This summer marks a deeply meaningful milestone for us — one that reflects not only the passing of time but the unwavering faithfulness of our God and the unshakable calling He placed on our hearts.
We are humbled and overjoyed to celebrate 20 years since the founding of Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod, 5 years of ministry in Ashkelon, and 2 years since the birth of our local congregation in Ashkelon.
These anniversaries are more than dates on a calendar — they are living testimonies of God’s grace, guidance, and power. They tell the story of a vision born in obedience, and a journey walked in faith through trials, opposition, and miraculous breakthroughs.
A Vision That Sparked a Movement
Over 20 years ago, Pastor Israel Pochtar received a vision from the Lord — to plant a vibrant, Spirit-filled congregation in Ashdod that would be a light to the city, a refuge for the hurting, and a home for Jewish believers and seekers alike.
What followed was not an easy road.
It was marked by spiritual battles, intense persecution, and efforts to silence and shut down the very work God had called us to. But through it all, Pastor Israel remained faithful — and so did the Lord.
From a small, humble beginning, Beit Hallel has grown into a thriving congregation, a hub of discipleship, outreach, compassion, and evangelism, reaching thousands across Israel with the hope of the Gospel. Every life changed, every heart healed, every person baptized is part of this legacy.
Ashkelon: From Vision to Fruit
Five years ago, the Lord expanded our vision to the city of Ashkelon, a place deeply impacted by conflict, hardship, and spiritual need. What began as ministry outreach — evangelism, humanitarian aid, home visits, and children’s programs — has blossomed into a congregation planted in faith two years ago.
Despite the challenges — from regional tension and economic pressure to spiritual resistance — we’ve witnessed God moving powerfully. People who had never heard the Gospel are now worshiping Yeshua. Families have found community. New believers are being discipled. And in the midst of war, chaos, and need — the light of Yeshua continues to shine.
A Journey of Impact
Over the years, through your faithful support and God’s unmatched provision, we’ve been able to:
- Provide life-saving aid to low-income families, new immigrants (olim), Holocaust survivors, and single mothers.
- Launch transformative projects like the Back to School outreach, blessing hundreds of children each year.
- Establish solid Bible teaching, discipleship groups, and worship services in both cities.
- Lead outreach campaigns, home visits, and evangelism that have brought the message of Yeshua to countless Israelis.
And this is just the beginning.
A Celebration of His Glory
As we look back over the past 20 years, we are in awe of what God has done — and full of hope for what’s to come.
This is not just a celebration of milestones. It’s a celebration of obedience, perseverance, answered prayers, and the transforming power of the Gospel in action.
From the tears sown in faith, to the harvest now being reaped with joy — we stand in gratitude, knowing that everything we’ve seen has only been possible by His hand, and through the faith and generosity of friends like you who have stood with us.
Join Us in Giving Thanks
As we prepare to mark these anniversaries in the coming weeks, we invite you to:
- Pray with us, thanking God for all He has done and asking Him to continue to lead and provide.
- Celebrate with us, whether in person or from afar, knowing that your support is part of every life touched.
- Sow into the future, helping us expand the work in both Ashdod and Ashkelon so that many more can come to know the love and salvation of Yeshua.
Let this celebration not be the end of a chapter, but the beginning of an even greater one.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
Psalm 126:3
