Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom and Greetings from Jerusalem! We are quickly approaching the spring Jewish holidays. In the four months between the major fall and spring celebrations, there are two main winter holidays, Hanukkah and Purim, both of which remember significant historical events that influenced Jewish history. Commencing the eve of Wednesday, March 4 and ending the eve of Friday, March 6, Purim celebrates the survival of the Jewish people after the threat of their extinction in the time of the ancient Persian Empire in the 4th century BCE. Purim reminds the people of Israel about the story of when Esther, a young Jewess, was chosen, “for such a time as this,” to become queen of the Persian Empire and risked her life to save her people from annihilation at the evil hand of Haman. Just like Mordechai and Esther stood strong in the faith against the evil Haman, we also need to remember to stand faithful to the One True God, despite the world’s attempts to turn against the Jewish people. We ask for your prayers during this holiday season and that the people of Israel will be reminded of the faithfulness of God to save His people.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
Israeli Elections: After months of internal arguments within the Israeli government, Prime Minister Netanyahu called for the dissembling of the current government and early elections that will take place on March 17th. In less than a month the nation will decide which political parties will lead the Israeli public into the unperceivable future. We ask for your prayers for the outcome of the upcoming elections. Please pray for unity and integrity within the Israeli government, that leaders will rise up and stand for the truth of God’s word and lead the people of Israel on a just and godly path into the future. We know that God appoints kings to rule over nations and we pray that He will put in place a government that can face the challenges ahead.
Anti-Semitism in the Nations: Anti-Semitism has reared its head and is spreading once again across Europe and the world. It has a different face than what was seen in Nazi Germany, but the same evil root still exists. On a regular basis, news headlines report of another act of anti-Semitism, this predominantly occurring in Europe, but also in the United States and other western countries. In the US, anti-Semitism most commonly manifests itself on college campuses where the call for complete divestment from Israel is sweeping across American universities. Please pray that leaders worldwide would wake up to the growing threat that would seek to kill and destroy Jews throughout all the nations of the world and stand in opposition to this threat. Pray for protection of Jews who would become targets of the enemy. Pray for the Body of Believers that they would not fall into this trap of anti-Semitism.
Terrorist Attacks: Despite the fact that the number of terrorist attacks has reduced in recent months, much of this is due to security and police intelligence preventing attacks before they occur, the problem of terror has not disappeared. Enemies of Israel stand at every border of the country with Hezbollah threatening the northern border, the war in Syria only miles away, and the constant threat of surprise attacks by Hamas from Gaza and the Palestinian territories. Yet, we serve a God who is in control of all circumstances and protects His children. Please pray that we would not live in fear of danger or an enemy that we cannot see. Pray for God’s hand to watch over all those the enemy would seek to harm. Also, that we would learn to love our enemy and pray that he would come into the light of Yeshua.
Poverty in Israel: Recent statistics in Israel show that there has been a 55% overall increase in child poverty in the past 15 years. The report also showed that child abuse in Israel has increased. In 2013, 66.4 percent of Arab children in Israel were living in poverty and 20 percent of Jewish children. Families living in poverty oftentimes have to make difficult decisions like whether to buy food for the kids or medication, paying the electric bill or buying books for school. On top of that housing prices have skyrocketed throughout the country in recent years making it almost impossible for families to become home owners or save for the future. There are many reasons for poverty, but much of it has to do with Israeli government policy: reduction of welfare pensions, a low minimum wage, and tax and labor laws, to name a few. Please keep those who are struggling to provide the basic necessities of food, medicine, and education for their children. Pray for the government to take notice and make progressive changes that will help lift these families out of poverty. Of course, pray that people would come to see God as their Provider.
Peace Process: Recently PA President Abbas was quoted as saying, “The world is on our side.” In many ways Abbas is correct. He has taken a strategy of taking his mission to the United Nations where he recently has proposed a resolution, with the help of Jordan, which calls for the full withdraw of Israeli presence from Judea and Samaria within three years. Several influential European nations have already shown their support for this resolution and are pushing their governments to support a Palestinian State. Pray for wisdom for Israeli and Palestinian leaders and for them to turn to the Messiah as the only true source of peace and justice. Pray for God’s hand to be over the voting process as leaders of nations show their true colors on where they stand in the world, in relation to Israel.
Rain: Praise God that Israel has received rain in the early winter months. The country is flourishing in green hillsides and awaiting the spring flowers to bloom. We are hoping that the water will rise above the red line throughout the coming months in the places like the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s major water sources. Please pray for a continued and steady amount of rain to fall on this dry Land. “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.” Zechariah 10:1
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran – Please be in prayer for wisdom for Moran during these upcoming months. He has many important decisions to make in the midst of a very busy schedule with several tours to host. Please pray that God will sustain him in his emotional, spiritual and physical health during this time. Also, pray for wisdom as he begins a new blog series throughout the month of March.
40% Growth in 2015- We would appreciate it if you would join us in prayer about the growth and future of HFI. We have a goal to grow by 40% in financial giving in order to be able to serve with a greater capacity, as well to grow in partners and the number of tours we host throughout the year. Please pray for guidance and direction from God in every area of the organization – finances, partners, projects and tours.
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.
Ner Yah Youth Group – Please pray for the youth to courageously pursue the dreams that God has put in their hearts and that they will excel in every field they choose and will be integrated into the Israeli unbelieving society in order to be a light and testimony of Yeshua. Please also pray that they will be strengthened in their intimacy with God and their walk of faith, for them to diligently keep reading the Bible and continue to express interest and curiosity in God.
Ner Yah Leaders – Prayer for the leaders of Ner Yah, that they will be blessed with patience in their conduct with the youth. Also for expectations that the leaders carry to see meaningful changes in the youth, that they will trust the Lord and believe that their work is not vain and that they are touching them. They ask for wisdom in dealing with the many questions that the youth bring up in the gatherings.
Believing Soldiers’ Outreach – This outreach was established to meet the growing need for support of our young believing soldiers when they come home for Shabbat. Please pray for David and Sara who are leading this outreach – that they will walk in God’s anointing and wisdom for this new ministry opportunity. Please also pray that they will have a deep sensitivity to what the soldiers need as they continue to develop this department. Lastly, please pray for wisdom, strength and grace for the soldiers throughout all of the transitions that come with army service, for those currently entering and those that are exiting. Pray for them to be a light and true friends to the other soldiers surrounding them and that they will find direction for life in this season.
Experience Israel Tour – Please pray for the 10th Anniversary Experience Israel tour February 27th-March 14th. We would appreciate if you could keep this tour in your prayers that the group will travel in safety, that all of the tour operators and drivers would be blessed and protected as they lead the group. Pray for God to speak and reveal Himself in a new way during their time in Israel.
HFI Project- HFI is starting a number of new projects in the new year to bring the organization to a new place in a number of ways. Please keep us in your prayers for wisdom, growth, and direction in the way the Lord would lead as we make strategic decisions on these projects.
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 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 receive Him… “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
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