November 2008

 

Dear prayer partners and friends,
Greetings and shalom from Kfar Saba.

 

Hosting the Leadership Convention of Congregational Leaders in Israel

Being motivated by the ministry of reconciliation and the deep desire to see all of God's
children walking in unity (John 17), our congregation hosted the last leadership national
conference (an event that takes place 3 times a year where Tony is a member of the board
consisting of seven pastors). The topic of the conference was 'The place of Jewish tradition and oral law in the life of a Jewish believer in Yeshua'. Different viewpoints were expressed
revealing so much of difference of understanding, but we praise God for the willingness of
brothers, who even though do not agree theologically, were open to share their views publicly.

A following conference will take place next January.

The House of Refuge - Kadosh la Adonai - “Holy unto the Lord”
After the launching of the “House of Refuge” last month, we experienced a very painful setback. For already a few months we have been in communication with a single mother in her thirties living with her 2 daughters in a very unhealthy environment, coming from a background of abuse and addiction. As a team, we all felt that the “House of Refuge” would be the Lord's perfect answer to her needs and her daughters. She herself was touched and decided to move to the house, but unfortunately, only to go back the next morning to her former situation. This really broke our hearts specially the hearts of the Ananian's family who are right now hosting the home.
Through this event the Lord taught us some important principles based on spiritual warfare. He is also waiting for people to be completely desperate so they can be available to his grace and deep changes he longs to do in their lives. We were reminded of some major ministries of help and mercy that also started with disappointments and set backs. The principle of the first fruit in any ministry is always “Kadosh la Adonai” (Holy unto the Lord).

The ministry of the “House of Refuge” is first and foremost unto Him, and to Him belong it success, that is not measurable by our own standards. As we felt hopeless and defeated in this matter, the Lord spoke strongly to us that He has been glorified through us, making ourselves available in offering His alternative and a new start to the life style of struggling sinners. The choice is now theirs, He will never force His will on people.

Since then, more people have come indicating their desire to come and receive help through the “House of Refuge”.

Life Changing Ministry
During the week between the New Year and Yom Kippur, we were pleased to have our dear friends Dr.
Bruce and Barbara Thompson come and minister to us for a series of important and crucial topics.
We started with a 2 days Seminar on “The way to the Father” -  knowing God as  ABA -Daddy (and Mummy).
The personal ministry that resulted from the teaching had a deep impact in many of us.

We continued with a couples' evening and learned biblical principles of building intimacy in our
marriages. We followed the next day with a session about the practical areas of ministry for
people involved in our leadership.
We then ended with a leadership day seminar open to leaders and counselors from different
fellowships in the land. We studied the important issues of developing trust in our relationships.

Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement)
As the whole country came to a standstill, including no traffic on the roads, and many people
went to pray and fast in the synagogues, we were led again this year to stand in the gap in
identification on behalf of all the people of Israel, young and old, who were genuinely seeking a
sign from God on this most Holy Day in the Jewish calendar.
The Bible says that “whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10).
We believe in a God who answers prayers and are looking forward to see the fruit of our
intercession, whether in this life or in the life to come.

Praise for the Trip to Brazil
Thank you for your prayers for Tony and the worship team who traveled to Brazil. The Lord used
them to bring the revelation of the mystery of Israel (Rom. 11:25). They traveled throughout
Brazil from the south to the north east, preaching and leading worship in many different
conferences and assemblies.
They were also  invited to speak 3 times in different radio stations to give interviews and thus
reach potentially hundred of thousands of listeners with the message of God's love for Israel.

Succot Party
We had a packed evening with friends, guests and visitors. Our brothers and sisters from the
Modiin congregation also joined with us in celebrating Succot (Feast of Tabernacles).
Tony led us in worship, Danny taught on the significance of Succot and how it points to Messiah
Yeshua and the dance team touched our hearts as they worshiped the Lord in dance.
We then had a time of fellowship over a buffet meal: Time to talk and share about the good things
that the Lord has done and blessings received.
We then prayed for rain, as is the custom during the Feast of Succot, our prayers were answered
the next day by showers from above.

Stranded in the Airport from the Uttermost Parts of the Earth.
Last week we received an unusual phone call from a friend (a travel agent) in Paris who asked us
to help 5 people from New Caledonia (Pacific Islands) who missed their flight and were stuck in
the airport without money. We offered them hospitality in Kfar Saba and discovered that they were
strong and genuine believers in Yeshua who had been visiting Israel for the Feast of Tabernacles.
Their prayer and desire was to meet Messianic Jewish believers and God answered them in this
special way… We had 3 days of wonderful fellowship together, and true friendship was built. They
left with a deeper knowledge and love for Israel.
“… and declare it in the Islands afar off...” (Jer 31:10).

Fellowship Through Sport
We have started a new gathering around a volley ball game every two weeks . Young and old playing
together and having fun and fellowship.

Thank you for your prayers and your faithful support.
Hananel,   on behalf of Kehilat Hamaayan

Prayer Points

 * The salvation of the many people who heard the the Good News of Yeshua at the new age festival.


* The Lord is enlarging again the pegs of our tent. Join us in prayer for the establishing of another  new congregation in a nearby city. Stand with us as we are preparing the new move that will again affect our leadership.


* The “House of refuge” -  for rehabilitation and healing of the people staying there. Wisdom for the hosts and the ministry team.


  * The new Spanish speaking home group  - starting this month.


 * The new morning women's group - starting this month.


*The Be'ad Chaim Pro Life conference anniversary involving many of us in teaching, worship and planning(Dec. 4-6).
----- 
Thank you for praying for the elections of each municipalities, cities and villages in Israel on November 11th .         (1tim 2:1-8 )

Thank you also for remembering our young people  drafted and serving in the military in difficult situations. For protection physically and emotionaly and that God will use them to be salt and light where they are .

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September 2008

Days of Awe
The Days of Awe (“Yamim Noraim” in Hebrew) begin with Rosh Hashanah (30 Sept.) and last for ten days
ending with Yom Kippur (9 Oct.). For the Jewish people this is a time for serious introspection and repentance.
“On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, how many shall leave this world, and how
many shall be born into it, who shall live and who shall die, who shall live out the limit of his days and who
shall not, who shall perish by fire and who by water... who shall be at peace and who shall be tormented....
But penitence, prayer, and good deeds can annul the severity of the decree.” -- Rosh Hashanah liturgy (As quoted in Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy, 623.)
We know that it is only in Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah that we have forgiveness of sins and the surety of our
salvation. Pray for the Jewish people at this special time of year, that they  will receive revelationo from above and come into a personal relationship with their creator through Messiah Yeshua his son.


Summer Camp
This year the theme for our summer camp was Psalm 1 and centered on verse 3: “He is like a tree planted by
streams of water...”. The Lord provided the perfect place for us – thank you for your prayers! We camped
under the shade of a large old sycamore fig tree in the Jordan Park, just north of the Sea of Galilee, and the beautiful  old tree was a wonderful example of the tree in Psalm 1 and it had much to teach us. It was indeed planted by streams of water and was flourishing and fruitful – this in spite ofthe drought and heat.
We were blessed to have the use of a trailer kitchen, complete withrefrigerator and generator.

The children reallyappreciated having fresh milk with their cornflakes!
The Lord once again touched the children in a specialway and many young lives were changed.


Youth Group Leadership Change.

We want to thank Peter for his work with the youth these past few years and to bless him as he goes to
South Africa for a two year course on youth leadership. He will also be visiting Kampala, Uganda, where he
will take gifts to the two children there that the congregation is sponsoring.
Please keep him in your prayers.
In answer toprayer we have a replacement for Peter – actually two –Roni and Dan.

Please pray for them and that the youthwill take to them and that together they will enter into a
closer walk with the Lord.


Shabbat School
We have sixty children in five classes this year; we also have some new teachers and we ask for your prayers –
that the children's hearts would be open to receive more of the Lord and be drawn into a closer relationship with
Him, and that God's grace would be upon the teachers to teach and cope with those that have special needs
(there are quite a few children from single parent families )

 

JUNE 2008

PRAYER NEWSLETTER

 

“ Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day ?
Can a nation be brought forth in one moment ?“ (Isa. 66:8)

Israel just celebrated her 60th year of independence, after 2000 years of occupation by gentile nations such as the Roman Empire, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottomans and British as prophesied in the gospel of Luke 21:24. Modern day Israel came to independence as a new born nation from the ashes of the holocaust. “ Can a nation be born in one day?” “ To God nothing is impossible”. “ It is marvelous in our eyes ”.
Now that we received political independence, we are eagerly waiting for the spiritual independence from sin, corruption, hatred and murder, as promised by God in his word. (Ezekiel 36 : 24-28 )


As a congregation, we all gathered on that exciting day and had a special ceremony  following with songs, drama, dances and  a picnic.

Some of our soldiers, representing the Messianic soldiers  serving in  the IDF
are proclaiming that Yeshua The Messiah is the Lord of Hosts (armies) 
They read from Eph. 6 about the armor of God that we  all received
for the spiritual conflict we are involved in.( view pictures )

 Our drama team performed a skit called “The return” –
a recording of the travel and hardship of the Jewish people
over the centuries as Yeshua covers them with His blood
throughout the entire time.

Learning together
This past month we had seminars and studies to equip us in different areas: A parenting seminar, where we learned about the Father's heart for our children, how to fill their "love tank" and also give them healthy boundaries. Then a very helpful seminar on handling finances God's way and then another one on inner healing, specifically about the negative power of inner vows in our lives and how to get released from them.

Religious persecutions in the only democratic country in the middle east ?
The persecutions of the Messianic believers in Israel have increased tremendously over these last few years. In the city of Arad, a group of ultra orthodox young men are often going to the homes of the believers to yell, to curse, to harass the children and make the lives of the believers very difficult. The police do nothing about it. Also in the city of Ashdod, some from the anti –messianic rabbinic religious movement are standing in front of the believers bakery there, passing out flyers, trying to stop customers from buying there. Here too, the police do nothing. On March 20, a Purim present, wrapped nicely with a card that said “Happy Purim” was put at the door of the Ortiz family, leaders of the congregation in Ariel. This Purim gift basket exploded in the hands of the Ortiz’s 15 years old boy. Ami was injured by hundreds of pieces of shrapnel from his feet to his head and, only miraculously, he is alive today. Three months have passed and Ami still faces multiple operations and a long road of physical therapy. Three months have passed and the police have made no arrests, although they have the video of the person who planted the bomb and many other details. It seems that pressure is being brought upon the police not to find the suspects. Since the attack in Ariel, the Messianic Jews have been more exposed through many articles in the newspapers and T.V interviews and reports.


Prayer requests:

 

* For boldness, courage and wisdom for the believers in declaring their faith even as persecutions increase and become more aggressive.


* That the Lord would continue to perform miracles on Ami’s body and emotions.


* That his life will not be traumatized by this event, that he will receive peace, hope and grace in his daily painful condition.


* That the Israeli media will not twist any facts so that the truth will be presented in a clear way.


* For the house of refuge that we are planning to open for people in crisis – that we will find the right house to rent in Kfar-Saba and will be able to purchase a place in the future.


* For a youth leader as our youth leader is leaving for a year of study and training.


* For the youth and the children, that the Lord will touch and save each one of them during this summer holiday & through the different summer camps and activities


* For the young adult Shabbat evening meetings, for the soldiers who are attending, to be encouraged and  strengthened in their faith.


* For the 10 different home groups and their leaders - the new one that just started in Spanish for new immigrants.

COMING soon.....

 

 MAY 2008

Happy birthday Israel

Israel celebrated her 60th years of independance. After 2000 years of  occupation from  the Nations : Roman empire , Byzantines , Arabs , Crusaders , Mameluks, Ottomans and Britishs, Israel came to independance as a new born nation on the ashes of the holocaust . " Can a nation be born in one day ?? " " To God nothing is impossible. It is marvellous in our eyes. "

 

Now that we have received  Political Independance we are eagerly waiting for the Spiritual  independance from sin , corruption , hatred and murder , as promised by God in His word :

 

" For I will  take you from the Nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols, I will cleanse you. A NEW HEART I WILL GIVE YOU AND A NEW SPIRIT I WILL PUT WITHIN YOU . I will take out your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my ways and be carefull to observe my commandments. You shall dwell in the Land I gave to your fathers . You shall be my people and I will be your  God. ( Ezekiel  36 : 24- 28 )

 

 

1)We praise God for restoring strenght and health to some of us in leadership.

2) Thank you for praying FOR THE new CHILDREN'summer CAMPS  AND helping us sponsor THE FATHERLESS CHILDREN IN OUR MIDST. (for more details please contact us directly ) 

 

 

Ami update may 6th

We checked out of the Schneider Children's hospital, last week after a six-week stay, 8 days in the ICU and the rest on the children's floor.  Ami received excellent care  from the doctors and nurses in that hospital, but in response to prayer from the four corners of the earth Ami has been healing at a rate that is extraordinary.  The plastic surgeon that worked on Ami said that in his 15 years of experience he had never seen such extensive wounds.  He said he has at least one hundred pieces of shrapnel in his body from his head to his feet which his body is slowly bringing up under the surface of the skin which will come out by themselves.
 
Thank God Ami was admitted today into a rehabilitation program in Tel HaShomer hospital.   It is the hospital where terror attack victim's are treated, and also soldiers wounded in battle, so they are very experienced with the multiple injuries Ami has.   
 
In the meantime, we had a week hiatus at home.  We enjoyed  living a more normal life for at least a week, and readjusting to new realities.  I, Leah, have learned to change Ami's bandages and so I see improvement everyday and I see areas of skin that  were wounded before that are completely back to normal.  We have much hope and at the same time need much patience, as that is one very big lesson that we are learning through this ordeal.  The Lord is very faithful to give His promises.  From the very beginning He assured us that there had been a decision made in Heaven that we might not understand now,  but that Ami would be fine and that He would use this for His glory.  The working out of it has been painful for everyone especially Ami, and we have found that we have need to stand in faith that His promises will come to pass. As it is written in, Joshua 21:45,
 
 "Not a word failed of any good thing that the Lord had spoken to the House of Israel.  All came to pass."
 
Prayer Points:
 Please pray for complete restoration of the use of Ami's hands and arms.
Please pray for healing of all burns and scars on his body.
Please pray for continued emotional and spiritual healing for Ami and for the family.
Please pray for Ami's siblings that they would all draw closer to the Lord through this experience.
Please pray for the police investigation, that they will do their work without pressures or influences and that the one's responsible for this crime would be swiftly brought to justice.
 

 

URGENT PRAYER NEED

Please pray for the son of a pastor from  Ariel critically wounded in a murderous attempt.

Here is a special report  showing that the persecution against the disciples of Yeshua is growing in Israel : Arad , Beer sheva , now Ariel !! Ad Matai Adonai !!

 

 Thursday afternoon at around 2:30 there was an explosion in the home of David
and Leah O . (long-time believers from Ariel, the only Jewish city in
Samaria).  Their youngest son (Ami, meaning "my People") was badly 
wounded.

 It was a bomb in a "mishloach manot" (the traditional food gifts exchanged
among Jews for Purim), which was left at their door.  It said "Purim 
sameach" ("Happy Purim") on it.  Ami (15) happened to be the one who
opened it.

Attached is an update sent to me by Hannah W., who also lives in Ariel. 
The Messianic community in Israel is shocked and prayerful. Will you 
please join us and especially the aching family of Ami through this
ordeal? This day,  Purim ,over 2,500 years ago, a young lady was raised for such a
time as this and annulled a decree to destroy our People. We all know that 
this decree has been issued again and again through history, and the
Messianic Jews are now the target of it from all sides.
________________
report from the hospital .

 

 As for this morning, Ami is out of surgery.  The Lord has been merciful. 
The boy is still a mess but stable.  Amazing news - no shrapnel got into
his arteries or vital organs. One lung was crushed but they managed to 
save it. His brain is not injured.  His body is intact except for losing
several toes (not sure why "toes" instead of "fingers", but this detail is 
from his mother Leah). The swelling in his face has gone down.

 It's truly miraculous, given the fact that the bomb was right in front of 
him.  The Lord had to have been shielding him to keep him alive.

 That was the good news.  The rest... he has 2nd and 3rd degree burns, deep 
gashes all over, both arms broken.  And his eyes are badly damaged.  The
med team hasn't even had a chance to take care of that yet, because of all 
the life-threatening things they were working on all night. He is stable 
but heavily sedated.

His parents were at the hospital all night and are obviously in a state of
shock and exhaustion.  I haven't seen their apartment, but the older
kids went to the house and they say the entire kitchen and living room are 
destroyed.  No one is even thinking about that, because Ami is alive and
that's enough for now.

   The Shabak (general security people) are doing a complete investigation. 
They were just here at the house.  The two theories of "who" are still
    being considered - either antimissionaries (Jewish extremists) or Arab 
terrorists.

 

Latest prayer need : Ami is now out of the emergency ward . Doctors are amazed at the speedy recovery .Please keep praying  specifically for the healing ot the eyes, earing, for lungs and arms and feet and  burns and also emotional trauma and memories ( flash backs )

 

Verses received while praying for and with the family : Psalm 91 , Luke 22:32 , John 16 ;1-5 


Next prayer night : thursday 3rd of April

from the 1st day of the month of Nisan ( sunday the 6th ) first day of the biblical year we will start a prayer chain from 6:00 am - 10:00 am for a whole year. this prayer chain is part of a 24 / 7 prayer covering organised with the different congregation of the greater Tel-aVIV area and the Gush Dan.

 

Snow and earthquake.
" Come now and let us reason together says the Lord. though your sins are like scarlet they will be white as snow." (Esa. 1:18)
In Israel, we have been visited by snow. Two waves of cold, bringing white blankets over Jerusalem and the mountains of Israel. In between those two waves of snow, we experienced also the most powerful earthquake recorded in the last few decades in Israel (5.3 on Richter scale). Experts are predicting an even greater earthquake in the region as we know that "The Lord is shaking again the Heavens and the Earth". We take it as a warning; that in the midst of grace (snow), there is a shaking, a testing and a warning for Israel to turn back to Her God and repent from her sins."

It is not only rumors of war - it is war !!
Hundreds of missiles are being sent against the Israel town of Sderot bordering the Gaza strip. Recently, more sophisticated longer range missiles have hit also the city of Ashkelon. Civilians and soldiers have died, many more wounded. A young believer, a soldier serving in Gaza was wounded by a gun shot in his leg, he speaks about a miracle. Would you pray for the situation in the south of the country. Remember, we are not called to hate people as we know that "our fight is not against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities in heavenly places" (Eph 6:10)
For many of us who have sons in the military, these are not just nice words but the daily reality we live in.

 

We called for a special 3 days of fasting and prayers from monday 10th -12th of march

 

****************************************

Burkina Faso , february 2008                                   Burkina Faso Report

 

'' Cinema, Cinema , Cinema Ye" .

No, these are not the words of the latest chart song heard on radio. We are located in a small northern village in Burkina Faso, Western Africa in the third poorest country in the world. We are in a small village close to the border with Mali,  a sub Sahara area where only 25 % of the population know how to read or write. This semi-desertic village has been transformed into a 3 days campground conference. More than 1200 people gathered from all the nearest and farthest mud huts of the area have come to hear the "Israelis " , the sons of Abraham , Isaac and Jacob. This number does not include the hundreds of children who play in the red and dry dust amidst pigs, goats and bees near the central water well where women draw the precious water.

 

" Holy , Holy , Holy is the Lord of hosts " These were the words we heard, translated into " Dioula ", one of the fifty different tribal languages spoken in Burkina Faso and the predominant one in this remote area, close to the city of Nouna. The music is authentic. The instruments, percussions and a special xylophone made of wood and gourds are a musical treat to the hears . This music is still ethnically unspoiled by the west, the worship is genuine , the singing beautiful. The prayers in unison and with great intensity all indicate a thirst for God and a desire to hear from Him and from his word , from his servants , the Israelis, who came from so far away just to meet them, from the land of the Bible , of the Hebrew prophets , the land where their savior was born , lived , died , resurrected and will be coming back again . The atmosphere is electrifying. Welcome to Africa .

 

It was just yesterday night when our plane left Israel to arrive in Ouaguagougou , the capital city and home of 1.5 million of the 14 millions of Burkinabe . There our team joined with those who were already there for 1 or 2 weeks  to work on an agricultural project that could revolutionize the future of the all country. The prayers and vision of the local believers combined with Israeli technology and financing of western born again believers is creating a great impact into this blessed but underdeveloped land. ( see  article …..  )

 

Now we are all gathered together, eight of us , representing two messianic congregations of the Tel-Aviv Area. We drove in a van with a local driver, Moslem born but very open to the warmth and love the team is expressing to him. We travel with Ram Zango , a very special leader and visionary , a man of faith and actions . A man we all learned to love and respect as to become a very close friend. He is our main translator and link to his culture. We see from speaking to him that he carries the burden of his people , he deeply believes in his country,  and in what God could do to bring his blessings to the land.

 

 The trip to Nouna takes 6  hours . Having slept only a few hours since our arrival in Burkina , the testing of our caracter has already begun in some of us . Before we can minister to others in an effective way,  we need to be made aware of our complete dependency towards God . We know we need to adjust to the situation quickly , to release all our rights to comfort , to complain , to rest or feel clean . His grace is being poured upon all of us in a very special way.

 

The conference in Nouna was the first exposure to the nine days of ministry we will be involved in . We took turn in speaking , preaching , teaching , giving testimonies , leading Hebrew songs of worship . People were never grew tired  of hearing us , drinking each of the words spoken to them. We crossed the all country, traveling  from the north to the south , reaching the border of Ghana , we covered hundred of miles in the red dust covered roads. Day after days.

 

In fact it seems that everywhere we went , people always wanted to hear more. I had the sense that God was making history with all these tribal population. It was divine appointment for many and a spirit of revelation was being poured out upon the people. Ram Zango , our host also sensed the same and he started to arrange even more gatherings, in even more remote areas .He said “ you have brought the fire “ so more people had to hear us.  The last few days we splited the team in two for more effectiveness and strategy. Different translators , different languages, sometimes for two or three languages.

 

It was interesting to see that through odd circumstances , God chose to closed the door for us to speak in the capital city ( even though we received a warm invitation that Sunday to speak in one of  the largest church ) in order to focus more on the remote rural areas , those who never seen Israelis in their lives.. We visited and prayed for pastors ministering in villages plagued by witchcraft and animism, We made public declarations that Yeshua , as King of Kings and Lord of Lords over all these villages and areas of Burkina Faso .

 

We were also eager to visit the school  we decided to sponsor in the city of Yako. As a congregation we commited to support a full class of 70 children , aged 11 to 16 . Beside the offering we brought with us , we distributed tee shirts , writing materials , pencils ,medecine, sweets and toys and …football ( soccer balls) !! . These Soccer balls where a very special treat to all the kids who are all  football  fans.

One day , on our way to a conference , our car broke down and we found ourselves close to a village . We took one of the soccer ball  we had in the car and started to play with the children of the village . A crowd started to form , contact was quickly made. You should have seen the joy it brought to the kids when we gave them the ball as a gift from Israel !

 

Another blessing  was that through a friend of mine, pastor in France, we received  15 French Study bibles with concordances. We were able to distribute these precious gifts to the pastors and heads representatives  of  fellowship of  the whole regions.

 

The highlight of my journey was definitely on the last day . When my translator and the driver asked me to pray to bless them . We stopped on the side of the road . There they kneeled on a field and as I was standing to bless them,  the Holy Spirit fell upon me and them together and we stayed one hour in silent awe and worship . His peace and presence being upon us , the Lord met us there on the side of the road to Ouaga .

There , I definitely heard the Lord saying to me that I will be back in this beautiful land . He deeply loves this people and has just begun his work among this blessed nation . This is the time to water Africa with the water of life . To invest into the spiritual future of this continent. Israel being a light unto the Nations .

 

I wish to thank all who contributed to the expenses of this trip , those who prayed for our protection and safety. Those who prayed for us to be a blessing to this beautiful Land . Your prayers have been answered . They carried us through.

 

“I will bless those who will bless Israel . “ I came to Burkina Faso as an answer to a prayer I made four years ago to bless in return the brothers from Burkina who sowed by tithing into our ministry . I thank the Lord for allowing me to fulfill this wish and bless in return the believers  to bring an even greater harvest for His Kingdom . To Him be the glory for ever and ever . Amen.

 

Tony Sperandeo for the Maayan team

 

 P.S.  We ask your help for BURKINA :For all those desiring to help us blessing Africa you can be involved with us in sponsoring children in the new school of Yako , located in the center of Burkina Faso . We are also looking for medecine : antibiotics , vitamines , antiseptics . We are also desiring to send more school materials and study books  mostly in French but also some in English . We are looking for the way to distribute more bibles to the different "bush  " churches .

If interested to help in this ministry contact us and mention : For Burkina Faso .

 

Also  for KENYA  : We got words from pastor  Obure , whom we visited last year in West Kenya, that the fighting going on right now beetween tribes is affecting road safety and the provision of food and  that many shops are empty of basic nessecities. We are raising an offering to send to this pastor  who is responsible for many churches and a bible school in the area of Kisumu , near lake Victoria . We know this man and his ministry and we know that the money we send will reach the needs of the poor who are struggling to find food .

 

===============================================

january 2008

This month we have great news to share with you.

1) the new congregation in Rishon Le Zion was officially planted and dedicated to the Lord.

 

2) the bookstore in Haifa was dedicated last saturday in front of Arab and Jewish leaders from the all land.

 

3) the middle East conference held in Jordan was a real blessing and we give glory to the Lord for the networking of all the local ministries  who attended representing 10 different nations of the regions.

 

4) Last but not least , Our God is still in the process of revealing himself to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. We thank him for saving whole families , parents and children , this time specially from south American background.

 

Remember also "the house of refuge." We believe this vision to become a reality this year.

Remember the seminar for widows and orphans .  for all the participants  ( more than 50 people ) and their mentors . If interested to support financially please contact us !!

Remember the fatherless children in our midst.

 

December 07

1st -5th of November : thank you for praying for the Israel conference Edipi  held in Italy. The Lord blessed it abundantly and the Italian version of Tony's book " Mystery of Israel " was dedicated and  greatly received. the first printing is almost completely out . Halleluya.

 

The couple's seminar  16-17th of november

The marriage enrichment seminar that we organized last month was a blessing to the 12 couples who participated. We met in a beautiful and peaceful place by the sea of Galilee for a full weekend. The couples were refreshed and encouraged and went home with more tools that will strengthen their marriage. We plan another such weekend in the spring with the rest of the couples who have not yet participated. Strong couples make strong families. Strong families make strong congregations.

 

Single mothers

Some of our single mothers together with their mentors will participate in a special workshop/seminar for widows and single mothers. This time, it will be 4 full weekends-once a month (from December to April). The purpose is to help the moms restore their lives spiritually, emotionally, practically and financially and to give them the tools to deal with their problems. The number of these families is growing and the problems they face challenge us daily. Only the Lord can turn these difficult stories into testimonies of his great ability.

The mentors that we are sending to the workshop, will work alongside with the moms and will continue to work with them after the workshop is over. If you want to help sponsor a mom to participate in it, you can send your gift to "Hamaayan" for single mothers' fund.

 

The national pro-life conference - December 14-15.

The theme for this year was: "From generation to generation" with the participation of our young worship team and involving the younger generation in this much needed ministry. 40,000 abortions are done in Israel every year – half of them are illegal. God is raising a new generation of intercessors and ambassadors for life.

 

 Young people's meeting

 Last Shabbat we hosted a gathering of around 200 young people from all over the country. They gathered together to celebrate Hanukkah and declare their unity in the Messiah as the new generation who is sent forth to be the light for Israel.

 

Here are some prayer needs:

 

* The house of refuge is becoming a reality. The purpose of this halfway house ministry is to help people with all kinds of needs. It will be run by families from the congregation who share this common burden. We hope to have it completely ready for the spring season. If interested in the implementation of this vision please contact us directly. This is our greatest material challenge at the moment.

 

* Africa – We have been asked to go to visit the churches in Burkina Faso (Western Africa), to teach there about Israel and encourage the local believers. The trip is planned at the end of January for a period of 10 days. We would appreciate your prayers and some sponsorship for the expenses of our team of three people. We will also bring with us gifts for the children and the widows as well as study bibles.

 

* Arab bookstore - Najeeb and his team in Haifa are eager to open their bookstore before the feasts of the end of the year and time is running out. They still need $15 000 in order to finish all the renovations. Thank you for your prayers. This place will become an outreach center for all the Arab population of the big town of Haifa.

 

* A wave of flue and sickness has recently hit Israel. Some of our members are struggling with health problems. Please pray specially for D.  a young single mother who is sick for many month and needs a breakthrough.

 

* The teenager's  group - that they will grow in their love and commitment to Yeshua. Pray for Peter their leader.

 

* The new home groups starting:  One for young people, one for women and one for couples.

 

Above all we need a deeper and closer commitment to our Lord, to come back to our first love and seek his presence hourly.

 

We wish you many blessings for this coming year 2008.

Psalm 20:1-5

 

Are you looking for a project to sponsor for the end of the year ?

2 urgent financial prayer needs :

1) The house of refuge is slowly becoming a reality . The purpose of this halfway house ministry  is to help people with all kinds of spiritual and emotial needs. It will be run by a team of families from the congregation together with counsellors who share this commun burden. We hope to have it completely ready for the summer. If interested in the implementation of this vision please contact us directly. This is our greatest material challenge at the moment.

 

2) End January 2008 : We have been asked to go to visit the churches  in Burkina Faso ( Western Africa ) to teach about Israel and encourage the local believers. The trip is planned for a period of 10 days. We would apreciate your your prayers. We are also desiring to bring with us gifts for the children and the widows as well as study bibles . We apreciate your prayers for the preparation of this trip.

 

 Praise report : We thank God for the publishing of the new book : " Proverbs with helps" , bringing the book of godly wisdom to light with translation word by word into modern Hebrew. copies of the book can be purchased through our web site.

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Prayer Newsletter – September 2007

 Dear Friends,

 

We would like to open this letter by greeting you with "Shana Tova "– Happy New Year 5768.

We wish you many blessings of fruitfulness and perseverance for this coming (Jewish) New Year that we celebrated on September 12th.

 

Children's summer camps

There are no words to describe what God did during the "Maayan" summer camp on the Sea of Galilee last month. The place where Yeshua walked, taught and did many miracles was visited again by the mighty presence of His Holy Spirit. During the 5 days of the children camping retreat, the Lord met us on the shore of Kinneret. Children cried out to the Lord and He answered and touched them in a very special way. Many lives were changed, some recommitted their lives to Him and others understood for the first time the message of salvation and gave their lives to the Lord. We desire to thank all of you who prayed fervently. God has answered your prayers above our expectations. We also thank those who helped sponsor this event for the most needy and the fatherless children, who received a touch from their Heavenly Father.

 

An unexpected guest – a testimony

In July, Peninah (age 10) suddenly had it in her heart to do something for Africa.  She thought maybe she could send food or money, but didn't know quite how to do it.  A few days later, we heard some Sudanese refugees from Darfur, were looking for a place to stay while the little boy, 8 year old Avraham, received medical treatment.  While living in South Sudan, his foot and lower leg were blown off in an explosion that killed his father and wounded his mother.  He is now living in Eilat with his mother as a refugee, but needed to come to the area of Kfar Saba to receive a new prosthetic leg.

Peninah's family invited Avraham & his mom to stay with them for a week, and took them back and forth to the hospital for treatments. Children from our congregation played with him and helped take his mind off his medical situation.  At the end of the week, he came out of the hospital with his new leg, running and skipping.  It was a thrill to see. The Lord is so good.  Instead of Peninah sending something to Africa, He brought Africa to her!

 

Children Summer program-

colors teach about God

Each Shabbat, a different color showed an aspect of salvation in a very experiential way. Children expressed a lot of enthusiasm and received a deeper understanding of God's love for them.

 

Prayer needs

 

- For a strong team of teachers around Karin. For the new Shabbat school program, the follow up of the children and their growth in faith.

 

- For the discipleship of the young people, the teenagers' program and youth activities led by Peter with a team of helpers.

 

- For the new people who received the Lord that they will grow in their faith and make a commitment to Him. That each new person will have a personal "mentor" and be discipled.

 

- For the intervention of God in the life of a few teenagers who went astray from the Lord, that God will bring them back to Himself.

 

- For the ministry to the couples, the special marriage seminar in November. For 2 couples who are right now struggling in their marriage and need the wisdom and grace of God to overcome their problems together.

 

- For the new course "the Book of Revelation" for young people starting in October.

 

- For the new families who joined us these last months, that they will find their place of belonging and service in our midst.

 

- The ongoing prayer and ministry to the "widows and orphans'' for Tammy and the weekly visitation teams.

 

- For the next "new age festival" outreach this month.

 

- For the situation in Darfur and for Israel's role in providing shelter for its growing refugee population reaching already a few thousands.

- For strength and health for Orna and myself.

Dima, who is a musician and Evangelist, is available to minister in Europe and elsewhere to Russian speaking population outside of Israel. If you are interested to have him serve in your area please contact us.

 

Thank you for joining us in spirit every first Thursday of the month for our prayer night meeting starting 7:00 pm. Also, every Tuesday morning at 5:30 am.

 

"May the God of peace himself sanctify you holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord. He who calls you is faithful and He will do it." (I Thes. 5:23-24)

 

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Prayer & Newsletter – JUNE 2007.

Dear Friends,

Greetings of True Shalom in Yeshua our Lord.

 

In the midst of violence and turmoil in different places in the Land, we can only put our trust in the Lord and ask Him to make us light and witnesses to the people around us. A clear example is the Southern town of Sderot, which has been under daily attacks by rockets for the past 6 and a half years.

 

Our plans as a congregation are to be more involved in Sderot and other places in Israel, where life is being threatened. The purpose is to encourage the people there with practical and spiritual help and to share with them about the hope and true peace that only come from the Lord God of Israel.

 

FACE TO FACE CONFERENCES

In the previous newsletter, we shared with you about the upcoming "Encounter" conferences we held by the Sea of Galilee for two weekends (women & men), in cooperation with dear friends from Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Both conferences were a great blessing for each one who attended. We praise the Lord God for lives changed, for healing, deliverance and for freedom in the Spirit.

After the second conference, we had a big celebration and baptism of new believers at the Sea of Galilee.

 

Both "Encounters" would not be complete without a thorough follow up. So we held two "post" meetings (one in April, the second in May), where people dealt with their problems in a deeper way. The last meeting, held in May, all congregation walked behind a model of the Ark of Covenant in act of faith, obedience and perseverance. As stated in the book of Joshua (chapter 3), the priests needed Faith to step into the Jordan River, and believe the waters would dry, as they carried the Ark of Covenant. The Israelites needed Obedience, and followed the priests who were carrying the Ark. And Perseverance was needed by all in order to carry on and continue walking safely by the dry Jordan River until they would finally step into The Promised Land.

The following day, in a Shabbat meeting, the Elders carried the Ark down to the children's classes, followed by all congregants. We prayed for the children's ministry, as they are the next generation of leaders in Israel.

  

Music Festival

Many Messianic believers from all over Israel joined forces to produce a Children's Music Festival, which went on stage in Purim (March 5th). People from various congregations in Israel took part in this event – the very first of its kind here – and many of the children and adults from our congregation were involved in the production, from songwriting, co-directing, choreography, acting, singing and dancing.

The Festival, titled "Heroes of Faith", was a great success. We praise the Lord for touching so many lives of children from all over Israel with His Word!

 

 New Music CD for Children and Adults alike

Another project in which children from Hamaayan congregation are involved is the recording of a new music CD titled "OTOH YESHUA" ("This Same Yeshua" – based on Acts 1:11). The songs were composed by Miriam Givoni, who is part of our praise and worship team. It took one year to produce, and children from other congregations as well as from Hamaayan, sing in the CD. Miriam is praising God for such a blessed project, and we all stand with her in prayer that the Lord will touch many young hearts through the music.

The CD will be available soon, but you may order your copy now!

 

 Summer Camps

This summer, as in every year, most of the children will be going out for the annual Summer Camps, organized by local messianic organizations.

The camps are the best opportunities for the children to meet new friends from other cities throughout Israel, as well as to be edified in their walk with the Lord, through field trips, daily activities, and of course, daily fellowship and praise and worship. 

What a better way to spend summer vacations!

The costs however, are many and we are trusting El Shadday to provide all funds needed for all children to be able to go.

Our congregation's Summer Camp by the Sea of Galilee will be held between the 21st and the 24th of August. We are praying for all details concerning logistics, including costs, transportation and organization to be covered.

 

 EVENING MEETINGS

Since we started holding a second Shabbat meeting some two years ago, the overturn increased, and more young people, including many still in their military duty, have joined these meetings. We then decided to have evening meetings every two weeks. The Lord is working! We see lives of young people being changed and growing in their faith.

 

WIDOWS AND ORPHANS

The work amongst single parents is growing and we find ourselves sometimes overwhelmed with the stories of hurt, despair and need. Fifteen of our members just finished a very blessed 7-month course led by "Ot Umofet" Ministries for widows and orphans. This seminar gave them more practical tools and understanding as they will join in ministering to the "the weak members of the Body" (I Corinthians 12:22), who are growing in numbers among us.

 

SHAVUOT CELEBRATION

HaMaayan Summer camp 2006

The Feast of Shavuot, or Pentecost, which happens 50 days after Passover, is always a joyful occasion for us. Many are able to invite their unbelieving family and friends. All dressed in white, delicious diary dishes, joyous music – all these form part of the celebration in which many brought the First Fruits of their work, giving thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness.

This year, our children prepared a very special surprise: They sent a card explaining who we are, what we believe, and included the phone number of the congregation. They attached the cards to white balloons, which we released in the wind. Each balloon was sent up with a prayer that it will "fall" in the right hands and touch many hearts, bringing them closer to Yeshua.

 

 Counseling Graduates

We rejoice with the members of our Kehilah, who finished their studies and received their diploma of Masters Degree in Counseling.

 

 

Prayer Needs                         "Pray without ceasing."

 

 

  1. A "spirit of prayer and supplication" to come upon all the Nation of Israel, that the veil will be removed, so that they might receive a revelation of the True Messiah of Israel, "Whom they have pierced", according to Zechariah 12:10.
  2. The Israeli Government – for wisdom and courage to make the necessary decisions, in light of imminent dangers from Hamas, Syria, Hezbollah and Iran
  1. The new discipleship program through cell groups to begin soon.

 

  1. The planting of a new congregation in Rishon Lezion, under the leadership of Micki and Marianne.

  2. The children's summer camps – for the organizing team: for wisdom and strength; and that all the children will be able to participate and mature in their faith.

  3. The Widows and Orphans – for continuous support for them. For the team that will work with them in visitation and helps.

  4. The 12 young people from our Kehilah serving in the Israeli Army.

 

  1. Please remember also our brothers and sisters from the southern town of Arad. They are being persecuted daily by extreme Orthodox Jews. Please pray for protection and grace upon this flock of God, specially upon the younger children and those younger in faith. "When one member of the Body hurts, all the Body suffers as well".

 Thank you for your continuous support and prayers. May the Lord God give you wisdom and discernment, much needed in these days.

 

In His service,

  ________________________________________

 

February 2007