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Dear Prayer Partners,

Shalom! There is much to be interceding for on behalf of Israel.  In the last week of July, Israelis and Palestinians reentered “peace” talks that have been stalled for at least three years. Secretary of State John Kerry is actively mediating the talks, and is pushing for a final deal within 9 months.  The last time Israel had serious “peace” talks with the Palestinians, she suffered a bloody round of Intifadas (Palestinian uprisings), where Israelis were murdered in suicide bombs and other similar kinds of terror attacks.  This is a great concern for those who care for Israel’s safety and her ability to defend her borders!

The situation along Israel’s borders is also deteriorating and is cause for immediate concern for Israel’s military.  Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt are spiraling deeper into chaos with each passing day, and the threat to Israel increases daily.

But we know that our God is greater than all the despair!  He is in control and He will not slumber nor sleep.  Because we trust in His power to redeem and rescue, we are asking you to intercede on behalf of Israel now.  The next year could be crucial for Israel…and the world.  Let us not be caught off guard or asleep…

Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:

“Peace” Process:  The latest round of talks has started in Washington D.C.  Israeli and Palestinian representatives are actively trying to work out terms for a Palestinian State alongside Israel. Israel has already agreed to a precondition of releasing 104 convicted Palestinian terrorists who are currently serving out terms in Israeli prisons. Kerry is pushing for a deal within 9 months. The US Senate just passed a resolution supporting Kerry’s push for “peace”, which is the first time an official resolution regarding a Palestinian State has been made on the Senate floor.  Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom in this situation, as the last time such a push for “peace” was made, violent Palestinian suicide bombings and terror attacks took the lives of hundreds of Israelis.  Please also pray that America would see the truth of God’s Word, where He promises judgment on those who divide His Land (Joel 3).

Syria: As if things couldn’t grow worse in Syria, there is now a secondary civil war between two factions of the Rebels, who are fighting to take down Assad’s regime. These warring factions are now fighting amongst themselves, and recently abducted an Italian priest who spoke in favor of bringing down Assad’s regime, but with the support of another rebel faction.  Meanwhile, Assad continues to murder his own people in the primary civil war, and the fighting continues to spill over into Israel’s Golan Heights.   Please pray for wisdom to be given as security officials and government leaders make crucial decisions regarding whether to intervene in Syria or not. Please also pray for the many innocent civilians being affected by the conflict there, that they would experience the peace and comfort of God. Furthermore, please intercede for Israel’s safety and that chemical weapons would not successfully be used against her. Lastly, please pray that Israel would see that it is God who ultimately defends her more than any army in the world can.

Iran: Newly elected President, Hassan Rohani, continues to enrich uranium to the disappointment of many world leaders who had high hopes that the program would stop once Ahmadinejad left office. In fact, Rohani laughed at Netanyahu’s threats to attack Iran if they continued to work towards their nuclear weapon.  Current reports say that Iran could have an atomic bomb by mid-2014, which should gravely concern everyone.  Please continue to intercede on behalf of Israel where Iran is concerned.  We know that the end days will bring much suffering, and we pray for God’s hand of mercy over Israel, as her enemies are becoming more brazen about her destruction.  Please also pray that if Israel does attack Iran, that the USA and other nations will stand behind her!

Situation Within Israel:  The status of Israel within its borders is also worsening; from increased violence by the disenfranchised African immigrants in south Tel Aviv, to the increased radical behavior of the Orthodox Jewish community, to the rise in underworld, mafia attacks in Israeli cities, the situation is growing dim.  There is also a continued economic struggle for most Israeli families, who are struggling to put food on the table, and provide for basic needs.  Please continue to pray for redemption of Israel, that those who do not yet know Yeshua will come to faith and seek comfort in Him. 

Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:

Moran – Please continue to pray for wisdom and strength for Moran as he leads the ministry that God has entrusted to him.  Please pray that God would protect his and his family’s health. 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. 

Travel to the USA – Moran and his family will be returning to Israel in mid-August.  They are in the States currently for another two weeks.  The time has been fruitful for ministry and the family has enjoyed their time together.  Please pray for the remainder of the trip to be fruitful and that the family will have some more opportunities to rest after such a busy, intense trip so far.  Please pray for traveling mercies within the States, and back to Israel in mid-August.

HFI Board – The son of one of our board members is in a coma. Our hearts are very heavy for the entire family and we join the family in praying for their son.  Please intercede for “S” for health and a complete restoration of his mind and body.  Please also pray for strength for his parents and sister as they anxiously wait for him to be healed.  The Board is still in the middle of making a big decision, which we cannot explain at the moment, but are asking for prayer for great wisdom from the LORD, and for favor in the process.  We will update when it’s time and really appreciate your prayers. Please continue to pray!

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.

Office space – We are excited that we are in negotiations for moving to the larger office space in our current building!  Thank you for praying for wisdom for us. Please pray for wisdom for us and that if God closes the door for whatever reason, that we will be at peace. Please pray for continued favor from the Lord with our new landlord during the entire process. Please continue to 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.

Ner Yah Youth Group –Please pray that the youth will continue to be rooted in the Lord through a deep relationship with Yeshua, especially in during the summer break, when they have more time to spend in the Word. Additionally, continue to pray for David and Sappir as they lead the youth into becoming disciples of the Messiah. Lastly, please pray for God to prepare those who will be entering the army and strengthen them for the time ahead. 

Ner Yah Leaders – The youth leaders have finished training for next year’s session and one of the two youth leaders who graduated already entered his IDF service. Please continue to pray for the staff and leadership team as they prepare for the next year. 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 prepare throughout the summer for next year. 

Moms’ Group:  The group is on hiatus until September. Many of the children will start school the last week of August, so our routines will fall back into place! Please continue to pray for extra grace during this summer break, as kids will be home from their usual routines; may it be a time of peace, joy, and security for both mom and child.  Please continue to 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