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Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom! The situation in the Middle East is on the verge of total meltdown. The recent use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime in Syria against its own people has brought the civil war to a place where America is ready to intervene. President Obama has decided to seek Congress’ approval, while promising that there will be some sort of action in Syria to make Bashar Assad accountable. Assad has threatened that any attack on Syria will result in an attack on Israel. While there is no logic in such a threat, it does make sense in terms of biblical prophecy! God is slowly but surely setting the stage for the rise of the anti-Messiah, and the great tribulation. We know that Israel will play a central role in these times and that great suffering will take place here and throughout the world.
We here in Israel constantly remind ourselves that our Protector is in control and He will not slumber nor sleep. We are all preparing for war, but many of us are not afraid because we know He is watching over us! This is a time for the Body of Messiah in Israel to stand firm in our witness and bring the hope of Yeshua to our neighbors to do not know Him! We have an amazing opportunity to witness His peace to those who are in distress; may we be willing to do so at any moment!
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
The High Holy Days: The Jewish High Holy Days are upon us! Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) begins sundown on September 4th; Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) begins sundown on September 13th; Succot (The Feast of Tabernacles) begins sundown on the 18th, and the final holiday of the season, Simchat Torah (Joy of the Torah) begins on the 25th. This is a month filled with much celebration, reflection, repentance, and joy. This can also be a time for Israel’s enemies to take advantage of the festivities and try to attack Israel off-guard. Please pray for Israel’s peace and security during this season, especially in light of the situation in Syria. Please pray ultimately for a spiritual awakening among the people in Israel – Jew and Gentile alike – and that we will seek true peace in Him. Lastly, please pray that our celebrations during the Feasts will be joyful in Him, and that our time with family and friends will be fruitful.
Syria: The civil war that has brought so much death and destruction to Syria is about to turn into a possible world war. The western powers are at odds with Iranian and Russian-backed Syria, and an attack on Syria could very well pave the way for more countries to get involved in such a war. Israel is caught in the crossfire, and although no doubt will cooperate with the USA in their attack on Syria, Israel will not directly attack unless attacked. Meanwhile, Syrians continue to be massacred as the world sits back passively. Please pray for God’s wisdom as security officials and government leaders make crucial decisions regarding whether or not to intervene in Syria. 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.
“Peace” Process: The latest round of talks has been put on hold in light of recent developments in Syria. Israeli and Palestinian representatives will most likely continue to try to work out terms for a Palestinian State alongside Israel. Israel released the Palestinian prisoners it had promised to release, but so far no Palestinian concessions have been made in return. 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).
Iran: The situation in Syria is thought to be a testing ground for how the world will react to Iran, if they should acquire a nuclear weapon. The hesitancy of world powers to act with Syria is concerning if this is the case. 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!
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.
HFI Board – Thank you for praying for “S”, the son of one of our board members; he is awake, praise God, but there has been some brain damage. Please continue to intercede for his health and a complete restoration of his mind and body. Please also continue to pray for strength for his parents and sister as they are on the long road to recovery for “S”. Please continue to pray for the Board as they make some important decisions for the ministry. 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.
Office space – We are set to move into our new office space within the next few weeks! THANK YOU for your prayers during this time! Please continue to pray for us during this phase of our office upgrade, that we will be at peace and not stressed or anxious. 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 –The group will commence its meetings next month, after the season of the High Holy Days ends. Please continue to 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 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 leadership team is preparing for the new school year! This is an exciting time of planning for the year, and the team would really appreciate prayers for the LORD to guide and lead in this process. 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.
Moms’ Group: The group is having its first meeting on the 11th. The group will start off the year with a “Moms Only” breakfast, which everyone is excited about! The mothers have missed the fellowship over the summer and are looking forward to getting back into the routine of meeting twice a month. Please pray that God will be gracious as the mothers ready their children for school and the school year routine. Please also pray for Melissa as she is in much prayer about planning the discussions for the upcoming year, that she would hear clearly from the LORD and present topics that are relevant and encouraging to the mothers. 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