Pressing in for wisdom in unprecedented times!

July 22, 2020
Pressing in for wisdom in unprecedented times!

At Jewish Voice Ministries International, we are in very purposeful pursuit of wisdom, understanding and discernment. For several years now, we have been pressing into the Lord for new strategic insight considering shifting situations in the nations we serve. When we began our quest, we had no idea that COVID-19 would become one more factor in the mix for us as an international ministry.

We desire to hear the Lord speak clearly and need Him now more than ever. As a staff, we just spent a week of special prayer times focused on asking Him for wisdom, understanding and discernment. We need these to know what to do, what not to do, where, how and when for the years to come.

Would you please intensify your prayers for us in that regard at this time? We are looking forward to 2021 and beyond, and we desire to hear from God plainly.

Please join us in these Scripture-based prayers for wisdom:

  • Lord, we trust You with all our hearts. We don’t want to lean on our own understanding but wholly lean on You. We acknowledge You in everything we do and ask You to give us clear, straightforward direction. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
  • We are taking our place in attentiveness before You, God, watching to see what You will say to us. We will not be discouraged at any seeming delay; we KNOW that You will give us clear vision and strategies to run with (Habakkuk 2:1-3)
  • As we consider the facts (knowledge), our ears are inclined to You, Lord, seeking Your wisdom so we will know how to proceed. We are crying out for discernment in the spiritual and natural realms in order to judge rightly between what simply seems good and what is truly of You. We lift our voices in united prayer for understanding so we can proceed according to Your will. (Proverbs 2:2-3)
  • As we pursue You for wisdom, may we gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be in awe of You, to walk in holy reverence before You and know You more. (Proverbs 2:5)
  • You do grant wisdom, Lord! From Your mouth will come the knowledge and understanding we need. You have a storehouse of wisdom for us. You are guiding our steps and protecting us along the way. Thank You! (Proverbs 2:6-8)

LET’S PRAY:

Lord, in You are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3). In Your Word, You say that, if we need wisdom, You will generously give it to us (James 1:5). Therefore, we know You hear our prayers and will answer. We ask for wisdom, understanding and discernment to carry out Your will. As we listen for Your reply, we prepare our hearts to obey. We love You, Lord, and seek to glorify Your name and share Your Good News. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

NOTE:

Thank you so much for praying for Jewish Voice in this way. Once you do, you may want to return to the above prayers, praying for your own lives, circumstances and needs. We are praying for wisdom for you as well. He will hear and answer!

Is Fundraising an Obstacle to Your Going on an Outreach?

July 21, 2020

I went on my first Outreach with Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI) in 2013, and my life hasn’t been the same since. It was a weeklong Medical Clinic in northern Ethiopia in the city of Gondar. Because I’m not a medical professional, I wasn’t sure what role I could play in blessing the Jewish community there, but I went anyway.

I spent the week outside of the Clinic working in Line Management. A team of local workers and I were tasked with keeping hundreds of patients in orderly lines while they waited to see the doctors. In this role, I interacted with thousands of Ethiopians, praying for them and learning about them. When I left at the end of the week, I felt sure I had just tasted a bit of what the Lord had in store for me – more of the same kind of work! There was just one problem…how? How could I afford to be part of this kingdom work going forward?

Working full time and with a family, disposable funds weren’t available to pay for another trip like the one I’d just finished. On the plane, flying home, I strategized ways to save enough money to return to Ethiopia as soon as possible. One idea that seemed to make sense was to give up purchasing special coffees, and put that money toward my next trip. Every bit helps. But when I arrived at the Washington, D.C., airport and immediately went to Dunkin’ Donuts for an iced coffee, I quickly realized that I needed another plan.

I prayed right there in Terminal 2 of Washington Dulles International Airport and said “yes” to the Lord. Yes, to reaching His precious Jewish communities in Ethiopia with the Good News of Yeshua. Now, I just needed Him to direct me on how to do it.

God quickly pointed me to the book of Philippians, where I read Paul’s thank-you for the support he received from that group of Believers.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
– Philippians 4:10

Fundraising has always been a challenge for me. Whether it was because of pride or fear, it never crossed my mind to ask people who love me to help me return to a place I love. But the truth is, most people in our lives want to be involved. People love the idea of reaching out to the world, yet so many of them lack the opportunity. They may not want to travel themselves on an Outreach but are interested and willing to support someone who does.

When we don’t involve those around us, we block them from a blessing. Paul’s words in Philippians reflect this fact.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
– Philippians 4:17 NKJV

So, I listed the first 20 people who came to my mind that I thought would like helping reach Ethiopians with the Gospel. I didn’t list those I thought would give but those who had the heart to reach the lost.

Through letters, phone calls, emails, and social media IM’s, after I got home, I began to reach these people with JVMI’s vision and what I experienced on that Gondar Outreach. The results were amazing! My next three Outreaches with JVMI were fully funded by the people I listed that day. I know that it wasn’t my words that persuaded them. It was the Lord’s provision for my response to His calling and my willingness to step out of my comfort zone. Simply, I said, Yes!

Do you feel called to join JVMI on an upcoming Outreach and be a part of proclaiming the Gospel to the Jewish people and their neighbors in Ethiopia or Zimbabwe?

Is funding the trip your major obstacle? Here are a few helpful tips:

Be Encouraged – First, know that in wanting to serve in this way, you are aligning yourself with the heart of God; His blessings are sure to follow. Pray and ask Him for direction, discernment, and wisdom.

List – Make a list of all the people in your life who either have the heart to proclaim the Gospel or are invested in you. Then:

  • Reach out to them with the purpose of JVMI and how you feel called to the mission. Ask them to be part of the blessing of reaching God’s Chosen People with the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus)
  • Contact congregations in your local area that support such overseas work, and share with them about what JVMI does and the trip you want to join. It doesn’t matter if it’s your home fellowship or not; many want to support someone willing to serve in ways they can’t

Pray – Pray for the people on your list. Pray over each one and all who join you through prayer or finances. Use Paul’s heart for the Philippians as a guide (Philippians 4:18b–20):

…having received…what you sent––a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fulfill every need of yours according to the riches of His glory in Messiah Yeshua. To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

And get ready for an outreach experience that will change your life right along with the lives you help change!

The Mezuzah, Part 1

Summary
Discover why it is not merely a decorative adornment for the doorposts of Jewish homes, but a deep declaration with eternal significance.
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The Mezuzah, Part 1

Some good news on the coronavirus front

July 16, 2020

Even when you and I are going through difficult times, we can have hope. Because of God’s great love, we are not consumed. His compassion for us never fails. He is faithful. This is a great promise we can hold on to no matter our circumstances.

This week there is some good news on the coronavirus front in Israel – the government just approved a new plan to help financially support Israelis who have been hit the hardest. The leaders are learning from past mistakes as they make decisions regarding this second wave of the pandemic. Another piece of good news that I want to highlight – a health technology group has developed a test that will give results in as little as 30 minutes. Here are more details about these developments.

ISRAELI GOVERNMENT APPROVES CORONAVIRUS FINANCIAL RESCUE PLAN

Late last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Israel Katz presented a financial rescue plan. Netanyahu conceded that the government reopened some parts of Israel’s economy too quickly which lead to a resurgence in coronavirus cases nationwide.

The financial rescue plan was approved on Monday.

The plan includes expanding the number of people eligible for unemployment benefits, assistance to self-employed workers and businesses, adaptation grants (grants to help those who don’t qualify for unemployment) for people who are 67 and over, and a number of tax breaks.

To guarantee economic certainty for the coming year, the plan includes a social safety net for waged and self-employed workers and a financial safety net for businesses until June 2021.

The government would also provide training for individuals making a career change to “coronavirus-era professions.”

Netanyahu also said that additional financial and health plans will be devised in the coming weeks and that Israel’s powerful economy allowed the country to take loans with low-interest rates, according to Ynetnews.

When you give a gift of $35 or more to provide support for Messianic ministries in Israel and critical resources to Jewish people around the world, we’d like to bless you by sending our Genesis Metal Bookmark and Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Journal. The words of Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you” are cut into sturdy, gold-toned metal along with the Jerusalem skyline. The journal contains 4oo lined pages and has a leather-like cover with the words of Psalm 122:6: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” debossed on the cover in gold. Request your bookmark and journal today!

NEW CORONAVIRUS TEST DEVELOPED IN ISRAEL GIVES RESULTS IN 30 MINUTES

AID Genomics, an Israeli company, has developed a 30-minute coronavirus test kit. They are predicting it will become a globally available screening solution.

Izhak Haviv, chief scientist of AID Genomics, has big hopes for his innovation – including helping the world return to more normal routines, such as attending concerts and sporting events by enabling screening to be carried out as people arrive.

Haviv said his company changed the enzymes and other components normally used in test kits to enable small batches of “VIP” tests to be processed in 30 minutes and bigger batches in around an hour.

“To process a planeload of passengers would take me 75 minutes, and I can push it down to an hour,” Haviv said, adding that he expects the kits to be manufactured and used internationally with similar levels of accuracy and false positives as existing kits.

This new testing kit has been sent for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulators.

“I hope as a result of this technology, activities involving many participants will be open and not need to close, and right now this is unrealistic,” he told The Times of Israel.

LET US PRAY TOGETHER

Join me in thanking God for His great love for us, for His compassion and faithfulness. Please pray with me for:

  • The government of Israel to faithfully carry out the new coronavirus financial recovery plan so those in need will be helped

  • The infection and death rates from coronavirus to decline in Israel and around the world, especially as this second wave is hitting

  • The approval and advancement of new technologies, like the 30-minute test kit, to help fight the pandemic

  • Significant progress in developing a vaccine against coronavirus

  • Jewish people to seek their Messiah Jesus and discover His great love, compassion and faithfulness

The Jewish Voice Bible

Summary
Discover how vital it is not only to read and meditate upon the Holy Scriptures but also to study the original Hebrew context to increase your understanding and application of
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The Jewish Voice Bible
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