Dear Prayer Partners,
Shalom and Greetings from Jerusalem! We have been experiencing a very hot month in all of Israel. It has been quite uncomfortable, but it’s a sure sign that summer has arrived! School is out and summer camps are in full swing. Families will begin traveling to all parts of the world, as Israelis love to travel! Israel will also welcome many visitors during the summer months, which is always a good boost for our tourism industry. Please pray that this summer will be quiet on Israel’s borders, and that Israel’s enemies will not take advantage of the season to attack. Please also pray for fruitful times of rest for Israeli families, as our daily lives tend to be full of stress and worries. Lastly, please pray for safe travels for all who will come to Israel, either as tourists or to visit family living here.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
EU Peace Initiative:
The world is renewing its obsession for “peace” in Israel and bringing a Palestinian state to fruition. Top members of the EU gathered in France in early June to revive the stalled “peace” talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Israel is very opposed to this initiative as it leaves crucial negotiations for Israel’s borders out of the process, and seeks to impose pre-1967 borders on Israel, which leaves Israel essentially indefensible. Please intercede for Israel in this tough time, especially as the pressure is mounting on Israel to accept any deal that comes its way. Please pray for divine wisdom for Israel’s leaders, especially for PM Netanyahu.
Israel-Turkey Reconciliation:
Israel has announced the terms of newly brokered reconciliation deal with Turkey. Political ties between Israel and Turkey have been virtually non-existent since 2010, when Israel intercepted a Turkish flotilla that was attempting to illegally enter Gaza. When Israeli commandos boarded the main ship, they were attacked by Turkish citizens on board. When they engaged these terrorists, nine of them died, and Turkey immediately withdrew its ambassador from Israel. Israel has (outrageously) agreed to compensate the families of the men who died after they attacked Israel’s soldiers, which has caused quite an uproar in Israel. Even the UN (who is usually very critical of Israel) justified Israel’s right to block the flotilla from entering Gaza. Many in Israel are even calling for Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign over this deal. Please pray for godly leaders in Israel who fear the Lord and seek His wisdom! Please also pray for strong leaders who will stand for godly principles and not kowtow to worldly leaders who do not have Israel’s best interest at heart. Lastly, please pray that this will not encourage more flotillas to attempt to cross into Gaza illegally, as this could put Israel in a very difficult position once again.
BDS:
The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign is a serious threat to Israel’s livelihood. It is gaining momentum and is reaching to every part of American and European society, and has its reach well into the Church. Sadly, many Christians feel they are being a proponent for the Arabs in the Palestinian territories who suffer at the hands of Israel, the “occupier” by boycotting Israel. But the reality is that Israel is not responsible for their suffering, and has even made great strides to end it! Furthermore, by boycotting Israeli enterprise, the Arabs are actually hurt even more, as many Israeli companies that employ them cannot afford to keep them employed since they are losing international business. The heart of the issue is actually a hatred of Israel and of the Jewish people, and we must be “watchmen on the wall” fighting this. As a ministry, we have been active in combating this campaign on social media, through our website, and by educating people with historical facts. Please pray that this plan of the enemy will be thwarted, and that people will hold those who are actually responsible for the suffering of millions of Arab refugees accountable – the Arab nations who created the refugee problem (see our counter-BDS resources on our website for further information). Please also pray that the voice of those who fight for Israel will be heard clearly throughout the world!
Poverty in Israel:
A new UNICEF report reveals that Israeli children are not only the poorest children in Western countries, but their parents also suffer from the greatest income inequality. The daily struggle to put food on the table for families in Israel is becoming increasingly harder. Certain sectors of Israeli society are growing, while leaving others behind. The gap between rich and poor continue to grow. Please keep struggling families, individuals and the elderly in your prayers. Pray for open eyes and hearts for places that we can serve our surrounding community in need and wisdom on how best to meet those needs.
Tunnels from Gaza:
More attention has been drawn recently to the tunnel activity taking place in Gaza. Hamas has recruited over 1,000 operatives to work on developing the vast underground tunnel system. There are several purposes for the tunnels; one is smuggling in major goods and people in and out of Egypt, but another is to penetrate into Israeli territory. Recent IDF intelligence revealed that Hamas has been planning a 100-man simultaneous attack from various tunnels. Their goal is to infiltrate Israel and bring warfare to Israel, while causing the highest amount of casualties amongst Israeli citizens as possible. Please pray for wisdom and insight for the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence that are both working to prevent any terrorist activity from coming from the Gaza Strip through these tunnels. Please pray for protection and God’s watchful covering over Israel, especially residents living nearby in southern Israel.
Protection Against Attacks:
Please continuously pray for the protection of our soldiers and security forces. They are actively protecting Israel’s borders from those who seek to destroy her, and are in great danger every day. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran:
Moran and his family will be traveling to the USA July 3rd until mid-August. They will have a very busy time of ministry as well as good quality time with family and friends. Moran has an intensive speaking engagement calendar planned, and we are praying that the Lord will move mightily to convict, encourage, and prepare His people for these days. Please keep Moran in your prayers as he prepares for this big trip. Please pray for peaceful preparations, both for he and Melissa, and for a fruitful harvest this summer! Please pray for safe travels, both in the air and on the ground, for smooth immigration processes in both the USA and Israel, and for the family’s physical health during the entire trip. Please also pray for his physical health and stamina to be able to carry out all of the tasks and responsibilities in front of him. Pray for him for guidance to walk in the direction that the Lord would want for him in all areas of the ministry.
HFI Board:
Please continue to pray for God’s hand to cover each and every important decision that the Board faces. Please ask for provisions and protection from any attacks that the enemy would try to make on the health and well being of the members of the Board and their families.
HFI Staff:
We have had some changes in our staff, so we are a bit understaffed at the moment. But we are pleased to welcome a new member to our staff, Tiggist! She will be replacing our current Office Manager (also named Tiggist who is pregnant with twins!) during her maternity leave. This is exciting news and a wonderful blessing from the Lord! Please pray for new staff members to fill various positions at the ministry; we are in need of some new staff who are dedicated to the work of the Lord through HFI, and desire to pursue His call on their lives with us. Please keep the rest of our staff in your prayers continuously for both their work and personal lives. Please pray for guidance, vision and unity in the work place. Pray that God would divinely work in the tasks that each one carries out on a daily basis. Also cover their families in your prayers for health, strength, and wisdom in every area of their lives.
NerYah Youth Group:
NerYah would appreciate prayers for protection over the youth and blessings in the conferences they will attend during the summer break. Please pray that each youth will have an unforgettable encounter with the LORD during this time! Please pray for the various summer activities that David is planning for the youth over the summer, and especially for their summer trip. Please pray for the youth who are graduating and will be entering their military service in the Fall, that they will be strong in the LORD and not be swayed to run towards the temptations of the world.
NerYah Leaders:
Please continue to pray for the leaders of NerYah who are still searching and waiting on the Lord to bring two full-time leaders (male and female) on staff to be a coordinator in the youth group and also for the soldiers. Pray that God would open up doors of communication between the leaders and the youth, allowing them to open up their hearts and lives towards one another in order to receive the help and guidance they may need. We ask for renewed motivation and that God would strengthen the staff and volunteers of NerYah in wisdom, unity, patience, love, faith and perseverance.
Believing Soldiers’ Outreach:
Please intercede with us on behalf of all of the believing soldiers across the country for protection, grace, strength and wisdom. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the various projects these soldiers are involved in, as well as His strengthening of their faith during this difficult phase of their lives. Please pray for His wisdom for them to answer difficult questions about their faith, and to combat doubt. May the Lord reveal Himself to them more clearly each day, and communicate clearly who He is. Please pray for the soldiers who are finishing their service, for direction, peace, and a restful recovery from their intense military service. Lastly, please pray that God would place it on the hearts of more people to become volunteers in this coming season.
Experience Israel Tour:
We ask for your prayers as we have begun preparing for next year’s Experience Israel Tour (February 25-March 12, 2017). Please pray for wisdom as our team builds next year’s itinerary in hopes of creating a unique and special experience for all of those the Lord will lead to come be a part.
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