2025 Testimony

Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation

Haifa, Israel

Shalom dear friends in Messiah Yeshua, 

This report is more than a summary of activities ― it is a testimony to God’s sustaining grace and a sincere expression of gratitude. The Lord carried us. Despite hardship, uncertainty, and ongoing conflict, He enabled us to continue moving forward in faith and obedience. 

2025 was exceptionally difficult and emotionally intense. The war continued to intrude into every aspect of life. We faced ongoing threats and attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and the intense 12-day war with Iran. Yet in the midst of fear and loss, the miracles of the Lord were visible again and again. Though Israel suffered painful losses, the hand of the Lord was unmistakably present ― guarding, strengthening, and sustaining His people. 

Many young people from our congregations served in active duty and in the reserves, including members of my own family. Your intercessory prayers were deeply felt and vitally important. From our hearts, we thank you for standing with us before the Lord. 

Even in such a challenging year, with determination and faith, we sought to strengthen and increase life within the congregations. We intentionally created space for women’s gatherings, men’s retreats, and family trips ― times to step away from routine, walk together, and earnestly seek the face of the Lord. By God’s grace, every one of these gatherings took place and bore good fruit. 

Our youth spent three weeks in Norway, where they experienced a powerful and encouraging camp. In addition, by God’s mercy, we were able to hold youth and children’s camps inside Israel ― full of energy, fellowship, growth, and joy. During Passover 2025, we also held a children’s camp for ages 4-10. Your prayers surrounded these efforts, and we are truly grateful.

Throughout the year, our music school, Keshet Tzlilim, continued operating as it has since 2009 ― providing a strong testimony in our neighborhood. Annual attendance is 120-140 students. In 2025, we held three major concerts, involving not only the children, but also their parents and extended families. This work remains a powerful bridge between the congregations and the wider public, and we thank God for the fruit it continues to bear.

Shavei Zion is no longer one congregation, but three. We are learning to walk together as a network ― united in vision, faith, and purpose. At Or Hai and Nezer HaGalil, 2025 was also a year of movement, prayer, and renewed seeking of the Lord. 

Humanitarian service remains a constant and essential part of our calling. In 2025, our focus included: 

Providing 50-60 food parcels every two weeks to families from CIS countries who come to Israel seeking life-saving medical treatment for their children. These are extremely difficult situations, and every act of support helps families to continue treatment. 

Caring for elderly people with disabilities who often have no family able to help them. Each week, we deliver 200-220 hot meals, with double portions, to those in need. 

Assisting new immigrants (olim). While the numbers were lower than in 2022, the flow continues, and we are grateful to help every person who turns to us. Word of this available support spreads naturally by word of mouth. 

Supporting individuals and families living in poverty, providing approximately 100 meals per week in Haifa and 30-40 meals per week in Nof HaGalil. 

Distributing holiday food packages four times a year in Haifa and Nof HaGalil, with 210-230 packages prepared for each holiday. 

We speak blessings of health, strength, and peace over each of you, and we thank God for your faithful partnership.