WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 6/1/2016

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

Arrows from Zion May be copied for use in Prayer Gatherings

Priority Prayer Focus Jun 1, 2016

As it is every first of the month, I have received more ministry letters than I can publish in one Weekly Prayer Summary. This is in order to keep the attachment and Arrows short enough that some servers will put them through to you - not deleting them as too long. Several ministry letters that have arrived in the past couple of days must be carried over to next week.

As a PRIORITY Prayer Focus this week I want to share a private conversation I had this week with one of the Israeli ministry leaders.  Let's let this inform our prayers for them:

"Today we had some news of some friends who were denied citizenship and realized anew and afresh that the warfare in this place is beyond!  I feel strongly that it has increased in intensity and we are in a new season and we will see and experience new and more difficult battles... but Praise the Lord, His glory will also be manifest in a greater way. So we appreciate your efforts and your intercessions for us - personally and as His body here in the Land."

Arrows from Zion
Strategically Aimed for the Lord’s Harvest in Israel
Contact info for all the ministries included inside the subscription-only Weekly Summary.

One of my most favorite reports to read is the ministry letters from Rachel Netanel (If I can even say that because honestly I have so many "favorites" in the Israeli ministries it is like the love of a mother rejoicing over each one of her uniquely wonderful children - not that I am their mother, just the only way to express how so many of these delightful, courageous leaders so fill my heart to read what is on their hearts and their plates each month. If you don't delve in to get to know them, you surely don't know what I mean by this and the loss is truly yours.)

Rachel is a great model of what evangelism is in Israel and it breaks the model we are used to in the Western world of someone who comes to town, puts on a big meeting and then rolls out again to the next city and venue. Because of the wall that Jews have put up against the "Christian god Jesus" that kind of evangelism is not entirely productive in Israel. For example, Russian Jewish immigrants may respond to this type of evangelism in Israel, but native Israelis will not.  So, for the most part, Israeli Jewish followers of Yeshua do one-on-one evangelism. Of course there is also incredible momentum happening in social media efforts - Israeli Jews like the idea of learning about the beliefs of Messianic Israeli Jews from the privacy of their social media access. But as far as personal contact - one on one ministry is the truly powerful way to go.

In first Corinthians 1:22 the apostle Paul accurately observed that "Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom." So to the Israeli Jew the thing that speaks most powerfully is the sign of a fellow Israeli Jew whose life truly has the power of Messiah pulsing through it. That's what they see in Rachel - who was honest enough to confess that one woman she ministered to recently was so full of demons that "i was a bit afraid of her" until they talked and compassion for her sprang up in Rachel like bubbling living water. I will not go further into the details of this ministry letter for safety issues, but you can read this wonderfully encouraging ministry letter in full inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

The Maoz Ministries of Ari and Shira Sorko Ram report on new leaders who were ordained for service at Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv last week.  Ron and Elana Cantor, who has been leading the congregation for the past three years now steps into a new role as ambassadors for the congregation, and new pastor Gil, a native Israeli who has served the congregation many years was ordained with anointing oil and prayer. Another young couple stepped into official leadership within the congregation.

Katy Smith, who composes the Maoz ministry letters writes, "It is very exciting to witness a new generation (my generation!) step into the position of leadership in the body of Messiah in Israel. It is happening all across Israel, and Maoz is one of those leading the way through this process in organizing nation-wide leadership conferences and mentoring the new generation of leaders. But the beautiful thing to see is that the leaders who "step down" willingly to give way to this new generation continue mentoring, supporting, praying, and doing everything they can to see the new leaders succeed and excel. The previous leaders stay in their home congregations, continuing to support and encourage the new ones as they embark on their journey. So it's not that one generation completely replaces the other.  What we see here is an inter-generational leadership net, which is strong and is built on a good foundation.  This is the future and the hope of Israel!"  For more Maoz news see inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

In the past, official city and government agencies would reject the help offered to them by Israeli Messianic ministries so it is always considered a stride forward when such offers are welcomed - from Acco to Jerusalem! That's why Evan Levine of the HaTikva Project is so thrilled with the new partnership they have forged with the Jerusalem Ministry of Welfare for their new Dental Clinic.  This is such a great need and blessing to so many in Israel who cannot afford critical dental work. Evan writes, "I feel like God is about to exponentially increase our capability to minister and start new projects here in Israel. I have so many plans in my heart that I believe the Lord will use us to establish. Please continue to pray for us, to give, and to share our work with your friends and congregations!"

Israel Pochtar is feeling equally upbeat about the future, writing, "How incredible is the journey God has taken us on and the victory He has given us: only a few years ago we were going through a season of some very harsh persecutions that culminated in a very aggressive mass 1000-ultra orthodox demonstration against our congregation right outside our church building.  How sweet was to see the Lord's victory when we had organized our now first of several 1000-people Gospel Outreach events, where we had brought together 1000 non-believers to hear the Gospel for the first time! We rejoice in His triumphs over any opposition!"

It is exactly as the prophecy of Isaiah 60:2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you.

Shavuot (Pentecost) the ministry is launching two big events, Pochtar writes. One a gospel outreach event in Jerusalem, and also the launch of the new congregational plant in Rishon LeZion.  Read more about the fantastic work this ministry is doing especially among the Russian-speaking immigrants in the Negev inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Ben Juster sends a quick prayer list this week for the various Tikkun Ministries, which this month have been coming and going to the United States. First up he is off to join his mom and dad, Dan & Patty Juster in the US for the Tikkun America network events - their Apostolic Team and their Leadership & Family Conference. Ben writes, "The theme of this year's conference is evangelism. Pray for a resurgence of passion for outreach and practical equipping for reaching out to Jewish brothers and sisters with the Gospel."

As you know if you pay attention to this prayer summary, Asher Intrater has just returned to Israel from May in the US (Please do take advantage of the links to those messages we have and will continue to provide). Also Ben notes that "Eitan Shishkoff and Paul Wilbur are kicking off the Four Winds Tour this month. Please won't you pray for great impact in these gatherings of the Kingdom and for funds to come in for this important project."  For more of Tikkun Intl prayer requests see inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Did you know there is a Messianic ministry in Israel that has been taking care of elderly Messianic believers in Israel for the past 40 years?  The Kehila News Israel staff writes this wonderful report on the Ebenezer ministry.  "Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly, and revere your God. I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:32

Kehila also features this article by Barri Seif, God, Where are You?

From Revive Israel, Asher Intrater's ministry team: Love for the Word | by Cody Archer, 3 Aspects of the Kingdom VIDEO by Ariel Blumenthal, Purpose, Power, People AUDIO by Asher Intrater, the first message from Asher Intrater at the Israel Intensive conference at IHOP-KC Family Alignment for the Kingdom

and inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary a short message by Elhanan, I Call You Friends.

Howard Bass writes about some cool stops for tourists in Israel that offer a little something different: "Many of you who have been to Israel are familiar with the alligator farm at the Roman hot thermal baths of Hamat Gader in the southern Golan Heights.  But do you know about the Nile Crocodile Farm, Crocoloco, in the Arava?!  It is located next to Ir Ovot and the Tamar Biblical Site, where there are believers who volunteer to look after the site.  (The Tamar site lies within the borders of the future Land of Israel: Ezek 47:19)  The Nile crocs are one of the most dangerous animals that the Lord has made, and fascinating how He created them to be what they are. What will it be like in the Millennial Kingdom when there is peace among and with the animals!!?"

Howard and Randi are about to depart for Switzerland with Christian Arab pastor Johnny Shawan who along with his German wife direct a wonderful children's ministry near Bethlehem called Beit A'Liga. The Shawan's are elders in a church in Bethlehem where the Bass' go every year since 2003 for Christmas services to show brotherly fellowship. "The main theme of our ministry there is that nothing can separate us from the love of God.  We will also be speaking how we interact as believers in Jesus with a hostile society.  Please pray that we would all be led by the Holy Spirit, so that our own relationship with each other is enhanced, and that there might be other opportunities to minister together that the Lord would  bless."

You may or may not know, but the fellowship between the Messianic Jews and Arab Christians in the Holy Land are essential and difficult. The politics make forging strong relationships difficult, but the love of Messiah makes it an essential effort for both sides to engage in. It is no little thing to cross over into territory where Israel cannot provide protection of those who do it. This is not just one congregation visiting another for fellowship, it is an act of faith and a declaration of commitment. Please pray for all those who break out of their comfort zones to do such things as this.

Howard also offers these online resources: "We have produced a new "thank-you" 4-min video for the congregation, which you can view here.  I have also posted a recent teaching that I gave as part of our congregational series on prayer, "Prayer of God's Family and Yeshua's Disciples".  We thank-you very much for loving Yeshua/Jesus, and His people Israel, as there is growing animosity to both in this world."

We have a great praise report for the Morning Star Fellowship (Or B'Darki) in Tiberias that is led by Claude and Michelle Ezagouri. A couple of long awaited permits have been secured for their new congregational facilities! This is a huge step forward as Israeli bureaucracy can be daunting; in many cases that is multiplied if you are a Messianic congregation in an especially religious area of Israel.  I won't go into the rest of the ministry details in Arrows, which is published online, but you can access more from them inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

One observation from Ezagouri that I will note here:  "Israel has now sophisticated technical devices to unveil Hamas underground tunnels and some of these have already been exposed and destroyed. However some army strategists said that this could encourage Hammas to trigger a war in order to use the existing tunnels before they are discovered. This will be one of [new Defense Minister] Avigdor Liberman's main preoccupations and the Israelis, especially those living in the south, are waiting to see what his policy will be."

We received a newsy personal ministry letter from Avner and Rachel Boskey, excerpts of which you can read in inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary. Some of the highlights we want to mention in Arrows is the article Avner wrote about an important issue and topic among believers in Israel and the Middle East, The Isaiah 19 highway – prophecies amidst the potholes.

Also Rachel writes, "A few weeks ago, on erev Shabbat, Avner and I had the privilege of worshipping the Lord together with Chinese believers at a Negev Highlands campground in the heart of the desert.  We led worship and spoke to 300 Chinese speakers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the US and other places.  Avner spoke about the calling of believers to share the intercessory burden of the Lord for Israel through our identification with Israel, through tears and prayer.  We are so thankful for Body of Messiah — especially for those members of His body whose hearts are turned in love toward His purposes for the people of Israel! Here’s a three minute video of Avner speaking and encouraging prayer for Israel"

See more of the exciting things going on with the Boskey's including ministry travel plans in Europe during June inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Martin Sarvis in Jerusalem also writes about how important work is being done in the prayer houses in Middle Eastern nations, including one in Turkey where two spiritual leaders in Israel have just traveled to in order to strengthen this work. He writes, "Some years ago, as a prophetic act, a menorah was taken from a 24/7 house of prayer in Jerusalem and placed in the house in Izmir; there have been quite a few goings-and-comings since that time."

Sarvis writes, "Izmir is the site of the ancient city of Smyrna, one of seven cities on the Anatolian peninsula to which the risen Yeshua sent a special message in the first century (Revelation 2:8-12).  As an original “lampstand” community which has re-awakened, we believe our Lord desires that its light grow in that land of 85 million souls, brightening into an illumination which will shine even beyond its borders into other countries of the Middle East.  As in Indonesia  it is the raising up of houses of prayer and worship which God has used to strengthen His Church in a place of great darkness and religious persecution—we are praying for the same to awaken and come into place in Turkey!"  Get specific prayer points for this inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary.

Do you see that it is not just that "all Israel shall be saved" but it is also that "The law (Torah) will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." And not only that, but "Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths." 

In this prayer summary, you can see ALL of those elements in progress:
1. Israeli Jews coming to the knowledge of Messiah Yeshua

2. Israeli Jewish ministries going into the nations -including Middle Eastern nations - to expound upon the Word of God from the Hebrew understanding to "Zion" - the whole international community of faith.
3. Christians from the nations coming to Israel specifically to connect with the Israeli Body of Messiah to forge relationships that will build up Zion in Israel and in their own home nations.

For such a time as this!

Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue

Please see inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary to keep in prayer the Israeli ministry leaders and believers with urgent health needs including the fight for their very lives: 

Eddie Santoro;  Nanci, an intercessor treasured by the Boskey's in the Negev just underwent open heart surgery; Evan Thomas in still painful occupational therapy phase after serious arm fractures; Richard Hyde, Rick Ridings daughter, Esther Moore; David O., Eddie Beckford, David Davis; an unnamed forefather of Messianic Judaism; Ruth Nessim; Evan Levine; Rachel Slater; Judy, wife of pastor Yaakov K; Moshe Morrison;  Shelly wife of pastor Eitan; Claude Ezagouri; Patti, wife of Dan Juster; Baruch and Karen Maayan; Michael E (see update below) and unnamed Israel-related ministers.  Pray also for Ghazi, the son of an Arab pastor, who is suffering from Leukemia. Tal Bass. Miriam Abramov, incisional hernia.

Update on David Davis | We have been waiting to send this until we had our newest PET CT and MRI test results which were done in the past two weeks. We have now received all the results, and we are thrilled to report that there is no sign of cancer in any of these tests!!
(Read the full 5-paragraph, encouraging report inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary)

Praying the Headlines

The Jerusalem Post Editor, Yaacov Katz, wrote an opinion piece last month about the 4 streams of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist).  Katz asked for readers to write him with their own thoughts, Terri Morey who leads a Messianic congregation with her husband Eric in Poriya Illit, did. Her Letter to the Editor was published in the paper days later "We're still Jews!" (Scroll down in the link).

In her response Terri confronts the issue of traditional Judaism denying that Jewish believers in Yeshua as the Messiah continuing to be Jewish.  It is a interesting point that in all the messianic  claims that have been made in history and currently, that it is only the claim that Yeshua is the Messiah that brings an automatic exclusion of the followers from their Jewish identity. It's a very telling point. Terri also encourages people to respond to the exchange on the Jerusalem Post by writing their own letter.
(Read the full Letter to the Editor inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary)

Israeli Ministries on Tours 

Sally Shiff, Intercessor @ Kehilat Hamaayan (Congregation of the Wellspring) in Kfar Saba sent this video message delivered by her pastor, Tony Sperandeo, at a Peoria, Illinois church. Sperandeo currently on tour in the US was speaking Why Israel Matters.  Enjoy this teaching on Vimeo.

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The Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries contain excerpts from the diverse Israeli ministries. We cannot share those on the internet but if you would like to subscribe, write me at arrowsfromzion@ gmail.com (remove the space)________________________________________

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 go to www.PayPal.com My account is:  donna@israelprayer.com  I do not have tax exempt status.