We all yearn for peace — in the world and in our lives. Recently, headlines proclaimed a new "peace" between Israel and Hamas, which saw the last 20 living hostages finally returned and the war with Gaza on its way to being over. Yet even as we read these hopeful words, a sobering question lingers: Will peace hold?

At the time of this writing, Hamas has yet to return two-thirds of the deceased hostages it has held for more than two years. And without a total reversal of Hamas ideology, can there really be peace?

Former Israeli hostage Tal Shahom, after experiencing 505 days of captivity in Gaza, shared his sobering conclusion with All Israel News: "I believed that peace is something that we can achieve. But after I saw the magnitude of hatred that they grew up on and they are growing their children up on, it's really clear that at least in our generation it won't be possible."

This harsh reality forces us to confront a fundamental truth: the peace this world offers — fragile agreements between nations, temporary ceasefires, and diplomatic solutions — is inherently unstable. But there is another kind of peace, one that Yeshua (Jesus) promised His followers.

The World's Fragile Peace

When we speak of worldly peace, we typically mean what dictionaries describe as an agreement ending war or other hostilities between parties or a state of security within a community, free of civil disturbance. This earthly peace relies entirely on external factors such as stable governments, cooperative neighbors, and mutual agreements between fallible human beings.

The current situation between Israel and Hamas perfectly illustrates this fragility. Despite declarations of peace, the fundamental ideologies remain unchanged. Former hostage Eli Sharabi, in his recently released book Hostage, revealed what he learned from his captors about Hamas's unwavering beliefs. His guards would "repeat on loop…some things they all believe and say with absolute confidence:…[that] there is no room for the Jews here and no such thing as Israel. They will not relent in their war against us until we all pack up and go back to the countries we came from, until they conquer every last inch of this land."

How can there be lasting peace when one side is fundamentally committed to the other's destruction? This worldly peace, dependent as it is on circumstances and human cooperation, inevitably proves temporary and fragile.

Peace is also defined as a sense of tranquility free from strife or inner disturbance. This, too, is fragile because it most often relies on outward conditions aligning to provide us with this sense of calm. Life, however, doesn’t usually deliver such carefree conditions. Difficulties, pain, and sorrows are a regular part of our years on this planet. We can work toward a positive attitude, but this too often proves fleeting.

The Unshakeable Peace of Yeshua

In stark contrast to the world's fragile peace, Yeshua offers His people a different kind of peace. In the gospel of John, Jesus makes the profound distinction: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" — John 14:27 (NKJV).

Yeshua’s peace is unlike any other peace. The world’s peace is based on circumstances and is often dependent on others. The peace of Yeshua operates on an entirely different foundation. It is:

• Internal, not external. This peace dwells within the heart and mind, unaffected by external chaos. It's the peace that passes all understanding, as Paul describes in Philippians 4:7, and is found through abiding closely with Jesus
• Unconditional, not circumstantial. Unlike worldly peace that requires specific conditions to exist, God's peace is available to anyone who trusts in Him, regardless of their circumstances and despite our inability to earn it
• Permanent, not temporary. Rooted in God's unchanging nature and eternal love, this peace cannot be shaken by human failure or changing situations. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every Believer, we have constant and everlasting access to this supernatural peace

The prophet Isaiah beautifully captured how we attain this peace: "You will keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3 TLV). This perfect peace, the kind our hearts crave and our souls need, comes not from favorable circumstances but from unwavering trust in our unchanging, good, and loving God.

In John 16:33, Yeshua promises: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." He doesn't promise the absence of trouble; He promises that we can have His peace in the midst of trouble because He has already secured the ultimate victory.

Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos

Even in the most chaotic and far-from-peaceful situations, God's inner peace is possible. It's a peace that circumstances could never provide and can never alter. It’s a peace that transforms our internal experience rather than depending on our external reality. This is the peace that "surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). It's the peace that allows Believers to "lie down and sleep" even when surrounded by enemies because we know God is our protector and provider (Psalm 4:8). It's the peace that redeems our souls "from the battle" regardless of how many stand against us (Psalm 55:18).

Praying for Peace

Understanding these two distinct types of peace can transform how we pray for ourselves as well as how we pray for Israel and the Jewish people worldwide. While earthly peace is important, spiritual peace with God through faith in Yeshua is eternal. Here’s how you can pray for both.

Pray for Earthly Peace (Shalom): This kind of peace matters deeply. It affects real lives, real families, and real communities. The psalmist commands us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6), and this prayer includes physical safety, economic stability, and freedom from violence. These are legitimate, biblical concerns that deserve our persistent intercession.

Pray for the safety and security of Israel within its borders. Pray for protection from hostile neighbors and for wisdom in diplomatic relations. Pray also for an end to antisemitism wherever Jewish people face persecution.

Pray for Spiritual Peace: Our greater calling is to pray for the eternal peace that comes only through being reconciled to God. As Paul writes in Romans 5:1: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus" (NKJV).

This is the ultimate peace: the peace between God and humanity that was purchased through Yeshua's atoning sacrifice. Ephesians 2:14 declares that "He Himself is our peace," breaking down the walls of separation and hostility between peoples and between humanity and God.

When we pray for Jewish people affected by war, persecution, or displacement, let’s not neglect also to pray that they would discover this unshakeable peace found only through faith in Yeshua. Pray that in their darkest moments, they would encounter the Messiah of the God of their fathers and find in Him a peace that no earthly circumstance can disturb.

Your Call to Bring True Peace

The contrast couldn't be more apparent. The world offers a fragile peace dependent on circumstances and human cooperation — a peace that Hamas’s present ideology, not to mention that of other nations in the world, leaves us doubtful we will see it in our generation. But Yeshua offers an unshakeable peace rooted in God's unchanging love and sovereign control.

While we continue to pray earnestly for earthly peace in Israel and safety for Jewish people worldwide, our greater mission is to help every Jewish person discover the eternal peace that "surpasses all understanding." Every Jewish person needs to know that their Messiah offers a peace the world cannot give and cannot take away.

This peace is available right now, regardless of external circumstances, to anyone who will trust in the God of Israel through faith in Yeshua the Messiah.

Will you be a part of this mission? Millions of Jewish people in Israel and scattered communities worldwide need the comfort that only Yeshua can provide. They need to hear that there is a peace available to them that no enemy can destroy, no circumstance can shake, and no human failure can diminish. Discover how you can help bring this Good News of Yeshua the Messiah to Jewish hearts yearning for true, lasting peace.

Prayer Power as We Go to Gutu

We are headed to Gutu, Zimbabwe! This will be our last scheduled Outreach for 2025, and our first for the Hebrew year 5786. We have been to Gutu before, but for one of our key Global Outreach team members, it will be a new experience – it will be his first time serving as Event Director for an Outreach. He will have great support from our local leaders and the U.S. Global Outreach team staff, but we want to be sure that he – and the whole Outreach to the Lemba Jewish people and their neighbors in Gutu – are also fully supported in prayer.

Ways to Pray

• You can commit to a specific time slot to pray for us from home during the Outreach.  SIGN UP on our Prayer Schedule, referring to the dates below
• Below are the detailed day-by-day Prayer Points you can pray with us before, during and after this Outreach in Gutu, Zimbabwe, taking place October 16–27

Before the Outreach

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:3 NKJV).

Wednesday, October 8–Wednesday, October 15

• All preparations come together and be fully in place in good time, including visas, medical supplies, site readiness, team unity, and community relationships
• Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel
• Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing, and deliverance as the Lord prepares the spiritual atmosphere and hearts to receive Him

Thursday, October 16

• All Outreach team members, partners, and their luggage to arrive on time
• Safety for workers, participants, vehicles, and supplies, traveling to the Outreach site on very rugged roads
• All the supplies we need, as access to resources will be very difficult there
• Each participant to lay aside their own thoughts of what the week will look like, and seek the Lord for how He plans to use them
• Quick adjustment to the new surroundings, food, culture, and time zone
• Efficient Clinic set-up, which will extend the utility of the small clinic building by using tents

Friday, October 17

• Unity and fellowship to be established and grow as the team and partners enjoy a wonderful Erev Shabbat meal together
• A clear and inspiring welcome meeting
• a fantastic night’s sleep in preparation for an active week
• Deep, lasting trust and favor from local officials and the community

Saturday, October 18

• Good weather and good health all week
• A meaningful Shabbat Service that will bring shalom and orient everyone’s hearts for ministry and service
• Successful, clear and anointed orientations for the Clinic and Prayer & Counseling ministries
• God’s angel armies to push back the forces of darkness, enabling the seeds of the Good News to go deep into good soil and bear lasting fruit throughout the week and beyond

During the Outreach

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).

Sunday, October 19

• The Lord to hand-pick the local workers who will work alongside us in unity; may they also be touched by the Lord themselves
• A sense of anticipation, hope, and trust in the Lord as the Clinic opens today
• May the community not only hear about the Outreach but come in large numbers, starting today and continuing through the week
• Profound care and wisdom regarding any local factors that we may need to navigate

Monday, October 20

• Each of our international Outreach Partners – may the Lord use them powerfully and draw more people to join us next time
• All Outreach areas run smoothly and, more importantly, be effective in treating bodies and transforming lives through the Good News of Yeshua
• The Zehra Kids Program, under indigenous leadership, to be ideally situated, fully staffed, and wonderfully productive in drawing children and teens to God

Tuesday, October 21

• May the Counseling and Prayer tent be busy throughout the week with healings, deliverances, and salvations as the Lord moves in power through His Word and the Holy Spirit
• Spiritual anointing and physical stamina for those who are ministering in that area
• The Living Waters program to effectively deliver clean water and also news of Yeshua, the Living Water

Wednesday, October 22

• Medical and dental volunteers to give effective care and for the Lord to provide healing, including supernaturally, as a testimony of His power and love
• Worship times, led by the Lemba, and the prayer times to permeate the spiritual atmosphere with light and life, bringing great joy and refreshment
• Breakthrough among people who are captive to witchcraft and false ideologies

Thursday, October 23

• As the Outreach winds down, may those in greatest need of medical or spiritual care either be seen or spontaneously healed
• Safety as the Outreach tents and equipment are taken down and packed up
• Calm to prevail as our staff pays the local workers. May these workers leave not only with financial benefit, but more importantly, with great spiritual blessings because of being exposed to the Good News and the ministry of the Holy Spirit

After the Outreach

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of [Messiah] Jesus” (Philippians 1:4–6).

Friday, October 24

• A sacred and welcome Shabbat at the end of a week of ministering out of love
• Joyous and inspiring testimonies as each participant reflects on and shares all that the Lord has done during the week
• May each one sense the Lord saying to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Saturday, October 25

• The Jewish people of this community to be profoundly blessed because of the Outreach and see it as evidence that the Lord sees and values them
• May they also have an enlarged sense of the significance of their Jewish identity and live it out with intention
• An ongoing strong and positive relationship between Jewish Voice Ministries and the local authorities and community

Sunday, October 26 and beyond

• Safe travels home, including on the rough roads, and a special outpouring of grace for everyone who honored the Lord by serving and loving the community through this Outreach  
• Productive and timely follow-up to all who want to hear more about Yeshua
• The Lord to continue establishing and developing healthy congregations here and throughout the region

Let’s Pray

Lord, we are grateful to be returning to Gutu, and we ask that it be a time of fresh, new beginnings. May the people there be overcome by Your goodness and open to receive the Good News of salvation in Yeshua. May Your hand of blessing be upon every member of our teams. We pray a particular prayer that You will touch the local workers with Your love and grace, and that they may be saved. May Your goodness and Your kingdom come to Gutu! In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

What do you think about confession? Does it strike you as legalistic? Is that kind of self-examination a bit scary?

There are two sides to the biblical confession coin, both of which pertain to declaring the truth. One feels more pleasant than the other, but we need both for a healthy, honest view of ourselves as we walk each day with the Lord. We need to confess the truth about our sins and also the truth about what Yeshua has done for us.

Confessing Our Sin

When we placed our faith in Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah, He fully paid for our sin. However, the wrongs we do as Believers interfere with our relationship with the Lord.

Confession of sin is agreeing with the Lord about the wrongs we’ve done. It speaks the truth about our sin and brings us to a place of humility before the God who sent His Son to die for our sinful selves. Confession sets us on the path of choosing to join our wills with the Holy Spirit’s work of conforming us into the image of Yeshua.

You may have heard sayings like, “Confession is good for the soul,” or “We’re as sick as our secrets.” David, King of Israel, wrote in the Psalms that when he kept silent about his sin, it tormented him, but when he acknowledged it, he received relief and forgiveness (Psalm 32:3–5). The New Testament says to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” (James 5:16). There is healing in confession. In ceasing to hide (and hide from) our sins, we welcome God’s healing power in us.

Confession at Yom Kippur – The Viduy

The Fall Feasts are a time when we turn to self-reflection and repentance before the Lord. Jewish tradition states that on Rosh Hashanah, God pronounces a judgment on our coming year based on our current year’s standing with Him. This tradition holds that God seals His verdict on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and that, during the 10 days between these holy days, we have the opportunity to influence His final decision. Confession and repentance intensify during these “Days of Awe” and culminate on Yom Kippur with the addition of fasting.

In synagogue services throughout the world, Jewish people engage in the Viduy, a lengthy liturgy of prayers, recitations, and group confessions spoken aloud. At first glance, we might disregard some of the Viduy’s confessions as unrelated to us. However, as we recite them, we recognize what Yeshua brought to light in His broader definitions of sin (Matthew 5:21–48). For instance, confessing “We have stolen” might seem irrelevant until we realize it encompasses more than tangible items. As we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us, we see that we can steal someone’s time with thoughtless tardiness or rob them of peace by careless venting or complaining.

The Viduy is a tool to help us see ourselves honestly. It includes 24 verbal confessions. We’ve provided a sampling below and encourage you to use it as you spend time listening to the Lord and humbly confessing to Him. Keep in mind that the Lord wants to heal you through confession. He wants you to live unhindered in your relationship with Him and set you free to be shaped into the image of Yeshua.

Ashamnu – We have sinned against God and man.

Bagadnu – We have betrayed and been disloyal and ungrateful.

Gazalnu – We have stolen or robbed.

Dibarnu Dofi – We have sinned with our speech.

V’hirshanu – We have caused others to sin.

Taflnu Sheker – We have associated ourselves with falsehood and wrongdoing.

Ya’atznu Ra – We have advised others wrongly to their harm.

Kizavnu – We have lied and failed to keep our word.

Latznu – We have taken serious matters lightly, scoffed, and ridiculed.

Maradnu – We have disbelieved and rebelled against God and His Word, preferring our own way.

Sararnu – We have turned our hearts away from serving God.

Avinu – We have knowingly and intentionally sinned.

Tzararnu – We have caused suffering.

Kishinu Oref – We have stubbornly refused to see God’s hand in suffering, choosing to blame Him rather than repent of our sin or learn from suffering.

Confessing Yeshua’s Gift of Atonement

Confessing our sin with such intense focus might leave us feeling discouraged. As Believers, we have the privilege of also seeing the picture Yom Kippur holds of what Jesus accomplished for us through His death and resurrection.

In Temple days, every Yom Kippur, the High Priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy of Holies. This blood covered the sins committed by the priest himself and all Israel over the past year.

However, when Yeshua died as the sacrifice for our sin, He also served as the perfect High Priest, taking His own blood into the heavenly Holy of Holies as a once-and-for-all atonement (covering) for our sin. He not only covered our sins, but He removed them forever from before the Father.

Yeshua’s atonement accomplished wonderful things for those who place their faith in Him. Confess these truths as well as you observe Yom Kippur.

Yeshua’s atonement:

• Cancelled our sin-debt, placing us in right standing before God forever
• Bestowed His righteousness to our account
• Saved us from eternal condemnation
• Gave us eternal life and abundant life
• Set us free from bondage to sin
• Made us joint heirs with Messiah
• Made us children of God
• Gave us His Holy Spirit, His very presence, living inside of us
• Enabled us to live godly lives empowered by His Spirit
• Gave us God’s peace, which defies logic
• Gave us rest, eternally and today
• Gave us purpose and good works to do for Him
• Assured us that we will never be cast out
• Provided an anchor for our souls
• Gave us wisdom for the asking
• Showered us with God’s everlasting love

Confessing the Truth at Yom Kippur

Confession is indeed good for the soul. As we humbly face some perhaps ugly truths about ourselves, we lay ourselves bare before the Lord and ask His Holy Spirit to work wonders in our hearts and behavior, conforming us to the likeness of Yeshua.

Confessing the truths about what Yeshua’s blood has accomplished for us leaves us awestruck as we realize that when God looks at us, though He knows our sin, He sees Yeshua’s payment for it, and we stand utterly forgiven and loved.

Let’s confess both sets of truth on Yom Kippur.

New Life and New Favor in Zimbabwe

This summer, we conducted a Medical Outreach in North Gokwe, Zimbabwe, where we saw the Lord’s favor in incredible ways. We want you to know that you played a significant part in the effectiveness of this Outreach. Here’s a look at the number of lives you touched in North Gokwe through your support, followed by some exciting stories of changed hearts and lives.

North Gokwe, Zimbabwe, Medical Outreach

July 10–20, 2025

• 9,821 Patients Received Care
• 1,204 People Received Dental Care
• 3,040 Eyeglasses Distributed
• 100 Minor Surgeries Performed
• 1,122 Children & Teens Attended the Zehra Kids Program
• 1,450 School Children & Teens Experienced Zehra in Their School
• 3,808 People Heard the Gospel
• 227 People Received Yeshua, including 25 Jewish people
• 406 People Requested Congregational Follow-up

From Rejection to Remarkable Favor

Just two years ago, in 2023, all international team members were kicked off the Clinic grounds of our Medical Outreach in Gokwe, Zimbabwe. They all had to relocate to a hotel, but our Zimbabwe team carried on and conducted a successful and meaningful Outreach. Last year, we returned, experiencing incredible favor, which led to this year’s North Gokwe Outreach, where another significant Jewish population lives.

On the final day of the Clinic, three stern-faced men jumped out of a car and approached members of our team. Their demeanors were concerning, and we wondered what was going on. The men introduced themselves as being from the office of Zimbabwe’s president. Then, one of them extended his hand and thanked the team for their work. He explained that he is a close friend of the president and had let him know about the great work we are doing. Then he said, “The president wants to know if you will come back next year. He will personally come to the Clinic and would like to officially open it.”

What a difference from two years ago! The Lord showered His favor and grace upon the work you have made possible through your gifts to Jewish Voice, and He moved hearts from rejection to an invitation by Zimbabwe’s president.

A Family’s Journey to Faith

A woman came to our Spiritual Care Ministry and heard the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus). She was interested but explained that, in her culture, it is important to have her husband’s permission for such a life-altering decision. She went home without accepting Yeshua.

The next day, she returned, overjoyed. She told the team, “You’ll never believe it! When I told my husband about what I learned about Yeshua, he asked, ‘Did you get saved?’” Her husband had been to the Clinic the day before her, and in the prayer tent, he gave his life to Yeshua. He told his wife, “I want you to go back to the Clinic and get saved.” She came back to accept Yeshua and give her life to Him. This couple has received new life!

It’s Because of You

Through your prayers and financial support of Jewish Voice Ministries, you made these amazing encounters possible. You brought quality health care to people in tremendous need of it. You encouraged the brokenhearted and proclaimed the Gospel to hearts hungry for the Messiah’s hope.

Thank you for letting the Lord use you to transform lives and share His Good News.

Specific Prayers for the Fall Feasts

L’Shanah Tovah! This Prayer Points email begins by wishing you a Happy New Year! Oh, how we feel the need for a fresh start in troubled times – a reset, a new beginning!

Rosh Hashanah, the “head of the year” in Hebrew, began the evening of September 22 this year and went through today, September 24. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah, known as the Feast of Trumpets in most English Bibles, although it actually translates to “Day of Blasting.” Most Jewish traditions involve blowing or blasting the shofar 100 times on Rosh Hashanah.

Yom Teruah marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe, a period of intensified soul-searching and introspection that culminates in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.*

Below are some ways we can pray for ourselves and for Jewish people during this time of God’s appointed Feasts. Let’s pray that the shofar blasts of Yom Teruah will truly be a wake-up call and a time of preparation that ushers in God’s great mercy, justice, and renewal.

• May Gentile people, especially the global Church, “wake up” to God’s heart for the Jewish people and the centrality of Jerusalem and Israel in End Time events and His future Kingdom
• Just as the blowing of the shofar traditionally represents the arrival of a king, may we be both expectant and busy in preparing for the return of our King, which is closer each day
• May we have sober and repentant hearts, and as Believers, fully rely on the atonement provided for us by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus the Messiah
• May Jewish people everywhere take note of world events and the signs of the times, and seek the Lord through repentance and a desire to be in right standing with God
• May Yeshua (Jesus) Himself be revealed as the Messiah and coming King who will set all wrong right and usher in the eternal Kingdom of God

Following Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is Sukkot (the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles). This glorious season looks back to when the children of Israel dwelled in sukkahs, tents or “booths,” in the wilderness and rejoiced in God’s faithfulness. It also looks forward to the day when the Lord will dwell with His people forever.

Sukkot is called the “season of our joy,” and we are commanded to rejoice. This year, Sukkot begins right before the second anniversary of the murderous and vile terror attacks of October 7, 2023. Lord, give us the renewal of joy in Your presence and may we also experience the joy of seeing the hostages returned!

Let’s draw near to the Lord during these Fall Holy Days, aligning our hearts with the spiritual nature and meaning of each one and praying for the Jewish people around the world to meet with the Lord during this season as well.

*You can learn more about the Fall Feasts with the article “A Rabbi Looks at the Fall Feasts” on our website.

The Entrance of His Word Gives Light

It’s time to fast and pray! Many of you know that each Spring and Fall, our Jewish Voice Ministries staff participates in a Week of Prayer and Fasting together. We set aside time for worship and praise, we fast in one form or another, and we schedule time for focused prayer and intercession. And each time we do this, we have a special theme or focal point.

This fall, our theme Scripture for the week is taken from Psalm 119:130: “The Entrance of Your Word Gives Light.” We have a daily Scripture as well.

We invite you to pray along with us. Our Week of Prayer and Fasting will take place from September 15 to 19. You can commit to praying with us each day by signing up on our 24/7 prayer schedule. You can also pray using the Scriptures we will be praying through during that week. We so appreciate your prayers joining with ours.

Here are the Scriptures we will be focusing on. Please pray with us!

Monday, September 15

“Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you….The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”

— Isaiah 60:1–3 (NKJV)

Lord, may Your Jewish people rise up in the knowledge that Yeshua, Jesus, their Messiah, has come for them! His glory is displayed on them. They are to be a light to the nations. Help them to both know You and show You to the world.

Tuesday, September 16

"The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear?" 

— Psalm 27:1

All during the Hebrew month of Elul, it is traditional to recite Psalm 27 each day. What an amazing passage! Lord, help us as we recite, believe, and pray this Psalm over our families and also on behalf of the Jewish people around the world. May we believe that You are indeed our Light and Salvation!

Wednesday, September 17

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” 

—  John 8:12

Lord, help us and all Your Jewish people to follow You, the Light of the world. You ARE Light, and in You there is no darkness, shadow, or variation. When we have You, we have the Light of life. We pray this reality for ourselves and all Your people.

Thursday, September 18

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

— Matthew 5:16

Father, help us not hide the Light You have placed in us “under a basket,” as Matthew 5:15 says. May we be eager to live boldly out of the Light of Your love, doing good to others and glorifying You. Show us how to do good deeds that bless Your Jewish people, and bring them to Your light.

Friday, September 19

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." 

— Psalm 119:105 (TLV)

Lord, as our Week of Prayer and Fasting comes to a close, we will continue to step forward into Your vision and plans for us, individually and as a ministry. Help us continually look to You and only to You for guidance and direction as we seek to bring Your light and life to Your Jewish people in a world that is growing increasingly dark. We have great faith that You will light our way!

Thank you for praying for the Lord to meet with us, speak to us, and guide us during our Week of Prayer and Fasting. Know that we will be praying for you as well!

Let’s Pray

Lord, we lift up all our partners, asking that You will guide their steps and bring light to every one of their concerns and questions. You are our Light, and we commit to following You!

Will you answer our call to prayer — now? Here’s why: in just a day or so, we will begin our fourth Outreach in Zambia. We have been there once a year since 2022 and are watching the Lord move among His precious Jewish Lemba people. In just the past few years, we’ve seen new Believers saved, disciples made, and some even go to another nation to share the Good News. The Lord has also raised up some dedicated Believers who have consistently partnered with us there, and other congregational partners from Zimbabwe will join us on this trip. In addition, our international Outreach Partners will include a group of young Messianic Jewish Believers from Israel.

Please pray with us for unity among all those working together on this Outreach. Pray also for effectiveness in the form of healing, salvation, and deliverance as we bring medical care and the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus), in the power of His Spirit.

Please join us in prayer in the following ways:

• Use the detailed, day-by-day Prayer Points below
• Commit to a specific time slot to pray for us from home during the Outreach.  SIGN UP on our Prayer Schedule, referring to the dates below

Day-by-Day Prayer Points for our Outreach in Zambia

 August 28–September 7, 2025

Thank you for praying and believing with us now for great things for the Lemba and their neighbors in Zambia!

Before the Outreach

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:3 NKJV).

Wednesday, August 27

• All preparations to come together in a timely way with excellence
• All necessary paperwork to be in hand and completed accurately
• Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing, and deliverance as He prepares the spiritual atmosphere and hearts to receive Him

Thursday, August 28

• Protection, health, safety, and favor during preparation and travel
• All Outreach team members, partners, and their luggage to arrive on time, together, and intact
• Spiritual preparation of the community and people we’ll be serving so they will be open to coming and welcoming the Light of the Lord to transform their lives and region

Friday, August 29

• A restful Erev Shabbat as everyone gets to know each other and fellowships together
• Each participant to lay aside their own thoughts of what the week will look like, and allow the Lord to lead regarding how He plans to use them 
• Easy adjustment for international Outreach Partners as they experience a new time zone, new food, and different culture and customs

Saturday, August 30

• The four groups who are giving leadership and spearheading different aspects of this Outreach — may they work together as those who make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, doing all things in love
• Successful, clear, and anointed orientations for the Clinic and Prayer & Counseling departments
• God’s angel armies to push back the forces of darkness, enabling the seeds of the Good News to go deep into good soil and bear lasting fruit throughout the week and beyond

During the Outreach

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).

Sunday, August 31

• Since we have been here before, may the community be open and ready to come quickly to the Outreach, starting today and continuing through the week
• The Lord to hand-pick the local workers who will work alongside us in unity; may they also be touched by the Lord and saved
• A sense of anticipation, hope, and trust in the Lord as the Clinic opens for a half day today
• May the prayer and counseling tent be busy right from the start as the Holy Spirit moves powerfully and ministers healing, deliverance, and salvation

Monday, September 1

• All our international Outreach Partners to serve in the fruit and gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Pray especially for the group of young Messianic Believers from Israel — may they be refreshed as they leave a nation at war and minister the Good News to their Jewish Lemba brothers and sisters in Zambia
• The Zehra NextGen program, under indigenous leadership, to be ideally situated, fully staffed, and wonderfully effective in drawing children and teens to the Lord
• The Living Waters team, who will share the Gospel of Yeshua as they supply LifeStraws® in the community

Tuesday, September 2

• Medical and dental volunteers to give effective care and for the Lord to heal, including supernaturally, as a testimony of His power and love
• Worship times, led by a Zambian worship team, to bring great joy and refreshment, permeating the spiritual atmosphere with light and life
• Breakthrough among people who are captive to ancestral worship and witchcraft, resulting in them turning fully to the Lord to worship Him only

Wednesday, September 3

• Favor and effectiveness to last not only all week but also increase
• Physical health, stamina, and safety for all who are laboring in love to see the Lemba and their neighbors served and ministered to this week
• An amazing supernatural, international, Kingdom impact as a result of this Outreach — beyond what we can imagine

Thursday, September 4

• On this last day of the Clinic, may those in greatest need of medical or spiritual care receive care or be spontaneously healed
• Safety as teams take down the Outreach tents and pack up equipment
• Calm to prevail as our staff pays the local workers — and may these workers leave not only with a financial benefit, but more importantly, great spiritual blessings because of being exposed to the Good News and the ministry of the Holy Spirit

After the Outreach

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of [Messiah] Jesus” (Philippians 1:4–6).

Friday, September 5 and onward

• An outpouring of God’s grace on everyone who served, and may they each hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” from the Lord
• A safe journey home for all who traveled from elsewhere
• The Lord to continue working in this region, spreading the Good News and building up the Messianic Believers
• Those doing the follow-up work, discipling new Believers, and forming congregations

Let’s Pray

Lord, we know that Zambia is known for its cultural diversity, and You created and love each group. Thank You for all the Lemba Jewish people there that You have sent us to minister to and share Your Good News with. May they and their neighbors be incredibly blessed by all that You will do through us during this Outreach. And thank You for our partners who make real and lasting differences for your Chosen People in foreign lands, through their prayers. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

The shofar is a simple yet profound instrument of the Bible. It’s a key feature of Judaism’s Fall Feasts, particularly Rosh Hashanah and Yom Teruah.

Yom Teruah and Rosh Hashanah

Yom Teruah means “Day of Blowing” and is also known as the Feast of Trumpets.  It is one of the feasts outlined by God in Leviticus 23 and Numbers 29 for Jewish people to observe throughout our generations.  Over time, Jewish sages came to believe that God created the world on Yom Teruah. Thus, it became linked with Rosh Hashanah, “the head of the year,” or the Jewish New Year.  Today, Rosh Hashanah synagogue services include 100 blasts of the shofar in keeping with the command to blow the shofar on the Feast of Trumpets.

The Shofar

The shofar is one of the earliest trumpets of the Bible. As shofars are made from rams’ horns, they come in various shapes and sizes. The horn is hollowed, and blowing into the small end produces a distinctive loud blast that can be manipulated with one’s breath to create different sounds. Let’s explore the Scriptures for a look at the meanings and uses of the shofar.

Celebration, Worship, and Praise

Along with being blown at observances of the Jewish feasts and new moons (Psalm 81:4), the shofar was used to call Israel to assemblies of worship (Isaiah 27:13 and Joel 2:15). 2 Samuel 6:15 also describes the shofar sounding during the celebration that ensued when David brought the Ark of the Covenant back into the City of David. David danced before the Lord “with all his might” as the people accompanied the ark, shouting and blowing the shofar (2 Samuel 6:12–15 and 1 Chronicles 15:28). The Psalms encourage us to worship and praise the Lord with the sound of the shofar (Psalm 98:6 and 150:3).

Invitation to Come Near to God

At Mount Sinai, God commanded that Israel sanctify themselves for two days. On the third day, He would come to the mountain in the sight of everyone. The people were to stay away from the mountain until they heard the sound of the shofar. Then they could draw near (Exodus 19:13).

A Sign of God’s Presence and Voice

Spectacular sights and sounds accompanied God’s appearance before all Israel at Mount Sinai. There was thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, an earthquake, and “the blast of an exceedingly loud shofar.” Scripture indicates the Lord’s presence is in the sound of the shofar (Exodus 19:16–19 and Psalm 47:5).

A Signal to Military Troops 

As God mentioned in Numbers chapter 10, sounding the shofar indicated the commencement of war (Jeremiah 4:19). It was also used to signal troops to attack, halt, or dismiss (2 Samuel 2:28).

The shofar was instrumental in the miracle God performed at the battle of Jericho. The Lord commanded Israel to march around the city on each of the seven days. On the seventh, Joshua gave the command for the shofars to sound and the people to shout, at which time, Jericho’s walls fell down flat; its people were terrified, and Israel won the victory. (See Joshua 6.)

Shofars were also a key component in Gideon’s small army defeating Midian. With lit torches hidden under empty clay pitchers in one hand and a shofar in the other, Gideon’s 300-man army snuck up on Midian in the night. At Gideon’s signal, each man broke his pitcher, exposing the torch’s flame, and blew his shofar. The sudden, loud noise and burst of light so startled the Midianites that the victory was Israel’s. (See Judges 7:16–25.)

A Call to Listen Up

Kings and prophets blew the shofar before making an announcement for the people of Israel. Saul blew the shofar throughout the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear,” and Isaiah proclaimed, “when the shofar is blown, listen!” God told Isaiah to use his voice like a shofar to get the people’s attention. (See 1 Samuel 13:3, Isaiah 18:3, and Isaiah 58:1.) During the era of kings, shofar blasts preceded shouts from the masses hailing the coronation of a new king.  Absalom used it when attempting to seize his father David’s throne, and David used it when thwarting this rebellion by rushing to crown his son Solomon to succeed him. (See 2 Samuel 15:10 and 1 Kings 1:32–48.)

A Warning Alarm

One of the most recognizable uses of the biblical trumpet is a warning alarm. A watchman on a city wall would scan the horizon and blow a shofar to warn the city of coming danger. Scripture shows the shofar was used to warn of physical dangers, like enemy attacks. Nehemiah chapter 4 describes the dangers that the Jerusalemites faced when rebuilding the city walls. Neighboring people groups threatened to attack and stop the work, so Nehemiah assigned half the men to build and half to hold the weapons, ready to defend when they heard the watchman’s shofar sound. (See Jeremiah 4:5, Nehemiah 4, Ezekiel 33:1–20.)

God commanded the prophets to blow the shofar for spiritual warnings as well. When He sent a prophet to warn of impending judgments, He often called him to blow the shofar (Joel 2:1).  Amid a prophecy of the Messiah’s return, Zechariah describes the day when the Lord Himself will blow the shofar (Zechariah 9:14).

In Oath Making

In 2 Chronicles 15:14, the shofar blasts were used to proclaim and seal an oath made to the Lord by the people in Judah under King Asa.

Signal of the Last Days

The shofar also appears in the New Testament regarding the Last Days. Yeshua (Jesus) will return accompanied by a great blast of the shofar. He will come down from Heaven, and at the “last trumpet,” or last shofar, God will raise the dead in Messiah to incorruptible life, “and we will all be changed” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). At the sound of the shofar, He will gather Believers to Himself for eternity (Matthew 24:30–31).

The Message of the Shofar

Through all of these biblical uses, we see that the shofar is a divine call to action, reflection, and worship. As we hear its blasts during Rosh Hashanah and other sacred moments, we’re reminded of its timeless message: to draw near to God, listen to His voice, and prepare for His ultimate return.