Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem! We are now fully in the rainy season. This past month we saw a few flash floods in southern Israel as we welcomed the rainy season in the Land. This next month is expected to be a month full of more inclement weather in Israel, as well as further developments in the political and security scene facing Israel and the people of Israel today. Please continue to pray for an abundant rainy season, and for protection on all fronts.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
Blue-White Mandate to Form Coalition
For the first time since the April elections, the Blue-White party has actually received the mandate to form a coalition. They have until November 20th to get the job done. There have been some that are concerned that the Blue-White party would compromise the security and future of Israel by joining forces with anti-Israel Knesset members such as those in the Arab List, however, the leader of the Blue-White party has repeatedly asserted that he seeks to sit with all members of the Knesset in order to form a broad “unity” government across the political spectrum. The Blue-White party leaders have also promised on numerous occasions that the security of the nation is at the top of its agenda. As the Blue-White party now takes on the challenge of forming a coalition, pray with us that we will see a coalition form that will pursue righteous legislation in Israel and much needed reforms. Pray that any coalition that forms will not involve compromises that would bring judgement on Israel. Pray also for a spirit of humility to come over all who are serving in the Knesset so that righteous compromises can be made. *For an in-depth analysis of the Israeli election process, please see our summer newsletter.
The Threat of War
Israel is constantly facing the threat of war on multiple fronts. One recent escalation involved Hezbollah firing a missile towards an IDF vehicle in northern Israel. This incident marked the first time since the Second Lebanon War in 2006 that saw direct confrontation between the IDF and Hezbollah. At the time of this incident there were reports of Israel also killing two Hezbollah operatives in a move to prevent a Hezbollah drone attack against Israel. As the threat of war looms large on the horizon, the IDF has informed the public of a multi-year plan aimed at keeping the IDF prepared for the threats that face it, especially on the southern border with Hamas in Gaza and the northern border with Hezbollah in Syria and Lebanon. Pray with us that God will continue to bless Israel’s security forces to excel in protecting Israel’s borders. Pray that God will continue also to provide miraculous protection at the borders as He demonstrates His great love for the people of Israel.
BDS
Until this deceitful anti-Israel campaign is ended, we cannot pray enough for God’s protection over Jews and over Israel. In the guise of social justice, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic organizations have used BDS as a platform to legitimize demonization of Israel and of Jews. BDS claims that it has as its only aim boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel that are expected to bring about peace by encouraging the creation of an Arab state in the Judea and Samaria region of Israel as well as in Gaza. In reality, however, the BDS movement often includes hate speech against Jews and language that likens the Jews of Israel to the Nazis. Jews studying at Universities that embrace BDS, such as the prestigious Columbia University, are increasingly saying that the anti-Semitism is growing worse on the campus as professors are even allowed to promulgate anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda. Pray for an end to BDS and in its place a movement to grow in understanding and love for the great diversity of people who call Israel their home! *We will be releasing a new video on this specific subject this month on our popular Israel Beyond the Headlines facebook page and YouTube channel. Subscribe to both to get up-to-date information!
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran & Family
Moran will be traveling to the States to teach and also participate in a conference; his wife will be joining him this time. He will also be investing time with the staff members in the Jerusalem office. Please pray for wisdom from the Lord for Moran as he has some important decisions to make, and for constant guidance from the Lord for his daily ministry & family responsibilities. Please also pray for God's covering over the children while their parents are away, for peace and security, and for those who will be staying with them.
HFI Board
Please pray for protection over all of HFI’s board members and their families. Pray that the Lord would shield them from illness and spiritual warfare. Please also pray for healing for several of the board members’ spouses from various diseases and for strength during these difficult health challenges.
Newsletter
Our Fall newsletter "Watchmen on the Wall" is being released this month. Please pray for those receiving the newsletter to be blessed and to grow in understanding of Israel and what the Lord is doing in the Land today. Please pray also for all who are involved in preparing and sending out the newsletter: Melissa, Mike, Patty, Nate, Debbie and Elad.
NerYah Youth Group
Pray with us that each and every NerYah message and time of worship will be impactful for the youth. Please pray that each and every one of the youth will find NerYah to be a place of encouraging fellowship and guidance through the challenges they face as youth in Israeli society. Please continue to pray for Zechariah as he grows in his position as the male youth leader, and also for a blessing over Efrat, our new female youth leader! Please also continue to pray for more male & female volunteers to work with the youth.
Soldiers’ Group
Join us in praying for our soldiers group and for the gatherings to be a time of strengthening for the soldiers. Pray also for those soldiers who can’t make it to the gatherings due to their obligations to the military. Please pray that they will excel and that they will be strengthened by God to remain strong in the faith despite the many challenges they face. Pray that God will use them powerfully also to encourage those around them as they experience a level of discipline that they have never before encountered. Please also pray for God’s protection over them as they serve in a place where war is always a possibility.
University Student Scholarship & Mentoring
As part of the third phase of the threefold vision for the next generation in Israel, we have been granting significant scholarships to young Israeli believers studying in colleges & universities. This project has grown tremendously over the past few years, and we are now granting scholarships to over 27 students! Not only do we provide financial help to these young believers, but we also mentor them, and conduct numerous workshops throughout the year to help them with improving study habits, taking care of themselves during exam period, and stress management techniques, among other things. We are opening up the possibility for people to "adopt" a student and contribute to these talented young people's future in Israel. Please pray for our students as they just began their academic year, for wisdom, diligence, focus, and excellence. Please also pray for those who choose to come alongside them to contribute to their academic and personal success, as we desire to see the next generation of Israeli believers truly making a difference in Israel!
Foundations of the Faith Book
Please continue to pray that every copy of this discipleship resource will have a personal impact on those who read it and draw many into an increasingly deeper relationship with God! Please pray for a wider distribution of the book, that it will reach many people and that they will be strengthened and challenged. We currently have the book printed in Hebrew, English, Russian, & Spanish.
“Israel Beyond the Headlines” Video Project
We began this special project almost two years ago to celebrate the miracle of Israel’s 70th year of independence (click here to check it out). This is a video project where we produce short videos highlighting a different aspect of Israeli innovation that is making a difference in the world. This project is a means of Israel advocacy, which is an important part of our call as the Body of Messiah throughout the world. But of course, this is also a threat to the enemy and we have experienced some warfare in this area. Please pray for us as we continue to produce powerful & effective videos, and for all involved in this project: Lior, Moran, Nate, Elad & Melissa. Please pray for His protection over us all and for the truth about Israel to reach to the ends of the earth!
Tours
Please pray that our “Experience Israel 2020” tour will fill up! We will be celebrating HFI's 20th Anniversary on this tour, so there will be many special treats along the way! Please also pray that our “Pastors’ Solidarity” tour will get more interested congregational leaders to join. Please continue to join us in praying for all our tours to be a blessing both to those who join and a blessing to the work of Hope for Israel (click here to learn more). These tours generate income for the ministry, which goes to cover our overhead, thus allowing a higher percentage of donations to go to our projects. Please prayfor those joining us on these tours to be blessed and to grow in their walk with the Lord. Pray also for Moran and those leading the tours with him for peace and wisdom, and for unity among the leadership team of the tours.
Thank you for joining us in prayer for these things! May the Lord bless you in the coming year!
In His Service,
The Hope for Israel Prayer Team