WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 6/25/2014

Arrows from Zion 

Serving the Body of Messiah in Israel since August 2001 
& Strategically Aimed for the Lord’s Harvest in Israel

Priority Prayer Focus June 25, 2014

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  2 Cor 4:18

In Judah is God known: His name - Yeshua - is great in Israel.  In [Jeru]Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion.  There brake He the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.  Psa 76:1-3

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

Today there is not a major international Jewish believer organization with more congregation and ministry works on the ground and producing good fruit in Israel than the works that came from those connected together through the historic roots of covenant unity and joined together since the early 90s under the name Tikkun.  There may be more famous Jewish evangelism-org names, and therefore more greatly funded by the international Church, and there are large congregations that quite fruitful as well, but the scope of the works planted under Eitan Shishkoff (Ohalai Rachamim) and Asher Interater (Revive Israel) together at least equal other works in the land.  

The lead story this week was written by me after listening in to a phone conference call by Tikkun Ministries director Dan Juster a few weeks ago about some exciting changes coming to the Tikkun organization.  Even knowing the ministries involved for a couple of decades, I had no idea just how extensive the Tikkun connected works are, but I do know how fruitful they have been in Israel and that is where the changes coming are centered. 

You can read my take on that inside the attached Weekly Summary, but one thing I do want to say here: 

A major key change is the restructuring of Tikkun Intl HQ to Jerusalem under Asher Intrater, the formation of Tikkun Israel to unify all the Tikkun-associated congregations and ministries in Israel under Eitan Shishkoff, and the launch of a new ministry name for Dan Juster who is Tikkun’s ambassador at large – Restoration from Zion.  Israelis, who are known for being fiercely independent – including the Israeli congregations and ministries is seeing the formation of the first Israeli Messianic stream come together in a unity of vision and purpose.  That’s kind of a big deal folks.

If you would like to hear about the transitioning of Tikkun from Dan Juster’s own mouth, the phone conference is still available, download it as an audio file or get the dial in # inside the attached PDF Weekly Summary.

Acts 17:26:  “From one man He made all the nations,  that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”  From the Ukraine, to the Sunni Islamist takeover of Iraq – indeed even the return of the Jews to Israel – we may be witnessing the people groups reverting back into the boundaries that God originally set for them. 

Rick Ridings of Succat Hallel has had a vision about that than which will be posted on their website within a few days, and it is the same thing several of us have been sensing as we watch man-made borders becoming increasingly irrelevant to the people living within them.  Ridings vision, which speaks to what GOD has planned for Iraq, Syria, Jordan, the Kurds and even the Temple Mount is something to watch for.  We will send a link as it comes online.

Israel Pochtar of Beit Hallel in Ashdod, has also been watching the stirrings in Ukraine and expects a new wave of Aliyah which their congregation is preparing for.  In fact, he writes, “We have already received several new families into our congregation.. . . We, as former immigrant, know firsthand of the challenges that people face when first coming into the country. More than financial, the difficulties adapting to a new culture, language, costumes, the uncertainty, fear, doubt... People need to know they have someone to count on, and we want to provide them with the love, care, assistance and support they need to make this transition easier. Our goal is to feed people both physically and spiritually.”

Pochtar asks two prayer requests for this outreach:  “Please pray with us for the financial provision to expand our translation system according to our increased need and growing number of people in our congregation needing translation.  Pray also for increased resources and provision to help new immigrants. Be their helping hand in reaching them with practical assistance, as well as bringing them gospel into their lives and homes.”

This congregation is pressing in to reach and minister to Russian speaking immigrants, with Bible tours and exploring the faith of Yeshua in their 8-week Alpha courses.  It is a dynamic ministry that is rich in outreach, congregation planting, discipleship and humanitarian relief.

Rachel Netanel has been described to us as one of the most anointed Messianic evangelists in Israel with a real gift of personal evangelism.  Rachel, and her husband Gilad, do a lot of one-on-one ministry with the people they meet and invite into their home.  Personal evangelism is the great key to ministry in Israel because if the people you meet in your life cannot see a reason in you to believe you possess a secret difference, then they are not much interested in hearing about your Yeshua.  Read about some of the people the Netanel’s have encountered recently, and if you would like to hear Rachel’s story, she tells it here by video on GodVine.

From Asher Intrater of Revive Israel he writes about attending the Bar Mitzvah of the grandson of his Tikkun ministry partner, Eitan.  Asher writes that, “As we stood to bless Yoav, David” – Eitan’s son – “reminded us that 30 years ago, I trained him for his bar mitzvah, and now here we were together to celebrate the bar mitzvah of his son.  It is rare to see long-term relationships in today's society. Covenantal loyalty and community building are seen as ‘old fashioned’ and irrelevant.  However, as I witnessed this event, I was struck by the need to re-examine what is really important in life. Much of what we do and seem to accomplish will not mean much in the light of eternity.  But relationships that have stood the test of time contain a significance and satisfaction that is eternal.”

Asher also includes a video that is going viral by an Arab teenager staunchly support Israel, demanding the return of the hostages and calling the Jihadists ‘terrorists."   And this short teaching from Asher on Pain.

Ron Cantor of Messiah’s Mandate and Tiferet Yeshua congregation writes about powerful meetings they are having in Tel Aviv.  He also asks prayers for their young leaders in training at the congregation.  As many in Israel, this congregation has devoted the last many years to the development of the next generation of congregation and ministry leaders.  This is an important are to pray over for all of the Israeli ministries.

Cantor also writes about the trip they are taking with 30 Israeli believers to the Messiah Conference in Pennsylvania to represent Israel in the US meeting of Messianic Jews.  Cantor will be doing a live podcast from the meeting on Monday June 30^th.  Find his podcasts at messiahsmandate.org

Eddie Santoro of the Ahavat Yeshua congregation in Jerusalem talks about the young teen who was killed with missiles from Syria were fired over the border into Israel.  The Israelis responded by pounding Syria with tank fire and the day afterward with an Air Force attack on Syrian targets.  What you may not know is that the boy who was killed was named Muhammed, the son of an Arab contractor who was working near the border.  Please pray for the many innocent civilians on both sides of the border who are being caught up in the violence in Syria.

Santoro also reports on the missiles being fired out of Gaza into Syria, and the continuing search for the 3 kidnapped Israeli Jewish teenagers in the West Bank called Operation Brother’s Keeper.  The seach has been exhaustive, no rock left unturned and has resulted in the arrest of 300+ Hamas terrorists, many of who were released in the Shalit prisoner trade.  
Eddie writes, “Please keep praying for Israel's security. The countries surrounding us (except for Egypt) are increasingly under the control of Islamic Radical groups and the old order of nations is disintegrating into something far darker and more dangerous. Pray for super natural protection from our enemies. Pray for wisdom for our national leaders, both army and government as they negotiate the treacherous diplomatic waters that are whirling about. . . . Pray that Israel would have time to finish the necessary work, whose end is the return of the kidnapped boys. Please pray against any further kidnappings.”

With all the chaos of major events swirling about, Howard Bass of the Beer Sheva congregation found himself last week engaging with believers on a couple of end-times prophecy websites that he writes “gracious and humble enough to respond responsively”.  Bass writes, “Prophecy should be important to all believers, since God is fulfilling His word, which, to us, is all prophetic.  The Word of God and current events are coming together more and more tightly as the end of the age draws ever nearer than when they were first written. “

Bass and another Negev brother were also talking during the week of their own prophetic expectations of “what lies ahead of Israel and of those who believe.  We are both born-again, serious students of the Word, love Yeshua, and live in the Negev.  Yet, we are 'miles apart' as to the what, how, and why of future end-time events. “

“He suggested,” Bass writes, “and I would second it, that someone should organize a conference of a few days to talk about all these things, with a view to seek the Lord in love for Him and for the brethren, in which the various schools of thought can be openly discussed and that the Holy Spirit can help us all be more on the same page with Him.  Any suggestions, anyone? 

[Israelprayer:  There are plenty of prophecy conferences in the U.S. but what I always wondered is how can you have a prophecy conference and not one Israeli Messianic prophet be invited to participate?  Doesn’t make sense to me!]

Tal Bass, the son currently serving in the IDF in a command position, is “GREATLY appreciative” of the prayer for him.  Thank you for remembering to pray for all the Messianic sons and daughters serving Israel in military service.  Howard notes that there are several of the IDF soldiers involved in the painstaking search for the kidnapped teenagers who are believers.  Pray that the LORD will give a word of knowledge so the teenagers may be located and liberated from their captors.

Kehila.com is a newsfeed aggregate of articles and videos from over 100 Messianic-related websites in Israel. This week we feature one of those from the weekly feed: A report and embedded video on how CBN Israel is working to create opportunities for Messianic Jews and Christian Arabs in Israel to develop their own businesses. Investing in Israel is a way to bless the Jewish people.  Investing in Israel: Fanning the Entrepreneur Spirit

 

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: 

• Prayer request from Hamaayan Congregation for D, one of our youth to have a perfect recovery from a dangerous illness.

• Pray for Messianic leader Marcel Rebiai of Shemen Sasson congregation in Jerusalem as he recovers from major back surgery. 
• Arni & Yonit Klein of Emmaus Way request prayers for staff in the U.S. (Becky and Keith) and in Germany (Hannah) as they heal from extremely serious injuries received in accidents.
• 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.
• 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.   It has been quite a long while since we heard any update, if any of you in Israel can input new information it would be appreciated.
• Pray for Ami Ortiz for ongoing issues from the Purim 2008 bomb blast –  all this time later there are still painful procedures, lack of recognition from the government of this terror victim status.
• Guy Cohen of Harvest of Asher asks for continued prayer for Marlene’s physical healing and financial miracle needed. For Misha, who has diabetes & was hospitalized w/infection and blood clot in his leg; for V’s son; for O who fell on the bus.

Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries
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Praying the Headlines

Here is an excellent report by our friend in Jerusalem, Martin Sarvis, that I'm sharing this week in hopes that many of you prayer warriors will pick up the vision to prayer for Iraqi Kurdistan.

"Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The LORD has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes for His plan is against Babylon to destroy it, because it is the vengeance of the LORD, the vengeance for His temple" (Jeremiah 51:11).

"SPRINGTIME FOR THE KURDS." This past Friday a tanker arrived at Israel's Ashkelon port bearing crude oil originating in Iraqi Kurdistan. An independent pipeline has been built from the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. If Israel is the final destination for this oil (which it appears to be), its arrival marks the first delivery of crude from the pipeline to a company abroad.

All are not pleased with this transaction. The central Iraqi government in Baghdad is strongly against the KRG (Kurdish Regional Government) selling oil independently to foreign entities and has threatened sanctions against those who buy it. This has kept European countries with interests in Iraq's southern oil fields at bay. The US also has cautioned countries from buying it. But Israel has nothing to lose-Iraq has long been part of the embargo of Israel by Arab states. Besides, Israel, which has always been friendly with the Kurds in Iraq, is keen to establish deeper ties as that people is coming more and more to stand on its own.

With the ISIS-fueled Sunni insurgence into Western Iraq forcing all governmental forces into retreat; with the Shi'ite forces in the south (almost certain soon to be joined by Iranian support) coming finally into array; an enormous sectarian confrontation is looming--and, for the moment, the Kurds in the north have pretty much been left to themselves.

They are not being idle, but are busy securing, and in some cases expanding, their borders. Thursday, they took advantage of the turmoil and in a lightning move their peshmerga forces gained full control of the strategic oil-rich city of Kirkuk, a city the Kurds have long claimed to be their own. Like their forebears the ancient Medes, the Kurds are a warlike people, gentle in peace, fierce when threatened. Peshmerga, the name of their warriors, is Kurdish for "those who face death". And, as one senior intelligence officer declared earlier this week, "We are prepared to fight for every inch of that land that we feel is Kurdish" ("Facing ISIS threat, Kurdish fighters favor US air power": The Christian Science Monitor, June 19, 2014).

As implied above, the Kurds are generally considered to be descendants of the ancient Medes. As such there has been a connection with Israel since Biblical times. II Kings 17:6 tells of portions of the Northern Kingdom being exiled there, and many of the captive Southern Kingdom Jews ended up among them after the Mede's alliance with the Persians swept away the previous Babylonian empire. They are mentioned frequently in the Book of Esther. Daniel and Ezekiel are known to have been buried in areas occupied by Medes.

The Jews flourished under the Medes who are themselves thought to have been strongly influenced by the people of the God of Israel; a closeness developed between the two peoples which continues to this day, when the Kurds are the only people in their part of the world who remain friendly with Jews. Some scholars believe that the "Magi from the East" who visited the young Yeshua/Jesus were probably Medes who had come under such influence-and Acts 2:5-9 makes clear that on the day of "Pentecost" when the Spirit was poured out upon the Church-there were Jews from the land of the Medes in attendance who doubtless took what they received back to their homeland.

Today the Kurds for the most part live in a crescent extending from eastern Turkey, crossing north-eastern Syria down into northern Iraq and parts of north-western Iran. They are the largest people-group without a sovereign homeland, their plight one of dominance and persecution for centuries-culminating for those in Iraq with their attempted extermination by Sadaam Hussein during the genocidal anfal campaign of the late 1980's.

With the implementation of a 'no-fly' zone at the close of the 1st Gulf War, the Kurds began getting on their feet again. Now, out of poverty and loss, out of constant threat from without and inter-tribal conflict from within, they have miraculously arisen, like the golden sun shining in the center of their banner into a powerful entity to be reckoned with. Might this enclave of the descendants of the ancient Medes be finally on the verge of realizing its dream of independence and statehood?

As an analysis in last Friday's Jerusalem Post concluded, "What all this means is that there exists today an economically powerful, politically stable, well-defended Kurdish entity, with a population of 5 million people, in what was once northern Iraq. The effective collapse of any authority on the part of Baghdad over this entity means that the latter is now a Kurdish state in all but name" ("Kurdish Advances": The Jerusalem Post, June 20, 2014, p.15).

Believers have been entering into Iraqi Kurdistan since the late 80's. They came in assisting in the rebuilding, well digging, education, technology.and bearing the Gospel. They soon discovered that the veneer of Islam enveloping this people appears to be thinner than on others in the region (perhaps related to the centuries of historic friendliness to the Jews living in their midst?).

Forcibly subjugated to Islam 1300 years ago, disillusioned by the contempt to which they have been nevertheless continually subjected by their Muslim neighbors, many seem open to hearing of another Way. The Gospel found much fertile ground in which to germinate. Whereas missionaries labored years for a few converts in other Islamic countries, in Northern Iraq, they were coming into the Kingdom within months. Soon they were being filled with the Spirit, evangelizing, writing worship and praise songs in their own language.

Believers envisioned the Truth spreading beyond Iraq and throughout Kurdistan-their going forth to evangelize their Arab, Iranian and Turkish neighbors. This has not happened yet; as the country has been finding its footing and beginning to prosper, the early awakening has ebbed and flowed-but we believe that the seeds planted by Believers in the early 90's are green and just below the surface.

The flag the Kurds in Iraq have adopted (presently banned in Turkey, Iran and Syria) has a green stripe at bottom with a yellow sun on a white field above, and a red stripe above that. The green is supposed to represent the land of the Kurds, the red the blood of their martyrs. Whatever may have been the original significance for the 21-pointed "sun" in between, we see it now as the "sun of righteousness rising, with healing in its wing!" May the seeds below the surface be warmed and germinate quickly-springing up into a harvest!

A few months ago an intercessor friend of ours living here in Jerusalem awakened with a phrase going repeatedly through his spirit, "Springtime for the Kurds! Springtime for the Kurds!" He had not heard the phrase before, but a short time later, while on an international flight the words on the cover of an in-flight magazine in the back of the seat in front of him stood out, "Springtime for the Kurds." (Our friend has since made a ministry visit into Kurdistan.) As Iraqi Kurdistan indeed seems to be coming into a new-life awakening-

PLEASE PRAY:

*That God will quickly bring this region of Kurdistan safe and sound into the place He has ordained for this next season.

*That the seeds which have been sown from ancient times by the Jews living amongst them and in more recent years by the Christians the Lord has brought there would germinate during this "springtime"-bringing forth strong Kurdish believers in Issa (Yeshua/Jesus).

*For Kurdish believers already there to be revived and encouraged, filled with the Spirit and given supernatural vision and insight for the godly destiny of their people.

* Jeremiah 51:11. "Make the arrows bright! Gather the shields! The LORD has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes for His plan is against Babylon."

Although originally spoken regarding ancient Babylon, with new "giants" arraying in that same region, let us pray that the "God of the Spirits of All Flesh" (Last week's Torah Portion, Num. 16:22) would again "raise up the spirit of the Medes"- that He would "put His Spirit upon them" (Num. 11:29) to stand as a light in that part of the world. That they become established in their place of positioning for His end-time "plan against Babylon!" That Kurdish men, women and children come into the army of the Lamb, His peshmerga-who "overcome by the Word of their Testimony, the Blood of the Lamb, and that they love not their lives, even to the death."

*That a strong alliance, blessed by God, come into effect between Israel and Iraqi Kurdistan