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Dear Prayer Partners,

Shalom! The summer is in full swing here in Israel; school is out and summer camps have begun, as well as summer travel.  Secretary of State John Kerry has been traveling to Israel frequently in his efforts to revamp stalled “peace” talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority; he has said the window of opportunity is very short to achieve a Palestinian State and is pressuring both sides heavily to acquiesce to the United States’ demands for “peace”.

Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:

“Peace” Process:  John Kerry held a marathon round of talks with PM Netanyahu and Palestinian President Abbas the last week of June.  He reported a favorable advancement in the talks, but still said there is much work to be done and hurdles to overcome to realize a Palestinian State.  Please 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).

Situation in Southern Israel:  The quiet that residents of southern Israel enjoyed was shattered in the last few weeks with rockets from Gaza falling into Israel once again.  Also, along the Egyptian border, things have heated up and Israel has found itself battling a growing reality of terrorists along this border. Gaza, especially, will continue to be a threat to Israel’s security as long as Hamas is in power there.  Egypt continues to flounder in political corruption ever since the Muslim Brotherhood came into power, giving ample room for terrorists to thrive in the Sinai, along the border with Israel. Please continue to pray for God’s hand of protection over Israel in these trying times. Please also pray that He will grant His wisdom to Israel’s leaders and that His Word will reign supreme as they seek Him.

Syria: The situation seems to worsen each day, with the civil war in Syria spilling over the Lebanese and Israeli borders.  Recently, more than 50 people died in a Lebanese border town due to fighting that ensued there.  Support for Assad vs. the Rebels has divided the Muslim world, and Hamas and Hizbullah have become all the more polarized as a result.  It will be interesting to see how this will play out for Israel, as both groups are dedicated to seeing Israel’s demise.  The concern regarding transporting chemical weapons from Syria to Hizbullah is growing all the more. 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: With the election of a new President in Iran, Hassan Rohani, the world waits to see if Iran will respond to the West’s increased pressure to halt its nuclear program.  For now, uranium enrichment continues, and there has been no sign of cooperating with negotiators to ease up on sanctions. The fact of the matter is that Iran inches closer every day to its dream of a nuclear weapon, 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!

Tensions Rising Between Israelis and Arabs:

The situation between Israelis and Arabs in the Judea & Samaria region is worsening, especially as there have been incidents of “price tag” attacks against Arabs, and terror attacks against Jews.  As time lingers, people get more restless and begin to take the law into their own hands, bringing terrible consequences. Please pray for all those who are innocent, whether Israeli or Palestinian, to be protected from attacks. Please pray that those bent on violence would be brought to justice and even repentance. Please also pray that God would thwart any of the enemy’s plans and turn what he meant for evil into good.

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 traveling to the USA for 6 weeks.  This will be a very busy trip; Moran has 22 speaking engagements scheduled at the moment.  Please pray that this will be a time of great anointing, that many will be blessed by the LORD through Moran’s teachings and messages, and that He will bring many close to Him as a result.  Please also pray for God’s hand of protection over the family as they travel, for safe flights, and safe driving, as well as health during the entire trip.  Lastly, please pray that this time together as a family will be fruitful and really bless the children especially!

HFI Board – the Board has a very big decision ahead of it, 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.

HFI Staff – We are all very happy that Joanna has returned to Israel after her year at Bible school in Sweden!  She has transitioned wonderfully back into the office and her new job description; the other staff members are also very pleased to have her back in the office.  Thank you for praying for a smooth and peaceful transition! 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.

Newsletter – The newsletter is at the printer and will be distributed this month.  This is one of our most effective areas in the ministry, and also one that comes under spiritual attack the most.  Please pray for Moran, Melissa, Mike, and Judy as we prepare the newsletter, and that the mailing process will be easy and efficient.

Office space – We have found a great space in our current building that would meet our needs, but we are still praying about whether it is the best decision for us.  It would be a rental agreement for the time being, so it would be temporary until the Lord provides the funds to purchase a space. 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. Most importantly, please pray for God’s leading and giving of wisdom in this situation!

Ner Yah Youth Group –The group has finished its weekly meetings for the school year and will resume its meetings in September. Many of the youth graduated and will be entering their mandatory military service, or in some cases, national service.  There will be youth conferences throughout the summer for the kids, as well as a few activities that David & Sappir have planned for the youth.  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 are in training for next year’s session; two youth leaders graduated and will enter the IDF this summer.  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.  It was a great & fruitful year with the moms, with God bringing some new mothers to the group.  They are grateful for this group to encourage and support them in their calling as mothers. Please 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