Israel - God at Work Amid the Horror of War

Source: iCommitToPray
Nov. 30, 2023 | 

Front-line workers shared how God is moving in Israel, including Gaza and the 

West Bank, amid the conflict raging throughout the region. One Christian leader said, “Please pray for believers inside of Gaza. As the conflict intensifies, and the possibilities of death increase, there is a growing intentionality to share the gospel with friends and families. We have heard testimonies of those living in shelters because their homes have been damaged and are sharing boldly — and there seems to be an openness.” Another ministry leader reported that an Israeli soldier gave his life to the Lord and was baptized shortly before being called to active military service. There have also been reports of Christians from a Jewish background meeting with Christian Arabs and Palestinians. “These days, we must be a people of hope in the midst of so much hopelessness. And hope is only a wish if it is not hope in Christ,” a front-line worker said.

OVERVIEW:

The decades-long conflict between the Israeli government and Palestinian authorities over the city of Jerusalem, the temple, the land and the status of Palestinian refugees remains among the world’s most volatile issues. During this conflict, both Jews and Muslims have been coming to faith in Christ despite their religions’ instructions to reject Christ as Lord and Savior. Christian activity is routinely opposed by Islamists among the Palestinian Arab populations of the West Bank and Gaza, and occasionally opposed by ultra-Orthodox and other anti-missionary Jews in Israel proper. Despite this opposition, some churches include both Jews who have accepted Christ as the Messiah and Arabs who have left Islam and placed their faith in Jesus. Active ministry efforts among both groups involve Bible distribution, discipleship, evangelism, church planting and theological education. The Palestinian Authority maintains some control over the West Bank under Israeli federal authority, while the militant Muslim group Hamas controls the Gaza Strip. Both groups are adamantly opposed to Christian activity and indoctrinate their populace to hate the West, Jews and Christians.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Pray for Messianic congregations that have been increasingly targeted by anti-missionary groups. 

Pray for Christian families in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip who face continual pressure.

Pray for Christian converts from Islam in Palestinian areas, especially those who have lost jobs.

Pray for young believers from Orthodox Jewish backgrounds trying to restart their lives with little education.

Pray for African congregations and other ethnic churches that face discrimination.