Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Yeshua the Messiah.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
These words are a command – a direct “mitzvah” for us to obey even in hard times. As we express our thanks, the stream of God’s hope washes away darkness and restores us inside.
Allow me to shed some light on our current situation. Unfortunately, I cannot recall a more stressful and overwhelming period. We’ve been bombarded by a multitude of challenging events. However, it’s crucial not to lose heart and instead recognize that our Lord, has specially prepared our generation for this very moment. I distinctly remember conversations about the trials faced by previous generations, such as WWII. Many of us believed we would never be able to endure such hardships. Yet, here we are, traversing difficult times, despite considering ourselves weak.
It’s of the utmost importance that we rediscover our true identity, as we prayerfully move forward in confident faith. Only then can we understand and embrace God’s will for ourselves and others.
In today’s world we often hear tales about heroes, but for now let us focus on the ordinary individuals who grapple with fear, doubts and great personal struggles. For example those who are serving, or whose children are serving in the Israeli army, confronting danger every day and enduring harsh weather conditions – sleeping outdoors in cold and rain. And the ordinary folks who prepare delicious food for our soldiers. The soldiers are no longer just “my children” but “our children” whom we care for as a community.
Two times a week we deliver clothes, food and other items to various military bases, often close to the border. This is such a blessing for the givers and receivers!
Strangely enough, even in the middle of the war, immigration (Aliyah) continues. We are still serving new immigrants at the rate of 8 – 10 new families a week, and they are so thankful for the assistance.
We continue delivering hot meals to elderly people and those who are not able to fully meet their own needs. And this is a weekly blessing for 60 – 65 people.
We also reach out to families from the Former Soviet Union who bring their children for medical treatment in Israel. They are already in a lot of pain, and then they have to hear the Haifa war sirens. Our help at least makes their life a little easier.
Shavei Tsion’s humanitarian warehouse in Haifa is functioning as usual. We thank God for a few large humanitarian suppliers in the center of Israel who deliver goods to us every month, and we distribute them to dozens of families weekly.
Our congregations are located in Haifa, the Krayot (a Haifa suburb) and Upper Nazareth. We thank God for these vibrant and robust congregations where individuals of all ages glorify the Creator.
Witnessing the energy of the youth, we diligently plan for the future, developing programs that cater to teens, children and married couples. While weariness from the ongoing war permeates our community, it remains vital to focus on the days that lie beyond its conclusion.
I kindly ask you to pray for the 15 soldiers from our congregations who are serving in the IDF. Many of them are now in high-risk areas.
Pray for all the Messianic soldiers in the Israeli army – there are over 1000 of them.
Pray for all soldiers and for the protection of God’s Angels for them.
Pray for spiritual encouragement and for us to be able to shine His light on those we meet every day.
And please pray for our youth!
