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- Training Up Young Worshippers and Intercessors
Perhaps we sometimes underestimate the power and importance of prayer, to our peril. Dor Haba, a Jerusalem based ministry working with children and young people, believes in training up the next generation to be leaders in worship and prayer. Confident in seeking God and praying for the troubles in their nation. And not only that, Dor Haba believes in bringing both Jewish and Arab followers of Yeshua (Jesus) together to worship and pray in unity for God’s Kingdom to come in their nation, despite their different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints. In Messiah there is no Jew or Arab, only one family: children of a loving heavenly Abba. Even during these very difficult times, Dor Haba continues to run two hour prayer and worship watches twice a week in Jerusalem for children (3-5pm) and with youth from 7-9pm. During the year, they have also hosted Dor Haba Worship nights, bringing together Arab & Jewish teenagers from all over the nation. GENEROUSLY LOVING OTHERS WITH THE LOVE HE HAS SHOWERED ON US: LOVING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH MENTORING AND TRAINING IN FAITH
- Search and Rescue
Luke, Executive Director of Helping Hand Coalition was called up into the army reserves where he is serving on the Search and Rescue Unit. “Our mission is to seek out and rescue civilians at impact sites and collapsed buildings who are trapped and to save their lives. Locating them as quickly as possible after impact can be the difference between life and death.” shared Luke. In a similar way, the work of Helping Hand Coalition is seeking out the lost in society and rescuing them with the love of God. No-one could have imagined that Israel would still be locked in a deadly war, one year on since the massacre of 7 October 2023. For Helping Hand Coalition (HHC), that means more opportunities to provide daily and weekly help to Holocaust Survivors and others who are suffering. “Rain or shine, under the threat of enemy rockets, missiles or drones in the air or during times of quiet, our dedicated teams remain active on the ground, committed to delivering essential aid to those who need it the most,” shared Luke. “And thank you all for your continued prayers and financial support Now more than ever, your prayers are making a DIRECT and IMMEDIATE impact! I can personally testify to this as over these past weeks in the army I have seen countless miracles where civilians survived enemy attacks ONLY by the hand and the GRACE of God, and I truly believe this is due to the power of your prayers from around the world!” During the last few months HHC have been distributing brand new mattresses to Holocaust Survivors around the country. This act of love is bringing comfort to the elderly survivors in these difficult days and helping with a good night’s sleep. HHC have also been partnering with another NGO to support refugees who have arrived from the Ukraine-Russia war, and since October 7th, they’ve been helping evacuated families affected by the current war in Israel. GENEROUSLY LOVING OTHERS WITH THE LOVE HE HAS SHOWERED ON US: WITH YOUR HELP WE ARE BRINGING COMFORT TO HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS IN ISRAEL
- Carrying Each Others Burdens
Every winter, Dugit Distribution Centre do all they can to purchase and distribute the traditional food and holiday supplies to hundreds of needy families, who otherwise are not able to celebrate these special days with hope and dignity. “This year, we believe this holiday outreach will be especially important to those we serve,” shared Avi Mizrachi (Director of Dugit Ministries). “Not only have so many Israelis been touched by the grief and devastation of war, but crops were lost, food production is down, unemployment is up, costs are rising, and inflation has spiked. We have never seen so many people coming to our Distribution Centre for help.” “We will be giving food vouchers to 200 families so they can buy what they need to celebrate Hanukkah with dignity. “With every bag of food given to a family that cannot afford groceries, every comforting snack given to a grieving child, every cup of coffee served to a broken person, we share the love and Good News of Yeshua with the people of Israel. “Thanks to your support, we provided food to hundreds of families, enabling them to celebrate the holidays with joy. Thank you for partnering with us to bring hope during these challenging times. We are so GRATEFUL for you!” ____________ DAVID : After struggling with drug addiction and multiple suicide attempts, David found hope through a chance encounter that led him to a Messianic Congregation meeting through DUGIT Outreach Ministries. His life was transformed by an encounter with God, and he experienced a miraculous recovery. Today, David, now a pastor, serves as the Manager of the DUGIT Distribution Centre, helping those in need, including Holocaust survivors and new immigrants, while sharing the love of Yeshua daily. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of the Messiah.” Galatians 6:2 GENEROUSLY LOVING OTHERS WITH THE LOVE HE HAS SHOWERED ON US: THE POOR & STRUGGLING ARE BEING CARRIED IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES
- "Comfort my people..." with Mattresses!
We support a wonderful, family-run ministry to Holocaust Survivors who live in Israel called Helping Hand Coalition. We specifically sponsor "Shalom Houses", regular meetings held in over 70 different cities in Israel where Survivors of the Holocaust can gather, laugh, sing and eat. Their purpose it to dispel loneliness and isolation and provide a place for Survivors to receive love and care. Alongside the amazing ministry that the Survivors receive through the Shalom Houses, HHC also supports Holocaust Survivors in several other ways including: Medical support: Providing special clinics and medical items for holocaust survivors. Support for evacuees: Providing financial, logistical and social help to the thousands of Israeli citizens who were forced to leave their homes in the south and the north of the country due to ongoing attacks into Israel - which is especially distressing for the elderly Holocaust Survivors. Goods distribution -providing food vouchers, groceries, and clothing items. HHC recently shared with us about a shipment of brand new, good quality mattresses from partners in Germany that they have been able to distribute: "In the midst of an ongoing war, hundreds of brand new mattresses were delivered for Victims of the Holocaust, thus creating an amazing buzz and rush of excitement within our network of local associations, among both members and their families (who would assist in picking up the mattress for their parent or relative), but also organization leaders who were so excited to take part in the operation. Many of the dear elderly people have been sleeping on old hard lumpy mattresses for years! They literally received comfort from the nations as it says in Isaiah 40:1: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." The shipment contained several hundred brand-new German best-selling mattresses directly from the European factory. These mattresses, still wrapped and in perfect brand-new condition, were a special gift for Holocaust Survivors. Some of many smiles of excitement from holocaust survivors who received a brand new quality mattress! Pray for the Holocaust Survivors living in Israel at this time, that they will know the love of God through the love of those who serve them. Pray for them especially during this time of war when the constant incoming rockets and air-raid sirens are so traumatic. Many are afraid for their lives and unable to run to bomb shelters to take cover. May the peace of God surround them and protect them. Pray also for the workers and volunteers helping HHC, that they will shine the light of the Lord wherever they go and bring His love and peace into the homes of Holocaust Survivors.
- Appointed Times: An Invitation to Meet With God
The Autumn Feasts (Leviticus 23) The Autumn Feasts of the Lord are: Trumpets (Yom HaTruah aka Rosh HaShannah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and Tabernacles (Sukkot). They are like prophetic signs that point us to the work of the Messiah. These Feasts are still celebrated by Jewish people today preserving a tradition and continuity that goes back to the time of Moses. With time, certain things have been dropped and other traditions added but the essence of the Feasts have remained. Many of the Feasts are mentioned in the New Testament too, we just might not recognise them. For example, the “last and greatest day of the festival” mentioned in John 7:37, is the Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus used one of the activities during the Feast to teach about himself as the giver of living water. Sunset 2nd - 3rd October 2024 YOM HATRUAH DAY OF TRUMPET SOUNDING Bible Reference Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6 Themes The Sounding of the Shofar (rams horn) God’s Kingship Judgement Day The Creation of the World How to Celebrate Ideas Reconcile: “First go & be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matt 5:24) Feast: celebrate with a festive meal - dip sliced apples in honey for a sweet new year Blow the Trumpets: Sound the alarm to get ready! Prophetic Significance Blowing of trumpets and getting ourselves ready reminds us of the return of the Lord (Matt 24:29-31; 1 Cor 15:52) Unlike the other Appointed Times, this holiday has no name - it’s simply referred to as the day of sounding the shofar (ram’s horn) or Feast of Trumpets - literally the day of making a loud noise. It’s celebrated at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishri. Tishri is the seventh month in the Biblical calendar and is seen as a parallel to the seventh day - the Sabbath - a special and holy time to seek God. The previous month of Elul is a time of preparation just as in Jewish tradition, Friday is a day of preparation for Sabbath. This season is a time for reflection, contemplation and getting things in order and putting right our relationship with God. Just as a bugle call summons the army to pay attention, Yom HaTruah calls us to pay attention and get ourselves ready. In the Hebrew calendar, Yom HaTruah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur are the holiest days even today in the Jewish year. In modern times you might see this day referred to as: Rosh HaShannah or the Jewish New Year. Although Tishrei is the seventh month of the religious calendar, it is the first month of the civil calendar - it’s when the new calendar for dating the year starts. On October 2nd this year we will enter the Hebrew year: 5785. ___________________________ Sunset 11th - 12th October 2024 YOM KIPPUR DAY OF ATONEMENT Bible Reference Leviticus 23:26-32 Leviticus 16:1-34; Themes Fasting High Priest enters the Holy of Holies Praying for the sins of the nation The cost of entering into God’s presence How to celebrate ideas Read : The Book of Hebrews Fasting and Prayer: Thankful for what Jesus has done for us. This day is also a good reminder to pray for your nation. Pray also for Jewish people to receive a revelation of Yeshua as they seek God especially on this day. Prophetic Significance A picture of Jesus, our great High Priest Yom Kippur meaning The Day Of Atonement is the day when the people of Israel were to be judged and atonement made for the sins of the nation. In the Old Testament it was a reminder that the regular sacrifices made on the altar of burnt offering were not sufficient to atone for sin. No one was holy enough to enter God’s presence. On this one day of the year, the High Priest was allowed to enter into the holiest part of the Temple/Tabernacle on behalf of the people bringing atoning blood into God’s earthly throne room. The whole design of the tabernacle and the rituals performed were illustrations to teach the people that sin hindered access to God’s presence. The Book of Hebrews in the New Testament makes many comparisons between the rituals of this day and the atoning work of Yeshua (Jesus) as our High Priest who shed his own blood as an atoning sacrifice, once and for all. Without the Temple, Jewish people today mark this most holy day with penitence, prayer and fasting. The 10 days of preparation from The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShannah) have led up to this day when it is believed that God writes the names of the righteous in His Book of Life. Many Jewish people who would not normally call themselves religious will refrain from working, fast and attend Synagogue services on Yom Kippur. In modern Israel, the whole country shuts down, no cars on the roads, no tv, no flights - it is day like no other. ________________________ Sunset 16th - 23rd October 2024 SUKKOT FEAST OF TABERNACLES Bible Reference Leviticus 23:33-44, Deut 16:13-17, 2 2 Chron 7:8-10, John 7:2-53 Themes Building temporary shelters Harvest Festival / God’s provision Time of Rejoicing Pilgrimage How to Celebrate Ideas Build: A temporary shelter outside - decorate it with flowers, leafy branches, and scriptures. Sit out in it and enjoy your tabernacle. Traditionally, all meals are eaten there during the week. Feast: Gather around a festive meal and celebrate God’s abundant provision by eating lots of fruit and vegetables. Pomegranates are traditionally eaten on this feast. Prophetic Significance Points to end times Kingdom harvest and to a future time when God’s people will Tabernacle with God. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3) “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.” (Zech 14:16) Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a week long autumn harvest festival. Occurring just 5 days after Yom Kippur, it is a drastic change from solemnity to the most joyous feast. The Hebrews were commanded to live in temporary dwellings during this Moedim to remind them of their time in the wilderness. The Feast is both a historical and agricultural event. Historically it looks back to the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, remembering their dependence on God and his provision until he brought them into the Promised Land. It is also a time of thanksgiving for a successful harvest. In Biblical times, this was one of the pilgrimage feasts when the people gathered in Jerusalem. Tabernacles (a temporary dwelling/ shelter) were made from the boughs of trees and palm branches. Water was also an important part of this festival. In Biblical times, golden pitchers of water (precious after the long, rainless summer) were brought from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple. The Priests would pour the water over the altar to signify Israel’s gratitude for the rain that had produced the harvest and in faith that God would send rain again for the following year. The last day was called Hosha’na Rabba (The Day of Great Hosanna). As the celebration continued, the priests blew trumpets and waved branches and people sang the Great Hallel (Psalms 113 to 118). In Jewish tradition today, four species (a lulav) are gathered to wave before the Lord: branches of palm, myrtle, willow and a citron fruit (Lev 23:40). When Ezra reinstated the Feast he used olive branches too. (Neh 8:15). Zechariah 14:17 says that in the future, people from all nations will come up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with the Jewish people in Jerusalem. The Gospel of John records Jesus attending Sukkot. On several occasions he taught in the Temple courts during this Feast. On the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles (the day the Priests poured out the water), Jesus stood, and with a loud voice proclaimed Himself as the very fountain of living water (John 7:37-38). He was officially announcing his divinity to the Jewish people gathered. It was audacious and bold and his enemies were amazed. This Moedim reminds us we are pilgrims on the way to our eternal home. Our material possessions are temporary - God is our shelter and provider. Our destiny is to dwell with Him forever. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. John 7:37-39 _________________________ Sunset 22nd- 23rd October 2024 SIMCHAT TORAH REJOICING IN THE TORAH Bible Reference Leviticus 23:34-36,39; 2 Chron 7:9 Themes Celebrating God’s word given through the Torah How to Celebrate Ideas READ: Start a new Bible Reading plan. Prophetic Significance Yeshua the word came down into our world. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John: 1) The eighth day after the final day of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a Sabbath dedicated to the Lord (Lev 23:36). This is also when the last reading of the weekly Torah portion is read in the synagogues. The scrolls are rewound all the way back to Genesis 1 and the first portion of the Bible is also read and the annual reading cycle begins again. In Israel, this day is celebrated with dancing with the Torah scrolls in the Synagogues, often also spilling out into the streets with much joy and jubilation. Here is half of the annual Torah portion reading cycle that begins on Simchat Torah at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. This first half takes you to Passover. We will include the second half in our next magazine. These are read every week in Synagogues around the world, so it is a great opportunity to pray for the Jewish community as they hear the word of the Lord. The New Testament suggested reading has been added by Messianic Congregations who want to add New Testament revelation to their reading cycle. DONATE TO THE WORK OF YOUR PEOPLE MY PEOPLE
- Is it OK to Celebrate the Feasts of the Lord?
In its original context, each Feast had regulations and commands, do’s and don’ts that formed part of the Old Testament law. Some of these decrees involved what to eat or specified animal sacrifices which would be impossible to do now. Without the Temple in Jerusalem, modern Judaism has had to find theological alternatives to fulfil the heart of the law rather than the letter. For us as Christians, since the perfect and final work of Christ on the cross has set us free from the obligations of the law, we are no longer required to fulfil all these details for our holiness. By God’s incredible grace we can now put on the righteousness of Messiah Jesus to enable us to stand before a holy God. Some Christians believe that celebrating these Hebrew Feasts in any form is veering too close to forgetting grace and going back to the law. We would emphasise, that any spiritual practice, however good it is in itself, has the potential for legalism (even going to church, or only using a particular translation of the Bible). Celebrating these Old Testament Feasts should not be seen as a requirement for salvation, for gaining favour with God, or to make us superior Christians. The work of the Gospel is sufficient and complete and does not need adding to. As the Apostle Paul said in the letter to the Galatians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” However, as FIRM (Fellowship of Israeli Related Ministries) puts it: “For Christians observing Jewish holidays can be a meaningful practice. But more importantly, from a Biblical perspective, by unravelling the meaning of these festivals, we are learning about God’s character. “Biblical feasts deepen our faith, enhance our understanding of Scripture, and foster unity within the diverse Body of Messiah. “As we explore both the ancient observances and their prophetic meaning, we experience the continuity of God’s story. Moreover, we celebrate the shared heritage of faith that binds the Christian and Jewish communities together. “By embracing these holidays, we embark on a journey of discovery, reverence, and celebration. So, let us honour the past while we look forward to the ultimate fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.” ( firmisrael.org/learn/should-christians-observe-the-jewish-holidays/ ) As always, God looks at our heart. He invites us in freedom to enjoy an ancient rhythm of annual celebrations that have been celebrated throughout Biblical times and remind us of His desire to interact with His people and bring them all to live eternally with Him. Each Feast is a wonderful opportunity to meet with Him in a new way and learn something as we meditate on the scriptures. Having lived in Israel among Messianic Jewish Believers for over a decade, we can also testify to the joy and vibrancy of celebrating the moedim . These are not dull religious practices, but a family time, a time for feasting, and they are marked with much enthusiasm and energy that is contagious. It is good to be reminded that the Lord loves to meet with his children and the joy of the Lord is our strength! In Deuteronomy, the people of God were encouraged to teach the story of God to their children and their children’s children - the Feasts are a family affair, often involving a Festive meal around a table where Biblical truths would be taught and family traditions passed down the generations. That is still a great idea today! The answer is to do all things in the power of the Holy Spirit - where the Spirit is, there is freedom!
- You Are Invited!
Have you ever received an invitation for an appointment with royalty? I’m guessing that for the majority of people reading this, the answer is ‘no’. Well, neither have we! So what would you say if we told you that His Majesty, King Charles III, has an invitation for you to meet with him? At a specific time and place, for a specific purpose to join him for a celebration event? Would we fall over in shock? Start figuring out what to wear? Certainly we would post such an invitation of honour on Facebook, Instagram, and every other social media platform we could think of? Just think of the ‘wow factor’ that a Royal Appointment would create among us and our friends! Never going to happen you say! And for most of us, you’re probably right. But how about an appointment with the King of the Universe instead? Would that be as momentous or mind blowing? Do we think that might have a sufficient ‘wow factor’ for us to feel the same kind of honour and privilege? For the ancient nation of Israel, the King of the Universe did just that. The One who created the planets, the earth, the animals and vegetation, the Author of Creation and all life, the God who ‘made man in His image’, made appointments with His people! You can read about them in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). In Hebrew, the word is ‘ moedim ’ in the plural (pronounce moh-eh-deem) and translated simply means appointed time, place or meeting. Leviticus 23:2 reads: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my moedim (appointed festivals), the moedim of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” Note that when God was speaking to the Israelites of old, He made a point of saying they are His appointed festivals - they were appointments made by Him and they are His idea. So often they are relegated to just being ‘Jewish Feasts’, but even though they were set up with the fledgling nation of Hebrews, these appointed times belong to the King of the Universe! What an opportunity, as ones grafted in to the promises of God’s chosen people (Romans 11), to take advantage of meeting with our good Father at a time He chooses. The 2024 autumn moedim , the appointed festivals of the Lord all happen in October: Yom HaTruah: the Feast of Trumpet sounding , Starts at Sunset 2nd - 3rd October - often referred to as Rosh HaShannah (New Year) and is the start of the Hebrew calendar year. Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement Sunset 11th - 12th October - when we are reminded that Yeshua (Jesus) is both the sacrifice and our High Priest who opens the way for us into the Father’s presence. Sukkot: the Feast of Tabernacles Sunset 16th - 23rd October - reminding us of God’s desire to ‘tabernacle’ with mankind, to dwell with us, to be with us. Simchat Torah: Rejoicing in the Word/the Eighth day of the Great Feast (of Sukkot) Sunset 23rd - 24th October - a reminder and celebration of God’s written word to us. The annual cycle of Torah Bible readings read each week in Synagogues begins again after Simchat Torah. And what is the purpose of our keeping an appointment with the King of Kings at such a time? Well chances are, if we are invited into His presence, He has something to say, something to impart, something to bless us with, something He wants to share and celebrate with us - or perhaps simply just to have time with us.
- Arab Women of Prayer
Every year, Rania Sayegh, an Arab Christian and the Director of Hope: House of Prayer and Exploits in Nazareth, invites around 140 Arab Christian women leaders to a strategic gathering called “Arab Deborahs Ar ising.” Rania is a prophetic intercessor and these gatherings are a powerful call for Arab Women leaders to take their place and make a stand for the Kingdom: to rise up like the prophet Deborah as spiritual warriors who can change their nation and see God’s Kingdom come in their families, congregations, communities and throughout the Middle East. Rania is also passionate about building bridges between Arab and Jewish Believers and working together as ‘One New Man’ (Ephesians 2:14-16). Arab women living in Israel carry a unique perspective that compliments their Jewish brothers and sisters and contributes to the Body of Christ in Israel. Several Messianic Jewish women leaders will also be involved in the conference. The date has been set for 13th to 14th September and preparations have already began. “We would like to ask you to stand with us in pray for this strategic gathering, and all that the Lord is going to birth through it.” shared Rania. Click the button below to support the Arab Deborahs Arising Gathering and note your gift is for HOPE - Nazareth.
- The Bride in Israel is Getting Herself Ready!
After nine long months of war with Hamas in Gaza and with the northern border also becoming more and more volatile, the Body of Messiah in Israel is cranking up the prayer and taking their place as spiritual warriors. We are not talking about a battle against flesh and blood - God loves and grieves for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people and longs for all to know Him - but about the spiritual principalities and powers that are manipulating people and events for the increase in evil across the globe. Of course, both Messainic Jewish and Arab Believers have been praying deeply about this situation but there seems to be a new intensity to pray and fast as a Bride making herself ready. Messianic Jewish leaders and Pastors launched a national intercessory prayer and fasting chain beginning on the first day of the Jewish month of Tammuz (7th July 2024) - a month which traditionally includes prayer and fasting in remembrance of the breaching of Jerusalem’s walls by both the Babylonian Emporer Nebuchadnezzar the Great (586 BC) and later by the Romans in AD70. For the whole month, leaders are prioritizing face to face gatherings as well as zoom prayer meetings. Face to Face prayer and worship gatherings will be held at Kehilat Ha Carmel (Haifa), King of Kings (Jerusalem), Kehilat HaMaayan (Kfar Saba), Kehilat Tehilat (Rishon Le Zion), Christa House (Jerusalem) and Morning Star (Tiberius). Also this month, HOPE - House of Prayer in Nazareth, has started a 40 day Daniel fast. The House of Prayer has been meeting almost daily since the war began and they are now sensing an intensity in the heavenly battle. “Let us unite at this critical time in prayer and fasting to seek the face of the Lord for our country and the nations of the Middle East” shared Rania Sayegh, the Director of the ministry. “The drums of war are continuing to beat across Israel and the Middle East. This is a call to 40 days of prayer and fasting to “Fortify the gates,” and awaken the church for God’s intervention in the face of escalating tensions and war in the Middle East. A shift is happening. The war season is changing, and God is calling us to “anoint our shields” into the shift. The enemy is seeking to destroy nations, but God is calling watchmen to the wall to contend for His covenantal promises and destiny... We hope and pray that you will hear the sound of the trumpet and lock shields with us!” Earlier in the year, during Purim, a gathering of Jewish and Arab leaders, followers of Jesus stood together to seek the Lord and repent on behalf of their people groups and nation. As a prophetic act they decreed a breaking of any covenants of death, replacing it with a covenant of life - together as one family, in the Land of Israel. We unite with the Bride in Israel, the followers of Jesus, and stand with them in prayer for God’s plans and purposes to be fulfilled in Israel and in Gaza and across the whole Middle East. For Arab and Jew and for every people group that has made their home there. Not the wisdom of man or even the desires of the human heart, but the inheritance of God and His strategy for this region. For His Kingdom to come on earth as in heaven and for the salvation of all people!
- Rabbi Daniel Zion and a Legacy of Hope
The Chief Rabbi, The Metropolitan Bishop of the Orthodox Church and the King of Bulgaria become surprising allies in the race to rescue Bulgaria’s Jewish population from deportation orders that will lead to certain destruction in Hitler’s death camps. Add to the mix, a mysterious vision that compels a respected Rabbi to declare that Yeshua (Jesus) is the promised Messiah which many years later leads him to save the life of a young mother and a legacy of multiple generations of Jewish followers of Yeshua. This is a new book by Avi Mizrachi that weaves the story of his own family’s journey from Bulgaria, to Israel and ultimately to faith in Yeshua with the incredible and relatively unknown history of Rabbi Daniel Zion and his legacy. The book has been meticulously researched and is a highly recommended read. During the 8 years of researching the details of this book, which included interviewing relatives of Rabbi Daniel and even an audience with the current King of Bulgaria, Avi’s daughter Devorah worked on a Hebrew version that documented the life of Rabbi Daniel Zion, his heroism and his faith in Yeshua the Messiah. This book is now available in Israel for future generations to study and discover. She remembers her grandparents talking about Rabbi Daniel with great affection and she wanted Israeli society to know about what he did before the story became lost forever. The official book launch recently took place in Jerusalem with university professors, journalists, and representatives from the Holocaust museum at Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, as well as Holocaust survivors, and members from Rabbi Zion’s family all attending the event. You can find more info about the book at legacyofhopebook.com and you can order a printed or Kindle copy through Amazon: ORDER 'LEGACY OF HOPE' Let’s pray that the Lord uses this book to bring many to a revelation of the Messiah of Israel! ____________________________ A Life-Changing Vision “Around the year 1934, a most amazing event took place. While in prayer, Rabbi Daniel had a vision of a glowing man. When the vision faded, he first went for advice to his fellow rabbis and Jewish friends, but they were unable to explain it. After some thought, he decided to go to Metropolitan Stefan. Rabbi Daniel told him about the vision; Stefan smiled and told him that if it happened again to say to the man, “Here I am.” The rabbi agreed and returned to his regular prayers. It was not long until he had a second vision. This time, when the glowing man appeared, Daniel said, “Here I am. Who are you?” “Ani Yeshua,” the glowing man replied, which means “I am Jesus.” As soon as the vision cleared, the rabbi retrieved his dusty, torn New Testament [which Metropolitan Stefan had gifted him in another part of the story] from his study shelf and began to read. As he turned the pages, his heart swelled with joy and with the knowledge that Yeshua was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. With his New Covenant in hand, Rabbi Daniel once again went to visit his friend Metropolitan Stefan, this time to tell him what had happened and to ask what he should do with this newfound dilemma. “Don’t convert,” Stefan advised him. “You can remain a Jew and still believe in [Yeshua] Jesus.” After much discussion, the two men agreed that Daniel should indeed remain a rabbi and head of the Bet Din [supreme rabbinical court) of Bulgaria. He could believe Yeshua was the Messiah of his people Israel, but at the same time continue to observe the Law and the Commandments, preserving his Jewish identity in full.” ____________________________ "Near the end of summer 2015, my father, Avi Mizrachi, announced with great excitement, “We are going on a family trip to Bulgaria to explore and discover more about our our vague heritage. He caught me off guard with his news, as I was right in the middle of finishing my final project for my master’s degree. After he left, my mind wandered from the books of study at hand to all the incredible memories I had of my grandparents and of the stories they shared with my sisters and me. Their sporadic narratives often left us girls wondering if there was more to our heritage than they remembered or intended to share with us. Despite my looming deadline for my M.A., I felt a growing excitement and irresistible urge to take this family heritage trip... within a couple of weeks I found myself in Sofia, Bulgaria. Once there, I was in awe at seeing the very places my grandfather had described in his stories... With many pieces of the puzzle still missing, I decided I would try to find some of the missing pieces and start putting the puzzle together. Though this decision launched my personal journey of research into history and heritage, I realised that the things I discovered over the next seven or so years constituted the core of this book. My discoveries from that time span the years prior to the holocaust, all the way through to the establishment of the state of Israel... My hope is that you will experience these historical events as if you were a part of our Jewish family in Bulgaria and later in Israel... May you be inspired by this family journey, from generation to generation, to continue to stand for what is true, right, and just.” Devorah ____________________________ BOOK REVIEWS "For years we have heard the name of Rabbi Daniel Zion and some of the stories of his faith and heroism. Avi Mizrachi, who knew Daniel, has done an invaluable service to the body of Messiah in Israel, as well as for Jews and Christians around the world. He has diligently documented the extraordinary events surrounding the man who was the chief rabbi of Bulgaria during WWII, and yet was a humble follower of Yeshua. It is an amazing story of faith in God and what He can do through courageous people. This book will be an encouragement for all believers, especially for those who find themselves in challenging times.” Carol and David Pileggi, Christchurch, Jerusalem. "The book carefully and precisely adds otherwise unknown information about the horrors of the Holocaust years in Europe, but also honours the often hidden heroes of that era. Two of those heroes were the chief rabbi of Bulgaria and the Metropolitan bishop of Bulgaria. Together, the rabbi and the bishop successfully encouraged the King not to deliver their 48,000 Bulgarian Jews to the Nazis for extermination. The memory of the rabbi is indelibly etched in the hearts of those families who were later able to find safety in Israel. Another less known part of the history that needs to be told is that this honoured rabbi created quite a dilemma as he began to let people know that he had come to believe that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah of Israel. Though the rabbi was deeply loved and honoured, the rabbinic councils of Israel did not know what to do with him. This amazing man of God looms large in Avi Mizrachi’s own family, as others who came to faith in Jesus because of the rabbi’s life and teaching.” Don Finto, author of “Your People Shall Be My People”. You can find more info about the book at legacyofhopebook.com and you can order a printed or Kindle copy through Amazon: ORDER 'LEGACY OF HOPE'
- Even the Darkness Will Not Be Dark to You
The events of October 7th and the subsequent war with Hamas in Gaza have led to a deep grief and mourning in Israel. A great darkness has come over the people and its hard to find hope. For several years now, Chaya Mizrachi along with a group of Messianic women have been organising a conference for women primarily focused on healing and restoration. This year, they witnessed unprecedented numbers registering - women desperately wanted to be together - to worship, to pray together, to seek God’s face - this year’s conference was the largest gathering for Messianic Women in Israel, hosted by Messianic Women! During the conference Chaya shared how on October 7th she was flat on her back, unable to move after back surgery had gone wrong. She was leaking spinal fluid and in a very serious condition. She had woken at 6am and by 6:30am the air raid sirens were going off. “..that was the day that brought such pain and grief to all of us... which intensified when the world started to turn on us. [The emotions were so intense] ...I’ve cried just about every day and I’ve been angry too. And then we knew our sons and daughters, our husbands, our fathers were now in a battle against evil. We knew deep inside of ourselves that this was a battle against evil... The Lord showed me something about darkness. We don’t often think about God and darkness, we tend to think about light, Yeshua is the light but in Psalm 139:11-12 it says: “If I say: “Surely darkness covers me, night keeps light at a distance from me,” even darkness is not dark for You, and night is as bright as day— darkness and light are alike.” (Psalm 139:11-12 TLV) “Even darkness is not dark for the Lord. There was a family in Holland in World War II, called the Ten Boom family. This family paid a price saving the lives of Jewish people. The two sisters were in the death camps and Betsie said this to her younger sister, Corrie: “There is no pit so deep that He [God] is not deeper still.” So, even darkness is not dark for our God. “My daughter, Devora called me and asked me if I remembered Kibbutz Nir Am and I said, yes. This Kibbutz is near the southern city of Sderot (about a mile from the border with Gaza), and they opened the doors of their Kibbutz during Covid-19 to this women’s conference and said that we could put up a tent and they would let us worship the Lord as Messianic women on their Kibbutz. [Other venues refused to have them because of their belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Jewish Messiah but Kibbutz Nir Am said, yes.] We met there for two years running and we prayed over that Kibbutz - for God to protect them, guard them, take care of them. During the first meeting there at the Kibbutz as we were worshipping, suddenly all the power went out. The women continued to worship, clapping their hands and worshipping with all their might. I will never forget that day as I felt like I heard with every clap of the hand, the stomping of women, an army of women. What I could feel in my heart was I could hear a marching on the land, I could just feel it. There were marching women, an army of women going forth and then God really put it in our hearts to pray a blessing over this kibbutz, that we wanted to ask God to protect them, take care of them, watch over them, care for every child and family. We prayed in this Kibbutz and we asked God to take care of and watch over this Kibbutz.” “When the October 7th attack happened, in the early hours of the morning, the head of security on Kibbutz Nir Am was a young woman. As the rockets came in and the people ran to the bomb shelters she called her superiors. They told her to stay in the safe room [a bomb shelter] but something inside of this young woman in her inner being, said something is wrong - something inside her said, “No! Call everyone in and get the weapons out.” And so she did. She got the weapons out, she called her security team in, she gave them their weapons and they were all in position around the perimeter when the terrorists attacked the kibbutz. The battle lasted several hours but they were ready. Also, when they asked her about turning the generator on, because the terrorists had cut the electric power throughout the whole area, she again felt inside of her a strong sense to say, “No, don’t turn them on.” Because of that, the terrorists couldn’t get the gate open and couldn’t enter with vehicles preventing further violence and kidnappings. The enemy could not enter inside. “I looked back and I thought about those two conferences, how this Kibbutz had welcomed the followers of Yeshua. I thought about the sound of marching women and how strong the women worshipped with the clapping of the hands. There was a marching army of women who love Yeshua who prayed and worshipped at Kibbutz Nir Am. “I want us all to know something. We prayed there and then we forgot about it, but God hears every prayer of our heart - he hears every cry, every utterance. Everything that is coming from us to Him, He hears. In Revelation 5:8, it says there are golden bowls in heaven. Incense is rising to the God of Israel and it says these are the prayers of God’s people. So a prayer from 20 years ago, is still rising as incense to the Lord. When we were planning this year’s conference, we were asking what should this year’s scripture be, for such a year as this year! There was a story about an Israeli mother who was doing the traditional Friday evening Shabbat meal blessing over the bread but her heart was breaking as her daughter had been kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza. As she was doing the blessings she found herself saying, “I love you, Adonai.” Despite all the heart-breaking circumstances she could still say, “I love you, Adonai.” and know the Lord had compassion and comfort. “I was reading Psalm 18, “I love you Adonai, my strength.” Even though I was grieving, I was able to wake up each day and say, “I love you, Adonai, my strength.”” In the original Hebrew, the word translated ‘love’ here in this verse, means love and comfort, like a mother comforts a child. Its a rare word in Hebrew and is also related to the word compassion. “In Isaiah 66:13 it says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you, so you will be comforted in Jerusalem.” Picture a mother with a new born baby because it means both love and comfort - but it goes both ways. It goes between the mother to the child and the child to the mother. The mother is comforted when the child is comforted. The child loves the mother, the mother loves the child. And that is how God is with us. He takes His daughter in His arms - it goes both ways this scripture.” It was with that thought and confession that Chaya opened the conference as all the women declared: “I love you, Adonai, my strength!” The theme for this year’s gathering was “In His Presence” and the scripture was from Psalm 18:1 when King David said, “I love you, Adonai My Strength.” PRAY Pray for the Lord to comfort these women with His compassion. That hearts would be healed and hope restored and strength renewed. That they would become a spiritual army praying God's plans and purposes into being. " For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) GIVE Invest in the work the Lord is doing among both Jewish and Arab women who follow Yeshua (Jesus) in Israel.
- Discipleship Continues Amidst War in Israel
After much prayer and seeking God’s plan during these difficult times, the leadership of Lech L’cha (a 3-month residential discipleship programme for young people) decided to go ahead by faith, and start a Spring Discipleship Program. 18 young believers signed up – 14 girls and 4 guys. They are excited and expectant for what God has for them during this time. The resounding prayer request from all these young people: to fully commit, to strengthen their walk with the Lord, and to hear God’s will for their future. Please remember them in your prayers. Many are just out of their compulsory national service in the army; some have served an extended time, and in reserves as a result of Iron Swords. They have experienced and witnessed atrocities of war first hand, many have a close friend or relative who has died or has been seriously injured as a result of October 7 and the ensuing war. “We have equipped ourselves especially to bless and minister to them where they are,” shared Lech L’cha. “As well as direction from God about their next steps, they are also in need of times of healing, refreshing and encouragement from the Lord” Meet the Team “In addition to the Pastors, teachers, and lecturers on the program,” shared Lech L’cha, “we are so grateful for our full-time staff, who are equipped and eager to sow into these young lives. We are thankful to God for a full time cook, who is able to make nutritional, healthy, delicious meals for the team, participants and volunteers (that’s at least 30 mouths to feed) Rolan has accepted the call to this ministry with Lech L’cha having been trained in the army during Iron Swords and her resume includes experience in producing one thousand meals a day. “Along with the Lech L’cha full time staff, we have a team of young leaders joining. They are graduates of the previous Discipleship Programme, and have accepted the call to sow into the next Course. They bring a new level of excitement, eagerness and energy to the leadership team. They are also actually continuing their own Discipleship journey as they put their giftings and service in practice with Lech L’cha.” “Thank you for your Support. Now, more than ever, we value your support for Lech L’cha and for what God is doing in Israel. There is so much negativity in the media, and these are difficult times. But ultimately we look to God and trust him. We need the same faith as Abraham when God called him to ‘Lech L’cha’ - to Go Forth! PRAY for the staff and students of Lech L’cha as they equip a new generation to serve the Lord. GIVE Support the work of discipleship in Israel