Glory of Zion International - Israel Prayer Focus

Prayer Update From Israel (August 25, 2008)

1. THROWN OUT OF THE SYNAGOGUE
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Ministries in Israel are facing intensifying trials!!!

In recent weeks a new ruling by the Ministry of Interior has added to the 'testing of the faith' among the Body in the Land, particularly those from the Nations who are not Israelis but have been called to stand and serve here. For years, "volunteer visas" were available for key people in certain respected Christian ministries; these were able to be renewed once a year for five years. A new ruling states that volunteers can now only serve for 2 years after which they must leave for a year. Furthermore, those applying for such visas must do so from outside Israel, going through a bewildering amount of red tape, and their ministries must promise to insure that they will leave after their two years. This impacts three of the largest ministries in Israel: The International Christian Embassy, Bridges for Peace, and Christian Friends of Israel. These depend strongly on long-term (five year) volunteers who live here, learn the culture, and build relationships. It will be a great challenge for these groups to continue with those who can only come for two year stints-the turnover will be constant. A number of ministries with which we are in close contact have had large numbers of members, some in leadership roles, who had until now assumed they would be here for three more years, but discovered that their "two years" ended this month, and now they must leave.

As Israeli believers, we so appreciate those who come from the nations, those who 'carry us on their shoulders'. The Torah Portion for this past week stressed that Israel must "love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt"; God Himself "administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing" (Deuteronomy 10:19,18).

We believe that some of those going are doing so in response to a work of the Holy Spirit in positioning and repositioning believers, that they be "in their place" for shakings (physical, financial, governmental) which are coming on the earth. At the same time, we know that the evil one is working behind the scenes to deceive our government into ridding the nation of those who are truly Israel's friends, in particular those who do the most damage in the heavenlies to his dark plans for her as they stand with their Israeli brothers and sisters in the battle.

PLEASE PRAY:

For the many believing volunteers who are unexpectedly having to quickly leave Israel-for grace, encouragement and vision. Pray that the evil one will not be able to inject bitterness and hardness at what seems like rejection. That they will continue to love and pray for Israel-and that those who are to return will be shown the way.
For organizations God has ordained to continue working here to find new paradigms for functioning here.
For the Israeli Body to 'take up the slack' of work, which till now has been done by Believers from the nations.
Righteous leaders to be raised up into the Ministry of Interior who will understand truly who the friends of Israel are! Who will not discriminate against believers who have been blessing the Land.

2. YOUTH ARISE!
School begins in Israel on September 1. We so appreciate the youth and young adults who on their own initiative are already setting up worship and prayer evenings before September. Last week several young adults organized a large worship evening in Tel Aviv. This week there is another. These were totally organized by the youth as they called their peers country-wide to come together to worship the King and pray for one another!

PRAISE GOD:

For those young Israelis who love God with all their heart, mind and soul
For pastors and leaders who are open to youth leading and organizing events
For the amazing summer Katzir camp last month for which so many of you prayed, for the spirit of zeal and determination to yield up their gifts to God which was manifest in the youth. And for other camps and retreats which the Lord used to prepare the youth for this new year.

PLEASE PRAY:

For a school year of increased boldness, courage and wisdom in sharing the Gospel of the Lord Yeshua in their schools-and in allowing His Spirit to lead them in excellence in their studies.
For signs and wonders to accompany the testimony of these youth, young adults and their friends.
For new songs and expressions and venues of praise and worship amongst these believing young people.

Martin and Norma Sarvis
Jerusalem