We are praising the Lord for recent congregational visits that two of our JVMI leaders made to Africa last month, and we want to thank you for your prayers. Logging approximately 27,000 air miles and almost 1,300 on land, our two team members visited 17 congregations and ministered to around 12,000 people. The Lord answered your prayers for their safe travels and good health throughout, and He enabled them to see Him do amazing things as they ministered.

We marvel at the scope of what the Lord is doing in and through the Messianic congregations in Africa. Here are a few prayer points to add to our praises as we keep these groups lifted in prayer:

For the leaders and congregations in Ethiopia, please pray for:

• Ongoing wisdom and leadership growth for the congregations
• Protection for congregations and leaders in northern parts of the country and for the Good News to flourish amid persecution and unrest
• Expansion for the existing Messianic congregations and wisdom as they seek to plant new fellowships in other Jewish communities
• A new era of coordinated unity among members of the three Messianic Jewish groups in Ethiopia that we serve as they work for the Kingdom
• Divine strategies to reach Jewish people in the regions where the Lord has placed them

The Zimbabwean leaders and congregations need prayer also:

• Leadership development among all congregational leaders in the five regions with which we partner
• Increase in disciples and disciple-making
• Grace and favor from the Lord for the congregations to be able to shine as generous communities amid the country's political and financial struggles
• Unity among leadership and creative ideas to reach the Lemba communities with the Good News
• Pray along these lines for the Lemba believers in South Africa as well

Let’s Pray

Lord, whether they are elders, deacons or leaders in another capacity, we lift in prayer all those in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe who are serving as under-shepherds, following the leadership of the Good Shepherd, Yeshua. We particularly pray for every leader and congregation touched by the recent congregational visits. May the ministry they received and the words spoken over and to them continue to resonate within, bringing transformation and growth by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May You be glorified by their lives and leadership and by each congregation they represent. May we witness the expansion of Your Kingdom in Africa through Messianic leaders and congregations. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

“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.”
John 16:33 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

As we head into this new month of June, I cannot thank you enough for standing with Israel. Your love of and support for the Jewish people is more critical now than ever. It means so much to me – and to the entire ministry of Jewish Voice – to have your faithful partnership.

Please take heart in the words from John 16 above. Jesus does not guarantee things in this life will go smoothly. But, notice the last portion of the Scripture above: we can take heart; Jesus has overcome! He is the victorious One!

The news from the Middle East and Israel continues to unfold at a breathtaking pace. From the United Nations Human Rights Council’s decision to launch an investigation against Israel to a breakthrough COVID-19 treatment, there is much to be in prayer about.

Again, thank you for your continued prayers and support for Jewish Voice, Israel and Jewish people around the world.

I’m so thankful you understand how crucial it is to not only meet the needs of vulnerable Jewish people, but even more important, to share the life-transforming message of the Gospel!

So much has changed in our nation and our world this past year, but one thing has not changed – the Lord’s great love for the Jewish people. I believe this motivates you, like it does me. Our God deeply desires for His people to return to Him and to say yes to His Son, Jesus.

And when we meet basic, critical needs – like dental care, food and more – we open the door to share the Good News!

Though Israel is leading the charge globally in vaccinating its citizens, Israel’s economy is still struggling. They have had multiple nationwide lockdowns to try and control the spread of COVID-19. Businesses and people have great financial needs. Especially when you consider that tourism is one of the country’s major sources of income.

That’s why we must not let up! The most vulnerable populations in Israel desperately need help – and you can provide it. When you give, we’re able to support our more than 80 partner ministries in Israel. Together, we meet many different needs. These include:

• Providing groceries to those who cannot afford them due to the pandemic
• Supporting Messianic congregations – including building expenses,
• Bibles and more
• Helping Holocaust survivors with dental care
• Providing Bible studies and mentorship for children
• Offering counseling to those dealing with drug addiction and homelessness
• Caring for women and children in crisis

A leader at one of the Messianic congregations Jewish Voice supports in Israel recently shared this encouraging report:

“We have seen people come to faith in Yeshua, being discipled and becoming strong in faith. We have grown strong together in the Lord and are ‘light’ to those around us who are lost and confused because of COVID . . .”

Please give today to help meet critical needs and open the door to share the Good News with more Jewish people in Israel! 

P.S. Please pray about how you can be a part of sharing the hope of the Messiah Jesus with Jewish people in Israel as well as meeting their critical needs. And your gift will DOUBLE with the Matching Challenge – up to the $155,274 amount. Thank you and God bless you!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. Although the latest news reported from Israel is a ceasefire, this doesn’t stop – or even slow – our need to continue to pray for Israel and her people.

I’m so thankful you share my love and concern for the Jewish people. Not only do we need to continue praying for peace in Israel, but I’m also asking you to pray even more fervently for God’s Chosen People to seek the true and lasting peace that is only found in Jesus the Messiah.

These times of difficulty and fear can move many to look for answers beyond what they currently know and believe! Join with me in praying that many will come to know their Messiah.

And, as always, I hope you will pray as you read through the news stories I’ve included – even with the ceasefire, there are still attacks happening and anti-Semitic activity in Israel and around the world. It’s a dark time – but we know God is ultimately in control!

Again, thank you for your faithfulness and for standing with me, with Jewish Voice and in support of Israel and the Jewish people.

The Lord declared, in both the Tanach (Old Testament) and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament), that His house was to be a house of prayer “for all nations.” He loves His people Israel and wants the world to know that He is their God. He also extends His love and purposes to Gentiles in the nations. Today we are praying for Israel and the nations, reflecting the heart of God for all peoples to know Him through Yeshua (Jesus). May He use our prayers to accomplish the work He calls us to at this time.

Please pray for:

ISRAEL:

• Alertness as watchmen – that we continue praying for the peace of Jerusalem and freedom for Israel from all threats, external and internal
• Believers to be strong and unified in faith and for congregations and ministries in the Land to effectively minister hope and the Good News of salvation through Yeshua
• Ongoing wisdom for decision-makers, safety for citizens, and the Lord’s perfect plans regarding Israel’s government and leaders, including the presidential election on June 2

ETHIOPIA:

• Our team during these last few days of the Medical Outreach in the southern region of Ethiopia
• New Believers and those who are following up with people who were interested in hearing more
• All involved in the Outreach, for safe travel home and good health

ZIMBABWE:

• The Jewish people who received Jesus during our recent distribution Outreach in Zimbabwe
• Each one of the thousands of households who received food or Family LifeStraws®
• Our team as they prepare for our next Outreach to Zimbabwe in July

AFRICA:

• Lasting fruit from our recent congregational visits and continuing unity among congregations and their leaders in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe
• Creative ideas and resources for them to reach others amid COVID-19 and many other economic, societal and national crises
• Guidance from the Lord as to any new areas He might be leading us to in Africa

LET’S PRAY:

Lord, You truly are moving in Israel and among the nations! Stir our faith and fuel our prayers as we spend time in Your presence and stand on Your Word. May You hear these prayers and enable us to proclaim the Gospel to Jewish people and their neighbors, to see Messianic congregations and ministries flourish, and to engage the Church in participating with You in Your heart and plans for Israel and the Jewish people. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

“May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.”
Psalm 20:1 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. I am so thankful for your partnership and for your love and concern for Israel and the Jewish people. 

Again, I come to you asking for prayers as I share news from this past week. We know our Lord hears and answers when we pray, so please join me in lifting up Israel and her people. 

It has been another tragic few days.

Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, took place early this week, but across Israel and for Jewish people everywhere, celebrations of the holiday were overshadowed by the continued fighting. As terror groups in Gaza fire more rockets on cities in Israel, the Jewish State must respond and defend itself.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken multiple times over the past several days. Biden has reaffirmed his strong support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks from terror groups Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. He condemned these indiscriminate attacks against Israel.

Thank you for also standing with Israel, especially during such a difficult time. Here are the news stories for you to read and pray over.

FIGHTING CONTINUES INTO SECOND WEEK BETWEEN HAMAS AND ISRAEL

Fighting began on May 10, when terror group Hamas fired long-range rockets at Jerusalem after clashes between Palestinian protestors and Israeli police.
Since that day, Palestinian militants in Gaza have fired more than 3,200 rockets into Israel. In response, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched hundreds of airstrikes targeting Hamas’ militant infrastructure. IDF officials said Hamas stockpiled about 15,000 rockets before the fighting began.

On Monday, the IDF said it struck 35 “terror targets” and the tunnels. Also called the “Metro,” these tunnels are used by Palestinian fighters to take cover from airstrikes. In addition, the IDF said it hit nine houses belonging to “high-ranking commanders” in Hamas.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad say at least 20 of their fighters have been killed. Israel says the number is at least 130 and released names and photos of more than two dozen militant commanders it says were “eliminated.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States would support any initiative to stop the fighting but also indicated the U.S. did not intend to put pressure on the two sides to accept a ceasefire, saying “it is up to the parties to make clear they want to pursue a ceasefire.”

In a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized her country’s solidarity with Israel. She condemned the continued rocket attacks from Gaza and said she hopes for a swift end to the fighting, her office reported.

Isamail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top leader, who is based abroad, said the group has heard from the United Nations, Russia, Egypt and Qatar regarding ceasefire efforts but “will not accept a solution that is not up to the sacrifices of the Palestinian people,” according to AP News.

U.S. BLOCKS THIRD UN SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON GAZA

For the third time in a week, the U.S. blocked a UN Security Council joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The draft statement made no specific mention of Hamas rocket fire in Gaza.

During a Security Council meeting on Sunday, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. was “working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try and bring an end to this conflict.”

Meanwhile, the current president of the UN General Assembly (GA) planned to convene the GA on Thursday to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, according to The Times of Israel.

IDF PUBLISHES DOCUMENTATION TO PROVE IT MAKES EVERY EFFORT TO AVOID CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN GAZA

After facing repeated international criticism and allegations of indiscriminately striking targets in the Gaza Strip, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) published operational documentation showing that they do everything in their power to avoid hurting civilians.

Video and audio recordings of Israeli Air Force pilots show the pilots calling off an airstrike after noticing civilians, including children, in the area, The Jerusalem Post reported.

In addition, the IDF is known for inventing a tactic that uses different methods to warn populated areas in advance of a planned airstrike to give civilians the opportunity to evacuate the area.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu accused terror group Hamas of committing a double war crime. “They’re targeting our civilians and hiding behind Palestinian civilians, effectively using them as human shields.”

In a conversation with U.S. President Biden over the weekend, Netanyahu stressed that “Israel is doing everything to avoid harming persons who are uninvolved.”

U.S. SENATE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST IRAN, RECENT HAMAS ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

Last week, 43 republican senators called on President Biden to deny sanction relief and end negotiations with Iran, citing the country’s ties with Hamas, The Jerusalem Post reported.

“Palestinian terrorists in Gaza, who are funded by Iran, have launched a series of rocket attacks into Israel,” the letter reads. “They are targeting Israeli civilians and cities, including Israel’s capital Jerusalem. This is troubling as members of your administration are currently in Vienna negotiating with Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.”

The senators wrote that “In light of these recent attacks by Hamas against Israel, the United States should take all steps necessary to hold Tehran accountable and under no circumstances, provide sanctions relief to Iran. This is especially important as Iran is supporting terrorist activity against the United States’ closest ally in the region, Israel.” 

The statement also said “The United States must not do anything to enrich Israel’s enemies, such as by offering sanctions relief to a regime that seeks to destroy Israel. As a longtime partner of the Jewish state, we also urge you to unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself against any and all terrorist attacks.”

U.S. HOUSE ALSO ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING ROCKET ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAEL

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) issued a statement following Hamas rocket attacks:

“The events of the past few days have demonstrated, once again, the danger Israelis face every day and the reason peace is so necessary. No provocation in Jerusalem justifies raining down rockets on a civilian population, and no nation can be expected to sit idly while rockets are fired into its borders and its civilians are targeted. Israel has every right to defend itself and take necessary action to stop the attacks from Gaza.”

Hoyer continued, “America stands by our ally Israel because we understand what the Jewish state represents: the striving of a people long denied freedom and self-determination to build a future in their ancient homeland based on democracy, justice, and peace. Our relationship continues to be based in common ideals and common purpose.”

He also said, “the unjustifiable attacks by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad continue to jeopardize Israeli and Palestinian lives and hinder efforts for peace on all sides. Peace cannot be achieved while terrorist groups continue to undermine the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people.”

PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD OFFICIAL CLAIMS WEAPONS, MONEY AND FOOD PROVIDED BY IRAN

During an interview that aired on Iraq’s Al-Ahd TV on May 7, Palestinian Islamic Jihad Official Ramez Al-Halabi spoke of Iran saying, “They are the ones who support us with weapons, money and food.”

He also said, “The Kornet missiles that we use to blow up the Israeli tanks – the pride of the Israeli and global defense industry – are the Kornet missiles of Qasem Soleimani and Iran. The guns that we use to shoot at the Israeli enemy... Those who use these guns were trained by our brothers in the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]. We say this loud and clear.”

Soleimani was an Iranian IRGC military commander who was killed by U.S. drones in Iraq in 2020.

This interview was reported on by MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute), headquartered in Washington, D.C.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Please pray with me for:

• Peace to prevail throughout Israel
• Protection for civilians during the fighting
• Continued support for Israel from the U.S., Germany and other countries
• God’s provision and direction concerning the nuclear deal negotiations between the U.S. and Iran
• A peaceful God-inspired solution for Israel’s government following the country’s fourth inconclusive election in the past two years
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

It was the notorious winter snowstorm of 2021, and unbeknown to Jewish Voice Outreach Partner Danita (not pictured here), it was barreling in on her rural town in southern Illinois. Typically a last-minute packer, Danita had surprised herself by having her suitcases filled and ready to go nearly a week before she needed to leave for the Fiche, Ethiopia, Outreach in February. That came in handy a few days before her trip when she needed to travel to a nearby town for her required COVID-19 test.

The snow began around 9:00 p.m., and Danita soon learned it was no mild storm like her region is used to. Forecasts warned of snow lasting through the next day with several inches of accumulation and a second storm to follow. “Leave now,” Danita heard in her spirit. She was ready.

As she drove through the blizzard, she prayed, “Lord, You parted the Red Sea. Please part the snow so I can see the yellow lines on the highway.”

It took Danita two hours to make the normally one-hour drive. She got a hotel room and, the next day, had her COVID test. The weather was so bad that she knew she couldn’t go home for the few days before her flight to Washington, D.C., where she was to join the rest of the Outreach team. She had to stay put.

After three days at the hotel, she still hadn’t received her COVID test results. On flight day, she went to the airport on faith. “Lord,” she prayed, “I know that you didn’t set me up for this trip only to have me not go. You’ve got this.”

At the airport, she checked her flight on the big screen. Staring back at her was the word “CANCELED.” She tried to get another flight – on any airline – but everything, including waiting lists, was overbooked.

Undeterred, Danita inquired about the driving time to D.C. – about 11 hours. “I can do this,” she told herself. “I can make it in time to fly to Ethiopia with everyone else.” So, she waited in a long line and rented a car. Wanting to keep JVMI informed of her situation, she contacted Celeste, the Global Outreach (GO) department’s Outreach Engagement Manager, who sprang into action even as she headed to the airport herself. Celeste and GO’s Executive assistant, Angela, found Danita a flight from Atlanta to D.C., cutting her drive time in half. She arrived at the Washington hotel at midnight.  

But the enemy wasn’t through pestering Danita. The digital proof of her negative COVID test finally came through, but it wasn’t sufficient to board the international flight. Danita scrambled again, and the testing center provided acceptable documentation just in time. Finally, this woman, whose heart had been committed to this kind of work since she was 13 years old, was free to get on the plane for Ethiopia.

They landed safely in Addis Ababa, but Danita’s luggage didn’t. Thankfully, she had packed a few clothes in her carry-on and was able to supplement her minimal wardrobe with a few in-town purchases and by doing laundry every couple of days at the hotel.  By the time her luggage finally arrived, the Outreach was nearly over.

Through it all, Danita exhibited a remarkable spirit. Veteran Outreach Partners noticed her positive attitude and told her how encouraging that was to them. Danita said everything the enemy threw at her only made her more determined not to let him win. “When he causes that much trouble,” she said, “I know God must be up to something big.” And He was.

Mid-week during the Outreach, the team enjoyed a barbeque and campfire on the hotel grounds. Danita warmed herself by the fire, and when she turned around to warm her back, an Ethiopian man in the circle of chairs patted the seat next to him and said, “Come, sit.” Not entirely comfortable with the invitation, Danita didn’t respond but turned again toward the fire. After a second invitation, though, she thought to pray, “Lord, are You wanting me to talk with this man?” When the gentleman beckoned her to sit down again, she did. And the first thing he said to her was, “I’m Beta Israel.”

Danita lit up. “Oh! Your people are who we’re here to help!” Then she told him, “Did you know that God sent His promised Messiah? He has come, and His name is Yeshua [Jesus]. He fulfilled over 300 prophecies in the Torah and Prophets.”

The man listened, bewildered. “The wonderful news,” Danita continued, “is that He didn’t come to die only for the Jewish people. He died for me too, and He lives in my heart.”

Despite some language barrier, they enjoyed lighthearted conversation and even shared a few chuckles as they ate among the others.

Throughout the remainder of the trip, Danita ran into the man each day at the hotel. “Do you know who that is?” Global Outreach Director Eric Pires asked Danita one day. She explained how they’d met and that she shared the Gospel with him at the barbeque. Eric revealed that the man is the hotel owner and a prominent figure in the community – a rarity given that most Jewish people are not respected and even persecuted in that region.

“You have done what none of us could,” Eric told Danita. “He was drawn to you because he wanted to know more. And God knew you would tell him.” God used a sweetly enthusiastic woman to reach an influential businessman with whom our team had little contact because almost all of our interactions were with his son, the manager.

On the last day, Danita spoke boldly to her new friend. “Do you remember what I said about Jesus being the Messiah who fulfilled all those prophecies in the Scriptures?” He remembered. “I want to challenge you. Get a New Testament. Read it and try to prove me wrong.” The man smiled.

Theo Steinhauer, GO Spiritual Affairs Manager, gave him a complete Bible in Amharic, Ethiopia’s national language. Interestingly, Theo played another role in this man’s life. Many weeks before, Theo was in Ethiopia arranging the Outreach and prayed at length for this man and his home.

Theo was part of God preparing the soil of this man’s heart, and Danita planted the Gospel seed. Who will water it? Who will reap the harvest of seeing this Beta Israel Jewish man open his heart to Jesus? It may very well be members of the Ethiopian Messianic congregation who are continuing the ministry in Fiche. They are visiting people who wanted to learn more, meeting with new Believers and building relationships in the community.

That’s why Jewish Voice is committed to long-term ministry in the areas we visit. We love meeting whatever physical needs we can, but salvation – found only in Messiah Jesus – is a matter of eternity. Our Congregational Leadership and Development department supports, disciples and trains indigenous leaders to minister to their own people and spread the Gospel farther and wider in their communities than we ever could.

When we pray for an upcoming Outreach, we always ask that God would bring us opportunities with prominent, influential leaders in the Jewish and broader communities. God had scheduled a divine appointment for Danita to meet such a man in Fiche. And He strengthened her to get through one hardship after another to be there for it.

Update: Danita, undeterred by the schemes of the enemy, joined us for our following Outreach in Ethiopia. She determined to bring glory to the Lord with what the enemy meant for evil. — Eric