Arrows: Anniversaries to Remember
Anniversaries to Remember
Aug 2, 2026: My favorite American traditional Jewish commentator, Jonathan S Tobin has written something very close to my heart this morning. I cried reading his editorial just now about the 25th year anniversary of the Sbarro Pizzeria bombing in Jerusalem on August 9, 2001. Since writing this a couple of days ago, I have learned that the son of a well known Israeli Messianic figure was one of the first responders to arrive at the horrific blast scene. Terrorism creates hell-scapes.
Within a week of that bombing I would launch the first Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests from Israeli Ministries. A handful of us would meet every Thursday to pray for them who were in the midst of continual terror attacks all around the country.
My 50th birthday was 2 days before Islamist terrorists chose to bomb a pizzeria filled with women pushing baby strollers. The bomb killed “16 people, including eight children and a pregnant woman, and wounded another 130 persons.” [I’m 75 today! Next week is the 25th Anniversary of the prayer summary!]
Read this article in full on this blog link in the Israel & the Church Category where you can explore my other Israel-oriented articles.
August 7, 2026
Arrows from Zion Summary of Prayer Points for Israeli Ministries
Prayer Requests & the Chronicles of the Remnant of Faith in Israel
Arni Klein of Emmaus Way summed up the same thoughts I have at this time: “The longer we live, the more rivers we cross, the greater our experience of Father’s ever-present faithfulness. Looking back over our lives… His evident care and the clarity of His leading at every turn and juncture have deposited in us a testimony of notable depth and breadth. Without question, one would expect the recipient of such blessed experience to abide effortlessly in the light of his glory. In truth, this has not been my (Arni’s) reality. Despite all the manifest miracles, blessings, and confirmed prophetic directive words, I lived with a lingering expectation of impending disaster, basically from morning to night. The process of coming to this deeper awareness of my inner state ….Beyond question, it was an excruciatingly wonderful divinely-appointed moment of sovereign intervention that continues to bear the fruit of ever-increasing peace and freedom. I write this with a sense of a circle being closed and a fullness of time reached, propelling me into an actualization of lifelong passion and calling never before experienced. I hope that the testimony of coming to this defining moment at the onset of my 80th year of life and in my 54th year of faith and 57th year of marriage will actually be an encouragement and not a lament at how long it has taken to get this place in life, even for someone completely given and committed from day one. I have the strong sense that it could not have happened one day sooner. This has been a perfectly designed life discipleship course. And each and every one of us has such a divinely-ordained pathway to prepare us to be God’s dwelling place on earth and friend forever.”
“Truly truly, the days between our trips to Africa seem to fly by. We love being at home…whether here or there. Our next sojourn is currently planned for August 7-September 15. . . . Robert and Esther who are founders of a fellowship of likeminded brethren known as Arise & Build. . . .For some years they’ve had a vision to build a training center. . . .When we told Robert and Esther of our history and vision, they shared that years ago the Lord spoke to them concerning the Tabernacle of David, saying that He would teach them about it. It seemed once again that this was that. They have proceeded to engage an architect to map out possible plans. . . .With that all as a backdrop, we look forward to meetings and gatherings with congregations, networks, ministry teams and individuals. . . .a four-day seminar with the leaders of a network of about 30 indigenous messianic congregations that meet on Shabbat, keep the Feasts, read the Parasha, and have a heart for Israel. There is likely not another community like this in all of Africa. . . .four days scheduled with a group of intercessory leaders in Jinja, which is at the headwaters of the Nile. . . .a retreat at Vision for Africa’s prayer mountain … a four-day celebration of the Feast of Trumpets with Robert and Esther’s community.
As we formerly wrote, a pressing need is to have our written and spoken materials accessible in the local language, Luganda. The “Preparing the Way” booklet is now ready for printing. The “Israel Revealed” course is translated, awaiting a final edit. The eight-session video seminar is getting a Luganda voice-over. Once that is completed we will do voice-overs for the 52-message Foundations Course. We are also working towards having the recorded messages transcribed into book form. The cost of voice-overs for fourteen hours of teaching is a fraction of what it would be elsewhere…about 800 US$/Euros. However, the other side of the picture is that with people’s income being so low, we receive virtually no offerings to offset this and our flight costs. We pray that the Lord will speak to some of our friends to come alongside and help plant this precious seed in the most fertile ground we have ever encountered. We are so blessed and thankful to be part of what the Lord is doing in this amazing hour.
Reuven Doron, One New Man Today sends this article on the “khalepos” of the violent demonic that Yessua cast a legion of demons out of. He writes, “it would not be wrong to describe the situation of the murderous unclean spirits as ‘raging insanity’. Scanning the social, cultural, and ideological global horizons today, Paul’s admonition to Timothy seems right on the money as people groups, nations, and even entire civilizations are in great turmoil and uncontrollable decline. This global insanity will not stop, but only increase, and God’s people would be wise to tighten the ranks, build up the nuclear family, strengthen the local congregations, and intentionally seek the Lord for more of His presence and power to sanctify, equip, and guide us into the last days’ harvest. Read more here
Read also “If” My People “The fact is that there is no “IF” in the biblical Hebrew text. The well known “… if My people…” opening should be better translated as “… As my people …” or “When my people…” or simply “And my people,” making the rest of the statement a factual experience free from any condition. | Watch these short video exhortations: When my father died (God gave him a word to speak) | Also If you care for your nation (Baruch haba, b’shem adonai’
Israel Pochtar of Beit Hallel & Voice of Judah sends VIDEO: Remember His Faithfulness: Your Testimony Gives Hope | VIDEO: The Harvest is Coming: Keep Sowing in Faith | God is Still Writing Israel’s Story: Read Ordinary Moments, Eternal Impact & How God Uses Ordinary Faithfulness in Israel| VIDEO Helping New Immigrant Families | Youth Summer Discipleship: READ When Faith Becomes Visible and When Faith Becomes Their Own | VIDEO Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy |VIDEO From Exile to Israel Project | Where Women Flourish
Tikkun Global’s Ariel Blumenthal and Asher Intrater send these: New Podcast with Conversation between Ariel Blumenthal and Asher Intrater. Episode 1 The Rapture | Ariel teaching “What’s in the Name? Everything or Nothing? | Read Asher’s Two Reasons for the Name “Yeshua”? | Ariel writes about the Unity in Action at Tikkun Global | Asher continues his teaching series Nine Lives of Yeshua: Seated at the Right Hand of the Father VIDEO |
Guy Cohen of the Harvest of Asher congregation in Acco writes, Who Is a Jew? When the Jewish State Puts Jews to the Test | Opinion | Author’s Note: This article reflects my personal opinion. It combines historical and legal facts with my own analysis, criticism, and perspective. Its purpose is to encourage public discussion about the role of the State of Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people, especially at a time when antisemitism is once again increasing around the world.
Chaim Malespin of the Aliyah Return Center & Faithful Galileans writes: Be Alert: Your Role as a Shomer….In ancient Israel, the shomer, the watchman, held one of the most critical roles in any city. He stood on the wall, above the noise of daily life, with a clear view of what was coming. He was not a passive observer. He was accountable for what he saw. If an enemy approached and the watchman stayed silent, the blood of the city was on his hands. If he sounded the alarm, he had fulfilled his duty, regardless of how the city responded. The weight of the role was not in his authority. It was in his attentiveness. | Follow Chaim’s Facebook pages of his music, his podcasts from the frontlines, and more!
Evan Thomas of Beit Asaph in Natanya sends warm greetings after returning from New Zealand. Evan writes, “We realised that our new Beit Asaph Centre (that so many of you helped establish) had better access to bomb shelters than most of the homes of our members. Unlike most of the Jewish and Arab congregations around Israel, we were able to operate fully with weekly services and programs throughout the week. We were able to establish the work of the ‘Prayer Tower’ with worship events and prayer watches and in so doing, set up our own Spirit-led ‘Air Defence System.’ A Prayer outlook over Netanya East, the Sharon Plain and the West Bank (Samaria) in the distance.” In New Zealand “We served in several congregations and received warm receptions in each place. We are grateful for the sensitivity from local churches and their pastors, and were to bring a timely message. . . In addition, we were enriched by our ‘re-immersion’ into the local Maori Christian community via our dear Ngati Awa friends, the Haamis. We are so grateful for their open embrace and invitations to take part in their celebrations and experience their loving support for their Jewish/ Israeli brethren going through such troubled times!”
Moti Cohen of Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv sends this: The Holocaust You Didn’t Know About “Dragging his cross through the streets of Jerusalem, Yeshua prophesied to the women mourning for Him about a time of tribulation they would soon endure, saying, “Weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28). Exactly 37 years later to the day, on the eve of Passover, Titus began his siege of Jerusalem which culminated three months later in the destruction of the Second Temple.”
Jackie Santoro, Zion’s Glory & Ahavat Yeshua congregation, at 80 underwent spinal compression surgery 7/31. She was to spend several days in hospital before returning home for the rest of her recovery. Please pray for her to have a supernaturally quick healing recovery and is able to resume all her ministry activities in Jerusalem. She is a widow and alongside her husband Eddie, had mentored & discipled many of the young spiritual leadership today.
Rania Sagegh of House of Prayer & Exploits in Nazareth sends their premier video now on YouTube called The Cry of Nazareth. Watch now.
Avi Tekel of Tents of Mercy in Kiryat Yam writes of the faithfulness of Moses, and also of dedicated congregants who helped with their annual children’s camp. And in the Unusually Good Helps Ideas category: June’s “car garage” community operation was a great success! We are so thankful to the volunteers who came to give of their time to provide car services: changing oil, replacing brake pads, fixing lights and doing many other repairs. This offering is hugely significant for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. A car repair, sometimes even a small one, can feel like a huge mountain – so this was a phenomenal blessing. | The Bomb shelter renewal took place at the same time. While one group was working on cars, another parallel team was at a large local municipal bomb shelter painting and renewing the space. This service and testimony to the municipality is beyond words!
They are asking prayers for their High Holiday Fall Food Drive, for the 2026 high school grads entering full pre-army stage, and the health and healing of congregational members who are having health issues.
Tony Sperandeo of the HaMaayan in Kfar Saba publishes their prayer and ministry letter on a blog. You can read it here and enjoy their photos.
Leon Mazin leads the Haifa Return to Zion Center. His report catches us up on the music academy, youth & humanitarian activities, but I want to share with you the key prayer requests: For the children and their families: Please pray for complete healing for every child undergoing cancer treatment, as well as spiritual and physical strength, comfort, and God’s peace for their parents.| For the youth in Norway: Pray for safety during their travels, deep fellowship, spiritual strengthening, and good fruit from these days.| For our ongoing ministries: Pray for God’s wisdom, protection, and the necessary resources for our team, which continues to serve those in need and new immigrants without a summer break.| For peace in Israel: Pray for God’s protection over our nation and wisdom for its leadership during this challenging time.
Howard Bass of the Nachalat Yeshua/Yeshua’s Inheritance congregation in Beer Sheva writes, “I read Ezekiel 33 and 34 this morning as part of my regular reading through the Bible, and once again, the Word is living! It speaks of Israel’s/the Jewish people’s sinfulness in plain language as it speaks of why they have not yet inherited the Land. This, of course, was written well before the Messiah first came; but the truth of it remains. The God of Israel has given watchmen to warn them, and holds them accountable as well regarding whether they let the people know. The word also speaks of the irresponsible and unfaithful shepherds who take care of themselves first, and then leave what is left for the sheep, and even what is left they have spoiled. These words speak directly to Israel, but by the Holy Spirit speak to church leaders and pastors as well. The NT tells us that God has given Israel as an example to learn from. Since too many believers do not read the OT, or see it as having any really real relevance to them today, how can they learn the lessons that the Lord has given, and apply it to ourselves? | Howard has sent messages he has given to the congregation lately: Hastening the Return of the Lord ? | What Time is It and What Day is Today? | Do you know that praying is related with self-judgment? | If you would like to know the story behind the non-profit legal Streams in the Negev name, read here.
Pray for the congregation members and activities, and as Howard wrote, “there are other issues that God knows, but that we will not put out publicly.” DD: I think it is important to include the UNKNOWN PRAYER REQUESTS of the Israeli ministries – the things confronting them that is TOO SENSITIVE to put out publicly. These are not deep dark secrets of theirs – it is generally the deep dark secrets of those who oppose them.
Joel Jelski writes for Fields of Wheat in this issue about the upcoming Katzir Youth Summer Camp: “Our heart for the youth is to encourage them (and us) to “get past the noise” and to walk in daily fellowship with God and with one another. How can we overcome the noise and distractions in our lives so that we can stay “connected” and help people know the Lord through His light in us? ….That’s why we have chosen “Connected” as the theme of our annual Katzir (harvest) summer youth camp. Our primary verses are 1 John 1:3-4. Camp is right around the corner!. This Friday, August 7, our team will gather in the southern desert of Israel. Our ministry team will bond together during a weekend of preparation and fellowship before plunging into the week-long camp (August 9-13). Please be praying over the camp and all who participate.
Rachel and Gilad Netanel from the House that God Gave / Beit Netanel, Rachel writes, The longer I walk with the Lord, the more amazed I am at His ways. Evangelism is my life but I no longer go to the streets to share the Gospel so the Lord literally sends people to my door: About 3 weeks ago, I was alone in the garden of our house and was busy cleaning. In the process, I had left the gate leading into the garden open. Suddenly, I looked up from my work and there were five women standing at the gate. I greeted them and they asked what was this place? What is here? It is very beautiful. I replied by asking them if they really want to know. If so, come in. I closed the gate and proceeded to tell them of my faith and that I was a Messianic Jew.
It still amazes me that so few people know what that is and they started to say that if I believe in this Yeshu (Yeshua), then I cannot be Jewish. One of them became quite antagonistic about it and she did not want to know any more. So I spoke to the others. I invited them into the house and showed them around. I shared a bit about my life. One of the events that I shared was how I had broken my shoulder and how the doctor said I needed to have replacement surgery. I told the doctor that I did not want this surgery but I would pray. So my friends and I prayed and I continued to work in the garden and this work became my physiotherapy. Finally, when I had my appointment to see the physiotherapist, he was a very religious Jew and upon examining me, he was so surprised that my shoulder had healed.
. . . .Beloved friends, I thank you with all of my heart for your prayers, support and encouragement. I am no longer a young woman but God gives me the grace to continue to serve him and share His love with His people. I am surprised that I have such energy but as Moses didn’t really start his ministry until he was 80, I still have a long ways to go.
Michael Beener of the Sderot City of Life writes that Israel’s Desert Blooms as New Jewish Families Return to the Homeland. Read and Watch the video.
Avner Boskey Final Frontier Ministries writes this on his & Rachel’s David’s Tent site: Spinning round and round in the circle game / “And They Wandered From One Kingdom to Another people” 1 Chronicles 16:20 | ‘Circle-game dynamics’ pop up from time to time like the weasel in the child’s nursery rhyme, as the West attempts to bulldoze impossible peace scenarios into existence between Israel and its jihadi neighbors.
Revive Israel led by Youval and Valerie Yanay write that while their Friday Market is taking a summer break, the harvest continues and they are sending out fresh berries so families can enjoy summer fruit. “At the moshav, one of our disciples decided to be baptized because of what God had done in his life during his time here. Youval and Raphael baptized him in front of his family and friends.We rejoiced with him as he publicly declared his faith in Yeshua through baptism. Having seen the Lord work in his life during his time at the moshav, it was powerful to witness him take this step of obedience before his family and friends. His baptism was a clear testimony that he belongs to Yeshua and has chosen to follow Him.” | Youval has also been teaching at the Hetzim (Arrows), a pre-army discipleship program for young believers.
Dani & LuAnne Sayag of the Carmel congregation write: A Kiss from God. “About fifteen years ago, the Carmel Forest, just minutes from our congregation, was devastated by one of the worst wildfires in Israel’s history. The fire claimed the lives of many brave first responders and left the mountainsides blackened with ash. For those of us who live in this region, the memories remain vivid.
This week, as many of us traveled through Mount Carmel in the middle of August, we were reminded of how remarkably well the landscape has recovered. It is almost hard to imagine the devastation that once covered these hills. Everywhere we look today, there is life again—green trees, flourishing forests, and the beauty of God’s creation restored. Among the trees, bright flowers line the roadside. Their quiet beauty serves as a gentle reminder of God’s faithfulness. In the midst of a world marked by uncertainty and sorrow, He continues to reveal His presence in unexpected ways. It is as though He whispers to our hearts that we are not alone. He sees our grief, our fears, and every burden we carry. Even in difficult seasons, His light continues to shine.
This morning we awoke once again to heartbreaking news. Two Israeli reservist soldiers were killed in Lebanon on Wednesday. Their loved ones join the thousands of families across our nation who bear the tragic effects of war. It is a painful and exhausting season, and at times the darkness can feel overwhelming.
Yet even in the darkest moments, the Lord gives us glimpses of His faithfulness. Like the wildflowers growing beside the road, He reminds us that hope is never extinguished. Life can spring up where there was once only devastation. His presence remains near, and His promises remain sure. As believers, our hope is not found in our circumstances but in the unchanging promises of God. Revelation 21:4 gives us a beautiful picture of what is to come: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” What a glorious hope we have that the Lord is making all things new. Until that day, we will continue to trust Him, continue to pray, and continue to stand together in faith, believing that He is working even when we cannot yet see the full picture.
Please continue to stand with Israel in prayer. Pray for protection over our soldiers, comfort for those who mourn, wisdom for our leaders, and above all, that many hearts would come to know Yeshua, the Prince of Peace. Even in seasons of sorrow, we hold fast to the truth that the Lord is good, His mercy endures forever, and His light continues to shine in the darkness. One day, every scar of this broken world will give way to the beauty of His eternal Kingdom.
. . . . Nations throughout the world are experiencing very challenging times—wars, fires, earthquakes, persecution of believers. These are truly the days Yeshua spoke of in Matthew 24. In the midst of these times, we are deeply grateful for your willingness to pray and bear the burdens for our people, Israel.
Joseph Magen’s KehilaNews has the latest video news reports and messages released by the Messianic Israelis within hours! Go there for a believeable resource you can listen to direct from the believers in Israel. You get spiritual perspective and plenty of choices of things to listen to from news, messages, and even worship. No better source of videos from the Israeli body of Messiah. Here is one recent: 2 IDF troops killed in Hezbollah blast; IRGC: Iran will keep nuclear program TV7 Israel News 6 Aug
Cookie Schwaeber-Issan Opinion Columinist for AllIsraelNews and Jerusalem Post | 6/28 Jerusalem Post The homeland debate antisemites cannot erase | 7/24 Allisrael You don’t negotiate with terrorists, you kill them | 7/26 JPost Did Fox News co-host just blame Netanyahu for antisemitism? | 7/27 Allisrael The enemy waited until war became a dirty word |7/29 Allisrael The politics of hurting Arabs to hurt Jews |7/31 Allisrael What about the other 30% of Gaza controlled by Hamas? |8/2 Jerusalem Post Could the Palestinian Authority be planning a Jewish genocide in the West Bank? |8/3 Allisrael Hamas disarmament deal – good or bad? It’s a matter of interpretation |8/5 Allisrael Welcoming Democrat Socialists is welcoming Jew-hatred | 8/7 Allisrael The Hunting Down of Jews for Sport