Shalom!
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 2)
The Torah portion of Noah, tells us about a righteous man who looked to God, while the whole world looked to their own personal interests and drowned in sins.
And the message to the Hebrews says: “By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).
Today is filled with anxiety and uncertainty. There is still no clarity with Covid and people are dying. The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict may get out of control and lead to the confrontation and participation of larger countries. This already happened in the first and second world war, and tens of millions of lives were lost.
But the righteous, those believers of our generation, can, through prayer and testimony, either change the situation or lead others into “the Ark of God.” You should not miss this opportunity.
A few short news items and prayer requests from Shavei Tzion.
1. Six years ago, we started a program serving soldiers who have finished their compulsory army service. It continues to function, but due to the lockdown, we reach out via Zoom, setting meetings of encouragement and praying, developing friendship and studying the Word of God. Over the past six months, we have never stopped. This program is for these young men (and women) because this is our hope, “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:13).
2. Through Zoom and YouTube, like everyone else, we continue meeting with the congregational home groups for adults, and holding children’s meetings as well! Our audience is growing and there are new opportunities to proclaim the Word. My personal weekly home group today includes more than 100 people. Face-to-face gatherings are still forbidden, but on Zoom it’s OK!
3. The humanitarian aid project, Olim (new immigrants), and Soup Kitchen ministry have had only about a week off during this chaos. We have been reaching out non-stop during these past six months and have helped hundreds of families during these quarantine/lock-downs. We ask you to “hold up our arms” in prayer. And we invite your contributions in this time of our great need.

With respect and love
Leon and Nina Mazin
Leon Mazin Lead Pastor, Return to Zion Congregation Haifa, Israel www.shaveitzion.org