Friends, words cannot describe the immeasurable impact of all that is happening in Israel. During this past weekend’s Epicenter Briefing, a friend and I were tremendously blessed by reports straight from Israel, from those who serve Israel and her neighbors every single day. It was hosted by The Joshua Fund, led by Joel and Lynn Rosenberg and the TJF staff. If you are not familiar with The Joshua Fund, I highly recommend checking out their website, as well as Joel Rosenberg’s All Israel News. This is a ministry that is truly making a huge impact as they bless Israel and her neighbors with the love of Jesus.

Sunday was wrap-up day and the Psalmist says in Psalm 77:11 to remember the works of the Lord. So I’ll share the “string of pearls” we gathered over the weekend:

1. Of significance is the fact we were led into the presence of the Lord each day through worship, Bible teaching and prayer. Aaron Shust is one of the humblest men you will ever meet and his heart of worship is contagious. Tommy Fretwell, a young British theologian, unpacked Isaiah 40 for us in such an inspiring way and in such a God-honoring manner. And we ended each of our sessions with heartfelt prayer specific to the briefing we had just heard, and we committed to be “in it” together with the people of Israel. The work of the Lord is happening, and for us it is through learning, praying, giving and going! This weekend was powerful!
2. We were blessed by the presence of former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who spoke for the first time ever to a group of evangelicals. The key takeaway from his speech was his report that young people in Israel have taken up the mantle and are fighting like true warriors. He is optimistic in the future of Israel because of the quality and commitment of the young people. During a reception before he spoke, we each had the privilege of a photo op with the PM and a moment to personally express our love and support for Israel. He was not expecting that and reported to TJF leadership that he was blown away by the sincerity and heartfelt love and blessings of this group.
3. We heard from both Messianic and Palestinian pastors who are fervently on fire for the work of the Kingdom. Things are complicated in the Middle East, and though not everyone agrees politically (or even theologically), those pastors love Jesus and are leading their congregations to love and respect others as well. There are Messianic Jewish congregations reaching out to Arabs and Palestinians, and vice versa. They are building the body of Christ in very difficult circumstances and their stories of God’s goodness, grace and protection simply melted us in our seats.
4. The work of TJF goes beyond helping churches. There are humanitarian outreaches that actually represent the hands and feet of Jesus. Whether it be food boxes, clothing, hygiene kits, bomb shelters or a myriad of other needs met, The Joshua Fund is there to provide resources and mobilize volunteers. But the reach is even further than that. We met a couple, Calev and Sheli Myers, who have dedicated their professional lives to making a difference. Calev is an attorney, working with hostage families, as well as representing the interests of TJF. Sheli is a licensed therapist who leads a team to engage with families who were highly impacted by the October 7 massacre. Primarily they help adults overcome the fatigue of shepherding their families while displaced, the heartache of losing loved ones, the challenge of parenting their children through unimaginable trauma, and helping maintaining life as normally as possible. Learning about the atrocious things young minds must deal with made this perhaps the most intense of all the sessions.
5. When it comes to the Epicenter (Israel and surrounding nations), there is a dramatic need for shepherds…those who lead their families, their congregations, and their government in servant-leadership and who are willing to give up what they hold dear to pursue what God has for them. Please pray that Godly leaders (men and women; Jews, Arabs and Palestinians) will be raised up to shepherd the flock.
6. “God encounters” abounded this past weekend! From sitting at Joel Rosenberg’s table at dinner, to personally meeting PM Bennett and Aaron Shust, to building relationships with other incredible people (yes, some very prominent ones, as well as the down-to-earth ones like me!), to connecting with staff members to discuss potential options for a solidarity tour. Not to mention afternoon breaks that allowed us free time to meditate on what the Lord was speaking to us as we walked the beaches or simply relaxed elsewhere! God was moving in our midst!

There are dozens of other details I could share, but suffice it to say that every person left the briefing weekend stirred by what we heard and experienced, and committed to standing solidly with Israel in the challenges they face and in the victories that will come! The Joshua Fund is leading the way in these efforts and I encourage you to follow them, learn from them, pray for them, and consider giving to them.