War in Israel
At this point it would be hard to imagine that anyone is unaware of the dramatic events in Israel these past three days! Hamas and another jihadist faction attacked Israel from land, sea and air, firing over 1500 rockets from the early morning into population centers from Tel Aviv to the Southern border. At latest count over 900 Israelis have been killed with over 2300 injured, and 560 Palestinians with approximately 2900 wounded, many critically!
It is believed that Iran's elite revolutionary guard has been training and equipping Palestianian fighters for the past several months for this invasion. Israel and Iran are sworn enemies- Iran has called for the complete annihilation of Israel as a nation and Israel has promised to stop at nothing to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon!
It also appears that Russia has been supplying arms to Hamas to draw attention away from the War in Ukraine and divide the West's focus between the two areas of conflict.
We have been trying to reach our dear friends, Pastor Israel and Vicki Pochtar, who lead the Beit Hallel Congregation- Israel's largest Messianic fellowship. They have been friends of our congreagation since the very beginning!
One of the first reports has come through social media announcing the death of David Ratner, the first soldier killed in this attack, whose parents are dear friends of many of us involved with Beit Hallel- Haim and Miriam Ratner. As leaders in the Church they have been responsible for so much of the comfort, attention and support we receive as guests of their loving congregation... They are passionate followers of Jesus Christ and our hearts are broken for this dear family.
Almost all young men and women go through military training, which is considered an obligation of honor- now there is a general mobilization and the possibility of this becoming a multinational conflict is the highest in over 20 years!
We are commanded in Scripture to, "pray for the Peace of Jerusalem" (PS.122:6), and I believe that of the entire Middle-East! This is possible only by the mercy and grace of God, as we seek to find our role in these last days before the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
8 Comments
Thanks for the update Jerry and Sue. We live in dark times and have much to pray for. The grief on both sides of this horrible event seems incalculable. Only God can bring any meaning and light to these events.
Thank you for this information. Praying for the innocent and the vulnerable to be under the Father’s protection and the Peace of Jerusalem ❤️
The tragedy of the situation is overwhelming. Our hearts go out for the people who are caught in this through no intentions of their own. I can only remind myself that Jesus said he came to destroy the works of the devil so we put our whole trust in the fact that He is doing that and will continue to do that. That the greatness of the Lord God Almighty will be the final word in this situation. May God arise and scatterHis enemies!
Thanks for this horrible event and huge amount to killed and invasion of the millions
Praying you get in connect with our close friends. Praying. Marilyn
I do not believe there is any coincidence here. Russia and Ukraine and now Israel. These are 2 places you have spent years investing time, energy and finances. Spreading the love of Jesus and teaching peace, unity and trust in Him. Not one trip was wasted. Many are leaning on all you have taught them over the years. Your steadfast belief and love for Jesus is aiding them now. You are a true disciple of Jesus. Love you Jerry. Praying for peace and God’s will.
Sheri, your comment is so insightful and so very true. How blessed we are to know and love Jerry, and to see what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
I agree with Sheri wise comments. She is right. You teaching and example of modeling Jesus will.bear must fruit. Marilyn
Thank you for for post. Our hearts are so heavy. We are praying that God will hold our brothers and sisters in His hands of love.