Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Last year was not easy for the Israel and its citizens. It was marked by much division and stress and then the war, which broke out on October 7th, turned our reality upside-down against all expectations. We are still in the midst of the war and its repercussions which have drastically altered the lives of people in Israel and many outside it.
But those who trust in God know that He has never abandoned us. He is with us. He helps us, protects, and leads us forward to victory. As 2024 begins, we stand in faith the Lord will continue to bless His children here and throughout the world.
Thanks to God’s mercy and grace are able to continue ministering during this hard time. It's a great blessing for us to provide hot meals to elderly people, and to help new immigrants who arrive in Israel. We are also involved in helping parents of children who come to Israel for medical care, specifically for cancer treatment.
God has blessed our music school “Keshet Tzlilim” (Rainbow of Sounds) with new teachers. Some of them are new immigrants who have recently come to Israel. New students have also joined us and they actively and joyfully participated in the recent concerts for new immigrants, Holocaust survivors and local seniors. The Spirit of God visibly touched the hearts of our guests as the young children and professional musicians played together.
As you know, since the war began over 300,000 reservists were called up to serve in the army, among them many believers. We were led to begin a ministry to serve our brothers and sisters in the IDF to provide them with hot meals, warm clothing and more. We also seek ways proved for the needs of IDF soldiers in general. It’s an honor and blessing for us to bless them as they sacrifice their safety and comfort to protect us.
We want to thank all of you for praying for Israel and for being partners in all these ministries in 2023. May God bless you and your loved ones with health, prosperity, genuine joy and shalom in our Lord Yeshua!
"While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites… Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying 'Thus far has the LORD helped us.' So the Philistines were subdued and did not invade Israelite territory…" (1 Samuel 7:10-12 NIV)
A Call for Prayer Warfare:
During peace time soldiers train, prepare and simulate battle... the object of their training. When war breaks out, they are called to the battlefield and engage. Their routine peacetime lifestyle is disrupted. In war mode they are in the field, alert, using physical and mental effort to overcome the obstacles at hand, and defeat the enemy.
In a similar way, we as believers are called to be prayer warriors - To stand in the gap, intercede and pray for God's will to be done; to foil the plans of the enemy, and overcome evil with good.
Since Oct. 7th a huge war has broken out. Israel is fighting a battle for its very existence that could develop into a global war of Ezekiel 38-39 scale. This is a universal clash between good and evil. Please join us by warring in prayer!
