A Death in Zion

Recently I heard tragic news from my Israeli friend and long-time Christian Zionist Jim Schutz. He and his wife had just buried their beloved and only son David on August 12th in Jerusalem. The news shook me. It has been a long, hard season of deaths in Israel. There have been many funerals and many bereaved parents grieving the loss of their children. Psalm 34:18 assures us that, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” He stands close to many in Zion today. Continues in articles

August 21, 2026
Arrows from Zion Summary of Prayer Points for Israeli Ministries
Prayer Requests & the Chronicles of the Remnant of Faith in Israel

Ronit Bender, a personal evangelist & congregant in the HaCarmel congregation writes, “What works among Israelis is  FRIENDSHIP EVANGELISM. It means that people are curious to know about the Lord because they see that you are different than what they’ve heard regarding Christianity. My people have been so wounded in the name of Christ that their hearts are closed, however, God knows the KEY to opening each individual’s heart. The truth is that hardly a day goes by without me reaching out to Israelis, but there’s no pulpit or altar call, I just love people!  They might give their hearts to Yeshua [Jesus] long after I left the earth, but SEEDS ARE SOWN DAILY, and for that I need your prayers! One person sows and another waters. That’s us!
     In a recent day trip with a couple she has been witnessing to and praying for over many years, Ronit wrote about the day trips she takes with them, “It is not too exciting say the least, but by spending time with them, I have opportunities to speak into their lives in a godly way. God and I refuse to give up on them! I am so grateful that you continue to pray for their salvation and for their families. Our most recent trip was last Saturday. We visited a place in northern Israel called, Shavei Tzion, where I lived between the ages of 4 and 10. When my parents divorced they put me in foster care. That place, was not connected to wars, tension and missiles, but a small haven for a little 4 year old girl, away from her parents, growing up with no deep roots. I was moved around a lot over those years. One memory I have from then is when we planted little trees on top of the bunker where we hid from bombing airplanes that flew very low looking for targets. It was 1956, the Sinai war. We slept in our clothes, as they transfered us in the middle of the night to the bunker or shelter. Over the years when visiting I saw it: my little tree had grown the tallest.
     Last week, when visiting my Jewish friend Lina’s salon, I met Amar. When she saw me she ran to me throwing her arms around my neck as I sat down, and wanted to greet me with a kiss. Amar is an 8 years old, autistic child.  You can imagine the astonishment of the women in the salon. Amar was deserted by her mother, and now her aunt is raising her. I was in tears as I left the place, thinking about my own life, how my parents gave me up. They could have raised me but it was not convenient. Maybe Amar felt something regarding her parents, but we will never know. . . .This little girl touched a spot in my heart. Please pray that Yeshua move upon her for salvation, He can reach her in a way that only the Creator can. Her family is Arab. Pray for her whole family.
    When I went to sleep last night, I do not know if a war will break out. Last week, it looked certain. However President Trump changed his mind [again]. It seems we have extended the fragile peace. I mean fragile. The suspense affects everything we do, but we live the best we can. For example, Israelis who are planning to go abroad are not sure until the last minute if it will happen for them. The Americans keep sending planes to refuel, and they occupy the space of passenger planes, thus many tickets continue to be cancelled at the last minute or deferred. I do not think you in the nations really understand what we are going through, but in one sense you pray with a sincere heart, not under pressure… like us. We struggle with counting “it all joy” with these trials (James 1:2).
     Donna: Ronit is a widow. She is not a big ministry, but she is planting the seeds of salvation every day and is good soil for you to plant seed in both prayer and financial support. Email her for donation info.

Chaim Malespin of Faithful Galileans & Aliyah Return Center writes. “The Holy of Holies: Face to Face” | In the inner court, past the golden altar of incense, there was a veil that separated us from the Holy of Holies. Within the Holy of Holies stood the Ark of the Covenant, which was extremely significant and sacred. . . .The last mention of the location of the Ark of the Covenant in Scripture is during the reign of King Josiah, when it was placed back in King Solomon’s Temple. It is not known whether it was captured, hidden, or removed in some other way after this. Yet although the earthly Ark disappeared from history, Scripture gives us one final and extraordinary glimpse of the Ark of God’s covenant. John, one of Yeshua’s disciples, later had a vision in which he saw the Ark of the Covenant in heaven: “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple.” Rev 11:19 Could it be that the Ark of the Covenant was a shadow of the one in heaven? When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we are asking for the realities of heaven to be manifested on earth.
     Even more fascinating is a prophecy from Jeremiah concerning the Ark of the Covenant: “Declares the Lord, they shall no more say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again. At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the Lord in Jerusalem.” Jer 3:16–17
. . . . From the Garden of Eden, to the Tabernacle, to the Holy of Holies, Scripture reveals God’s desire to dwell among His people. . . .And then suddenly something happened that made a way for all of us to enter in. When Yeshua breathed His last on the cross, the curtain of the Temple, the thick and heavy veil that had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the world, was torn in two, from top to bottom. God made a way for all of us to enter into His presence, where we can humbly, in the fear of the Lord, approach His throne of mercy and grace even now. (Hebrews 10:19-22)
     This is the ultimate invitation: to encounter God’s presence. . . .The Vertical Galilee House of Prayer . . . .a place for intercessors and worshippers to seek the Lord, a place for discipleship, and a place for people from Israel and the nations to worship, pray, and fellowship together. . . .Would you prayerfully consider partnering with The Faithful Galileans through a one time gift or monthly support?     Watch here for Chaim’s daily video update (Day 1041) “Sons of Light vs Sons of Darkness”

Ariel and Shayla Hyde of Tree of Life Israel  write, “One Israeli watched our video 8 years ago and realized, “This is my Messiah.” Today, he leads in evangelistic outreach. Ariel tells this exciting story! There is more fruit than we knew – and God is calling us to sow more.” Listen to the podcast with Ariel What will Make Heaven Sing? Click to see even more of the podcasts and how Tree of Life ministers are reaching Israelis with videos, on the streets, evangelism, pro-Life activities. This is a good Israeli ministry to plant donation seeds.

Avi & Hannah Tekle from Ohalai Rachamim (Tents of Mercy) in Kiryat Yam write about their preparations to bless those in need during the Fall Feasts. They will providing food parcel for 900 local families  in the weeks leading up to Rosh HaShannah. “We welcome your financial participation in this project. The price of food in Israel is constantly increasing and the dollar has reached new lows. In recent years we paid approximately $80 per parcel, but this year each costs us more than $120! This means your support is needed more than ever. Truly it is only through the generosity and partnership of believers around the world that we have been able to continue and even expand this anointed work over the years.” | They had great success with their annual “Reshet” kids camp. “This year’s theme was “Young Detectives – investigating the mysteries of the parables.” Over 70 kids attended from more than 8 congregations and were cared for by teen counselors from Tents of Mercy and other congregations.” Now the preparations are going on to transition from summer to back to school.

Marianne Gol, a minister to widows & orphans via Streams in the Desert, writes that they just wrapped up their annual summer camp Heart of Courage for the young people participating in the hiking and ministry. “From the beginning there was a spirit of Shalom over the camp, evidenced by the attentive and respectful atmosphere in the clubroom.  The worship was passionate and energetic! Led by a volunteer team of Koreans, Indians, and Africans who had gone to great lengths to learn the Hebrew songs. The campers received them warmly and loved them for their efforts. | Testimony: One camper became sick with a fever and had to return home on the 2nd morning. As a result, her best friend became despondent. The prayer team interceded for her most of the day. That evening she surrendered her life to the Lord! | When the invited speaker was unable to come “Six of our counselor-leaders stepped up and we were truly blessed!  They spoke on themes of identity, following God, unity, holiness, authority and courage and the campers listened intently. Perhaps it was the close proximity in age of speaker to camper which helped the kids to relate so easily and to receive hope from the messages. | While we know that it’s not hard to find God, but we also know that walking with Him one’s whole life is high adventure full of many challenges. We are so grateful for your prayers and your participation in seeing this most important generation walk on to maturity. May they never, never stop walking.
     We have recently opened a U.S. non-profit to help facilitate giving in the States.  You can give via our website: or use this link or mail a check to: Streams in the Desert, PO BOX 380017, Jacksonville, FL 32205

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: When a Palestinian Muslim Discovered he was Jewish: Elias’ Testimony | Israel’s Information War: The 8^th Front

Reuven Doron, One New Man Today, sends this: “The horrors of the October 7th 2023 massacre are far from over. For those of us who live and serve God here in Israel, the images, the national torment, and the personal trauma are never out of sight or out of mind. While much of the international media has long since moved on to other stories, we in Israel continue to live it every day. The nation of Israel is still processing the trauma and its people are trying to rebuild their lives, families, homes, and communities from the devastation. Past issues of this Prayer Report addressed this “mortal wound” extensively for the purpose of prayer. |  A recently published book titled “Coming to Light” written by Maxim Harkin is based upon the secret diary that he kept during his 738 days in Hamas captivity … Read more here
     The Mystery of Israel’s Partial Blindness VIDEO: How Long Lord?

Avi & Chaya Mizrachi at Dugit Ministries write, “Even in the middle of summer, we are already looking ahead to Israel’s autumn holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. We are preparing special gift baskets filled with food, snacks, drinks, and other treats for our dear soldiers. We believe that standing with Israel’s soldiers is essential. Offering them a small gift of encouragement is one way we can thank them for their service, sacrifice, and hard work.
     Our Distribution Center is also preparing for one of its busiest seasons of the year. We want to ensure that no family is forgotten during the holidays. Our team is preparing food supplies and care packages for families in need, helping them celebrate the holidays with dignity and joy.
     Did you know that Dugit helps provide food for approximately 200 families every month? Isaiah 58:10 promises us: “And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness.”  To partner with us here in Tel Aviv, click.
     Café renovation update | The drilling has begun, dust is everywhere, and we are trusting the process! New lighting is being installed, old walls are being repaired, new furniture is coming in, and step by step, the vision is beginning to take shape. Our vision for Café HaOgen is BIG. We are not only renovating a coffee shop or creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We are building a beacon of light in the heart of Tel Aviv: a stronghold of prayer, hope, and truth for every person who walks through the doors. We cannot do this alone. Will you give a donation to help?

Richard and Carolyn Hyde of Heart of G-d Ministries write, “We are being refined, purged and made pure until the end time.” Daniel 11:35 | What a privilege to lead discipleship classes together in home groups in the Land. There were many highlights as we listened to G-d together after some checked-in with confusion, anger and other difficult emotions. One young seeker and I had the same vision as we listened for another man and he was SO surprised that this could happen! Another Israeli  Sabra asked excitingly, “How often do you guys do this?!?” | At another meeting a pre-believing Israeli asked me many questions about Yeshua, the Resurrection and His divinity. Adonai gave answers, sometimes through questions for him. When he apologized for too many queries, I encouraged his searching heart. It’s truly awesome to watch the quest for truth in those who hunger and thirst for Righteousness!
     Upcoming PAJ – Prophetic Artists Journey | From Sept 4-6 we’re called to Lachish, Elah and the Fuller’s Field in Jerusalem and then 7-10 in Jordan! As we listen and follow the Spirit of G-d, we rejoice how He turns prophetic intercession into prophetic evangelism! Contact me if this resonates.     The L-rd calling us back to Germany to minister in schools this November – it’s a privilege to reach the youth there. And we’d be honored to bring worship and testimonies

Shlomy and Miriam Abramov of Awake Israel write,” Miriam has Kurdish roots from the same area as Shlomy’s ancestors. She is part Syrian, Lebanese, Levant and part Portuguese, Irish Scottish and English.     Shlomy’s family was warned to leave Kurdistan by the grandfather’s VIP friends. They had intel the Jews were going to be slaughtered. In the middle of the night his grandfather took the whole family bound for Israel. His uncle was a beloved local Rabbi. Shlomy was an honor student and first Israel-born graduate of Israel College of the Bible and he graduated honors. (Hebrew of course).
     This week Shlomy has been recording Daniel in Aramaic for the Baptists. Aramaic is the mother tongue of my husband’s father. The Kurdish speak Aramaic even today. We have had a vision to upgrade our recording abilities and now feel it is time to move forward. Most Hebrew translations have MANY errors in the New Testament. We want perfect Hebrew translations for the NT for Israel. We ask your prayers this all comes to together now. For decades Shlomy has wanted to correct wrong words in praise and worship songs, also in the scripture translation texts he wants to correct wrong grammar, sentence structure etc.  Hallelujah! To be a part of the word going forth from Jerusalem! The name I cannot share with you just yet but it has to do with light of the world.
     Miriam includes a major prayer request: My father was a most prominent geologist and there is activity in a piece of land underground that he left me in Texas. Now to wade through all the muck of corporate coverup. It has taken me all week to write the persons involved. We need a move and cry to Him. Please pray with us for breakthrough. We are experiencing great spiritual onslaughts and have come against strongholds. Please agree any and all dark and stronghold would be broken off and God would come in like a flood to cover us and empower us. Supernatural undergirding in endurance.
Please pray also for difficult, ongoing situations with our landlord, and for a helper to assist us with our ministry letter that goes out every 2 months. It requires taking the letter to the printer and mailing to out missions accounting office and labeling the envelopes.

Cookie Schwaeber-Issan Opinion Columinist for AllIsraelNews and Jerusalem Post | 8/9 JPost: Attacks on AIPAC and the pro-Israel lobby is an attack on American Jews | 8/10 AllIsrael: If you criticize a Muslim candidate, you’re Islamophobic  | 8/12 AllIsrael  Is the UK demand to observe Ramadan just the beginning? | 8/16 JPost Hasan Piker – The Man Behind the Curtain | 8/18 All Israel  Why hating Israel backfires on diaspora Jews | 8/19 The Muslims who love America but are trying to Islamize it

Israel Pochtar of Beit Hallel in Ashdod & Voice of Judah ministries writes, When God Answers, Do We Listen? Watch as Israel speaks about being quiet before the LORD. When God Opens a Door: Being Faithful to Step Through Read Called to the Nations | WATCH From Exile to Israel: One more Step Home | Testimony: Faith grows when we walk together | You can grow up in Israel surrounded by the places of the Bible and still never truly hear the Gospel. READ How will they know unless someone tells them? | WATCH When Knowing God Changes Everything | WATCH The God Who Hears from Heaven | Where He Walked, We Still Proclaim | 150 children. A New school year. A beautiful reminder they are not starting alone. A Little Lighter on the First Day | Jerusalem Outreach: When Hearts Begin to Open |

Tikkun Global Director Ariel Blumenthal and Founder Asher Intrater. Asher writes, “Praise, Prayer, and Prophecy have been part of Tikkun’s spiritual DNA for more than 40 years. From the earliest days of the movement, our leaders have sought to create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit is welcome, where we listen for His leading and respond together in worship, prayer, and prophetic proclamation. Today, Tikkun Global continues to carry this DNA from Jerusalem. Praise, Prayer, and Prophecy…. remains at the heart of how we seek God together, discern His direction, make decisions, and minister to Israel and the nations.
     . . . . This is the spiritual foundation from which we want everything else we do to flow. When you partner with Tikkun Global, your giving helps sustain this life of Praise, Prayer, and Prophecy in Jerusalem and enables its fruit to reach outward to Israel and the nations. We are deeply grateful to those who stand with us, especially at a time when much of the world is turning against Israel. We know that standing with Yeshua and Jerusalem comes with a cost. Yet we also know how the story ends: Yeshua returning to rule as King from Jerusalem, His capital city. Partner with us.
    VIDEO Teaching from Ariel Blumenthal deals with what is the key to having peace with God | Betty Intrater writes The Cottage Cheese Wars. What does Cottage Cheese have to do with anti-Semitism? You’ll see.
VIDEO Teaching from Asher Intrater The Storm, The Sign, and The Meaning | Read Jeremiah Smilovici Are You Willing to Walk the Walk of Shame? “Reading 2 Samuel 15 recently, I was struck again by the picture of David leaving Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion. Here is the anointed king of Israel, rejected by his own people, crossing the Kidron Valley and going up the Mount of Olives, weeping, barefoot, and with his head covered (2 Samuel 15:23, 30). It is a powerful picture of rejection and humiliation, but what stood out to me most was David’s response.”

Michael and Dina Beener of City of Life in Sderot send VIDEO and write, Israelis Want Peace but Prepare for War. In Beersheba, Israeli families are learning to live with the uncertainty of war. In this video, we hear their personal stories of fear, family, trauma, faith, and hope as they describe what it is like to face sirens, explosions, and the constant concern for their loved ones. Despite the fear, many continue to find strength in God and hold on to hope for a better future.
     Visit our Blog and Discover the Most Motivational Stories About Our Ministry.
     Watch our VIDEO here about Helping Israeli Children Start the School Year Fresh backpacks & School Supplies put smiles on kids and parent’s faces!

Youval & Valerie Yanay of Revive Israel write about Planting for the Season Ahead. “The fields are full of activity again as we begin an intensive period of planting. Young people from the village and volunteers have been joining us in the work, and there is something encouraging about seeing many hands together preparing the ground for the coming season.
. . . . While we were planting in the fields, Youval and Valerie were also sowing into the next generation, planting the Word of God in the hearts of children. Youval taught at a conference gathering around 120 children between the ages of eight and ten. Valerie has also been teaching the children each day, opening the Word of God with them and helping them understand more about who He is. What a privilege it is to speak truth into young hearts at such an important age. We pray that these children will not simply remember the lessons, but will come to know the Lord for themselves and build their lives on His Word.
     As we plant in the fields, we are also looking toward our next discipleship program this fall. We continue praying for the young people the Lord is drawing to join us. More than filling places, our desire is to see those whom God is calling come ready to seek Him, be grounded in Scripture, and grow as disciples of Yeshua. Partner with us as we plant seed – natural and spiritual – in Israel. The fields are white unto the harvest.

Howard and Randi Bass in Beersheva leading the Yeshua’s Inheritance (Nachalat Yeshua) congregation. Howard has written such a timely piece. I was just trying to explain the same thing hours ago on Facebook – the dividing asunder of soul & spirit it you will on this subject! Here it is:
     “In the tender mercies and covenant loyalty of God to His chosen treasured people, the three Fall appointed times look ahead to the determined end of Israel’s waywardness, and to His jealous zeal to take away their sinful hearts and collective amnesia, and they will be His holy people among whom He will dwell forever, and He will be their God!  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
     While there are a small number of individual Jews and other people who love their enemies as they love themselves, no nation or government can possibly do so in the way that individuals can. This is not a natural love; and I have even heard some say that that command of the Messiah/Christ is one reason that they are not believers in Jesus. (!)
     Israel has been in a state of war ever since its beginning, and war time rules are different than peace time. We live in a complex reality that necessitates the intervention of the God of Heaven and Earth.  While the Torah tells Israel/the Jewish people to love their neighbor as themselves, this was especially speaking of their fellow Israelis, as we can see from God’s instructions regarding the conquering of the Canaanite nations within the promised land, and the people who hindered them on the way. (Dt 7:1-11; 23:3-6)
     Israel/the Jewish people were/are commanded to love the strangers in their midst, for they were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Dt 10:18-20; Ezek 47:21-23).  Jesus/Yeshua teaches us that the strangers are not limited to family or “good neighbors”, but Middle Eastern nations to not consciously follow Him. 
     The “strangers in the midst” are those who are not ethnically “relatives”, but who are also not against you and your people, culture, nation, and, perhaps especially, the Creator and Redeemer of Israel.
     They may very possibly be for you and with you and your nation and the true God, such as Ruth the Moabitess, Uriah the Hittite, Cornelius the Roman centurion.  YHVH never told Moses and the Israelis to make war against Pharaoh, or try to overthrow or destroy Egypt.  Yeshua and His apostles never told His disciples to be rebels wherever we may live, or to overthrow Rome, for instance. 
     The God of Israel tells His people to seek the peace and well-being of the people and countries wherever we may be living.  (Jer 29:4-7; 1Tim 2:1-6) Those who live in our midst, but seek our destruction, or seek to make their god as equal or greater than the one true living God, are not “strangers” among us, but “aliens, foreigners”, who religiously, philosophically, politically refuse to “walk with us”, but insist on requiring others to accept their “worldview and way of life”.
     Unfortunately, the translations of the same Hebrew words in the Bible are not consistent when dealing with this issue.
     A government must first deal with justice among its own citizens before they can righteously deal with those are also trouble-makers and unlawful.
     YHVH God’s choosing of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, from whom and through whom has come the Savior and salvation, was for the purpose of blessing all mankind — all the families of the Earth.
     Israel is a unique people and nation, and God will glorify and sanctify His holy Name — YHVH — when He comes to judge all unrighteousness and opposition to Himself and to His sovereignty —  first of all within His own household, and then against those who have too far in their approval of and/or active hatred and disdain for His beloved people — the first born son among the nations. (Ex 4:21-23) 
     The “after-born sons” will be blessed through the first-born’s honor and inheritance at the determined time.  All will become well when YHVH God’s righteousness will be revealed on that day when Yeshua/Jesus will judge the world. (Acts 17:30-31) 
     In the meantime, we are to go about our Father’s business of redemption, taking the gospel to allsoever so that whomsoever may repent and be saved by His grace and mercies, sanctifying ourselves along the way.

     DONNA: Hallelujah! We are on the same page about this. It’s a word that needs massive correction among Christians who have not put all their pieces together to know the Spirit of what God is looking for among us. To be “nice” we are not to lay down to Islamic takeover of our nations, for instance!  It’s not nice or righteous!!

Moti Cohen who leads Tiferet Yeshua congregationin Tel Avivsends an update and prayer requesst for their work with the homeless in Tel Aviv. (Tel Aviv is where those who have burnt all their bridges where they live across Israel, come to the streets of despair in the big city. Those who are out doing the ministry in these streets have the biggest hearts for “the least of these Yeshua’s brothers.”
Pray for     
      The six men in Messianic rehab – (Daniel, Valeri, Georgi, Slava, Ori and Oleg) that they may they stay strong in their rehabilitation program and come to know Yeshua personally as their Savior. Several of the men, including one from an Orthodox background, have not yet fully surrendered their lives to Yeshua. They need a powerful revelation of Him as their Messiah
    Hope and Fellowship – that those who aren’t able to make it in rehab, like Ruslan, will be encouraged, protected and not give up hope. For those who are not ready yet for rehab, please pray that they come to the Bible study (which is growing!) Two men from the Bible study have started coming to Friday services at Tiferet Yeshua, praise God!
    Protection and Direction – that God protects our team and divinely directs us in every interaction we have with the precious people on the streets
   Thank you so much, dear warriors, for your life-changing prayers! Our outreaches have been truly blessed—we feel your prayers and are deeply encouraged. Thank you for helping give hope to the homeless in Tel Aviv.