We weren’t sure it would happen, and it took a while to determine where or when, but now it’s official – we are headed back to Ethiopia for one last Outreach in 2022! Including travel dates, the Outreach will be December 1–10. Every day that we’re there will be an opportunity to praise the Lord, love and serve Him, and minister to those around us. And every day will be an opportunity for you to join and support us through prayer!

This location in southern Ethiopia is another brand-new community for us to serve Ethiopia’s Jewish people and their neighbors in Ethiopia. Though we haven’t been there before, Our partners and friends from the Messianic Jewish congregation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, have already been working in this area. We are excited to bring a full-scale Medical Clinic to this new people group who are part of Ethiopia’s greater Beta Israel Jewish people.

Please pray along with us 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, November 23 – Wednesday, November 30 | Psalm 90:17

• All logistics, including permissions, VISAS and medical supplies, to come together quickly, as we have a short lead time for this Outreach in a new location
• For all on-site preparations to take place smoothly and completely
• God’s favor and anointing of ease to prepare the way and eliminate any stress or urgencies

Thursday, December 1 | Genesis 28:15

• Protection, safety and health as our team and partners prepare and travel, including negative COVID-19 tests
• 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 spiritual atmosphere and people’s hearts for the kingdom to come, and the forces of darkness to be pushed back so the Gospel will have good soil

Friday, December 2 | 1 Peter 4:10

• Relationships and fellowship among all participants to begin to form a deep team unity
• A sweet and restful Shabbat, including a good night’s sleep
• Ease and protection in adapting to new foods

Saturday, December 3 | Psalm 32:8

• Safety on local planes and, in particular, on the mostly dirt roads as we travel to our lodgings near the Clinic site
• Divine order and instruction from the Lord in setting up the Clinic and patient route through the site
• Effective training for every medical department and spiritual care team

Sunday, December 4 | Mark 1:15

• Word of mouth to bring many people to the Clinic for care and the Good News
• God’s grace as the Clinic opens for the first half-day
• Safe and uneventful transportation to the Clinic for patients coming from a distance

Monday, December 5 | James 5:16

• The spiritual care tent to be a place of healing, deliverance and salvation for many in need of Yeshua (Jesus)
• Healing through medical care and divine intervention throughout the week, including in the lines and the community
• A successful and Spirit-led strategy to bring LifeStraws® and the Good News of living water into the surrounding areas

Tuesday, December 6 | Deuteronomy 28:3

• Favor and blessing from government and community leaders and for the Lord to pour out a blessing upon them
• Jubilant praise and worship that lifts the spirits of those participating and infuses the week with the fragrance of Yeshua
• Renewal, insight and bold faith during team prayer times

Wednesday, December 7 | Acts 4:30

• The Lord – out of His kindness – to move on the hearts of many, producing repentance and readiness to receive Yeshua
• 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, December 8 | Luke 15:7

• The ability to see as many patients as possible the on this last day of the Outreach
• Healing and salvation to take place even for those who are not able to be seen
• Protection as the Clinic equipment is all packed up and readied for transport

Friday, December 9 | John 13:35

• Safe travels as local and international team members travel home
• A restful Shabbat, including reflection and testimony of all the Lord has done this week in and through the team
• Effective follow-up to all who want to hear more about Jesus

Saturday, December 10 | Mark 16:15

• Vision and guidance from the Lord for further ministry in Southern Ethiopia
• Continued grace on the Addis Ababa congregation as they reach out to their nation to see many come to know the Messiah
• A season of rest and recuperation for our Global Outreach team and in-country teams in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Zambia after a season of hard work, Outreaches, and transformed lives!

Let’s Pray

Lord, we are eager to meet and minister to the people of Southern Ethiopia. How grateful we are that You know them and You know their needs. You go before us, and You go with us. And You will stay with them long after we leave, nurturing new life, discipling Believers and raising up leaders. We are grateful for every ministry opportunity You have given us this year,  including this last Medical Outreach in Southern Ethiopia. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As you’re likely aware by now, Kanye West, also known as Ye, has drawn harsh criticism and denouncement for a series of anti-Semitic comments in recent weeks.

These comments have led to dropped partnerships with a host of brands, including Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga. West has also repeatedly been banned from Instagram and Twitter.

As one of our partners and friends in ministry, you know that Jewish Voice stands against anti-Semitism in all its forms. We condemn hate-fueled rhetoric, vandalism and violence toward Jewish people — in Israel, across the U.S. and worldwide.  

That’s why in light of the hate-filled antics we continue to read about in headlines around the world, I hope you’ll join us in praying for God to reveal His love for Israel and Her people — as we pray for God to bring His peace to Jerusalem, to Israel and to the Jewish people.

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

Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Israel, U.S. Working to Counter Iran’s Threat of Hypersonic Missiles

The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel’s Missile Defense Organization (IMDO) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in the United States are working on numerous air defense projects. This key partnership comes as Washington and Israel have signed an agreement that would see the U.S. come to assist Israel with missile defense in times of war.

Though Israel has a multi-layered air defense umbrella, including the Iron Dome, Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling and the still-in-development Iron Beam laser system, there is still no system that can intercept hypersonic missiles.

Hypersonic missiles pose an emerging threat as they fly five times faster than the speed of sound and have complex and varying flight paths, making them hard to intercept. They also fly much higher than subsonic missiles yet much lower than intercontinental ballistic missiles, in an area where many countries — including the U.S. — do not have enough tracking covering.

These missiles can also carry nuclear warheads, making the threat even more alarming. Especially after Iran recently announced that it had developed a hypersonic missile that could “penetrate every missile defense shield.”

Updates from the Middle East

Amazon Under Pressure as Sales for Anti-Semitic Book, Film Continue to Skyrocket

As the anti-Semitic book and film Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America that NBA star Kyrie Irving promoted on social media continues to occupy best-seller lists on Amazon, the e-commerce giant has come under pressure from Jewish groups to remove it from its website for its anti-Semitic claims about the Jewish people.

New Museum to Tell Story of Jewish Heroes of World War II

Nearly one out of every 10 Jewish people alive in 1939 joined an Allied army to fight the Nazis. Their ranks spanned the entire military gamut, from privates to generals. And a new museum, dedicated to the Jewish soldiers in World War II, will tell their stories. Located at Israel’s Armored Corps Museum at Latrun, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, it’s set to open in May next year.  

Have you been able to join us for one of our Zoom Prayer Briefings yet? They are dynamic online gatherings with a Jewish Voice leader and several other team members. You’ll hear exciting updates to encourage your faith and inspiring information to inform your prayers.

Jewish Voice Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs, Rabbi Ezra Benjamin, joined us for our latest one just a few weeks ago. He covered a wide range of topics, including several important points regarding our recent Zambia Medical Outreach that we want to share with you in this Prayer Points email.

Please pray into the items Rabbi Ezra shared with us. Prayers now will sow seeds into Jewish Voice Outreaches in Zambia and elsewhere in 2023 and beyond!

Zambia Outreach — A Tree of Life!

We sought the Lord for four years regarding an Outreach in Zambia — and, finally, we were able to go this October. Ezra quoted Proverbs 13:12 and mentioned how this long-awaited, first Jewish Voice Outreach in Zambia is now like a tree of life. May it continue to bear much fruit and produce much life. Here are some ways you can pray:

• After four years of longing to impact the Lemba Jewish people in Zambia, rejoice in the Lord regarding the fruit that came about during this Outreach, and will come forth
• Unity and effectiveness for the trained and equipped Believers doing the follow-up ministry to those who expressed a desire to be contacted after the Outreach
• The Lord to raise up faithful Lemba Jewish shepherds in Zambia who are anointed to shepherd and serve their own people in the fear of the Lord
• The Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the fields that are ready for harvest and send to Jewish Voice those who are called, anointed and equipped to reach their own Jewish people in this way
• A unified, active congregational expression with strong leadership for the Messianic Jewish Believers already in Zambia and those who will come to Yeshua in days and months to come
• Guidance for Jewish Voice and our faithful on the ground ministry partners regarding future ministry opportunities from the Lord in Zambia and that He would continue to sow His own love in us so that we overflow with ongoing compassion

We hope you can join us for our next Zoom Prayer Briefing, in early 2023, regarding what the Lord is showing us for this next year. In the meantime, please continue to pray with us and know that we are so grateful to you, our Prayer Partners. Rabbi Ezra mentioned that the Lord is using the intercessory arm of Jewish Voice Ministries to stir the compassion of Yeshua in us as we pray together and to sustain our Global Outreach team as we go and go again to reach the Jewish people who are the apple of His eye. Thank you for your prayers!

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE 

A Note from Jonathan Bernis 
 
Shalom, my friend! 
 
While the Scriptures tell us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6) in every season, my heart is especially moved for us to be more vigilant in praying for peace than ever before.  
 
We’re seeing numerous incidents of anti-Semitism in Italy, Germany, the United States and around the world. And more than just in the stories below. The hatred and animosity toward God’s Chosen People can feel overwhelming, but we know that God has the power to change hearts, lives and circumstances.  
 
That’s why I feel confidence and hope in asking you to join us as we pray for God to bring His peace to Jerusalem, to Israel and to the Jewish people.  
 
We at Jewish Voice have taken a strong stand against anti-Semitism in all its forms. For more information and to take a stand with us, click here.  
 
Please continue to pray for the work and ministry of Jewish Voice. And pray for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) with the Jewish people.  
 
Thank you for standing with us through your partnership. 
 
To the Jew first and also to the Nations,  
  
Jonathan Bernis 
President & CEO 
Jewish Voice Ministries International 

Headline News 

Italian Neo-Fascists Display Pro-Mussolini Banner 100 Years After His Rise to Power 
 
The Times of Israel reports that late last week, Italian neo-fascists draped a pro-Mussolini banner over a Rome bridge as the country marked the 100-year anniversary of the fascist leader’s ascent to power. 
 
According to reports, the banner hung in front of the Colosseum and featured a portrait of Benito Mussolini in military uniform alongside another banner with the words “100 years after, the march continues.”  
 
Italian officials reported that thousands of fascists gathered to commemorate Mussolini’s blackshirts entering Rome on October 28, 1922, the start of his dictatorship. 
 
In 1938, the Mussolini regime began stripping rights from Jews, banning them from public office, forbidding intermarriage, permitting the confiscation of their property and eventually allowing their internment. 
 
Under the dictator’s regime, which ran until July 1943, more than 7,000 Italian Jewish men, women and children were murdered in the Nazi death camps. 

Updates from the Middle East 

Swastikas Painted on Signs at Buchenwald Concentration Camp Memorial Site 

Berlin police reported that swastikas and other anti-Semitic symbols were painted on signs at the national memorial complex that stands at the site of the former Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. More than 56,000 of the 280,000 inmates held at Buchenwald and its satellite camps were killed by the Nazis or died because of hunger, illness or medical experiments before the camp’s liberation on April 11, 1945. According to authorities, the damaged signs were removed swiftly and the police are investigating. 
 
Gal Gadot “Proud” to be Jewish Amid Kanye West Anti-Semitism Scandal 

The recent anti-Semitic outbursts of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, have sparked backlash in the United States from both Jewish and non-Jewish celebrities. Israeli actress Gal Gadot has joined in the outpouring of support for Jews on social media after Kanye West’s comments. Gadot posted a selfie wearing a Star of David captioned with the word “proud” on her Instagram and Twitter accounts. According to reports, German sportswear giant Adidas ended its partnership with Ye over his “hateful” comments about Jews. And other major fashion brands like Gap and Balenciaga also stopped their collaborations with the rapper. 

Pray with Us This Week 

Please pray with me for 

• God to shield and protect all Jewish communities from acts of violence fueled by the increase in anti-Semitic displays of hate.  
• 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 as their Messiah 

A widespread increase in anti-Semitism in recent days is stirring organizations around the world, such as Jewish Voice Ministries International, to speak out once more condemning dehumanizing hate speech towards Jewish communities worldwide.  

Last week should have been a sacred time of remembrance of the October 27th, 2018, deadly assault on Jewish people in Pittsburgh, PA. On that fateful morning, a man stormed a Jewish synagogue during their Shabbat service, gunning down 11 worshippers and wounding many other innocent victims. 

However, the still-fresh wounds of Jewish Americans at this somber time for survivors were filled anew with salt by the hate-filled headlines dominating the news last week.  

This past year alone the Anti-Defamation League reports in their annual audit that Jewish Americans have endured a staggering 167% increase in violent assaults nationwide. (adl.org) 

Many are now calling on world leaders to aid in the immediate condemnation of hate-fueled rhetoric, vandalism, and violence toward Jewish people in our communities across the U.S. and worldwide.   

Jewish Voice urges all people to stand in support of the Jewish people in the USA, Israel, and worldwide, and speak out against anti-Semitism in all its forms. 

Jewish Voice Ministries works to bring humanitarian aid and the Gospel to Jewish communities living in remote places around the world. This work includes meeting the essential needs of Jewish people coping with poverty, persecution and crisis in Israel, Ukraine, Africa and elsewhere in the world. Jewish Voice also engages the Christian community with the call to support Israel and the Jewish people as God’s Chosen People whom He has not rejected or forsaken. 

Show Your Support for Israel

Please pledge your support to the Jewish communities around the world, and reject emboldened extremist groups, hate and Anti-Semitic hate speech in all its form by signing here.

Delivering Jesus’ Love in Dilla, Ethiopia

We recently returned from providing a Medical Outreach to Dilla, Ethiopia, and wanted to give you a brief report. We’re so grateful for your support, and it’s because of you that the people of Dilla received the practical and spiritual care they did during the Outreach.

The Dilla community welcomed us with enthusiasm and displayed an eagerness for learning.

One boy especially touched our hearts. His name is Iosu, and a skin condition covered his face and body. Because of it, his parents had abandoned him. Except for a few street kids he knew, he was alone in the world.

Iosu was all too familiar with being teased and bullied for his obvious difference, but his friends cared enough about him to bring him to our Dilla Medical Outreach.

The treatment he needed would take more time and attention than was possible during regular Clinic hours. So two of our medical professionals, one a dermatologist, stayed late to care for him while the bustling Clinic wound down for the day. They gave Iosu a new set of clothes and cared for him every day for the remainder of the Clinic week. They also encouraged him to attend the Zehra Kids Program.

At Zehra Kids, Iosu stayed on the fringes at first, watching during playtime. Eventually, he joined in the games, and the burdened expression on his face gave way to smiles. He’d found a respite in that atmosphere of Yeshua’s love.

Each day, Isou hung around inside the Clinic, waiting for his treatment time. He could have come later in the day, but he came early and spent hours in our company. The Clinic became a haven from a life of fending for himself and daily rejection and ridicule.

Iosu’s story is on its way to a happy ending as we were able to secure housing and treatment for his skin condition in Addis Ababa. Thank you for making such a difference in Iosu’s life and the lives of so many others in Dilla, Ethiopia.

Dilla, Ethiopia, Medical Outreach

• 12,343 Patients Received Care
• 1,023 Children Ministered To
• 199 Family LifeStraw Water Filters Given
• 1,101 People Received Dental Care
• 3,441 Eyeglasses Distributed
• 146 Minor Surgeries
• 2,118 People Heard the Gospel
• 125 People Received Yeshua
• 551 People Requested a Visit to Learn More about Jesus

We have been so excited to see our Zehra Kid’s Program in full swing during several Outreaches this year! Although we don’t have a Zehra component to our Zambia Outreach (going on now) because it’s a new nation for us, we are particularly excited about all the Lord did through Zehra during our Dilla, Ethiopia, Outreach in September.

This Outreach coincided with our Jewish Voice staff Fall 2022 Week of Prayer and Fasting.  During that week of daily worship and prayer times, we missed our Global Outreach team members who were in Dilla and unable to participate with us at our U.S. headquarters.

On the other hand, we had excellent times of prayer for the Dilla Outreach, including the Zehra program. The Lord heard and answered those prayers — and we know He answered your prayers as well.

Here are some of the highlights in the form of praise to our God:

• Even though one key, experienced Zehra team member was unable to attend the Outreach, the Lord put together an amazing team to facilitate the Zehra program
• We were excited to see the Lord develop a team of indigenous Jewish leaders who are anointed to minister to children
• There was great unity among the team members
• Among themselves and with the children, they championed the fullness of Jewish identity in the Messiah and the importance of Israel

• The children were very open and highly engaged with the program

• Once again, the Shema curriculum, coloring pages and other activities were a huge success and readily enjoyed and embraced by the children
• The Shema song, written by two of our team members to go with the Zehra Shema curriculum, was sung loud and clear many times throughout the week. The children loved learning it and, no doubt, are still singing it

There were over 1,000 ministry opportunities with children during the Dilla, Ethiopia, Outreach week, thanks to the Zehra Kids Program and your faithful prayers.

Let’s thank the Lord and pray the Zehra Kids Program forward into 2023

Lord, we praise and thank You for the wonderful encounters that the children of Dilla had with our team and, most of all, with You. You answered all our prayers, even beyond our hopes. There was such great joy that we know it was a direct expression of your presence in the middle of all the fun and activity. Thank You for each child – and adult – who heard the Shema for the first time and received an understanding of its meaning. Thank You for each one who learned that, because of Yeshua (Jesus), they can now enter into a relationship with You and pray to You and hear You.

Thank You for the growing development of an indigenous leadership team for the Zehra program in Ethiopia. We praise You and ask for favor regarding 2023 Outreach ministry in schools and other divine opportunities for children to be blessed by getting to know You better through Zehra. Continue to water every seed* planted in these precious young hearts and minds, for their salvation and blessing and for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

*Zehra means seed in Hebrew – see Zechariah 8:12

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As I write to you today, my attention is turned towards the words of the Psalmist, who acknowledges the reality of God strengthening His people – and blessing them with peace:

“The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.”

— Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

So often, we face painful circumstances that feel almost impossible to endure or overcome without a supernatural measure of strength. But in the midst of it all, according to the Scriptures, God promises His blessing of peace.

I pray over you now that God would give you strength and peace, no matter what you’re facing today.

And as Israel and the Jewish people continue to face the threats and rising unrest in parts of the Holy Land – and the ongoing war in Ukraine – I also ask that you join with me and everyone at Jewish Voice as we pray for God’s strength over His people and for His blessing of peace.

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

Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

Israel Giving Intel on Russia’s Iranian Drones to Ukraine

The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel has been providing Ukraine with "basic intelligence" on the Iranian drones used by Russia in its invasion.

According to The Jerusalem Post, a senior Israeli official told the New York Times about the intelligence sharing and that a private Israeli firm was also giving satellite imagery of Russian troop positions to Ukraine.

In addition to the unconfirmed intelligence aid, Israel has been providing Ukraine with non-combat aid.

This aid includes 25,000 meal rations, 1,500 helmets, 1,500 protective vests, hundreds of mine protection suits, 1,000 gas masks and dozens of hazmat filtration systems. Israel has also sent 2,000 helmets and 500 flak jackets for emergency and civilian use.

Israel has been reluctant to provide Ukraine with combat arms due to its concerns over how Russia could respond in Syria.

Jerusalem has been conducting an air campaign against Iranian military resources in Syria, and Russia has been conducting joint air patrols with Syrian forces. Analysts have expressed concerns about Russia's hardening of Syrian skies against Israeli incursions because of implicit support for Ukraine.[1] 

Updates from the Middle East

Police Deploy 4 Reserve Companies Amid Growing Unrest in East Jerusalem

Israel’s Public Security Minister, Omer Barlev, ordered an immediate call-up of four police reserve companies late last week amid rising unrest in East Jerusalem. This followed a number of clashes in Palestinian neighborhoods throughout the city that occurred the previous night, where protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails, launched fireworks and set tires and garbage dumpsters on fire in several neighborhoods – sparking some of the heaviest fighting seen there in over a year.

Palestinians Shoot Up Hotel Displaying Jewish Symbols in Bethlehem

Gunmen fired shots at a hotel in the West Bank city of Bethlehem for displaying Jewish symbols in one of its meeting halls. Palestinian social media users claimed that the Bethlehem Hotel was preparing to host a group of Jewish people for the Sukkot holiday, exhibiting the Jewish Star of David and a menorah, a symbol of the Jewish people and Judaism. They further accused the hotel and the West Bank’s governing Palestinian Authority (PA) of “promoting normalization” with Israel. No one was injured in the shooting.

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 bring peace and stability into eastern Jerusalem and the surrounding areas where violent riots have been erupting and to help prevent any escalating violence
• 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" as their Messiah