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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)

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

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 from the Pastors

January 2021

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God,

Fulfill your vows to the Most High,

And call on me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me

And to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Psalm 50:14, 15, 23

Precious Brothers and Sisters in Yeshua the Messiah, These verses from Psalm 50 are among many that teach us about two key emphasizes for us, Yeshua’s followers, these same two points. Those of you receiving this in NZ or Australia may find it increasingly difficult to identify with those of our recipients in Scandinavia, Europe, the UK or the USA, or even with us here in Israel. Maala and I thank God daily for your relative safety “Down Under” with summer conditions and firm governance that keep the Covid-19 pandemic under control. This gives us enormous peace of mind.

Corona Update:

Here in the Northern Hemisphere the situation is dire. We are presently in the grip of winter with all its “bugs” and in many of our nations, less-than-satisfactory governance has greatly added to our distress. In Israel we are in the midst of our 3rd lockdown, which will be extended every two weeks while the daily statistics remain high. Currently new daily case statistics exceed 10,000 and January’s death toll is expected to exceed 1000. Increasingly, we know more and more people testing positive and this week three of our families are in quarantine with the virus having been brought in by their children from kindergarten and primary school. We realize that for many of you the vaccination issue is extremely controversial and the Body and society is divided (also here in Israel.) To date over 2 million Israeli citizens, including Maala and I, have received their first inoculation; this is followed by a second, three weeks later. Tests indicate a 95% effectiveness two weeks after this second booster shot. Approximately 150-170,000 people are being vaccinated daily as more virulent strains of the virus emerge. Please pray for the health of our nation. Because international tourism is one of our primary industries, the Israeli economy is severely stretched. It is heart-breaking to see so many businesses closed. Our political scene adds to the national distress as we face a fourth round of elections in the coming months. With the PM facing criminal charges if he loses and many new parties emerging, outcomes are impossible to predict. Please pray for strong, resolute and righteous leadership.

Beit Asaph Update:

As we reported in our October newsletter, our first task upon our return home was to do a full evaluation of the congregation. This required phone calls to every home and daily elders meetings. As indicated, most of the community were keeping the faith and actively finding creative ways to fellowship. One of the greater concerns was the spiritual well-being of our large numbers of small children and youth. To our joy we discovered that parents of young ones were taking responsibility for their children, praying and having bible lessons with them and arranging field trips with other families. What a relief and answer to prayer. But in reality, since early March last year, Shabbat services have been limited to four gatherings in July with only 50 people each time following the protocols of wearing face masks, temperature checks at the door and seating 2 meters apart. This hiatus was short-lived, and we had to resort to virtual meetings with YouTube worship and messages and Zoom prayer meetings. Over time, however, interest in using social platforms for larger groups has waned, and we have had to rely more on our home-groups to provide physical fellowship and social interaction. Smaller groups seem to work good, and we thank God for the internet; we cannot imagine the situation should this privilege be taken from us? What does the near future hold? Evan and Lev’s interaction with other pastors around the nation, in both Jewish and Arab communities, shows a general trend of finding creative ways of keeping connected with their flocks. Some are live-streaming services and conducting prayer meetings and bible studies via Zoom.

In Beit Asaph we have decided to be pro-active. Our ‘reading of the signs’ indicate no end in sight and in fact our sense is that the situation will worsen here over the coming months. The pandemic and all its political and economic implications may not be the only challenges ahead. As a result, we have begun a process to lead the congregation through a major paradigm shift, meaning shifting the emphasis from collective Shabbat services (impossible anyway under current conditions) as the primary life of the congregation, to a system of “Life-groups.” We would like to close the contract on our large facility and seek something much smaller and closer to the city center. This would serve as a multi-purpose community center – for prayer meetings and training seminars and an outreach hub.

Once collective gatherings are permitted, life-groups can meet together for intermittent celebration services. Our yearly calendar certainly allows for many such occasions, whether on special Shabbat or around the Feasts. But most important at this juncture is the development of the Life-groups and much effort has gone into their design and function. They will remain small (maximum of 10 members) and weekly meetings will contain the basic elements of worship, prayer, study of the Scriptures, and the Lord’s Table. As well as providing ‘life support’ for its members, a fundamental goal of each group is to reach out and grow and then create new groups. Pastoral work for Evan, Lev and other senior lay-workers will be focused on training and discipleship of facilitators and of course they will be far more mobile. Social media apps will support communication within the life-groups and more broadly as a congregational network. Fortunately, the circumstances of this past year has raised our skill-sets and the networks are well-established! Despite the current lockdown the groundwork is well underway. Zoom to pray and discuss the strategies for the Life-groups. Time is of an essence as we prepare to help people back into a fellowship framework .

Our main track – to find and establish a suitable community center is also being undertaken. Our plea to you all is to partner with us in prayer – so that we would be like the “Sons of Issachar who could wisely read the signs of the times and then know what to do!” Exciting times!

I believe we have provided you with considerable material for prayer. For those of you in NZ and Australia receiving this appeal please find time during your summer holidays to remember your brothers and sisters living in distress. And those of you living out your faith in the nations of the Northern Hemisphere and sharing in the distress of the raging pandemic, our hearts go out to you. Your brothers and sisters here in Israel pray for you and your communities. Be well, stay safe and above all, keep the faith!

Evan and Lev (for the Beit Asaph team)