Victory in Iraq

Israeli papers quoted U.S. sources this week that the number of casualties in the Iraq War is starting to decline. In September the number dropped to 65, and so far in October the number has been half that rate. In addition, the Iraqi casualties have declined from 1,956 in August, 1,023 in September, and down to the 900's in October.

General Rick Lynch, commander of American forces in Iraq, was quoted as saying that larger numbers of Iraqi citizens, both Sunni and Shiite, are joining recently with the coalition forces to fight against the terrorists. He reported of new optimism concerning the progress being achieved in Iraq.

Let us remember that our God is all powerful, just, and kind. Let us pray for a positive outcome to the war in Iraq. Our faith can lead to victory even in impossible situations. Let's pray for victory in Iraq:

1. The number of American coalition casualties to continue to decline
2. The number of Iraqi casualties to continue to decline
3. The number of Iraqis fighting the terrorists to increase
4. The terrorist cells in Iraq to be destroyed and scattered
5. Stability, integrity, unity, and effectiveness for the new Iraqi government
6. Capture of leaders of El Kaida and bringing them to justice
7. Favor and unity between moderate Arab leaders in the region with the American coalition.

Most Israeli military strategists see the presence of the American coalition forces in Iraq as an important, if not crucial, barrier against an open avenue of terrorism support flowing from Iran through Iraq to Syria and Hizballa against Israel.

Protection for the Kurds

Israeli papers also report the buildup of more than 100,000 Turkish soldiers and large amounts of weapons on the border of Northwest Iraq, threatening to attack the Kurdish separatists who live in that area. The Kurds have been brutally oppressed throughout their history by both the neighboring Arabs and Turks. For example, it is reported that 100's of thousands of Kurds were murdered and deported in the 1980's during the Iraq-Iran war.

In addition, significant numbers of Kurds have been turning to Christianity during the last few years of the current war in Iraq. They are a special people who trace their ancestry back to the ancient Medes. Let us pray for their protection from attack, for religious freedom, for civil rights, for revival, and for them to fulfill their destiny from God.

Reading New Covenant in Israel

One of our team members is involved in a University class in Israel in which the professor has asked the students to read the New Covenant Scriptures as part of their study of the history of Hebrew Literature. Let us pray for eyes and hearts to be opened to the love of God as revealed through Yeshua to them.

Baptist House fire

A congregational building, located on Narkis Street in West Jerusalem, owned by the Baptists, was burned to the ground in 1982. The sanctuary was then rebuilt and has served since then to house several local congregations and ministries.

Last Saturday night, the Russian speaking congregation pastor, Victor Bloom, left the building at 10:00 PM. At 10:47 one of the neighbors alerted the building caretaker that there were flames in the sanctuary. The fire department arrived immediately and put out the flame. While the police have no suspects, it seems clear to all that this was another arson attack by ultra religious "anti-missionaries." Due to the quick response of the neighbors and the efficient work of the fire department, the damage this time was minimal.

What is encouraging is Victor's report of many expressions of support to the congregation from the Israeli community and neighbors, both religious and secular, both private citizens and city officials. May God use this attack to foster greater love and understanding between Jews, Christians, and Messianic Jews in Israel.

Messianic Day School

We continue in our prayers for Messianic Jewish Day School, Makor Hatikva, in Jerusalem. Please pray particularly for teachers and administrators, including Colin R., Rachel R, Orit S, and others, for the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord provide the right financial support, vision, staff, and students.

Speaking Engagements

Please pray this week for a series of ministry engagements for Asher and for a promising young Israeli ministry intern, Mati S.

1. Monday Oct 29 – Chinese ministers' convention in Jerusalem
2. Tuesday Oct 30 – Immanuel Church in Nurnberg, Germany
3. Wednesday Oct 31 – Immanuel Church in Kaufbeuren, Germany
4. Thursday Nov 1 – Area wide pastors’ meeting in Bavaria and Algau
5. Saturday Nov 3 – National Israel and Youth Festival in Switzerland
6. Sunday Nov 4 AM – Messianic Center, St Gallen, Switzerland
7. Sunday Nov 4 PM – Immanuel Church, Schaffhausen, Switzerland

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