Messianic Life in Israel
One of the most wonderful things to see is the unity among Messianic believers in Israel. Though people are certainly divided by national, theological, and personal differences, Yeshua truly makes all His people one in the Spirit. One of our workers in Tel Aviv recently wrote about a Messianic conference:
Believers from different congregations and backgrounds listened to the Word together, seeking God and worshiping him TOGETHER. Each evening we had a worship team from a different congregation. There was a very special atmosphere - a prophetic one. God gave us a taste of the future congregation - the Jewish Messianic UNITED congregation of the last days. Many believers experienced inner spiritual healing, spiritual renewal and awakening.
So many of our workers in Israel are reporting the same thing: true unity in Messiah!
Despite many obstacles, Messianic ministries are growing and connecting with the community in sometimes surprising ways. Israel staff member Victor B. reported the sad news that the facility that houses the Messianic congregation he leads was set ablaze by arsonists, causing at least $30,000 in damage. Victor writes, "We are praying for these people, knowing that the Lord can give beauty for ashes - and we've seen already that indeed He does!" This beauty has come in the form of many expressions of God's love and encouragement through both secular and religious Israeli neighbors. One of the rabbis of a neighboring synagogue actually offered Victor's congregation use of their facility for their services. This expression of support is a blessing beyond words!
These challenges, sadly, are not the only struggles that believers face in Israel. All Israelis continue to live daily with the threat of violence and animosity. In light of this, it is absolutely crucial that Messianic believers take time to care for those affected by the violence.
All of our staff visited several families in the town of Sderot, who are often bombed from the Gaza Strip. Twenty minutes before our arrival, two missiles wounded three people in Sderot. God kept us safe. We arrived and found empty streets, empty schools, frustrated people. We had a wonderful opportunity to visit and pray with them and gave gifts to the children. These families are not believers and it was a good time to show them Yeshua's love.
