January 2016
Israel’s Stealth Fighter Jets
By the end of 2016, Israel will be receiving its first ever stealth fighter jet, which is being built in the USA. At a cost of $110 million USD, it is the most expensive and the most advanced in the fleet. Israel has ordered 33 more planes at a cost of $4.75 billion USD to be delivered through 2021. These planes can evade radar and have guided missiles in air combat.
Please pray for Israel’s air force, navy, army and special forces, that they would have wisdom and guidance in protecting the nation and citizens.
Water from the Sea of Galilee
Despite a wet December and an even rainier January, the Sea of Galilee is at its lowest levels since records began in 1926. This is a result of the past three very dry years. The Sea of Galilee is sitting at the Lower Red Line. The government has determined that when the water level reaches this line, water may not be withdrawn. There is also a Lower Black Line at which water cannot for any reason be withdrawn. The Sea of Galilee came within 13 cm of this in 2001 and after that, the government built five desalination plants, which now provide 40% of Israel’s drinking water. Every 10 cm of water from the Sea of Galilee is 17 million cubit meters of water, which is 3.5 times Israel’s national consumption.
Please pray for the Sea of Galilee to be replenished so that surrounding farms, rivers and water reserves can be replenished.
Terrorist Shooting in Downtown Tel Aviv
On January 1, a man from an Arab village in Israel’s north opened fire on a crowded restaurant in downtown Tel Aviv. He killed two young Israelis and wounded many others. Armed, he escaped on foot. His father identified him and asked that he turn himself in. His affiliations are not known. Understandably, many families are feeling a bit on edge.
After a week on the run, the young man tried to open fire on the police who were after him and instead died with the same gun he used in Tel Aviv in his hands. Shin Bet, Israel’s secret services, had been hunting him in many neighborhoods across Tel Aviv, as he had been working in the area, but instead, two hours after the shooting, he made it home with the help of accomplices. For a week he was sheltered and moved to different homes to evade police until he was caught. Shin Bet had been interviewing his family, waiting to find a lead.
Please pray for the families and friends who are mourning the loss of their loved ones and for the healing of those who were injured.
French Immigration (Aliyah) to Israel
2015 saw a record number of French Jews immigrate to Israel, nearly 8,000. France has Europe’s largest number of Jewish people, at about 550,000. Many who came to Israel cited economic uncertainty and antisemitism. Most left France because of fear and security issues related to Islamic terrorism. In general, immigration to Israel was up with 30,000 new arrivals, a 15-year high for Israel’s population growth and development.
Please pray for Israel’s new arrivals to settle in safely and with a sense of being and purpose.
IDF Prepares for ISIS and Hezbollah on Israel’s Northern Border
The Israeli Defense Forces recently bolstered their presence and preparedness in Israel’s north after two situations occurred. First, Israel targeted and took out a known and dangerous terrorist working with Hezbollah, who has vowed revenge for his killing. Second, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi threatened Israel in an audio address saying they have not forgotten the Jewish people and are coming to get them out of Palestine. ISIS has a presence in Syria along Israel’s border, but they are not heavily armed there. Regardless, having Hezbollah and ISIS near, Israel sensed its urgency and has made preparations for defense.
Please pray for wisdom and strategy in dealing with these two enemies near Israel’s borders.
Chosen People Ministries in Israel Continues to Reach Out with the Love of Messiah
In this new year, we are planning many exciting things as we continue to reach out to all those the Lord puts in our path.
Please pray for our ongoing ministry work among new immigrants, those in need, Holocaust survivors and young adults. Such a variety of people, but the Lord knows every need and desire.
We pray that we can minister to them with words of truth and salvation!