Israel Discipleship Community
We live in a day and age where young people are pulled in every direction. Perhaps even more so here in Israel with the cultural, political, and social divisions that exist even within the body of believers. Still, our hearts are for young people to have a deep and intimate relationship with Yeshua. With God’s leading, discipleship has become an integral part of the heart, passion, and prayer of the Revive Israel Community. We have seen the wonderful fruits in the last two years with intensive learning of God’s Word through living together, working and serving on the organic farm, and reaching out to those in need in the surrounding areas.
Together with one of our dear Arab sisters in Yeshua, who is a part of the Revive Israel Community, the Holy Spirit laid on our hearts a desire for discipleship training solely in Arabic and for Arabic-speaking young people to experience God in this unique program.
Yeshua reconciled us on the cross, and while our people groups teach hostility towards the other, we have a deep love for one another.
"Abraham's Tent" is a vision that came to fruition as a 4-day intensive discipleship training pilot for Arabic speakers to experience God and the power of the Holy Spirit in their mother tongue in a deep and intimate way that is truly life-changing.
Together with our dynamic team of Arabic-speaking pastors and leaders with amazing gifts for teaching, training, and discipling, we saw lives transformed as they spent time working on the organic farm learning about creation and the Creator, studying and discussing the Scriptures, praying through the Word of God and making life-changing decisions.
In Arab culture, most don’t speak openly about the difficult things taking place in their homes or in their lives, yet while in this safe space participants were able to open up their hearts to one another and in prayer before God.
It is in oneness, community, and unity where hearts are knit together, even in their own language, to experience revival and the power of God. Hear these young men and women’s testimonials and God’s working power in their lives during the discipleship training.
Samuel, Bethlehem –
This was a new experience for me. During my time working in the field, I met the Lord. I was able to understand the parables of Jesus in a deeper way. (I was like a deer thirsting for water... Psalms 42). During our time pulling weeds, I understood the importance of purifying your heart. The Lord showed me things that were deep beneath the surface, within my heart, hidden things, like the weeds that grow beneath the soil, and I needed to purify my heart otherwise, it would take hold of my life.
When I understood the needs of plants to grow – the sun, water, and soil – I realized this is what my relationship with the Lord needs. We grow through reading His word and prayer and listening to Him. We need all of it for growth, not only when we feel like it or some of the time.
While working in the field, I prayed, and I felt the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon me, I felt that the Lord was teaching me things that could not be expressed in words (Romans 8:26-27).
Even during the times of prayer we had and while reading the scriptures together, I heard the Lord's voice teaching and guiding me in a personal way.
The program was a blessing for me. I learned what true worship was, and how to change my mindset (1 Corinthians 2:16).
I was very blessed by the connection between creation and the Creator, working the land and serving God - it changed the way I read and understand the Scriptures.
We lived in true community. We lived without walls or separation. It felt like I was at home within a family. It was a spiritual family. I saw that everyone had a role and was ready to serve one another, even during meal times. I got up and started washing dishes for the first time in my life. I was always served at home, and here I realized the value of being a servant to those around me (Mark 9:35).
In addition to everything I learned from working in the field and truths from God’s Word, I learned new things about morality, and the importance of establishing moral principles of life in this world and in relationships between people.”
Miriam, Ramallah –
“From the very first day I was blessed by the times we spent together, it felt like family.
Working in the field, on the farm, was physically difficult for me. It required effort, but at the same time, it was a pleasure and joy. It was a picture of my walk with the Lord. There are times when it is pleasant, and other times when you face difficulties and you really have to make an effort in order to see the fruit. But there is so much peace and thankfulness when you finally do see the fruit.
While removing stones and preparing the ground for planting, the Lord showed me that I needed to renew my mind, especially in my ways of thinking and how I perceived things. I know the right things to do, but don't always do them, and God revealed to me what I needed to change. He also showed me that I don’t need to cling tightly to the plans I have for my life and become upset when changes occur. He has prepared bigger and better things for me (I Corinthians 2:9).
God spoke to me about things I need to root out of my life, such as my anger. I have anger problems. At work, I often become frustrated with small things and take it out on other employees and sometimes with patients. The Lord revealed to me that I needed to deal with this at the root of the problem and stop asking for forgiveness every time I burst out in anger. I am ready to begin the healing process in my life and in my heart.
While on the farm, I understood that God created everything with an order. In farming, you first prepare the soil and afterward plant and sow. God blesses what we do when done in the order He created and according to His plan. If I want to walk in God's calling for my life, I have to follow His plan and timing and not my own.
The program gave me a starting point and new hope in this journey with our Maker.”
It was such a precious opportunity and honor to serve our Arabic-speaking brothers and sisters. We believe we are reconciled on the cross. We are called to serve the Lord together as Arabs and Jews and to let the world see the power of Yeshua’s love and redemption in us.
Neveen and Tal
Revive Israel Community
