Friday, July 24, 2020

Acts 21:10-14 | Arrows from Zion 7/24/2020




I've read for years how Paul really blew it ignoring the prophets warnings and continuing on to Jerusalem. The prophets were prophesying the truth of what would happen to him, but Paul already knew it would cost him dearly, he also knew it was God's will that he go. Sometimes the warnings are not meant to turn you around to go the other way. Paul's mission was like that and it was meant for us! Paul's mission was that critical - he had to be prepared by all those prophetic warnings  because his commitment must not flounder at the last minute. He was delivering the donations from all the churches to help the believers minister the Gospel in Israel. Don't make the mistake of thinking that Paul was just carrying out some mission for that moment in time only! He was being called to put everything on the line because he was carrying out a prophetic type and shadow. Paul was  prophetically modeling what the Church must do TODAY to help Israeli believer ministries. We were meant to see that example of ultimate sacrifice he made to see "all Israel" saved. We haven't in the past, will we now? —Donna Diorio


Acts 21:10-14 and Romans 15:27
 
   Avi & Chaya Mizrachi, Dugit Messianic Outreach Centre in Tel Aviv

You understand why the work we do in Israel is so important. We are bringing the Good News of Messiah to the 9 million people who live in Israel. It is the single most important message in our world. And now COVID-19 threatens us in ways we never expected.



Dugit Messianic Outreach Center depends upon the generous financial support of friends like you. But the need in Israel for the gospel and to help the poor is so great.

Several years ago, I began going overseas to speak at churches and conferences to let believers around the world know about our messianic outreach to the people of Israel and to raise funds we need to support this ministry. But now COVID-19 has shut this down. As a result of the restrictions on international flights and prohibitions on meeting in large groups, I had to cancel trip after trip. Every trip, to every nation has been canceled. And I have no idea when I will be able to travel again.

This month several of our team members, evangelists, have lost their funding due to the virus crisis. These things ought not to be. The people of Israel need the gospel. We have the “boots on the ground.” We have the infrastructure in place. But we need your help. PLEASE HELP TODAY 

Nearly every family in Israel has been financially impacted by COVID-19, but the poor feel it the most. The unemployment rate is staggering. Did you know that because of the coronavirus crisis, today there are over 1,599,100 people in Israel who need food? We have never had an opportunity this large to reach the hurting in Israel. And yet we have also never had a financial problem like this either. We cannot let COVID-19 stop us. Dugit Messianic Outreach Center must be still standing when things get back to normal. And not just that, we need to do MORE ministry right now in the midst of this, not less.

We need your help to continue to minister to as many of the lost, poor, and hurting as possible during this time of crisis. This could be our finest hour, our greatest opportunity to minister the love of God and the Good News of Messiah to the people of Israel. Please pray for us. And please help.

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

In the monthly Maoz Israel Report Shira Sorko-Ram writes
The Church History They Don’t Teach You. Our bad history with the Jews requires a little humility in approaching them with the gospel - humility and love, not defiance. Also from the weekly prayer letter, Shani Ferguson writes about their trip to Mizpe Rimon to view the Comet Neowise, plus prayers pointed toward not taking up offenses and the update on her brother's breakthrough Covid-test that hit an unexpected obstacle when someone else tried to claim it was their discovery...plenty of room for offense, but that  is not the prayer request!
"
These types of situations of betrayal happen to many people and often cause deep wounds. We take this opportunity to cover everyone at Ram Group in prayer for peace during this time."

Combining two urgent prayer requests from Michael and Dina Beener of the City of Life congregation that is facing religious persecution from an ex-police worker who has been radicalized by Yad L'Achim. "even with the evidence we brought to court, the judge decided to downplay our cause and side with this individual who blatantly accused us of "stealing Jewish souls" adding that for every Jew who accepts Yeshua we are paid money". They need to hire a lawyer to represent them and ask for prayers for the Lord to give them clear direction. They could also use financial help, click here.

The HaTikva Project has great news about the new Jerusalem Dental clinic they just completed work on - the work is complete but they still need the last $20,000 for paying all the expenses. " Your gift will mean we can focus additional resources on HaTikva Aid to meet basic needs for Israelis suffering job loss due to COVID-19. If you have been blessed with continued income during the pandemic, would you consider giving to HaTikva Project today? Donate here."

Ron Cantor writes "Please pray for Israel! Things are heating up here. Thousands of Israelis are protesting nightly against the Prime Minister's handling of the coronavirus.... Those who work in tourism have been out of work since March. Restaurants and hotels just reopened. Business owners and laid off workers are not getting much relief. They just announced that they are going to give a small amount funds to every family in Israel. The problem is, most of us are okay and don't need funds. It is the 20-25% who are unemployed that need help. Again, we need your prayers! Stand with Israel Donations" 

Cantor Comments on news stories that caught his eyes:
Israel allegedly set’s up Fake ISIS cell in Gaza for intelligence! | Israelis protesting in droves; country teetering on brink of lockdown; Netanyahu dives in the polls | Protests continue to sweep across Israel decrying unsustainable economic situation | As number of Corona cases surges, political war ensues over closures | Netherlands admits to paying terrorists who killed 17-year-old Israeli | Jews across Twitter fight racism, turn trending #JewishPrivilege hashtag to their favor

From Kehila News here are a few selections from them: Estera Wieja writes Helping the Vulnerable - The Helpless in Israel Get Support From Believers, Tuvia Pollack writes Caring for Pioneers of the Faith - Beit Hesed Messianic Senior Living Project and Elhanan ben-Avraham "as in the days of" Noah and the Flood.

Combining two ministry letters from Asher Intrater's Revive Israel, articles New Attitude for Difficult Times and Death And Resurrection in All Things. Upcoming important and uplifting Zoom Event /30: Watch it live Highway 19 Gathering Online (prompted when during the last  Outpouring Gathering, the Holy Spirit released an intercessory cry through Mike Bickle on behalf of the Global Body).

Also, 2 weekly worship & messages from Revive
Global Broadcast from Israel July 14 | & Global Broadcast from Israel July 21. Appeal for partner support on their Aug 40 Days of Fire discipling intense for young Israelis. And lastly a timely book by Daniel Juster who writes about Social Justice | The Bible and Applications for Our Time

Avner Boskey has two weeks of articles with excellent prophetic insight first into Paint it black – Black Replacement theology today and a current debate among believers over prophetic dreams in God Came in a Dream of the Night. Avner advises, "Never underestimate the power of a dream."

From Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem, Chuck Cohen with two Friday Prayer Points 7/17/2020  and Friday Prayer Points for 7/24/2020. In the first Cohen writes, "It is very obvious that Israel's unity government is not united." Prayer points surround that and another very important issue on:
Reunification |The extension of Israeli law over 30% of Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley that was part of the Trump peace plan unveiled in January has hit a snag and it does not look like it will move forward at this time. The snag is partly in Israel as COVID-19 numbers soar and government focuses on that. In addition, Gantz and his Blue & White party does not want to do this until the entire world agrees. And in the White House reportedly Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has placed unreasonable demands on Israel and Netanyahu that were not part of the original plan, before America will support this move. [Donna: In the USA this does not surprise us because Jared Kushner is a liberal American Jew. They do not have the heart for Israel that conservative Jews do and often place their American social justice agendas above protection of Israel. That is just a fact.]

Chaim Malespin of the Aliyah Return Center sends VIDEO Interviews with future immigrants and Episode 6 of the What is Aliyah series: Western Wall, Jerusalem. Watch to see how YOU are helping to solve the challenges of aliyah!

Ran Silberman, who  is a Certified Tour Guide & a congregant at the Kehilat HaMaayan in Kfar Saba sends this blog article on  “The Word” and the “Wilderness”. Fascinating deep dive into a word used
272 times in the Hebrew scriptures.

Rania Sayegh in the Nazareth HOPE: House of Prayer & Exploits sends  a few month's worth of catch up on their activities including renovations during the Covid down time (they could use help with the ongoing work). Rania writes about their continued intercessory journeys (six Jewish and Arab women) to the 7 mountains of Israel, in May visiting Mt Ebal and Mt Gerizim where the tribes of Israel were instructed to pronounce blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 27.  Rania shares worship VIDEO 1& Video 2  & prophetic art Video 3.

Rania also shared these Back to Bethlehem Episodes (which I have had  problems over the past months receiving ministry emails from Orna Grinman which we are working on). The ministry teamwork with Orna. a Messianic Jew and Rania, an Arab Christian is symbolized in the
prophetic journey from Biblical Moab (Modern day Jordan) to Bethlehem tracing the steps of Naomi and Ruth. Not that Orna is bitter, but a good deal of her ministry is devoted to the healing of the bitterness of the spiritual 'widowhood' of Israel. (God has not deserted Israel, but Israel does suffer from bitterness of her perceived widowhood.) You will enjoy these Well done videos Trailer | Back to Beit Lehem | You Look Like Ruth | The Wound | Balm and Tears | Hidden Faces |Identity Crisis | Welcome to the Table | House of Bread | The Harvest | The Redeemer's Voice | The Gleanings - Bloopers |
For more of the upcoming events from Rania's House of Pray and exploits, contact her directly.

The team at the HaMaayan (Wellspring) congregation led by Tony & Orna Sperandeo writes, "In the midst of confinement, our local community maintains our almost daily online gatherings. Tony has many opportunities through zoom to teach in various worship services, conferences located in many different countries, as well as weekly participation with international intercessors praying for the Nations of the World." Among the prayer points: "In two short months, just under 1 million people suddenly found themselves jobless, which is over 20% of the work force." They ask: God to supply our current needs mentally, physically, spiritually and financially. For all their members to do deeper into the Lord and not one fall away in this time of stress and need. They write, "For those wishing to support needy families & those who lost their jobs, you can donate through our website
Avi Tekle writes from Tents of Mercy congregation in Kiryat Yam (north coastal Israel) just as the 2nd wave of corona has hit Israel. " Masses are taking the frustration and despair of their losses to the streets to protest the actions or lack thereof the government has taken. We know this is not just a local phenomenon, it is global.... this is the season to pray for our leaders, whether it be congregational, municipal or national. Leadership is in crisis. Healthy leadership is key. Godly leadership draws people to offer themselves and God is blessed and honored." The congregation is also reaching out to help more and more families each month with food. You can help them fill up bags for distribution. Also "Join us for Shabbat Services Subscribe to the Tents of Mercy YouTube channel and it will be almost like coming to Israel and attending our Saturday morning service."
Aleksey Raikhstadt of the Beit Immanuel congregation in the ancient port of Jaffa, writes, " As most of us have had to go through some sort of social isolation, this year has turned to a different and unusual season in our lives. We see examples of social isolation in the scriptures when Moses was up on Mount Sinai for two periods of 40 days. Elijah ran away from Ahab and Jezebel, and he stayed isolated and even begged for death. Eventually, this brought him to a mountain, where he had an encounter with God (1 Kings 19). [DD: I know the feeling!] we have an opportunity to use this situation of solitude and stillness to seek the Lord."

Raikhstadt has found the silver lining: "Before Zoom, we could only see each other once a week during our Shabbat service, however, we now have a prayer meeting every night online. We used to be limited by space, and we could only be together with those who could physically be present at the meetings. Yet, currently, anyone can join in, no matter which part of the world they are in. Different people who had heard the Gospel but hadn’t yet decided to come to the congregation can now listen to the Word of God in their homes. This is especially true now when most people tend to find themselves having a lot of free time. The added difficulties that many people are now facing has enabled many of our nonbeliever friends to turn to us and ask for our prayers." Amen!

 He writes a perfect end to the ministry excerpts this week: "We are all awaiting the lifting of restrictions, yet despite this, nothing can stop the work of God. We are praying that the Lord will use each of you as His tool in this unusual season. Phil. 4:19-20  “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

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

A prayer request for Naomi, for a dear family that is a part of Israel Pochtar's pastoral team, who was diagnosed recently with colon cancer. "Despite what this battle entails, we are confident in God’s unfailing Word and promises." Read in her own words, as she has been prepared for chemotherapy which will begin next Monday. | Ronit Bender whose cardiologist told her that her irregular heartbeat is SEVERE, and is suggesting further tests. Please intercede for Ronit: No weapon formed against her shall prosper! | Olga Bikas severe back pain has kept her in "quarantine" for the past 4 years or so! Please pray for God to do a miracle of healing for Olga. | Please pray for Rachel Netanel's brother who is recovering | Please continue to pray for Jacob Damkani for the LORD's mercies over Jacob and his dear wife, Elisheva  | Continue please to pray for Ruth Nessim Critical prayer need she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.|

Neowise
by Donna Diorio

Lior Akunis photographed this (see next page) for the Israeli Astronomical Association. It is the comet Neowise above the Mount of Transfiguration (Mount Tabor) on July 18th. He notes that it will not return to Earth for another 6,800 years. Shani Ferguson wrote in the Maoz Israel opening of their prayer points about going to view the comet from the desert: "It’s incredible to think the last time this comet was visible from Earth, Adam was probably alive to see it!

Comet Neowise has intrigued me from the moment I laid eyes on it. Even more so when I saw the photo above. I thought, how can this not be something spiritual?  That thought is strengthened upon hearing Shani's comment that it has not seen since the days of Adam and now here it is again. I was looking for what spiritual meaning of the first photo I saw might mean, as the comet Neowise was shown strikingly passing over head of the Seattle space needle.

These are the choices a photographer would naturally make to capture the comet in relation to some symbolic feature in their landscape. It turned out that the comet NEOWISE gets its name from NASA's "Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer" - a space telescope that detects, tracks and characterizes moving solar system objects, including near-Earth asteroids. So it is not necessarily a spiritual sign, although I found that the prefix "neo" means "new or young" and also could mean "different or abnormal". You know what wise is: The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. 

Lior Akunis chose to do his shot for the IAA over the Mount of Transfiguration. In that biblical passage where Yeshua was transformed before the eyes of Peter, James and John the brother of James. (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36). In the Matthew account, it says that Yeshua led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and even His clothes became as white as the light and when that happened, there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Yeshua. That same transformation is what we are all called to. Never has it been more necessary than in the days where we find ourselves standing today.

Just prior to Yeshua's transformation on Mt Tabor, He had begun to speak to His disciples about His coming death. He was preparing them for what was to come. Our transformation also prepares us for what is to come in the days ahead, I think. All of this is easily dismissed as just normal things, but I do believe there is a spiritual message to the appearance of comet Neowise.

* This was not the only photograph Lior Akunis took of the comet. He has an absolutely beautiful shot of it on his photography Facebook page which he named "
The Promise (Israel)"



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