Israel (MNN) — “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” says Psalm 122:6.
Peace is still far away from the Middle East. But that doesn’t keep the Church from laying plans for sharing Christ.
Pastor Israel Pochtar of the Beit Hallel Congregation in the city of Ashdod says the church has planned an outreach trip to Beersheba at an undisclosed date later this month to reach people impacted by the war, which is now past its five-month mark.
“Three hundred Israelis were taking to the south,” Pochtar says. “Pray for these people, 300 non-believers who will come to hear the gospel.”
War relief action teams delivering much-needed day to day essentials to soldiers at the Israeli army bases in the south of Israel. (Photo courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)
One of Beit Hallel Congregation’s ongoing ministries is to help resettle Jews returning to Israel from other parts of the world — an immigration movement called the aliyah. More than 44,000 people, mostly Jewish, are estimated to have immigrated to Israel from January to November of 2023.
“Generally speaking, people who come from Eastern Europe, they’re mostly not religious and they are more open for the gospel. They are kind of disconnected from their families, starting new life in Israel. It really cause(s) them to be more open,” Pochtar says.
“We’re praying that the Holy Spirit will reveal Yeshua, Jesus, and many of them will be touched.”
He says that the war and violence are taking a toll on the hearts of Israelis.
“People (are) losing their hope, losing their faith. Many people (are) just lost in all these conflicts. So gospel is the answer, (the) love of God, love of Jesus and all the prophetic messages that preparing us for such an hour. Pray for (the) Prince of Peace, God of peace, God of shalom to come and visit Israel. It’s very important,” Pochtar says.
Click here to learn more about Beit Hallel Congregation’s ministry.
Header image is a representative stock image of Jerusalem, Israel courtesy of Dave Herring/Unsplash.
