Newsletter
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December 2009
Dear family and friends, As part of the world is facing a wave of cold and snowy weather this week, we are sending our warmest greetings and blessings from Kfar Saba, Israel. Looking back at the year 2009, we cannot help but notice the Faithfulness of our God. Even in the midst of hardship and challenges, we are moving forward following Him and proclaiming the Good news of His kingdom.
Hanukkah- The festival of Lights We had a great "Festival of Lights celebration" declaring that Yeshua is the "Shamash" (the witness or the servant), the first light used to light the other candles and make us all "lights of the world". (Matt 5: 14 ). We then sung the traditional Hanukkah song "we came to rebuke the darkness". Hanukkah in Hebrew means dedication. It is also the celebration of the re-dedication of the temple to the God of Israel. (The story is told in the two Apocryphal books of Maccabees). Hanukkah lasts eight days, and one of the feast's traditions is to exchange gifts and give money to the poor. Let your light shine before man that they may see your good deed and praise your father in heaven ". (Mat. 5:16) " This was a good opportunity to remember our brothers and sisters, who are in need, visit them and bless them with the hope of salvation. During this week some were also involved in sharing the gospel in prisons.
Studying the book of Joshua Paralleled with the study of the book of Joshua, both in the home groups and at the Shabbat services, we sensed the Lord is leading our congregation to another level of growth and commitment. God is bringing us across "the Jordan" and taking us to our "Guilgal" to stand in front of our "Jericho’s". We still need to make sure we don't fall into the " sins of Achan ", bringing sin into the camp and making compromise with the "Gibeonites" of the world. We long to see the miracles of redeemed time each day like when the sun stood still in "the valley of Ajalon" so we can enter into our promised inheritance. Here are some of the practical signs of change we can see right now in our congregation.
New families and the growth of the children ministry. During this last year many young parents with their children have joined the congregation bringing new life and more children. They are also bringing some new challenges and the need of more teachings and training for teachers and parents. The children's ministry needed to be reorganized and a parent's evening seminar is being organized on the subject of: "Bring up your child in the way he should go…"(Prov. 22:6) We want to emphasize as a priority, the importance of parenting and bringing up the next generation. We believe that being a parent is the most difficult challenge and job a person can find himself into. A boy's club. Seeing the need of the young boys aged 10-14, some of them fatherless, the Lord put on our heart to start a boy's club with the participation of some of the fathers. Pray for Moshe as he leads this new ministry. They meet weekly to study the bible, play outside games & pray for one another.
The healing rooms. This new ministry has been birthed just a few months ago. Even though we are at the beginning stages we already see great results. Every Wednesday afternoon and evening, whoever needs prayer, counseling and healing can come and meet a praying team trained to minister either in group or as individuals . Their spiritual preparation is of the utmost importance. With fasting we are asking the Lord to prepare our hearts to be his instruments of healing and restoration. The Lord already sent people from another city to receive answers to their needs. During the last counseling staff meeting the Lord led us to pray for nine different persons encountering hardship and difficulties in their lives. As we look upon the list of people we discover that all of them are fatherless or motherless. Please pray for the spirit of adoption, that each person will know God as their parent.
Opposition to the Gospel "Blessed are you when people insult you persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Mat. 5:11). There has been growing persecution against believers from the Jewish Orthodox community in different places in the Land. In a small town, the cars of some of congregational members have been burnt, members are being threatened with violence and pressure is being placed upon landlords to revoke housing contracts with Messianic believers. We thank God that the police finally (after a year and a half) found the criminal who tried to kill the Pastor in the town of Ariel and very badly injured his son. The trial is underway. Another court case also continues in the city of Beer Sheva against the town's chief Rabbi and a group of Orthodox Jews who attacked violently the local congregation during one of the meetings. Through all these persecutions, the topic of the Messianic believers is more than ever addressed by the media. Every week an article or interview is being published. May our Lord be exalted in the process.
Testimony of a teenage girl
"When I heard about the next youth conference theme "A heart to serve" I got excited, because usually we talk about ourselves and focus on our lives. But this conference was going to deal with society and what we teens can do or should do for other people. The first message was from the book of Nehemiah with emphasis on the words from chapter 2:20 : “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding". We were taught what it means to have 'a heart to serve' – a heart who is seeking God and thirsty for His Word, a heart that demands holiness even when no one is watching. We were given the challenge – to build the body of Messiah instead of mocking the builders and stand on the side doing nothing. We should be working people who search after God's will. Serving in a congregation doesn't start with a microphone on the stage, but doing jobs that are more hidden, like cleaning or helping with the children. I have learnt a lot in this conference and God has really spoken to me and gave me A HEART TO SERVE. "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". (Ephesians 2:10)
Prayer needs: Pray for the persecuted believers in different places in the country, especially protection for the new and young believers Pray for victory in court cases against some religious Jews who persecute the Messianic believers. Pray for the release of the soldier Gilad Shalit from the Hamas prison. Pray for the establishing of the Spanish speaking group in our congregation, as well as two other Hebrew home groups in nearby towns. Pray with us for more space and facilities for our growing children's ministry. Pray for the fatherless and motherless children & youth in our congregation. Pray for the Lord to encourage the intercessors and renew their strength and vision. We praise the Lord for the way He has blessed the team of young people who just came back from Nigeria, using them to bring salvation and healing to thousands . They all came back very encouraged in their Faith to see that God is still a God of Miracles today . Please pray also for J. who is leaving next week for a ministry trip to mainland China to encourage the persecuted believers there.
We would like to thank you for your partnership with us in prayer and support during the past year. Your prayers have definitely made a difference. We wish you a new year 2010 filled with the Lord's blessings. " May the Lord bless you and keep you and May His face shine upon you " (Numbers 6:24)
October 2009
Rosh Hashanah, our New Year
Throughout Israel, families come together to celebrate the Jewish New Year, the biblical "Feast of Trumpets". Our congregation had the pleasure and the honor of doing the same as one big family. We gathered on the roof of our congregation to celebrate and bless the New Year 5770. We dipped apples in honey, as a symbol that the New Year would be sweet. The tables were decorated with pomegranates, so that we will be as fruitful as its seeds. We wrote our prayers for the coming year, attached them to white balloons and released them; praying God would answer our prayers. Since the New Year is also called "The Feast of Trumpets", we divided into four groups, each gathering on one corner of the roof, overlooking Samaria and our city of Kfar Saba. We blew the Shofar towards each corner – prophesying to the four winds (Ezekiel 37), asking for and declaring the salvation of Jews and Arabs living in our area. What a wonderful and moving evening we had...full of praise songs, dance presentations by our youth, and food that was beautifully decorated and very tasty!
National Prayer Gathering
"Consecrate a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly; gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land. To the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord". (Joel 1:14) During Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year- the Feast of Trumpets), about 600 local believers participated in the national prayer gathering. We started by repenting as the body of Messiah. Leaders and pastors representing about 25 different congregations in the Land stood as one in humility and desire to see God work in bringing revival to our Land. We had a time of identifying with the Jewish people and repenting for the sins of our nation as the prophets Daniel and Nehemiah had done in the Tenach. We worshiped, prayed, interceded, and repented. We shared the Lord's Supper together, blew shofars and declared that all Israel would be saved! The Lord showered us with a surprise blessing – it rained! This is so unusual! It has only happened 3 times in the past 50 years on Rosh Hashanah in Israel. "So rejoice, O sons of Zion and be glad in the Lord your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication, and He has poured down for you the rain, the early and latter rain as before". (Joel 2:23)
Yom Kippur – A Testimony From a New Immigrant
Just imagine in your country that God calls a fast, and because of this, the whole country stops… no cars are allowed to drive… nothing is broadcast on the TV or radio stations… all the stores are closed… and everybody comes out on the streets that night after prayers in the Synagogue and enjoys a huge block party with kids riding bikes, skateboards, or inline skating. This is Israel and the Holiday is Yom Kippur.
Thousands of years ago, God declared that the nation would observe a day of fasting for the atonement of our sins. To this day, Jews around the world observe this commandment. But to see how it is done in Israel is amazing. Because there were no cars allowed, I had to walk 1 hour from Hod Hasharon to Kfar Saba (15 min by car). Not once did I walk on the sidewalk, only on the street with thousands of other residents who enjoyed the peace and quiet of no horns honking or car fumes filling the air.
Instead, kids enjoyed their newly acquired bikes and battery operated mini-cars. I was amazed as I walked on Main Street in Kfar Saba and saw what appeared as all the inhabitants of that booming city out on the street by the thousands. It looked exactly like Times Square in anticipation of the dropping of the ball on New Year’s Eve! I marveled standing in the middle of what usually is the busiest intersection in the city gazing at a sea of people on every side.
I used to live in the vast expanses of Arizona where the country was quiet with only the sound of an occasional bird singing. But Tucson’s quietness paled in comparison to this night, and the next day. It was as if a day of reverence was even honored in the voices along the street.
No cell phones ring, no bars open, no one shops to get the “Yom Kippur Sales”, for the stores are all closed. What a change of pace from the way holidays are observed in the states. What made it even more meaningful was that I walked to Kfar Saba so that I could join the rest of the prayer group praying for our city and country. It was a good time of intercession followed the next day with more prayer and fasting.
I love my new country, the country where Yeshua walked, and prayed for us…all of us. I love the fact that as a nation, at least one day a year is dedicated solely to seeking God. Please join me in prayer that it won’t be just one day a year, but that all Israel will be saved and worship the King of Kings!
Wedding and Goodbye
'Shalom Brazil'
We are happy to announce that our music project "Shalom Brasil" has been completed. This vision was born two years ago when Tony saw the thousands of Brazilian believers coming to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Last year his book, " The Mystery of Israel and the Church " was translated into Portuguese. This year, the CD is complete and is a bridge between the two nations. It is a CD of anointed Hebrew praise & worship songs which are partly translated into Portuguese, with unique new arrangements . All the artists, musicians and singers are believers living in Israel , many belonging to the worship team of our congregation who committed to this project for the glory of God.
You can order this new music album and we will send it to you. The suggested price is 12 euros .
- Against the wave of violence , street murder and shedding of innocent blood. - For the release of the prisoner Gilad Shalit held captive in Gaza for more than 3 years - For our 'prayer healing rooms' - A new prayer ministry starting this month, every Wednesday, for people in need of physical and emotional healing. -For the prayer team and counselors – for wisdom, discernment and guidance. - For the single mothers and their children – many of them with special needs and disabilities. - For more teachers for the children program - we have now 70 children in 5 different classes.
We thank you for your prayers and support which we value very much.
Tony and Orna Sperandeo
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August 2009 a brand new summer "the Lighthouse" Our new outreach ministry is the "Lighthouse" coffee bar on the top of our roof on Saturday evening. Just imagine, after a long hard week, having a cup of coffee with your closest friends on a roof over looking Kfar Saba and Samaria. Every other weekend, thanks to a comited group of our congregation who get together and enjoy serving members and visitors food and drinks while enjoying good background music. Up to 80 people have attended this brand new outreach and some good contacts and relationships were developed! Please pray for God’s anointing on this outreach!
Reaching out to the community Speaking of outreach, Two weeks ago, one of our home groups got together and painted a classroom in a kindergarten for underprivileged kids in South Tel Aviv. One of our members when to visit that school and saw how the walls were not painted, and extremely dirty, Our whole group decided to spend the afternoon painting and fellowshipping, and then afterwards enjoying a Shabbat meal together. We don’t know who was more blessed, them or us! It was a total surprise to the kids…you can imagine the look on their faces the next day!
Fruits of the Spirit All summer long, our children are learning about the Fruit of the Spirit (theme of the studies from Gal. 5:22 ). If you look in our youth room, you would think you entered a tropical garden covered in various fruits. Each week we emphasize one aspect of the fruit of the spirit. One example of how the children have put into practice what they learn, is by preparing care packages and bringing them to sick children in the hospital . Pray for our children that they would be a light in the midst of darkness.
Summer Camps Our summer camp was a great success! 45 of our kids with 10 camp counselors went up north to a fishing pond close to the beach, and spent four very blessed days there. While they were there, they learned to fish in the natural and learned how to fish in the spiritual. They learned how to fish for the promises of God by seeking His word. They learned how to fish for the greatest promise of all---Yeshua. All of our children were so blessed, and were deeply touched by God’s work and His Spirit. All the glory is to God who worked through a very comited and united team who worked in the kitchen , drama, lifeguard, fishing, first aid, teaching, worship (led mostly by teens . A few of our children went away with a new deep renewal of their personal relationship with Yeshua. Thank you so much for ALL your prayers for our children. Our children are very important to us. Every week, at our prayer meetings, we ask God to strengthen them and protect them so that they will be strong in their faith and a light to their friends.
Prayer requests :
July 2009. In the midst of a very hot and dry summer we are busy organising the children camps, trying to find every spot of shade or water to keep the children and ourselves cool. Thank you for the numerous prayers and the help we received to sponsor the fatherless children . Please pray for protection and that every child will have a divine encounter with the living God . Pray for Rafi and Diana and their children as they travel to South Africa and Germany . For the Lord protection and blessings where they will stop to share about what the Lord is doing in Israel and in the congregation . June 2009 Shavuot Started the last thursday of May. Ended the counting of the Omer, the 7 weeks since Pessach ( Passover ). The occasion to celebrate the Lord who gave us His Torah in Sinai and wrote His law into our heart with his holy spirit through the new covenant. ( Jer . 31-31 ). After the evening celebration where we dedicated new babies and where we gave thanks to the Lord for His provision and goodness , we rented a bus and travel the next day to Jerusalem , to participate in the yearly gathering of the messianic believers in a moshav nearby. Our young dancing team, " Laakat hamaayan " participated in the program. Later we continued to the old city of Jerusalem to bring blessing to a young child preparing his Bar mizva . The Lord touched also very strongly one of our old veteran there, at the Kotel. We then moved to visit the Garden tomb and had a time of discovery and rest and personal prayer under the shade of the garden. The next day on shabbat , the Lord met us during the worship service and we prayed for the sick and the oppressed , the message on " the promise of the father " during shavouot led us to ask the Lord to fill us afresh with His Holy Spirit . In short it was a week end full of the Lord that we will not easily forget and that has made a lasting impact in the life of some of the participants. New babies : We were pleased to rejoice in the birth of Adam , the fourth baby born this year from our congregation. " Be fruitfull , multiply and fill the earth ( Gen 1 )" is still the first comandment in the bible and as far as we know God has not changed His mind concerning children . " Children are a blessing ( and not a burden ). In fact children are probably the best cure from selfishness . ( to meditate ). Anyway we rejoice in God's gift of Life he added to our congregation.
May 2009
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 2009 Rain Recently, Israel experienced one of the heaviest downpours of rain on record. The rain storm lasted a number of days and dumped an average of 120 mm in the north and center of the country of much needed water. However, at the time of writing, the Sea of Galilee is more than 5 meters below the 'Upper Red Line' (which is considered the 'full' level) and still half a meter below the 'Lower Red Line' (when pumping is considered unsafe). Pray for more rain. Israel's new government Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has built his coalition. 30 cabinet ministers ( the most populated cabinet ever ) He has also promised to reduce taxes, starting with the lower income bracket first. His aim was to build a wide coalition, including all the main parties. Tzipi Livni's Kadima were the first to reject his overtures and in the last week Ehud Barak's Labor party has also decided to join the governement. This brings Netanyahu with A. Lieberman's Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel Our Home), the religious parties and the right-wing parties with which to form a large government. Pray for the forming of the new government - for a good coalition for the people, the poor and needy. Pray for positive changes in the Ministry of Interior, for the believers who have the rights to live in Israel and whose citizenship has been denied because of their faith in Yeshua. Continuing rocket attacks When the war in Gaza (Operation Cast Lead) was first declared to be over, most people thought it had been a job well done. There were promises from the Defense Minister that now, Hamas would understand that Israel would no longer tolerate the previous situation in which the Israeli residents of the Gaza periphery suffered continuous rocket and mortar fire. There are a lot of people in Israel, voicing the opinion that the Gaza war was pointless. The rockets keep coming and Gilad Shalit is still in captivity. It really does seem that nothing has changed. Pray for the security situation that Israel is facing, especially with the Iranian threat now that it has been determined that they have enough material to make an atomic bomb. Purim We had a great time celebrating Purim with the whole congregation and guests. Purim is celebrated in all the Jewish world by the decree of Mordechai and Queen Esther (Esther 9:29-32). The reason for the feast is to celebrate the victory of the Jews over those that hated them in all the provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus. It is also a celebration of the defeat of Haman's plan to exterminate the Jewish people in the Persian Empire, 2500 years ago. Persia is today called Iran. The deliverance was brought through Esther who fasted and prayed together with her servants for 3 days with no food or water. Even though the name of God is not mentioned in the book of Esther, God brought that Jewish Queen for: “such a time as this”. The name Purim is taken from the word 'pur' which means to cast lots (Esther 9:24-26). Purim is without doubt the most joyous and fun holiday on the Jewish calendar and is celebrated by reading the Book of Esther, giving gifts of food and drink to each other, giving to the poor and of course dressing up in costumes. Women's special evening On one of the cold nights of January, 50 women from our congregation met together for a warm & friendly evening. They were welcomed with a cup of hot fruit punch, lovely setting of tables, soft candle light and yammee chocolates! The idea was to spend time together and get to know each other in a deeper and more personal way. …"Better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away" (pro. 27:10). Many of us live far from our families and our friends and the fellowship becomes our family, as true brothers and sisters. We learned what God has to say about friendship from the scripture; we watched a funny drama on this theme; and we had personal conversations with someone we didn't know, sharing our testimonies and life story. The women enjoyed it, new friendships were formed, and we were encouraged to continue to build up our fellowship on the basis of strong relationships. Weekend retreat “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) For the first time in about 4 years, our congregation enjoyed spending the weekend retreat together at the Gilgal Hotel in Tel Aviv. It was a wonderful time of friendship, fellowship, and "family" building. Together, we enjoyed insightful teachings from Tony, "getting to know you better" games, and enjoying each other's company through meals and fellowship. We had congregants who have been here for years, as well as new members who came for the first time! Yeshua used this opportunity to build us up in our hearts and minds with His word and worship...and what a sweet time it was! New soldiers We have two young men from the congregation begining their military service and last Shabbat we prayed a special blessing upon them. Please remember all the young men and women in uniform as they serve their country and endevour to protect her citizens. A new worship album in the making Tony & Orna's son Lior, who just finished his 3 years of military service has written some original Hebrew worship songs and is going to record a CD album with friends in the beginning of April. Pray for blessing, anointing and finances needed for this project. Please continue to pray with us for the house of refuge, for the hosts, the team and the people living there. For finances to continue this important ministry and also for the single mothers and orphans in our midst. Thank you for your partnership with us, thank you for your prayers and support that help us to continue the work that God has put before us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 2009 Dear Friends, Shalom, true peace to you in the name of the God of peace. “Arise, shine for your light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. Behold, the darkness is covering the earth and deep darkness the people but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising”. ( Isaiah 60:1-3) We are writing to you in the midst of a war. For more than 7 years already, rockets have been launched almost daily against small Israeli towns close to the Gaza strip forcing entire families to take refuge in bomb shelters. For years. In spite of the full withdrawal of Israel from all its settlements within Gaza and the fact that Israel, more than anytime in the past, was desiring to talk about peace with its neighbors, the Hamas party never stopped to build an arsenal of weapons that has a range of 40 km (25 miles) up into the cities of Ashdod and Beer Sheva. Israel has also been trying for years to release one of its prisoner, a young soldier, Gilad Shalit, without success. Beside that, within the Gaza strip, since the coming into power of the Hamas movement, the persecutions of the small Christian community has escalated violently. Born again believers are being martyred, like the young man last year, director of the small bible society who left a widow and 2 children .Other brothers had to flee their own homes, like one family’s man that we know who settled now in Bethlehem and could tell you the traumas and persecutions the followers of Christ in Gaza are enduring. Last month, the Christian community in Gaza decided not to celebrate their annual Christmas celebration because of fear of persecution by their Muslims neighbors. "Hamas" (meaning violence) has become now "Halas" (enough). The prophecy of the finger of God in the palace of Belshazzar (book of Daniel), is also writing on the wall of Gaza: “Mene, Mene,Tekel upharsin” : You have been weighted in the balance of God, found lacking, and now will be divided.” Today, the Israeli army inside Gaza is destroying all the infrastructures of violence and the whole Gaza strip area has been divided. God has heard the prayers of the small Christian community, the prayers of Gilad Shalit and the residents of Sderot, the prayers of all the Arabs living in Gaza who have been terrorized and abused, suffering silently. God is a God of Mercy but he is also a God of Justice and now Judgment has come upon this antichrist, anti Israel, anti peace organization named Hamas. We need to pray now for all the little children of Israel the little children of Gaza that the traumas and fear they are going through at this moment will not become seeds of hatred, but that God, the father of comfort will comfort them, protect them and raise up this new generation of young Jews and Arabs as peacemakers under the true Prince of Peace - Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah “the light for revelation to the Nations and the Glory of Israel ” (Gospel of Luke 2:32). Let us all pray that Jews and Arabs will be saved during this time of violence and that God's purposes will be accomplished in the whole world, starting with the middle east. We invite you to really inquire of the truth and seek the purposes of God for salvation. Please pray for: * God's supernatural protection on our soldiers in Gaza. Many of them are believers, some from our own congregation, some of them our own children , for physical protection as well as spiritual covering. * The people of Israel, living throughout the south of the country, who are day and night under rocket attacks. For their protection and their salvation. Also for the believers living in the south, for strength and boldness to share about Yeshua in the midst of fear and confusion. * God's protection over the innocent among the civilian in Gaza strip, who have been used by Hamas as human shields. That the Lord Yeshua will have mercy upon them and reveal himself to those lost people. * God’s wisdom and guidance for the Government of Israel and the military leadership. * The international media that is creating a distorted picture of the true nature of this fight. That truth will be restored and that God will raise a prophetic voice in the midst of the situation. (Picture of missiles’ range) We as a congregation have decided to take some practical steps to stand in the gap at this difficult moment of Israel’s history and we invite you to join us. Prayer “The weapons of our warfare are spiritual… are mighty to destroy strongholds” We have called for meetings of prayer and intercession during the week, to lift up the name of the Lord and plead his intervention in this situation. Hospitaly : Since we are located far outside from the missile ranges, many of us have opened their homes and are ready to welcome families from the south of the country who need a rest from the pressure and danger in their cities. Visit : We are getting organized to visit the cities of the south with practical help and encouragement , to visit the people in need and pray for them. Explaining the situation: We are aware that this war is also a conflict between truth and lies. We need to be better witness of the truth of God to be able to destroy strongholds and refuge of lies that the enemy is sowing upon the unbelieving minds. Beside that, we are glad to report to you what God has done in our midst and the blessings we have experienced in our service to Him during the month of December. During the Feast of Hanukah – the Feast of lights, we wanted to “let our light shine before man” (Matt. 5:16). We visited the sick in the local hospital, distributed gifts and Hanuka donuts to them with verses of hope. A special evening was organized to honor the elderly and holocaust survivors. Everyone was able to share a testimony of God’s faithfulness and the miracles they experienced in their personnal lives. The preteens of the congregation served the meal, followed by a program of music and dance. (picture) House of refuge - We have good news to report : The house of refuge is filling up . A young man joined two months ago. He has an orphan spirit and is in need of emotional and social rehabilitation. He will soon start his army service. Also a young women joined recently – also an orphan who needs rehabilitation in all the areas of life. Please pray for them and for God’s provision to continue this important ministry. Celebrating the wedding of Rachely and Alberto .Rachely has been a member of the congregation for 18 years and Alberto (new immigrant from Uruguay) became a believer and joined the congregation 3 years ago. We thank you, dear friends and partners, for your prayers and financial support during the year 2008. We wish you all a blessed year 2009 . Tony & Orna Sperandeo For Hamaayan Congregation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 2008 Dear prayer partners and friends, Greetings and shalom from Kfar Saba. Hosting the Leadership Convention of Congregational Leaders in Israel Being motivated by the ministry of reconciliation and the deep desire to see all of God's children walking in unity (John 17), our congregation hosted the last leadership national conference (an event that takes place 3 times a year where Tony is a member of the board consisting of seven pastors). The topic of the conference was 'The place of Jewish tradition and oral law in the life of a Jewish believer in Yeshua'. Different viewpoints were expressed revealing so much of difference of understanding, but we praise God for the willingness of brothers, who even though do not agree theologically, were open to share their views publicly. A following conference will take place next January. The House of Refuge - Kadosh la Adonai - “Holy unto the Lord” After the launching of the “House of Refuge” last month, we experienced a very painful setback. For already a few months we have been in communication with a single mother in her thirties living with her 2 daughters in a very unhealthy environment, coming from a background of abuse and addiction. As a team, we all felt that the “House of Refuge” would be the Lord's perfect answer to her needs and her daughters. She herself was touched and decided to move to the house, but unfortunately, only to go back the next morning to her former situation. This really broke our hearts specially the hearts of the Ananian's family who are right now hosting the home. Through this event the Lord taught us some important principles based on spiritual warfare. He is also waiting for people to be completely desperate so they can be available to his grace and deep changes he longs to do in their lives. We were reminded of some major ministries of help and mercy that also started with disappointments and set backs. The principle of the first fruit in any ministry is always “Kadosh la Adonai” (Holy unto the Lord). The ministry of the “House of Refuge” is first and foremost unto Him, and to Him belong it success, that is not measurable by our own standards. As we felt hopeless and defeated in this matter, the Lord spoke strongly to us that He has been glorified through us, making ourselves available in offering His alternative and a new start to the life style of struggling sinners. The choice is now theirs, He will never force His will on people. Since then, more people have come indicating their desire to come and receive help through the “House of Refuge”. Life Changing Ministry During the week between the New Year and Yom Kippur, we were pleased to have our dear friends Dr. Bruce and Barbara Thompson come and minister to us for a series of important and crucial topics. We started with a 2 days Seminar on “The way to the Father” - knowing God as ABA -Daddy (and Mummy). The personal ministry that resulted from the teaching had a deep impact in many of us. We continued with a couples' evening and learned biblical principles of building intimacy in our marriages. We followed the next day with a session about the practical areas of ministry for people involved in our leadership. We then ended with a leadership day seminar open to leaders and counselors from different fellowships in the land. We studied the important issues of developing trust in our relationships. Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) As the whole country came to a standstill, including no traffic on the roads, and many people went to pray and fast in the synagogues, we were led again this year to stand in the gap in identification on behalf of all the people of Israel, young and old, who were genuinely seeking a sign from God on this most Holy Day in the Jewish calendar. The Bible says that “whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10). We believe in a God who answers prayers and are looking forward to see the fruit of our intercession, whether in this life or in the life to come. Praise for the Trip to Brazil Thank you for your prayers for Tony and the worship team who traveled to Brazil. The Lord used them to bring the revelation of the mystery of Israel (Rom. 11:25). They traveled throughout Brazil from the south to the north east, preaching and leading worship in many different conferences and assemblies. They were also invited to speak 3 times in different radio stations to give interviews and thus reach potentially hundred of thousands of listeners with the message of God's love for Israel. Succot Party We had a packed evening with friends, guests and visitors. Our brothers and sisters from the Modiin congregation also joined with us in celebrating Succot (Feast of Tabernacles). Tony led us in worship, Danny taught on the significance of Succot and how it points to Messiah Yeshua and the dance team touched our hearts as they worshiped the Lord in dance. We then had a time of fellowship over a buffet meal: Time to talk and share about the good things that the Lord has done and blessings received. We then prayed for rain, as is the custom during the Feast of Succot, our prayers were answered the next day by showers from above. Stranded in the Airport from the Uttermost Parts of the Earth. Last week we received an unusual phone call from a friend (a travel agent) in Paris who asked us to help 5 people from New Caledonia (Pacific Islands) who missed their flight and were stuck in the airport without money. We offered them hospitality in Kfar Saba and discovered that they were strong and genuine believers in Yeshua who had been visiting Israel for the Feast of Tabernacles. Their prayer and desire was to meet Messianic Jewish believers and God answered them in this special way… We had 3 days of wonderful fellowship together, and true friendship was built. They left with a deeper knowledge and love for Israel. “… and declare it in the Islands afar off...” (Jer 31:10). Fellowship Through Sport We have started a new gathering around a volley ball game every two weeks . Young and old playing together and having fun and fellowship. Prayer Points * The salvation of the many people who heard the the Good News of Yeshua at the new age festival. * The Lord is enlarging again the pegs of our tent. Join us in prayer for the establishing of another new congregation in a nearby city. Stand with us as we are preparing the new move that will again affect our leadership. * The “House of refuge” - for rehabilitation and healing of the people staying there. Wisdom for the hosts and the ministry team. * The new Spanish speaking home group - starting this month. * The new morning women's group - starting this month. * The Be'ad Chaim Pro Life conference anniversary involving many of us in teaching, worship and planning(Dec. 4-6). Thank you for remembering our young people drafted and serving in the military in difficult situations. For protection physically and emotionaly and that God will use them to be salt and light where they are . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 2008 Days of Awe The Days of Awe (“Yamim Noraim” in Hebrew) begin with Rosh Hashanah (30 Sept.) and last for ten days ending with Yom Kippur (9 Oct.). For the Jewish people this is a time for serious introspection and repentance. “On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, how many shall leave this world, and how many shall be born into it, who shall live and who shall die, who shall live out the limit of his days and who shall not, who shall perish by fire and who by water... who shall be at peace and who shall be tormented.... But penitence, prayer, and good deeds can annul the severity of the decree.” -- Rosh Hashanah liturgy (As quoted in Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy, 623.) We know that it is only in Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah that we have forgiveness of sins and the surety of our salvation. Pray for the Jewish people at this special time of year, that they will receive revelationo from above and come into a personal relationship with their creator through Messiah Yeshua his son. Summer Camp This year the theme for our summer camp was Psalm 1 and centered on verse 3: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water...”. The Lord provided the perfect place for us – thank you for your prayers! We camped under the shade of a large old sycamore fig tree in the Jordan Park, just north of the Sea of Galilee, and the beautiful old tree was a wonderful example of the tree in Psalm 1 and it had much to teach us. It was indeed planted by streams of water and was flourishing and fruitful – this in spite ofthe drought and heat. We were blessed to have the use of a trailer kitchen, complete withrefrigerator and generator. The children reallyappreciated having fresh milk with their cornflakes! The Lord once again touched the children in a specialway and many young lives were changed. Youth Group Leadership Change. We want to thank Peter for his work with the youth these past few years and to bless him as he goes to South Africa for a two year course on youth leadership. He will also be visiting Kampala, Uganda, where he will take gifts to the two children there that the congregation is sponsoring. Please keep him in your prayers. In answer toprayer we have a replacement for Peter – actually two –Roni and Dan. Please pray for them and that the youthwill take to them and that together they will enter into a closer walk with the Lord. Shabbat School We have sixty children in five classes this year; we also have some new teachers and we ask for your prayers – that the children's hearts would be open to receive more of the Lord and be drawn into a closer relationship with Him, and that God's grace would be upon the teachers to teach and cope with those that have special needs (there are quite a few children from single parent families ) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 2008 “ Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day ? Can a nation be brought forth in one moment ?“ (Isa. 66:8) Israel just celebrated her 60th year of independence, after 2000 years of occupation by gentile nations such as the Roman Empire, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottomans and British as prophesied in the gospel of Luke 21:24. Modern day Israel came to independence as a new born nation from the ashes of the holocaust. “ Can a nation be born in one day?” “ To God nothing is impossible”. “ It is marvelous in our eyes ”. Now that we received political independence, we are eagerly waiting for the spiritual independence from sin, corruption, hatred and murder, as promised by God in his word. (Ezekiel 36 : 24-28 ) As a congregation, we all gathered on that exciting day and had a special ceremony following with songs, drama, dances and a picnic. Some of our soldiers, representing the Messianic soldiers serving in the IDF are proclaiming that Yeshua The Messiah is the Lord of Hosts (armies) They read from Eph. 6 about the armor of God that we all received for the spiritual conflict we are involved in.( view pictures ) Our drama team performed a skit called “The return” – a recording of the travel and hardship of the Jewish people over the centuries as Yeshua covers them with His blood throughout the entire time. Learning together This past month we had seminars and studies to equip us in different areas: A parenting seminar, where we learned about the Father's heart for our children, how to fill their "love tank" and also give them healthy boundaries. Then a very helpful seminar on handling finances God's way and then another one on inner healing, specifically about the negative power of inner vows in our lives and how to get released from them. Religious persecutions in the only democratic country in the middle east ? The persecutions of the Messianic believers in Israel have increased tremendously over these last few years. In the city of Arad, a group of ultra orthodox young men are often going to the homes of the believers to yell, to curse, to harass the children and make the lives of the believers very difficult. The police do nothing about it. Also in the city of Ashdod, some from the anti –messianic rabbinic religious movement are standing in front of the believers bakery there, passing out flyers, trying to stop customers from buying there. Here too, the police do nothing. On March 20, a Purim present, wrapped nicely with a card that said “Happy Purim” was put at the door of the Ortiz family, leaders of the congregation in Ariel. This Purim gift basket exploded in the hands of the Ortiz’s 15 years old boy. Ami was injured by hundreds of pieces of shrapnel from his feet to his head and, only miraculously, he is alive today. Three months have passed and Ami still faces multiple operations and a long road of physical therapy. Three months have passed and the police have made no arrests, although they have the video of the person who planted the bomb and many other details. It seems that pressure is being brought upon the police not to find the suspects. Since the attack in Ariel, the Messianic Jews have been more exposed through many articles in the newspapers and T.V interviews and reports. Prayer requests:
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