Every month we hear new stories from our frontline ministry staff in Israel about ways they’ve recently shared the good news of Messiah and the kingdom of God, both as part of their official missionary work and also as they go about their day. We love to see how God is working and know you will, too! Enjoy!

The Power of Prayer

Most of the time, we don’t know how much our lives impact someone else. Recently, however, my wife and I heard an Arab pastor testify about his spiritual journey—and what a shock we had when he mentioned us! Back in 2006, he was not yet a believer, but he saw us praying (back then) for the salvation of the Arab community of Israel, and our prayer touched him so much he committed his heart to Jesus. Now he is the pastor of Lebanese refugees in northern Israel. We tell you this story because we didn’t know back then how our prayer had such an effect on someone. In fact, we didn’t know him or anything about him until recently when he shared his testimony—such a joy!

Thank the Lord for His beautiful and faithful work behind the scenes even when we had no idea what He was doing! Praise the Lord for this pastor, and pray for continuing work and fruit. Pray for Arabs to see, come to, and walk in Jesus’ light.

PTSD and WWJD

This winter, while on a short ministry retreat in Cyprus (a very large island near Israel) we made friends with other Israelis on the trip. Many meaningful conversations took place, but one particularly touched our hearts. While riding together in jeeps through the forest, a psychologist discussed her work with Israeli youth and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). We talked about the pain and trauma of the war, and how it had affected all of us. She opened up and divulged her own unhappiness about living in Israel since the war. She feels it is very dysfunctional! She even asked our young adult daughter, “Why come to live in Israel, when you could live in America?” We didn’t even have to ask ourselves WWJD (What would Jesus do?) but we immediately and tenderly shared about our faith in the Bible, how God protected His people in their homeland, how He has a plan, how He wants us to believe in Jesus His Messiah.

Please pray for this woman and others like her who are profoundly distressed and intensely hungry for depth, meaning, and spiritual answers.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

My wife and I are launching a children’s club which will meet once a week. Our goal is to bring together the children from the congregation that we attend, create a warm and safe atmosphere for them to grow in faith, and open an opportunity for them to invite their friends to learn about God and experience His love in practical ways.

Pray for the Lord to guide us as we organize and minister to the kids, and for His Spirit to work in the hearts of both the saved and not-yet-saved so they will draw closer to Messiah and come to know Him personally and intimately.

Survivors Who Thrive

A few months ago, we organized an evangelistic outreach taking a group to Poland, including Holocaust survivors. It was a spiritual and rehabilitation program, and throughout the entire trip we consistently reflected on the Word of God. Almost all 52 of the people in the group were unbelievers. After returning to Israel, I preached at a congregation and saw two Holocaust survivors who had been with us on the trip. They had come to a congregation of believers for the first time in their lives because the Lord had begun to speak to their hearts. They really enjoyed the service and have since become regular attendees. We see they are very close to God, and I sincerely hope they will decide to be baptized and come to faith soon. I thank Jesus for such wonderful fruit!

Pray with us for the gift of faith in the hearts of these Holocaust survivors so they may thrive and see the beauty of life in Jesus! Pray for us as we continue to host evangelistic outreaches and for fruit among those who attend them.

Tooth n’ Truth

I praise God for more spiritual and gospel-sharing conversations recently! God provided an opportunity for me to share the gospel with my dentist and his assistant. The dentist asked what I do, presenting the opportunity to share my faith! When the assistant asked how I make sense of the theory of evolution, we discussed what distinguishes humans from other animals—our unique cognitive abilities, abstract reasoning, self-awareness—as pointing to our being made in the image of God and called into relationship with Him. Descartes and morality also made it into the conversation, which they both said they hoped to continue when I return for my next visit. After our conversation, the dental hygienist—curious as to what she missed out on—also asked what I had been sharing with them. Since no other patients were around, and we had several minutes to spare, there was even more room for conversation. She also expressed interest to continue talking when I return in six months. Meanwhile, seeds have been sown!

Pray for these three to be receptive to the Holy Spirit working in their hearts. Pray for me to continue to have wisdom, favor, grace, and words from above as I witness to them and others. Pray for them and many others to come to faith in Yeshua and be discipled in the Word.

Young Believing Israel Returned from Special Conference in Europe

Many young Israelis from our communities just returned from attending the Chosen People Ministries Muchan (Hebrew for ‘Ready!’) Conference in Budapest.  The conference is for young adults ages 18–35 who love the Lord, love Israel, and are a part of local Jewish communities and evangelism. There were 118 people from 10 countries—all showed a deep desire for Bible study, discussion, and worship in Hebrew and English.  They all were very intentional to make new friends and to discover new and exciting stories and ways each community is sharing the gospel and showing support for Israel. For the Israelis who attended, it was an important time away to be refreshed and rejuvenated. Many wanted to attend the conference two years ago but were serving in reserves in the Israeli Defense Forces soon after the war with Hamas started.

Please pray that the Israelis who came, and all the others, continue to share their light and testimony with others after having experienced a blessed time of fellowship and depth of the Word together!