Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem! In the midst of the increasing chaos in the Middle East, we stand firm on the LORD’s promise that He is Israel’s Defender, and He will not allow her to be destroyed. This month is actually a great reminder of His faithfulness, as we celebrate the festival of Purim! Purim is a time when we recall God’s faithful deliverance of the Jews from being annihilated in ancient Persia, through Esther’s bravery, and Mordechai’s conviction that she was indeed born for “such a time as this.” May we all have Esther’s bravery and Mordechai’s conviction for these times!
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
Rain: 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.
HFI EXPERIENCE ISRAEL TOUR 2014: Hope for Israel’s 9th annual “Experience Israel” tour arrives March 1! For two weeks, 48 people from around the world will join us as we tour the Land to learn about its past, present, and what God says about its future. This tour changes lives and we anticipate it will be a special tour this year. Please pray for safe travels for everyone who will be flying in from different parts of the world. Please also pray for health for Moran, Isaac, Chris, & Yossi – the leadership of the tour, as well as health for the tour members. Lastly, please pray for good weather, a quiet atmosphere in Israel, and safety for the tour during their travels within the Land. May the LORD bless each person in a unique way and may lives be changed for His glory!
Purim: The festival of Purim begins sundown on March 15th, 2014. It is the most festive and joyful Jewish holiday, and children dress up in costumes and read the story of Queen Esther from the Magillah. Everyone looks forward to this holiday every year, because of the happiness that comes with it. Please pray for safe and peaceful Purim celebrations in Israel and around the world, especially in places where it is becoming more dangerous to be Jewish. Please pray that as we remember God’s faithfulness to protect the Jewish people, that many will see Yeshua.
“Peace Talks”: The talks are in an interesting phase as it seems that an agreement may be very near, but both sides continue to criticize each other’s lack of willingness to appease each other. John Kerry continues to work overtime on these talks, and has asked that the original April deadline be extended to early summer. 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.
Northern Israel: There was an alleged Israeli attack on a weapons transport from Syria to Hezbullah in late February, further adding to the already tense situation on the northern border of Israel. The fact that Hezbullah is getting its hands of some serious weapons is very troubling, not only for Israel, but also for the Lebanese people who are on the verge of a civil war themselves. Syria continues in its defiant crackdown on Rebels, and people are still dying there daily. Please continue to pray for God’s intervention in the Syrian civil war, and also prevention of a civil war breaking out in Lebanon. Please also pray for Israel’s protection from attacks from either Hezbullah or the Syrian army and/or Rebels.
Egyptian Chaos: The recent resignation of Egypt’s current government has paved the way for the head of the Egyptian military to run for president. The chaos only continues to increase in Egypt, especially after terrorists attacked a bus full of South Korean Christian tourists who were traveling to Israel through the Sinai Desert. Egyptian leaders are losing the battle against rogue terrorists who are slowly yet surely taking over much of the country. Please continue to pray for Egypt’s deliverance from terrorists and that the next President of Egypt will be sincerely devoted to cracking down on corruption and building up Egypt’s stability. Please also pray for God’s protection over Israel, especially Eilat and other towns along the border, from rockets and other terror attacks.
Tension Escalating within Israel: The latest round of escalation happened when riots broke out on the Temple Mount when police prohibited Muslims to enter to pray, after receiving intelligence that there were plans for public disturbance. The last week of February also marked the 20th anniversary of the mass-murder of Muslims in Hebron by a Jewish terrorist; Muslims rioted all week long and caused much damage. 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.
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran – Moran will host two tours from abroad here in Israel the entire month of March, and then will travel with his family to the States for two weeks for a family event. It is a very intense month and we ask for prayer covering for him, for wisdom, strength, discernment, and health, as well as for safety during his many travels here and abroad. Please also pray God will bless Melissa with an extra measure of peace, patience, and joy in his absence at home. Please also pray that God would protect his and his family’s health this busy 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.
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.
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.
Believing Soldiers’ Outreach – in response to a growing need for support for our young believing soldiers, we began a bi-weekly meeting for soldiers when they come home for the Shabbat. We have also hired another part-time staff member, Sara, to lead alongside with David this portion of the discipleship program. Please pray for Sara, that she will walk in God’s anointing and wisdom for this new ministry opportunity. Please also pray that she will have a deep sensitivity to what the soldiers need, and plan the meetings accordingly. Lastly, please pray that this group will be a wonderful blessing to our soldiers to keep strong in their faith, and be fruitful wherever the Lord has put them.
Moms’ Group: Please pray that God will lead Melissa as she continues to lead the group, especially to be sensitive to the changing needs of the moms as they enter different phases with their children. 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 – 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, and to be a strong supportive voice for Israel.
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