Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem! This past year God has been especially faithful to answer our prayers and we know He’ll be faithful in 2017 also. We invite you to partner with us in praying as we enter the new year.

Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:

Israel and the UN
Toward the end of December, Egypt presented yet another resolution to the UN, this time at the UNSC that passed. Even though Egypt itself withdrew from the vote, the vote passed with the vote of 14 member states while the United States abstained from the vote rather than vetoing. According to the UN Charter, all member states (including Israel) agree to abide by resolutions, but this resolution is one by which Israel cannot comply. It demands that half a million Israelis move out of the ‘settlements’ which are really large towns and cities, and instead move their family to a location within the pre-’67 borders of Israel. For those who live in America, this is the same number of people who had to relocate from New Orleans after hurricane Katrina only they had all of the United States within which to relocate. Israel is a tiny little strip of land in which the relocation of half a million people would be an impossible feat. This resolution, therefore, once again unreasonably forces Israel into a position of non-compliance with the UN. Please join us in praying that the recent activities at the UN will be revealed for what they are, unrealistic and anti-Israel propaganda. Please pray for Israeli leaders as they continue to look for solutions to the international discussion that will be received by all parties who need to be involved in enacting righteous change for Israel.

Rain in Israel
This past month, we put out a call to fast and pray for rain in northern Israel. God answered these prayers abundantly as we received so much rain that we had flooding. Along with the rain came, at times, heavy winds that left some damage to buildings. We would appreciate it if you would continue to pray with us for rain in Israel while also praying for safety and protection from the elements during the storms. We are believing God for a miracle this year and that He will restore Israel’s water supplies to an extent that we have not seen in years.

Fires in Israel
November’s fires left 1600 families displaced and looking for a new home. In December, we had yet another major fire break out at an oil refinery that burned for 10 hours before the fire was extinguished. We would really appreciate prayers in the coming month and year that preventative measures will be more effective in reducing the occurrence of fires, both from fire hazards and from arson.

Protection from Attacks
There are perhaps few or no places on earth that experience so many failed attacks against its people as Israel. In this past month, a terror cell was uncovered in which 20 suicide bombers were apprehended before carrying out their plans. Shots were also fired on a civilian bus this past month but were unsuccessful thanks to the grace of God and the protection offered by the bus itself. Shots were also fired at soldiers by terrorists in Gaza. God has been faithful to protect Israel this far but we would appreciate prayer for the unique security challenges facing Israel today.

Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:

Moran
Between leading tours, traveling for speaking engagements, writing for HFI’s website and other publications, and leading the team at HFI, Moran has had quite a bit going on as we wrapped up 2016 these past couple months. Please pray for Moran as he finalizes the various plans that have been put in place for 2017 at HFI. As always, please keep Moran’s family in your prayers as they continue to make family a priority, and for their health as the winter continues.

HFI Board
Please continue to pray for God’s guidance concerning the decisions facing the HFI Board. Pray with us that God would continue to provide for each and every need. Pray that God will protect the Board and its members from all attacks of the Enemy against their health, their families or the work they are doing for the kingdom of God.

HFI Staff
Please pray for unity and understanding between staff at HFI as we begin 2017. Please pray also for motivation, creativity and flexibility as we meet the challenges of this new year.

NerYah Youth Group
We still need new leaders for NerYah who will be ready to commit to the long term. Pray that God will open our eyes to people that He wants for this role and that we won’t judge according to the way things appear but according to the heart. Pray that we will walk in wisdom and understanding as we adjust to the various changes and challenges in the course of this next year regarding schedules and staff. Pray that we would be able to see what is standing behind the behavior of the youth and respond in an appropriate manner and not in anger or frustration. Pray that God will help us to effectively educate the youth to deal with significant difficulties and challenges in their lives.

Believing Soldiers’ Outreach
We would appreciate prayer for those soldiers who are especially going through a tough time in their military service right now. Pray that the Comforter would work powerfully in their lives during those times when loneliness and a lack of belonging overwhelm the soldiers. Pray for an increase of faith for the soldiers. Many doubts and questions arise concerning God and life and it’s at this time in their life that they could really use some support in the place of prayer for their faith. Pray also for us as a staff to find motivating, refreshing, and creative ways for really connecting with with the soldiers.

College Students
The fall semester is wrapping up in the month of January so prayers for students are appreciated as they prepare for exams and turning in papers.

Foundations of the Faith Book
Please pray for the preparation of the English translation of the book. Please also continue to pray that the Hebrew and Russian translations will reach many for the kingdom of God.

Experience Israel Tour
Please pray with us as we continue to bring people to join this year’s Experience Israel Tour (February 25^th–March 12^th, 2017). Pray that God will begin even now to work in the hearts of those who are joining us to prepare them for a revelation of His heart in this land. Pray that God will provide for every need as arrangements are made for the trip.

Pastors’ Solidarity Tour
Please pray that the remaining spots will be filled for our next Pastors’ Solidarity Tour (January 30 – February 8, 2017) that brings leaders of congregations on a condensed tour of Israel. Having a full tour is the way we ensure that our guests enjoy the tour for the best price. We know that God is going to use this tour to give pastors and spouses a fresh view of the Scriptures while helping them to understand what members of their congregation could glean from a visit to the Holy Land. Please pray that the Lᴏʀᴅ will minister to the hearts of those who come on this tour, renewing their strength during their time with us.

Tour Department
An effective way for Hope for Israel to sustain the work we do is by offering tours to help believers get a deeper understanding of God’s heart for this land. The tours give participants an opportunity to bless not only Hope for Israel but also the people of Israel through tangible acts of service. By welcoming people to Israel we’ve had the opportunity to show believers the realities of life in Israel today that are often misconstrued in the media. Please continue to pray that God will provide abundantly for every aspect of these tours, bringing more and more people to witness His love and to be a light in the land of Israel’s inheritance.

In His Service,
The Hope for Israel Prayer Team