Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Israel remains embroiled in war. It affects everyone and everything.
Nerves are frayed. There are those who are unyielding, and others who are more pliable. We are unsure of our own capabilities and what we can endure. Sometimes, the outwardly strong need help, while those who appear delicate prove remarkably resilient. I must admit the atmosphere of war makes me feel stressed. Although 90% of Israelis live in areas untouched by rockets and bullets, the awareness of warfare fills the air.
This situation reflects the most profound spiritual confrontation. As a result, one may wake from a full night’s sleep feeling already fatigued. It's not just me – many people share this same experience of morning weariness. Yet, we continue to navigate this reality, seeking God's guidance and understanding that, no matter the difficulty, God has created us for this day and has plans for us.
I ask you to pray for us, for me, and for our people to be filled with God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Please also pray for the end of the war and the restoration of peace in the land of Israel.
Summer brings the start of numerous projects, including the preparation for children’s summer camps. It is a monumental task for the event planners to help our children experience God’s Grace in the midst of war. We are planning on holding three camps for our children, some independently and others in partnership with friends.
Since 2015, Return t0 Zion has been running the Eagle Project for Messianic soldiers who have recently completed their service in the IDF. We usually take them to Norway, but this year we will be in Texas. The group is comprised of 30 soldiers, many of whom are dealing with trauma caused by their time in the military. Our aim is to provide them with rest, as well as physical, mental, and spiritual restoration. Your prayers are greatly needed!
In these times, the world seems filled with lies. Wars, disasters, or epidemics have existed throughout history. What most concerns me at present is the unprecedented proliferation of lies. They are everywhere – in politics, the news, medicine, statistics, and even the climate. Everything is saturated with manipulation and deception, and we must seek the Lord’s discernment to evaluate everything in its true light. The Bible calls Satan the “Father of Lies.” Revelation 20:7 states that Satan will deceive the nations. The abundance of lies and unprecedented manipulation and deception around us, lead to the logical conclusion that we may be living in the period of time referred to in that verse. We must endure, and then the Great Kingdom will come, and EVERYTHING WILL BE HEALED AND RESTORED.
In Matthew 24:13, we read that the one who endures to the end will be saved. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes this. In light of these reflections, I have a desire and prayer that we may have the Messiah’s mind and eyes to discern the truth from the lies that are spreading rampantly in all spheres of life, and to stand firm in the truth and victory that Yeshua the Messiah has brought to us through His death and resurrection.
I wish you health and blessings in Yeshua. I kindly ask you to pray for Return to Zion and Israel, for the IDF and the government, and for God’s truth to be established in our hearts.
