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Prayer Points: So much is happening all at once

May 24, 2023

What a pivotal time for you to receive this email!

 So much is happening, with many events converging around this time. Here’s what’s going on.

  • Tonight completes seven weeks of prayerfully Counting the Omer
  • Next, we observe Shavuot Thursday evening, May 25, through Saturday evening, May 27
  • Then comes Pentecost Sunday, May 28, which is also a Global Day of Prayer for Israel and the Jewish people, when over 100 million people are expected to pray! Please commit to praying and also let us know you are praying by signing up for a specific time on our calendar
  • And, last but not least, this is a significant time for us at Jewish Voice Ministries International as we are finishing up our Outreach to Zambia

Here are some Prayer Points related to the above. Please join us in prayer during this convergence of events.

ZAMBIA OUTREACH

Pray with us for the ending of our Zambia Outreach and beyond. We appreciate your rear-guard prayers! Please pray for the following:

  • The ability to see as many people as possible on the closing day of the Outreach, Thursday, May 25
  • Protection while packing up the tents and equipment and paying local workers – pray for their salvation
  • Safe travels home and the Lord to continue working in this region of Zambia, 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 Yeshua (Jesus) as the Lord continues establishing His Kingdom and developing healthy congregations in the region

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR ISRAEL • Pentecost Sunday, May 28

  • Many — even now — to commit to pray on this day and for a global tidal wave of prayer and intercession that will come before the Throne of our great and merciful God, the God of Israel
  • The Lord to respond to millions of prayers for His Land and people with millions of salvations, miracles, signs and wonders
  • A sustained move of the Holy Spirit that reaches Jewish people to the ends of the Earth
  • Here are 24 Prayer Points for the 24 hours of Global Day of Prayer for Israel and the Jewish People on Pentecost Sunday, May 28th

SHAVUOT and PENTECOST: Aligning with God’s Timetable

  • As we commemorate the giving of the Law, we pray for the Lord to bring a renewed reverence and love for His Word and His will
  • As we commemorate the giving of the Holy Spirit, we pray for the Lord to move in the Earth, creating a deep longing for Him so that millions will seek Him and find Him

Let's Pray

Lord, during this season of convergence, will You meet with us? Show us all that You are doing, and help us hear what You are saying. We pray for an immense harvest of souls in Israel, in Zambia, and across the globe. Build up Your body. Call Watchmen to pray for Israel, and save Jewish people and their neighbors. You alone are able. In Jesus’ name, we ask. Amen.

[Israel] Important prayer needs for the Jewish people

May 19, 2023

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

Thank you for your love and compassion for the Jewish people – in Israel and around the world.

I’m so grateful that you are willing to stand with God’s Chosen People and their neighbors through your ongoing prayers and financial support.

And I pray you’ll experience a special outpouring of God’s blessing on you for your faithfulness to His people. Just as the Scriptures promise, “I will bless those who bless [Israel]” (Genesis 12:3).

Please join us in praying for God’s strength, protection, love and blessing to be upon His people, wherever they are around the world. And that He draws them to Himself through the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

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

Israel Kills Another Top Islamic Jihad Commander in Gaza City Airstrike

The Times of Israel reports that a recent Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip killed a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad member, Iyad al-Hassani, head of the terror group’s operations department. This is the sixth in the latest round of hostilities.

The strike in the Gaza City neighborhood of Nasser that killed al-Hassani, along with another man the military said was his assistant, dealt yet another blow to the terror group.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency said al-Hassani was a top official in the group’s military council who had replaced the head of Islamic Jihad in northern Gaza, Khalil Bahtini, who was killed in an Israeli strike previously.

“He was involved in all the decisions concerning the rocket fire and rocket barrages carried out by the group toward Israel,” the IDF said.

The IDF further said that the air defense systems – Iron Dome and the medium-range David’s Sling – intercepted 296 of the rockets, marking a 91% interception rate of projectiles heading for populated areas in this recent barrage of attacks. Several rockets have landed within towns, killing one and injuring several others, as well as causing extensive damage.

The rest landed in open areas without causing damage, according to the IDF. Most rockets targeted towns in southern Israel, but some reached as far north as Tel Aviv.

The military also said it had carried out strikes against 254 targets belonging to Islamic Jihad.

Israeli officials have insisted that they are keeping the fight limited to Islamic Jihad and not the larger and better-armed Hamas terror group, which rules the Strip, hoping to avoid widening the conflict.

Following 5 days of exchanged fire, during which, over 1,000 rockets were launched into Israel, a ceasefire was declared on Saturday, May 13th.

Updates from the Middle East

Abbas Compared Israel to Nazism, Demanded UN Ban Israel During First-Ever “Nakba Day”

Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, addressed the UN assembly during its first-ever commemoration of “Nakba” or “Catastrophe” Day, the Palestinian term for Israel’s Independence Day. The state of Israel harshly opposed the event, calling it a “distortion of history,” and said it had convinced many other countries to also boycott the commemoration. This year marks Israel’s 75th anniversary of becoming a free state.

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Tweet Calling Israel “Apartheid State” Gets Torn Apart by Instant Fact Check

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib tweeted early last week that “Speaker McCarthy wants to rewrite history, but the apartheid state of Israel was born out of violence and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. 75 years later, the Nakba continues to this day.” This tweet was in response to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's post noting the “special relationship” between Israel and the U.S. Tlaib’s tweet was the subject of an instant fact check by Twitter. The fact check first points out that Israel was created by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181, linking to the document at the U.N.'s official website. The fact check then points out that the “ethnic cleansing” Tlaib claimed happened “affected both Jewish and Arab communities caught up in the war initiated by 5 Arab states who opposed the existence of Israel.” The last note pointed out that Israel has over 20% Arab citizens who have “full and equal rights,” linking to a Democracy Institute study that found the country’s Arab residents had declining rates of infant mortality and rising life expectancies.

Anti-Semitic Incidents, Hate Crimes on the Rise in California

According to a report recently released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), more than 500 anti-Semitic acts targeting Jewish people, including assault, vandalism and harassment, were committed in California last year. That’s an increase of more than 40% from 2021, underscoring a proliferation of hate crimes and extremism in the state. The report on California comes after the ADL released another report, in collaboration with Tel Aviv University’s Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry, that shows anti-Semitic incidents are at a new high worldwide, with the upward trend intensifying in the U.S.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray 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 give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
  • Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
  • The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah
  • God to soften the hearts of those who would deem Israel’s existence a “Catastrophe”

Prayer Points: Our Return to Zambia

May 10, 2023

Pray with us for our second Medical Outreach to Zambia

We are so excited to return to Zambia for our second Outreach! This time we will be taking our largest group of Outreach volunteers since before COVID-19.

We were in Zambia’s Mumbwa region last October, our first Outreach in a new country in 10 years. We saw a high percentage of Lemba Jewish people coming through the Clinic and prayer room, and we came home with many praise reports. That was just seven months ago, and since then, three new Messianic Jewish congregations have formed!  

We look forward to ministering with and among these wonderful people again. We don’t want to take those recent blessings for granted, so we ask for your full prayer support once again. Here’s how you can help:

  • Pray through the detailed day-by-day Prayer Points below
  • You can also 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.

Please pray for our Zambia Medical Outreach:

Wednesday, May 10–Wednesday, May 17| Isaiah 40:3

  • All preparations such as visas, medical supplies, team unity and community relationships to come together and be fully in place in good time
  • The Medical Clinic site to be ready for thousands to receive care from the Lord
  • Growing relationships between Zambian and Zimbabwean leaders and congregations who are partnering with us for this Outreach

Thursday, May 18| 3 John 1:2

  • Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel
  • All luggage to arrive in good condition and on time with our partners
  • Spiritual preparation for each partner, medical and staff team members, enabling them to bring the light of the Gospel and stand strong in the full armor God provides

Friday, May 19 | Philippians 2:2

  • Unity among partners and staff members as they begin to bond in preparation for ministering together
  • A restful evening and Shabbat dinner following the rigors of travel along with good sleep Friday night and throughout the week
  • The Lord to give our team wisdom, favor, discernment and protection regarding any unique factors, conditions or timeframe in this location

Saturday, May 20 | 2 Corinthians 10:3–5

  • A good time of encouragement and fellowship at Shabbat service with the local Messianic congregation Saturday morning
  • Orientations – for the Clinic and the Spiritual Care Ministry – to effectively equip everyone for ministry of all kinds
  • God to prepare the spiritual atmosphere and hearts of the people for this week of ministry
  • Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing and deliverance

Sunday, May 21 | John 6:37

  • Protection during travels to the Clinic location Sunday morning, including a timely arrival
  • Smooth set up at the Clinic for all elements of medical, dental and spiritual care departments, as well as for the Zehra Children’s Program
  • The Lord to bring many people for care and prayer when the Clinic opens early Sunday afternoon

Monday, May 22 | Psalm 77:14

  • Favor with the local authorities and community and that any “opposers” in the area become Believers in the one true God!
  • The Lord to move powerfully through the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit through miracles, signs and wonders
  • Daily morning prayer times to energize and focus the team, building faith and expectancy and cleansing the spiritual atmosphere for the activity of the Holy Spirit

Tuesday, May 23 | Colossians 3:23

  • The Spiritual Care tent to be a place where the presence of the Lord is experienced and many are saved, healed or delivered
  • Special grace and anointing on the Zehra Kid’s Program with many, many children learning about salvation and Jewish identity in Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah
  • The Living Waters team, who will be going out into the community several times to distribute LifeStraws® and bring the Good News of Living Water in Jesus

Wednesday, May 24 | Daniel 11:32b

  • Effective medical and dental care and healing, including supernaturally as a testimony of God’s power and love
  • Special ministry opportunities and divine appointments from the Lord that will bear lasting fruit for the Kingdom
  • Spiritual strength and stamina for the team, renewed by intimacy with the Lord, fellowship with one another, and the joy of seeing God work firsthand

Thursday, May 25 | Luke 4:18

  • The ability to treat as many patients as possible on this last day of the Outreach and supernatural healing for those we are not able to see
  • Shalom as we say goodbye to local workers. May many of them come to know Yeshua
  • Safety and efficiency in packing up the Clinic after the last patient is seen

Friday, May 26 | Matthew 25:23

  • Many testimonies of the goodness of the Lord during the Outreach, shared during tonight’s Shabbat dinner
  • Each participant to know the pleasure of the Lord, hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant”
  • Safe travels home and a special outpouring of refreshment for our Global Outreach Director, who has been in the field many weeks already this year 

Saturday, May 28 and Beyond | 2 Peter 3:18

  • The week’s ministry to leave a lasting and eternal impact in the community through salvations, love, and provision
  • The Lord to continue working in this region of Zambia, 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 Yeshua
  •  The Lord to continue establishing His Kingdom in this and developing healthy congregations in this region of Zambia, including the three planted after our last Outreach

Let’s Pray

Lord, as familiar as it is for us to reach out to the Lemba people, Zambia is a different nation from Zimbabwe, full of new opportunities and challenges. Thank You for all the ways You helped us navigate them last fall. May this second Outreach be another example of Your desire to reach Your people with the Good News of Yeshua and bring healing and hope to the community, families and individuals You will send to us for Your care. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

[Israel] 75th Anniversary and how you can continue to pray

May 05, 2023

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As we continue to celebrate and thank God for Israel’s 75 years of independence, 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

The miracle of Israel’s 75th anniversary is a testament to God’s faithfulness to His Chosen People through an ongoing, unflinching and ever-present measure of supernatural strength and peace. 

Maybe you’re facing an overwhelming challenge in your own life. I pray over you now that God will pour out upon your heart and mind the strength and peace to overcome. 

I hope you’ll also pray for this work of ministry that we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (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

On Israel’s 75th Birthday, U.S. “Still Proud” to Be Among Its Top Friends

According to The Times of Israel, the Biden administration released a statement recently congratulating Israel on 75 years of independence – which began at sundown on April 25th.

As part of the statement, characterizing the U.S. as a “lifelong friend and supporter of Israel,” U.S. President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s ongoing work with the Israeli government to “create a more prosperous, peaceful and integrated Middle East.”

The Times of Israel reports that the White House statement appeared aimed at underscoring that the bilateral relationship transcends brewing differences between the Democratic administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline government over the latter’s judicial overhaul and policies.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken put out a similar statement congratulating Israel.

“Over the last 75 years, the United States and Israel have built a partnership that transcends politics and benefits the people of both nations,” Blinken said. “As we seek to promote peace and prosperity in the region, we will also remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security and democracy, endeavoring to strengthen further the decades-old U.S.-Israel bond.”

The messages followed several months of tensions between the two governments.

Update from the Middle East

One Injured in West Bank Shooting Attack

According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reports, a man was recently injured from a gunfire attack targeting a group of runners who were running in memory of fallen soldiers as part of Israel’s Memorial Day. The unidentified man was rushed to the hospital with minor injuries as security forces began searching the area in an attempt to catch the terrorist – including setting up roadblocks in the area.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray 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 give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
  • Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
  • The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah
  • God to continue to bless the nation and people of Israel as we celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary

Prayer for Israel – The Who, Why, What and How

April 26, 2023

We are joining a historic worldwide Isaiah 62 initiative of prayer for Israel that involves a particular three-week time period and the call for lifelong prayer warriors for the salvation of Israel. This article will explain the initiative and provide additional insight into the who, why, what and how of prayer for Israel and the Jewish people.

THREE WEEKS OF INTENSIFIED PRAYER FOR ISRAEL

Across the world, there is an unprecedented prayer effort calling on people to pray very specifically for Israel. This is an intensive three-week season of prayer that begins on May 7 and ends on Pentecost Sunday, May 28.

Jewish Voice is looking for 1,000 of our partners to join us in committing to pray during these three weeks. Would you join your voice with others across the world to lift a resounding cry to the Lord?

TWO MAIN PRAYERS

During this three-week timeframe, from May 7–28, 2023, please ask the Lord to:

  • Remove the spiritual blindness from the Jewish people so they will recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as Messiah
  • Raise up 100 million lifelong intercessors who will pray for the salvation of Israel. May they be “Isaiah 62 watchmen” that give the Lord no rest until they see Israel’s salvation
“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”
— Isaiah 62:6-7
 

Watch this video invitation from Ezra Benjamin, Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs, and commit to pray for Israel from May 7–28.

ONGOING PRAYER FOR ISRAEL:  THE WHO, WHY, WHAT AND HOW

In addition to the above prayers, here are some ways and reasons to pray for Israel both during and beyond the set-aside 21 days of this special initiative. Let’s give the Lord no rest as we cry out for His Chosen People.

WHO

When you hear “Israel,” what do you think? That little word holds three distinct meanings that can help guide your prayers.

  • Israel the State – The State of Israel is the entire country of Israel, and all that goes on within it – socially, spiritually, politically, educationally, militarily, everything
  • Israel the Land –The Bible validates prayer for the physical Land of Israel in 2 Samuel 21:14, where God heeded their prayers for the Land. It’s fitting to pray for its protection and abundance as it sustains the people
  • Israel the People – Most importantly, “Israel” means the Jewish people, wherever they may be in the world. The Bible refers to all Jewish people collectively as “Israel” – whether they live in Israel, North America, Europe, Ethiopia, the Pacific Islands or anywhere else

WHY

Why is it important to pray for Israel? Here are just a few of the reasons. If you’re familiar with Scripture, you may remember that in Genesis 12:3, when God first called Abraham to follow Him and become a great nation of people, God said He intended to bless whoever blessed Abraham and His people. And while God’s promises always come true, receiving a blessing from God shouldn’t be our first motivation for praying for Israel. No, we are to love and pray for Israel because God loves Israel. We pray for Israel because:

  • Israel is precious to God (Isaiah 43)
  • God says Israel is “the apple of His eye” (Proverbs 17:8, Zechariah 2:8). It’s not that Gentile believers aren’t precious to God or are “less than,” nor that He loves Israel more than anyone in the world. No, John 3:16 reveals that God loves every human being and sent His Son, the Messiah, so that each one could have the opportunity to receive Him and be saved from their sin (See also Isaiah 53:6.)
  • God chose a particular people – the Jewish people, descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – through which to bring the Messiah (Deuteronomy 7:6, Genesis 22:18)
  • God chose this particular people thousands of years ago to know Him, love Him, and follow Him. He called the Jewish people to be His witnesses, and through them, He made Himself known to the rest of the world (Isaiah 43:8–12)
  • God’s covenant with Israel is everlasting (Genesis 17:7), and His calling of the Jewish people is irrevocable (Romans 11:29)
  • God charged the Jewish people with caring for His Word, His covenants and promises (Romans 9:4–5)
  • Jesus the Messiah is the only way for anyone to be reconciled to God the Father (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). How it must break God’s heart that the people He chose to be His own, by and large, do not believe in the One He promised and sent to them

WHAT

What should you include in your prayer for Israel? Pray whatever you pray for your loved ones, country, or government. As you pray, listen to how the Lord wants to direct your heart each time you pray for the people, State and Land of Israel. Here are a few places to start:

  • Salvation – hearts and minds to open to see that Jesus is the Messiah promised in their Scriptures
  • Protection – Protection and relief from persecution, violence, hatred and any schemes to harm the State, Land, or people of Israel
  • Peace – Psalm 122:6 calls upon us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May peace be found within all of Israel’s borders and surrounding Jewish people everywhere
  • An end to anti-Semitism worldwide
  • Wisdom and guidance for government leaders

HOW

There are countless ways you can pray for Israel. Here are a few ideas that may spark more of your own.

  • Find a particular place or time to pray for Israel – such as your morning commute, at every meal, in a special chair
  • Sign up for a regular time slot on the Jewish Voice 24-7 Prayer Calendar (we’ll even send you reminders by email if you like)
  • Pray morning, noon and night for the people, country and Land of Israel
  • Pray a repeating cycle: one day for the people, one for the State and one for the Land
  • Pray by people groups, such as government officials, decision-makers, educators, police and military, rabbis, single moms, immigrants, those facing certain life struggles, etc.
  • Pray through Scriptures, using our Intercessory Prayer Guide for Israel
  • Pray using the Intercessory Prayer Guide for Jewish People Around the World
  • Pray the Scriptures for Israel and the Jewish people
  • Use the Psalms to guide your prayers – Some Bible versions include subheadings describing the content within certain Psalms, such as “a prayer for protection.” If yours does, you could use them as guides for your prayers for Israel. For instance:
    • Protection from Enemies and Evil – Psalms 7, 54, 56, 57, 70, 83, 123, 141, 142
    • Guidance – Psalm 5, Psalm 143
    • Faith During Hardship or Discouragement – Psalms 6, 88
    • Accountability Under God and His Redemption – Psalm 26
    • Enduring the Lord’s Chastening – Psalm 38
    • Wisdom and Forgiveness – Psalm 39
    • Repentance – Psalm 51
    • Restoration – Psalms 60, 80, 85
    • Mercy – Psalm 86

Watch a special video invitation from Ezra Benjamin, Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs, to pray for Israel from May 7 - 28

Iran smuggles weapons into Syria as part of relief efforts

April 21, 2023

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

The Scriptures promise us that God has good intentions for His people – that no matter what we face, are forced to endure or the circumstances around us and the world – we can trust God’s plan.

We can believe in the future He’s written. And we can lean on the hope He supplies. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

– Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This promise feels more needed now than ever. 

We may not understand the violence and tension happening in Israel and the hatred against the Jewish people worldwide, but we can rest in the hope that God has a plan. And our responsibility is to simply trust Him. 

As you pray your own prayer of trust today, please also continue to pray for the work and ministry we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (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

Iran Exploits Quake Relief Mission to Fly Weapons to Syria

According to YNetNews, following the devastating February 6 earthquake in northern Syria and Turkey that claimed the lives of over 6,000 people in Syria alone, hundreds of flights from Iran began landing in Syria's Aleppo, Damascus and Latakia airports bringing supplies.

These relief efforts continued for seven weeks.

According to sources who spoke with Reuters, the supplies included advanced communications equipment and radar batteries, and spare parts required for a planned upgrade of Syria’s Iran-provided air defense system to bolster Iran’s defenses against Israel in Syria.

An Israeli defense official, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed the shipments, telling Reuters: “Under the guise of shipments of earthquake aid to Syria, Israel has seen significant movements of military equipment from Iran, mainly transported in parts.”

Iran’s representative to the U.N. denied the claims.

Updates from the Middle East

“Death to the Jews” Chants Heard at Berlin Rally

Hundreds of people showed up in the Kreuzberg and Neukölln neighborhoods at a recent rally organized in response to the police clashes with Muslim worshipers at the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Berlin police are now investigating evidence of hate speech as demonstrators allegedly chanted “Death to the Jews” and “Death to Israel” – phrases that, if verified, could be criminal offenses under Germany’s strict post-World War II hate speech laws.

Terrorist Social Media Group Teaches How to Stab IDF Soldiers, Make Homemade Explosives

An online anti-Semitism monitoring group recently managed to infiltrate a closed group on the messaging app Telegram to discover the group is being used to promote terrorist activity against Jews and IDF soldiers. Meant to train potential terrorists, the group provides guidance on creating improvised explosive devices, stealing weapons from soldiers and using them against the troops, as well as suggesting various methods to further obscure and conceal their identity.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray 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 as their Messiah

Prayer Points: Israel really needs your prayers

April 12, 2023

Israel is under ongoing persecution and opposition from the enemy, who looks for any opportunity to come against God’s Chosen People. He knows that the fulfillment of their destiny in Messiah will impact the world, so he does whatever he can to hinder them from believing Jesus is the Messiah and stepping into their calling as a light to the nations.

Here are a few things we are praying for Israel and the Jewish people. Join us as we:

Pray for the Government and People of Israel as situations have been evolving so rapidly over the last weeks.

  • For the government to seek the Lord and His wisdom even if they are not Believers
  • For God’s righteousness, justice and shalom to prevail
  • Protection against the enemy who schemes against God’s purposes for His people

Pray for the Body of Messiah in Israel

Messianic Jewish Believers and Christians have been rocked in recent months by potential threats and actual incidents. Turmoil is dividing people, and uncertainty and tragedy are causing fear. Even Believers are divided at times, and the grace and healing of the Lord are desperately needed. Pray for:

  • Believers in the Land to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, trusting Him with their government, nation, families, neighbors and congregations
  • Leaders of congregations and ministries to have an abundance of grace from the Lord as they shepherd those in their care through difficult issues and times
  • The continued ability and boldness to share the Gospel freely; and for the Lord to lead Believers to hungry seekers among the many in Israel who are ready and waiting to hear more about Yeshua (Jesus)
  • Unity to grow among Messianic Jewish, Arab Christians and all Believers in the Land

Pray for Young Adults in Israel

  • The Lord to touch the hearts of young unbelievers and reveal the truth about who He is so they receive Him gladly; and for them to be connected quickly with other Believers who can encourage and disciple them
  • Believing Jewish Israeli young people to come into the fullness of their Jewish identity in the Messiah and become a light to the nations
  • Devoted young Jewish believers from Israel to join Jewish Voice in taking the light of the Good News to fellow Jewish people in the nations

In one of our next Prayer Points, we will invite all our Jewish Voice partners to engage in an upcoming intensified and focused season of prayer for Israel and the Jewish people. You can prepare now by asking the Lord to help you be ready to respond when the invitation comes!

Let’s Pray

Lord, let us not slack off in vigilant prayer for Your people and Your Land. You are moving among Your people and calling them to Yourself! We are eager to see the answers to our prayers, knowing that You watch over Your Land and people with unceasing love. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

[Israel] This is why your continued prayers are needed

April 07, 2023

THIS WEEKS GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend. 

The Scriptures promise us that God has good intentions for His people.

No matter what we face or are forced to endure or the circumstances around us and the world – we can trust God’s plan.

We can believe in the future He’s written. And we can lean on the hope He supplies. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

— Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

We may not be able to understand the tension and turmoil happening in Israel or around the world . . . but we can rest in the hope that God has a plan. And our responsibility is to simply trust Him.

As you pray your own prayer of trust today, I hope you’ll also pray for this work of ministry that we share at Jewish Voice – for God to open more doors to share the Good News of Yeshua (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

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Suspends Controversial Judicial Reform

According to The Jerusalem Post, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that he was temporarily freezing the bill that would alter the makeup of the Judicial Appointments Committee.

As part of the announcement, he affirmed that he was willing to give a “real opportunity to real dialogue” over the government's judicial reforms, which have thrown the country into turmoil and unprecedented civil unrest.

The Prime Minister said that the country was on a “dangerous path” and that he would not allow it to descend into civil war.

The statement came after hours of tense negotiations as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to quit the government if the legislation did not proceed on schedule and as tens of thousands of judicial reform opponents protested outside the Knesset.

If Ben-Gvir leaves the government and quits the coalition, the coalition will no longer have a majority, and the government could fall.

“Stopping the legislation is the right thing,” wrote Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, in a statement following Netanyahu's announcement. “This is the time to start an honest, serious and responsible conversation that will quickly calm [tensions] and lower the flames. For the sake of our unity and for the future of our children, we need to start talking here and now.”

Updates from the Middle East

Prime Minister Netanyahu Assures No Law Against Christians After Missionary Bill Outrage

After a bill that would punish Christian missionaries with prison time for any type of proselytization caused a furor among pro-Israel Evangelicals, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly assured that the State of Israel would not pass legislation targeting Christians. The bill, now indefinitely put on hold, would amend preexisting proselytization provisions in the 1977 Penal Code, which forbids missionary action through material enticement, persuading minors to convert or holding conversion ceremonies without the consent of parents. The amendment would change the crime to apply to all conversion attempts "directly, digitally, by direct mail or online.” The maximum prison sentence would be a year for conversion attempts of an adult and proselytizing against minors would be increased to two years.

Israel Launches New Spy Satellite

Israel put a new version of its Ofek spy satellite into orbit late last week, with the Defense Ministry saying it would enhance around-the-clock regional monitoring as the country braces for a possible showdown with Iran. The satellite was launched on a Shavit missile over the Mediterranean Sea, a westward trajectory Israel usually opts for as a precaution against sensitive technology falling into the hands of hostile Middle East neighbors should there be a malfunction.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray 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
  • The Lord to continue to bless JVMI’s ministry partners doing work on the ground.
  • God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
  • Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
  • The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
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