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Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom! The summer heat has hit Israel and the Middle East. Along with the increased heat have come increased threats to Israel’s security. The most concerning development has been in Syria. Support for Assad regime – or the Rebels – has not only divided many Arabs within the Middle East, but many people throughout the world. Russia continues to arm the Assad regime, while other countries arm the Rebels. No matter what, Israel is caught in the middle, and is carefully weighing getting involved in the issue, as it affects her security. Within Israel, the government cuts to many social programs has caused some tension, and many Israelis are concerned that such cuts will cause many families to further slip into poverty. Times are tough all around and we are in need of the hope that only Yeshua can bring!
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
Syria: A senior Israeli intelligence official claimed that chemical weapons have been transferred from Syria to Hezbollah; Israel struck a weapons transport on its way to Lebanon, causing Syria to promise that another such attack will bring great damage to Israel. Hezbullah recently expelled Hamas from Lebanon over Hamas’ support of the Syrian Rebels, since Hezbullah is a friend of the Assad regime. Lastly, Russia continues to make matters worse by arming the Assad regime, supplying anti-aircraft missiles that can bring devastation to Israel at any moment. 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: The situation in Syria has allowed Iran to sit on the backburner all the while continuing its nuclear program. While the tough sanctions are not doing much good in getting Iran to cease its uranium enrichment, Israel will not allow Iran to cross the “red line”. What that means exactly, though, remains to be seen. 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!
Turkish & Israeli Relations: Israel reached out to Turkey with an apology for the loss of life in the Marmara Flotilla incident three years ago, but Turkey has yet to accept it without Israel paying an exorbitant $1million to each victim’s family. Israel has negotiated a maximum of $100,000 compensation but Turkey is unwilling to accept. Thus, Turkey has not resumed diplomatic relations with Israel, and it does not look as though they will anytime soon. Please continue to pray for this situation, that God’s best would be at the forefront of negotiations, and that Israeli officials would be very wise in their dealings with Turkey.
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 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.
HFI Staff – We are looking forward to Joanna’s return from Bible school this month. We are also deciding how to distribute various writing jobs amongst current staff members, instead of hiring someone on just for that. We are also praying about adding another staff member to head our media department in Israel. 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 – We are working on our newsletter, set to print 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. Please pray for God’s wisdom, inspiration, and words as we write, design, and print the newsletter.
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.
Ner Yah Youth Group –The youth are continuing to meet on a weekly basis. David and Sapir are being led by God as they seek to disciple the youth. 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, this month will be the last meetings for the school year. Please pray that the youth will continue to be rooted in the Lord through a deep relationship with Yeshua. Additionally, continue to pray for David and Sapir as they lead the youth into becoming disciples of the Messiah. Please also pray for the youth to remain focused and to have God’s peace as they prepare for the end of the school year and their end of year tests. 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 group is overseen by Moran and two other adult leaders. In addition, there is a leadership team of youth leaders and junior youth leaders who volunteer to work with the younger youth. The two full-time adult leaders, David & Sapir, are doing a great job in leading the youth and we are so grateful for them! 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 Sapir as they continue to lead on a full-time basis.
Moms’ Group – The group’s last meeting is this month before our summer break. We will also be treating to mothers to a “moms only” breakfast at a well-known establishment in Jerusalem as a special treat, to kick off the summer! 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. 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