Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom! Greetings from Jerusalem! Hanukkah, the Festival of Light, has entered in and we are celebrating God’s faithfulness to Israel centuries ago. These festivals are a great reminder of God’s love towards His people, Israel, and also to all who love Him.
This is a good time to recall God’s faithfulness to Israel, especially in light of the recent developments with Iran and their fooling the world with their desire to “negotiate”. Sadly, the world has bought into it, and Iran will continue to enrich uranium in its quest to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
“Peace” Process: The talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority are not yielding any kind of progress. The reality is that the Palestinians are not willing to budge on any issue, and Israel has its red lines for what it is willing to offer in terms of giving up land for “peace”. Please see our recent article on the situation for a more in-depth analysis. 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). Lastly, please pray for a great revival within Israel and amongst the Palestinian people, that we will all recognize our only chance for peace is through changed hearts in Yeshua.
Increase in Palestinian Terror Attacks: There are renewed waves of violence against Israelis. Palestinian youth, especially, are growing increasingly violent and hurling rocks against Israeli cars, causing damage to both vehicles and the passengers. These attacks could possibly signal a 3rd Intifada (Uprising), which could be a direct result of the current failing peace talks, as they have been in the past. Please continue to pray for Israel’s protection, and that God will give Israel increased knowledge and wisdom to continue to prevent terror attacks. Please also pray for the Palestinians, that God would reveal to them His love for them and His plan to draw near through Yeshua.
Iran: Iran has scored a huge diplomatic win in the recent agreement to lift crippling economic sanctions for lessened uranium enrichment. The agreement, unfortunately, depends on Iran’s promise to be open with the UN and its inspectors, allowing them full access to its nuclear plants. This is quite dangerous, though, considering Iran has proved less then willing to be transparent. Israel is very displeased with the recent agreement, and is working diplomacy from every angle to ensure strict penalties if Iran reneges on its end of the deal. 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.
Syria: Syria also managed to dodge the bullet of an American military strike after it murdered hundreds of its people with nerve gas in late August. The process of destroying Syria’s arsenal of chemical weapons continues, but very slowly. The civil war continues in the country, and it is becoming increasingly dangerous for journalists who are covering it. The rebel factions continue to fights amongst themselves in an effort to control the opposition against the Syria dictator. In short, it’s really a mess and there is no end in sight. Please continue to pray for God’s wisdom for Israel and the USA regarding Syria, as well as clarity to see the situation with open eyes. 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.
Israel’s Water Supply: Please continue to pray for God’s mercy on Israel this rainy season! Please pray that we will have a plentiful season of rain and for our water supply to continue to rise.
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran – Moran just finished a busy month in the States and also with a tour group in Israel; it was a very blessed time! He is looking forward to a slower December, with time to be in the office and at home more. Please continue to pray for wisdom and discernment for Moran as he leads the ministry that God has entrusted to him. Please also pray that God would protect his and his family’s health in the coming winter season. 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 – Please also 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.
Seeking New Staff – we are still in need of someone to lead our writing and media department. Please pray for God’s provision for someone who is willing to serve the LORD through their gift of writing, editing, and use of media. Please pray that God will bring someone who will be a perfect fit not only for the position, but also for the family of Hope for Israel.
Office space – Please continue to pray for continued favor from the Lord with our new landlord, and that we would be a powerful witness to them. Please continue to pray for gracious provision of funds that we will eventually be able to purchase an office space to be used for all the various ministry activities.
Ner Yah Youth Group – 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 –Please continue to pray for the staff and student leadership team as they lead the group. Please pray that God would give them wisdom as they seek to do His will with the youth.
Moms’ Group: The group has resumed its regular monthly meetings, and some new moms have joined! The next meeting will focus on practical tools to help the mothers with meal planning, with a recipe exchange. Please continue to pray for Melissa as she plans 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