For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off—everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.
Acts 2:39
There are moments in ministry when it feels as though heaven draws near—when long-awaited prayers are finally answered, and the faithfulness of God shines through with unmistakable clarity. This week, we’re honored to share one of those moments with you. A testimony that has been years in the making, and one that reminds us all that God’s timing is always perfect.
Elena’s journey with us began back in 2019, when she first encountered the love of Jesus through our Alpha discipleship course. It was during that season that she opened her heart to the Lord, and not long after, we had the joy of baptizing her in the waters of the Jordan River—a powerful and symbolic step of faith. Over the years, she has continued growing steadily in her walk with God, always eager to learn, pray, and be transformed.
We’ve also stood with her in prayer many times as she sought to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of speaking in tongues. Although she was hungry for more of the Holy Spirit, this one area remained just out of reach. Year after year, she waited, believed, and kept coming back. And we kept praying—believing that the Lord would answer in His time.
That moment came this week.
During one of our recent Bible studies, as we were teaching more deeply on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, something shifted in the atmosphere. The presence of God became tangible. Elena sat quietly, then approached us with tears in her eyes and said something different this time: “I know I’m going to speak in tongues today. Will you pray for me?”
There was a new sense of expectancy in her voice—like something deep within her knew this was the moment.
At the end of the lesson, we invited anyone who desired to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit to come forward. Elena stepped forward with faith and courage. Before we prayed, we gently answered a few remaining questions she had—sometimes all a person needs is a little more clarity and reassurance before stepping into something new.
Then we simply invited the Holy Spirit to come.
Within one minute of prayer, it happened.
Elena began to speak in tongues—for the very first time.
It was like a dam had burst, and living water began to pour out of her. Joy filled the room. Tears streamed down faces. Everyone present stood in awe of what the Lord had done—celebrating, weeping, and praying together in worshipful reverence.
This wasn’t just about one woman receiving a gift. It was a breakthrough moment. A reminder that God sees every prayer, honors every hunger, and answers in the most beautiful way and at the right time.
This is why the outreach work we do here in Israel is so vital. There are many people like Elena—people who have taken steps toward Jesus, who are walking the journey of faith, but are still waiting for something more. Our calling is to walk with them. To teach, to disciple, to pray, and to love them—until the promise is fulfilled.
In a land where spiritual hunger often goes unnoticed and faith is misunderstood, the gospel is quietly but powerfully breaking through—one heart at a time. Elena’s story is just one example, but it represents so many others we continue to stand with every day.
And it’s only possible because of your prayers, your generosity, and your partnership with what God is doing through Beit Hallel Congregation.
Elena’s testimony is a reminder:
No prayer is wasted. No hunger goes unnoticed. No breakthrough is ever too late.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in the miraculous. And thank you for being a part of the redemptive story God is writing in Israel—one life at a time.
