Israelis Are Noticing Your Support!

by Elizabeth Stout

Ministry in Israel is challenging, even at the best of times. The horror of 7 October has thrown the nation into a year of chaos, fear, grief and, at times, even despair. Everyone feels like something terrible could happen at any moment, and people are wary when walking down the street. There is tension in the air, yet for the most part, Israelis try to go about their lives as normally as possible.

There is also a deep sadness about the hostages, and there are weekly protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Some of these protests have turned violent, with the police using extreme force on the protesters. Meanwhile, it seems like the political divide between the religious and secular Israelis has never been more pronounced. It is a difficult time for the country.

But God has moved powerfully over this past year, and we are seeing a new spiritual openness among our Jewish people because of Christians who show love and support for Israel.

Meron*, an Orthodox Jewish man in his thirties, runs a training programme for Haredi men to enter the job market. I met him because he had ordered 10 New Testaments through our website to share with his students. When I delivered the copies, he told me that he reached out to Jews for Jesus because since the war started, he has been moved by the outpouring of support Christians showed for Israel. During our conversation, I was able to share my testimony and present the gospel. He listened and asked questions. He kept saying, ‘We believe 90% of the same things.’ Amazingly, he also said, ‘I would rather a Jewish person believe in Jesus than be secular!’

About a week later, Meron called me to let me know he read Matthew, Mark and Luke. He said he ‘loves’ Jesus and thinks that His teachings are relevant to religious Jews today. He shared the New Testaments with his students, but some of the men were angry and yelled at him. That didn’t stop him from handing them out because he believed they needed to read it. Praise God for Meron’s boldness!

We want you to know that in the midst of this war, the people of Israel are noticing the love and support of Christians – it’s like a ray of light in these dark times. There are many Israelis who, like Meron, are open to reading the New Testament because of Christians who demonstrate their love for Israel. As I processed orders for New Testaments through our Jews for Jesus and partner ministry websites, I saw several people mention Christian support for Israel as their reason for ordering. So please continue standing with Israel; it is truly making a difference!

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers for peace in Israel – but also pray that more Christians will stand in support of Israel and that this will continue to soften Jewish hearts to Messiah Yeshua’s love. Pray that Meron comes to faith as he continues to read, and pray that the good news of Messiah reaches every Jewish heart in Israel and beyond!

Elizabeth Stout serves with our team in Jerusalem in partnership with King of Kings Ministries.

*Name changed for privacy