In 2014, friends convinced me to launch a blog as a place to post pictures on an upcoming trip to Israel. It turned into excited explanations of sites and experiences while there. I was also writing and teaching Israel-related Bible studies, so those began to be posted as well. What began as simply a place to share pictures in real time became a daily blog. Looking for the Blessed Hope inadvertently gained an internet presence and is still going strong 12 years later!

Today, I’m celebrating almost 26,000 of you who chose to visit Looking for the Blessed Hope over the past year! The heart of the ministry remains loving Israel and Israel’s Messiah, and it is a blessing to share it with you!

In a quick survey of the past year, here are some fun facts regarding year 12:

• Though not the largest number of posts, the most popular topic (by views) was the War of Gog and Magog, the invasion of Russia, Iran, Turkey and others into Israel, prophesied in Ezekiel 38-39. Much has been written about that prophecy over the years, and many older posts were accessed.
• The single most accessed post was Amir Tsarfati Challenges Kirk Cameron’s Israel Remarks. Replacement Theology is raging through conservative America and is infiltrating churches. In terms of Biblical mandates to stand with Israel, Replacement Theology presents the greatest threat today. Many other posts regarding Replacement Theology were popular as well.
• Viewers from 172 nations tapped into Looking for the Blessed Hope. Outside of the US, countries with the largest number of viewers were Canada, Germany, UK, Israel and New Zealand. We’re so grateful for you!
• November racked up the greatest number of page views as we reported live from Israel during a tour that month. Family and friends kept track of their loved one’s adventures via the blog, and many of you journeyed with us virtually as well!

So, what is in store during our thirteenth year? Look for more emphasis on antisemitism and Replacement Theology rising in America and around the world. Also, we will continue viewing current events through the lens of Scripture. Currently, President Trump has sent a huge naval armada to the Arabian Sea as a result of threats from Iran. In the near future, we will continue to view that conflict against the backdrop of God’s Word. The Bible is more accurate than today’s news, so we will rely heavily on it!

I’m a believer that America currently plays a great role in how we view and treat Israel, though America will ultimately wane in their stance. Let’s pray that does not happen on our watch! The Bible speaks very specifically about curses and judgment upon those who do not stand with Israel. (For examples, see Genesis 12:3 and Joel 3:2.) Let’s join forces to educate Christians as to our responsibilities toward Israel.

Finally, as ONE FOR ISRAEL’s new Tour Coordinator, I am working to put together lots of Israel tours, some of which I will lead. When there, we will continue to post live updates! I hope you will join us virtually if you can’t be there live! (If interested in joining a tour, check out our open tours here. If interested in customizing a tour for your church, friends or family, contact me at 817-776-2367 or kym@oneforisrael.org)

A great big THANK YOU to all who have visited Looking for the Blessed Hope. You’re the reason we do this! May year 13 be a great blessing to you as you follow along!