Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, Shalom,
Update from Israel – Ministry During Wartime
Since the outbreak of war with Iran, we have received many encouraging messages from our brothers and sisters in the faith—our eternal partners in ministry. First and foremost, we thank God for His grace and protection. Though we have literally seen Iranian ballistic missiles intercepted above our heads, the damage has been relatively minimal, and by God’s mercy, we are safe and have access to a secure shelter.
Due to Home Front Command regulations, all public gatherings are currently prohibited. As a result, all our church activities have been moved to Zoom. Nevertheless, the church remains open, and individuals still come in for counseling and Bible study.
Additionally, the war has shifted the format of the Children and Youth Ministry Intensive Course for the Israel College of the Bible. I am teaching the course with the support of fellow teachers from our congregation, and we are conducting it online. Classes are held daily from Sunday to Thursday, and all students participate via Zoom.
Some members of our church have been called to military service. We ask that you continue to pray for them and for their families—for protection, strength, and peace during this challenging time.
Standing in Prayer and Hope
Secondly, we are fervently praying for the people of Iran. The Iranian Church is alive and burning with passion for Christ Jesus. We are well aware that they suffer under their Islamic regime no less than we do—perhaps even more. Our hearts are with them.
We also trust that every event unfolding in our region is part of God’s sovereign plan for the end times. As this current war progresses, we believe it will reshape the political and military landscape of the Middle East entirely. It is both sobering and encouraging to witness the unfolding fulfillment of biblical prophecies before our eyes.
Since the war with Iran began, the Home Front Command has restricted the operation of businesses, allowing only essential services to remain open. As a result, many people are unable to work. We are committed to caring for the families in our church—no one will lack anything they truly need. We are one body, and we stand together.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza continues, and sadly, the number of casualties continues to rise. Please keep praying for the hostages, for the protection and strength of our soldiers, and for peace according to God’s will.
A Personal Note
On a personal note, our daughter was called up to her battalion in the north on the very first day of the war. Her children are currently staying with us. They are getting used to waking up twice each night to go down to the shelter together with our neighbors.
Our son is scheduled to be deployed to Gaza in September for approximately three months.
We deeply appreciate your prayers, love, and partnership. Your support strengthens us during this difficult time.
We believe that Psalm 46 is a fitting way to close this short report. In the midst of war and uncertainty, we are reminded:
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Meno and Anat Kalisher, Jerusalem, Israel.
