Our second Outreach in 2023 will be in Zimbabwe, in a location where we have not been since 2018. Since we were last at that location, nine congregations have been planted in the area. We are excited to return and look forward to seeing what fruit the Lord brings from this new Outreach.

Last time, several things drove home the need for serious prayer covering. So, we would love for you to be part of praying over this time. Below are some Prayer Points you can use to pray along with us in preparation for the Outreach and day-by-day prayer items throughout the ministry week. You’ll also find requests for the days immediately following the Outreach.

You can also play a big part in this Outreach by committing to pray during a  specific time slot on our Prayer Schedule. SIGN UP HERE to choose a time to pray from home during the Outreach.

Your prayers make such a difference. Here are ways you can pray each day.

Wednesday, March 15 – Wednesday, March 22 | Psalm 90:17

• All logistics to come together quickly, including permissions, VISAS, and medical supplies
• All on-site preparations to take place smoothly and completely
• God’s favor and anointing of ease to prepare the way for effective ministry once again in this community where we ministered in 2018
• The spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory, Yeshua, to come in with healing, salvation and deliverance

Thursday, March 23 | Genesis 28:15

• Protection, safety and health as our team and partners prepare and travel
• A strong confirmation for each person that the Lord is with them and will enable them to minister out of the overflow of relationship with Him
• The Lord to prepare the hearts of the Zimbabwe people to hear the Good News and receive Yeshua (Jesus)

Friday, March 24 | 1 Peter 4:10

• Fellowship and relationships to begin to form deep unity among all participants
• A sweet and restful Shabbat, including a good night’s sleep
• The Lord to remove any spiritual, emotional or physical hindrances to the Gospel being received in people's hearts.

Saturday, March 25 | Psalm 32:8

• Safety traveling to the Outreach location, divine order in setting up the Clinic, and effective training for medical and spiritual care
• Logistics, safety and anointing for the Zehra Kids Program during set-up and throughout the week
• Health and energy all week long and protection from the heat, disease, and anything else that would harm or hinder ministry to the people in Zimbabwe

Sunday, March 26 | Mark 1:15

• God’s grace as the Clinic opens for the first half-day and that many people come throughout the week
• May the Zehra Kids Program impact not only children but whole families and the community with God’s love and truth, joy and fun
• Grace upon the in-country Zehra team to work together in great unity and effectiveness and anointing upon “The Shema” curriculum they’re using

Monday, March 27 | James 5:16

• The spiritual care tent to be a place of healing, deliverance and salvation for many people who need Jesus
• Healing to take place through medical care and also divine intervention this week, including in the lines and the community
• A successful and Spirit-led strategy for the Living Waters team as they bring LifeStraws® and the Good News of living water to Jewish people in the surrounding area

Tuesday, March 28 | Deuteronomy 28:3

• Favor and blessing from government and community leaders and for the Lord to pour out a blessing upon them as well
• Renewal, insight and bold faith from the Lord during daily team prayer times
• Jubilant praise and worship that lifts the spirits of those participating and infuses the week with the fragrance of Yeshua. May Wednesday evening’s time of worship and prayer be especially impactful

Wednesday, March 29 | Acts 4:30

• The Word to be spoken boldly and accompanied by signs and wonders
• Each Outreach Partner and team member to serve from a place of unity, humility and dependence on the Lord

Thursday, March 30 | Luke 15:7

• Today is our last full day, and Friday is our final half-day. May every patient know the Lord sees them and receive His touch
• Unity among Believers to enable people to receive ministry and care

Friday, March 31 | John 13:35

• Protection as the equipment is packed up for transport
• Safe travels back to Harare
• A restful Shabbat, including reflection and testimony of all the Lord has done this week in and through the team

Saturday, April 1 – Sunday, April 2 | Mark 16:15

• Safe travels as local and international team members journey home and a special outpouring of refreshment for our Global Outreach Director, who has been traveling in the field for many weeks
• The Lord to continue to work in this region of Zimbabwe, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear Lemba people
• Effective and timely follow-up with all who want to hear more about Jesus as the Lord continues to establish His Kingdom in Zimbabwe

Let’s Pray

Lord, our first trip to this location left a deep impression on us, and since then, we have seen You do wonders there. We press into You in intercession and even spiritual battle, trusting You to do what only You can do. Use us and minister through us. Prepare the way for an even greater move of Your Spirit there and in all Zimbabwe among Your beloved Jewish people, the Lemba, and their neighbors. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

I’m holding on to this truth from the Scriptures as we continue to pray for the unrest in Israel, the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine –

“From the LORD comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people.” — Psalm 3:8 NIV

God is the Deliverer – the only One Who can bring peace, rest and blessing to His Chosen People. And to the world.

And I pray it over you as well, in whatever you’re facing today. There’s no greater promise we have from God – which was ultimately realized in the coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

God is close at hand to bring deliverance and blessing.

As you receive this important truth and promise from the Scriptures, I hope you’ll also join me and all of us here at Jewish Voice Ministries International in praying for God’s will to be done in Israel – and around the world. And for His grace, protection and blessing to be upon His people . . . and those who support them.

Please continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Jesus with the Jewish people.

Thank you for your partnership in this work of ministry.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Palestinian Gunman Shoots and Kills Two Israeli Brothers in West Bank Amid Peace Talks in Jordan

According to reports from Fox News, two Israeli brothers were recently shot and killed by a Palestinian gunman near a West Bank settlement where nearly a dozen Palestinians had been killed in an Israeli military raid.

Israeli settlers rioted in response to the shooting, setting dozens of cars and homes on fire in the northern West Bank.

The violence cast a shadow over peace talks that had been taking place in Aqaba, Jordan.

Jordanian, Egyptian and U.S. officials joined Israeli and Palestinian representatives for “comprehensive and frank discussions,” which were described as the first of their kind in years.

“The two sides (Palestinian and Israeli) affirmed their commitment to all previous agreements between them and to work towards a just and lasting peace,” officials said in a joint statement. “They reaffirmed the necessity of committing to de-escalation on the ground and to prevent further violence.”

And while the joint statement added that Israel committed to “stop discussion of any new settlement units for 4 months and to stop authorization of any outposts for 6 months,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doesn’t appear to be likely to agree as he tweeted, “Construction and regulation in Judea and Samaria will continue according to the original planning and construction schedule, without any changes. There is and will not be any freeze.”

Update from the Middle East

Israel Fears Russia to Supply S-400s to Iran
 

Iran is seeking sophisticated new air defense systems from Russia that Israeli officials say would reduce the window of a potential attack on Tehran's nuclear program, according to a recent media report. Russia has not said publicly whether it will supply the weapons, but Moscow and Tehran have grown closer since Moscow invaded Ukraine. It would then take less than two years for the S-400s delivered to Iran to be operational.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray with me for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to bring His comfort to those who have been devastated by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

1. God is present but not mentioned in the Purim story

The book of Esther recounts the history of Purim. It tells the fascinating story of a time when the Jewish people were held captive in Persia, and God intervened to protect them. His fingerprints are all over the story, yet God is not mentioned a single time in this book of the Bible.

Esther was a Jewish maiden conscripted to join a group of other young women from across Persia from which the king would select his next queen. The king chose Esther, who kept her Jewish identity a secret. When the Jewish people became targets of destruction by a decree that promised payment to citizens for killing them, Esther’s guardian cousin went to her to plead with the king to spare the Jewish people. When Esther hesitated out of fear of approaching the king, Mordecai proposed to her a thought – in a single now-famous line that resonates through the centuries – that perhaps she had become queen “for such a time as this.”

2. You can trust that God is at work, even when you don’t see Him

Esther hadn’t expected to become queen of Persia and had no idea of the significance her position would play in preserving her people. But God ordained the events to save the Jewish people later.

The Esther story shows us that God is at work, even when we don’t see Him and even when He seems quiet or absent from the scene. He is always present, always moving and working for our good. Romans 8:28 says He works all things together for the good of those who love Him – even the things that look bad and feel hard. So we can trust Him and allow this hope to carry us through challenging times.

3. Esther sought the Lord

Esther knew that going to the king without an invitation was punishable by death if he didn’t extend her grace. But she was compelled to save her people. She told Mordecai that she would go to the king, and if she perished, she perished. To prepare for her meeting, Esther determined to fast for three days.

Esther had her maids fast too, and told Mordecai to get all the Jewish people to do the same. She wanted to be as wise and prepared as possible before talking with the king. The result of her fast was the idea to invite the king to a banquet along with Haman, the wicked and spiteful man who convinced the king to sign the irrevocable decree mentioned in point 1. When she went to the king, he received her, and she invited them to the feast.

4. You can trust God to guide you

Though the text doesn’t say she prayed, Esther surely did, as we know that fasting and praying go hand in hand. Esther took the time to seek the Lord’s guidance in this all-important matter. She didn’t rely on her own strength, ingenuity or creativity. Nor did she rely on that of others. Her situation was “do or die,” so she had to get it right. She sought the Lord.

Esther’s example offers us good advice, even for matters that aren’t as desperate as hers: Seek the Lord first rather than moving ahead in our own strength. Rely on Him first and foremost to guide us with His wisdom. When we seek His guidance, we join Him in the work He wants to do in us and through us. We never know when our actions might be key to something bigger than we realize.

5. Mordecai’s faithfulness was overlooked for a time

Early after Esther became queen, Mordecai overheard a plot to assassinate the king. He told Esther about it, resulting in the scheme being stopped and the men arrested. The event was recorded in the king’s chronicles, but nothing was done to thank Mordecai.

The night before Esther’s banquet, where she would reveal her request, the king couldn’t sleep. He called for a servant to read from the record of his reign and learned that Mordecai was never honored for saving the king’s life. He then ordered Haman – the official who aimed to destroy the Jewish people because Mordecai refused to bow to him – to personally carry out the king’s extravagant way of honoring Mordecai.

At Esther’s banquet, she revealed her request to the king: that he spare the lives of her and her people. The king, still not knowing Esther was Jewish, was shocked. Who would dare threaten the life of the queen? Esther pointed and answered, “Haman!” The king raged at Haman and stormed out. He returned to see Haman begging Esther for his life so desperately that it appeared he was assaulting her. That was the end of Haman; the king had him hauled away and hanged.

With Haman gone and the king’s thoughts recently awakened to the noble man who had once saved his life, the king appointed Mordecai to Haman’s position of second in command.

6. You can trust God’s timing

Mordecai’s good deed of saving the king’s life went overlooked at the time. As far as we can tell from the text, Mordecai was OK with that. He did the right thing in telling Esther of the plot he overheard, and that was the end of it.

God’s timing to exalt Mordecai served a higher purpose than momentary reward.  The New Testament Scripture exhorts, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time” (1 Peter 5:6). Even if we never receive the esteem of men, God sees in secret and will reward us – someday, in some way (Matthew 6:3‒4, 6, 17‒18). We see in the Purim account that God often has much bigger plans in the works – either in our circumstances or in us. We can trust God when we seem overlooked and unregarded, and we can trust Him to lift us up at the right time.

7. God delivered the Jewish people from destruction

The king told his new official, Mordecai, to do whatever he chose to save the Jewish people from the approaching massacre.  Mordecai made a second proclamation stating that the Jewish people could defend themselves on the appointed day. When the day came, the Jewish people turned the tables on their enemies and overcame them. Scripture tells us that soon, no one could stand against them because of fear. By then, Mordecai had gained such prominence and influence in the king’s palace that the governors and regional officials assisted the Jewish people in fighting off their attackers.

Again, though God isn’t mentioned, we know it was He who paved the way for deliverance and empowered His people to overcome their attackers. God rescued the Jewish people from yet another attempt to annihilate them.

8. You can trust God to keep His promises

Without this rescue, we wouldn’t be here as a Jewish people. The line would have ended, prophecy wouldn’t have been fulfilled, and the Messiah wouldn’t have come. But God promised to make Abraham a great nation and that his descendants would be as countless as the stars and sand (Genesis 22:17). In Jeremiah 31, He promised that as long as the sun, moon and stars remained, Israel would too (Jeremiah 31: 35‒37).

Purim is another confirmation that we can trust God to keep all His promises. When His Word says He has given us everything we need to live godly lives in Messiah, we can know it’s true. When He says He has given us His peace, we can take hold of it. When He says nothing can separate us from His love, we can believe it. God is faithful. On that, we can utterly depend.

9. Purim is about rejoicing over God’s salvation

After the resounding victory and deliverance of the Jewish people, Mordecai declared a holiday because their sorrow and mourning had been turned to celebration. The Jewish people were to observe feasting, giving gifts to each other and the poor, and rejoicing. Ever since, Purim has been celebrated with great joy. Today, Purim is a time for reading the book of Esther, costume parties and lively reenactments of the dramatic story, feasting, gift-giving and charity.

10. You can trust God because of what He has already done

God repeatedly told the Israelites to remember what He had done for them in delivering them from slavery to Egypt. The Psalms instruct us to rejoice in the Lord and not forget what He has done for us. Likewise, the New Testament encourages us to remember what Jesus has done, dwell on the good things God has given us and be ever thankful. The victories He has won for us are worthy of rejoicing every day. As we keep ourselves mindful of them, we also know that we can trust Him for whatever lies ahead.

For information about other important Jewish holidays throughout the year, sign up to receive our Jewish culture and holiday emails.

Chocolate Hamantashen recipe

Hamantashen are a Purim tradition. They are triangular cookies that can be filled with a nearly endless selection of options. This recipe includes two filling options and lists other ideas to spur your imagination.

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup + 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions for Dough

• Cream butter and sugars together, then add egg, and blend thoroughly
• Add milk and vanilla, well mixed
• Sift together in a separate bowl the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt
• Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well
• Place in a plastic zipper bag and flatten dough to fill bag. This will give you a head start when you’re ready to roll it out
• Refrigerate dough for 1 to 24 hours

Cream Cheese Filling

• Using a wire whisk or a fork, beat 1 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese until smooth
• Sift in 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix thoroughly
• Set in refrigerator until ready to use

Peanut Butter Filling

Blend 1 cup peanut butter with 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar; set aside

Assembly Directions

• Prepare a cutting board for rolling the dough by sprinkling generously and evenly with powdered sugar
• Remove dough bag from refrigerator, and cut away and dispose of plastic bag. Place dough on cutting board
• Gently roll out dough to ¼” thickness. Use more powdered sugar on the dough surface, rolling pin, and cutting board to prevent sticking
• Cut circles using a cookie cutter or jar lid 2 ½” to 3” across, dipping the cutter in powdered sugar as needed to avoid sticking
• Set circles aside on dusted cutting board. Gather and repeat, combining and then rolling out remaining dough scraps until you’ve made as many circles as possible from the dough
• Place a dollop of filling mixture in the center of one circle. For smaller circles use ½ teaspoon; for larger,
• use 1 teaspoon
• To form hamantashen triangles: (1) Place finger and thumb under the edge of a dough circle and pinch together to form a point. If the corners aren’t sticking together, dab a tiny bit of water onto the connecting dough surfaces to secure them. (2) Repeat this technique twice more around the dough circle until you have made a triangular nest surrounding the filling
• Repeat with remaining circles
• Place all hamantashen on a baking sheet; bake at 350°F for 8–12 minutes

Options

• Drizzle cookies with caramel topping or melted chocolate
• Add a fresh strawberry slice or raspberry to the center of each cookie immediately before serving. (To prevent the cookies from losing their texture and becoming uniformly soft, do not store fruit-topped cookies.)
• A traditional hamantashen filling is jam (any flavor you like), but you can also use caramel, chocolate or other baking chips including mint, butterscotch, or white chocolate

We don’t usually do it this way, but our first Outreach location of 2023 is the same as our last Outreach location of 2022. We are excited to return so quickly to this region in Southern Ethiopia, where the need is so great. The Lord allowed us to have a significant impact there in December regarding salvation and healing. With your help, we were also able to make improvements to the local clinic site that now increase their eligibility for more government assistance. Even the local authorities expressed their gratitude.

We now ask the Lord for the double blessing of once more bringing high-impact ministry here through medical care, clean water, and the sharing of the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus).

Would you please pray along with us for this Outreach using the daily prayer points below? We hope to see every hour of the Outreach covered in prayer – and you can help. Sign up here to choose a time to pray from home.

Here are ways you can pray each day:

Wednesday, March 1 – Wednesday, March 8 – Psalm 90:17

• All logistics, including permissions, VISAS and medical supplies, to come together quickly
• All on-site preparations to take place smoothly and completely
• God’s favor and anointing of ease to prepare the way for effective ministry once again in this community

Thursday, March 9 – Genesis 28:15

• Protection, safety and health as our team and partners prepare and travel
• A strong confirmation for each person that the Lord is with them and will enable them to minister out of the overflow of their relationship with Him
• The Lord to prepare the hearts of the people to hear the Good News and receive Yeshua

Friday, March 10 – 1 Peter 4:10

• Relationships and fellowship to begin to form deep unity among all participants
• A sweet and restful Shabbat, including a good night’s sleep
• Forces of darkness to be banished and make way for the King of Glory, so there is good soil for the Gospel

Saturday, March 11 – Psalm 32:8

• Safety on local planes and the mostly dirt roads as we travel to our lodgings near the Clinic site
• Divine order in setting up the Clinic and effective training for medical and spiritual care
• Safe and uneventful transportation to the Clinic for those in need of care who live at a distance

Sunday, March 12 – Mark 1:15

• God’s grace as the Clinic opens for the first half day and for many to come throughout the week
• Logistics, safety and anointing for the Zehra Kid’s program to run smoothly
• May the Zehra program impact not only children but whole families and the community with God’s love and truth, joy and fun

Monday, March 13 – James 5:16

• The spiritual care tent to be a place of healing, deliverance and salvation for many in need of Yeshua
• Healing to take place through medical care and also divine intervention throughout the week, including in the lines and the community
• As last time, a successful and Spirit-led strategy to bring LifeStraws® and the Good News of Living Water into the surrounding areas

Tuesday, March 14 – Deuteronomy 28:3

• Favor and blessing from government and community leaders; and for the Lord to pour out a blessing upon them
• Renewal, insight and bold faith from the Lord during daily team prayer times
• Jubilant praise and worship that lifts the spirits of those participating and infuses the week with the fragrance of Yeshua. May Wednesday evening’s time of worship and prayer be especially impactful

Wednesday, March 14 – Acts 4:30

• The Lord to continue to both stir and satisfy the spiritual hunger we encountered there in December so that many receive Him
• The Word to be spoken boldly, accompanied by signs and wonders
• Each Outreach Partner and team member to serve with energy, humility and dependence on the Lord

Thursday, March 16 – Luke 15:7

• Today is our last full day, and Friday is our final half-day. Like our Outreach in December, may every patient be seen – a true miracle!
• Unity among Believers from different areas in Ethiopia as they minister together to enable their countrymen to receive ministry and care

Friday, March 17 – John 13:35

• Protection as the equipment is packed up and readied for transport
• Safe travels to our last lodging place in Ethiopia before leaving
• A restful Shabbat, including reflection and testimony of all the Lord has done this week in and through the team

Saturday, March 18 – Mark 16:15

• Safe travels as local and international team members journey home
• The Lord to continue to work and move in this region of Ethiopia, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear people
• Effective and timely follow-up to all who want to hear more about Jesus
• Stamina and grace for our Global Outreach Director, who will move on from this Outreach to one in Zimbabwe just one week later

Let’s Pray

Lord, our hearts were touched by the peaceful people of Southern Ethiopia. We know You are the One sending us there again to use us to minister and meet needs. Come with Your power and might, and provide for these dear ones. Would You especially meet their spiritual needs? Satisfy the cry of their hearts with Yourself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend.

As war, violence and natural disasters continue to impact the Jewish community, please continue to pray vigilantly and unceasingly for God’s peace and comfort.

We do not know what God in His wisdom has in store, only that He is working for our good – for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

I am grateful that despite the alarming news that continually bombards us, I see glimpses of His glory revealed through the work that we do together at Jewish Voice.

Today, more than ever, God’s Chosen People need to hear the message of Yeshua (Jesus) . . . for it is only through His hope that we can endure in the face of calamity, discrimination, animosity and other hardships that confront the Jewish people on a daily basis.

To say thank you to you for supporting our work during this time of so much upheaval and unrest in our world doesn’t seem enough sometimes.

Still, I say thank you with all my heart.

Please continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Israeli Foreign Minister Meets with Ukraine’s Zelensky to Discuss Iran

The Jerusalem Post reports that at a recent meeting, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to work together against their “common enemy,” Iran.

The meeting took place after Cohen’s packed one-day solidarity visit to Ukraine, in what was the first high-level visit of an Israeli official to the war-torn country since Russia’s invasion last year.

In his conversation with Zelensky and earlier in the day with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, Cohen publicly agreed to back Zelensky’s peace plan. However, he made it clear to the Ukrainian president that Israel does not plan to provide defensive weapons that could protect Ukrainian citizens against the armed Iranian drones Russia has launched against them.

Nevertheless, Zelensky issued a positive statement about Cohen’s visit, stating:

“Israel has always been our important partner in the Middle East. This is the first visit of an Israeli representative since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. We discussed deepening bilateral cooperation in various areas. I invite Israel to join the implementation of our Peace Formula; I am grateful for the humanitarian aid provided. We discussed the country’s participation in post-war reconstruction. Ukraine could use Israel’s experience.”

Other Updates Around the Globe

Fourteen Jews Rescued from Devastated Turkish City of Antakya

Fourteen Jews were rescued in Antakya, a city in southern Turkey, after the devastating earthquakes that recently hit the region. The community members from eight families – most of the city’s remaining Jews – were flown to Istanbul, where they will stay for the foreseeable future. “Even in the most difficult days following the disaster, members of Turkey’s Jewish community discovered unity, which has characterized the Jewish people throughout the generations,” Alexander Machkevitch, honorary president of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, said.

Jewish Man Shot While Leaving Morning Prayers in Los Angeles

A Jewish man was shot just after leaving the morning prayer service in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to a report by The Forward. The suspected shooter is still at large.

Jewish Population in the U.S. Tops 8 Million, Study Says

The Jewish population in the United States topped 8 million in 2020, according to a new study published by the American Jewish Population Project (AJPP) at Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts, up from 5.5 million in the 90s.

Pray with Us This Week for: 

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to bring His comfort to those who have been devastated by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

Much has changed in the world since 2020, hasn’t it? That year we, as an international ministry, couldn’t travel, and we sought the Lord with fresh fervency for what He might be saying to us.

He gave us an intensified vision for when travel opened up again after COVID lockdowns. He has called us to reach out to all the scattered tribes of Jewish people during the next 10 years that we possibly can, by His grace.

Along with that vision, He led us to adapt how we previously did “scouting trips.” In the past, the Lord led us to consider a possible place that was often somewhere near where we‘d ministered before. We’d seek His timing and then go scout out vendors, hotels, campsites, medical facilities and so on for an Outreach there.

We still need to do this boots-on-the-ground research and make those connections as we prepare for Outreaches. However, now, our “scouting trips” are much more focused on discovering not the logistics for a planned Outreach in a generally familiar area but exploring the potential of reaching new areas, new people groups, and even new nations. So different is this approach that we even sometimes call them “discovery trips” now.

Would you please pray for us about a discovery scouting trip happening soon? Three of our leaders head to Africa from February 20–March 3. While there, they will visit Jewish people groups and places we have not served yet. They will seek their stories, assess the communities’ needs and discern if the Lord is calling Jewish Voice to meet any of those needs – and if so, when, where and how.

Please join us in praying for this exciting trip.

• Health, safety and smooth travel for our leaders as they go and return and for their families while they are gone
• The Lord’s clear leading as to where specifically to invest our time on this trip
• The Lord to speak and provide divine appointments in each area to  help us discern what He says regarding our potential engagement there
• Insight into the origins of these groups and their Jewish identities
• A fruitful assessment of the needs in each area and direction from the Lord as to what He is calling us to do to positively affect the communities

Let’s Pray

Lord, whether a scouting trip, discovery trip, or another assignment from You, we always want to be like Joshua and Caleb, seeing with clarity the giants in the land but having an over-riding faith that sees You as greater and confidence in You that is willing to follow where You lead. May You give our leaders wisdom, discernment, favor and clarity as they seek out Your people in the nations to make You known among Your Jewish people and their neighbors. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

With crises erupting throughout the world, especially the war in Ukraine now approaching a full year of violence, we must continue to be vigilant in prayer.  

Even though there’s every reason to be concerned, together we can stand on the knowledge that God is in control of every situation. I believe He will intervene and work everything according to His own purposes.

But He has called us to pray. Our prayerful actions are what you and I can control today, tomorrow and in the days and weeks ahead. We can – and must – be obedient in this. 

Thank you for standing with us so faithfully. And for your love for God’s Chosen People. 

Please continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Russian Missile Destroys Ukrainian Synagogue

YnetNews reports that Huliaipole, a city in the Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia, experienced catastrophic damage in the historical part of the city – including the destruction of a local Synagogue – following Russian bombardment.

This marks the second time the Synagogue was bombed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last February.

Moshe Asman, Ukraine's chief Rabbi, said:

“On behalf of the Jewish community of Ukraine, I strongly condemn the Russian bombardment of the Synagogue in the city of Huliaipole. It is common knowledge that holy sites are off-limits during an armed conflict. It’s an understanding the Russians chose to violate. I expect world leaders to condemn this act.”

Updates from the Middle East

IDF Strikes Hamas Weapons Sites in Gaza After Rocket Attacks

The IDF struck weapon production and storage facilities in Gaza late last week after rocket sirens sounded in Sderot, Ibim and at various points throughout the night. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, confirmed the strikes, saying, “Any shooting at the State of Israel or any attempt to harm the lives of the residents of the south will be met with the strength of the IDF.” The escalating violence between Israel and the various Palestinian militant groups has continued despite appeals from the United States for calm from both sides.

Israel and Sudan to Cement Peace Deal

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, secured Sudan’s agreement to sign a normalization deal with Israel in a historic one-day meeting with Sudanese President Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. “Today’s visit to Sudan laid the foundations for a historic peace agreement with a strategic Arab and Muslim country,” Cohen said. The actual deal will be signed later this year when Sudan’s military, which has overseen the country since October 2021, hands over power to a civilian government.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray with me for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His people in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah