Prayers for Rain

We are still waiting for the rain season. Even though we saw a few clouds and experienced some light showers upon the land we desperately need more rain.

We know that rain is linked with repentance (2 Chron. 7:13-14) so we are crying out to the Lord for an outpouring of His spirit upon our land. The fire that burnt the Carmel mountain was sign , a wake up call that we need to be ready for even heavier calamnities and tragedies to come upon our Land.

Isn't it ironic that rain started pouring down for 3 days just a few hours after the fire was quenched / Is God in control or not ?? He still is and waiting for acknowledgment.

"The Poor Will Always be with you"

According to worldwide statistics, Israel is now ranked in the fifteenth place as a nation for "the quality of life", equaling most of the European countries. The economy is growing, unemployment is down, the shekel becoming of the most secure and strong money in the area.

Also the finding of huge natural gas reserves off shore of Haifa will secure Israel and will bring independence from the need of foreign oil. Also now desalinization plant can be implemented as to provide water from the Mediterranean Sea.

Yet Israel has still a growing number of its population living under poverty level, among them many new immigrants, single mothers, widows and elderly people who have just the bare means for survival. We thank all of you who help in the support of those "least of these". What you have done to them you have done to the Lord. This month we had "to rescue" some families who could not afford to pay their rent or their housing bills. This is the reality of our ministry to them as a local congregation.

So on their behalf we want to thank you for your generous support. As the feast of Hanukah approaches, we plan a special outreach to the needy, to bless them during the feast of light season.

Reaching the Nations in Jerusalem

Looking back these past few months we got confirmation that one of our calling as a congregation in Israel is also to build a bridge with the nations. This is the nature of our ministry: "Ki mi Zion" (from Zion).

Without having to travel abroad to bring the message of Israel, we set up a booth at the feast of tabernacles, last month in Jerusalem. There, our team met the thousands of believers who came to worship the Lord in the "City of the great King". We connected especially with the Brazilians who also came by huge numbers and organized their own conference. The connection was established through Osvaldo, Kesia and Kelly, members of our congregation and born in Brazil. They enjoyed our new C.D "Shalom Brazil" and Tony's book into Portuguese.

Another very special time was during the week long French speaking conference near Jerusalem where Tony, Uzi and other members of our worship team were involved in organizing, teaching, sharing testimonies and leading worship. This conference who was the first of its kind involved many French speaking believers and ministries living in Israel as well as tourists and intercessors. The theme of Psalm 133 on unity was experienced daily and the blessing of God on the conference was evident to all.

Parent's Meeting

Last month, we held a very important parents meeting to discuss the influence of internet and Facebook in the life of the children. For many children, internet can become a way of escape from the real world and true relationships. A few of them were already wounded by being exposed to ungodly and obscene programs, cursing and mockery. Backslidden children use the internet to influence their friends, especially the young ones. The talks, interaction and prayers among the parents are very important, supporting each other in standing in the gap making sure our children are more protected.

Sign on Our Building

As another way of outreach to the people in our city, we hang signs on the top of our building. Our last greeting sign reading in Hebrew: "A new year of blessing and Salvation". As we approach the feast of Hanukah our next sign will read: "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear" Psalm 27:1

A Workshop for Women

We are opening a 3-months workshop for women, led by the Israeli ministry "Ot Umofet" (sign & wonders). The workshop uses the vessels of the Tabernacle as the main tool for healing. Next to each vessel the women will have to do something, which will eventually lead them to victory at the Holy of Holies.

More than 30 women have registered; many of them are widows/single mothers. They will all need prayer as they allow the Lord to touch deep pain and shed His light into their darkness. We look forward to wonderful testimonies of healing and restoration.

Among other things, we would love to purchase a concordance for those who don't own one, as a part of the process they will go through in the tabernacle. If you want to co-partner with us in this project, please let us know.

Prayer Needs:

• Rain and a lot – against all the news reports about another year of drought

• Provision for needy families - one single mother broke her arm and cannot work, another underwent surgery, and another lost her job.

• The new team being raised for the youth ministry. The upcoming trip with the youth in march

• The women seminar on the tabernacle. For healing and restoration for each women.

• Healing for few children facing emotional and spiritual turmoil. For the right counseling and revelation of the father's love and protection.

• The time away for Tony to finish the publishing of his new book

• The raising of a new home group in Kfar Saba.

• A bigger meeting place for the congregation.

• The Hanukah party outreach next month.