Israel (MNN) — The United States Pentagon press secretary says an Iranian attack on Israel is possible this week. The U.S. is beefing up its show of military force by sending an additional Carrier Strike Group and missile submarine to the region.
Meanwhile, Israelis are preparing their bomb shelters for potentially longer stays if Iran or one of its proxies attacks.
Pastor Israel Pochtar of Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod says, “We’re buying food and preparing for the Iran attack because, from previous times, we know many families won’t be already anyway — especially the really poor, needy people because sometimes they just don’t have more money to buy ahead of time.”
Many Israelis have bomb shelters in their homes. But many more who live in older homes have to stay in shared community bomb shelters.
(Photo courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)
Pochtar and his ministry team bring aid and biblical encouragement to people struggling in bomb shelters, especially near the conflict borders.
“Visiting those bomb shelters, I can tell you it was a very difficult scene,” says Pochtar. “You see sick people, very old people, [and] women with young children or even with infants.” Yet, he adds, “We came to distribute food, and we’re ready to do it again.”
Please pray for Israelis, that they would not be trapped in a spirit of fear but would know the confidence and hope of the Gospel.
Pochtar says, “We pray that they really will be seeking God because that’s promised that if they will seek God – not just religion, but God – they will find Jesus.”
You can support Beit Hallel Congregation’s humanitarian work in Israel here!
“It’s a great time for the Church to be a voice of comfort,” Pochtar encourages. “As Isaiah 40 says, ‘Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord. Speak tenderly to the heart of Jerusalem.’ That’s our focus in ministry right now.”
Header photo courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation.
