Dear BIB Friends and Partners,

Our Believing Partners in this letter are reaching their Israeli neighbors with the love and care of Messiah Jesus. I am so very blessed to call them brothers in Messiah and BIB ministry partners!

Dov Schwarz
BIB Co-Founder

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An Update from Ariel & Shayla, Tree of Life, Israel

We’ve all been hearing a lot about the war in Israel, but we want to share with you two significant things you probably haven’t heard in the news that are going to change the course of history.

‍Increasing Openness to the Gospel
Many people are so focused on the things of this life, that only when they’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death do they start really thinking about why they’re here and where they’re going.

We’re seeing this happen right before our eyes: Since the war broke out on October 7th, we've been seeing an openness to the Gospel among Israelis even in places where intense strongholds existed.

By God’s grace, our recent video about how to find eternal hope in the midst of this crisis has now reached over three million views in Hebrew alone. Israelis from many different backgrounds have contacted us, ordered New Testaments, and several have come to faith in Jesus, Yeshua.

‍‍An Astonishing, Miraculous Event
A pre-army training school also contacted us and what happened there was nothing short of astonishing. In the past, we shared with a similar group, but they constantly interrupted us and some even aggressively objected to the Gospel.

But this time, these Jewish and Arab soldiers-in-training were soaking in every word, and even taking notes! We could really sense God’s Spirit filling the room and we were surprised to see how thirsty they were for the truth. They asked genuine questions to understand the Gospel in more depth, including wanting to understand exactly how to receive forgiveness through Yeshua’s work at the cross!

As if that weren’t enough, since we also shared testimonies of healing, the manager of the program announced that even though the time for our talk was up, everyone could still come up to receive prayer! And Yeshua miraculously healed every single person who came – they even called others from outside to come in and be healed! They even said they’d recommend us to another pre-army program! Praise God!

Those Destined for Death will now Live
After intense struggles with censorship, our Pro-Life and Gospel Campaign hotline is back up and running right after many of you fasted and prayed together with us.

‍Nearly 250 babies have now been saved from abortion through the campaign, including several who were born and several whose mothers chose life just this week. Isn’t it beautiful to see that even during this period, many new babies who were destined for death will now live? Hallelujah!

We’d appreciate your prayers for more laborers so that we can reach and disciple more Israelis.

Blessings, Ariel & Shayla & Tree of Life staff

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An Update from Dov Bikas, AVIV Ministries, Tel Aviv, Israel

Dear Friends and Partners, shalom!

Thank you for your prayers for the situation in Israel! Beyond the military conflict, there has also been a sharp rise in terrorist attacks. This month, there was a terrorist incident in our city, Beersheba, right at the central bus station. A 19-year old girl, a soldier, was killed, and many other people were injured…

It struck me that as a rule, all these terrorists do not even try to escape; they shoot to kill as many people as possible before they themselves are killed. They are willing to die because of their hatred towards the Jews! I couldn’t help but contrast this with what Jesus did. He died driven by His Divine love for us - the exact opposite of the demonic hatred that destroys so many lives these days. It’s heartbreaking to see this level of darkness, but it also highlights the urgent need for the message of Christ's love to reach as many people as possible. Please keep Israel in your prayers, for protection, peace, and for the light of the Gospel to shine brighter every day!

MINISTRY FOR WOMEN
A few months ago, we launched a free dance class featuring Israeli and Messianic songs for women from our Shelter, as well as any other women interested in joining. This initiative is another way to share the Good News with local women, and the group is steadily growing, bringing joy through fellowship and dancing.

Unbelievers have also begun to attend, such as a Ukrainian refugee who dreamed of dancing but couldn't afford it. After accidentally meeting her in a grocery store, Irena, the class leader, invited her to join the activity, and she loved it. Please pray for the continued growth of this ministry and that all participants come to know the Lord!

Dov & Olga Bikas and the Aviv Ministry Team

A Special Biblical Holiday Season - October 2024

Dear BIB Friends and Partners,

The Fall Holidays are upon us!

Oct. 3 Yom Teruah—The Feast of Trumpets,
Oct. 12 Yom Kippur—The Day of Atonement,
Oct. 17-24 Sukkot—The Feast of Tabernacles. (Leviticus 23:23-44).

They are the final three to be fulfilled by Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Remember, He fulfilled Passover, Unleavened Bread, First fruits, and Pentecost.

Our Savior is the Passover Lamb who of course is sinless (Unleavened Bread). He is the First fruits from the dead—through Whom the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. The signs are leaping off the pages that shout out to us—not only are we in this year’s holiday season—but also in the season of humanity where these prophetic holidays will soon be fulfilled.

Briefly, see how our Messiah Yeshua fulfills these final three Feasts of the LORD:

The Feast of Trumpets is fulfilled when Messiah Jesus descends in the clouds taking His bride the church back to that place He has prepared for her (John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

The Day of Atonement pictures where Israel’s King Messiah Yeshua cleanses Israel of their sin according to the Abraham, David, and New Covenants (Romans 11:25-27).

And finally, Sukkot—The Feast of Tabernacles is fulfilled when King Messiah Jesus is sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem! (Zechariah 14:16-21, Revelation 20:6).

Along, with this prophetic season of Bible Prophecy fulfillment Biblical wars are quickly coming into view. Israel is at war now in ways that sound very much like Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17:1. The world stage players of Ezekiel 38-39 are also being called out to their time in Bible prophecy.

I am so very thankful for our Israeli Believing Partners who are sharing the gospel, making disciples, helping the poor & needy—and elderly Holocaust Survivors all in the Name of Messiah Yeshua.

During this critical time please do remember—one of the best ways to bless Israel is by Blessing Israeli Believers in Messiah Yeshua!

Chag Sameach! (Happy Holidays)

Dov Schwarz
Blessing Israeli Believers

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Update from Pastor Ezra in Golan Heights – (received earlier in September)

Fifty-five missiles were fired at our town, 50 were taken out by iron dome and 5 hit our town with two landing directly behind my brother-in-laws house. We are assisting a 77-year old woman whose home was damaged by the explosive blast and she is now attending our congregation.

We were also able to feed soldiers as their kitchen was hit by a missile and is nonfunctional. It was a blessed time of encouraging them and letting them know that Christians from America purchased the pizzas and are praying for them. Please continue to pray as Israel is divided over their government.

Praise & Prayer
Our town is receiving more and more people who are displaced from their homes along our northern border with Lebanon.

Through generous donations we were able to assist a single mother with food who has just relocated to our town. Shirel was excited to hear Christians are praying for her. We met her at our local grocery store and told her she could fill her cart! We are also distributing food baskets in Kiryat Shmona which has taken the majority of the rocket fire thus far.

All for His Name’s Sake, Ezra & Shulamite

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Update from Ima’s Goodies

I had a chance to go and see the Nova Festival site where Hamas attacked those who sang and danced the night away, also in the area is several Kibbutzim that were attacked and hundreds killed. This site is now a memorial garden site.

I had met many soldiers that came to see and observe the area. I did not feel comfortable just passing out Ima's Goodies and "making merry" so I continued to see the site and as I headed back towards my car I met up with many soldiers eating lunch on the side of the site.

I had a chance to just give some hugs and tell these soldiers how important their jobs are and I got to talk to these 3 beautiful young women. As we talked they asked where I was from and what was I doing in the land. I explained to them about Ima's Goodies and the ministry we have to the soldiers and they sheepishly asked “IF” I had any of those cookies with me... when I said, YES, they were quite happy!

You can see in these photos (below) the box of cookies. They started passing around the box, I then handed out another box as well. It was an honour to meet and encourage these dear soldiers. Please continuing praying for them.

Many Blessings, Ima

An Encouraging Note from BIB Co-Founder Dov Schwarz

Dear Blessing Israeli Believers Friends and Supporters,

Certainly, the forces of evil are becoming bolder and more hateful than ever against the Land and People of Israel. Just as our Savior and much of the Bible prophesies regarding these times—the winds of greater wars are blowing against Israel. That being the case, here is something to remember that can help us tremendously in these darkening days.

You see, many around the world do stand with Israel but they lack the understanding, faith, and power to stand because they try to stand in their own strength. That might be possible if man is who they try to withstand. But, the truth is that the most powerful of the dark spiritual forces are trying to kill the Jews, destroy Israel, and especially remove the Jews from Jerusalem.

Most don’t consider something very strategic that satan most certainly knows. Are you ready—here it is: King Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) cannot return to Jerusalem unless there are Jews there to receive Him as Israel’s Messiah per the words of Messiah Yeshua Himself!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!
How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,
but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate;
for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say,
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Matthew 23:37-39

The satanic hatred for Israel is going to intensify beyond the ability for carnal man to stand against it. But, Hallelujah there is good news! We, don’t stand for Israel in our own strength, no—we stand for Israel strong in the Lord, the power of His might, and the refuge of His armor!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13

So then, beloved of the Lord, when you are praying, speaking out, and in anyway standing with Israel—simply make sure you have put on the whole armor of the God of Israel our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Messiah, in the Holy Spirit. I will post it in this letter so you can start right now!

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…
Ephesians 6:14-18

And don’t forget—one of the best ways to stand with and bless Israel is to bless Israeli Believers in Messiah Jesus. They are getting out the gospel, making disciples of Messiah Yeshua, saving babies from abortion, helping Holocaust survivors in Messiah Yeshua’s name and much, much more!

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Update from Ariel & Shayla – Tree of Life Israel

Amazed to See God’s Faithfulness
As war continues to rage all around, so many Israelis are overwhelmed with a sense of uncertainty and lack of hope.

And we sensed God showing us it was the perfect time to produce an evangelistic video pointing to the true source of all security and hope – the Word of God. We interviewed Israelis on the streets, read God’s promises to the Jewish people from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) together with them, and then spoke about how God fulfilled them in miraculous ways. Then we spoke about God’s ultimate promise and the ultimate fulfillment: how He promised to send the Messiah who would die for our sins and rise again, and how Yeshua did this out of perfect love for us.

Not only did several of the Israelis in the video say they were moved by this beautiful story of redemption, but by God's grace, we’ve had nearly 900,000 views of the video in Hebrew alone so far, with thousands of Israelis responding since then, speaking with us online and on the phone, and meeting in person.

The orders for New Testaments and evangelistic materials have gone through the roof! We’ve had over 10 times more orders since this video was released than beforehand!

And several Israelis have come to faith in these last few months as well – secular and Orthodox Jews. Please pray that God would strengthen them, help them stand in spite of sometimes intense persecution and temptations, and that they’d become disciples who make disciples.

Please also pray for God to pour out His Spirit across Israel during these difficult times, and that many more Israelis will come to faith through our online and street evangelism.

Many Blessings in Messiah!

Below is an introduction to Moshe Sigulim, one of our new contributors to Blessing Israeli Believers providing a unique perspective of “what the Lord is doing” in the Land.

Moshe Sigulim is an Israeli born-and-raised believer in Yeshua (Jesus), currently living with his wife and children in Canada. Since the events of October 7th, Moshe has been active in combatting media lies against Israel and anti-Semitism through social media. Additionally, he has engaged in public speaking events regarding the dangers of replacement theology, and viewing Israel through a Biblical lens.

Since Hamas's barbaric attack against Israel on October 7th, it feels like the world has been slowly unravelling on a weekly basis. From headline to headline, from country to country, somehow the little sliver of land called Israel is a key ingredient to the rapidly changing reality. Without a biblical understanding of God’s purposes for Israel in the Last Days, before Yeshua's return, these events can be quite unsettling.

When Habakkuk cries out to the Lord in distress, emphasizing the growing wickedness and lack of justice, God profoundly and sovereignly replies:

Look among the nations and see;
Wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days that you
would not believe if told." (Habakkuk 1:2-5)

This statement is true even today. God, is doing a great work among the nations, and He's using Israel as a centerpiece in the End-Times stage.

While Israel faces a multi-front war against Iran and its proxies in the Middle East, on the 'Western' front (mainly Europe and North America) the ancient evil of antisemitism has once again reared its head even among the most 'tolerant' of societies. In some cases it’s obvious Jew-hatred, in other cases it comes packaged as 'antizionsim' - delegitimizing Israel's lawful and rightful claim to the land and denouncing its sovereignty over Jerusalem.

As an Israeli believer living in Canada, my main concern these past 9 months has been the inability of the 'North American Church' to recognize that our society is rapidly marching towards institutionalized anti-Semitism, thinly veiled as 'anti-zionism'. The writing is on the wall: if the church doesn't adopt Gods heart for the Jewish people, if they don't recognize the prophetic significance in the rebirth of Israel and the ingathering of the Jewish people to their native homeland, then The Church will be caught off-guard and find itself on the wrong side of history, eerily following the same patterns as the church in Nazi Germany during WWII.

Recognizing the times we are living in doesn't require a degree in theology, or even a strong grasp of Geo-politics. All that's needed is a heart desiring to love what God loves. Recognizing through Scripture that the gifts and calling of the Jewish people are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), that God has chosen them for service and that they still have 'First born' status (Exodus 4:22-23), means that taking a stand with Israel isn't optional nor political, its Biblical.

In His Service, Moshe

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An update from Ezra & Shulamite in the Golan Heights

We are blessed to continue to feed the soldiers in the North as the battle in Gaza and with Hezbollah continue in the North. Just today we spent 20 mins in our safe room as missiles rained down around us. Thankfully no direct hits in our town but two large fires in our area. A young soldier from our Fellowship reported how he had to dig a trench to hide in while missiles landed all around him and thankfully is was not harmed.

Blessed to spend time with Pastors and their wives in the North to encourage each other. The greatest encouraging word was from an Arab Pastor whose Christian friends in Gaza shared that many people are receiving Jesus.

PRAYER & PRAISE
Israel Under Fire

Soldiers in our Fellowship are sharing how their fellow soldiers are dying, losing limbs and suffering from PTSD. They are asking for your prayers, for those who have paid a heavy price and for them as they need to be strengthened and encouraged by the Lord.

Pray for Luda who just immigrated to Israel and is joining our Fellowship
Pray for Ella who is returning to our Fellowship.
Pray for Lehanit who is seeking to know the truth.

All for His Names Sake, Ezra & Shulamite

A Special Update from Blessing Israeli Believers Co-Founder Dov Schwarz

Dear Blessing Israeli Believers (BIB) Friends and Partners,

Truly, our Savior Yeshua (Jesus) has done something very special in our midst. He has given Blessing Israeli Believers our very own television program BIB TV! A few months ago I was speaking to a friend about our ministry who suggested that BIB needs it’s very own stand-alone TV program. I already host another TV program that I founded called Watch Therefore. I asked my friend “What ministry has two different programs on Christian TV at the same time?” His answer in faith: “Well, I guess you do.” And, he was right! BIB TV launched in June this year on three different Christian programming networks. The purpose of BIB TV is simply to advance the mission of BIB’s mission statement:

Blessing Israeli Believers exists to uniquely bless and empower Israeli believers in Messiah Yeshua to be the shining light to Israel and the nations of the world!

What can you do? While some Christians are wavering in their support of Israel, in large part due to the aggressive muslim and other anti-Israel propaganda, you can help support BIB TV to raise Biblical awareness and support for our Israeli Believing family.

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Northern Israel Heating Up!

On another very serious note—there is a matter that should gravely concern every born-again disciple of Messiah Jesus. The radical and demonic Iranian proxy terrorists Hezbollah have made many Northern Israeli towns unlivable due to missile attacks. Israel, who would certainly prefer to avoid another war front, increasingly has little choice.

As some of you know we have BIB brothers and sisters in Messiah Jesus living in Northern Israel. One being Pastor Ezra along with his family and ministry.

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Below, I would like to introduce to you our newest partner Moshe Malespin as a BIB contributor and he was recently interviewed on an episode of BIB TV.

Dear Friends in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus),

Greetings in the name of our Lord Yeshua! My name is Moshe, and I write to you from Katsrin in the Golan Heights, Israel. My wife Charissa and I are blessed with two young boys, Tzuriel and Shilo, who fill our lives with joy and laughter.

Together, we own a media company and share a deep passion for worship. Since October 7th, our lives have been marked by uncertainty amidst the looming threat of conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Now, more than ever, we feel a divine calling to stand alongside local believers and support our community.

The situation in our region has escalated significantly in recent months, intensifying our sense of urgency to act. Despite the challenges, we are determined to make a difference.

One way we are doing this is by renovating bomb shelters, ensuring they are safe and hospitable spaces for those seeking refuge during times of crisis. It is our heartfelt desire to provide tangible support and comfort to those around us, reflecting the love of Yeshua in practical ways.

As followers of Yeshua, we draw strength from our faith and find solace in worshiping together. This journey has deepened our reliance on God and strengthened our resolve to serve others. We are humbled by the opportunity to be vessels of hope and encouragement during such turbulent times. Your prayers and support mean the world to us as we navigate these uncertain waters, trusting in God's providence and guidance.

Furthermore, we find immense joy in our participation with Blessing Israeli Believers (BIB), particularly through BIB TV. This platform allows us to share important video content highlighting prophetic events in Israel, helping believers worldwide understand the spiritual significance of these times. It's a privilege to contribute to spreading awareness and fostering unity among believers across the globe.

In closing, we invite you to join us in prayer for peace and protection over our community. Together, let us stand firm in faith, believing that God's love and grace will prevail. Thank you for standing with us in solidarity and for being a beacon of light in the midst of darkness.

May the peace of Messiah Yeshua be with you all,

Moshe and Chrissa Malespin

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Thank you all so much for your support and continued prayer for comfort and safety of our Israeli Partners living in the Land as the Lord’s prophetic plans are taking place right before our eyes! Remember, one of the best ways to bless Israel is to Bless Israeli Believers!

In His service, Dov Schwarz

A special note from BIB co-founder Dov Schwarz

Dear Blessing Israeli Believers Friends and Partners,

We continue to pray for and stand with Israel through this critical time of war. We have learned that one of the best ways to bless Israel at any time—especially now—is to bless Israeli believers in Messiah Jesus.

Whether in Jerusalem, Ashkelon in the South near Gaza, Tel Aviv and Netanya on the coast, or in the Golan Heights where missiles are flying in daily from Hezbollah in Lebanon—our Israeli brothers and sisters in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) are there! And they are praising our Savior Yeshua, helping Israelis in need in Messiah Yeshua’s name, and even fighting in the war defending the Promised Land!

Psalm 121:4 Behold, He who keeps Israel, Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

One thing we can know for sure—our Savior Jesus is watching over Israel right now. Prophetic scenarios are unfolding right in front of us! We have a front row seat, if you will, to things the prophets wrote about some 3,000 yrs ago. Thankfully, we are not just bystanders and observers. No, we are to be active participants who are watching, praying, and supporting Israel as the world increasingly and quickly is uniting against Israel. To make sure we are thinking rightly, let’s review Bible passages to remind us of how our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit think of Israel.

Speaking of the Genesis 12 covenant passed down from Abraham by the God of Israel to Isaac, and then Jacob whose name the LORD changed to Israel:

“I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.” Exodus 4:22,23

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” Romans 10:1

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Update from Ariel & Shayla - Tree of Life, Israel

We’ve all been hearing a lot about the war in Israel, but we want to share with you significant things you probably haven’t heard in the news that are going to change the course of history.

‍Increasing Openness to the Gospel
Many people are so focused on the things of this life, that only when they’re walking through the valley of the shadow of death do they start really thinking about why they’re here and where they’re going.

We’re seeing this happen right before our eyes: Since the war broke out on October 7th, we've been seeing an openness to the Gospel among Israelis even in places where intense strongholds existed.

By God’s grace, our recent video about how to find eternal hope in the midst of this crisis has now reached over three million views in Hebrew alone. Israelis from many different backgrounds have contacted us, ordered New Testaments, and several have come to faith in Jesus, Yeshua.

‍An Astonishing, Miraculous Event
A pre-army training school also contacted us and what happened there was nothing short of astonishing. In the past, we shared with a similar group, but they constantly interrupted us and some even aggressively objected to the Gospel.

But this time, these Jewish and Arab soldiers-in-training were soaking in every word, and even taking notes! We could really sense God’s Spirit filling the room. And we were surprised to see how thirsty they were for the truth. They asked genuine questions to understand the Gospel in more depth, including wanting to understand exactly how to receive forgiveness through Yeshua’s work at the cross!

As if that weren’t enough, since we also shared testimonies of healing, the manager of the program announced that even though the time for our talk was up, everyone could still come up to receive prayer!

And Yeshua miraculously healed every single person who came – they even called others from outside to come in and be healed! They even said they’d recommend us to another pre-army program! Praise God!

‍Fulfilling His Promises to Bring His People Home
‍Another thing God is doing during this war is that He’s stirring Jewish people’s hearts to come back home to Israel. The massive increase in anti-Semitic attacks and statements around the world is causing many Jewish people to realize that even with all of Israel’s problems and trials, it’s still the only place they can really be at home.

Compared to this period last year, about five times as many people from France and double as many from the US have submitted applications for immigration to Israel recently.

Look how God is fulfilling His beautiful promise: “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock”. Jeremiah 31:10.

Updates from our partners in the Holy Land:

Pastor Oded Shoshani, Melech Hamlachim, King of Kings Jerusalem

The Reality of War
Just over a week ago, we witnessed again the God of Israel protecting His people, despite our actions. A historic air attack from Iran, which included over 300 missiles, drones, and cruise missiles was stopped by the IDF and the military coalition led by the United States, intercepting 99% of the threats. That was a great miracle, and we give God the glory!

The daily reality of war keeps us busy. We continue to pray together for the situation every morning. We have soldiers in the field, reservists called back to duty, and families in need of help. We thank the Lord that among the members of our congregation no one was killed and there were no serious physical injuries. At the same time, many are dealing with mental and physical trauma and various struggles. The effects of the war are becoming evident. Join us in prayer for protection, restoration, endurance, and hope for all.

We wish you a blessed year with Yeshua, the Lamb of God, the Passover Lamb!

Oded & Sandy Shoshani

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Ezra & Shulamite, Golan Heights
Misha was blessed to lead his first Passover Seder since immigrating to Israel. It was a great time showing Messiah in the celebration. There were a few seekers in attendance as well as a few of our young soldiers home for the Holiday. Many of them are being called to Gaza so please keep them in your prayers.

Blessings Israeli Believers enabled us to continue to feed soldiers in the field. They are always amazed to hear that Christians in America are praying for them and blessing them with hot meals. We want to thank all of you on their behalf and pray you will continue to pray for our leadership here in Israel.

Praise & Prayer
Thank you for all your prayers that cover us during this difficult time. The night Iran attacked Israel a missile from their proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon fired a rocket into our town. It landed just a 2 minute walk from our home. Thank God it rained the night before as the rocket sank into the mud, uprooted a tree which blocked all the shrapnel from causing any damage or harm. Prayers make a difference.
1. Pray for the release of the hostages
2. Pray for the young soldiers from our Fellowship

All for His Names Sake, Ezra & Shulamite

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Ima’s Goodies – Located everywhere they are needed in the Land!

This small group of solders represents a unit of about 80 young men and women who are serving In Judea/Samaria area. With so much happening on our Northern and Southern border, it's easy to forget that every day in the Judea/Samaria area there are terrorist attacks and killings. These wonderful soldiers work day and night to help keep the Peace, they are always so excited to see me when I come. We were able to share with them some wonderful bags of snacks, goodies, marshmallows and drinks. It takes a lot of "Ima's Goodies" to help keep these soldiers alert.

The Gentleman in this photo is actually the cook at one of the bases where we visit a lot. He and his wife and family, live in an area of the land that is somewhat dangerous after certain hours and the soldiers are on patrol a lot in his area. He and his wife have started a little hub type of place where these soldiers can come in the late hours and have a quick snack, or a fast bite to eat, maybe grab a cup of coffee or a cold coca cola. I have been to visit them several times late at night and I usually bring some of IG Cookies and Brownies for him to share with our soldiers. His name is Eitan, which means Strong. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Thank you for blessing us so we can bless them. Thank you for praying, loving and serving us as we serve the IDF Soldiers and the Nation of Israel. We speak SHALOM over you and your families during this time.

With Love, Ima (Mom)

Passover ~ Resurrection Greetings!
Passover 2024 begins the evening of April 22

Dear BIB Friends and Partners,

This year Passover came weeks after the traditional Christian Resurrection celebration. However, we know that our risen Savior Yeshua is the Lamb of God and that He rose during the Passover Unleavened Bread Holiday on another Biblical Holiday called First-fruits. May we never forget that the Lamb’s blood has provided eternal life for any Jew or Gentile who will apply the blood of the Lamb to the doorpost of their hearts.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20

Also, may we not forget how important this Passover is for Israel during this critical wartime. Truly, one of the best ways to bless Israel is to bless Israeli believers in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) the Passover Lamb. Chag Pesach Sameach—Happy Passover Holiday!

Dov Schwarz

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An interview with Pastor Oded Shoshani, King of Kings Jerusalem

I'm thankful and grateful for your long-term support in prayer and in deeds. As you know, we’re in the middle of war, a war that seems to be of no end, not in the near future.

I was a child when the six-day war started in June 1967. I was a teenager at the Yom Kippur War, which was October 1973 and now I'm a grandfather at this war. So I have some perspective, though this war is definitely very, very clearly a bad war for us.

When the war erupted, the army mobilized hundreds of thousands of Israelis into battle and lo and behold, we didn't have enough equipment for everybody, and a lot of donors from around the world,

a lot of them were Christians who love Israel, donated to clothing, donated all kinds of equipment that allowed many of the units to go into battle better equipped. So that’s on the physical level.

There's another aspect of it, of the spiritual level, and this one is a more profound one. On October 7th, I called the people of our congregation to prayer because, we knew something was going on. We knew something was going on in a big scale, but we didn't know how big and how bad it was.

We called the people for prayer and we spent an hour in prayer, and while we were praying, everybody was using their phones to find out more update information, by the time we finished an hour, we realized, this is serious stuff. I didn’t have to say anything, let's meet tomorrow morning. So we are meeting every morning, including the weekends for prayer. But as we prayed, slowly we could see better spiritually as we were praying. We first were praying for the army, for the forces, for the Messianic soldiers, for a lot of real needs.

But as we were praying, we realized we knew it was true. But this time it was like blinking signs saying, this is a spiritual warfare. What is at stake is not the people of Israel, but it’s the God of Israel. It's the name of the God of Israel, and Islam is challenging the glory and the power and the uniqueness of the God of Israel. Well as I said, the war caught the entire country unprepared. So a lot of our men were called in to the Army October 7th or October 8th, but a lot of them were called, most of them spent at least three months in active duty. Some of them were in combat units, some of them were in supporting units, but still not able to get on a leave, you know, to get some time with their families.

The wives were in dire straits. One wife, especially in particular, lived outside of Jerusalem and she had no car. She had no means for any transportation. We mobilized people voluntarily to deliver food. There were other families that getting food was okay, they could do online shopping.

But the mothers, especially the mothers, they had their hands full caring for their families alone in the midst of this war. So we actually used some of the funds donated by BIB to provide some childcare and house cleaning for these mothers so they can have a bit of breath in the midst of this tense situation.

So, summarizing what I’ve said, it’s not only that you are praying for the people of Israel, which is a good thing, it's a good thing to pray for the people of Israel. It is the final call of God on the world. The people of Israel are back in the land. But you also have to realize this is a challenge on the uniqueness of the God of Israel over the entire globe. So when you pray for Israel, when you support Israel, when you support the believers in the land of Israel, you're not just doing what the scripture tells you to do but you're also supporting God, the name of God and the reputation of the God of Israel, the uniqueness of the God of Israel, and the challenge that has been given all over the world, including the western world of who God really is.

We can talk about the United States and moral issues, we can talk about Europe, etc., but remember this, this is not just a physical support of the people of Israel. This is a spiritual support of the glory of the God of Israel.

A Note from BIB Co-Founder Dov Schwarz

This Season of Purim and this Generation!
March 23 - 24, 2024
The holiday Purim pertains to lots or dice that were used in the book of Esther. Wicked Haman had manipulated the King of Persia to sign off on a law to destroy the Jews across the Persian Kingdom. Haman determined the date to kill the Jews by casting purim.

Thankfully, the LORD raised up two lowly and unknown Jewish people (Mordecai and Esther) who lived in Persia as a result of the Babylonian captivity that took place about a hundred years earlier. Persia conquered Babylon setting the stage for the book of Esther.

The LORD had raised up Esther from obscurity to become the King’s wife—Queen Esther. She had not told the King she was Jewish and was deciding if she should reveal her identity and intercede for her people who were about to be annihilated. Her older cousin Mordecai who had raised her from orphaned childhood said these words that are so very relevant for we who follow the Holy One of Israel Messiah Jesus:

“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:13-14

Esther responded by calling the Jewish people in Persia to a three day fast with prayers. The LORD, whose hand you see though He is not mentioned, moved powerfully to bring deliverance for the Jewish people and great destruction upon Haman and his whole house!

The take away for all disciples of Israel’s Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) should be obvious. The same Haman spirit that infected Persia then has done so today! The radical and vicious Jew hating Iranian (Persian) leaders are dead set on Israel’s total destruction. Their evil henchmen Hamas and Hezbollah are at war today with Israel. They with much of the world today are set on Israel’s destruction just like in Esther’s time.

Now is our time as Kingdom disciples of Messiah to be like Mordecai and Esther! Now is the time to fast, pray, and more than ever stand with Israel. Many of our Israeli brothers and sisters in Messiah have been personally touched with the sorrow of these times in Israel. Some are even fighting in

Gaza and preparing for war in Lebanon. Truly we have learned that one of the best ways to bless Israel is by Blessing Israeli Believers in Messiah Yeshua!

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Update from Ezra in the Golan Heights

Dear Blessing Israeli Believers,

We are blessed to live and minister in the Golan Heights and are thankful for all the troops stationed on Israel’s northern border. Mount Hermon is covered with snow which has closed all the roads except from military vehicles.

Through our contacts we arrange for the soldiers to order food, come down the mountain and meet us in our town to receive special meals to thank and encourage them.

The tank unit we have been feeding asked if we could supply each soldier of their company with a Leatherman multitool. These tools are greatly needed to clean their weapons, work on their tanks and other situations they face daily.

Praise & Prayer

Thank you for supporting the different programs during this difficult time here in Israel.

• Pray for the release of the hostages and for their families
• Pray for the 10 young soldiers from our Fellowship
• Pray for the LORD to continue to add to the church
• Pray for more opportunities to bless and encourage the troops
• Pray for my complete recovery from hip replacement surgery.

All for His Name’s Sake,
Ezra & Shulamite
Numbers 6:24-26

A Note from BIB Co-Founder, Dov Schwarz

Dear Blessing Israeli Believers Partners and Friends,

An old saying may accurately define the upcoming weeks and months for Israel and the entire world: “you ain’t seen nothin yet!” It would appear, like so many have been warning, that this Hamas war is widening far beyond Gaza. The entire Mid-East is erupting in our days—and it is just the beginning.

According to the Prophetic Scriptures either now or in the near future this war will develop into that which is prophesied in Psalm 83, Isaiah 17:1, Zephaniah 2 amongst other places in the Bible. Israel is the epicenter but the entire world will shake when this war does take place. At the time of writing this letter I am getting first-hand information from Jerusalem and Northern Israel.

All Israelis are being instructed to prepare for a national power outage due to the imminent war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Whenever this takes place—sooner or later—it will be very serious and will include many casualties on both sides. There could be no more important time to stand with our Israeli Believing Partners! Always remember:

“Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4

Thank You so much for your ongoing and faithful support—they tell us in Israel that you cannot imagine how thankful they are for your prayers and financial help!

In His Service, Dov Schwarz

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An Update from Dov Bikas, Aviv Ministry Center, Tel Aviv Israel

Ashkelon Ministry – the “Day After”

These days Israeli politicians, among other things, wrestle with the question of the “day after the war” – how it is going to look like and what decisions should be made about it. In a similar way, we too are thinking about the “day after,” which in the case of our war relief efforts in Ashkelon, has already arrived. The war continues, but the rocket attacks on the city have become very rare, and Ashkelon is returning to a more or less normal life. What should we do next then?

Thanks to God and to your donations, during these three months we have been able to help a lot of people (about 800 families) and to build close relationships with them. On the one hand, we could finish the project now and say good-bye to everyone, but on the other hand, we value these connections and do not want to lose them. Besides, most of these people are immigrants, single mothers, the elderly and the disabled who live below the poverty line and, sadly, in the near future their financial situation is about to get worse, since because of the war we are expecting the prices and taxes to keep rising.

Therefore, we have decided that in 2024 we will be turning our short-term war relief initiative into an ongoing humanitarian project. This work is not cheap and requires a lot of effort, but it also has many advantages. For example, when you give someone a tract on the street, there is very little chance that you will ever meet this person again. And here we have a large group of people we can visit on a regular basis, bring them food and keep sharing the Gospel with them. And we do believe this work has a beautiful potential. In Ofakim – another nearby city where we have been doing food distributions – a weekly Bible study group has already been created. Please pray for all the people we are in touch with both in Ashkelon and Ofakim.

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"Should I preach if no one is listening?”

One of our volunteers, Leonid, shared what happened once during his shift in Aviv Center.

His group was feeding the visitors, as usual. Then Leonid sat down with them and tried to preach (sadly, due to the effects of drugs, it is difficult for many visitors to focus on the Word). He took the topic of prayer.

“I look around,” says Leonid, “and see that nobody is listening to me. Well, not even one! Should I stop? But something in me prompts: ‘Speak!’ And I kept talking on how important prayer is for us, for our relationship with the Lord... And again, I see the same: no one is listening. And I am still urged – ‘Continue’! So I did...And suddenly a guy’s head rises from the table (I thought he was fast asleep beside his plate) and I hear:

‘Leonid, I am actually listening to you...’

‘Thank God!’ I said. ‘One person has heard me!’

And from that day on, the visitors themselves have been asking: ‘Will we have a Bible lesson today?’”

Let us pray that the Lord would give us boldness in the most hopeless (in our opinion) circumstances to share His Word!

Thank you very much for all your prayers and care!

Every blessing to you all, Dov & Olga Bikas