Israel’s western Negev region is blooming! After replenishing amounts of winter rain, the region is covered in green grass, wildflowers, and especially red anemones. Called “Darom beLev” (South in the Heart), the area looks like a carpet of red flowers. Thousands of people flock to the beautiful region for picnics, hiking, and a festival loaded with vibrant art and food stalls where locals sell their produce and arts. The region sits close to the border with Gaza where Hamas infiltrated and carried out their massacre, so it was previously not safe to travel to this area. Its rebirth and beauty are a glimpse of the nation of Israel moving out of war and trauma to healing and growth.
Praise God for His beauty and rebirth after rain brings life and growth. Please pray for Israel’s spiritual renewal and salvation.
Major Ella Waweya will soon become the highest-ranking Muslim officer in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Her promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel comes as she assumes the new role as the IDF’s Arabic language spokesperson. She will replace Colonel Avichay Adraee who has served in this role for two decades. She comes with many loyal years of service, having begun in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit since 2013. She is well known within Arabic-language media across the Middle East.
Please pray for Ella as she gives a voice to Israel for many Muslim people across the Middle East and in Israel.
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog flew to Australia and landed on Sunday by the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marking an official visit. His first visit was at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. While there, he laid a wreath at the location of December’s terror shooting that killed 15 people who were attending a Hanukkah event. While there, he said, “The bonds between good people of all faiths and all nations will continue to hold strong in the face of terror, violence, and hatred. We shall overcome this evil together.” He continued by saying, “These vile terrorists specifically and deliberately targeted our dear sisters and brothers, Australian Jews. Yet, this was also an attack on all Australians. They attacked the values that our democracies treasure. This is how terror operates all around the world, and, sadly, Israel has faced this deadly threat for many decades.”
The President and his wife visited with family members of the victims of the Bondi terror attack. He reassured them that Israel stands with them. Despite Herzog’s invitation from the President of Australia and his efforts to curb antisemitism and hate within Australia, a large protest was organized by anti-Israel groups who opposed his visit because they believe he has incited genocide. State authorities declared the protest a “major event,” which allows the police to act with heightened risk confrontation.
Please pray for President Herzog’s solidarity visit to be fruitful and comforting to the families of victims, to the Jewish community, and to Australians who love and support Israel.
Once again, our Israeli ministry staff share a handful of stories or “mini glimpses” into how God is working behind the scenes . . .
. . . With Traveling Israelis
I flew in a day early for our global young adults’ conference in Budapest and met Israeli travelers on the plane. We chatted in the airport and decided to meet up and go out that night. Ido,* Leah,* and Lior* wanted to go hear music. It was a fun atmosphere and the jazz was good. More importantly, the conversation turned spiritual and I got to share my testimony with all of them. Ido and Leah both mentioned they heard of Messianic Jews before who believe in Jesus and were curious to understand more. We had a great conversation, and they asked questions which showed they have real interest to understand and are quite open to believe “if it is true.” When the night ended, we had to part, but we exchanged info and agreed to reconnect when we return to Israel—to talk more about Jesus. Please pray for all three of them to become open to Jesus.
. . . With Teens and Youth
Recently, I had the privilege of leading worship in a youth program for young teens, for a local youth group, and at a kids’ camp. It was such a joy to worship, pray together, and watch God work through music. Pray for more opportunities to disciple and lead people into prayer through worship, and for God to use these moments to build lasting faith in the hearts of both young and old.
. . . With the Religious
War has woven relationships which continue to lead to faith conversations. During a recent holiday party, one of our staff invited a guest they had met while sheltering together during the 12 Day War. Although they had explained our faith to Eliyah* several times, she wished to understand more. She attends a weekly Torah study and considers herself religious and waiting for Messiah. “But what if he’s already come?” I asked, and we discussed Isaiah 53. Afterwards, she stated that Jewish and Muslim people both believe in one God, whereas “you” (I) believe in three. “Could God become man?” I asked. Eliyah showed me a known Jewish website’s commentary on Genesis 18, and repeated rabbinical teachings saying there were three angels [appearing to Abraham]. I encouraged her to consider the text, which points to two angels and God personally present. Please pray God continues probing her heart, and the hearts of our people, towards Messiah.
. . . With Suffering Soldiers
At a recent dinner, my friend Shir,* who had served a total of six months in Gaza as a combat medic during the war, mentioned her ongoing trauma and nightmares. In one case, four soldiers had been seriously wounded. Three died before they could be evacuated. The fourth was flown out in critical condition. She later learned he survived, and she wrote to thank him for living. Amid her struggles with trauma, her comfort is that she was able to save lives. Sadly, these are our casual conversations. Please pray for Shir (and other soldiers suffering from trauma) to find comfort from believers, from the Scriptures, and ultimately from Yeshua, who understands and carried all our sorrow, affliction, and tears.
. . . With Children and Families
About a year and a half ago, we launched our first children’s club in the city of Ashkelon. Our vision was to create a safe and welcoming place where children could gather once a week for fellowship and for studying Scripture. We wanted them to be able to open their hearts, share their experiences, and receive spiritual healing—despite the war. Our team developed a program that is joyful, engaging, and not overwhelming. We present God’s Word in a creative and playful way, and the children truly enjoy it. They especially love doing crafts, drawing, learning worship songs, and spending time together while sharing a meal. At the beginning, about 10 to 15 children attended the club each week, but now 40 to 50 children attend every week. Best of all, most of them come from non-believing families. Because of this, we now also have gatherings for children and their parents, which has been a great blessing. Some families have even begun attending the local congregation and participating in our family camps. Please pray for these kids and their families to come to know Jesus and for the continued growth and fruit of this outreach, as well as the similar children’s clubs we have newly launched in Jerusalem and Haifa.
. . . With Influencers
These past few weeks have reminded me how powerful it is when a heart begins to soften, even after years of silence. Dan,* a young Israeli streamer on YouTube with a long history of gambling and spiritual wandering, finally asked to meet in person. Face to face. We’ve talked before, but this time was different. After years, something is shifting. This time, his eyes weren’t just curious; they were searching. There is repentance taking shape in his heart. Please pray Dan would fully surrender his life to Yeshua (Jesus) and I would have the wisdom I need to walk with him.
. . . With a Searching Guide
Recently, I was chatting with a tour guide at the Garden Tomb, a beautiful archaeological site in Jerusalem. Although not a believer, Moriel* knew the Scriptures very well. He started talking about the connection of blood and covenant. He seemed shocked I knew something about it! He was so excited to meet someone willing to discuss the topic. He had made an in-depth study of covenant, how Passover is about sacrifice, how covenants were inaugurated with blood, and even how Judas betrayed Jesus and accepted “blood money,” a tangential reference to Jesus’ sacrifice. Please pray for us to have further dialogue, for the Lord to reveal Himself to Moriel, and for his passion for searching the Scriptures to never wane.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers, encouragement, and faithful support. Please know what you do truly matters! Your partnership is undeniably effective and has an eternal impact. Together, we move forward in faith, trusting God for even greater things ahead.
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N Cooke2022-02-17 14:55:552022-02-17 15:08:25Reaching the Hard-to-Reach
Hostages Square. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Oren Rozen)
Israel Defense Forces takes possession of David's Sling air defense system. (Photo: Defense Ministry)Inside Israel February 17th 2026