage all Jews to make aliyah (move to Israel) so that they might be safe in the last days. Then we hear of two Messianic Jews who were encouraging Jews to leave Israel. They argue that the people are very sinful. Therefore the land must spew them out again. On the one hand we are told that Jews need to believe in Yeshua to be saved. On the other hand we hear that God's covenant with our people is so absolute that only a full renunciation of the covenant of God with Israel will lead to a Jewish person being lost. No wonder Christians are confused!

Reading the Whole Bible with Care  continues online

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

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