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Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Messiah Yeshua,
Shalom! As you know the war in Israel is still going on. We are doing various things related to the current situation in our country.
With over 300,000 IDF reservists called up there is a need for hot meals, essentials, hygiene products and other things in the army. Every week members of our congregation, with the help of donations from overseas friends, buy the soldiers needed items and make hot meals for them.
Recently we hosted an unusual workshop at our ministry center. This time the speakers shared neither biblical truths nor Israeli history. War dictates new topics and new goals. Tourniquets and medical kits were the main visual aids for this workshop. Young volunteers from the US shared their professional medical knowledge and invited all the participants to practice after the theoretical lesson. We hope that the knowledge gained will save lives in the future.
Shavei Tzion also continues to provide hot meals for people who live in a nearby home for the elderly. Some have no families here in Israel, and they are happy to have tasty homemade food once a week. It is blessing to bless them as well as new immigrants from Ukraine, Russia and other countries who keep arriving.
We are also happy to inform you that our new daughter congregation “Living Light” recently planted in a Haifa suburb is now holding services. We are sure that it will bring light, hope, God’s love, and truth to its surroundings. We ask you to pray for them to bring much fruit and glory to our Heavenly Father.
Your prayers and intercession are needed and appreciated. Please pray for our government and army, for the hostages to return home as soon as possible, and especially for the soldiers from “Shavei Zion” as we believe that for their sake God will protect and save the lives of those who are fighting together with them (Acts 27:23-24).
“See, darkness covers the earth and thick fog is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” (Isaiah 60:2)
During these weeks of war we see how the fog of fake news, anti-Semitism, rumors and uncertainty hinder truth. We live in northern Israel, where there have been fewer sirens and rockets. Nevertheless, the rumors of war approaching in the north are not comforting. The United States has been greatly supportive, even stationing two aircraft carriers and a submarine nearby to frighten our enemies. But fanatics are not easily intimidated, especially religious fanatics wanting to gain glory and paradise.
Questions without answers abound. Will we really topple Hamas’ rule? What about the hostages? How will the families of the many victims rebuild their lives? What were Hamas leaders thinking? Their desire to provoke conflict has created a scenario in which their fellow Gazans are suffering greatly. Unfortunately, to my horror, innocents are paying the price of our war to uproot Hamas.
God, comfort your people! Cause all men to fear You. Cause truth to triumph.
“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you…
“All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:8-16)
