Cry Out to God in the Battle
This week, Israel has seen highs and lows related to the war as we tick over the 250 day mark since it began on October 7 2023. Here’s a quick summary of what happened this week:
- All Israel responded with great joy to the news of the rescue of four hostages last week. However, the remaining hostages have still to come home causing ongoing anguish and deep heartbreak for their families and within the hearts of all Israelis.
- War against Hezbollah in the north is seemingly imminent and is a frightening scenario. The attacks from Hezbollah are increasing and are more accurately targeted than missiles from Gaza.
- Hezbollah drones have begun fires in forested areas threatening homes and forcing residents to flee adding to the thousands of internal refugees.
- The battle to rid Gaza of Hamas continues.
- Criticism and outright condemnation of Israel which is fighting a war of self-defence, and ugly antisemitism against Jews is everywhere, and continues unabated.
“And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them, for they cried out to God in the battle. He heeded their prayer, because they put their trust in Him,” 1 Chronicles 5:20. Continue to cry out to God in the battle. Scroll down this email to join our prayer times.
Earlier this week, one of our ICEJ Australia team members was on a phone call to a staff member of the Haifa Home for Holocaust Survivors in Israel at her home. Their conversation was disrupted by the Red Alert siren in her area owing to a Hezbollah drone. The staff member took shelter in her stairwell only due to a lack of nearby bomb shelters. There is a constant frightening threat of an expanded war in the north.
This is just one story of thousands in Israel at the moment. Consider supporting the Israel In Crisis Fund (Tax Deductible) to give shelter to the vulnerable members of the community in Israel.
Shavuot 11-12th June
The fiftieth day from Passover, Shavuot, was celebrated this last week in the shadow of the ongoing tensions.
During the temple era there were joyous pilgrimages to Jerusalem bringing the first fruits of the harvest. Agricultural produce is still celebrated today at Shavuot especially on the kibbutzim. The book of Ruth, the beautiful story of a gentile choosing the God of Israel and embracing His people is read. The story is set against the backdrop of the barley and wheat harvests. Shavuot also celebrates the giving of the Torah. The Ten Commandments are read in the synagogues and many stay up all night attending various study groups in memory of the momentous event that occurred on Mt Sinai.
To find out why the Holy Spirit was given to the Believers on this day, read the article below.
NEVER AGAIN IS NOW - Brisbane
Jewish support came from all over South East Queensland, with a clear message of brotherly love and solidarity.
The event was a serene and uplifting experience, filled with songs of worship and messages of hope from a variety of leaders, including pastors, cultural figures, and politicians. The voice of Christian Zionists was particularly resonant, led by the ICEJ Australian Young Adults leader, Ps. Moises Vasquez.
The message from the ICEJ was heard loud and clear by Brisbane’s Jewish community and attending Rabbis: “We are here for you.”
Professional video from NAIN is coming soon! Until then, you can watch Ps Moises Vasquez’s address below.
Pray With Us
We firmly believe that the God of Israel & the Church answers prayers, and that the most powerful prayers are those done in a community of faith. We encourage you to join our weekly prayer meetings:
Tuesday 12-1pm & Wednesday 5-6am AEST
Click below to join meetings & discover more resources to enrich your prayers for Israel.
