“Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, 'Take courage, fear not. Behold, your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you'” (Isaiah 35:3-4, NASB).
We pray because He promised. God’s works are so many in the Land all the time, it’s hard to sum up from all the opportunities to pray what to highlight. The times we’re living in are the fruit of committed intercession from the generations that preceded us, and a picture of God’s promises being actualized in the life of His people. Our Wall of Prayer team started this month fresh off the heels of a three-day fast in solidarity with Messianic & Arab Christian congregations in the Land who joined together in humility to seek God’s face during this time of prolonged war in Israel. There was a sense of urgency in the coming together of these pastors, leaders, intercessors, worship leaders, and all those who are seeking the face of the God of Jacob. Many who partook of this time felt a palpable hunger for the return of the Lord and a need to prepare the way through repentance.
In the midst of attending weekly prayer meetings at Succat Hallel’s government watch with Rick Ridings, and visiting Intercessors for Israel’s prayer meetings with Chuck Cohen and his team, it was very inspiring and encouraging to hear of a pioneering work taking place in the Jezreel Valley. Lori, Rima, and Hadassah and their families realized a glaring need for their community which lacked a local and accessible meeting for believers to engage the Word of God. Katzir, which means “harvest” in Hebrew, was born. Rooted in prayer, this growing group endeavors to be a place where seekers and believers alike can come together, whether for biblical fellowship or some pickleball–the new sports craze sweeping the world by storm– to seek God’s face. We are honored to support this vital commission in prayer.
Months ago, our team was privileged to meet Holocaust survivor Sara Atzmon and her husband Uri. Sara shared how she didn’t have any words to express her painful experience in the concentration camps of Bergen Belsen, so she began to paint and create. After meeting and hearing Berta’s story about not being able to pick up a paintbrush because of her traumatic escape from Sderot, I felt perhaps it would be healing for these two daughters of Zion to connect. Berta recounted to Sara how she hid in her safe room with her daughter for two days after October 7th. It was a privilege to connect these two families that shared equally their suffering and hope to see an end to all Jew-hatred. Berta explored Sara’s art studio, carefully taking in all the artistic expressions of Sara’s experience.
While Israel is still steeped in the realities of war in Gaza and the increasing threats of war on the Northern border, a ministry that serves an often overlooked and hidden people set apart a special day to celebrate women. Amoun Sleem is a pioneering advocate for the Gypsy community in Israel mainly based in the Old City of Jerusalem. She has worked tirelessly to see her people not only gain a voice in the world, but has also worked towards the advancement of helping women and children with employment and education which she feels provides them a meaningful beginning on the journey to true freedom. I joined the Domari Center in prayer as several ministries collaborated in honor of a Women’s Day event featuring the biblical story of Esther as recounted by Sahar, an Arab Christian woman who helps families in need in the Arab community with a “meals on wheels” program. CBN, the Mercy Fund, and other ministries partnered in providing gift bags filled with toiletries and gifts. Sometimes, it’s the little gifts that convey recognition that make a difference to the voiceless. We’re praying for this door to be opened further through prayer.
Our team had another opportunity to partner with Under His Wings in Nahal Oz. When we first visited Katya, it was only her third time going back to Nahal Oz. She was emotional, sharing how difficult it was to be there. Her home for over two decades was infiltrated by wounded terrorists who were bleeding as they ravaged her home in search of medical supplies. Katya had a miraculous testimony of how in crying out to Yeshua, God made her invisible to the terrorists, and her family was spared. We had offered to help Katya in any way so that she could move forward, and she took us up on our offer. We put on gloves and smiles, and began to pray and clean up the aftermath of details that Zaka doesn’t handle. Katya’s family is the only believing family in the community, and hopes to return to bring light and hope through prayer in Nahal Oz. We will continue to support this family and community in prayer to see God restore the ruins of hearts and lives.
We are so grateful to those who God ordains to come to the Land to serve and bless the people with effectual intercession, prayers, praise, and presence. After being with us for many a prayer visit, our beloved friend Alfred from Germany is going back home.
You help us to walk alongside the people of the Land in true friendship in and out of season. I see God gently peeling away layers of hardness as more and more people allow us to come closer in love, thereby, allowing Him to come closer through us. Every prayer, every work is for the sake of preparing the way in hearts. We are so grateful to our committed prayer partners and donors who make the work on the ground here in Israel possible. You are interwoven in this tapestry of reconciliation in the last days – yes – we’re all His ambassadors. We pray God’s grace and peace be with you continually until He comes.
Maranatha!
Suzie Georges, Project Supervisor