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Prayer Points: Would you step up your prayers?

June 05, 2024

Doors are opening. We invite your intensified prayers.

Together, we have seen incredible answers to prayer. You have prayed us through so many Outreaches! Some of you might even know by heart the types of things we ask you to pray.

In terms of prayer requests, some things bear repeating. This is a general reality, but it also rings particularly true for us in this season. As we’ve been telling you, we have been praying for open doors to minister to Jewish people around the world. We’re seeing the Lord begin to answer those prayers, and we’re preparing to follow where and when He leads.

However, 1 Corinthians 16:9 reminds us that with open doors come adversaries. With that in mind, we invite your intensified prayers. We know we are engaged in a battle between darkness and Light, and we want to ensure that we receive the Lord’s specific Kingdom assignments and strategies and operate under His favor and protection. Prayer prepares the way for us as we walk through the doors He opens.

Please pray through these powerful Scriptures regarding open doors.  Pray for:

THE LORD’S PRESENCE AND GUIDANCE

  • Exodus 33:14–15 – The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
  • Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

US TO DO ALL THE LORD’S IS TELLING US TO DO

  • Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His workmanship––created in Messiah Yeshua for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them.
  • Acts 20:24 – However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me––the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

PROTECTION

  • 2 Corinthians 4:18 – So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
  • 2 Kings 6:16-20: “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha….
  • Nahum 1:7 – The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.
  • Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me,” declares the Lord.
  • Psalm 23
  • Psalm 91

FOR PROVISION, PEACE, POWER

  • Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in the [Messiah] Jesus.
  • Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for your prayers! They are critical. Join us now in praying for the Lord to prepare the way in the hearts of those around the world He wants to reach.

Let’s Pray

Lord, You tell us to pray for those who will be sent out into the harvest fields. Thank You for those You have already prepared and made willing to go on Your behalf through Jewish Voice Ministries. And thank You for making the harvest fields ready by preparing hearts to be eager recipients of the Good News! Our trust is completely in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God’s Word: An Invaluable Gift

June 03, 2024

Shavuot is associated with two invaluable gifts in the Believer’s life: God’s Word and His Spirit.

The Rabbis teach that fifty days after leaving Egypt on the Passover, the Israelites found themselves at Mount Sinai, where God gave them the Torah. It was on the day that He had commanded to be the Feast of Shavuot once they entered the Promised Land. Thousands of years later, on Shavuot (also called Pentecost), the Lord poured out His spirit, causing the blinders to come off thousands and enabling the bold proclamation of the Gospel. With these incredible gifts, we can know the God who loves us, is always with us, and sent His Messiah to draw us near Him.

A closer look at the gift of God’s Word

The Torah, in its most technical use of the word, refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but the word itself also means “instruction.” So, as we commemorate Shavuot and God’s gift of the Torah, we also celebrate the entirety of His Word as His gift, revealing more of who He is.

Join us for a devotional excerpt from the Jewish Voice resource "Portions: A Weekly Devotional for Drawing Near to the Lord", which is based on the annual Torah reading cycle that Jewish people follow worldwide. After the excerpt, we’ve included a bonus list of some benefits Believers receive from the Scriptures.

Portion 46

Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25

Hanging on Every Word

"...He fed you manna…in order to make you understand that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of Adonai.

— Deuteronomy 8:3(TLV)

Before Jesus began His public ministry, He fasted and prayed in the wilderness. After 40 days, Satan tempted Him in three ways. One was with food. Though certainly hungry, Jesus replied by quoting a verse from this week’s parasha (Matthew 4:3 – 4).

Looking at Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness, the Lord explained that He gave them manna to

teach them that their lives depended on not only physical food but also on God’s provision and on God’s promises.  The New Testament tells us to cling to God’s Word as “the word of life” (Philippians 2:16a) and let it richly dwell in us (Colossians 3:16).

God wants us living off of and hanging onto His every word as if our lives depend on them. He wants us to give His Word our rapt and avid attention — be enthusiastic for it, absorbed by it, eager for it. Yeshua said we should strive harder for spiritual food that gives eternal life than we do for tangible food that sustains our physical lives (John 6:27, 58). God wants us to crave hearing what He has to say.

Why? Psalm 119 gives us a glimpse of how nourishing and sustaining God’s Word is. Its writer describes what it means to him. He calls it wonderful, good, just, faithful, his counsel, and sweeter than honey. God’s instruction sustains him, restores his life, reveals wonders, and gives him hope and comfort.

The psalmist also showed an example of our right response to the Lord’s Word by noting that he treasures, observes, speaks, loves, trusts, meditates on and stands firm in it. He asks God to teach him His Word, revive him with it, be gracious to him by it, give him discernment through it, and help him keep it. (See Psalm 119.)

How do we come to crave God’s Word? We must read it to see its worth. As we experience its nourishment, we’ll grow hungrier for it. Start with an act of discipline, setting aside regular time to read Scripture. Ask the Lord to increase your appetite for His Word. As you feast on it, you’ll discover for yourself the wonderful things Psalm 119’s author found in it — and more.

Parasha Takeaway

I will pray for God to help me recognize I need His Word to strengthen and sustain me — as much as natural food nourishes my body.

God’s Word:

  • Instructs us how to live lives pleasing to God (2 Timothy 3:16b, Hebrews 11:6)
  • Conveys His love for us (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 3:17–19)
  • Strengthens us by reminding us of His power within us (Philippians 4:13)
  • Lifts our spirits when life is hard, reminding us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33)
  • Assures us that He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11)
  • Encourages us that He makes all things beautiful in time (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and turns all things good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28)

Your gift to Jewish Voice today will enable new Jewish Believers in Africa and elsewhere to discover the invaluable gift of God’s Word with a Bible of their very own. In many of the remote places where Jewish Voice ministers, Bibles are too expensive and hard to come by for Believers to acquire. Your gift to Jewish Voice today will supply Bibles to Believers and do much more to meet practical needs and bring the Good News to Jewish communities worldwide.

Outreach Recap: How you changed lives in Sodo, Ethiopia

May 27, 2024

Miracles, Favor and Congregational Plants in Sodo, Ethiopia

  • 9,191 Patients Received Care
  • 658 People Received Dental Care
  • 2,252 Eyeglasses Distributed
  • 102 Minor Surgeries Performed
  • 1,149 Children Attended the Zehra Kids Program
  • 393 Teens Attended the Zehra Teens Nehemiah Program
  • 3,056 People Heard the Gospel
  • 245 People Received Yeshua
  • 186  People Requested Congregational Follow-up

Our first Outreach of 2024 was to a new location in southern Ethiopia, a town called Sodo. It was a marvelous success, and three things stood out to our Global Outreach Director.

Miracles

The Lord performed many miracles for the people of Sodo. One young man suffered from epilepsy and had lost his job because of the seizures. He came to the Spiritual Care Ministry, and when he received prayer, he experienced such a significant change in his body that he proclaimed he’d been healed. In the following days, a relative came to us, glowing with joy over the healing and requesting prayer herself. The man also returned, bringing his whole family who each wanted prayer. Because of your faithful support of Jewish Voice, you helped transform this young man’s future and plant Gospel seeds among his entire family.

Congregations

In just a few weeks after the Outreach, two new Messianic Jewish congregations had already formed. This is a fantastic start to establishing these new Believers in their faith, growing disciples, and spreading the Gospel in the Sodo area. Your partnership is making this happen.

Local Favor

We never quite know what we’ll experience once we’re in the field to conduct an Outreach — whether a welcome or opposition to the message we bring. We were thrilled that the people of Sodo welcomed us with enthusiasm. As we drove into town, we received a police escort and a parade-like celebration. A local official stood in the street and told all gathered there how blessed they were to have a Jewish community among them because that’s the reason Jewish Voice was there offering care to the entire town. The faithful giving of partners like you who have supported decades of ministry in Ethiopia has helped establish this trust and openness.

Thank you for helping this Outreach change so many lives.

Your gift today will also help local Messianic Jewish Believers follow up with patients who expressed interest in learning more about Jesus, offering them another opportunity to hear the Gospel, accept Jesus, and receive biblical discipleship.

Prayer Points: We’re heading into an area of hardship

May 22, 2024

Heading Into an Area of Hardship We Need Your Prayers

As we reach out to Jewish people, the Lord often sends Jewish Voice Ministries into areas experiencing hardships such as drought, poverty, and tribal conflicts. The people there have lived, and are often still living, through the impact of traumatic events. We are humbled that He entrusts us to bring love and care to those in such heart-breaking circumstances.

We’re heading to one such location in Northern Ethiopia very soon, where waves of violence and the ensuing problems have taken great tolls on the people there for the last several years. We need your prayers for the Lord to light our path with His protection and enable us to be a light and testimony to His abundant love and salvation through both word and deed.

Your prayers will be crucial and key to our team’s safety and effectiveness and for the transformation of those we go to help!

Ways to Pray

Here’s how you can make a difference with your prayers:

  • Use the detailed DAY-BY-DAY Prayer Points below to pray along with us before, during and after the Outreach
  • You can also commit to a specific time slot to pray for us from home during the Outreach. SIGN UP HERE on our Prayer Schedule, referring to the dates below.

Here are ways you can pray regarding this Outreach:

Before the Outreach

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

— Isaiah 40:3 NKJV

Wednesday, May 22 – Saturday, June 1

  • That all preparations come together and fall entirely in place, such as VISAS, medical supplies, Clinic site readiness, team unity and community relationships
  • Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare, travel, serve throughout the Outreach week and return home
  • Effective training for all areas of the Outreach
  • Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing and deliverance as God prepares the spiritual atmosphere and the hearts of the people

During the Outreach

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”

Luke 4:18

“Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God.

Isaiah 40:1

Sunday, June 2

  • An effective first day of ministry as the Clinic opens mid-morning
  • Word about the Clinic to spread, which is so important in a new location, and many to come for treatment and care
  • Local workers hired to be fully aligned with Jewish Voice’s desire to bless their community
  • The presence of unity, humility and effective communication throughout the week
  • Comfort for our team members and partners as they hear about and see evidence of the trauma people in this area have endured

Monday, June 3

  • Favor from local leaders and community members before during and after the Outreach
  • That we would bless not only those who come for care but also that the Believers in the area will be refreshed and encouraged in their faith by our visit to their region
  • The Lord to move powerfully through the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit
  • Holy-Spirit-led healing from trauma in a region where everyone has experienced so much

Tuesday, June 4

  • The Lord to bring our team wisdom, favor, discernment and protection regarding any local or unique factors regarding this location, the conditions or timeframe
  • Spiritual strength and stamina for our team, renewed by intimacy with the Lord and fellowship with one another
  • Effective medical and dental care and healing to take place, including supernaturally as a testimony of God’s power and love

Wednesday, June 5

  • The local congregation we are partnering with to have a wonderful spiritual impact on everyone in the region
  • LifeStraw® water filter distribution to make a real difference in people’s health
  •  The Lord to work powerfully, bringing about the transformation of hearts and communities in Ethiopia

Thursday, June 6

  • Many salvations and healings and the ability to treat as many patients as possible on the last day of the Outreach
  • Order and shalom to reign as local workers are paid, the patient lines are closed and the Outreach ends
  • Safety and efficiency in closing the Clinic and packing equipment and supplies

After the Outreach

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of [Messiah] Jesus.

 Philippians 1:6

Friday, June 7 and onward  

  • The Lord to minister to our team and partners and bring them comfort as they leave this hurting region
  • Effective follow-up by the local congregation for those who want to learn more
  • The Lord to continue mightily working in this troubled region, building up the Believers and bringing ongoing healing, salvation and deliverance
  • May a new congregation be established, protected, and become a beacon of light and life to the region

Let’s Pray

Abba, our hearts are crying out to you for the Jewish people to whom you are sending us in Northern Ethiopia. They and their neighbors have been through so much. May desperately needed medical care to heal their bodies, but – Oh, Lord! – may the Good News of Yeshua (Jesus) and the ministry of the Holy Spirit bring salvation and deep healing to their whole lives. Heal their wounds and heal their land, in Yeshua’s name, AMEN.

Prayer Points: Do you know how much we need your prayers?

May 08, 2024

Where in the World is Chatikobo and How Can You Pray for It?

Our second Outreach of 2024 will be in Zimbabwe. We are heading to a new location, Chatikobo, in a region we have been before, Masvingo. Since October 7, the landscape in many of the places we serve is changing, and that is true in Zimbabwe. So even though we are doing what we have done there many times before, we are doing it under new circumstances in a world that is shaking. We are taking nothing for granted. We’re doing everything we know to prepare and are asking the Lord to do the rest.

One of the most strategic things we do regarding our Outreaches is to ask you to pray.

Ways to Pray

  • Pray through the detailed DAY-BY-DAY Prayer Points below during the week
  • You can 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. This helps you make a commitment and remember to pray, and it encourages us to see how many of you are praying!

Here’s how you can make an impact in Chatikobo through your prayer:

Before the Outreach

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

Isaiah 40:3 NKJV

Wednesday, May 8–Thursday, May 16

  • All preparations fully in place, such as VISAS, medical supplies, site readiness, team unity and community relationships
  • Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel
  • Spiritual forces of darkness to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing and deliverance as the spiritual atmosphere and the hearts of the people are prepared – please pray for this throughout the Outreach!

Friday, May 17

  • Safe arrivals in Zimbabwe’s capital and the Lord’s help in acclimating to the new time zone, culture and food, including the ability to sleep well at night
  • Good fellowship and bonding between JVMI staff, medical professionals and Outreach Partners
  • A wonderful start to the week ahead through experiencing Shabbat dinner with the Lord and each other

Saturday, May 18

  • A safe journey to Chatikobo, our Outreach location
  • Effective orientations for the medical professionals, Clinic operations and the campsite
  • The word to get out to the surrounding areas so that many people come every day for treatment and care
  • The Lord to oversee the process of hiring local workers who will fully align with what the Lord has called us to do

During the Outreach

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”

Luke 4:18

Sunday, May 19

  • The Clinic site to be fully prepared to receive patients
  • Training and spiritual preparedness for the Spiritual Care Team and for freedom in the Spirit that leads to changed lives and a transformed community
  • A smooth opening of the Clinic at 10:00 a.m., including for the Zehra Kid’s Program

Monday, May 20

  • First time Outreach Partners to be equipped, energized and encouraged during tonight’s meeting just for them
  • Favor and engagement from the national, regional and local leaders and community
  • Wisdom, favor, discernment and protection from the Lord regarding any local or unique factors regarding this location, conditions or timeframe

Tuesday, May 21

  • Effective medical and dental care and healing, including supernaturally as a testimony of God’s power and love
  • The Spiritual Care Tent, Zehra Kids program, and Living Waters team to leave a lasting and eternal impact in the community through salvations, love, and provision
  • Special anointing on the Living Waters team, visiting several villages; the Zehra Kid’s team, led by indigenous leaders; and unity and spiritual effectiveness for the Spiritual Care team

Wednesday, May 22

  • Ongoing impact from the Lord as the Kingdom of Light overcomes darkness
  • Physical health, strength and stamina for the whole team
  • Spiritual renewal as well, through intimacy with the Lord, the daily prayer times and Wednesday worship service

Thursday, May 23

  • Miracles, signs and wonders to accompany the Word and testify to Yeshua (Jesus), the Living Word
  • The ability to see and care for all who come today, the last day
  • Fellowship and protection in closing the Clinic, and that the Lord would continue to minister to those who came for care

After the Outreach

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of [Messiah] Jesus.

 Philippians 1:6

Friday, May 24 onward

  • Safety for everyone as they travel home, and that each one who served and ministered would hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
  • The Lord to continue to work mightily in this region and among the Lemba Jewish people of Zimbabwe, bringing healing, salvations and deliverance!
  • Effective follow-up by the local congregation with those who want to learn more

Let’s Pray

Lord, we are overwhelmed with gratitude at the chance to GO and watch You at work in the lives of the Lemba Jewish people and their neighbors. We ask for Your extreme shalom and protection over every aspect of this Outreach and that it would reap the eternal fruit that only You can bring. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Can I Support AND Disagree with Israel?

May 06, 2024

There’s no question that world opinion about Israel is strongly divided these days. It was easy to stand with Israel immediately after Hamas attacked and committed thousands of heinous acts of violence against Israelis. And recently, after Iran fired over 300 missiles targeting Israel, public and international support for Israel has seen a bit of a resurgence. During the months between those two attacks, however, as Israel pushed on, fighting a war to eliminate the terrorist organization Hamas, supporting Israel became more controversial.

Israel has come under scrutiny for its military actions in Gaza, with many in the world claiming its responses are disproportionate to the October 7 attack by Hamas. The devastation in the Gaza Strip as the war drags on has turned some minds against Israel, believing it not possible to have compassion for suffering Gazans while at the same time respecting Israel’s right to defend herself. Many people gravitated to a black-and-white, either-or stance toward Israel. Feeling compelled to choose sides and be all in with the choice, it appeared that you could either support Israel or stand in solidarity with Gazans, but not both.

That’s a false choice. It’s an unnecessary, unrealistic choice many people may want to force. The truth is that it is possible to have a firmly rooted position in support of Israel while at the same time questioning or even challenging some aspects of how Israel’s leaders are leading or its military fighting.

However, consider your thoughts toward your own country – whether that’s the United States, Canada, Britain or elsewhere. Most likely, you don’t agree with everything your government does, and because leaders disagree among themselves, you can’t possibly agree with all of them. But you stand with your nation, wanting the best for it. You believe in your country’s right to exist. You want to see it safe from foreign and domestic threats and any attempts to undermine or destroy it. And you almost certainly support your nation’s right to respond if and when external terrorist attacks occur. In the same way, you can be a solid supporter of Israel without agreeing with every political leader, every decision the government makes, and every action the military takes.

Acknowledging the Complexities

At the time of this article, Israel is observing its Holocaust Remembrance Day, called Yom HaShoah in Hebrew. Throughout history, the Jewish people have repeatedly endured attempts to destroy them as a people. None was so systematic as the Holocaust when six million Jewish people were rounded up and executed by a regime that believed they should not exist. Today, Israel faces the same calls for extinction by various terrorist groups. In fact, the Hamas attacks on October 7 were the largest loss of Jewish lives in a single day since the Holocaust itself.

Is Israel trying to destroy Gaza or the Palestinian people? No. Israel is trying to destroy Hamas, a terrorist organization that has taken political control of Gaza and whose primary aim is to eliminate Israel. Hamas’ stated purpose is to destroy Israel and the Jewish people in the region. Therefore, as long as Hamas exists, no Israeli is safe, and the State of Israel will never be free of the threat to its very existence.

Is it tragic what the Gazan population is enduring, many of them innocent with no ties to Hamas or its beliefs against Israel? Absolutely. And it’s our duty as Believers in Yeshua (Jesus) to pray for them even as we pray for the protection of the IDF and the Jewish State. With Hamas hiding among civilians, willing to sacrifice innocent Gazans to protect its objective of destroying Israel and hurting Israelis, Israel’s military faces an incredibly complicated task to defend itself against future threats from Hamas.

Both-And vs. Either-Or

You can stand with Israel and have compassion for what innocent Gazan citizens are suffering as a result of the heated conflict while Israel struggles to root out Hamas. Communicating this when confronted by those who challenge your support for Israel opens the door for conversations. In such a complicated situation, there’s room for both conviction and compassion.

Here’s the key: Be able to articulate why you stand with Israel and also your compassion for those suffering because of Israel’s attempts to ensure its safety by eliminating Hamas.

Reasons for standing with Israel may include some of the following, for example:

  • Israel has a right to exist as the modern State of Israel
  • Israel has a right to defend itself against aggressors who are intent on harming its people or destroying or eliminating its existence
  • Israel has a right to the Land given to her by the United Nations. You could go so far as to say Israel has the biblical right to the Land given to her by God, which is much more land than is within the current borders of the State of Israel
  • Israel is beloved by God as a people, a nation and a Land
  • For those who are open to a biblical perspective, the Land of Israel has been promised by God to the Jewish people as an everlasting inheritance (Genesis 17:8)

As Jewish Voice Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs Ezra Benjamin said in a recent episode of the A Jew and A Gentile Discuss podcast (Is Standing with Israel Safe?), when we adopt a “This is true… and this is also true…” stance, it can open the door for a dialogue with those who believe that all supporters of Israel are unsympathetic to Gazan suffering. You can say, “Yes, I stand with Israel, and yes, it’s tragic what’s happening to the people of Gaza.” Hopefully, the result is that others see the complexities of the situation and that an either-or position is unrealistic.

In just a few days, Israel will celebrate its 76th anniversary as the reborn State of Israel. This anniversary comes amid much worldwide scrutiny while the country continues to be attacked from Gaza in the south, Hezbollah in the north and Iran and its proxies from the east.  World opinion often leans on daily headlines without considering all the facts and issues. No one knows what the outcome will be or the toll along the way. One thing we do know is that God has promised that as long as the sun rises and sets, Israel will not cease to be a nation before Him (Jeremiah 31:35–36). God is faithful to His promises that Israel is His chosen nation, His Chosen People. He has delivered them and preserved a remnant time and again and will continue doing so.

Of all the matters facing the Jewish people – in Israel or elsewhere – the most consequential, the most eternally significant is that of their salvation. Join us in praying for God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from sin and death as He opens their eyes to faith in Yeshua (Jesus), the promised Messiah sent first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Through your gifts to Jewish Voice, you help share the Good News with Jewish people in Israel, Ukraine, Africa and around the world. You become a part of transforming lives and the fulfillment of the apostle Paul’s words in Romans chapter 11:26 that one day, all Israel will be saved.

Jonathan Bernis Health Update

April 29, 2024

August 26, 2024

Jonathan Bernis shares his miracle healing testimony and health update during an interview with Sid Roth. 

April 29, 2024

Jonathan Bernis shares about a health crisis that almost took his life, the miraculous ways God intervened to save him and the powerful spiritual lessons he learned while recovering. 

March 20, 2024

We are thrilled for you to watch this video from Rabbi Jonathan!

If you remember, last November, we told you about the life-threatening health crisis our beloved CEO, Jonathan Bernis, went through. Due to non-alcoholic liver disease, he underwent a liver transplant and the arduous journey of regaining health and strength.

After making remarkable progress, Jonathan is back, and he couldn’t wait to tell you himself how grateful he is for your prayers and support over these last several months. Watch this and praise God with us over all He has done in Jonathan’s life.

January 11, 2024

Shalom, and a very Happy New Year to you!

Thank you, as always, for your continued prayers for Jonathan and the Bernis family. At the outset of 2024, I am thrilled to report that Jonathan continues to make “profound progress” (his doctor’s words) through the physical rehabilitation process following a successful liver transplant surgery late last November. While any recovery process has its normal ups and downs, Jonathan continues to regain strength and stamina in his body and is moving toward a full recovery in the coming weeks. We praise God for His continued hand of protection, strength and healing upon Jonathan and for His watchful care over the Bernis family during this time.

We sat with Jonathan earlier this week, and he asked that we share an update directly from him to you:

I'm so grateful for all of you, for your faithful prayers and ongoing support. God really performed a miracle, because in November, I was added to the liver transplant list and just four days later, a liver was found for me. It was at a time when I desperately needed the transplant. 

I am gaining strength every day, and I believe the Lord has called me to many more years of fruitful ministry. I want to extend my love and appreciation for your prayers, which have encouraged me so much. I'm in the process of fully recovering, and I look forward to rejoining my team at Jewish Voice again in the near future. I'm praying that 2024 will be one of the most fruitful, productive, blessed and healthiest years of your life and the life of your family. 

And I want you to know that 2024 is heading toward being a great year of ministry here at Jewish Voice. We're dedicated to doing as much as we can to bring the Gospel to Jewish communities in the most remote parts of the world. Thank you for your continued support. 

With love and great blessings, Jonathan

We will continue to keep you updated in the coming weeks, and I’m excited that you will be hearing more, directly from Jonathan, very soon.

Please continue to pray for:

  1. Jonathan’s body to continue integrating his new liver and for the new liver to continue to function properly
  2. Protection from illness for Jonathan
  3. The Lord’s orchestration of next-steps for Jonathan as he gets stronger and healthier
  4. Increased strength each day as Jonathan progresses through recovery
  5. Shalom, rest and protection for Jonathan’s wife and children as they stand with him at each step of the journey

And lastly, thank you for your prayers and your partnership with Jewish Voice as we head into our biggest-ever year of ministry amid the war in Israel and among Jewish communities scattered across the globe.

Ezra Benjamin

Vice President of Global Ministry Affairs

November 30, 2023

“For I am Adonai Rofecha—the Lord who heals you.”

— Exodus 15:26b 

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory…”

— Ephesians 3:20 

 

Shalom dear friends,

Thank you once again for your fervent prayers for Jonathan, his family, and for Jewish Voice during these last few difficult weeks. Jonathan, the Bernis family, and all of us involved in supporting them, have felt the nearness, goodness, and shalom of the Lord even through this unexpected medical crisis. We know your prayers have been a key part of that. Thank you!

I began to write to you earlier this week to share the WONDERFUL NEWS that, following a medical determination that a liver transplant would be the best way to completely resolve Jonathan’s medical situation, and an extensive evaluative process, Jonathan was approved for the liver transplant list last Friday evening November 24th — the day after Thanksgiving! And I was just about to ask you to join with us in focused prayer that the Lord would continue to sustain and strengthen Jonathan as he awaited a liver, and that the perfect liver the Lord had prepared for Jonathan would quickly become available for him.

But before I could even get that great news and those prayer requests to you, less than ninety hours after being added to the transplant list, a matching liver became available for Jonathan two days ago. And yesterday, November 29th, exactly one month after Jonathan’s life-threatening medical emergency, Jonathan underwent surgery to receive the best early Chanukah gift of all — a healthy new liver! Hallelujah!

We are still amazed — not only for the favor and goodness of the Lord demonstrated so clearly throughout this entire situation, but also for the miraculous speed with which the Lord, through an extensive team of doctors and support staff in multiple states and multiple facilities, intervened to meet Jonathan’s need. Just think — the Lord delivered exactly what we have all been praying together for: a healthy new liver, perfect for Jonathan, at exactly the right time.

Jonathan’s surgery lasted over six hours and, while it was overwhelmingly successful, it was nonetheless a complex and physically traumatic ordeal on the body, and Jonathan will need to spend the next many weeks recovering. There is also significant pain, understandably, following a procedure of this magnitude. But Jonathan, through the pain, continues to express his gratitude and joy.

Shortly before surgery, Jonathan praised God for the provision of this healthy liver and expressed to the Lord his ongoing dedication — now with a new liver — to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and to walk in the fullness of God’s purposes for his life and calling. And from his hospital bed today, less than 24 hours after the transplant, Jonathan said that he can’t wait to “rejoice together over what God has done. It’s been completely miraculous!”

As we, and our "extended Jewish Voice family" around the world (including you!), rejoice in what the Lord has done this past week, Jonathan and all of us ask you to continue to please pray for:

A complete reception and integration of Jonathan’s new liver into his body with no complications or rejection.

  • The Lord’s protection and strengthening of Jonathan as his immune system is vulnerable following an organ transplant and as he will need to rebuild the strength lost during the medical emergency.
  • A thorough and successful recovery process for Jonathan as he moves step by step during the coming weeks and months into a new season of life and ministry completely free of liver disease!
  • Continued shalom, endurance, and rest for Jonathan and the Bernis family as they shift their focus not only to recovery but to the exciting things the Lord has ahead for them.

Next week, with a war still raging in Israel, will mark the beginning of Chanukah. It’s a time when we remember God’s enduring commitment to preserve and protect His people in every generation — often through unlikely and even miraculous means. This week and this year, we celebrate yet another miracle: that the Lord has preserved our friend Jonathan’s life in ways and with speed we would not have imagined. Brothers and sisters, miracles still happen! Join us in celebrating...

We will continue to provide periodic updates as Jonathan progresses through his recovery. And I know you are as excited as we are here at Jewish Voice to welcome Jonathan back soon.

Ezra Benjamin, on behalf of the Board and staff of Jewish Voice


November 17, 2023

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
— James 5:15a,16b
 

Shalom again dear friends,

On behalf of Rabbi Jonathan, the Bernis family and the Jewish Voice staff team, thank you so very much for joining us in urgent prayer over the past ten days since we shared with you about Jonathan Bernis’ medical emergency. Your outpouring of love, prayers, and support has been overwhelming. We praise God for providing such a committed “extended family” of Jewish Voice to stand with us in faith even in the most difficult seasons.

Firstly, I am overjoyed to share with you that the Lord has preserved Jonathan’s life! The life-threatening medical emergency has been resolved, and Jonathan is now hospitalized in stable condition. We know that your prayers have been a part of this turnaround for our beloved leader and dear friend. Thank you!

I know you remain committed, along with so many friends and ministers around the world, to continuing to pray for Jonathan and his family. So please allow me to share with you some more details regarding Jonathan’s medical need. 

Jonathan was recently diagnosed with what is known as “non-alcoholic liver disease” (meaning a serious liver problem affecting those who consume little to no alcohol). While the medical emergency I shared with you has been resolved, Jonathan still needs a healthy and fully functioning liver to fully recover and move forward. This will likely involve the need for a liver transplant. Whether the Lord chooses to intervene miraculously, medically, or both, we ask you to join us in fervent prayer that the Lord intervenes and brings Jonathan the healing he needs.

Please also pray for wisdom for the medical team working with Jonathan and his family as they now turn their attention to addressing the liver disease. Pray for strength and shalom in abundance for Jonathan’s family as they attend to him throughout this process. And, of course, pray with us for the Lord’s continual healing and sustaining hand upon Jonathan’s life. We are excited for many years of fruitful ministry ahead for Jonathan and his family on the other side of this difficult season, and I know you are as well.

In a brief conversation in the hospital a few days ago, Jonathan said to me, “We have to do outreach! We have to do ministry!” I assured him that we are continuing to do just that – and I know we can count on you to stand with us as we do. While Jonathan continues his healing journey, Jewish Voice continues to engage with partner ministries in Israel more than ever before. We’re embarking on the largest annual Outreach schedule in the history of Jewish Voice right after the New Year – all things Jonathan has been so excited about. Your ongoing partnership through this unexpected challenge helps us fulfill our missional mandate – and Jonathan’s fervent desire – to make an even bigger Kingdom impact among Jewish communities and their neighbors.

Finally, thank you for your continued understanding that we are simply unable to respond to the many individual communications or requests for more information regarding Jonathan’s situation. We will make every effort to keep you updated for prayer purposes in the coming days and weeks. Thank you for sojourning with Rabbi Jonathan and with us on his journey to healing.

Ezra Benjamin, on behalf of the Board and staff of Jewish Voice


November 6, 2023

Shalom dear friends,

As faithful partners of Jewish Voice who are so deeply committed to standing with and praying for this ministry, I felt it was essential that you hear directly from us as soon as possible on an unexpected development affecting our beloved President & CEO, Rabbi Jonathan Bernis…and I knew you would want to know so you could join us in urgent prayer.

This past week, our dear friend and partner in the Gospel, Jonathan, suffered a life-threatening medical emergency related to ongoing challenges with one of his vital organs. Jonathan remains hospitalized in critical condition, though he has continued to show continuous signs of improvement for which we are very thankful.

For decades, Jonathan has led the way to bring life-saving medical care, miraculous physical healing, and the hope of Yeshua to hurting Jewish communities and their neighbors all over the world. Right now, Jonathan is himself in need of that same life-saving care and that same miraculous healing touch from the Lord. Thank you for praying urgently and for joining your faith with ours for incredible healing and complete recovery in the days to come. Please pray also for wisdom for the doctors involved and shalom for Jonathan’s family in this difficult time.

And of course, thank you for your continued prayers and support for the ministry of Jewish Voice as we open another Medical Outreach this week in Zimbabwe (amongst a Jewish community Jonathan has been so dedicated to serving for over a decade) and as we lend much-needed support to our many partner ministries on the ground in Israel through the ongoing war. Your friendship and partnership are needed now more than ever.

Thank you for your understanding that we cannot provide individual updates or more specific information at this time. We will keep you updated with developments and additional specific prayer requests in the coming days.

“…and by His stripes, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5b

Ezra Benjamin, on behalf of the Board and staff of Jewish Voice

Prayer Points: It’s Passover this week – would you please pray?

April 25, 2024

Deliverance

God designed Passover as a time for His people to remember and reflect on His deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt. It was a miraculous event retold in an annual celebration, full of imagery and liturgy recounting the Lord’s power and faithfulness to hear and respond to His people’s cries.

This year, the message of deliverance and release from captivity is all the more poignant as we reflect on the enemies that surround Israel and the hostages that are still not released.

As we consider God’s power and lovingkindness towards His people during this Passover season, we can look to His Word for inspiration about ways to pray for deliverance for the Jewish people in our day.

Join us in prayer for the Jewish people in Israel and around the world. Please pray for their deliverance from:

  • Evil and the evil one — Matthew 6:13
  • Enemies, both human and supernatural, who plot against God’s people — Psalm 59:1
  • Weapons, as well as words of propaganda and false accusation — Isaiah 54:17
  • Trouble — Psalm 34:17
  • Fear — Psalm 34:4
  • Please pray also for: Deliverance of captives, release of all remaining hostages — Isaiah 61:1
  • May Israel continue to experience the Lord’s deliverance, in light of Iran’s attack, Israel’s response, and the protection and wisdom needed in what yet might come in the days and weeks ahead. — Exodus 2:23-24
  • May all of Israel and the Jewish people around the world know that their Deliverer has come and is coming again! — Romans 11:26

Let’s pray

Lord, You remind Your Chosen People every Passover of Your deliverance. We are praying Your Word and declaring Your truth on their behalf. As Psalm 18:2 says, You are Israel’s rock and fortress and deliverer. You are their refuge, shield, the horn of their salvation and their stronghold. May they call upon You and experience Your deliverance in every area, including being delivered through the salvation freely offered through Yeshua (Jesus), the Lamb of God, Saviour, Messiah. In His name, we pray, Amen.

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