WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 3/9/2016

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 Mar 9, 2016

Allen Hood, a prophetic intercessor minister at the Kansas City International House of Prayer delivered a message that I believe is timely and strategic for the season: Of Presidents & Prophets.  It is based on Isaiah 6:1, "In the year that king Uzziah died" and as Hood relates, there are seasons and reasons when the prophets are not hearing from God clearly. 

I believe this message will challenge just about everyone who listens to it, if you will. Video or audio.

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.

An Exclusive KehilaNews.com Survey finds that Messianic soldiers in the Israeli Army are bolder than ever in sharing and living their faith!  Please follow the link to the story which includes a graphic break out of the first ever published survey online of Messianic Jews serving in the Israeli army. 

Inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary is an excellent perspective in response to this wonderfully encouraging survey, by our friend Martin Sarvis in Jerusalem.  His perspective "GOD of the ARMIES of ISRAEL" also sheds light on how the spiritual armies and the physical armies of Israel are intersected and why that makes it critical for intercessors to connect these dots.  As Martin points out, a lot has changed for Yeshua-followers in the Israeli military in just one generation, which is critical because "We believe that the God of the Armies of Israel is determined to bring this physical army “into array” under His command."

In the section DAVID the Soldier and the necessity of Divine Insight, Martin lays out how biblical success and prosperity (sekhel) is "related to man's reasoning powers - a reasoning ability that is informed by God; an ability to reason clearly, enlightened by the Holy Spirit." This is the spiritually powerful asset that strong believers in Yeshua are bringing to the IDF and why we should be praying for their message to flow with great increase and multiply!  I am trying to capture in a few words what you really need to open the Weekly Summary and read in depth, plus receive the prayer points that go along with this.

Again, the Revive Israel ministry letters sends out its invitation to the international Body to join by live streaming the Esther Fast  on March 23. Can you imagine a day when all the nations connect via live stream to Jerusalem to take part in crying out to God as Esther before the Throne for the sake of God's people?  This is where this annual prayer event is aiming.

One of the younger generation of ministers in the Revive Israel team, Youval Yanay encourages the older generation to reach out to the younger generation in this audio teaching Pull in the next generation

From Maoz Ministries of Ari & Shira Sorko-Ram, a request for Ari in the Far East with important meetings, and Shira at home working on the upcoming Maoz Israel Report.  Also, "Please continue to PRAY for the projects we are working on intended for outreach online.  PRAY for clear direction and guidance in every decision being made.  PRAY for the Lord to supply the needed finances for these projects. We are also in the final stages of producing a children's CD.  Please PRAY for the completion of this project.  May it bring much fruit for the Kingdom and bless many Israeli children."

Arni and Yonit Klein of Emmaus Way in the Galilee report a very busy season with hosting international groups, as well as much needed family time with grandchildren (their son's family lives in Australia).  The Galilee House which they have set to host international worship and intercessory groups to seek the Lord, is prospering.  This report gives a full schedule of groups coming from the nations, as well as helpers coming from the nations to donate time and materials to make the facilities just right for the spiritual purposes.

You can consult the Gathering Schedule for 2016 inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary There are some slots still open in some of the scheduled gatherings.

From Ron Cantor of Tiferet Yeshua congregation in Tel Aviv and Messiah's Mandate: A video teaching on Gal 3:8 The Most Misunderstood Verse in the New Testament! and 3 short videos to help you not only understand Isaiah 53, but refute those who say it is not about Yeshua

The report from the Morning Star Fellowship (Of B'Darki) in Tiberias is encouraging with news of good relations with a new neighbor, the new Reverend of the Tiberias local Church of Scotland.  Scotland is also one of those nations that has a rising anti-Israel political dynamic going on, so this is encouraging to us as well as to the Ezagouri's who lead the Messianic fellowship in Tiberias. I will not go into the details of what is going on in their fellowship because they are in an especially sensitive area.  You can read more how to pray for them inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Sally Shiff who serves as the liaison for the HaMaayan congregation in Kfar Saba, as well as the head intercessor there, sends a brief report on a recent 'chance' encounter with an old friend who was also leading some guests in different parts of the country. After running into each other twice at different prayer sites, they decided to combine forces as they went up to pray at the Syrian border. She writes, "There was peace with no signs of military action coming from there, but it is surreal to think how close we are to such a danger zone,  Taking the opportunity to pray and ask God's protection over Syria and her people as well as us, we were grateful of the adventure that He had in store for us.  I love when God's plans are so much greater than ours."

Sally also shares that she must return to the States ahead of schedule as her 90-year old mother has taken a fall and the complication of the fall include a severe dementia.  Please pray for Sally as she makes her was to the US and read more of her prayer requests inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Israel Pochtar from Beit Hallel in Ashdod sends a glowing report of the annual Jewish-Arab Reconciliation Conference he just returned from in a Muslim nation in the Middle East.  Again, I will not go into the details of this extremely encouraging report about what God is doing in the Muslim Middle Eastern nations, but you can read about it inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary.  Muslims coming to faith in Jesus and becoming reconciled to their Israeli Messianic Jewish spiritual brothers is a huge priority in the heart of God.

Pochtar also shares about their rehab ministries in Ashdod and Beer Sheva.  Part of humanitarian outreach is bringing the good news of salvation and deliverance to substance abusers. Who are lower in society than those imprisoned by their chains to substance abuse - living on the streets, wrecked lives and destroyed relationships?  Is there any greater transformation than when the LORD restores such a person to a life in Yeshua?  There are many ways you can participate with this ministry, read more inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Avner Bosky of David's Tent writes this prophetic perspective The Prophet and the Proud Ruler

Tikkun International in Jerusalem shares these in the lastest monthly newsletter:
Cloudy Thoughts by Daniel Juster |  We have produced generations of young people who no longer think in terms of good and evil ... It is even hard for people to fully embrace the Gospel, since that requires that they embrace God's objective truth.

Exodus and Revelation by Daniel Juster | Revelation is very much like the book of Exodus. Israel is in the eye of the storm, and it ends with God's people entering into the Promised Land!

A Noise in the Valley by Eric Morey | The candidates told us that the local believers have made a positive impression on the society here...

Valley of Dry Bones? by Eric Morey | The Jordan Valley is a spiritually strategic place ...

Burning Altar on an Island by Eitan Shishkoff | ... fused with the worship team, feeling that we are more alive spending hours in this pursuit than we would be in any other.

The Friday Prayer Points last weekend from Intercessors for Israel In Jerusalem was right on the money with a prayer request for the Israeli Prime Minister's USA trip schedule for later in the month. They wrote, "As Obama seeks to seal his own political legacy while preparing to leave office next January there is more potential for conflict." Indeed!  By the first of the week Netanyahu had declined the offer to meet with US President Obama and cancelled his trip to Washington. Why? Because "Obama considering UN resolution on peace process  |  US president said to be mulling applying pressure in Security Council to push for negotiations."

The Friday Prayer Points offered on this are as follows:
    Lord give Netanyahu anointing and wisdom. May he know Your word for the moment and be willing to speak it.

    Guard Netanyahu against going to America with a beggarly spirit, cap in hand.

    Protect him also from any manipulation by the American administration.

    Despite the different sizes and budgets of their nations, make it clear to America that Netanyahu as Prime Minister of Israel comes in the name of the God of Israel. (see 1 Samuel 17:45)

    Protect Netanyahu and his family in body, mind and spirit.

    "Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself." (Psalm 80:17) - Binyamin means "son of the right hand".

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: 

Rick Ridings pregnant daughter, Esther Moore; David O., Eddie Beckford, Polly Siglium; David Davis; an unnamed forefather of Messianic Judaism; Ruth Nessim; Eddie Santoro;  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.

Also several ministries are reporting that a flu-bug in Israel is making the rounds of their leaders and congregations.  

Praying the Headlines

Jerusalem's secondary casualties by Nadav Shragai on IsraelHaYom.com  |  Terrorist attacks in the capital are down significantly, but tourism, so crucial to the city's economy, is not rebounding, and dozens of businesses are closing down. Meanwhile, Jews and Arabs are growing increasingly mistrustful of each other.

Tourism is a main artery of Jerusalem's economic life. Eighty percent of tourists who come to Israel visit the capital, about 2 million each year. One out of six Jerusalemites works in the tourism industry. Some 25% of the capital's revenue is based on tourism. When security becomes shaky, tourism and its related industries are the first to take the hit that is felt across the board -- from taxi drivers and jewelry and souvenir shops to tourist guides, restaurants, and leisure venues, to hotels and occupancy rates.

It's relatively quiet in Jerusalem. The number of terrorist attacks has dropped, but waves of terrorism have a long-term effect on the Jerusalem economy. The good news is that the police and the Shin Bet security agency are getting a hold on many of the flashpoints. . . . The bad news is that it will be a long time before normal tourism and economic activity return to Jerusalem.

ISRAELPRAYER:  Support Arab Christian Online Store based in Jerusalem Old City:  If you would consider buying a gift or product at this Online Shop you could help this precious Arab Christian evangelist/businessman based in Jerusalem's Old City.   With the stabbings/ terror recently,  his tourist shop sales have declined 80% in the last 6 months. If you buy online now you help support his family, his mission, and he can ship in time for Easter/Passover or for graduates or weddings coming up. A gift from the Holy Land would be special and send a message of love to this precious believer.

Zak is an amazing young Arab Christian businessman who has been bringing the gospel to his Arab people for 15 years and his pro-Messianic Jewish theology brings him into close association with many Messianic Jewish leaders in Israel,  and he often travels to the nations with them to show unity through Messiah. He and his wife and children welcome your prayers as well.  Your online purchases could make an incredible difference in their situation.

Teaching Articles

Asher Intrater Ruth Ecclesiology and Esther Eschatology (Part II)
Genocidal Pattern | The Warning Demands a Response  | The Good News

________________________________________

Donna Diorio 
 arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
If your weekly Arrows from Zion email does not come in,
check online each Wednesday at Israel Prayer Dot 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 go to www.PayPal.com My account is:  donna@israelprayer.com  I do not have tax exempt status. 

Inside the subscription only 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

WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 3/2/2016

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 Mar 2, 2016

Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

In Romans 11:17-18, the apostle Paul warns, "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the [natural] branches; but if you consider yourself superior, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you."

As more and more Christians from the nations come to recognition of our relationship to Israeli believers, is there a coming judgment among the arrogant believers in the nations who refuse to recognize this essential element of God's plan for our day? Isn't it true that if we are sons, then our Father will discipline us?  Is this true for our individual failings and not for our collective failings to righteously judge God's intentions toward Israel? 

Something to pray about as many Christian Western nations face the consequences of their choices.

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.

We open this week with a report from the suburbs outside of Jesus' hometown of Nazareth - Nazareth Ilit.  Leon Mazin who leads the Return to Zion Center in Haifa, tells the story of their congregational plant in Nazareth Ilit, home to mostly Jews and since the 1990's numerous Russian-speaking immigrants. The Netzer HaGalil congregation - Branch of the Galilee - went through great challenges in its early years, but after a decade, the work has grown and established a great relationship in the city for its role in social services work.

Mazin writes, "Back in 2005, the local government’s perception of Christian missions and Messianic Jewish fellowships was quite negative. Therefore, the collaboration with representatives of the local council was a great encouragement for all of us. In a way, it was recognition of our work in Nazareth Illit. For a believer living in Europe or North America, it is probably hard to imagine that such an attitude would exist in our day. But in Israel, unfortunately, it has been the norm. ...The bottom line is that for many years the name of Yeshua has not been favorably regarded in Israel.  Nevertheless, our congregation continued to work in the community, bringing the message of the Messiah."  Continue reading the full article

Rachel Boskey writes about the ministry trip she and Avner made to India in the first half of February, their second since 2011.  She writes, "More than ten years ago I had a brief vision of looking out onto a large crowd of beautiful shining faces … the faces were intent, passionate and golden-brown.  In my vision I understood these were believers with fervor and love in their hearts.  At that time I didn’t understand the identity of the faces or the significance of what I had seen.  But I did sense the deep joy and pleasure of the Lord as I looked at those shining people.   When I was in India during the last two weeks I realized I had ‘seen’ these people in my vision many years ago.  Now I realize that Avner and I are walking in a plan and purpose the Lord has also prepared for us regarding a connection with the kingdom of God in India. . . . As believers among the nations align themselves with God’s purposes for Israel, they will be blessed. In this context the Lord has also sent us to India.  We are very thankful for the saints in India who are carrying Israel in their hearts before the Lord.  We are thankful to add to what the Lord is already doing among the believers there as they partner with the Lord in touching Israel."  Read more inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

In writing about the Chinese and Arab Christians entering into covenantal commitment with Israeli Messianics Asher Intrater writes something profound:  "The 'Ruth calling' is not to be the exception but the rule, not something unusual but the norm, not the minority but the majority.  The understanding of Ruth as an “ecclesiological” parable would mean that Orpah ('one who turns her back') is no longer to represent the normative Christian with Ruth (perhaps meaning 'friend') as the exception; but rather that Ruth should represent a picture of ALL true Christians, with Orpah being the ungodly or unfaithful."   Read more in Ruth Ecclesiology and Esther Eschatology

Cody Archer, one of the ministry team members of Revive & Tikkun, offers this video teaching, Keys to Healing the Sick.  Archer shares personal stories of failures and successes in praying for the sick, and gives keys from scripture in seeing more breakthroughs.  The Revive Israel ministry also extends an invitation to join in their live streaming, annual Fast of Esther event on March 23. Watch the Esther Fast video for more information.

In the Mercy of Yeshua (Hasdey Yeshua) congregation in Arad, they are rejoicing for finally getting the much needed mini-bus for their growing ministry to children and youth.  Most of the young families they minister to do not own automobiles, so this transportation need is critical to them.   They are also asking for continued prayer for Polly Sigulim (Ark in Negev) who has finally returned after being hospitalized in the US prior to her scheduled return to Israel. Polly will undergo further medical tests back in Israel.  They also file a praise report on "Hussain" who was kicked out of his Bedouin community after coming to faith.  See more inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Lura Beckford writes about Eddie's weight loss finally sending them to a health clinic where he learned he has an overactive thyroid which he is now on medications for. He also has a few nodules on his thyroid which may require surgery & they would appreciate prayers.  The Interior Ministry continues to resist Eddie's permanent resident status saying they are "investigating" Lura.  This has been going on since 2005 and causes great hardship on the couple. Lura writes, "The Ministry does this to a number of believers in hopes we will give up and leave Israel."  Meanwhile, she adds, "We are still distributing audio Bibles in various languages, and testimony books, etc.  We had a request from the Black Hebrews for 800 Bibles containing the Old and New Testaments, so that is a real breakthrough in that community!  What an encouragement!"  Read more inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Eddie Santoro passes another milestone in his journey back to health after the removal of a cancerous brain tumor. The doctor said the area around the removed tumor looks very good on his second MRI. The third MRI comes in another 2 months and they ask prayer: "Please join us in believing that it will only get better and declaring that this affliction will not return a second time. "By His stripes I am healed" and on this day; “I choose life!!!!”

Santoro adds, "As we have fought this good fight of faith for the past seven months, God in his redemptive mercy has done a deep work in us. We are understanding ever more clearly that He has also sent us out to heal the sick. (Matthew 10:8) And that healing is not dependent on us asking Him to do it. No!! We are filled with His spirit and we are called to touch others with His life and with His power that is already in us. It's not about getting more. When we were saved and born again we received the fullness of His life. No, the challenge for us is not getting more of His power, but learning to appreciate what is already in us and applying it when we pray for those who are in need."  Read more about their ministry in the hospitals inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

David Lazarus of Beit Immanuel in Jaffa writes about comforting a young immigrant believer who was distraught after her Ulpan (Hebrew) class told her, "You are not Jewish!"  Lazarus writes, "In Russia her family had lived, suffered and died as Jews. And now as she prepares to serve our people in the Israeli Defense Forces, she is no longer Jewish? Most of her family had escaped to Israel. They came because they were hated for being Jewish. They needed to come back home, to the land where they could live as Jews among Jews."

He continues, "I explained to Marina that in Israel we need to be strong. We must stand up for what we believe, and we cannot allow rejection by our own people to cause us to withdraw. It is our destiny, as the first generation of Jewish followers of Jesus, to demonstrate to our people the real Jesus, Messiah of Israel, and savior of the world. We must resist assimilation and boldly affirm our Jewish heritage as it is fulfilled by faith in Yeshua.  I pointed out that while our desire to live as a Jews is honorable, it cannot be used as an excuse to avoid being called 'stranger' by our people."

But Lazarus has good news to report too:  "God Removing the Veil  |  This week one of the young girls in our youth group was awarded 'Best Soldier' upon completing basic training in the IDF. Excitedly. she told us that two of the five soldiers selected for the honor were Messianic Jews! We have 9 young soldiers now serving in the IDF, including an officer. Our young people continue to be a powerful testimony to Israel that Yeshua is Messiah."  Learn more about the Beit Immanuel ministries inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Eric Benson of the House of Victory substance abuse rehab in the Carmel Assembly network writes how the context of the almond tree passage of Jeremiah 1:11 is a clear warning coming judgment:  "As the Lord is faithful to perform His Word so too must His servants be faithful." Continuing, "One of His gracious promises is to cleanse us from our sins. He wants to wash us with the water of His Word, and make us holy. As this prophetic event unfolds, the Name of the Lord will be made holy. This miraculous event will get the attention of the nations. The ends of the earth will receive revelation that the Lord is God. This end time process will help to usher in His Kingdom. It is awesome to ponder that the House of Victory is actively participating in the these Biblical promises."

Inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary, Benson shares some of the praise reports of men they have been working with who have been placed on the Rock of our faith, and also how volunteers from the nations are participating in these miracles.  Also get the prayer points - all of which we are holding back in Arrows, as it is too sensitive for publication on the web.

Martin Sarvis in Jerusalem has a really encouraging word this week on their expectation that the children, teens and young adults of the Israeli believers are being prepared by God for the salvation of Israel.  He writes, "Believing Israeli children who are not only being well-behaved kids who honor their parents—but little ones who have believed personally in their Messiah and Savior Yeshua, have been anointed by Ruach haKodesh (“Holy Spirit/Wind”), are sharing with their friends at school, having dreams and visions, writing songs of praise and worship, forming worship bands and ministering before the Lord each week, are, like Joshua “a young man” (Ex. 33:11) developing such a hunger for the presence of God that they will stay behind, even when their elders have departed (Ex. 33:7-11; It was this which prepared him carrying the army of God into the battles of the Promised Land forty years down the road).  Something is calling to the young people in Israel—and like Samuel, they are aware that He knows them by name—and are responding. "

Exciting? For sure. Read examples just from their own neighborhood in Jerusalem inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary. Also how to pray.

Shani Ferguson of Yeshua Israel writes, "If you watch a variety of Christian shows about Israel, you might honestly believe that the greatest prayer need in Israel lies somewhere between the 6th trumpet blast and the rebuilding of the third temple. I mean no disrespect, since any attempt by Christians to bring Israel to God’s attention is greatly appreciated by both Him and us Jews! Yet, I can only assume the reason these things become the focus of prayer is because, although Christians worldwide get tremendous insight from the Bible, they often lack updated information to make their prayers for Israel more specific and relevant to the times. The quickest way to overcome this problem is simply to go to the best source for things going on in modern day Israel – Israeli believers."

Shani provides prayer points for the nation and also for the Ferguson's in their various ministry endeavors inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

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: 

Rick Ridings pregnant daughter, Esther Moore; David O., Eddie Beckford, Polly Siglium; David Davis; an unnamed forefather of Messianic Judaism; Ruth Nessim; Eddie Santoro;  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.

Eddie Santoro UPDATE:  There is “improvement” from the previous MRI two months ago....the area surrounding the original tumor was cancer free and healthy looking. Halleluyah!!!!  We are running a non-stop marathon, though, and not a sprint. We successfully ran two laps since the original surgery and now we are onto the third. The next MRI is in two months. Please join us in believing that it will only get better and declaring that this affliction will not return a second time. "By His stripes I am healed" and on this day; “I choose life!!!!”

As we have fought this good fight of faith for the past seven months, God in his redemptive mercy has done a deep work in us. We are understanding ever more clearly that He has also sent us out to heal the sick. (Matthew 10:8) And that healing is not dependent on us asking Him to do it. No!! We are filled with His spirit and we are called to touch others with His life and with His power that is already in us. It's not about getting more. When we were saved and born again we received the fullness of His life. No, the challenge for us is not getting more of His power, but learning to appreciate what is already in us and applying it when we pray for those who are in need.

Teaching Articles

Ruth Ecclesiology and Esther Eschatology (Part I) 

Asher Intrater  in Jerusalem
Revive Israel Ministries and Tikkun International

"....A group of Chinese and international leaders, coordinated by David Demian, held a vision for bringing a large number of Christians to worship the Lord in Jerusalem.  This 'Global Gathering' took place in November 2014 and was called '822' – taken from Zechariah 8:22, describing “many peoples and huge nations coming to seek YHVH of hosts in Jerusalem…”  Indeed, the International Convention Center in Jerusalem was filled during this historic event. 

"David Demian, himself is an Egyptian Arab, a physician, who lived and practiced many years in Canada.  There was wide representation not only from East Asian churches and Western churches, but also Arab Christians.  The leadership team included several who have long served the “Isaiah 19 highway” vision, which seeks spiritual revival in the Middle East as well as reconciliation between Arabs and Jews, as indicated in the prophecies of Isaiah 19:23-25.

"At that conference, and in subsequent 'Global Gatherings,' some of us as part of the Messianic Jewish leadership in Israel came on the stage and led a time of honoring our Arab Christian brothers and sisters, as well as kneeling down in repentance for our own sins of pride and unfaithfulness.  The result was rather shocking, as the Arab Christians were deeply touched by the display of love and humility; almost stunned to find themselves being blessed by Messianic Jews.  

"David responded by leading the entire international community represented there (including Chinese and Arabs) in a 'Ruth' covenantal vow to the Jewish people, that 'Your people will be my people' (Ruth 1:16).  I felt this moment to be an historic turning point.  Until now, those who had a 'Ruth calling' were seen only as those minority Christians whom the Lord had touched with a special love and loyalty to the Jewish people.

"Because of the involvement of both Chinese and Arab Christians in this covenantal commitment, a spiritual shift is taking place.  The 'Ruth calling' is not to be the exception but the rule, not something unusual but the norm, not the minority but the majority.  The understanding of Ruth as an “ecclesiological” parable would mean that Orpah ('one who turns her back') is no longer to represent the normative Christian with Ruth (perhaps meaning 'friend') as the exception; but rather that Ruth should represent a picture of ALL true Christians, with Orpah being the ungodly or unfaithful."    Read the article in full

________________________________________

Donna Diorio 
 arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
If your weekly Arrows from Zion email does not come in,
check online each Wednesday at Israel Prayer Dot 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 go to www.PayPal.com My account is:  donna@israelprayer.com  I do not have tax exempt status. 

Inside the subscription only 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

WEEKLY Arrows from Zion 2/24/2016

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 Feb 24, 2016

This is from Rachel Netanel, "Every year there is a festival in Ein Kerem to celebrate the blossoming of the almond tree.   In Jeremiah 1:11 – 12, it speaks about the almond tree, “Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?”And I said, “I see a branch of an almond tree.” Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word ready to perform it.”

"Almond in Hebrew is ‘shaked’ and the verb form is ‘shoked’ which means “watching over”.   It was not a coincidence that Aharon’s rod blossomed and bore almonds and this rod was put by the Ark of the Covenant.  

"This ‘almond’ tree is the first tree to blossom in Israel and it is also the last tree to bear fruit.  This is a symbol of Israel.  We were the ones given the Torah and one day Israel will see the One whom we have pierced and everyone will come to know the Lord."

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.

I am always thrilled to read how God works through the Netanel's in Ein Karim, outside of Jerusalem, just with a simple openness to people, including extending them hospitality, and the obedience to the gospel with those that God puts in their paths.  It inspires me - and I hope you, too - to see people as they really are: looking for something real because they are without the LORD.

This month the Netanel's relate a recent encounter with many people in a Nazareth hotel that eventually even drew in the hotel rabbi (who ended up leaving angry because he was ill-equipped to deal with a person full of the Holy Spirit and brimming over with understanding in the Word of God. 

The rabbi had to admit he did not know the Hebrew scriptures that he was being asked about because he had not read from the Tenach (Bible) since his Bar Mitzvah at the age of 12!  When Rachel asked what he did read, he said the Gamara, the Zohar and the Talmud but not the Tanach.  Think about that!

Does Israel need spiritual leaders who know the Word of God, or only those that have read the commentaries?  I believe the Word that says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  This is what the Israeli Messianic believers are carrying in their hearts for Israel, and what we are carrying in our hearts for our own nations.

For more of the inspiring accounts of ministry by the Netanel's over the past month, see inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

From Asher Intrater and Revive Israel, What Does "Maranatha" Mean? showing how the expression "maranatha" is connected to the prayers "May Your kingdom come" and "Blessed is He who comes". 

Also part 3 of Dan Juster's video teaching, No Longer Strangers and a video invitation to the annual Esther Fast  |  Every year during The Fast of Esther we hold an all-day, live streamed event of worship, fasting, and prayer. We invite you to join us on March 23, 2016 from 8am - 18:00 Israel time, for this important time as we rally together to stand for God's plans and purposes to prevail over every wicked scheme against God's people in our generation. We will provide translation from Hebrew to English.

Revive Israel also asks prayers for "repentance and integrity in government" as a former president is jailed for sexual assualt and previous prime minister jailed for financial corruption. One of the top rabbis in Israel is in jail for trying to manipulate the police department. "Well, this does show at least that our judicial system is functioning, and that some efforts are being made to bring more integrity to the government.  The Bible says that when a people (particularly Israel) humbles itself, repents, and turns to the Lord, that God will heal the land (II Chronicles 7:14). Let us pray that our people will do just that. Then God's great destiny for this nation will be fulfilled."

Also requesting prayer of protection for Mike Bickle:  "Pray for protection and wisdom for our friend Mike Bickle of International House of Prayer, Kansas City.  He has always been attacked because of the worldwide network of prayer, praise, and prophecy that has been fostered by his work.  Recently he has come under more attack because of his endorsement of Ted Cruz in the Presidential primaries. And even more recently, the attacks were intensified because of twisting of remarks he made about Israel and the fact that he partners with Messianic Jews for the salvation of Israel.  His profound explanation of his teaching about end times in order to encourage Christians to stand strong in support of Israel in the difficult times ahead was published in one of the newspapers that attacked him. To read Mike's response, click HERE!

Avner Boskey of David's Tent also writes on the subject this month in his article online: Jewish suffering and anti-Semitism – A hot-button issue in the U.S. elections?  |  Over the past few weeks Israeli newspapers have been focusing on Mike Bickle’s endorsement of Ted Cruz in his campaign to become U.S. President. Bickle is the Founder and Director of the Kansas City based International House of Prayer. The Times of Israel, YNET, the Jerusalem Post and Ha’aretz all referred to sermons from 2005 and 2011 where Bickle referenced Adolf Hitler as being a hunter of the Jewish people …read more at above link

Ron Cantor also has An Open letter to the TimesofIsrael.com re: Mike Bickle

The Immanuel Church and Bookshop in Haifa, by Pastor Najeeb Atteih, is full of great news regarding ministry to Syrian refugees in Jordan.  They share some of the stories of those they have been sharing the good news with, as well as those that enter the Bible bookshop.  There is a report on their distribution to the poor of Haifa and Nazareth during Christmas - food parcels for extremely needy families.

You may remember that Pastor Atteih's son Tino is one of many Israeli Christian Arabs now swerving in IDF fighting units. This has brought a heart to start a home for these soldiers who are often put out of their families and communities, to "come home to."  This is the vision that is guiding the home that is already housing two pre-army recruits - a place where these courageous young Christian Arab believers can find spiritual, emotional and financial help as the soldier for the Israeli Defense Forces. 

" The Christian soldiers' home is a registered charity with the Israeli Government. All documents may be inspected. The Army and Najeeb are in constant touch. The project is only at its beginning. It will need ongoing support, office equipment, and more importantly, we lack at least one if not two concrete shelters in case of bombing (which could start any time) and these come at a cost of about 150,000 NIS each, about $39,000. This is admittedly no mean sum and we are looking to God and His people to help us with this project. But it will limp along until we have them!  Is there any way that any of you would consider supporting these utterly pro-Israel Arabs, who have dedicated their lives, and also put their life on the line to defend the Jewish State?"

Learn more about the ministries and activities of the Christian Arab pastor Atteih inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Ron Cantor shares this video about the grand opening of the Tiferet Yeshua Coffee House outreach in Tel Aviv.  It was really great to be able to meet Ron Cantor face to face for the first time after many years of following his ministry in Israel through his email and online communications.  I honestly felt like I knew him so well that I wondered as I was getting ready to go to Gateways Church in Southlake, Tx, if this really could be the first face-to-face meeting.  It was. I will tell you that Ron speaks as well as he writes, and also that his wife Elana is a true beauty.  This is a blessed young man and if you ever get a chance, go see him.  Learn more about what was on Cantor's mind inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Israel Pochtar writes about a reconciliation conference that his ministry participates in each year in Turkey, where Jewish and Arab pastors come together in the spirit of brotherly unity.  He writes, "It's such a unique opportunity for us Jewish believers from Israel to meet and fellowship with mainly persecuted Christian pastors and leaders from Arab countries who face incredible hardships because of their faith. . . . Turkey is still the only safe place for Israeli and Arab pastors from the Middle East to come together. We're really looking forward to this time of fellowship, hearing their stories and testimonies, pray and worship together for 3 days is absolutely priceless. Please keep our team in your prayers for our traveling and our time at the conference. We trust it will be an enormous blessing, this year even more than before. "

Two upcoming conferences Israel Pochtar asks prays for are the Church-Planting and Pastoral Training  and the Regional Youth Conference. Get more details inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary  

Howard Bass opens with the somber note that one of their young medical students at the Yeshua's Inheritance congregation has passed into eternity leaving a wife and five small children. They thank you for prayers that were made for him, and ask for prayers for the family he leaves behind.

Howard also speaks about Purim which begins in about a month and which we see is on the minds of many in Israel - the story of Esther, a hatred of God's people and how God raised up an intercessor on behalf of those He had chosen to survive against all odds.  Bass also writes about his teaching on  the letters to the seven churches of Revelation, to his return trip to Kenya on March 4-13, and the work they support in Israel prison ministry:

"We contribute to the support of an evangelical prison ministry carried on by the House of Light, an Arab multi-faceted work. They have legal authorized access to Christian prisoners located in prisons around Israel. The system in Israel for prisons is that Jewish prisoners have rabbis, Christians have either traditional clergy, depending on denomination, or, in the House of Light’s case, an evangelical Protestant. I am able to only pay visitations to prisoners by personal acquaintance or request. I am not allowed to have any personal extra time for Bible studies or other such meetings, since I am a Jewish believer in Jesus, which the government does not accept. Therefore, not only can I not meet with Jewish prisoners who might be interested in looking at the Bible together, or for prayer, I also cannot meet with Christian prisoners, since I have no formal recognition. It is one of the realities here in Israel, and why we are happy to support the House of Light, directed by our dear brother and sister, Anis and Nawal Barhoum."

From Katy in her weekly prayer letter from the Sorko-Ram's Maoz Ministries, are these events concerning Israel last week:
                Palestinian Authority representative said this week that they (the PA) will never again sit down to direct talks with Israel.

                Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday, while PM Netanyahu is paying an official visit to her country, that she doesn't think the time to implement the two-state solution is now.

                Hezbollah's Supreme Leader Hassan Nasrallah again threatened Israel, this time explaining that his terrorist organization is in possession of an atomic bomb.  And while they don't actually have one, they know a target in Israel (Ammonium reservoirs) they can launch rockets to, and if they should reach their target, the explosion will have an effect of an atomic bomb.

                IDF spokesman confirmed that this threat is real and there could be anywhere from tens to hundreds of thousands of casualties.

                Also, yesterday on one of the local news channels it has been reported that the U.S. Customs have been labeling goods made in Israel's Judea and Samaria settlements as goods made in the West Bank. The story is that they were supposed to label goods produced by the Palestinians, but something happened and settlers' products are being marked as well. Israeli officials are refraining from making a big deal out of it for now, since the relationship between our two countries is already hanging by a thread.  Please pray for Israel. PRAY for Israel's leaders and commanders to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly, recognizing the importance of their role.

Joel Jelski from Succat Hallel writes that he has wrapped up school and is off to Dallas to meet with his wife and child already visiting family in Mexico. They ask prayers for a fruitful visit in America, and also for their ministry work back home.  One is the Succat Hallel partnering with other local houses of prayer to do training of young people and teams for worship and prayer sets.  Read more from the Jelski's inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Barry and Batya Segal announce their Passover event in London with Dr. Michael Brown April 16 (Saturday) to celebrate and teach on the Passover feast. Together with Barry and Batya Segal and Pastor Alistair Scott, the event will be held at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster from 10:00 AM- 6:00 PM. The registration fee is 10 British Pounds for the whole event but free for children and teens 18 years and under. Call now to register in the UK at 01793-279111 and visit our website at www.josephstorehouse.co.uk

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.

Rick Ridings pregnant daughter, Esther Moore; David O., Eddie Beckford, Polly Siglium; David Davis; an unnamed forefather of Messianic Judaism; Ruth Nessim; Eddie Santoro;  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.
   See some progress updates  inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

Teaching Articles

A’YELET HA’SHAHAR—the MORNING STAR by Martin Sarvis in Jerusalem

Ayelet and Shahar are two lovely Hebrew words often used as personal names in Israel,  Ayelet for girls, Shahar by both men and women.   Ayelet (ah-yeh-let) is a poetic name for a hind, a doe, a female deer.  We find it in Proverbs 5:19 used as a simile for a beloved wife, “a loving deer, a graceful doe.”   Shahar (the second syllable pronounced with a slight rasp in the throat) means the dawn, daybreak, the morning light.  

There is one place in the Hebrew Bible where these two words are found joined together to make a compound word.  It is in the instructions to musicians at the beginning of Psalm 22, “For the choir director, on Ayelet-haShahar.”  It may have been referring to the name of a known melody, “To be sung to the melody of ‘The Hind of the Dawn.’”  Or perhaps there was a musical instrument with that name, which would have been used as an accompaniment when the psalm was read. 

In any event, the expression  Ayelet haShahar has survived into Modern Hebrew, almost always used as a poetic simile for the Morning Star—imagined as a graceful deer making its way across the sky.  It was this ancient symbol, Ayelet haShahar— the Morning Star, which was to set the atmosphere for reciting Psalm 22.

   Read more inside the attached DOCX Weekly Summary

My Word

 ISRAELPRAYER:  There is a warfare that attaches to anyone who sees and preaches what God's plan is to bring Christians alongside the Body of Messiah in Israel to be like a Ruth to those laboring in the LORD's harvest. The enemy will mount a siege on any Christian who advances that message, and it will be a siege akin to the siege we have seen among the nations politically opposed to the modern state of Israel in every conceivable way. 

To be a Christian who sees and preaches God's plan for the "one new man" unity that brings about the greatest spiritual harvest in the world through the salvation of Israel, means having the same spirit that we see in the Israelis who are holding their ground despite international opposition to their survival or existence.  Mike Bickle is one of these Christians and he has the wounds of the enemy to prove it. We just have to remain steadfast not matter how the winds of opposition blow against us.

Others have started down the path to support Israel, and for various reasons have greatly diminished commitment to connecting with the Body of Messiah in Israel. Just connecting with Israel is not enough to accomplish the plan of God that is laid out clearly in Romans, and in symbolism in many other places of scripture, including the book of Ruth. Whatever is said about Mike Bickle to tear him down - whether it is regarding Israel or not - that is the Accuser of the Brethren opposing the plan of God. Do not mistake it for anything else. 

________________________________________

Donna Diorio 
 arrowsfromzion@gmail.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
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