These are not ordinary days here in Israel. Sirens interrupt our nights. Families move quickly toward shelters. Many people are tired of the tension and uncertainty that war always brings. And yet, even in the middle of this reality, we are witnessing something very real — the faithfulness of God.
In recent days, there have been fewer missiles launched toward Israel, and we are deeply grateful for that. Every quiet night now feels like a gift. Every intercepted rocket reminds us again how much we depend on God’s protection and mercy.
For the first time since the escalation began, the government has given a limited green light for small gatherings in places that have direct access to bomb shelters if sirens sound. Until now, all public gatherings have been completely prohibited.
Because our facility includes an underground shelter, we can now meet there safely.
Last night, our youth gathered there for worship and prayer.
When we told them it might finally be possible to meet again, their response was immediate. They didn’t hesitate. Instead of staying home, they said they wanted to come: to worship the Lord together and to serve others during this difficult time.
Earlier yesterday, they prepared more than a thousand care packages that will now be delivered to families across the city. Our young people are visiting homes and shelters, bringing practical help and simple encouragement to people who are weary from these days.
Watching them serve like this in the middle of a war is deeply moving. It reminds us that even in difficult seasons, God is raising up a generation that wants to love, encourage, and care for others.
Today, our congregation will also begin meeting again.
Since our community is larger than the shelter can hold at one time, we will hold several smaller services throughout the day so people can come safely to pray, worship, and seek the Lord together.
This weekend was also supposed to include our women’s conference, which we initially canceled because of the war. But the women themselves encouraged us not to stop. They said, “Let’s hold the conference in the bomb shelter.”
And so that is exactly what will happen.
Instead of canceling, the conference will take place underground — women gathering together to worship, pray, and strengthen one another in faith during a time when encouragement is needed more than ever.
Moments like these remind us that the Church is not defined by buildings or circumstances. Even in a bomb shelter, God’s presence is real, and His people continue to gather, pray, and encourage one another.
In these days we are standing firmly on the promises of Scripture:
“Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
Psalm 121:4
God is watching over Israel. He does not grow tired. He does not look away. Even in the middle of sirens and uncertainty, He is present.
And in a way that is difficult to explain, we are also experiencing something deeply supernatural — joy in the middle of tribulation. This joy does not come from circumstances. It comes from the Holy Spirit reminding us that God is near and that His presence sustains us even in difficult days.
Thank you for standing with us through your prayers and support. It means more to us than we can fully express. We truly believe the same faithful God who watches over Israel is also watching over you.
How You Can Be Part of What God Is Doing
During these days of war, our bomb shelter has become much more than a place of physical safety. It has become a place of prayer, worship, encouragement, and refuge for many people in our community.
Keeping this shelter open and ready to serve requires ongoing support.
- $60 provides one mattress for a family or elderly person sleeping in underground shelters.
- Any gift toward the $35,000 annual shelter rent and utilities helps keep this refuge open and available for gatherings, prayer meetings, and emergency needs during this difficult season.
Your partnership allows us to continue being a light in the midst of uncertainty — serving our community, strengthening believers, and bringing the love of Yeshua to those who need it most.
Thank you for standing with Israel and with us.
Blessings,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
