Serving the Homeless Between Missile Attacks

Tiferet Yeshua Congregation

Tel Aviv

I have been serving in the IDF army reserves with the same men for years. One of the special things that has occurred is that many of my fellow reservists have come to know well what I believe and about our ministry to homeless drug addicts in south Tel Aviv.

The week, after the most recent phase of the war broke out, our unit received a large number of quality sandwiches that we did not have a need for. Instead of letting them be thrown away, some of the men I serve with took it upon themselves to make sure the sandwiches were put aside so that “Feed Tel Aviv” would have something to serve the homeless at the outreach that evening (they know I oversee food preparation and cook much of the food).

I let the volunteers know that we had food to serve at the outreach. Shulamit and one of our other volunteers came to our unit to pick up the sandwiches which they gave out to the homeless that evening.

IN WAR HOMELESS ARE ON THEIR OWN

In times of war, the homeless just stay on the streets when the missiles come. There are public bomb shelters in the area, but they quickly become a horrible mess once they’re opened up; so most don’t go near them. During missile attacks, when only non-essential personnel are allowed to leave their homes, it is especially hard for those struggling with addiction to find food as most places are closed. So the support we bring is absolutely vital.

SERVING UNDER THREAT OF MISSILE ATTACKS

Like in the 12-day war with Iran last June, a great deal of the missile fire has been focused on the Tel Aviv area, Israel’s main population center. Residents have been running often to their bomb shelters, day and night. On Thursdays, when the volunteers are about to head out to the streets, they do so extra-prayerfully, asking God for grace and protection from missiles.

Olga, one of our volunteers who went out to the streets on a recent Thursday, shared that people were amazed to see them and were deeply touched that our volunteers were there with them even in this dangerous situation. Olga said that it was a very special time of ministry and that many opened their hearts to receive prayer and encouragement.

DIVINE PROTECTION

God was so good to our volunteer team! That evening there was not a single siren. Olga shared, “We felt so much peace and grace while we were out serving on the streets. And the moment I arrived home safe and sound, there was a bomb siren, and I could go straight into our bomb shelter.” 

Please remember all the homeless on the streets in Tel Aviv who have no proper place to shelter when there are missile attacks. Please pray for salvation and a new life for all the people we have the opportunity to serve and minister to on the streets.

We can continue this important outreach thanks to your support!

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