“What about me?”

Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation

Haifa, Israel

Thank you for your feedback, your prayers, and your continued support. 

First, a little news. Everyone is aware that there has been a respite in the war. Even in Lebanon, things have quieted down somewhat. Many who were serving in the army reserves have returned home. To be honest, the work is not yet finished. But through it all, we continue to remember that the Lord holds everything in His hands. He is able to use presidents, prime ministers, governments, people and agencies for His divine purposes. For now, we are thankful for the opportunity to breathe a little and rest. 

The Shabbat before I wrote this, something unusual happened: our entire team of elders, together with their wives, did not attend the service. We entrusted everything to our youth, and attended the Bat Mitzvah of Dima’s daughter (the leader of our daughter congregation). 

As you may know, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ceremony in Jewish tradition. Some connect it to the account in the New Testament where Yeshua, at about twelve years of age, was taken by His parents to the Temple. The ceremony indicates becoming personally responsible before God to obey His commandments. Leading up to the occasion, the boy or girl is instructed in the Scriptures, taught to read a passage from the Torah, and expected to give a short commentary. If there are additional talents, such as music, the child may also be invited to perform. Abigail, Dima’s daughter, did everything beautifully and we were blessed to take part in this special occasion.

In the weeks of counting up to the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot/Pentecost), we were reminded that the Lord calls a people – but He also seeks out each individual. 

As it is written, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5), and also, “Now you are the body of Messiah, and each one of you is a part…” (1 Corinthians 12:27). That is why a recent weekend was so meaningful for our youth.

Over that weekend, some of our young people joined a youth conference getaway hosted by Netivah, built around the theme: “What about me?” It was not a light question, and it was not treated lightly. The weekend gave the participants space for honest, searching, and difficult questions about identity, calling, responsibility, and each one’s place in the Body of Messiah and the Kingdom of God.

For most of the attendees, this is a lifechanging season. Some have already been drafted, and others will soon begin their IDF military service. They are at the threshold of weighty decisions, real pressures, and adult responsibility. That’s why this time mattered so deeply. It challenged them, but also helped them. It gave language to what many have been carrying silently, and it pressed the question more clearly: not only “What will I do next?” but “Who am I before God, and what is my place in His purpose?” Please pray that what was planted in these young hearts will not be lost. 

We are also preparing to send 20 of the young people to our “Nesher” Youth Training Camp in Norway. We have been doing this for the past 11 years and have seen incredible fruit. Although it is a significant investment, this ministry is highly effective. I ask for your special prayers and financial support, for they are raising up the next generation of leaders and ministers in Israel!

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