Encouraging and connecting Israeli ministry leaders

Recently, several key staff members from Jewish Voice Ministries were in Israel to visit with leaders from the ministries that Jewish Voice supports in the Land. It was a wonderful gathering! Most of the Messianic Jewish Believers in Israel know each other, but these leaders don’t have many opportunities to come together over a meal. It was a valuable and timely occasion for them to experience unity as a body, gathered in one place for fellowship.

With this wonderful event fresh in mind, we invite you to pray with us for the following key prayer points. Some of the requests have come out of this fellowship, but others are ongoing prayer needs for all those who minister in the Land.

Please pray:

• We were struck by the many groups from diverse streams of Believers with varying ministry expressions in the Land.
  • Pray for unity and more opportunities for them to gather for fellowship and encouragement
• Several who were present mentioned that this gathering provided an opportunity to connect and collaborate regarding some of their common ministry areas.
  • Pray this leads to more actual collaboration and effective partnerships
• Leaders expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with brothers and sisters who don’t often cross paths and meet new fellow laborers.
  • Pray for old and new relationships to be grounded in Yeshua (Jesus) and grow, strengthening the Body in Israel
• The Land of Israel continues to be in a season of extreme political divisions and threats of attack from within and without. The most recent escalation, like others before it, was deeply felt by Believers in the Land.
  • Pray that all who serve in the name of the Lord can minister even under adverse conditions
  • For every kind of protection over Believers as they minister in the various communities and also over their own homes and ministry/congregational locations

Please also pray for the following:

• Favor for Messianic Jewish Believers, ministries and congregations amid widespread misunderstanding and opposition as to who they are and what they’re doing because of Yeshua
• The Lord to provide vision, leadership, volunteers, and resources to do what He is calling each ministry and congregation to do
• Spiritual stamina, encouragement and refreshment for all Believers, and especially Messianic Jewish ones, to stand strong amid the intensity of the spiritual battle in the Land

Let’s Pray

Lord, this gathering was a small expression of a big and powerful truth: “How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). May the sweetness of this recent time of connection continue to encourage these leaders and draw them to You and each other. You are the One who has called these dear ones to minister in Israel, and You are able to strengthen them and provide for their every need. May unity and effective collaboration grow among the Believers in the Land, and may You be glorified by their love for one another and the fruit of their ministry.

THIS WEEK'S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note From Jonathan Bernis:

Shalom, my friend!

As I write to you today, I’m reminded that God promises to be close at hand with strength and peace, no matter what His people are facing. 

“The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.”

— Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

I find tremendous comfort and hope in these words that have been ultimately realized in the coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

There’s no greater comfort, peace or hope that God could give, knowing He’s close and active in our lives. I pray you’ll embrace this for yourself as you work through challenges in your life or concerns that are heavy on your heart. 

I also pray that you’ll continue to stand with us in prayer...and ask God to strengthen His people, give them peace and change the hearts of their enemies.

Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice

Headline News

Israeli Drone Strike Kills 3 Gunmen in the Northern West Bank 

The Times of Israel reports that an Israeli drone struck a car carrying three gunmen who had just opened fire at a checkpoint in the northern West Bank last week.

The IDF and Shin Bet said in a joint statement that the gunmen had opened fire at Jalameh Checkpoint, north of Jenin. Following the shooting attack on the checkpoint, a drone carried out a strike on their vehicle.

The bodies of the gunmen were seized by Israeli security forces, and three assault rifles were also found in their car.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told reporters that the incident was a targeted killing but said it was about “removing a threat.” “We identified a vehicle shooting at the checkpoint and removed the threat,” he said.

Over the past year, gunmen have repeatedly targeted Israeli troops carrying out arrest raids, military posts, Israeli settlements and civilians on roads, especially in the northern West Bank.

The Shin Bet has recorded 147 “significant” terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank this year, including 120 shootings.

The Shin Bet said security forces had foiled 375 significant attacks so far this year, including some 300 planned shootings.

Updates from the Middle East

IDF Finds Hezbollah Post on Israeli Territory

The IDF recently identified a Hezbollah position made up of two tents set up on the Israeli side of the international border with Lebanon at Mount Dov. The military sees this as a provocation that constitutes a border violation, and Israel is working to evacuate this position through diplomatic channels with access to the Lebanese army while it remains under surveillance by IDF forces.

Israel Develops Cutting-Edge AI Technology to Combat Cyber Terrorism

Shin Bet, Israel's counterpart to the U.S.'s FBI or Britain's MI5, has developed its own generative AI platform akin to ChatGPT. According to Shin Bet Director, Ronen Bar, of the 800 "major attacks" of cyber terror detected since the beginning of 2022, 600 were ISIS-related and that "some [members of ISIS] were even arrested before attacking."

Retired Major General Isaac Ben-Israel, director of Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University, explained further. "As the use of AI increases, our society becomes more and more dependent on computers, leading to a greater need for strong cyberdefense measures." The new platform will allow Shin Bet to streamline the data analysis program by flagging surveillance anomalies and weeding through countless amounts of intelligence in order to identify potential threats.

Pray with us this week for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His Chosen People in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah

Praying for our core purpose and ministry focus

Every morning our staff meets to pray together. We really value starting our workdays anchored in a shared awareness of the Lord’s presence and power. We want to invite you into some of the things we’re currently praying for. These Prayer Points are nothing new to the ministry, but we know we must keep them before us and continue seeking the Lord to help us do all He has called us to. We have been praying over our ministry’s Mission and Vision statements, which define our core purpose and ministry focus.

Our Ministry Mission

• To transform lives and see all Israel saved

Our Ministry Vision

• We proclaim the Gospel to the Jew first
• Grow the Messianic Jewish community
• Engage the Church concerning Israel and the Jewish people

We believe the Scriptures and the signs of the times are calling us to be fully focused and whole-hearted regarding these assignments. Below are some Prayer Points based on them and some other key requests. We want to make the most of every opportunity and rely on your prayers and God’s answers to enable us to do so. Thank you so much.

Please ask the Lord with us to:

• Use us for His glory to transform lives and see all Israel saved
• Help us be effective in proclaiming the Gospel to the Jewish people first
• Enable us to help grow the Messianic Jewish community, including building relationships, encouragement, and equipping them to minister
• Develop key and strategic relationships within the Body to enable us to engage the Church in greater understanding and active, positive involvement with Israel and the Jewish people
• Help us to hear clearly from the Lord regarding strategies to move forward in each area of our vision and mission
• Continue driving us to pursue His heart and also have His timing as to when and where to reach out to new people groups and in difficult regions
• Cause our ministry and each of our partners to have a strong sense of calling in reaching the Jewish people and a clear sense of next-steps in doing so.

Let's Pray

Lord, we are humbled that You have called us to partner with You in reaching Your people and reaching out to the Church on their behalf. Help us stay strong, focused, courageous, and completely reliant on You. You are the One who is directing our steps and pouring out provision to reach and love the Jewish people in Your name. Thank You for all the ways You will hear and answer our prayers! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

THIS WEEK’S GLOBAL UPDATE

A Note from Jonathan Bernis

Shalom, my friend!

As I write to you now, my heart is turned towards the declaration of the Psalmist:

“From the LORD comes deliverance. May Your blessing be on Your people” (Psalm 3:8 NIV).

There’s so much difficulty and uncertainty in the world today. That’s why I’m clinging to this critical truth from the Scriptures as I continue to pray for God’s deliverance and peace in Israel and among the Jewish people.

And I pray it over you as well, in whatever you’re facing today, that you’ll experience the power and presence of the Lord as The Deliverer of His Chosen People.

There’s no greater promise we have from God – which was ultimately realized in the coming of His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah.

That’s why it’s to Him that we turn to now to ask for His protective presence to be upon all of us – and upon His Chosen People. Please join us in praying for peace and the safety of Israel and the Jewish people.

Thank you for standing with us through your partnership.

To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

President & CEO

Jewish Voice Ministries International

Headline News

IDF to Probe Terror Killing of Three Israeli Soldiers by Egyptian Policeman

The Jerusalem Post reports that IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced that the results of the investigation into the killing of three IDF soldiers at the Israeli-Egyptian border would be presented within the week.

Two IDF soldiers were shot and killed early last Saturday morning, the IDF confirmed, while a third soldier was killed by the same terrorist several hours later in an exchange of fire.

The officers were found lifeless at an IDF guard post sometime after 6 a.m. by members of their team who had been sent to check on their wellbeing after they failed to respond to their radios.

Following the discovery of their bodies, additional reinforcements arrived, and a search operation was carried out to locate the perpetrator, who was believed to have infiltrated Israel from across the border at some point during the night.

The terrorist was later confirmed by the IDF to be an Egyptian police officer. The IDF added that it and the Egyptian military were conducting a thorough investigation.

Shortly after midday on Saturday, the IDF confirmed an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and the terrorist, who was killed in the exchange.

The Egyptian army later said in a statement that he was chasing drug smugglers, adding that "during the chase, the security man was involved in an exchange of fire that caused the deaths of three Israeli soldiers."

Updates from the Middle East

Groundbreaking Israeli Cancer Treatment Has 90% Success Rate

An experimental treatment developed at Israel's Hadassah-University Medical Center has a 90% success rate of bringing patients with multiple myeloma into remission. The innovative treatment against the disease, which has long been considered incurable, was developed after a series of experiments carried out in the Hadassah-University Medical Center’s bone-marrow transplant and immunotherapy department in recent years.

Iran Unveils First Domestically Made Hypersonic Ballistic Missile, Claims It Can Evade U.S. Defenses

Iran recently unveiled what officials are describing as its first domestically made hypersonic ballistic missile, claiming it can “bypass the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems of the United States” and “Israel’s Iron Dome.” The missile was showcased at a recent ceremony attended by Iranian President Ebrahim Rahisi and commanders of the country’s Revolutionary Guards Corps. Iranian military officials claim the missile can strike within a range of 1,240 miles with a 3,300-pound warhead.

Pray with Us This Week

Please pray for:

• God to continue to protect innocent lives from the fighting in Ukraine and to bring a peaceful end to the invasion by Russia
• God to surround His Chosen People in Israel, who are constantly facing threats and violence from surrounding enemies
• God to give wisdom and insight to Israel’s leaders to make wise decisions and for there to be unity among the Jewish people in Israel
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• The Jewish people to recognize Yeshua as their Messiah

"On June 8, 2023, the Body of Messiah lost a spiritual giant with the passing of Marion Gordon “Pat” Robertson. Pat was one of the most influential leaders of our generation. He was also a great friend to Israel and the Jewish people, a legacy that continues through his son and current CEO of CBN, Gordon Robertson.

Pat was also a good friend to Jewish Voice and was instrumental in the start of our television ministry back in the early 1980s. Until then, Jewish Voice had been solely a radio ministry. Pat approached Jewish Voice founder Louis Kaplan and invited him to air, free of charge, on his newly formed CBN Network. Louis reluctantly agreed (since he was not really a television personality) and we’ve been on Christian television ever since.

Pat will be greatly missed, but we know he is now rejoicing with the Lord and reunited with his beloved wife Dede. Our love and prayers go out to their family."

– Rabbi Jonathan Bernis

After a wonderful Outreach earlier this year in Konso, we are heading back to Ethiopia for another medical and dental Clinic. Our hearts are drawn to serve this nation that is going through so much turbulence at this time. However, there IS good news for Ethiopia – in Yeshua (Jesus).

Your prayer covering is vital to this Outreach.

We have seen time and again what the Lord does in answer to your prayers. Thank you so much. Below are detailed Prayer Points so you can pray along with us daily throughout the actual Outreach dates. You can also commit to a specific time slot to pray from home during the Outreach. SIGN UP HERE on our Prayer Schedule, referring to the dates below.

Here are the ways you can pray with us on this Outreach, June 15 – 25.

Before the Outreach | Isaiah 40:3

Wednesday, June 7 – Wednesday, June 14

• All preparations such as VISAS, medical supplies, and site readiness to come together and be fully in place in good time
• The Lord to prepare the region for the Good News and cause any opposing forces to flee, making way for the King of Glory to come with salvation, healing and deliverance
• The Lord to prepare the hearts of the local people for the glorious Good News of salvation through Yeshua, the Messiah

Thursday, June 15

• Protection, health, safety and favor as our team and partners prepare and travel
• The dozen or so Outreach Partners joining us, with about half of them first-time participants
• The Lord to watch over and protect the families, loved ones and all that pertains to our partners in their absence

Friday, June 16

• Amazing unity, humility and love among all participants, glorifying the Lord and drawing people to Him
• Sweet fellowship and good rest during Shabbat that prepares everyone for working side by side all week
• The Lord to speak and minister to each one about His love and presence so that all may serve out of the overflow of His Spirit

Saturday, June 17

• Protection over the people, property and resources involved in bringing love and care to the local people
• May the Lord of the angel armies enlist His heavenly host to assist and watch over all aspects of the Outreach
• Each participant to be well-trained and prepared to love and minister

During the Outreach | Luke 4:18

Sunday, June 18

• All the last-minute Clinic set-up to fall into place smoothly
• The Lord to hand-select the local workers who will assist with the many Outreach aspects and for them to be saved
• Many people to come, receive care, hear and receive the Words of Life
• The Lord to express His love and power throughout the week with miracles, signs and wonders accompanying the Word

Monday, June 19

• The Lord’s protection from any opposing forces or factions, whether in the natural or spiritual realms
• Many safe and fruitful encounters and Gospel conversations in the community – orchestrated by the Lord – and for the local area to become fully open to the Gospel with many, many people receiving the Lord as a result
• Wisdom, favor, discernment and protection regarding any unique factors regarding this location, the conditions or timeframe

Tuesday, June 20

• Anointing, wisdom and energy for the leaders and members of the local congregation, providing spiritual care for those desiring prayer and counsel
• Good weather that enables the Outreach to be effective while also blessing the people
• Any people participating in this Outreach who desire to serve the Lord on a vocational basis to hear clearly from Him

Wednesday, June 21

• The Lord to move powerfully through the Gospel and the ministry of the Holy Spirit
• Effective medical and dental care and healing to take place, including supernatural healing as a testimony of God’s power and love
• Spiritual strength and stamina for our team, renewed by intimacy with the Lord and the daily prayer times

Thursday, June 22

• 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 and the patient lines are closed
• Safety and efficiency in closing the Clinic and packing up equipment and supplies

Friday, June 23 

• May every ministry opportunity and encounter this week leave a lasting and eternal impact in the community through salvations, love and provision
• A special time tonight, celebrating Shabbat together and experiencing the Lord’s blessing of “Well done, good and faithful servant”
• May each person and the group as a whole see and testify to the Lord’s goodness and the wonders of all they have experienced

After the Outreach

Saturday, June 24 – Sunday, June 25 and beyond | Philippians 1:4-6

• Safe travels home and a special outpouring of refreshment for our Global Outreach Director, who has been in the field many, many weeks already this year
• The Lord to continue working in this region of Ethiopia, bringing a great movement of His Holy Spirit among these dear people
• Timely and fruitful follow-up to all who want to hear more about Jesus and the Lord to continue establishing His Kingdom in Ethiopia and developing healthy congregations

Let’s Pray

Abba, You know the burdens that the people of Ethiopia are carrying in this troubling season. Thank You that You are mighty to save, heal and deliver. Come and pour out Your love and power upon the Jewish people of Ethiopia and their neighbors. May they come to know You, grow in You and in fellowship with one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Chitsungo, Zimbabwe, Medical Outreach

• 6,652 Patients Received Care
• 897 People Received Dental Care
• 875 Eyeglasses Distributed
• 200 Families Received LifeStraw® Water Filters
• 1 Community LifeStraw® Given
• 968  Children Attended the Zehra Kids Program
• 1,907 School Children Experienced Zehra Kids in Their School
• 2,678 People Heard the Gospel
• 155 People Received Yeshua
• 248 People Requested Congregational Follow-up

Miracles in Chitsungo, Zimbabwe

It’s interesting how you can work the same way on the same timeline as you’ve done for years, and then, out of nowhere, something doesn’t work the same way. Suddenly, all progress stops until you can get past one unexpected hurdle.

That’s what happened as we pursued the various approvals to carry out our recent Chitsungo, Zimbabwe, Medical Outreach. For unknown reasons, one critical familiar approval didn’t come through.

Day after day, we prayed while 20 Outreach Partners stood by, ready to travel and serve in Chitsungo. Still, no approval came. A Zimbabwean brother worked feverishly with the government offices, asking, pleading and daily bringing our request to the forefront in every way he could – still nothing.

The day before partners were to fly to Zimbabwe, Global Outreach Director Eric Pires had to make the tough decision to cancel their participation. The straggling permission hadn’t come through yet, and we didn’t think the Outreach would happen.

But, the next day, as our U.S. staff gathered for our regular chapel services and prayer, the permission came. We were elated, and we marveled, knowing that God is in control. We trust His way of doing things, even when it doesn’t look like what we expect or desire. Now, we just had to scramble to set things in motion again for an Outreach scheduled to begin in three days!

Setting up the Outreach Clinic and campsite usually takes a whole week. The Lord helped our local Logistics Manager, Cris, and his team complete everything with record speed, and we only had to delay the Outreach opening by a single day. And then, God poured out His love and care onto thousands of Zimbabweans.

Wonders in Chitsungo

Being in Chitsungo again caused us to take a long-term look at what the Lord has done there since our first Outreach in 2019. Before then, most of the Lemba there had converted to Islam. Afterward, many came back to their Jewish roots and accepted Yeshua as Messiah. Now, there are nine Messianic Jewish congregations in the area, all established in the four short years since our first visit to the Lemba in Chitsungo.

You have made this incredible fruit possible through your support. Thank you!

Scripture is filled with messages of God’s salvation. We can cry out to Him for rescue just like the Israelites, psalmists and prophets did.

Our final book in the Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures series was created to help you do just that — call out to the Lord for His mercy and salvation. This popular series is known for its beautiful photographs, inspirational verses and the ability to have you speaking the Hebrew language quickly and easily. In this 10th volume in the series, we’re looking at Adonai Yeshu’ati – The Lord My Salvation.

As we announce this final edition of the Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures series, we thought we’d give you a sneak peek at a few of the verses and photographs it includes. We’ve also added a few devotional thoughts here to inspire your own reflection on the rest of the verses in the book when you order your copy