Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem! The Middle East continues its descent into chaos, and the lack of intervention from Western powers has left a gap that is currently being filled by rogue terrorist groups; this is happening in places such as Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and within the Palestinian Authority as well. This is leaving a heavy burden for the current governing powers in these places, and Israel is also struggling with the issue of securing its borders. Fighting from Syria has spilled into Lebanon, and at times, the Israeli border is also under fire. The situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, and rogue terror groups there are firing rockets into Israel, causing a big problem.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
“Peace Talks” On Shaky Ground: As the April deadline for an agreement between the Israelis and Palestinian Authority draws closer, it looks like such an agreement will not materialize. This will inevitably create high tension between the two sides, adding more fuel to an already hot fire. US Secretary of State, John Kerry, is set to unveil his plan for a two-state-solution, but it will divide Jerusalem. The world thinks it knows the solution to the conflict in Israel, but it is only bringing more disaster as it meddles with God’s plan for this Land. Please continue to intercede for Israel during the next month, especially as things are on the verge of exploding. Please also pray that the Palestinian Authority will not seek statehood via the UN, as this will create further problems in Israel. Lastly, please pray for wisdom for Israel’s leaders as they are under incredible pressure from outside governments to make dangerous concessions for “peace” with a people that are not seeking true peace.
Syria: Israel reportedly bombed missile launchers in the Syrian port city of Latakia. The missiles were apparently part of Russia’s military aid to Syria, which makes this even more problematic. Russia continues to support Assad’s dictatorship and its murderous crackdown on dissenters in Syria, and the war there just grows worse with each day. The threat is still very real on Israel’s border with Syria and Israel remains on high alert each day. Please continue to pray for an immediate end to the civil war and for Syria to emerge from this dictatorship without further casualties. Please also pray that as things delve further into chaos there, that the Gospel will go forth with great power to transform lives and give the people hope in Messiah. Lastly, please pray that Bashar Assad will be held accountable for his crimes against his people.
Increase in Palestinian Terror Attacks: 2013 saw a noticeable increase in terror attacks compared to 2012. And the prediction for 2014 is they will increase even more. A Palestinian man was killed after he fired on an IDF post, which will definitely add to the tension. There is a growing frustration amongst the Palestinian Arab people, much of which stems from the failing “peace” talks and the PA who are losing control within their governing areas. Israel has also decreased the presence of its soldiers within the Judea & Samaria region in good faith during the current round of talks, but this has left parts of the country less protected. 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 His love for them and His plan to draw near through Yeshua.
Israel’s Water Supply: What started as an abundant and plentiful rainy season has turned into a very dry and arid winter. The incredible winter storm of December brought much needed snow and rain to the country, but Israel hasn’t received much precipitation since. 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 has a busy February ahead of him, with some visitors from the States coming to Israel, and then he will head into the busy month of March, where he will host two separate tours from the States. 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 this winter season. The children have had multiple rounds of illness, and we ask for prayer for strong immune systems. 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.
Important Transition –The move from Hope Chapel to Seed of Abraham Ministries has had some unforeseen challenges, but we are still in the transition phase. We have been released from the covering of Hope Chapel, which was a wonderful, loving, and nurturing home for Hope for Israel for the last 13 years. Hope for Israel has simply grown to a size where Hope Chapel felt it was best that we seek another covering in order to accommodate our growth. Please continue to pray that this transition will go smoothly and without any problems, especially where donations are concerned. Please also pray for a double blessing for Hope Chapel for the many years of covering, and also for Seed of Abraham as they graciously have taken us under their organization’s covering. Please pray that the new working relationship between HFI and SoA will be mutually beneficial, and ultimately, greatly beneficial to the LORD’s Kingdom!
HFI Board – Please continue to pray for the Board as they always have important decisions for the ministry in front of them. 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: Please pray that God will lead Melissa as she continues to lead the group. 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