“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

Thank you for being committed and sharing my love for Israel and the Jewish people. You are concerned about what is happening in Israel and that’s why I’m glad to be writing to you with the most recent news updates and prayer requests for this week.

COVID-19 is again making the headlines in Israel due to an increase in new cases and deaths. Let us pray for protection for Israel as they face a wave of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Let's pray especially for those who are immune-compromised. Please join me in praying that God would draw His people to Him through this latest challenge and the others the country and people are facing. 

Let’s pray for the Jewish people to turn to Jesus the Messiah so they will know Him as their strength, their defense and their salvation. When we put our trust in the Lord, we have no reason to be afraid.

ISRAEL ROLLS OUT COVID-19 BOOSTERS FOR SOME AT-RISK CITIZENS

As the Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads quickly in Israel, the Health Ministry approved giving a third dose booster of the Pfizer vaccine, which is the one the majority of Israelis have received. This makes Israel the first country in the world to begin distributing a booster dose of the vaccine.

This third dose is for adults with impaired immune systems based on “accumulating evidence” that they aren’t well enough protected after their initial doses, The Times of Israel reported.

Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest hospital, invited dozens of its heart transplant patients for boosters on Monday.

Due to the rise in Delta variant cases, Israel returned to required mask wearing indoors and there has been an increase in voluntary mask wearing outdoors.

ISRAEL SEES INCREASE IN NEW COVID-19 CASES, REPORTS FIRST DEATHS IN TWO WEEKS

On Monday, 423 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Israel. Of those infected, 47 were in serious condition and 17 were on ventilators, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Last week, two deaths due to complications from COVID-19 were reported – the first fatalities from the coronavirus in more than two weeks, according to The Times of Israel. One victim was an unvaccinated 48-year-old man. The other was an 86-year-old man who had received both vaccine doses.

ISRAEL BEGINS SEIZING BITCOIN AND OTHER CRYPTOCURRENCY ACCOUNTS USED BY HAMAS

Last week, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered security forces to seize cryptocurrency accounts being used by the Palestinian Hamas terror group. The stockpile of accounts being operated from the Gaza Strip were part of Hamas’ efforts to raise funds from abroad for its military.

The terror group accelerated its online campaign to raise donations after the 11-day conflict with Israel in May.

“The intelligence, technological and legal tools that enable us to get our hands on terrorists’ money around the world constitute an operational breakthrough,” Gantz was quoted as saying, according to YNet News.

Last year, the U.S. Justice Department said it seized millions of dollars from cryptocurrency accounts used by militant groups, including al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. These accounts served to finance their organizations.

One prong of the U.S. investigation targeted the military wing of Hamas. Law enforcement officials seized more than 150 cryptocurrency accounts that they say laundered funds to and from accounts operated by the group.

Hamas, which seized Gaza from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, is considered a terrorist group by Israel and Western countries. They have had four significant conflicts with Israel during that time.

UAE OPENS ISRAEL EMBASSY IN TEL AVIV

On Wednesday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) opened its embassy in Israel. It is located in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange building.

The ceremony was hosted by UAE’s ambassador to Israel, Mohammad al Khaja.

In late June, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid traveled to Dubai to officially inaugurate Israel’s embassy.

The two countries announced that they would normalize diplomatic relations nearly a year ago, in August 2020. 

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• Protection of Israelis from the Delta coronavirus variant, especially those with compromised immune systems
• Wisdom for Israel in dealing with Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• Additional countries in the Middle East to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel and work together for peace
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

Changing circumstances in the countries where we serve require continual adaptation as we follow the Lord’s leading toward accomplishing His purposes. Due to such changes, we are unable to conduct a Medical Outreach this month.

One thing that does not change is our need and gratitude for your prayers. We would like to enlist your prayers now as we continue to seek the Lord regarding where He would have us reach out next: in which nations and particular locations and to which people groups. To that end, several key team members are going on a “scouting” trip to Africa this month.  

We are praying that they will be like Joshua and Caleb as they assess locations, situations, and the potential for fruit, having spiritual eyes and not simply human understanding. Would you pray for them and this trip? 

Please Pray For: 

• Protection of all kinds, good health and sleep as well as safe travels throughout the whole trip
• Favor at every checkpoint and with all authorities and community members
• The Spirit of the Lord and prayers of His people to push back any spiritual opposition as we ask the Lord to lead us to His open doors for effective ministry
• Unity, brotherly love and a corporate witness from the Lord for those participating in this scouting trip
• Clear and specific direction as to where the Lord of the Harvest is leading us for future Outreaches, so the Kingdom of Light can advance, bring salvation and transform lives and communities
• Safe travels, protection, divine appointments and great favor – especially in darker regions where the Good News is scarce but desperately needed
• The Lord to send clear voices of true wisdom and guidance that will help us assess locations and groups to which He might send us in the future as we seek out the “Lost Tribes of Israel”

Let’s Pray

Lord, You are the One who opens doors that no man can shut and shuts doors no man can open. We ask You to open doors for effective ministry in the nations. Please speak powerfully to our scouting team regarding Your heart and plans to reach Your people, and show us clearly how You want us to participate with You in that. Our eyes are on You as we seek to do Your will and Yours alone. In Yeshua’s name, AMEN. 

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!”
John 8:32 (TLV)

Shalom, my friend.

What a joy it is for me to connect with you each week and share important news about Israel and her people. Knowing you also care deeply for the Jewish people means so much to me. 

For those of us in the United States, we just celebrated our country’s independence – our freedom. But for Believers, we know true freedom is found only in knowing Jesus as our Messiah. 

He is the Truth and He sets us free. There is no greater freedom and blessing than this! I’m so thankful you share my heart’s desire for the Jewish people to also know this ultimate freedom. 

As you pray for their eyes to be opened to Jesus, please also pray for their protection from enemies, for more opportunities for peace to be established with neighboring countries in the Middle East and for continued strong support from the U.S. and other world powers. Thank you for your partnership!

PRESIDENT BIDEN SPEAKS OF UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

Last week, during Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s farewell visit to the U.S., President Joe Biden offered his strong support for Israel and said, “Iran will never get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”

The Jerusalem Post reported that Biden told Rivlin his commitment to Israel “is ironclad” and that he has an “unwavering commitment to [Israel’s] self-defense.”

Biden also spoke about his team working closely with the new Israeli government and said, “I am looking forward to hosting Prime Minister [Naftali] Bennett at the White House very soon.”

IRAN ACCUSES ISRAEL OF SABOTAGE ATTACK ON CENTRIFUGE PLANT IN JUNE

Earlier this week, Iran acknowledged damage to its Karaj facility and accused Israel of causing it with an attack in June. 

This came from an official Islamic Republic News Agency report in which Iran’s government spokesman, Ali Rabei, said the alleged attack was an attempt to thwart ongoing talks regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, including the U.S.

“The Zionist regime carried out this action to signal it can stop Iran and to say [to world powers] that there is no need to talk with Iran. But whenever sabotage has happened, our strength has increased,” said Rabei, The Times of Israel reported.

The factory at Karaj was tasked with replacing centrifuges that had been damaged at Iran’s underground Natanz nuclear facility during a mysterious blackout in April, according to a New York Times report.

IRAN RESTRICTS UN NUCLEAR INSPECTORS ACCESS TO MAIN URANIUM ENRICHMENT PLANT

For weeks now, Iran has been restricting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) access to its main uranium enrichment plant at Natanz. Iran is citing security concerns, saying the facility was attacked by Israel in April, The Jerusalem Post reported.

This standoff continues to raise tensions with the U.S. and other world powers regarding the ongoing discussions to try and revive the JCPOA nuclear deal.

This is the latest in a variety of actions by Iran that breach the 2015 agreement, including enriching uranium to close to weapons-grade and failing to explain the origin of uranium particles that the IAEA found at several undeclared sites in Iran. 

GERMAN PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS HIS COUNTRY’S SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

During his visit to Israel last week, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier shared that his country is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, The Times of Israel reported.

This was Steinmeier’s last official visit with Israel’s outgoing President Reuven Rivlin before he is succeeded to Isaac Herzog on July 9.

The German president also condemned the recent missile attacks by Palestinian terror groups on Israeli civilians, saying it is “something we will never accept.”

Rivlin thanked Steinmeier for leading Germany “in the uncompromising fight against antisemitism,” saying the European country “has stood firm with us in our just campaign against terrorist forces that seek to wipe us off the map.”

OUTGOING ISRAELI PRESIDENT SAYS TO PA PRESIDENT: “IT’S UP TO US TO END THE CONFLICT”

Last week, while on his farewell tour of the U.S., Israeli President Reuven Rivlin made a request of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to work together to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“We are not condemned to live together, we are destined to live together,” Rivlin said at UN headquarters in New York to various United Nations ambassadors.

“It is up to us to end the conflict. Let us forget the past. Let us build confidence. There are possibilities to ensure a bright future for our people,” he said, according to Israel’s i24 News.

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Rivlin also spoke out about resolutions and commissions of inquiry that have been launched against Israel at the UN.

“Our Middle East region needs to build trust among peoples. Peace between Israel and the Palestinians will never be achieved through anti-Israel decisions or commissions of inquiry,” he said, according to a statement from his office.

“The bias against Israel in the UN institutions must end. We wish to continue working with the UN to meet the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza, with whom we have no conflict,” Rivlin said.

ISRAEL INAUGURATES EMBASSY IN UAE, COUNTRIES AGREE TO ECONOMIC AND TRADE COOPERATION

Last Tuesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid inaugurated the country's new embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and called for peace with the country's neighbors.

This is the first visit to the UAE by an Israeli Cabinet minister since an agreement was brokered between the two countries and Bahrain by the Trump administration in September 2020. The agreement ended decades of conflict.

“We are standing here today because we chose peace over war, cooperation over conflict, the good of our children over the bad memories of the past,” Lapid said at the inauguration, United Press International reported.

In addition, Lapid and UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signed a bilateral Agreement on Economic and Trade Cooperation.

Under the agreement, the governments are committed to developing economic relations and free flow of goods and services, as well as cooperation regarding trade fairs, exchanges of experts and knowledge, exchanges of delegations, cooperation in standardization and regulation, encouraging cooperation of the private sector, encouraging research and development, agro-technologies and more. This was reported by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• Continued strong support for Israel from the U.S., Germany and other countries
• Protection for Israel from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• Wisdom for the U.S. and other world powers regarding Iran and nuclear deal negotiations
• Israel and the Palestinian Authority to work together to end the conflict
• Additional countries in the Middle East to sign agreements with Israel and work together for peace
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
   

Thank you for all you made possible on our recent Outreaches!

Thanks to your support of Jewish Voice Ministries, in April, we went to Zimbabwe with much-needed food aid, and in June, we held a full-scale Medical Outreach in Dawro, Ethiopia. Here’s what your support did for the people there.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

I am so encouraged and blessed by you and your partnership with Jewish Voice. Together, we are standing with and praying for Israel and the Jewish people

As you will see in this week’s news stories below, there is much to pray for – including the tenuous ceasefire with Hamas; Iran and the potential nuclear deal; and the resurgence of COVID-19 in Israel due to the highly contagious Delta variant.

In addition, I’m sure you heard about the tragic condo tower collapse in Florida. As of today, 18 people were confirmed dead and more than 145 still missing. Many who lived in that building are Jewish, which led to Israel Defense Forces coming to help with the rescue and recovery efforts. Please pray for all involved at the scene as well as the many families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

One more news item we can be praying for – there have been reports that a meeting is in the works between U.S. President Joe Biden and new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett for next month in Washington, D.C. Let’s lift up these two leaders and this time they will have together, that Israel and the United States will continue to have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship.

TRUCE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS STILL FRAGILE

The United Nations’ senior Middle East representative told the UN Security Council that the truce between Israel and Hamas remains very shaky. This was days after the Palestinians warned that violence in Gaza could start again, The Jerusalem Post reported.

“I urge all sides to refrain from unilateral steps and provocations, take steps to reduce tensions, and allow these efforts to succeed,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland told the UN Security Council.

“Everyone must do their part to facilitate ongoing discussions to stabilize the situation on the ground and avoid another devastating escalation in Gaza,” Wennesland said.

“The UN is working closely with all concerned parties and partners, including Egypt, to solidify a ceasefire, allow the entry of urgent humanitarian assistance and stabilize the situation in Gaza,” Wennesland added.

U.S. TARGETS IRAN-BACKED MILITIA GROUPS WITH AIRSTRIKES

On Sunday, the Pentagon announced that it had carried out targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, The Times of Israel reported.

“At President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces earlier this evening conducted defensive precision airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.

“Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the president directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks,” Kirby said.

There have been more than 40 attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq since the beginning of the year. More than 2,500 American troops are deployed in Iraq as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group.
 

NEW PRIME MINISTER HINTS AT ISRAEL’S INVOLVEMENT IN ATTACK ON IRAN NUCLEAR SITE

During a graduation ceremony speech for Israeli Air Force pilots last Thursday, Prime Minister Bennett seemed to hint at Israel’s role in a recent attack on an Iranian nuclear site. He spoke just a day after an Iranian centrifuge production facility outside Tehran was struck by an alleged drone attack.

“Our enemies know — not from statements, but from actions — that we are much more determined and much more clever, and that we do not hesitate to act when it is needed,” Bennett said, according to The Times of Israel.

The prime minister referenced Israel’s strike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor nearly 40 years ago. He said Israel’s prime ministers have always had a “sacred responsibility not to allow an existential threat to the State of Israel. Then it was Iraq, today it is Iran.”

BENNETT AND GANTZ TALK ABOUT DESIRE TO WORK WITH U.S. REGARDING IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

In the same speech, Bennett seemed to be breaking from the policy of his predecessor, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding working with the United States concerning the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal.

The previous government refused to discuss the JCPOA with the U.S. except to share its disapproval of any continued conversations with Iran about the agreement. 

Bennett and Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who also spoke at the graduation, said Israel is cooperating with the U.S. on the Iranian nuclear issue. At the same time, both said Israel would ultimately defend itself if necessary.

CORONAVIRUS CABINET DECIDES AGAINST MAJOR NEW RESTRICTIONS BUT REIMPOSES INDOOR MASK REQUIREMENT

For the first time since Israel’s new government was sworn in, a renewed coronavirus cabinet met because of a COVID-19 resurgence resulting from the highly contagious Delta variant.

The cabinet discussed increased testing, enforcement on Israel’s borders and boosting the effort to vaccinate teenagers. The indoor mask requirement was reintroduced on Friday, but the cabinet did not add any major new restrictions, according to The Times of Israel.

It was decided to conduct full genetic sequencing of COVID variants detected in anyone arriving in Israel. And earlier in the day, ministers in the full cabinet declared that anyone who travels to countries forbidden by the Israeli government due to their high COVID mortality rates will be fined $1,500.

Prime Minister Bennett said, “Our approach is simple: Maximum protection for the citizens of Israel with minimum disruption to routine and the economy in Israel. Masks instead of restrictions. Vaccinations instead of lockdowns. The Delta variant, as it has been said, infects 50 percent more but we know that the vaccine works. It simply works.”

ISRAEL POSTPONES REOPENING OF BORDERS TO VACCINATED TOURISTS UNTIL AUGUST

Last Wednesday, Israel’s government voted to delay the planned reopening of the country’s borders to vaccinated tourists. This decision was made due to concerns about new COVID strains, including the current Delta variant that was first identified in India.

A statement issued by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett postponed the reopening from July 1 until August. Bennett’s office also said all Israelis will now have to sign a declaration before flying abroad that promised they will not travel to several countries designated “high risk” by Israel’s Health Ministry, The Times of Israel reported.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for: 

• The ceasefire to hold between Israel and Hamas
• Wisdom for the leaders of Israel and the U.S. in dealing with Iran
• Protection for Israel from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• The citizens of Israel to be protected from the COVID-19 Delta variant and other new strains of the virus
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend.

Thank you for the blessing of your partnership and for standing with Israel and the Jewish people through all the ups and downs – especially throughout this past year. You have shown that you are strong and courageous on Israel’s behalf, and I am grateful.

As you read the news stories below, you’ll see why I selected the verse above. With so much going on regarding Iran and their new president, Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza as well as COVID numbers on the increase again – we must continue to lift Israel and her people in prayer.

Let’s pray for strength and for courage and that Jewish people will turn to Jesus the Messiah because He will be with them always, wherever they go and in whatever situation they face. Thank you.

Iran’s president-elect refuses to meet with Biden or negotiate on missiles, support of terror groups

On Monday, Iran’s president-elect staked out a hardline position when he first spoke after his landslide victory. Ebrahim Raisi said simply “no” to the possibility of meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, AP News reported.

Raisi also said his administration would not allow negotiations with world powers aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal to continue unless they are beneficial to Iran. He promised to salvage the deal to secure relief from U.S. sanctions that have impacted Iran’s economy. But Raisi ruled out any limits on Iran’s missile capabilities and its support for regional terror groups.

Meanwhile, Iran is enriching uranium at 60%, its highest level ever, though still short of weapons-grade levels, according to The Times of Israel.

Iran-based Fars News Agency reported that Raisi said in response to a question that “from the perspective of Iran, the Palestinians are the owners of Palestine.” He added that “before the Zionist region feels threats from us, they should feel deterred by the Palestinian people and its resistance groups.”

Raisi is a 60-year-old cleric and protégé of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He received nearly 62% of the 28.9 million votes in last Friday’s presidential election. It was the lowest voter turnout in Iran’s history. Millions of Iranians stayed home in defiance of a vote they saw as skewed in Raisi’s favor. Candidates who could have put up a fight in the election were barred from running.

Raisi will become the first serving Iranian president sanctioned by the US government even before entering office, in part over his time as the head of Iran’s internationally criticized judiciary — one of the world’s top executioners.

Hamas talks with UN failed, leader threatens escalation

During a meeting on Monday between Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, Sinwar said Israel must allow the transfer of $30 million in donations from Qatar into Gaza. He threatened to escalate tensions if his demands are not met, according to a report by Kan News, an Israeli TV station.

The report described the meeting as “difficult” and quoted Sinwar as saying at the end of the meeting that “there are no signs of a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the occupation is trying to blackmail us.”

Sources believe the issue regarding the transfer of donations from Qatar can be resolved next week after the planned visit to Egypt by an Israeli delegation, The Jerusalem Post reported.

Tensions are still high on Israel’s southern border with Gaza while Egypt and the United Nations continue to try to broker a formal ceasefire to stop Hamas rocket attacks. And the terms of even an informal ceasefire agreement to prevent a renewal of last month’s 11 days of violence have not been worked out.

Increase in Israel’s COVID numbers blamed on fast-spreading Delta variant

The number of coronavirus patients within the education system in Israel has tripled over the past week, The Times of Israel reported on Monday. The majority of cases are students, but staff members have also tested positive.

The Delta variant of the coronavirus, which originated in India, is being blamed for some 70% of the new COVID-19 cases, according to health authorities in Israel.

Health Ministry officials in Israel are strongly recommending that 12- to 15-year-olds get vaccinated against COVID as soon as possible and a vaccination drive among teenagers is being fast-tracked.

In addition, the Health Ministry is working on a series of measures to reduce COVID-19 infections linked to international arrivals.

“Within a few days, we will impose strict enforcement at the airport on those who fly to forbidden countries, dangerous countries with high COVID morbidity,” said Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz. “There will also be heavy fines on those who ignore the instructions and endanger the health of the citizens of Israel.”

Israel’s foreign minister confirms landmark visit to UAE is scheduled for next week

Next Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid will fly to the United Arab Emirates for a two-day official visit, his office confirmed Monday.

This will be the first time an Israeli minister has visited the Gulf state in an official capacity, according to The Times of Israel.

Lapid will officially inaugurate the Israeli embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Wisdom for Israeli leaders and other world leaders in dealing with Iran’s new president-elect, Ebrahim Raisi
• A peaceful transition for Israel’s new government and God-given wisdom for Israel’s leaders
• Protection for Israel and her people from Iran, Hamas and other terror groups
• God’s provision and direction concerning the JCPOA nuclear deal negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, especially in light of the newly elected Iranian president and his hardline stance
• Israel to be able to contain the latest COVID-19 variant
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

After the challenges of last year, it’s such a blessing and answer to prayer that we’ve already held three Outreaches in 2021! I’d love to tell you about our recent Outreach to the Beta Abraham community in Fiche, Ethiopia.

I was first introduced to the critical medical needs of the Beta Abraham community in Ethiopia during a dinner with the elders in 2004. We committed to help, but it took two years to get all of the government approvals and organize the medical workers, including doctors. Our first of what became annual Medical Outreaches to the Beta Abraham took place in 2006.

Because of those early Outreaches, members of the Beta Abraham heard the Good News and believed in Jesus the Messiah! That led to the formation of the first
Beta Abraham Messianic congregation.

Ministering alongside this congregation, this 2021 Outreach was a large Medical Clinic with a mobile LifeStraw distribution to Jewish villages. A LifeStraw is a life-saving water filter that enables people in remote villages to have safe, clean water.

We ministered alongside the Beta Abraham Messianic congregation as they prepared to plant a new Messianic congregation in this area.

Jewish Voice has been working alongside this congregation for 13 years — and I would never have imagined the fruitfulness this partnership would bring about, especially during this most recent Outreach in Fiche, Ethiopia!

Because God is working through you, our compassionate partners, 8,631 people received critical care at our Clinic, including medical care for 3,894, dental care for 967, eye surgery for 112 and reading glasses for 2,113.

While meeting physical needs is one of the greatest acts of compassion we can provide, there is something even greater...

Through your support, we were able to share the message of salvation in Jesus directly with Jewish people in the remote villages of Fiche.

They are so persecuted and feared that they’ve been pushed out of society to the outskirts of town — some even forced to live at the cliff’s edge on very barren ground.

Our team, alongside the Beta Abraham Messianic elders:

• Presented the Gospel to the leading Beta Abraham elders in Fiche, who after discussing what we shared, invited us back and personally escorted us into Jewish villages over the next several days. This is when we were able to proclaim the message of salvation in Jesus!
• Prayed and shared the Good News with over 320 Jewish people at our prayer tent just outside our Medical Clinic.
• Distributed Lifestraw units to 252 Jewish families and their communities.
• Shared God’s heart for Israel’s salvation with regional pastors who expressed their desire to partner with us to reach their Jewish communities with the Gospel. They gave their full support of the Beta Abraham Messianic community to come and plant a new Messianic congregation in Fiche!

While ministering at the Clinic and in the Jewish villages, we were able to hand out 120 Bibles. Thank you for giving to make it possible to bless people with their own copies of God’s Word!

And since the Outreach, the Beta Abraham Messianic elders in Fiche have traveled back to those villages to follow up with the Jewish elders and their communities and will continue to visit in the weeks and months ahead. We believe we will see an abundant harvest of seeds that have been planted, prayed for and watered in that region for years!

You can see why I was so excited to share this update with you — and why each Outreach is so vital. I can’t wait to share more details about the next two Outreaches that just wrapped up!

And we’re not done serving the “Lost Tribes” yet.

I hope you will pray for the three remaining 2021 Outreaches happening this summer and fall.

While you pray, will you also please consider a gift to help make more Outreaches like this one possible? Your gift today will help meet critical physical and spiritual needs during these Outreaches. We must prepare now, so the sooner I can hear from you, the better.

As you know, we don’t meet physical needs on Outreaches and leave it at that. We’re there to change hearts at the same time as we’re mending bodies.

Each Outreach opens that door as we meet physical needs -- from medical and dental care to clean water and food. Meeting these needs lets the men, women and children in the areas where we are working know how much we care.

And then we get the chance to pray for them, provide Bibles and share the Good News!

As I shared earlier, the global coronavirus pandemic limited our 2020 Outreaches. But this limiting also forced us to seek the Lord for new strategies to make Outreaches even more effective. Strategies like changing our model to include smaller, more nimble mobile Outreach teams that can work easily in even smaller communities who need our help. 

It also led us to renew our focus on sharing the message of the Messiah, Jesus, with the Jewish people we reach through this ministry. 

This comes at the perfect time since the pandemic brought about a spiritual openness among Jewish people unlike anything we have seen. The fear and uncertainty created by the coronavirus has led people to look for hope and search for answers.

Our greatest hope — and what we pray constantly for — is that each and every person we bless with physical help, like medical care and clean water, will ALSO receive the Good News and, along with it, eternal life.

When people come to faith in Jesus the Messiah, lifelong fellowship with others is critical to their well-being and fruitfulness as Believers. That’s why coming alongside Messianic congregations like we did with the Beta Abraham in our first Outreach of 2021 is so important.

Please partner with us again today to reach even more Jewish people in Africa with both physical and spiritual healing!

When you do, I have something especially fitting to express my thanks for your gift of $75 or more. It’s a bag of our exclusive Buna Bet Coffee — ground from Ethiopian beans. The country is the birthplace of coffee, and Buna Bet means “coffee house” in Amharic — the official language of Ethiopia.

You can start your day with a special cup of coffee knowing you’re helping transform the lives of God’s Chosen People around the world.

Please give today to reach the “Lost Tribes of Israel” and their neighbors with the hope of the Messiah Jesus and meet critical physical needs.

I hope to hear from you soon. We have three more Outreaches to prepare for this year, and your prayers and support make a life-changing difference in the lives of Jewish people in Africa. Thank you and God bless you!

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,
Jonathan Bernis