Priority Prayer Focus Jan 22, 2014
Pray for steadiness among the saints in the chaos of these days . . . and for the times that we rub each other the wrong way like 60-grit sandpaper, that we will keep our relationship in perspective – God’s perspective, that is. A temple of living stones being fitly joined together.
Pray for steadiness among the saints in the chaos of these days . . . and for the times that we rub each other the wrong way like 60-grit sandpaper, that we will keep our relationship in perspective – God’s perspective, that is. A temple of living stones being fitly joined together.
Contact information for all the ministries is included inside the attached Weekly Summary.
Arrows from Zion
Strategically Aimed for the Lord’s Harvest in Israel
First we say farewell to Tom Bender, until we meet in eternity, and to his family, Ronit his wife, we send our condolences to you in the loss of your best friend and covenant partner in your life. We pray that the LORD would comfort you as only He is able, and send you memories that make you smile again. Pray for renewed vision to press forward in the high calling.
Israel Pochtar will be leading an official delegation from Israel to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. this February 5-7. The annual prayer breakfast is actually a series of meetings, luncheons, and dinners over several days which presents a tremendous opportunity to “meet important people involved in making key decisions in Israel, but to also influence and help change their negative misconceptions and mindsets regarding Messianic believers in Israel as well as Christians from the nations.” Over 3,000 guests from over 130 nations will attend.
Israel writes:
“I firmly believe this is in actual fact a divine
appointment, a God-given opportunity to impact the future of Israel.” If you would like to help sponsor this
strategic project, please read more inside the attached Weekly Summary.
Pochtar also follows up with a short report on their special Christmas outreach project, writing: “What an amazing evening! Over 400 non-believers came to watch a special musical presentation of the Nativity night and hear a moving message we prepared about the birth of our Messiah. Whole families were left mesmerized and absolutely touched, as the whole atmosphere was aglow with the Spirit of our Messiah Yeshua.”
Pochtar also follows up with a short report on their special Christmas outreach project, writing: “What an amazing evening! Over 400 non-believers came to watch a special musical presentation of the Nativity night and hear a moving message we prepared about the birth of our Messiah. Whole families were left mesmerized and absolutely touched, as the whole atmosphere was aglow with the Spirit of our Messiah Yeshua.”
Special Israelprayer Note: Remember around last Thanksgiving when a
Jewish reporter writing for Mother Jones launched an attack on the Messianic
Jewish Bible Institute because former President George W Bush was to be their
keynote speaker for the annual fund raiser?
Well that reporter, Sarah Posner, has written negative articles about
Messianic Jews before and earlier this month I happened across one of those
articles that appeared in the Left leaning magazine, The Atlantic. Kosher
Jesus: Messianic Jews in the Holy Land starts off with a great opening
line, “Asher Intrater is playing Jewish geography with me.” My comments of praise have to end there.
You might be interested to read what kind of attitude there is in some Jewish circles about Jews who believe in Yeshua, but I also wanted to point out this November 2012 article for another reason. Even though I keep a pretty close eye out for the various forms of persecution and harassment that Israel’s Messianic Jews are confronted by, the truth is they don’t tell a lot of it. Some are under tremendous pressures of attempts to cause troubles to the heads of the ministries or the teams and congregants around them.
Certainly Asher’s ministry is one that is a high value target of anti-missionaries, and there are others. Please pray for the often unspoken needs of targeted ministries.
You might be interested to read what kind of attitude there is in some Jewish circles about Jews who believe in Yeshua, but I also wanted to point out this November 2012 article for another reason. Even though I keep a pretty close eye out for the various forms of persecution and harassment that Israel’s Messianic Jews are confronted by, the truth is they don’t tell a lot of it. Some are under tremendous pressures of attempts to cause troubles to the heads of the ministries or the teams and congregants around them.
Certainly Asher’s ministry is one that is a high value target of anti-missionaries, and there are others. Please pray for the often unspoken needs of targeted ministries.
Asher shares his teaching, Messiah
Must Die, that discusses some of the beliefs of traditional
and contemporary Judaism concepts of the Messiah, specifically the claim of
Lubavitchers that Rabbi Schneerson fulfilled Isaiah 53 and was the
Messiah. Intrater notes that there is still an
expectation in Israel today that Messiah will come to rule as king and bring
world peace. (He has also
taught in the past that this is an aspect of Jesus that Christians need a
clearer vision for.)
Mark your calendars to join in with the Revive Israel Esther Fast which
has become an annual event live streaming from Jerusalem. March 13, from 6:00 AM to
6:00 PM Israeli time; Prayer topics, schedules and links to be announced.
Dov Bikas expresses gratefulness to those who prayed for their move from
Yavne to Beer Sheva – closer to the congregation and rehab center. They are at capacity in the rehad center with
8 men who are studying the Bible and truly seeking the Lord as they overcome
the addictions in their lives. Bikas
writes, “Since our centers – and all
others we cooperate with – are already full, we can no longer accept new people.
This is quite sad because people in Tel Aviv who are struggling with addictions
keep asking about a rehab. That is why we are praying about the possibility of
opening another center this year – either for women or for men, depending on
God’s leading and circumstances. Please pray.”
Helping people is always a good thing, but only those
who are ministering in the name of Yeshua are helping people in a way that
touches the natural need in an eternal way.
That is why we encourage any of our readers, if you donating to any
cause in Israel – even if it is through a Christian ministry – if the donations
are not distributed by Israeli believers ministering in the name and power of
Jesus, PLEASE reconsider if just good enough is good enough. The God kind of giving will bring eternal
consequences, not just temporary relief.
Eitan Shishkoff who turns 66 in a few days, encourages us to “give yourself whole-heartedly to God, to your
immediate family, to your community of faith, and to those next to you who do
not yet know the Messiah.” He also
writes, “Your prayers of intercession are the mortar that has secured us, as
living stones, in the Lord’s rebuilt temple here, in the land of Israel. Todah Rabbah!
Thank you so much!”
Some specific prayers Eitan asks for is “for justice and servant-hearted integrity in
our parliament (Knesset) and cabinet ministries. The Department of the Interior in particular,
which rules on citizenship applications, has intense need for prayer, that
Messianic Jews would not be blocked from citizenship.”
Also: Israel also needs intercession regarding the gaping distance between or social norms and God’s revealed way of life for this land in [the Bible] ….Examples: Tel Aviv is considered the world’s best city for gays. Corruption in business and in government is expected and often applauded.
Tents of Mercy will soon be opening a coffee house/soup kitchen to help the needy in their neighborhood. The poverty level, as we noted last week is extreme and is set far below what the U.S., for example, has set as the poverty level. We can help them make a major difference in the lives of people in their own neighborhoods.
Also: Israel also needs intercession regarding the gaping distance between or social norms and God’s revealed way of life for this land in [the Bible] ….Examples: Tel Aviv is considered the world’s best city for gays. Corruption in business and in government is expected and often applauded.
Tents of Mercy will soon be opening a coffee house/soup kitchen to help the needy in their neighborhood. The poverty level, as we noted last week is extreme and is set far below what the U.S., for example, has set as the poverty level. We can help them make a major difference in the lives of people in their own neighborhoods.
Eitan’s book, “What About Us?” is in the process of
being published in German with strong interest in French, Spanish and
Norwegian. He writes, “I would so appreciate your intercession for
the logistics and local financing of each of these editions. I am humbled and grateful for the
international interest in what I wrote on the subject of covenant friendship
between Jewish and Gentile lovers of Yeshua.”
Howard
Bass, writing from Beer Sheva notes, “Christmas
has come and gone, but the subject will not go away. One of the main objections that we faced this
year was the contention that the whole thing is of pagan origin, including the
date set for it. This false premise has
gained strength the last 30-40 years only, and has brought division and
confusion into the Body of Messiah, and is a terrible witness to those still
seeking the Lord of Glory, while seeing His 'church' scattered and accusing the
brethren. The timeline which I have been working on for
close to 20 years uses only Scripture to show that the birth of the Lord and
its timing is not of pagan origin, but from God Himself.” Read more inside the attached Weekly Summary.
Howard
also writes, “There is another national
scandal in Israel connected especially with the rabbinic leaders and their
undue influence over political, business, criminal, police leaders. There was an opinion piece in Sunday's Hebrew
edition of the most widely circulated newspaper, Israel HaYom (Israel Today),
about the filthy corruption infecting the whole of the society, coming through
the spiritual leaders of the "Jewish state". Here is today's online English translation,
and pay particular attention to the final paragraph, speaking of "a
God-fearing Jew from Galilee 2000 years ago".
Howard gives tribute to an Israel Prayer warrior in England who passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 95. Ken Burnett started “Prayer for Israel” in 1969 just as the Messianic movement was emerging from the Jesus Movement that was taking place in the United States. Howard writes, “Ken was a vital part in our own lives, in the encouragement he gave to Randi and me, and for the congregation in Beer Sheva which we have been part of since 1982. PFI's prayers, and yours, have without doubt been greatly used by our God and Lord to enable whatever good has come out of Beer Sheva and from the Bass family.”
Psa
68:11-13 The Lord gives the word: The company that publish the tidings are a
great host.
Kings of
armies flee, they flee; And she that tarries at home divides the spoil.
When you
lie among the sheepfolds, It is as the wings of a dove covered with silver, And
her pinions with yellow gold.
Psa
68:14-16 When the Almighty scattered
kings in it, It was as white as snow Salmon.
A mountain
of God is the mountain of Bashan; A high mountain is the mountain of Bashan.
Why do you
look askance, you high mountains, At the mountain which God has desired for his
abode? Yea, YHVH will dwell in it for ever.
Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the
tongue
Please keep in prayer the Israeli
believers who are fighting for their lives or other urgent health needs:
- Brian Slater’s wife Racheli has suffered a broken hip/Femural Neck Fracture from a fall in their home. She will be on crutches for two months. Appreciate prayers.
- Four elder ministry leaders in Israel, are dealing with Parkinson’s which is a neurological syndrome. Since they have not shared this information, I will just ask for you to please pray for them each to be able to continue to live normal lives, and for the hand of the LORD to bless them with healing.
- Harvest of Asher Elena is recovering at home from the last hospital stay. Please keep her in your prayers. Pray for Omer’s condition and healing for Anna & Shimon.
- Please pray for the wife of Ariel Ben David, who leads an Eilat Congregation, and also for his worship leader, both of whom were recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Pray for Ami Ortiz for ongoing issues from the 2008 bomb blast – and that he would win the appeal for government recognition that he is a terror victim. It would mean benefits for the continuing surgeries and legal expenses. See Leah’s report on their website of the latest round of laser surgeries on Ami’s scarring in this issue.
Inside the attachment of the
Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries
Arrows from Zion can be shared freely. Just copy and paste this email into a Word document to make it easy to print. However, we ask the Weekly Summaries not be forwarded or information republished without consent of the specific ministries. The Weekly Summary is by subscription only, write arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
Praying the Headlines
ISRAELPRAYER: I dearly appreciate the way Eddie Santoro
delivers insight and perspective on significant news in Israel. That’s why I am going to devote this whole
space to reprinting his prayer letter this week. Usually we don’t have room but this week we
do, so I would like all of you to get the full benefit of Santoro’s report on
news taking place in Israel. If you
don’t know, Eddie is the pastor of the Ahavat Yeshua congregation in Jerusalem
– a thriving Hebrew-speaking congregation that is filled with committed young
Israeli families.
Eddie & Jackie Santoro in Jerusalem
Ahavat Yeshua Congregation (The Love of Yeshua)
Zion’s Glory and Tikkun Ministries SUBSCRIBE: esant@netvision.net.il
Donations designated for Zion’s Glory: Tikkun Ministries PO Box 2997 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20886 http://www.tikkunministries.org/donations.php?ministry=ZionsGlory
Ahavat Yeshua Congregation (The Love of Yeshua)
Zion’s Glory and Tikkun Ministries SUBSCRIBE: esant@netvision.net.il
Donations designated for Zion’s Glory: Tikkun Ministries PO Box 2997 Gaithersburg, Maryland 20886 http://www.tikkunministries.org/donations.php?ministry=ZionsGlory
It seemed to be a typical winter's night in southern
Israel. The bustle of the day time activity in the city of Ashkelon had quieted
down, the hour grew late and people went to sleep. And then suddenly, in the
early predawn hours, the scream of air raid sirens shattered the silence. Once
again terrorists from within the Gaza Strip were attacking Israel. This time
they had fired seven rockets in the direction of the sleeping city. The three
miles that separate Ashkelon from the terrorists meant that there were only
seconds available in which to find cover from the incoming rockets. Parents
grabbed their children and ran for their safe room, older people lay there and
prayed, knowing that the brief seconds before impact were far too short to
allow them to find cover.
At the same moment, the Iron Dome anti missile defense system perceived the rocket launches. In seconds, the amazing Israeli technology locked onto the speeding missiles. In a heartbeat they determined that five of the seven rockets were on course for direct hits within the boundaries of the city. Immediately the fiery Israeli rockets streaked skyward towards the tiny points of light that were carrying death and destruction to the city. Each of the Iron Dome rockets found their target and as they exploded high above the city, a great cry of relief went up from the residents. The incoming rockets had been destroyed. This time there would be no ambulances, no broken bodies and no heartbreaking funerals.
And Again Several nights ago a similar scenario was played out, but this time the
target was Israel's most southern city, Eilat and the point of origin was the
Egyptian Sinai. Again, the sirens went off and again the sound of explosions
shattered the quiet of the evening and by God's grace yet again, no one was
wounded.
Over the
past weeks there have been many more missiles. Some came from terrorists
located in Lebanon and were aimed against Kiryat Shemona, Israel's most
northern city and others were fired from within Syria towards the Golan
Heights.
The
perpetrators of these attacks were all from different terrorist groups and they
originated from different places, but the motivation was always the same. The
satanic inspired hatred of the Jewish people is the burning passion that drives
each of these terrorists onward. All of the
attacks were unprovoked. The only crime that Israel had carried out against
these enemies was to exist. In the minds of these terrorists, the only solution
to this most fundamental offense of the State of Israel was and continues to be
its destruction.
Several weeks ago an Israeli worker was carrying out
maintenance on the border fence between Israel and the Gaza Strip. He was
standing in Israel unarmed when suddenly gunfire came from Gaza. The bullets
found their mark and the worker fell to the ground dead. His crime? He was an
Israeli doing his part to protect the Jewish people from their enemies.
At the same time along the Northern border, an Israeli
patrol was driving along a road that bordered Lebanon. Suddenly a rocket
propelled grenade was launched and the vehicle was struck. The wounded Israeli
soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Their crime?
Driving a vehicle within Israel. The penalty for this offense according to
Israel's enemies is death.
UNESCO Last week a
UN exhibit entitled, "The 3,500 Year Relationship of the Jewish People and
the Land of Israel" was suddenly
cancelled. The reason for the cancellation according to UNESCO, the UN
organization for Education, Science and Culture was that a group of Arab
states, as well as the Palestinian Authority, said that they found the exhibit
"deeply disturbing". The fact that the Jewish history that was
portrayed by the exhibit is true was of no consequence to UNESCO. The exhibit
was cancelled. The Arab solution to the "deeply disturbing" offense
of Israel's history is clear. Rewrite the 3,500 years of history so that it is
not Jewish. Replace the truth with a lie and undo the existence of Israel. Then
and only then would the offense be removed.
There is no
other nation on the earth that suffers such an unending attack on its
existence. As Israel's history is forever
linked to the history, heritage and coming of Yeshua, so also as a people and
as a nation, they somehow share in the sufferings of Messiah. Please join us in
praying for the peace of Jerusalem. As Isaiah the prophet declared;
"comfort, comfort my people" and "give God no rest till he
establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth".
A Different
Reality This past week the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper arrived in
Israel for a state visit. It was a uniquely positive visit as the Canadian
leader spoke the truth unashamedly and clearly. He boldly proclaimed Israel's
right to exist as a Jewish State and openly praised Israel's record on human
rights and economic freedom. It is interesting to note that the Canadian leader
is a strong, evangelical Christian and no doubt the clarity of his
understanding is directly connected to his deep faith. He is also a personal
friend of PM Netanyahu.
In his message to the Knesset, he said that calling
Israel an aparthied nation is "sickening" and that Canada would stand
with Israel, "through fire and water". Though two Arab members of the
Knesset walked out during his message, the hearts of Israelis were strengthened
and encouraged by this brave politician who choses to stand on God's side.
Video Clip: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sings “Hey Jude” to Israeli PM Netanyahu at a Jewish National Fund gala event. Click here to see the delighted reception from Israelis.
The reality of life in Israel is the opposite from the
script that is being spoken around the world. When a lie is told again and
again, people begin to receive it as the truth. The lies are spreading daily
and are taking root at an unbelievable speed until in the end, all nations will
gather against Israel.
We thank the Lord for men like Stephen Harper, who
count truth as more valuable than political advantage. We also ask you, our
dear friends, to be a light that is shining forth, proclaiming the truth wherever
you are. Let each of us stand firm against the power of the unending lies that
are spoken against Israel.
Please also join us in praying for the continual,
supernatural defense of this nation. As King David declared so long ago;
"may the Lord be Israel's stronghold...and when her enemies advance
against her may it be them who stumble and fall."
We thank you for your love and support.
Israelprayer: As we are preparing to send this prayer summary out we are seeing news reports of an al Qaeda terrorist plot that the Shin Bet thwarted that intended massive bombing of the Jerusalem Convention Center. Threats are always hanging over Israel, but now there is an increase of actions behind the threats. Pray for God’s hand of protection to be a barrier – a Heavenly Iron Dome – against active terror threats.
Israelprayer: As we are preparing to send this prayer summary out we are seeing news reports of an al Qaeda terrorist plot that the Shin Bet thwarted that intended massive bombing of the Jerusalem Convention Center. Threats are always hanging over Israel, but now there is an increase of actions behind the threats. Pray for God’s hand of protection to be a barrier – a Heavenly Iron Dome – against active terror threats.
IsraelToday
As Christians of every stripe in Jesus' hometown of
Nazareth begin to again take a real stand for their faith, local Muslims are
warning them not to overstep the boundaries of their traditional place in the
Middle East (hint: they must remain dhimmis, or second-class).
A large billboard hanging at a central point in
Nazareth features a picture of an Israeli stop sign, along with the English
translation of a verse from the Koran cautioning Christians (and Jews) to speak
only the "truth" regarding Allah.
The poster (and Koran 4:171) reads: "O people of the Scripture (Christians)!
Do not exceed the limits of your religion. Say nothing but the truth about
Allah (The One True God). The Christ Jesus, Son of Mary, was only a Messenger
of God and His word conveyed to Mary and a spirit created by Him. So believe in
God and His messengers and do not say: 'Three gods (trinity)'. Cease! It will
be better for you. Indeed, Allah is the One and the Only God. His Holiness is
far above having a son."
Evangelical Christians from Nazareth have become a
growing and integral part of the overall Messianic body in the land, while
traditional Christians (Catholics, Greek Orthodox, etc) have been waking up to
their historical and religious connection to the Jews and are joining the
Israeli army in ever greater numbers.
Israeli Ministries on Tours
BOOKING meetings now (See open dates) Inside
the attached Weekly Summary are
itineraries and open dates for Brian
Slater of Yeshua’s Fresh Bread in Israel and Joel Jelski of Succat Hallel/Bound4Life.
Donna Diorio
arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
Israel Watcher – A Second Opinion Mostly political or current events commentary
| Fruit of the Fig Tree Spiritual insights
If you appreciate the efforts of this ministry to share both the challenges and the great things God is doing among the Israeli indigenous ministries, please pray about making a financial gift donation. Make donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio and mail to:
Israel Prayer P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006
Or click on the PayPal account: donna@israelprayer.com
I do not have tax exempt status.
arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
Israel Watcher – A Second Opinion Mostly political or current events commentary
| Fruit of the Fig Tree Spiritual insights
If you appreciate the efforts of this ministry to share both the challenges and the great things God is doing among the Israeli indigenous ministries, please pray about making a financial gift donation. Make donations payable to the order of Donna Diorio and mail to:
Israel Prayer P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006
Or click on the PayPal account: donna@israelprayer.com
I do not have tax exempt status.
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