As distressing stories emerge from Israel, I want to briefly remember the wonderful journey through this precious Land enjoyed by the ICEJ 2023 Feast Tour.
“We had the most wonderful tour,” said a member of the group. Another shared “The Galilee area particularly moved me emotionally because our Saviour was in this very area, performed so many miracles right where we walked, and walked on water where we sailed. It was so peaceful. Every place we went to was peaceful. When the Feast of Tabernacles’ participants took part in the Jerusalem March it was an expression of comfort for God’s people. We witnessed tears from the watching Israelis as they whispered thank you, thank you for coming.”
We enjoyed mingling with the many beautiful Jewish families celebrating Sukkot. The temporary shelters in which they dwell for 7 days remind the Jewish people, and all of us, of the protection and provision of God through the wilderness journey.
ICEJ’s celebration included beautiful worship by the Lake of Galilee. And throughout the week, pilgrims were blessed with amazing talent from different cultures expressing their love for God, and His nation.
The day before the disastrous Hamas terror attacks, we visited the ANZAC memorial at Beersheba (only 40km from the GAZA border) The world’s last great calvary charge of Beersheba by the Australian Light Horse, the youngest nation (against all odds) paved the way for the establishment of the oldest nation.
As I write this though, my heart is heavy, hearing the unfathomable atrocities near this region the following day is heartbreaking. However, knowing the gallantry of this great charge gives us hope and courage to stand with Israel both PRACTICALLY & PRAYERFULLY in the same valiant spirit.
After so many beautiful days visiting the promised land, and attending the Feast, we were hustled into the hotel bomb shelter as air raid sirens sounded over the city of Jerusalem. “Looking back, I am glad for the timing of our visit,” said one of the group, and we all agreed that it was a privilege to have experienced a small snapshot of what Israel has gone through over many years. It was quite a miracle we were able to fly out that day. Our prayers will be so much more fervent.
The shock of what happened on that early morning of what was supposed to be an especially joyous day, the Eighth Day (Numbers 29:35), rejoicing over God’s Word with dancing and singing as the Torah scrolls are lifted high, turned into horror as events unfolded.
Psalm 38:15, “For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God.”
Click below to read ICEJ Australia’s official statement on the attacks, and our affirmation of our full support for Israel.
ICEJ is on the frontlines of this battle on your behalf by reaching out with emergency assistance across the nation, and especially to the shattered residents of the Israeli border communities.
The ICEJ Aid team is working around the clock with our long-time partners. We have suppled food and water to IDF soldiers and first responders operating along the Gaza border. There is now a central distribution centre set up in Jerusalem for evacuees, and with your help we can have a real impact in bringing medical relief and aid to the troops and civilians.
We also are very involved in the mass evacuation efforts to take traumatized Israeli civilians from the worst-hit border communities and give them respites away from the fighting. We also request urgent funds needed for new bomb shelter deliveries for Israel’s northern border.
Your free will offering to urgently assist is also tax deductable.
Click below ⬇️ or use the link ➡️ icej.org.au/aid/
Please share far and wide, ICEJ has been responding to Israel crises situations for 40+ years. Help us bring emergency relief and show Israel that Australia cares.
Click the link to watch the latest update from ICEJ Headquarters
PRAY WITH US
Israel desperately needs our prayers. This is a spiritual battle, so rise up prayer warriors! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is awaiting the cries of heartfelt prayers.
We currently have 2 daily prayer gatherings.
Join us weekdays on zoom (Syd/Melb time) at 8-9am and 12 midnight (4pm Israel time)
Click the buttons below to join the prayer meetings at your preferred timeslot
📣 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!! 🇮🇱💙🇦🇺
We officially launched our 1st section of our online Store last week at the ANZAC memorial centre at Beersheba!
Inspire your prayer life and purchase a piece of history – all proceeds in the next 6 weeks will go toward a dedicated Australian bomb shelter for the northern border of Israel.
This painting is a reminder of God’s Faithful Hand over His people and His Land…. and victory we have in prayer!
May God’s Shalom rest upon Israel today and forever!
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director