<Click to Download Prayer Letter PDF>
Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom! March was a very pivotal month for Israel: Netanyahu announced his new government, which he successfully formed just before the deadline. Then President Obama made his first visit since becoming President four years ago, and the Israeli/Turkish relations took a drastic turn when Netanyahu officially apologized for the Mamara Flotilla incident. Israel, as well as Jews all over the world, celebrated the Passover Feast in relative peace and quiet, which was an answer to prayer considering the rampant anti-Semitism in the world now. But Netanyahu’s government faces some huge crises on the horizon, especially with Israel’s neighbors in the Middle East.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
Memorial & Independence Days: Israel will be observing Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, and 65 years of Independence this month. The significance of each of these days reminds us of God’s miraculous hand over Israel and His faithfulness to keep His covenants. Please pray that these days will be peaceful, without any disturbances, and for those who mourn, that they would be comforted.
New Israeli Government: Netanyahu successfully formed his new government, which is mixed mostly from central and conservative parties. The most concerning issues at hand are the rising turmoil from Israel’s hostile neighbors, Iran, and the issue of a Palestinian state. Please pray for great wisdom for Israel’s leaders in this pivotal time. Please also pray that we will turn back to our Heavenly Father, our sovereign King, and look to Him alone for guidance. Lastly, please pray for the leaders that are chosen to turn to God for guidance and humble themselves before Him rather than seek their own personal advancement.
Heightened Tensions Between Israelis & Arab Palestinians: Terror attacks in the Judea/Samaria region (the “West Bank”) have been on the rise this past month. While police have not officially termed it a 3rd Intifada, the concern is that the attacks will grow increasingly violent and deadly. Palestinians are also very disappointed from Obama’s last visit, as they expected more from him regarding establishing a Palestinian State. These frustrations could explode into more violence. Please intercede for a breakthrough in this difficult situation! More importantly, please pray that the Body of Messiah in Israel will be a great blessing to our Jewish and Arab neighbors who do yet know Yeshua, as we know that things will grow difficult as the time of His return grows near.
Israel’s Hostile Neighbors: The security situation with Syria has intensified and Israel is heavily protecting the border it shares with Syria. Israel is also still very concerned about transferring of chemical weapons from Syria to Lebanon where Hezbollah is likely to get their hands of them. Please continue to intercede for Israel, for her protection, and most importantly, for her salvation! Please pray for great wisdom for Israel’s government and military leaders, and for God’s continued blessing on those countries that support Israel in the meantime. Please also pray that those in Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan will come to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and for His protection over those who do know Him.
Iran Nuclear Talks: Last month, 13 Republican congressmen introduced legislation that would support an Israeli strike against Iran in the interest of self-defense. Two other types of legislation were introduced by Republican and Democratic Senators also voicing support for Israel. While this is very promising, the fact that Iran continues with its defiant nuclear program, despite very tight sanctions, is concerning. The EU is now considering easing up some of its strict sanctions on Iran after Iran pleaded with them for mercy. These are very troubling times! Please continue to intercede for God’s protection of Israel from a nuclear-armed Iran, and for an immediate intervention in their nuclear advancement.
Anti-Semitism Rising in Europe: The news is filled with stories of anti-Semitism in Europe. From Greek’s rising political party, Golden Dawn, to the overwhelmingly anti-Semitic views of Muslim youth in Belgium (as exposed by a recent poll), the news is concerning for Jews and for Israel. While we hope nothing like a Holocaust could happen again, the sentiment in Europe is reminiscent of 1940’s Nazi Germany. Please continue to pray for God’s protection over Jews and Israelis throughout the world. Please also pray that as the LORD continues to draw the Jewish people to Israel, that He would also soften the hearts of more people throughout the world to His plan of salvation through the Jewish nation!
Israel’s Water Situation: The Sea of Galilee, which is Israel’s main source of fresh water, is at an amazing level for this time of year! What a merciful answer to so many prayers that have been lifted up to the LORD! Please continue to pray for abundant rain in the next month, and for advancement in desalinization techniques that Israel may begin to use water from the Mediterranean in addition to rainfall.
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran — Please pray for wisdom and strength for Moran as he leads the ministry that God has entrusted to him. Please pray that God would protect him and his family as the ministry enters a busier season, and Moran will start to travel more. Finally, please pray that God would put His hedge of protection around them all and give Moran and Melissa great wisdom as the raise their three young children.
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.
Website – The new website continues to bring new visitors to our site, thanks to our talented website team! The contribution of new articles and bible study blogs has helped our site to become a top site for many people to gain wisdom about the Word, and grow in their walk with the LORD. Please continue to pray for God’s blessing over this project, and for clear communication between everyone involved. Please pray for our new web team to be blessed and for God to use the website for His glory.
Office space – We are still URGENTLY in need of a new space that will meet our needs for every different activity of the ministry. We have almost totally outgrown our current space, and it’s become a much more pressing need since we’ve added staff members! Please pray for gracious provision of a space that we will be able to purchase, so that we are not at the mercy of a landlord. Please also pray for the funds needed.
Healing: Many people who are involved with Hope for Israel or who partner with us have been sidelined with illness ranging from common colds/flu to more serious diseases. Please pray for God to protect all who are involved with our ministry from sickness and to heal those who are already fighting illness. Please pray for His shield of protection to be around the ministry and that God would continue to raise up prayer warriors for us.
Ner Yah Youth Group – The school year is quickly drawing to a close as we begin the final quarter. The youth are continuing to meet on a weekly basis. Additionally, we have around 7-8 youth who will be entering their army service at different points this year, so we are hoping they develop the deep roots needed to keep them strong. Lastly, God has recently revived a vision for prayer and fellowship in the youths’ schools with two schools that have started this. Please pray that God would light the fire for prayer in more schools and among more youth in this time. Please also pray that the youth will continue to be rooted in the Lord through a deep relationship with Yeshua. Additionally, intercede for a breakthrough in many of the youths’ lives and that they would begin to turn their focus from themselves to God and those around them and learn to serve. Lastly, please pray for God to prepare those who will be entering the army and strengthen them for the time ahead.
Ner Yah Leaders – In addition to Moran, David, & Sappir, there is a leadership team of youth leaders and junior youth leaders who volunteer to work with the younger youth. Please continue to pray for unity among the staff and leadership team. Please pray that God would give them wisdom as they seek to do His will with the youth and for God’s patience and love to be on David and Sappir as they continue to lead on a full-time basis.
Moms’ Group: The group continues to meet monthly; God has added some new mothers to the group, and it’s a great blessing to see the fruit of encouragement in their lives. Please continue to pray for a fresh anointing on the group and the meetings, and for each mom to be encouraged in her great work of raising a family. Please pray for Melissa, for guidance and insight, as she plans what to share and discuss at each meeting; she is in the beginning stages of planning the group’s first overnight retreat, so we ask for much wisdom and favor for that. Please pray for the mothers’ personal relationship with the LORD, that they will not neglect their first love in the busyness of every day life. Lastly, please pray that the mothers will be encouraged to take care of themselves – body, mind, & soul – in order to better care for their families.
Tour Department – One of the ways that Hope for Israel is able to supplement the ministry’s income is by organizing and leading tours to Israel. The tours also carry a strong ministry component, as tour participants often have opportunities to bless Israel via tangible acts of service. As the situation in Israel continues to heat up, it is more important than ever for followers of Messiah to show their support by physically coming to Israel. 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.
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