Israel (MNN) — While a ceasefire in Israel seems to be the focus of the world, at least one organization says the country is just one step away from a regional conflict. Resurgence in rocket fire from Gaza a week ago provoked Israel to strike back. Those strikes killed the Hamas military chief, while also targeting Hamas underground rocket launchers and weapons stores.
Tom Doyle with E3 Partners just returned from Israel. "We were in Jerusalem when the air-raid sirens went off, and we heard the rockets land. It was the first time since the 1970s that rockets have gone into Jerusalem. So, it was a very sad day."
While Israel has been the focus of attacks before, Doyle says this seemed different. "This, to us — just being there so many times in the last 20 years — has the feel of a regional war just ready to break out."
Doyle says many radical Islamic governments, including Iran, Egypt and Lebanon, want Israel to be overthrown. "Many are seeing this might be a chance. Obviously Hamas has much more strength than many Israelis thought." Doyle says that if this gets out of control, Israel will defend itself with all its might. Doyle says that could be the tipping point for a regional conflict.
Despite the ongoing unrest, many are coming to Christ, including one man from Hebron. "His family was involved in terrorism, and God transformed his life. It just floored our group to see his joy for Christ. Four months ago, this man had been involved in terrorism, and Jesus has just set him free."
Doyle wants Christians to remember Romans 8:38, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers…nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of Christ Jesus our Lord."
That's why Doyle is asking you to pray at 8:38 each evening. "We're calling on believers to set their watches to 8:38pm. That's when believers are getting up in the Middle East. Pray for them. Pray for their safety. Pray that God will put his hand of protection of them during these very difficult days."
