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Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Even in the midst of the welcome unity that came with the October 7th attack and the ensuing war, Israel is still experiencing internal strife and unreasonable hatred among people and political parties. In the last decades it seems that tension has been building within the believing community, while strife and discord have infected our nation as well. Our society has become riddled with violence, crime, corruption, debauchery, and the aspiration to reinterpret biblical morals to justify modern behaviors. (This tendency affects all countries, but that’s no excuse.)
I would like to ask all intercessors to pray for softened hearts, acknowledgment of sin, and repentance in the Jewish people.
Though we pray for deliverance, trials are part of life in this world and come in different forms. Here are three types:
1. Trials and temptations sent by God, as with Job and Yeshua. These cannot be avoided. With all the agony of war that we have experienced these last months, are hearts are open to receive James’ words:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God...” (James 1:2-5)
2. Trial caused by obvious sin, a transgression against God’s commandments. “If you do not obey the Lord your God … all these curses will come on you and overtake you”. (Deuteronomy 28:15)
“…but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death”. (James 1:13-15)
3. Trials brought about by conflict, often rooted in jealousy, a misspoken word, actions, or words that were misinterpreted. As a result, Satan interferes. (The word Satan means to stand against, to provoke, to tempt). If a person discerns and gives a succinct response, forgives, covers with love, and stamps out his own pride or ambition, the situation can be quickly managed and the conflict will dissipate in the rays of the rising Sun.
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want …” (James 4:1-10)
Thank you for your prayer support for the ministry of Shavei Tzion, the various humanitarian projects and music school; and especially for Shavei Tzion Congregation and the daughter congregations Or Hai in the Krayot and Netzer HaGalil in Upper Nazareth.
The new congregation, Or Hai, is going well, even though it started just one week before the war with Hamas. They asked me to organize a tour to the Sea of Galilee for water immersion for a group of new believers.
I am grateful to the Lord for our youth group which has grown considerably. For the last year and a half Shirlye and Ilya, our oldest daughter, and her husband, have been leading it. I am pleased to say that they are thriving. I appreciate your prayers for them.
The humanitarian aid project in Haifa and Nazareth is doing well and is a blessing for hundreds of people every month. Despite the war, our music school has grown to include a fine arts class with 15 new students and a new teacher.
I ask you to pray for us to weather this difficult period and to be good witnesses. Please pray for wisdom regarding various challenges. We continue to pray for you and your loved ones as well. Blessing to you in Yeshua.
