This week at Beit Hallel, we are honored to spotlight a powerful testimony shared on our latest podcast episode—one that reminds us of God’s ability to redeem even the deepest pain and turn it into a calling for His Kingdom.
Meet Pastor Stavros, a faithful friend of Beit Hallel and a spiritual leader whose life was marked by suffering from the very beginning. Born in Cyprus, Stavros was just a child when war shattered his world. During the Turkish invasion of 1974, he and his 9-year-old sister fled their home with nothing but each other, running through the mountains in search of safety. The trauma of war, the sounds of bloodshed, and the sudden loss of his family and homeland left an indelible mark on his young heart.
But even in that dark valley, God’s hand was at work.
A stranger’s act of kindness during his escape became a turning point—a seed of hope that would grow into a lifelong ministry of compassion and restoration. For Pastor Stavros, that moment was more than rescue—it was a divine invitation to one day become the one who reaches out to others in need.
Today, decades later, Pastor Stavros leads a vibrant, Spirit-filled church in Cyprus. His heart beats for the broken, the displaced, and the forgotten. Having experienced loss and exile himself, he now pours his life into those who suffer the same. Over 30 years ago, he launched an outreach to Albanian refugees in Athens. Since then, his ministry has expanded across borders, reaching out to Syrian, Afghan, Iraqi, and Iranian refugees in Greece, the Isle of Samos, and Cyprus—bringing with him the hope, healing, and love of Yeshua.
But what makes Pastor Stavros so close to our hearts here at Beit Hallel is his deep and unwavering love for Israel. He often refers to Israel as “the love of my life”—a love rooted in Scripture and confirmed through personal encounter. Years ago, at a Jewish-Arab reconciliation conference, he met our very own Pastor Israel Pochtar. Though Stavros was neither Jew nor Arab, he knew that God had placed him right where he belonged.
That divine appointment marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship and a strong spiritual partnership. Pastor Stavros has walked alongside Beit Hallel since our early days, standing with us through every challenge and breakthrough. His support, encouragement, and prayers have been a great source of strength as we serve the people of Israel together.
Despite opposition and misunderstanding—even from fellow believers—he has never wavered in his stand for Israel. With humor, humility, and boldness, he continues to challenge others to look beyond the media and encounter the truth themselves. “Come and see,” he urges. “Walk the land. Meet the people. Witness what God is doing here.”
This week’s podcast episode isn’t just an interview—it’s a journey through heartbreak and healing, from trauma to triumph. It’s a reminder that our God still raises up shepherds out of refugees, and turns ashes into beauty.
We warmly invite you to listen in and be inspired by Pastor Stavros’ remarkable testimony. May his story ignite in you a fresh faith, a deeper compassion, and a greater love for Israel and her people.
Listen to the full episode now on our Beit Hallel podcast and be encouraged!
