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Iran War Update #1

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shield with fire. He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Yeshua the Messiah,

I certainly did not expect to be writing to you again so soon, however events, as you see, change so rapidly in our part of the world. Hence, this brief update to share with you some initial impressions of the Israel-Iran war and to provide you with a number of salient points for prayer.

As I write, eight days have passed since Israel’s security forces launched a pre-emptive strike on Iran, attacking its nuclear facilities and scientists, its military infrastructure (including many of its top commanders) and also targeting government and broadcasting facilities. Outraged, Iran responded immediately by launching ballistic missile barrages against Israel, both day and night, sending us all running for bomb shelters.

Observations: Brief checks of social media sites indicate how controversial Israel’s decision to attack Iran is…no surprises there! Israel’s military policies and decisions, both now and over the past nearly two years, are based in a world-view that dates back to the Holocaust: “Never again!” This leads to an existential mindset that makes Israel a formidable foe to anyone that threatens her.

Iran’s aspirations to lead the Moslem world by building nuclear weapons and the ability to deliver them via long-range ballistic missiles was inevitably going to ‘paint Israel into a corner.’

Israel’s intelligence network concluded that Iran was extremely close to creating weapons-grade nuclear material, a threat that has become intolerable.

As outrageous as Israel’s attack on Iran is to a world that has been quick to condemn us for our actions in Gaza, political leaders in the US and Europe are quietly applauding us for doing what they themselves were afraid to do.

For us, our lives are very disrupted, echoing the worst days of the Corona pandemic. We remain very close to home and close to our shelters, making brief forays out to the supermarket for supplies. All places of entertainment of course are closed, as are all educational facilities. Gathering for worship in larger groups is prohibited. All summer travel plans abroad are closed as Ben Gurion airport is closed apart from receiving a growing number of rescue flights for the 150,000 Israelis ‘trapped abroad…’ Sound familiar?

We are grateful for the fifteen-minute warning (via our phones) from Home Front Command. Even if we are in deep sleep (e.g. 2:30am like Friday night) this is sufficient time to get up, dressed and into the bomb shelter, that is part of our building structure. In our case, we are four couples, a three and a half year old (Zoe) and a baby… And a fan to keep the air moving. There is just enough space for us to sit, crammed together like sardines! We listen for the booms of intercepts and impacts, trying to judge how close they are! We pray and encourage one another and are relieved when we get the ‘all-clear’ and can contact friends in other cities that have been hit. We have become adept at getting back to sleep or resting when we can during the day.

Spiritual parallels: I very much relate to what a dear friend and colleague, Eitan Shishkoff, writes on the matter. I quote: “The comparison with Israel’s ancient conflicts can’t be resisted. Most obvious is Esther and Mordechai’s Persian empire (aka modern Iran.) Wicked Haman (aka Ayatollah Khameini) is intent on destroying all the Jews. His over confidence and willful ignorance of the God of Israel’s authority in such matters leads to his own demise. Seems that we are watching a replay from 2485 years ago.”

Eitan goes on to say, “Beloved, I believe we are watching and walking through the prelude to the climax of history.”

I particularly love the parallel he draws between the ‘stretching’ that occurs in a woman’s body during the nine months of her pregnancy. “We are now being stretched. The people of Israel are being stretched. The Body of Messiah around the world is being stretched – in ways that we’ve never gone through.” Why?

For the same purpose as a pregnant woman. We are pregnant with the kingdom of God, with the revival that must be birthed before Yeshua returns (see Joel 2:28-32; Isaiah 60:1-3; Ezekiel 36-37; Hosea 3:4-5).

As we are being stretched, may we see God’s purposes born in our lives. May we see the same in the lives of the disciples we make as we reach out to others, according to the Lord’s words in Matthew 28: the Great Commission. May His commission continue to be fulfilled in the Messianic community we have established and indeed, in the new community outreach center we are building here in the heart of Netanya!

Current Points for Prayer:

That the Iranian military and nuclear capacity be permanently eliminated.
That Israel’s security personnel, including those serving on all other fronts, be fully protected and guided by angelic forces.
That the people of Iran be freed and a new government be established that serves their citizens selflessly.
That the Holy Spirit be poured out on Iran, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and the entire Middle East, revealing Yeshua as the world’s only hope for peace, leading millions to repentance and redemption.
That God would fully open his storehouse, enabling us, the Beit Asaph community, to complete our obligations and calling to establish a permanent facility here in the heart of the Sharon Valley.

In His service together,

Evan Thomas (for Beit Asaph)

Christmas – Hanukkah 2024

December 2024

As we approach the festive season in

Israel, the lighting of the Advent candles each week has taken on a special significance for us. The themes of “hope,” “peace,” “joy” and “love” serve to revive us after more than fourteen months of violence, heartache and bloodshed. Lighting these candles and discussing them amongst our family members has helped us to realize the extent these ‘Kingdom Gifts’ have been eroded in our lives.

Please understand, we are so grateful for the ceasefire in Lebanon (so-far-so-good) and the weapons supply routes from Iran through Syria destroyed. Despite sporadic guerilla warfare from remaining terrorist militias and continued IDF operations in parts of the Gaza Strip, it seems that we are close to a ceasefire there also and an exchange of prisoners. Pray with us that we will see the remaining hostages returned to their families and the colossal job of rebuilding lives and communities begin before this year ends.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the photos of destruction and the terrible statistics provided daily by news agencies, but it really ‘hits home’ when you look up from the pulpit during your Shabbat service and see young Max sitting there with his head bandaged. Max’s army unit was attacked as they were preparing to pull out of Gaza, and several of his comrades were killed or injured. Pray with us that the surgeons will be able to save his left eye! He has just turned nineteen and was baptized a few months ago prior to his call-up. Increasingly, we notice more young men who have lost limbs in the battlefield. What a price they have paid!

Focus on Projects: Nevertheless, we press on with the tasks at hand with communities to teach and counsel, and a center to build in the heart of the city of Netanya. This week will mark the end of a series of workshops to train a small team of leaders for the emerging, Beit Asaph Hadera congregation. In early January, Lev and Evan will ordain them in the presence of the members of both communities, launching them for the work of the Gospel in our neighboring city. Please uplift this ‘early-years daughter congregation’ in your prayers.

Meanwhile, we are about to set the starting date (end of December/ beginning of January) for the internal construction of the new center. God has blessed our fundraising and we will enter this stage of the project with all the monies needed. Once again, our members were exemplary in their giving, as were you all! Thank you, thank you!

As we enter the new year 2025 Lev, will oversee the construction while Evan continues with the task of the raising the second 50% of the purchase price.

We so value your prayers for these undertakings.

A “BeYachad” Testimony: In the last week of November, our Swiss colleagues of “BeYachad,” (Hebrew for “Together”) brought a team of 10 ministry leaders to Switzerland to testify alongside one another. We were from Israel and the West Bank, Jewish and Arab brothers and sisters. This was no easy task given that our respective peoples are at war and that flights were very limited and the high cost of tickets. Our mission was three-fold: a) to testify and conduct workshops at a conference that brought together representatives from four Swiss-based Gospel organizations, b) to minister two-by-two (Arab and Jewish Believers) in Sunday services all over Switzerland and c) spend time in intensive fellowship together, renewing our commitments to one another and to our calling as ministers of the Gospel!

Our chosen theme was, “One Hope” – “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-6

For your encouragement the impact on the Church in Switzerland and on all of us, as team members was extraordinary! Thanks be to the Lord!

NB: Evan has just accepted an invitation to be a speaker at a 3-day conference in Singapore at the beginning of May next year. Delegates will come from churches all over the Middle East. Evan will be the only Jewish Believer representing the Israeli Messianic community present. This will be a challenge given the current world-view regarding our nation. He will value your prayers!

Brief Update on Miriam, Moses and baby Dael:

Following Dael’s birth in September, the family was due to return to the African mission-field in early December. During the process of securing the baby’s birth certificate before leaving, they ran into major setback. As a foreigner and non-resident, Moses would have to prove his paternity to appear on his son’s birth certificate. This could only be done through legal intervention and an approved DNA test, a process that would take up to three months at a cost of about 10,000 shekels! Technically Moses is on a limited visa and supposed to leave Israel by early December. In addition, they were sharing a tiny apartment with Miriam’s parents, and where were they supposed to find the money for the legal fees and testing?

Great news on all fronts! The Interior ministry has extended Moses’ visa to complete the process and Evan found them a little house in lieu of voluntary work on a mission compound in the center of Israel. In addition, a local Messianic fund is willing to cover their legal fees! God is good – all the time!

Finally, we, Maala and Evan, send you a great big Beit Asaph thank you for ‘standing with us’ so faithfully this year – for your prayers and kind words of encouragement during the many ‘low moments’ and for your extraordinary generosity enabling us to accomplish so much under adverse conditions!

A Blessed Christmas/ Hanukkah to you all and an entry into 2025 with expectations from God’s Kingdom for our families and communities…

Evan and Lev

War Update August 2024

“So he said to me, this is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zechariah 4:6

Precious Brothers and Sisters,

It is an honor to be sending you our latest prayer report; entitled “War Update #9.” Ten months have come and gone since the infamous ‘October 07.’ Frankly, it has become increasingly difficult for us to write about Israel’s troubles. Nevertheless, it is important for us to share our perspectives and how these affect us as a family, as a community and as a nation. We will begin with some personal items and provide you with an update and prayer points for Beit Asaph community. Finally, we will address several aspects of our national crisis and identify current subjects for prayer.

PERSONAL: Maala and I are doing OK, taking one day at a time, encouraging one another and those around us and being very conscious of living with enormous tension. We are currently not in any physical danger nor living in the ‘firing line’ like our fellow citizens in the north or south. Nevertheless, the psychological effect of anticipating a massive missile attack from Iran and its proxies (Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis of Yemen) takes its toll.

Despite the very limited choice of flights and high cost of tickets, we flew for a week to England in July for some much needed respite. This included spending a few precious days with old friends, Tanas and Anne, based in Oxford. Tanas is a West Bank Palestinian and Anne is Danish. Both are dedicated Christians, directing missions for an agency in the UK. Our earliest memories with them are spending weekends in one another’s homes in Bethlehem and Netanya when Sara was just a toddler. Long gone are the possibility of those special times! However, because of our shared background in reconciliation ministries and a mutual passion for mission, we were able to ‘process’ together so much of what has been damaged or lost because of this terrible war.

Our daughter Sara and her husband Beni are both working hard and love being parents to their delightful 2.5 year old, Zoe.

Because of their schedules, we are very ‘hands-on’ grandparents, especially as the young family live just above us!

Sara is only a month out from completing her second master’s degree; this one will enable her to practice as a therapist and clinician to victims of sexual abuse and resultant complex PTSD. Her training also enables her to help victims of all sorts of trauma and that describes about 50% of our population at present. Sara would value your prayers for the successful completion of her qualifications and for ‘next steps.’

BEIT ASAPH COMMUNITY: Despite the war and our lack of a permanent facility/center, the congregation is doing very well. Our services in a local sports center have excellent attendance and our members are keen to serve.

Like many congregations all over the world, our numbers severely dwindled because of the Corona pandemic. Slowly but surely many new members have joined and are committed to help realize our vision to see a ‘permanent home’ established for Beit Asaph.

Please join us in giving thanks as we have reached the 50% mark of the purchase price of the floor-space we have assigned agreement. Paying this will immediately reduce our monthly interest payments by 50% and enable us to begin the renovation and equipping of our new community center. Our prayer goal is to have the facility up and running by the end of this year, 2024. This, of course, will require a continued steady flow of finances – from Beit Asaph members and from you, our dear friends and supporters abroad… We simply cannot do this without you. Please help us see this through to completion.

Please remember Elyakim in your prayers! He has served for more than three and a half years in the field in Osaka, Japan. He is highly regarded, leading a Godly and fruitful life for Yeshua. Let us be praying for a suitable life-partner for him and for an opportunity before the end of the year to come home for a visit and some R&R. He reports that he is doing well and greatly blessed by a full and fruitful summer!

Remember too Miriam (Beit Asaph’s missionary in Africa) and her husband Moses. Miriam is here with us in Israel and about one month before the birth of their son.

Great news! Moses just received an entry visa to Israel and God willing, will arrive in two weeks, just in time for the birth. They will remain until December before returning to serve the Lord in Africa.

A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE: We began by saying how “increasingly difficult it is to write about Israel’s troubles.” Living with a phenomenal amount of tension and uncertainty, and trying to make sense of all the disinformation (from within and without) has left the whole nation exhausted! There is so much sorrow and anger in both the Israeli and Palestinian societies. With no end in sight, the body count continues to rise on both sides. War is such a terrible thing! This week we received news of the recovery by the IDF of the bodies of six of the hostages. They had died in captivity, some because of our own bombs. Because of the complexity of waging war in urban surroundings, the risks of civilian deaths and injuries is very high. Every military operation inevitably results in tragedies, often affecting entire families on the Palestinian side. The Gaza Strip is a scene of absolute devastation. The world has been quick to point fingers of condemnation at Israel. However, one can only imagine the rising levels of anger amongst the Palestinians of Gaza, towards Hamas, Islamic Jihad and their leaders.

God’s message of love (the Gospel) is finding its way into the darkness. Thousands of Gazans are tuning into Christian media like our own “One for Israel” Arabic programs. The responses are significant. Pray please, for a great harvest.

A brief testimony from Germany: Our Yad b’Yad 2.0 team completed their program a week ago. The mission team this year led by Reuben, consisted of young Jewish, Arabic and German disciples, all living in Germany. One of their encounters at a ‘Contact Café’ was with H, a Gazan Moslem, who lost his wife and two daughters and was injured himself because of air strikes. H evacuated to Egypt and from there, managed to get to Germany. There he encountered members of our team and was deeply moved by the love and unity between the Jews and Arabs in particular. Hallil, an Arab Christian originally from Nazareth, shared the Gospel message with H and in the ensuing days, he received Christ and asked to be baptized. He is now being connected to local communities of Believers.

Meanwhile, the situation in the north of Israel is very fragile. Although not yet full-scale war, military exchanges of airstrikes, missiles and drones are systematically wreaking havoc on communities on both sides of the border. Huge tracts of land in northern Israel are burning and left desolate. It reminds us of scenes from Zechariah’s prophecies! Homes are damaged or destroyed and a growing number of residents, who have not been evacuated, have been injured or killed by exploding ordinance. Very recently, Hezbollah intentionally fired upon a group of youth playing football in the Druze community of Madj-el-Shams, killing twelve of them. I know the community well from my own military days. The entire town is in mourning. In another incident in the northern city of Nahariya, missile fragments struck a car, injuring several occupants and ending the life of our Brother in Christ, Michael Samara.

In this prayer report, we have attempted to portray a picture of our lives in the context of war. We have deliberately avoided commenting on the political scene and the social divisions within Israel itself. It is simply too much to take in and frankly too heartbreaking to write about. Please just pray in line with the words of Zechariah 1:3:

“Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

In the content of this report, we have provided you with many prayer requests. We hope this is helpful. Meanwhile we send this with our love, blessings and deep appreciation for you all.

Evan and Lev

Uganda 2024

Hello dear friends some updates from the Yeka family (Uganda mission):

Last year Jan-June we was a students at the family ministry school in Tanzania.

Then July-Dec. The same year we was a staffs in family ministry school in Uganda.

This year God open the way for us to co-lead the family ministry school in Kenya (which we are in now)… We are so humbled to follow God in the ways He prepared for us as a family and to be a blessing to other families.

We got an invention to join a conference for international Family ministry leaders that will take place in Germany this coming June.

Thank you family for being with us in different ways physically, spiritually and financially and also in prayers from day one up now, as we came to Kenya to co-lead the family ministry school in Athi River base you’re there for us, it was being a nice time for us as a family and the time has come for Miriam to leave to go back to Israel after three months but as for me I will remain behind due to the school in Arua for three months then join her in September.

The reason is, Miriam is six months pregnant so she’s going back due to this condition.

Continue praying for her flight and the remaining months and also continue praying for me as I remain to serve before I join her in September.

Miriam and Moses Yeka,

Word from Pastor

June 2024

“A Plumb Line” War Update # 8

“This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the Lord asked me, “What do you see Amos?”

“A plumb line,” I replied.

Then the Lord said,

”Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people Israel;” Amos 7: 7-8

Greetings Precious Brothers and Sisters,

During the past weeks, we continue to study the Minor Prophets as a Life-group. Often these prophetic scriptures use symbols to convey profound messages – warnings and exhortations to Israel (and the nations) regarding events that have yet to take place. Particularly, in times of great distress, like these, these prophetic messages have great relevance. The “plumb line” is a powerful symbol that appears both in Zechariah and in Amos. God wants Israel (and the nations) to be in right relationship with Him. The ‘plumb line’ represents God’s standard so that we have a means by which we can make choices in accordance with his kingdom’s values…

We are approaching eight months since the inception of the war. On October 7, Hamas’ forces launched a brutal attack on Israel’s southern settlements, leading to a full-scale offensive by Israel’s Defense Forces throughout the Gaza Strip. Today’s estimate of the number of Israelis that remain in the hands of the various terrorists militias is 124. As our forces find more and more bodies of hostages, the hope of their families is rapidly dwindling. Sadly, the body count of our soldiers continues to rise almost daily! Meanwhile, the cost in civilian lives and suffering of the general Gazan population is enormous.

Across our northern border, the conflict rages and deepens between Hezbollah and IDF forces. In the past days, Israel has increased the call-up for troops to an all-time-high of 350,000. A major ground offensive into southern Lebanon is imminent! On both sides of the border, towns and villages have been evacuated, lessening the likelihood of widespread civilian deaths. Nevertheless, daily missile and drone attacks exact a heavy toll in property damage, while fires destroy large swathes of forest and farmland. A Messianic pastoral colleague from the northern city of Kiryat Shemona reported this past week that their worship facility took a direct hit from a Hezbollah missile and was destroyed. Fortunately, the community itself was evacuated weeks before to Tiberius.

No less troubling is the social and political divide within Israeli society. Huge demonstrations calling for a change in government and an end to the war are growing in size, frequency and ferocity with violent clashes between police and protesters.

Congregations throughout the nation continue to mobilize prayer and ‘good works’ and a message of hope to relieve the pain and suffering that is everywhere. Messianic Jewish and Arab Christian communities from the Lower Galilee region to the Golan Heights are preparing themselves for hard days ahead! Please, please mobilize prayer for the nation and for your Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

Pray too for the peoples of this region: Jews, Moslems and Christians, that we might look to God’s plumb line, call out to Him in our distress, and receive his salvation!

Beit Asaph Updates: At a local level, life goes on as best we can and we look for creative ways to encourage one another and to present the Gospel to our neighbors in Netanya. The following is a praise report!

For the past two years, our daughter, Sara, has taken the initiative to create a ‘Spring Festival’ by mobilizing her team from Beit Asaph members. These take place on a Shabbat as an alternative to a regular service. We hold the event in Netanya’s largest park, so lots of room to put up colorful bunting, food stalls, raffles, multiple games for children (and adults) and even a prayer corner! Last year we raised money for one of the national children’s ministries. This year, we raised over 7,000 shekels towards the purchase of Beit Asaph’s new facility.

This year we invited the local Ethiopian Messianic congregation and they too, canceled their service to join us. What a joyous occasion! The photos capture some of the wonderful fellowship we all enjoyed! No less important was the thrill of seeing many non-Believers/ passers-by, come in with their kids to take part in the festivities!

We are very happy to report that we are making good progress on the new Beit Asaph facility. Although we are still many months out from seeing it active as a worship facility and community center for outreach, the Lord has blessed our fundraising to date! Currently, after only six months we are very close to raising 50% of the purchase price (total purchase price 3.3M shekels or equivalent to nearly $900,000 US.) We have a year and a half to raise the rest + approximately half a million shekels for the renovations and equipment needed to turn it into an operating facility. So this too is a praise report and of course an appeal to partner with us in prayer for the financial goals to be reached! If the Lord leads you to advocate on our behalf among other Believers or their congregations or organizations, we would be so appreciative!

Meanwhile, we have time to work on internal designs, and seek professional counsel for the inevitable technical challenges we will face (security, acoustics, air-conditioning, and many more.)

The Bible says in I Corinthians 1:22 that we Jews seeks signs. Here are two or three relating to the building that will make you smile; the official name of the building is, “The Pioneers Tower.” Its location is on “Gate of Hope street” and our floor-space is situated on the 12^th floor!

One entire side is glass, with a magnificent view overlooking the main entrance to the city and beyond to the entire Sharon Plain and even further to the hills of Samaria (West Bank). The city stretches north and south below us. We hope one day many of you from the nations will join us to worship, pray, and help us dedicate the facility as a ‘Prayer Tower’ for the nation and for the nations of our troubled region.

Two brief prayer points to finish with:

Please pray for the Yad b’Yad Israeli youth team that is in its final stages of preparation before setting of to Germany during the first week of August. There they will ‘partner up’ with their German counterparts for a program of outreach and reconciliation, as we do every year. Pray please for the team leaders, David and Moti (on the Israeli side) and Sophie (on the German side.) Pray God would use them as an example of ‘Kingdom unity’ for the young people in their charge.

Beit Asaph’s missionary in Africa, Miriam (now responsible for ‘Family Ministry’ programs in several countries, together with her husband Moses) will be returning to Israel this month. Miriam is close to entering her final trimester and will give birth to her first child in September. Pray with us please that Moses will find favor with the Israeli authorities and receive a visa to join his wife for this happy event.

God bless you to use this report to good purpose as you intercede for the Land and our peoples. Thank you so much for your partnership and for your acts of love and support on our behalf.

Evan Thomas and Lev Guler

“You Are My Hiding Place”

“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while

you may be found;

surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

You are my hiding place;

you will protect me from trouble

and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:6,7

Shalom Our Precious Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My choice of title for this report was inspired by a recent meeting with an old school friend who had sat beside me in a theatre in Palmerston North, NZ in 1978, watching the testimony of Corrie Ten Boom, “The Hiding Place.” That same night, in the darkness of my bedroom, Yeshua revealed himself to me as the Jewish Messiah. So, my faith journey began!

Interestingly, the context of the Hiding Place was war, grief and ultimately, redemption! How we long for Israel’s redemption!

Maala and I are just about to set off back to our home in Israel, from our period of respite here in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, NZ. We are refreshed and ready to jump back into the fray. Our little family, Sara, Beni and Zoe, and the Beit Asaph community are SO ready for our return.

In this report, we will bring some perspectives from the war theatre in the Gaza Strip and the continuing hostilities with Hezbollah, across the northern border.

We also want to provide you with fresh updates on the Beit Asaph ‘Permanent Home Project.’ We trust this will be an encouragement to you all, as it is for us!

Who could have imagined that after more than 5 months we would still be at war? Although our wars since the foundation of the State have been manifold, they havebeen historically brief. This means that the national pain and suffering is usually only for a short season, then comes restoration. Currently, however, there is no end to the hostilities in sight. Sustaining the nation on an indefinite ‘war-footing’ has enormous ramifications:

Blood continues to be spilt in the Land and
Social divisions that all-but disappeared at the outset of the war, are now re-emerging, perhaps stronger than before.
Anger and distrust towards our government – both internally and internationally, is turning to widespread bitterness and recrimination.
Israel has become a pariah in the eyes of many nations and anti-Semitism continues to accelerate worldwide.
Economically, our main stay, tourism, has all but ceased.
Hundreds of thousands of our citizens from the north and the south remain evacuees, away from their jobs, businesses and farms.
Hundreds of thousands of our younger men remain on the battlefronts, separated from families, careers, and studies.
Entire settlements are living under a cloud of trauma and grief.
Over 100 Israeli hostages remain in captivity.

We share this ‘dark list’ with you as a reality check. Our intention is to galvanize prayer away from politics and towards subjects that truly matter, as stated above.

New Covenant Scripture teaches us to “Love your enemies and turn the other cheek,” but we must remind ourselves that Israel is still unredeemed, and when threatened, functions with an Old Covenant morality and world-view. That is, if you strike us, we will strike you back, a hundred. That translates as:

Tens of thousands of Gazan Palestinians dead (at least 40% of whom are women and children.)
Most of urban Gaza Strip is badly damaged and uninhabitable.
More than one million Gazan Palestinians are currently starving, including the Christian enclave sheltering in two churches.
The southern-most city of Rafah is poised for a massive IDF offensive.
Other Arab nations are helping with humanitarian aid BUT do not want the Gazans in their countries as refugees.
If Israel succeeds in destroying Hamas military infrastructure and its ability to rule the Strip, who will govern them in the future?

Would you please help us pray into these terrible realities?

The picture is one of human suffering on a horrific scale! As followers of Yeshua our hearts must be stirred with compassion, for our own people and for our neighbors, with whom we are currently at war! Both need God’s salvation through belief in the Messiah!

Update on the Project: “A Permanent Home Base” for Beit Asaph:

During this break away in NZ, I, Evan, have devoted much time to fundraising correspondence: reaching out to the Global Christian and Messianic community with our appeal for financial help, answering a myriad of questions and reporting in to my pastoral colleague Lev, as results come in.

Lev, meanwhile back home in Netanya, has kept the congregation on course, while administering the funds as they arrive. To date, approximately one million of the three million shekels needed has come in! We are so grateful to all have given so generously! Thanks too, to those of you have pledged, and to those of you still considering! Although we have still a way to go, we are making excellent progress!

By the beginning of March, we received the keys to the premises and Lev immediately began to invite groups of Beit Asaph congregants, on each consecutive Shabbat during the month, to ‘come and see’ and to ‘bathe the empty space’ in prayer. And so the journey began! Meanwhile, as finances continue to flow, we will carefully design the facility to maximize the space. Then we will engage a building team to bring it from concept to reality. Exciting!

Being situated on the twelfth floor of a commercial building and at the central ‘gateway to Netanya,’ affords us dramatic views of the city, north and south and outward over the Sharon Plain towards Samaria (West Bank.) One immediately perceives its potential as a ‘Prayer Tower’ for the region. Over the past few years, God has been establishing a network of prayer towers throughout Israel. Not only do these benefit the local congregation responsible for the facility, but also for the broader community of faith. We are excited to develop this ministry! We look forward to making you welcome in the not-too-distant future, hopefully in more settled times.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, thank you for walking alongside of us all these years, in hard times and in times of celebration. God is at the helm through it all! In Him we trust! He will complete ALL he has promised to accomplish in us, in Israel and in the nations! We finish by recommending to you a prophetic text the Spirit of the Lord led us to these past days during moments of uncertainty … EZEKIEL 37:15-28

God bless and thank you ALL,

Evan and Lev

Donations for the “Permanent Home for Beit Asaph” Project (please designate clearly)

Project : “Permanent community center”

Among the many lessons we, the Beit Asaph community have learnt, is how vulnerable to outside circumstances we are without a permanent community center. For the first two months of the war, we were unable to gather as a whole congregation. Whatever was available could not provide adequate shelter in the case of a missile attack. Everything else was providing shelter for evacuees from the southern towns and cities. We also learnt how much more we could accomplish among the multitudes of needy if we had a community center of our own to work from.

During the month of December, our two pastors, Evan and Lev, began to research possibilities of purchasing floor space in a strategic location in the center of our city, Netanya. We found the ideal place! Immediately we began negotiations with the owner and preparations with our congregational members, from whom we have received a full vote of confidence and sufficient finances to make the 15% downpayment.

This announcement is intended, however, as a ‘taster.’ In the coming days we will send to those of you who have yet to receive it, an introductory appeal letter and attached, the “Project Proposal.”

Meanwhile, we ask you to pray and ask the Lord for the wisdom and grace to know how to respond.

Some of you may be asking, “Yes, but what about the finances needed for war relief?” Here is our opportunity to report that the generosity of the international Body and you, in particular, has been overwhelming! All that you have sent, is being spent! And we still have some reserve for the weeks ahead! Thanks to every individual and every congregation who have provided the means by partnering with us. It has been a joy to witness the mobilisation of the Body in such strength of purpose!

We send this with our love and sincere gratitude for all your efforts on our behalf and on behalf of God’s Kingdom in Israel!

Evan and Lev

“Consider my Lament” Update # 6: Israel at War

“Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” Psalm 5:1, 2

“… but let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as a shield.” Verses 11, 12

Precious Brothers and Sisters in Yeshua Messiah, we have been waiting patiently since sending you update # 5, in the hope we would see a ‘turning of the tide’ in our war with Hamas and with our regional conflicts. Our hope was (and still is) for a cessation of all hostilities, the release of the hostages, whether dead or alive, the ability of all our citizens to return to their homes and jobs in the south and north and for Palestinian Gazans to begin rebuilding their lives. It seems we are still far from seeing these prayers answered, hence the choice of Psalms as our chief Scriptural focus right now…

Reading the headlines of leading Israeli media outlets (January 25) gives us cause for pause:

“’We will continue to fight,’ vows IDF chief following incident in which 21 Israeli soldiers killed.” All Israel News

“Lebanon: Two anti-tank missiles were fired at northern Israel, according to the IDF.” HaAretz

“Yemen’s Houthis ordered U.S. and British UN staff to leave the country within a month. The U.S. military said it carried out two more strikes in Yemen early Wednesday, destroying Houthi anti-ship missiles prepped for launching aimed at the Red Sea.” HaAretz

“Israeli sources involved in negotiations for a potential hostage release deal (are saying) that Israel and Hamas are still far from agreeing on terms and that talks may take time.” HaAretz

“140 women’s groups called for a new hostage deal in protests across Israel on Wednesday, and blocked intersections in several Israeli cities.” HaAretz

Suddenly, the next day (January 26) the main headline provides a ray of hope!

“Israel and Hamas have reached agreement on the basic principles for a 35-day ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages and of an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Israeli jails. Biden is dispatching CIA chief Bill Burns to Europe to meet with the head of the Mossad, the Qatari PM, and Egypt’s intelligence chief to broker a truce. Qatar slammed PM Netanyahu for saying he doesn’t trust Doha’s mediation efforts. Ahead of the ICJ’s ruling today (Jan 26) Israel sent the Court declassified documents to show the steps it is taking to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza.” HaAretz

Does this signify ‘good news?’ Are these words, indications that God is answering our prayers? We sincerely hope so! Other headlines today indicate that Lebanon and Israel are seeking international help to negotiate a clearer definition of the border between our nations and signifying an end to hostilities, at least for a while. “Blessed are the Peace Makers” Matthew 5:9.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, whether or not these encouraging signs develop into tangible changes in the coming weeks, please let us continue to ‘press in’ to our Heavenly Father in lamentation and in supplication. There is simply way-too- much blood spilt in the Land. Because Biblical history teaches us so, we have good reason to be deeply concerned for the long-term consequences!

One thing is certain, regardless of the fragile nature of negotiations over peace in times of war, there will be long-term consequences for all that has taken place in Israel since October 7.

As we pray, we need to be looking ahead:

For the social and psychological rehabilitation of our nation and of our neighbors.
For the courage to face the outcomes of accountability – in both the political and military leadership of the nation.
For wisdom to forge new strategies and policies to ensure co-existence based on Biblical principles of justice and forgiveness and concern for the needs of others before our own (Philippians 2). These must replace former policies based on a ‘zero-sum mentality’ (in order for there to be a winner there must be a loser) that simply have not worked!
For the Body of Messiah to continue providing a strong testimony to the nation in all of the above prayer points. We must learn from the past three months how crucial our testimony of unity of prayer and purpose between the local Jewish and Arab followers of Yeshua.

Finally, our last prayer point for this update: Maala and I have managed to slip away to NZ for a break. Without let-up since April last year, we were in need of respite. Our son-in-law’s parents (retired pastors) kindly flew in from Sweden to relieve us on the home front. In addition to the refreshment we are receiving in a very quiet location, Evan is able to focus on the challenge of fundraising correspondence for the project. Please keep us in your prayers, that this would prove fruitful and that we could return to Israel with our ‘batteries fully charged!’

We send this with our love and sincere gratitude for all your efforts on our behalf and on behalf of God’s Kingdom in Israel!

Evan and Lev

Update #4 Israel at War

Update #4 Israel at War

“Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on themsuddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” I Thessalonians 5:1-4

Warm greetings from our ‘safe haven’ in Netanya. The above text served as part of my Shabbat message to Beit Asaph on November 25, our first opportunity to meet in two months, due to security requirements. This well-known text is so relevant to understanding our current situation that we see as ‘a dress rehearsal’ for the second coming of Yeshua. On that day, He will not come as gracious Savior, but as Righteous King with a scepter of judgement. Verse 4 onward, speaks of our role as Messiah’s followers, ‘as sons and daughters of the light.’

We are now two months into this terrible war. We enjoyed a brief hiatus of cease-fire while hostage and prisoner exchanges took place. Hamas broke the terms of the agreement with rocket-fire into our southern settlements and not returning agreed upon hostages. In response, the fighting resumed with the IDF focusing on the southern cities of the Gaza Strip. These are the remaining strongholds of Hamas and its affiliate factions (e.g. Islamic Jihad) BUT they are also densely populated cities with networks of subterranean tunnels and command centers. Inevitably, in the coming days, we, and the entire world, will learn of the horrors of war as the death toll rises dramatically and our hearts will be torn even further.

The stated goals of Israel’s military are two-fold: to restore the hostages to their families and nations and to destroy Hamas and its factions, completely, so they can no longer be a threat to Israel. The attack on our southern settlements on October 07 crossed all ‘red lines’ for our nation and at the time, for a broad representation of nations. Three weeks later, the ground invasion began with the outcomes you have been following via the media.

As Israel sent in ground forces, our northern enemy, Hezbollah, began missile barrages and drone attacks upon our forces and northern settlements, many of which have also been evacuated. Another Iranian affiliate, the Houthis of Yemen, are regularly sending long-range missiles and drones in an attempt to hit our southern city of Eilat. Until now, thank God, have all been intercepted.

These are the basic facts of what has, and continues to take place.

Now I will outline the social impact of these calamitous times to help you to pray with ‘Kingdom’ wisdom and understanding and to avoid the ‘traps’ caused by strong loyalties to either side, and/or by the political rhetoric and misinformation that various media platforms are ‘peddling.’

Recent surveys indicate that one third of Israelis are showing symptoms of post -traumatic stress syndrome since the ‘Black Sabbath’ of October 07. It is safe to assume that most of the two million Palestinians of Gaza are also suffering from PTSD.

Many of the victims and survivors of the border settlements adjacent to Gaza were ‘peace activists,’ employing Gazans; some were also engaged in helping Gazans secure medical treatment within Israel. When the armed terrorists broke through and began their slaughter, they invited ordinary citizens (men, women and children) to join them in the brutality. This is from multiple eyewitness accounts from survivors. Recent Palestinian polls indicate that 70% of Palestinians support what Hamas planned and executed. Socially, this has caused enormous damage to the trust that many of us have been building – from both sides of the conflict.

Most heartbreakingis the growing division that is occurring all around the world between the followers of Yeshua. We will never forget the words of warning of a former colleague (Palestinian Christian leader) speaking to a Palestinian conference with many international attendees, most of whom are of the pro-Palestinian/ anti-Israel lobby. He said, “If you cling to a theology that states that God has finished with Israel (transferring all His promises to the Church,) you will inevitably end up hating the Jews!” Various posts on social media sites lately, by Christians we know personally, have shown this to be true.

Last night Israel issued a serious warning to Israelis considering travel abroad. For those considering destinations in Europe and the UK and even as far away as Australia, travel should be restricted to “essential travel only.” This is due to the horrendous rise in overt anti-Semitism worldwide. Anti-Israel sentiment since the war began has rapidly gone to an entirely new level.

Among many other social impacts of the war to date, is the discovery of the extent of sexual offenses against women victims during the October 07 incursion. Ironically, this ‘came to light’ once video footage from the webcams taken from the terrorists killed in the ensuing action. From Hamas statements, their commanders ordered their fighters to film the brutalities to maximize the psych-warfare impact on Israeli society. Families received footage of their wives and daughters being raped and brutalized, and sent via the mobile phones of the victims themselves.

There is a department of the United Nations that focuses specifically on sexually based war crimes. Sadly, it took several weeks for this department in the UN to ‘wake up’ and begin to investigate. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is now fully engaged in the investigations.

As difficult as it is for us to write about such things, we do so to highlight key areas for prayer. The healing and restoration processes of the nation must begin now, even while we are still engaged in this terrible war.

One of our super right wing political ministers in charge of police and internal security, in ‘all his wisdom’ has minimized requirements for ordinary civilians to carry handguns. The sale of these weapons has ‘gone off the charts.’ However, arming civilians in a situation like this, where there is so much hostility, is courting disaster. For example, during a terrorist shooting in the past few days, at a bus stop in the entrance to Jerusalem, the civilian who shot the two terrorists was himself killed by another Israeli. Owing to the proliferation of personal weapons issued without proper screening protocols, women all over the nation are terrified of its potential to cause a sharp rise in domestic shootings (already bad.)

There are serious social impacts on West Bank Palestinian communities (e.g. Bethlehem) and on Israeli Arab communities (e.g. Nazareth). West Bankers are in total lockdown and cannot get out to work places in Israel, regardless of former permits to do so. Cities like Nazareth and Bethlehem are heavily dependent on tourism and the Christmas season is upon us. Of course, there are few if any tourists in the Land. The West Bank does not have a social security system so people are literally beginning to go hungry. Local churches are doing the best they can with finances provided by the international Christian community and with the help of several Israeli Messianic communities.

The plight of the Christian community in central Gaza is dire! They remain in sanctuary in two churches among the surrounding rubble, terrified and alone. They do not feel safe to evacuate to the south and are fearful of the IDF. They feel ‘caught between a rock and a hard place.’ Many are calling for intervention for these precious brothers and sisters (approximately 1000 in number) who have remained steadfast in their faith despite their suffering.

Please do not forget these last two prayer items, no less important than all the rest we have brought to your attention.

Finally, we wish to report on some very positive outcomes, made all the more possible by your generous financial contributions.

Our daughter Sara continues her social work at one of the hotels in Netanya, currently serving as a center for evacuees from the southern city of Sderot. Residents refer to her as “their angel.”

Many of the members of the Beit Asaph community continue to manage the purchasing of warm clothing, footwear and baby ‘stuff’ for the evacuees. The lists come frequently and the task takes hours, but our volunteers love to be able to help, often adding to your donations from their own purses as well.

Sara and her team are now branching out into organizing outings for the families and even guitar lessons and treats for the kids to relieve the tension of being ‘cooped up’ in small rooms. Our worship leader, Natan is purchasing guitars and offering guitar lessons for the kids.

The following photo is from one of the regular delivery runs and Maala and Evan ‘stuffing’ their little car with goods, destined for the center.

God Bless,

Evan and Maala

Updates Uganda / Japan

June 2023

Finally, a brief update from Uganda \ Japan’s field: You will remember from previous reports that Miriam in Uganda, working as a training officer and outreach leader with YWAM, is now married to Moses. He is a fellow missionary and together they are now on assignment in Tanzania. They are doing very well but please keep them in your prayers. It has been a long and arduous process trying to obtain a visa for Moses to visit Israel with Miriam. This requires another very long journey overland to Nairobi, Kenya to the nearest Israeli consulate. Please pray they will find favor in the eyes of the Israeli authorities. Given the current political climate in Israel that is clearly anti-Christian, they will need some ‘divine intervention.’

Eliyakim, our young in Osaka, Japan is due for a 6-week visit home to visit his family and Beit Asaph. After more than two years in the field, Eliyakim is now seeing the fruit of his labors. Last week, two young men he has been working with, were baptized into the local church.

Eliyakim works as a kindergarten teacher and has already become proficient in Japanese. He is currently studying Korean! Please pray for him and his upcoming visit to Israel – for refreshment and encouragement from us all here in the Beit Asaph community!