Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Lebanon Kairos Moment | Arrows from Zion 8/12/2020

 Pictured: Kairos Moment for Lebanon as the streets flood with protesters demanding Hezballah ouster from government. The entire government has resigned as of August 10th. "Prime Minister Hassan Diab said a level of corruption “bigger than the state” precipitated the events that led to the blast....“Only God knows how many catastrophes they are hiding,” he said in an apparent reference to the country’s ruling elite....Diab’s appointment was supported by the Iranian-allied Hezbollah group, which pushed for his lineup of ministers.   Source: Washington Post

Lebanon Kairos Moment
This is a Kairos - the right, critical, or opportune - moment for Lebanon!
Pray the LORD is with them to bring down Hezballah from power.

Concerning Lebanon  by Shani (Sorko-Ram) Ferguson, Maoz Ministries | According to Lebanese media, workers were welding a door to a warehouse when sparks from the welding caught fire. When the fire reached fireworks stored in the warehouse, an explosion took place. It took about 30 seconds for that initial explosion to set off the secondary explosion of almost 3000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a ship that had been docked for six years on the edge of the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The massive secondary explosion was caught on several cameras and has ignited massive protests in Lebanon. Over 200 have already been declared dead and around 6000 wounded. But it’s not just the body count. Five hospitals were damaged—three completely. Embassies from a dozen nations were damaged –and most of all, the people’s trust was shattered. 

We felt and heard the explosion here in Jerusalem, almost 150 miles from Beirut as if it had happened across town!

Lebanon, whose government makeup used to reflect its half Christian/half Muslim Arab population, used to be a coveted vacation spot in the Middle East. Yasser Arafat, who spent his early years in Lebanon (before being kicked out for being an instigator of violence) was instrumental in turning this laid-back, coexist-style culture into an aggressive Islamic stronghold. Of course, this meant Lebanese Christians fled the nation in droves. Over the years, I have personally met more Christians from Lebanon who fled their country than any other nation in the Middle East. For decades now, the Iranian-funded Hezbollah terrorist organization has had a stranglehold on the nation in similar fashion as Hamas has controlled the Gaza strip. To be clear, Hamas and Hezbollah don’t get along because they are from opposing Sunni and Shia Islamic sects respectively, they simply agree on the controlling nature of Islamic rule. 

The Iranian-funded Hezbollah has been able to offer social services in Lebanon that have garnered the public’s support, but cracks in the support have shown over the years and this explosion has released a flood of rage. Thousands of people have taken to the streets chanting “Hezbollah are terrorists” and already some government officials have resigned.

Prayer points | Father, we thank You for the beautiful part Lebanon has played in Your story. Cedars were sent from Lebanon to build both of Your temples, and friendships between Israel and Lebanon existed long ago.     Today that land has been overrun by radical Islam and the people are suffering under its cruel rule. Deliver Father—even if just for the sake of the minority of Lebanese, who do not bow the knee to Islam.

    People’s eyes have been opened to see that despite all the social services Hezbollah offers to keep the people happy, they have not been good for the country. In the explosion, a huge grain silo was destroyed and 15,000 tons of grain were lost in a country that was already short on food because of COVID. Father, supply food to the needy and let this desperation turn their hearts towards the Lord of the Harvest.

    When a society is shaken and protesters take to the streets—a power vacuum is created. We ask for the vacuum to be filled by leaders whom You would place in power, and not an even more aggressive ruler than Hezbollah. Let this new leadership allow freedom for the Gospel to spread in Lebanon again.

    Israel has offered its help as it has much experience in rescue efforts despite Lebanon’s official designation as an enemy state. Even if the offer is denied, we ask that the Lebanese people will see this gesture and one day soon restore relations with Israel. Let the reuniting of alliances between Israel and her cousin nations be a sign of the dominance of Yahweh over Allah—a sign that revival is near.

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As part of the Isaiah Highway 19 Global broadcast just days prior to the terrible Beirut explosion, a commitment was made to raise 1 million dollars to help suffering Arab Christians in the nations surrounding Israel as a demonstration of the covenant between them and the Israeli Messianics. Today Asher Intrater has confirmed they will be helping the Christian Arabs in Lebanon as this tragedy so warrants. To sow into this effort, Watchmen for the Nations is responsible for  collecting the donations.
In this Facebook video last Wednesday, Asher Intrater shared how they were actually on a Zoom call with several of the Christian Arab ministers in Beirut when the explosion erupted!  

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

Also from the Maoz pray letter "Concerning our Words" — "...since quality time, physical affection, and even acts of service are now limited due to social distancing and quarantines, and gifts are often limited due to the financial strain—the entire emotional state of our society may very well be hinging on our ability to speak words of kindness and encouragement to each other. People are so lonely and hurting right now, and emotional buckets have been running on low for months now. Our words could be the difference between them tipping over the edge or giving them the strength to hang on for the light at the end of the tunnel."

Also this music from the Fellowship of Artists in Israel founded by Kobi & Shani Ferguson: Birgitta Veksler's latest worship single:
I believe that you are faithful (Ne'eman) on the Fellowship of Artists Facebook page.  To download the song on various apps | And how to stand with Israel through Maoz Israel's humanitarian branch. Click to see true stories of those who have been helped

YESTERDAY we received an urgent email from the "City of the Living" congregation in S'derot, where they are experiencing a strong level of religious persecution from the radical ultra-Orthodox This city is hard hit by violence from Gaza but that doesn't stop the religious Jewish activists from persecuting the congregation devoted to meeting many needs of the stressed out poor of Sderot. Even with a restraining order issued by a judge, the religious are putting out calls for more to come to the ministry community building to stand in the way of Michael and Dina Beener's efforts to help the needy. They can use your prayers and donations - a monthly commitment is the best way to help sustain any ministry.

Ron Cantor of Messiah's Mandate sends a couple of emails that are combined here; one noting: "Israel immediately offered aid to her long-time enemy. May God have mercy on the people of Lebanon." Israel offers help after 100 killed, in Atomic Bomb-like blast in Lebanon. Also noting this: Within three hours of being kicked off the airwaves here in Israel by the Regulatory Commission for cable television, the exact same feed was online at shelanu.tv.   Then "we posted a video I made in Hebrew about how, even if you are immune to the coronavirus, you still will eventually die....We shared about how you can live forever through Yeshua." So far, 16,400 Israelis have seen the video! Sounds like a great place to invest in Israel's salvation. DONATE  

A couple of musical videos from Kehila News Israel: Nara Batel Schucman's From Pain to God's Oasis: A New Messianic Music Album and Simcha Natan's  Illuminate 

An excellent true story from Chuck Cohen of Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem about the Lord's prompting about Jews needing to get from the Diaspora nations to Israel fast in coming days. This is something that brought the message home loud and clear to Cohen in the early 90's after the first Gulf War. It is called A Prophetic Escape

Revive Israel's August Newsletter is out sharing news about their team, including an Israeli Arab believer who is coordinating Revive weekly Tuesday broadcasts on Facebook. Also more on the  Highway 19 Global Gathering " We believe the day is approaching fast for a revival among our Arab brothers; NOW is a critical time to stand with them in prayer and support, fighting together for their key destiny." Plus two partner ministries, one Arabic in Gaza and the other Revive reps in France.

Arabic Christians Najeeb & Elizabeth Atteih of Immanuel Church & ministries in Haifa sent a longer letter of all their ministry news which I will share the rest of next week. This week focusing on their efforts for Lebanese by the "thousands are not only mourning the loss of loved ones but also are homeless and have nothing.... Before the coronavirus hit Lebanon, the people had been protesting against the government through demonstrations for a month and a half!" Now it is even worse with the disaster of the Beirut port explosion. 

The Atteih's write, "... the people are tired, worn out, and exhausted physically, emotionally and mentally. They are feeling discouraged, disappointed, and hopeless. We have received many WhatsApp calls from our relatives and other believers in Lebanon asking us for continuous prayer and for help. They are desperate for help and aid. Israel offered help and aid to Lebanon, but they refused.... We are continually praying for Lebanon, her people, and for our relatives and the believers there. Please, as believers in our Savior, Jesus Christ and as brothers in Christ, join us in prayer for Lebanon. Also, if you are able and willing, please join us in sending financial support to the believers there. We are gathering financial support to send to the church there."

Rick and Patti Ridings (Succat Hallel) are setting specific times of prayer aside for Lebanon, also mentioning being on that Isaiah 19 Highway Zoom call at the time the massive explosion occurred in Beirut! they write: "One sister on the call screamed out, 'I have to go take care of the children. All our windows were just shattered!' At that moment, they thought perhaps it was the start of a war with Israel, as tensions along the border had been very high in the preceding days. But the immediate response of those able to stay on the call was to pray blessings over Israel and for the Israelis on the call to pray blessings over Lebanon." Read the Call to Prayer online. It speaks of "Praying for the release of Lebanon from the grip of Hezbollah | Prayer for the dismantling of demonic thrones over Beirut | Prayer for a great move of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon." 

Online ministry has kicked out the walls of many in Israel, not just for local ministry but also for international, like the HaCarmel Zoom Bible study that LuAnne Sayag has started on Thursdays. Not posting the info online, but in the email version this info is shared. They are also doing their Tuesdays weekly Intercessory Worship Watch on YouTube and on Facebook (live at 14:00 but the video is available afterward). A recent midweek meeting Remembering the Faithfulness of God with Eliel Fos and Pastor Dani & LuAnne's "Kabbalat Shabbat" on Facebook. Here is also a video of watch Eric and the House of Victory students rejoicing as unusual August rain pours down on them 

Dov Bikas of the Aviv Ministry (Evangelism/outreach among drug addicts & victims of sexual abuse in S-Tel Aviv) shares a recent article in Kehila News about them: Aviv Center Brings Believers from Across Israel to Provide Food, Hope to Addicts in Tel Aviv. There is also news of the Women's Shelter and their rehab center, both in Beer Sheva where the congregation also is.  Dov asks prayers over all of their outreaches, the congregation and also for his wife Olga who has long been incapacitated with back pain but now has decisions to make about possible surgery. Wisdom for all decisions of all issues before them.

Avi-Asher Hyde of Tree of Life Ministries gives a great report on the wife of a couple from an ultra-Orthodox Jewish background, who at last came to understand the grace and forgiveness of God and made a decision to repent and receive Yeshua as her husband had before. Pray for them! The husband soon after was diagnosed with Coronavirus, so they are unable to be discipled closely at this time. Protect the new life in prayer. Also, Avi shares a message received from a man in the Israeli Ministry of Defense who had watched Tree of Life evangelistic videos. The man said, “The truth? I watched all your videos, I became interested in this. I read the New Testament, I read the prophecies of Daniel and Isaiah 53, and I understood that up until this point our people were living in a lie!” Is that encouraging or what! To hear more wonders of what God is doing here’s a video 

Israel Pochtar of Beit Hallel in Ashdod sends Devotional: Watchmen on the Walls, Watch, read and enjoy the photos for Making a Difference in a Child's Life. Plus the ministry Prayer Points 

Carolyn and Richard Hyde are still traveling in the USA. They tell of Jews they are meeting along the way and encouraging to make Aliyah to Israel. One great story: " During a meeting in Texas I made a passionate plea for my Jewish people to leave America and make Aliyah. After everyone left the meeting, eight Jewish believers who’d clearly been talking with one other, quietly surrounded me. By the serious look on their faces, I thought I did something wrong. Suddenly one of them spoke for the group and asked “So what do we need to do now?”  We saw this pattern repeat itself at other meetings and even the secular Jews in attendance wanted to know how to make Aliyah. One of them was near tears as he confessed to his wife who’s a Christian that perhaps it really is time to go home.

They also note of their son's ministry, Avi-Asher Hyde of Tree of Life, a prayer request: "Daniel is a Jewish believer in Yeshua from Brazil. He has a passion and calling to reach the Jewish people with the Gospel, so he’s been pursuing a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies. He’s been volunteering with the Tree of Life Media Team for several months, responding with clarity and compassion to questions from pre-believers. In Brazil when Christians begin to explore the Hebrew roots of their faith, the main teachings available are rabbinical. So sadly, many have fallen away from their faith, but Daniel could translate our evangelistic videos into Portuguese, and help answer their questions too. Thank you for prayerfully considering partnering with us to add Daniel to the Media Team so that we can reach more people with the truth of Messiah Yeshua."

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Once again, I would like to say Thank you to my subscribers who wonderfully answered my request for donation help. Two scriptures come to mind, "The LORD is for me among those who help me" Psalms 118:7 NAS. This is certainly true, those who help us in time of need are expressing that God is FOR us. The second is like the first, Psalm 54:4  KJV: "Behold, God is mine helper: the LORD is with them that uphold my soul." When any of us give to those in need, the LORD is with us because we are upholding souls precious to Him. Thank you, Donna.

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! Olga’s health. She went through several checkups that showed new findings and the doctors believe that an operation should improve her condition. Different doctors, however, propose different kinds of operations, and we need God’s guidance and wisdom to make the decision. | 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 who at last report was losing her eyesight. I have heard nothing from her in months and she may be in nursing home care now. If anyone knows more please write me...and pray for Ruth | Prayer for one of Yariv Goldman's daughters, married with possible endometrioses.



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