Shalom and greetings from Jerusalem! Beginning Sunday evening, all of Israel will enjoy the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), ten days after that observing the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and ending the month with Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). This past month witnessed a sudden wave of attacks that were largely unsuccessful thanks to our security forces and the grace of God. Please pray this month will be a month of joy and revelation, free from attacks, as the kids once again get time off school and as people all over Israel observe the High Holy Days.
Please join us in interceding on behalf of Israel for:
The Lord’s Fall Feasts
The High Holy Days are the perfect opportunity for God to reveal His plans to those observing the feasts. There is a great deal of symbolism in the feasts that testifies both to what Yeshua has done and has yet to do in the land of Israel and in the world. Please pray with us that during this meaningful time of the year God will reveal himself afresh in the land of Israel. Please pray for God’s protection of those both in Israel and abroad who are observing the feasts during this next month.
Shimon Peres
A monumental figure in Israel has passed away at the end of September after a two-week struggle to treat him after a severe stroke. Shimon Peres, former president, former prime minister, former defense minister, former foreign minister, former minister of eight other ministries, the last surviving member of Israel’s founding fathers, and winner of the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize died Wednesday, September 28th at the age of 93. Please pray that God will raise up other such men and women of excellence in Israel who may be fit for accomplishing God’s Will in the Promised Land. Also please keep our governmental leaders in your prayers as they continue to build on the foundation laid by such a pillar in the modern infrastructure of this nation.
Protection from Enemy Attacks
A number of mortar shells from the fighting in Syria landed in Israel this past month with one instance where the Syrian military actually tried to shoot down Israeli aircraft with surface-to-air missiles. There was also yet more rocket fire from Gaza this month. Along with these attacks came a week in which there was a series of “lone wolf” terrorist attacks against the Israeli defense and police forces. Very few of these attacks were successful: none of the missiles or rockets caused damage or injury and most of the “lone wolf” attacks were also unsuccessful. Please pray with us that this month will be a month of rest from attacks and that God will reveal His plans for Israel to those who have been seeking her destruction. Pray God will continue to give wisdom and discernment to our security forces and to everyday citizens to identify and respond effectively to the attacks of the enemy.
Renewal of Water Sources
Thanks to innovations in irrigation technology, Israel has succeeded in achieving record yields with minimal water, and these past few dry years have been especially hard on Israel in spite of the technological advances. Some are suggesting higher restrictions on commercial and agricultural use of Israel’s water. Others are hoping to begin the building of the proposed Red Sea to Dead Sea Canal, which would provide between 25 and 50 million gallons of water to Israel and Jordan. With or without the proposed canal, there are environmental concerns because of Israel’s dry spell these past few years. The “Sea of Galilee” is currently about 120 feet below its lower red line leading to overuse of aquifers. Please pray God will give the policy makers in Israel and the surrounding countries, especially Jordan, wisdom as they seek innovative solutions for the current water crisis. Please join us in praying that, in spite of the forecasts, God will give us abundant rainfall in the coming fall and winter seasons.
Workplace and Traffic Safety
This past month witnessed a number of automotive accidents in Israel. In addition, a parking garage that was under construction collapsed killing 6 and injuring 24. The Israeli government is investigating the workplace standards that led to this tragic incident as well as the road conditions that contributed to some of the accidents. Please pray with us for the families of those affected by these accidents as well as those looking at ways to develop preventative measures for the future.
Elections in the Samaria Region
This past month we were praying concerning the elections that were planned to take place for the Samaria region on October 8th. Due to the rift and rising tensions between Hamas and Fatah the elections have been postponed indefinitely. The court is expected to provide a future date for the elections on October 3rd. Please continue to pray with us that the people in the Samaria region will come to a revelation of God’s heart for Israel. Pray that righteous leaders will be elected whenever the elections may take place.
The Next American President
America has stood and continues to stand with Israel to varying degrees throughout Israel’s post 1948 history. In fact, America was the first nation to extend any form of recognition of the modern state of Israel after her declaration of independence on May 14, 1948 and has stood with Israel to varying degrees ever since then. God promises to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel. Pray that God reveals His heart for Israel to the next American president and that America will stand with Israel against all attacks of the enemy.
Attacks from Academics
Dozens of American academics signed their names in a call “For an Economic Boycott and Political Nonrecognition” of all Israeli towns and cities considered ‘illegal’ by the international community. Those who signed, avoid appearing fully supportive of BDS as they claim to oppose a boycott of any kind inside Israel’s 1967 borders while aiming for a “targeted boycott of all goods and services” from all post 1967 towns or cities. What these academics aren’t acknowledging is that the thriving economy within the non-pre-’67 borders is a major source of income for many non-Israelis living in the Samaria region. Please pray that God will continue to bless the economy of the Israeli towns and cities within the Samaria region as they continue to bless both Israelis and non-Israelis alike through their innovative initiatives.
Following are some ministry requests for Hope for Israel:
Moran
Please pray that Moran will recover quickly from his most recent Teachings from Zion trip (that took place at the end of September). He would appreciate prayers for wisdom in management of his time as he prays through and works on the latest ministry activities. Pray that Holy Spirit will guide him as he continues to call the Body of Messiah into a deeper and more authentic walk with the Lord, through his teaching and his weekly blog series. Please also pray for wisdom as Moran works out plans for HFI for 2017. And as always, Moran would appreciate prayers for his family.
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
We are still in the process of finding the right person to oversee the administrative load of tours. Please pray with us that God will prepare the right person for the job and get us in touch with him or her. Please continue to keep the rest of our staff in your prayers. Every day we pray together as a staff for guidance, vision and unity in the work place and we’d appreciate your prayers too! We’d also appreciate prayers for the health, strength, and wisdom of God both at work and at home.
NerYah Youth Group
Please pray that NerYah will become more and more of a place of refuge for the youth where they’ll feel comfortable being real with each other and praying for one another.
NerYah Leaders
Please join us in praying for confidence and unity for the current staff members since there are many changes that are about to take place. We still have a need for more leaders for the youth group. Please pray for wisdom for the staff so that we’ll be able to point the youth in the right direction, taking full advantage of any opportunities God gives us this year, such as any young adults who might be ready to help with NerYah.
Believing Soldiers’ Outreach
Please pray that our staff will continue to develop a sense of duty and a sincere desire to serve the soldiers. Pray that their service will go beyond outward acts of service but will also burn within their hearts and cause within them a love for the soldiers whom they are serving. Please also pray with us that God will raise up others who will join us in serving the soldiers. Because of the nature of military service it’s especially challenging to keep in touch with the soldiers. Pray for opportunities to stay in touch with the soldiers and to be there for them so they know they’re not alone. Pray for the soldiers as they go through tough times that affect every other part of their life. Let’s pray together that God will protect them and reveal Himself to them in a personal way. Pray that Abba will provide them with wisdom in the choices they make.
Foundations of the Faith Book
Please pray for the preparation of our translated book. The Hebrew version that was published this past month has been translated into Russian and English and is in the revision and discussion phase before being sent for publication. Please also continue to pray that the Hebrew translation will have a great impact on new believers in Israel.
Experience Israel Tour
Please pray with us as we continue to fill spaces for our next Experience Israel Tour (February 25th–March 12th, 2017). Please 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 (February 6-13, 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 Lord 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