Dear Prayer Partners,

Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem.  Sadly, we begin this prayer letter with the tragic news that the three kidnapped Israeli teenagers’ bodies have been found.  The teens went missing three weeks ago when they were abducted in an area outside of Hebron, as they were on their way home for the Shabbat.  Israel is in deep mourning for these boys whose lives were senselessly and tragically cut short in their historical homeland.  Please join us in prayer for their families, and for those responsible to be found and brought to justice.  Please also pray for great wisdom for Israel’s leaders – especially Netanyahu – as the next steps will set a crucial precedent for Israel’s future dealings with such acts of terror.

Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:

Tension Escalating within Israel: The kidnapping & murder of the three Yeshiva students has added fuel to an already hot fire burning between Israelis and Palestinians.  During their search for the missing boys, the IDF cracked down on Hamas operating within the Judea & Samaria region, and many Palestinians were arrested (re-arrested in some cases) for their involvement in terrorist activity. Hamas has also sent a barrage of rockets into Israel from Gaza with hopes of drawing Israel into a full-on military confrontation. Please continue to pray for Israel’s protection, and that God will give Israel increased knowledge and wisdom to continue to prevent terror attacks.  Please also pray for the Palestinians, that God would reveal His love for them and His plan to draw near through Yeshua.

Hamas/Fattah Unity Government over Palestinian Authority – the governing body of the Palestinian Authority recently came under new leadership when Hamas signed a reconciliation charter with Fattah (PLO).  These two warring factions have been at odds for a long time, but are now co-operating the government under the leadership of Mahmmoud Abbas, the Palestinian President. Please pray that the LORD will protect Israel from this dangerous new governing body.  Hamas has one clear goal…”to liberate Palestine from the Jews with armed resistance”.  They have no desire to cooperate with Israel to form a peace deal and are very dangerous to Israel’s security in the Land.

Ramadan – the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan, began in late June and continues through the 27^th of July.  This is a time when Muslims around the world fast food and water all day, until sunset.  This is also a time when we pray that the LORD will reveal Himself in supernatural visions to Muslims all around the world.  Please join us in praying for the salvation of Muslims around the world during this time of fasting.  May Yeshua reveal Himself to those who seek the truth, but are blinded by false teaching, and a hatred of the Jewish people.

Iran –Please continue to pray for Israel’s protection from Iran in these troubling times.  Please pray that the world will clearly see Iran’s military nuclear ambitions and not allow Iran to pull the wool over their eye, so to speak.  Lastly, please pray for our brothers and sisters in Iran who suffer greatly at the hands of the oppressive government, many of whom are in great danger for their lives.

Anti-Semitism Rising – incidents of anti-Semitic attacks continue to rise throughout the world.  Anti-Israel rhetoric is also being pushed in governments, universities, and other various intellectual institutes.  The environment in Europe is reminiscent of pre-Nazi era, and many Jews in places all throughout Europe feel unsafe. Please pray for the safety and protection of Jews and Israelis wherever they are throughout the world.  Please also pray for those who hate the Jewish people, that the Holy Spirit will convict and change their hearts to understand why God has called Israel the “apple of His eye”, and how it pertains to salvation for the entire world through His Son, Yeshua.  Lastly, please pray that as we see more and more Jewish people return to Israel, that Israel will welcome them with open arms and support them in their successful acclimation to life here.

Israel’s Water Supply: We ended our rainy season with a disappointing rainfall, but we also hope for more advancement in our desalination techniques, so that we can make use of other sources of water. While our rainy season is officially over, there are always chances for unexpected showers! Please continue to pray for God’s mercy on Israel’s water supply, that He will miraculously replenish our precious water.

Forest Fires:  Israel has been very hot and dry and we have had at least two large forest fires in the Jerusalem area alone in the last couple of weeks.  Both fires are thought to have been set purposefully, which could be considered acts of terrorism.  Please pray for protection from further fires in throughout the country, and that Israel’s resources to fight these fires will be replenished.

Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:

Moran – Moran is preparing for a very busy trip to the States this month. He will be in NC, Texas, and Ohio for speakings in various congregations.  Melissa and the children will stay at home in Israel; this is their first summer at home in three years!  While it will be strange for the family not to travel, they are hoping the summer will be filled with rest, quality family time, and a chance to grow in the LORD. Meanwhile, Moran is very busy preparing for the trip, and is also facing some important decisions.  Please pray for health, strength, wisdom, and discernment for Moran, especially during the busy month ahead.  Finally, please pray that God would put His hedge of protection around the family and give Moran and Melissa great wisdom as they raise their three young children, and that the summer will indeed be a restful, peaceful, and fruitful time for them.

HFI Board – Please continue to pray for the Board as they always have important decisions for the ministry in front of them.  Please keep their families in your prayers as well, that the arrows of the enemy will not penetrate, but that the LORD will shield them.

HFI Staff – Please continue to intercede for our staff members, board members, and ministry partners & their loved ones; please pray that we will walk in the victory that Yeshua has given us over illness and disease.  Please continue to pray for His protection over our children’s hearts & minds as well.  Please also pray for the entire staff in our work, that the LORD would inspire and work through us to bring Himself glory in Israel.

Seeking New Staff – We are seeking His wisdom in hiring a promising candidate, and asking God to work out all the necessary details. Please pray for wisdom for us with the potential candidate, and that if everything works out, that she will be a perfect fit not only for the position, but also for the family of Hope for Israel.

Summer Newsletter – we are in the process of printing and distributing our summer newsletter.  This specific edition of the newsletter addresses a very serious issue in the world regarding the hatred of the Jewish people, and it is a message the enemy does not want to be shared!  Please pray for God’s protection over this newsletter, from the printing to the final distribution, and that the Holy Spirit will speak through it to convict and strengthen people of the growing danger of anti-Semitism in the world.  Lastly, please pray for God’s protection over those involved with the production of the newsletter: Moran, Melissa, Sharona, Mike, & Patty.

Ner Yah Youth Group – The group is now in its summer break, where many of the youth will attend various camps in Israel. Please continue to pray that the youth will be rooted in the Lord through a deep relationship with Yeshua during the summer months.  Additionally, continue to pray for David and Sappir, the two main leaders, as they are now married!  Please pray for Sappir, who will not continue her position with Ner Yah after the summer, that the LORD will lead her to a new line of work, and for a great blessing in her and David’s marriage. Lastly, please pray for God to prepare those who will be entering the army and strengthen them for the time ahead.

Ner Yah Leaders – We are seeking Sapir’s replacement and are waiting on the LORD to bring a young woman who can lead the females in the youth group.  Please pray that God will bring us someone to fill this position, and who will have a passion for His will for the youth.  Please also pray that God would give David wisdom in his planning of the next year of Ner Yah.

Believing Soldiers’ Outreach – This outreach was established to meet the growing need for support of our young believing soldiers when they come home for the Shabbat. Please pray for Sara who is leading this outreach, that she will walk in God’s anointing and wisdom for this new ministry opportunity.  Please also pray that she will have a deep sensitivity to what the soldiers need, and plan the meetings accordingly.  Lastly, please pray that this group will be a wonderful blessing to our soldiers to keep strong in their faith, and be fruitful wherever the Lord has put them.

Tour Department – Please continue to pray that the LORD will bless this aspect of the ministry and that He would bring more and more people to witness of His love on these tours, and to be a strong supportive voice for Israel.

Lastly, please continue to pray for the salvation of Israel & the Jewish people throughout the world; we long for the day when all Israel will recognize her Messiah and bless Him… this is the key to unlocking the great spiritual blessing for the entire human race: “For if their rejection [of Yeshua] is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” Romans 11:15

In His Service,

The Hope for Israel Prayer Team