Dear Prayer Partners,

Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem! This year October will bring back the routine of daily life after the summer months where kids were out of school and the High Holidays that followed shortly after in September. The first week of October Israelis are still in the middle of the weeklong celebration of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). Families are relaxing, eating and sometimes sleeping outside in their handmade sukkah’s usually made of a thatched roof that has been festively decorated for the occasion. After the weeks of mourning, contemplation and prayer during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving to God for His provision to the Israelites during their 40-years in the wilderness, as well as in our individual lives.

Attacks and riots, particularly in Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem, have been increasing in September. We even had a number of rockets shot from Gaza a few weeks ago that landed in southern Israel damaging property near a home of an Israeli family. We ask for you to continue to pray with us for divine covering and protection for the nation of Israel. As the Middle East is up in flames, Israel remains a beacon of hope and freedom. We always continue to pray for our fellow Israelis to walk in complete freedom and Truth through the knowledge and acceptance of their Messiah.

“And my people by whom My Name is called upon, will surrender and pray and seek (Ask for) My Face, and return from their evil ways and I will hear from the skies (Heaven) and forgive their inequities and heal their Land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:

Iran: Over the past month of September, the battle for Congressional votes surrounding the Iran deal has become the center focus for politicians on either side of the issue in America. Unfortunately, President Obama has since collected more than 40 votes to completely prevent a super majority of at least 60 votes in the Senate needed reject the Iran nuclear deal. It seems likely now that the Congress won’t even put it up for a vote. As a result, on Oct. 18 the U.S. will issue waivers to lift all of the laws and statutes containing sanctions and restrictions that the U.S. promised to ease as part of the international deal. The European Union will also take similar steps in relation to preparing to begin sanctions relief. We know that at the end of the day, the future of Israel and the world is in God’s hands. We pray for God’s hand of protection and spiritual eyes that remain steadfast on God and His Word, not looking at the world in the natural, but always trusting that He is always in control.

Boycotts on Israel: The growing momentum to boycott Israel from all different spheres (academic, economic, cultural, etc.) is becoming of concern in Israel and internationally. The Prime Minister of Israel, among other influential political and cultural leaders, has taken this issue more seriously and began campaigning against the ‘Boycott Israel’ groups. Recently, the EU has announced that they will be labeling all goods that are produced by Israel in Judea and Samaria as a way to warn consumers not to buy. We ask for your prayers for Israel during this time of trial as the nations are coming against her. We ask that God would glorify Himself throughout these difficult times. Please also pray for HFI as we begin to share more about this BDS campaign through articles and social media outlets. We ask for wisdom and guidance to approach this issue in a godly and honorable way. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all people on earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:3)

Israeli Administration: The people of Israel are subject to the rulings and decisions of the Israeli government. Israel faces many struggles, whether economically, politically, or socially — as do all nations. We simply ask that you would join us in prayer for those whom God has appointed to be the leaders of this generation in Israel. Pray that this will be a government and nation that puts their hope and trust in the Lord and would rule with righteousness, truth and honor. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You. Psalm 33:20–22 

Threats from Within and Outside Israel: Israelis live in constant tension of threats from within her borders and the neighbors surrounding her. Enemies of Israel stand at every corner 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. Just beyond Israel’s borders, war and instability are wreaking havoc in almost every country surrounding Israel – Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and others. Fifty-two million people have been displaced from their homes as a result of the war in Syria. The issues of refugees is now hitting world headlines as those fleeing are desperately trying to reach the shores of Europe for refuge and safety Yet, somehow, right in the middle of this chaos the tiny country of Israel remains protected and continues to thrive. It is amazing to think of the odds. We must pray without ceasing for the life and vitality of Israel and her people. Please pray for a hedge of protection on all borders and that the armies of God will defend this nation. Please also pray for the innocent lives of men, women, children and elderly who are subject to such horrendous outcomes of war and hatred spreading throughout the Middle East. May we intercede for a great harvest in the Muslim world.

Rain: We have entered into the wintery-rainy season where Israel receives the majority of rainfall for the entire year, enough to last throughout the dry season. Please pray for an abundance of rain this year and that it will come wipe away the dry and dusty air accumulated throughout the summer months. 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 – Moran sends his gratitude for all of the prayers that were covering him during his recent travels and we praise God that many lives were touched and much fruit was witnessed among the different groups that invited him to speak. Please continue in asking for prayer for his recovery as he returns to Israel. He is hosting a number of tour groups and working to finish a book that he is co-writing. Please cover him in prayer for wisdom and strength during this very busy season of work and travels; he will be traveling again from October 26- November 8. Also, please join Moran and the Hope for Israel staff in prayer for wisdom about future decisions that need to be made – to be sensitive to the Lord’s guidance and direction.

Fall Newsletter – In the coming months we will be working on the fall newsletter. As we begin writing and researching we ask that you would cover us in prayer for divine wisdom and revelation throughout the entire process. We strive to put forth words of truth and wisdom that align with our biblical worldview and lifestyle. Pray that God would lead us into all of these things.

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. Already we have seen growth in many areas of the ministry and are praying for more partners to join us. We ask for continued prayer for guidance and direction from God in every department of the organization –finances, partners, projects and tours.

HFI Board – On October 27, Moran will be meeting with the Board in the U.S. and we ask for your prayers for this important gathering. Please continue to pray for the Board as they always have important decisions for the ministry in front of them.  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 – Please keep our staff in your prayers continuously for both their work and personal lives. Please pray for guidance and vision 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 –We would love it if you could stand in prayer with us for the youth of NerYah. We ask that you pray for God’s help with them as they get back into the rhythm of studying and classwork after the holiday breaks in September. Pray also as they learn to be a light in their schools even as they may be the only believer in that school. Please pray against any attacks from the Enemy to distract or tempt them from remaining strong in their faith.

NerYah Leaders – Please pray for the leaders and staff of NerYah as they are continuing to plan and adjust to the new school year and get into a routine in the weekly gatherings. Please pray that God will give them guidance and direction as they teach lessons from the Word that they can therein take and use in their own lives and bring to others. Also, we ask for your prayers for future NerYah leaders and volunteers to join the team in serving the youth in Jerusalem.

Believing Soldiers’ Outreach – Please be in prayer for the believing soldiers whose lives we are investing in throughout their time of service in the IDF. This year we have 7 lone soldiers that we remain in contact with on a regular basis along with several others. Please pray for the specific needs of the many believing soldiers trying to keep strong in the faith in light of the many physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges that come with the army. 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. Please pray for the leaders David and Sara who are returning to the normal routine after the summer months. They have requested prayer for grace, vision, and guidance as they start a new year with some old and some new soldiers. They also need prayer for additional staff and volunteers to help serve alongside them.

Experience Israel Tour –Please begin to pray for this next year’s Experience Israel Tour (March 4-20, 2016). We praise God that already 38 participants have signed up and we continue to pray for the building and unity of this group as they prepare logistically and spiritually throughout the coming months. We ask you to join us in praying for the last 7 participants that God wants to bring to Israel. We also ask for divine intervention as the recent news from American Airlines could affect the flights for this tour. We trust God for provision and grace as we make any adjustments necessary.  

Pastor’s Solidarity Tour – February 1-9, 2016 we will host next year’s Pastor’s Solidarity Tour. Please keep this unique tour in your prayers, as it is specifically for congregational leaders. This month we will be promoting the tour more actively and we ask for you to pray that God would stir in the hearts of right pastors and leaders to come to Israel. It is our hearts desire to see these pastors come and be renewed in their mind and in their teachings so that they will be able to share with their communities about God’s heart for this Land and His people.  

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