Walking Through War Together: Pastor Israel’s Update from Israel

As we walk through this Passover season, we find ourselves holding two realities at once. This is a time that reminds us of redemption, of God’s faithfulness, and of His ability to bring His people through even the most difficult circumstances. At the same time, here in Israel, we are walking through a very real and challenging season.

Daily life has become more complex. In recent days, waves of rockets have continued—from Iran with heavy ballistic missiles, and from the north through ongoing attacks. There was even a day when over 150 missiles were launched toward Israel. While many were intercepted, others still impacted homes and communities. And even when missiles are stopped in the air, the danger does not disappear—falling debris and shrapnel have caused real loss.

Cities like Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Kiryat Gat—places where many of our community members live and serve—have all been directly affected. For us, this is not something we watch from a distance. It is part of daily life.

Just recently, during one of our services, sirens suddenly sounded.

In a moment, everything paused, and we moved together into the bomb shelter—families, children, elderly—standing side by side and waiting until it was safe. And then, when it was over, we returned upstairs and continued the service.

There was something quiet but meaningful in that moment. Not dramatic—just steady. A reminder that even in the middle of uncertainty, we can still choose where we place our focus.

Beyond the physical danger, we are also seeing what this season is stirring in people’s hearts. There is fear, of course, and a growing sense of uncertainty. Many are asking quiet questions—how long will this last? What will it mean for our children? What does the future look like?

You can feel it in conversations, in homes, and even in the silence between words.

And in the middle of that, we sense a clear calling: to be present, to bring encouragement, and to stand with people in a real and practical way.

While we continue caring for our own families and making sure our children are safe, our teams and volunteers are also going out—into shelters, into homes, into neighborhoods. They are bringing food, mattresses, and essential supplies. But just as importantly, they are bringing something deeper: a sense of calm, reassurance, and human connection.

Often, it is as simple as sitting with a family, helping parents steady their children, or listening to what someone is carrying inside. These moments may not seem large, but they carry real weight.

In this season, we find ourselves holding closely to the promises of God in a very practical way. One verse that has become especially real to us is from Isaiah:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.”

Isaiah 43:2

This is not just something we read—it is something we lean on, and something we quietly share with the people we meet.

We continue to hear from our team members who go out carrying the same tension everyone else feels. But again and again, something shifts when they step into these situations. Peace settles. Conversations open. What begins as a simple visit becomes something meaningful—a word of encouragement, a short prayer, a moment of connection.

And often, the response is the same: “Thank you for coming… I feel a little lighter now.”

There is something deeply moving about that.

Even in the middle of war, hearts are opening—not always in visible or dramatic ways, but in quiet, personal moments where people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Across different cities, our communities are continuing to show up in these ways. Not because it is easy, but because it matters. Because this is a time to reflect God’s heart through simple, faithful acts of love.

And truly, we do not take for granted that we are able to do this.

Your prayers, your messages, and your support are part of every one of these moments. They make it possible for us to respond, to be present, and to continue reaching people in both practical and personal ways. You may be far away, but your impact is close—felt in homes, in shelters, and in everyday conversations.

As we continue through this Passover season—holding both gratitude and challenge side by side—we simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for standing with us.
Thank you for remembering us.
Thank you for being part of what God is doing here.

Please continue to pray. Continue to stand with us in heart and spirit. Because together, even in a difficult season, we are seeing something meaningful unfold—lives being strengthened, hope being restored, and light reaching places that need it most.

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