This month we continue observing the fall feasts (Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah). Despite high tensions and rioting at the Temple Mount, Rosh Hashanah was overall peaceful and joyful. We also prepare for elections for the next Knesset (Israeli Parliament) on November 1st. There is always much to be in prayer for, and we ask that you intercede on behalf of Israel and Hope for Israel this coming month.
PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR:
High Holy Days
This month, we continue to observe the High Holy Days (the biblical fall feasts). Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4th and will end at sundown on Wednesday, October 5th. This is the holiest and most solemn day for the Jewish people. You can read more about the significance of this day, especially for followers of Messiah, here. Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), begins at sundown on Sunday, October 9th, and culminates with Shemini Atzeret (also commonly referred to as Simchat Torah) on October 17th. There are always security concerns during this time, so we ask that you pray for:
- Protection over all of Israel during this time
- Provision for families to celebrate this holiday in abundance
- Peaceful gatherings of family & friends
- Revelation of Messiah Yeshua to all celebrating
Israeli Government
Elections are scheduled for November 1. These elections come at a time when Israel faces internal and external threats and are really quite crucial for many reasons. The various political parties have been actively campaigning. Current polls show Likud, led by embattled Benjamin Netanyahu, and Yesh Atid, led by current PM Yair Lapid, to be very close. Because Israel is a parliamentary government, there are numerous parties running for seats in the next government. Please continue to pray for:
- the next government to be one that seeks the good of the Israeli people and not their own political ambitions
- strength & wisdom for Israelis who are quite tired from the political instability
- practical ways to help Israelis continue to recover from the economic downfall of the pandemic
- building more diplomatic ties with nations in the region, which will strengthen Israel’s security
- establishing an equitable system of checks and balances to keep the government from overreaching
- lowering the extremely high cost of living in Israel, skyrocketing inflation, and getting more families out of poverty
Israel's Security
The rise in attempted terror attacks coupled with IDF raids in Jenin, a Palestinian terror hotspot, have brought tensions to a boiling point. Hamas in Gaza has been rather quiet, but this could change in a moment. Concern remains very high regarding Iran and its rogue nuclear ambitions. Israel has vowed to do whatever is necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Please continue to pray for:
- the Lord's wisdom for Israeli military officials if diplomacy fails and a military attack on Iran becomes necessary
- protection over Israel's soldiers who protect God's Land and people every single day
- revival in the hearts of all Israel's enemies, that they would see they are fighting the God of Israel and come to know Him through Messiah Yeshua
Rainy Season
Israel relies heavily on rain for its fresh water supply. Although we have made great advances in our desalination operations, we still need an ample amount of rain. October is usually the time when we receive our first rain. Please pray for:
- an abundant rainy season
- cities to ready their drainage systems to avert flooding
- safety on the roads, especially with the first rain washing away months of debris and dirt on the roads
We continue to prayerfully seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance to implement a renewed vision. Please join us in praying for:
Moran will be traveling to the USA in mid-October for two weeks. The ministry’s advisory board will be meeting during that time. He will also be speaking at various congregations. Please pray for:
- wisdom regarding all areas of the ministry, that he would receive clear direction in making important decisions
- wisdom as he prepares for the yearly board meeting as well as teaching preparations for his various speaking engagements
- safe travels & health on his journey
- sustainance for studying & writing his weekly Scripture commentaries
- health for he and his family, especially as flu season is already in Israel
- protection and peace over his family while he is away
Please pray:
- for a blessing over our board members and staff who devote time and energy to executing our vision for the ministry
- for protection over their families while they serve
- for wisdom for the board members as they make decisions that impact the ministry in tangible ways, and for the upcoming board meeting
- for Bill Katz, our U.S. representative, for health & traveling mercies; for protection over his wife and daughter while he is traveling; for fruitful meetings and speaking engagements
- for God to bring us an Operations Manager in our Jerusalem office to oversee the daily operations of the ministry in Israel
- for our new administrator, Lital, who will be starting this month in our Jerusalem office
- wisdom for the staff as they continue this year’s program, which started mid-September
- unity in the hearts of the team
- more volunteer counselors for this year’s program
This year’s program opened with over 60 youth from all over the Jerusalem area! It was a reminder of how important this group is for the believing youth, and the many ways the youth rely on these meetings for encouragement, strengthening of their faith, and a safe haven each week. Please pray for:
- for the youth to be challenged and strengthened in their faith
- for the youth to have deep, meaningful experiences with God this year
- for victory in the lives of the youth as many struggle with various challenges at school, home, and personally
- Spiritual, physical, and mental protection for our soldiers who are at various bases in the country
- Wisdom for the soldiers' coordinators in planning & implementing our monthly meetings
- That God will encourage the soldiers and speak to them even while they are at the base detached from any believing framework
The academic year begins this month, after the High Holy Days. Please pray for:
- a strong start to the year for the students, that they will be focused, calm, and successful in their studies
- for young professionals to influence their workplaces and enter very important places of influence in the country such as organizations, government ministries, and more
Our various media projects keep people connected to HFI and also help educate people about Israel's spiritual and historical significance. In a day and age where many people oppose Israel, we see advocating for both Israel and what the Word of God says about Israel as top priorities. Please pray for:
- wisdom for Elad, Moran, Nate, Lior, & Melissa as they seek to produce innovative and creative material for social media and the website
- increased engagement with our target audience on various social media platforms
- increased engagement & greater exposure for videos, especially our "Beyond the Headlines" project
- a video crew that we can work with in Israel to generate new content
- creating a grassroots movement of Israel advocacy via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
- informative & interesting articles and other original material that will educate our audience and encourage their spiritual development
- updating our website and messaging
One of the main objectives of our tour operation is to cover ministry overhead, so that a higher percentage of donations can go to projects. The tourism industry continues to recover from the difficult two years of COVID, but it is a slow process and requires much patience from all sides.
Please pray for:
- wisdom for Moran as he continues to make challenging decisions regarding the tour operations
- BJ & Beverly for wisdom, flexibility, and patience as they handle the complex coordination of these tours from the USA
- a strong candidate to fill the position of Tour Coordinator in our Israel office
- the Experience Israel Tour in March 2023 to continue to fill up!
God has been so faithful in providing for the ministry's operating and project costs! We ask that you pray that He will continue to do so, and that we will be able to bless more Israelis than ever!
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