Dear Friend & Partner of Hope for Israel,
Shalom from Jerusalem! Most news from Israel about the situation between the Jewish and Arab people is very negative. While the reality of the conflict between the two people groups is indeed intense, we want to share with you some encouraging news from the work of Hope for Israel in Israel. We believe that God called us to bless all His people in His land – Jewish and Arab alike. For over 8 years, we have sponsored a congregation of Lebanese refugees in the northern Israel. Their pastor, Joseph Haddad, has done a wonderful work amongst them, encouraging them in their difficult circumstances, and shepherding them in the faith. Here is a letter we received from him recently:
The ministry with the Lebanese refugees in Nahariya started in May 2000 as 7000 S.L.A (Southern Lebanese Army) soldiers who were allied to the I.D.F (Israeli Defense Forces) had to leave behind their homes, properties and loved ones to cross the border into Israel. Those faithful Lebanese for 25 years had paid a high price to defend the Israeli Northern borders from different terrorist organizations.
We started this ministry as a little home group in the city of Nahariya in northern Israel and we grew up to become a congregation of 100 people including children.
We believe that those precious born again Lebanese are pioneers among the Arabs to love Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
We also believe that because the promise of God from Genesis 12:3 “To bless all those who bless Abraham” is still valid. We believe that God desires to bless those precious Lebanese in return. They have a destiny in Israel, they are not here as a result of a coincidence, God brought them to a city of refuge. The Holy Spirit is revealing Yeshua to them as their Lord and Messiah, they are experiencing the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and in due time they will return to Lebanon to spread a fire of revival for the fulfillment of Isaiah 29:17-20 “In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest, in that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see, once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord, the needy will rejoice in the Holy one of Israel.” Hallelujah!!! God is promising a revival that is coming to Lebanon when all the Lebanese people will worship the God of Israel.
Meanwhile, here in Israel, their little children who go to Jewish schools in Nahariya are ambassadors of the gospel, as they tell their Jewish classmates about Yeshua the Messiah of Israel.
We appreciate much the firm stance of “Hope for Israel” and their faithful partners alongside our ministry since it started and which enables us to keep up the good work in serving those faithful born again Lebanese and other Arab born again believers in the Galilee who choose to love the Jewish people and cling to the God of Israel.
Love, Peace, and Joy
Pastor Joseph Haddad
“River of God” Lebanese cong. in Nahariya, Northern Israel
It is because of God’s faithful provision through friends like you that we have been able to provide a place for them to meet, and support Pastor Haddad monthly. We truly believe that God is at work among them and is preparing and equipping them to share the good news of Messiah with others. Thank you for partnering with us in this work…may the Lord bless you!
In His Service in Jerusalem,
Moran Rosenblit