Shalom! Greetings from Israel
Dear partners, how have you been? March and April were filled with significant changes and dynamic events. In Korea, the president’s impeachment and the onset of the second Trump administration in the U.S. have created dramatic narratives. Globally, the power struggles among major nations are causing unexpected incidents and accidents across various countries and peoples. Additionally, we hear of natural disasters, human-made calamities, and ongoing wars and conflicts. Our role becomes even clearer in such times: to cling to God, intensify our prayers, and intercede earnestly. We invite you to pray as we share updates from the past two months.
A Heart for Worship
Following our February activities, we conducted worship school and instrument classes for our community youth and worship team during March and April. Although previously requested, we had postponed these sessions until we found the right opportunity. We offered guitar and basic piano keyboard lessons. Many eager to worship freely, individually and within the community, participated, allowing us to provide comprehensive basic training over two months.
Lian and I led each class, the guitar classes, and the basic piano sessions. Though we are not professional experts, we generously shared our accumulated experience leading and participating in worship. The students engaged passionately, and many were thrilled to be able to worship through their own instrument playing. We pray that God continues to fill them with grace, enabling them to become worshipers who can praise Him wherever they go.
Passover and Easter
Every year, we invite our worship community members and neighbors to a Passover meal. Passover, a significant biblical festival occurring between March and April, is traditionally celebrated in Israel with family gatherings. We use this occasion to delve into the biblical significance of the festivals in the Bible, recount God’s miraculous works, and commemorate the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This year, we welcomed our worship community members, neighbors, and friends, totaling about 60 participants. Although accommodating everyone around a single table was challenging, the collective preparation and food sharing created a rich and beautiful feast.
We reflected on the miracles and symbols God displayed during the Exodus, recognizing that none occurred by chance but were all part of His divine plan. Through shared hymns, bread, and wine, we affirmed our faith in God’s promises and proclaimed the atonement of Jesus Christ present among us. We are grateful to share these joyful moments with you and ask for your prayers that God’s works during Israel’s festivals continue to be proclaimed to all.
Service Becoming Love
During the Passover season, we assist a local organization in the Negev region called “Afikim BaNegev” (Streams in the Negev), which annually organizes a youth hiking event. We support this event through intercessory prayer and assistance. Afikim BaNegev serves single mothers and their families in Beersheba and the surrounding Negev area. Recognizing the need to help children raised in single-parent households, they operate camps in spring and summer. For four years, we’ve been involved in this camp ministry through prayer, worship, and other forms of support.
Due to various changes this year, we were asked to provide meals for the children. We gladly took on the responsibility of preparing two dinners. Preparing meals for about 60 people wasn’t easy, but we ensured that the children returning from their hikes enjoyed delicious dinners. We served one meal in Israeli style and another in Korean style.
Approximately 40 believing and non-believing youths participate in this hike each year, and many encounter God during the event. Serving these children is always a joy. Through sharing meals and conversations with returning hikers, we meet familiar faces and new ones, providing precious opportunities to share Christian service and love.
We now look forward to the upcoming summer camp. Please pray for the youth of this land, that they may meet God and Jesus, gaining new life.
A United Community
Our Negev Midrashet community consists of international students and local Jewish believers. While many students come and go, the local believers continue to support and uphold our worship gatherings. Though we come from different backgrounds and walks of life, we all share the same faith in God.
Lately, we’ve seen an increase in believing families. Some of our international students have started families here, and with the birth of their children, our community continues to grow. This has opened the door for deeper conversations—not just about family ministry, but also about preparing for marriage, building homes, and reflecting on personal faith.
We host a children’s Bible school every week and gather for communion and community prayer on the first Sunday of each month. Some students stay for just two years, others up to five—but once they leave, there’s no telling when or if we’ll meet again. That’s why we strive with all our hearts and prayers to be a united community, so that everyone who passes through this place will remember their time here with joy and continue to live as worshipers of God wherever they go.
Look to the God Who Fulfills
The last week of April was Israel’s Independence Day. We couldn’t let this joyful day pass without celebration, so we held a small hamburger party. Just as Americans gather for barbecue on the Fourth of July, Israelis celebrate Independence Day with outdoor grilling. Ours was modest, but full of joy.
As we gathered to share the Word and worship, we gave thanks to the Lord for His amazing work in allowing the nation of Israel to be established. We prayed that through this, all people would come to know that God’s salvation has been declared to Israel.
God Who Opens New Paths
Our second son, Yejoon, Daniel, has been playing the piano for less than three years. From the first day, he practiced diligently, though we know there’s still much to learn. Yet it seems God desires to give Daniel wings to his passion and dreams.
Daniel and I, traveled to Ashdod this past March to take Israel’s national piano exam. It was the culmination of over two and a half years of study. Though Yejun was a bit nervous, his teacher reassured him that he had nothing to worry about. Daniel took the test and passed with an excellent score.
We began preparing slowly, originally planning to apply for college in October. But then, in April, his teacher suddenly called and urged him to register quickly for an exam—it was the entrance audition for the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance at the Hebrew University. Though we hadn’t expected the test until much later, the teacher insisted that he register immediately.
On the day of the exam, we went to Jerusalem together. My wife and I waited and prayed the entire time, and to our amazement, Daniel passed with a perfect score among all piano applicants. Hallelujah! The professor who oversaw the exam recognized Daniel and praised his performance. He subtly confirmed his acceptance and encouraged him to attend an additional scholarship audition for outstanding incoming students.
God has truly been amazing. From the moment Daniel began learning the piano until now, He has led us through countless moments of grace. Daniel’s very first use of the piano was to accompany worship. He’s been learning praise songs on YouTube and faithfully serving in worship.
One of Daniel’s dreams is to one day play a special song on the piano in the main sanctuary of Yoido Full Gospel Church. We hope and pray that this dream will come true sooner than expected.
Dear Partners in Christ
Time is truly flying by. It’s been nearly two years since the war between Israel and Hamas began, yet 59 hostages still remain missing. We can only imagine the pain of families sitting at the Passover table with empty chairs where their loved ones should be.
The war still rages on, and we think of the displaced people of Gaza—how heavy their hearts must be. Rather than choosing sides or debating blame, we must step back and pray that God’s mercy would fall upon all who have turned from Him. Israel and Palestine need the peace that only comes from knowing the Lord. Let us pray with compassion.
Prayer Points
For Israel
- May God’s mercy and comfort be upon the families of all hostages.
- We pray for the safe return of the 59 remaining hostages through successful negotiations.
- Grant wisdom and courage to Israeli leaders and the IDF, that they may discern what is right in negotiations with Hamas.
- Strengthen the economy and the resilience of all Israelis during this difficult time.
- May Israel not become isolated but serve as a channel of peace in the Middle East.
For Palestine
- We pray for a spirit of peace and wisdom, that Palestinians may seek coexistence, not conflict.
- May more of God’s people rise in Palestine to become bridges of reconciliation with Israel.
- We pray for the dismantling of Hamas’s armed forces so the suffering of Gazan citizens may end.
- May the gospel be proclaimed in Gaza, and God raise His messengers there.
- May Gaza be rebuilt swiftly, that those who lost everything may find hope again and unite in resisting oppression.
For the Nations
- We pray for an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, and for peace to be restored.
- May the leaders of both nations have the courage and wisdom to choose peace over war.
- We ask for revival among Christians in those regions so that they may serve their countries in the gap.
- May healing, restoration, and a move of the Spirit rise from the ashes of war.
For South Korea
- As the presidential election approaches, may voters exercise wisdom and discernment in choosing the right leader.
- Let us vote not based on personal gain, but for the good of the nation.
- We pray for leaders who want to make Korea a proud and righteous nation again.
- May the Church rise above political ideologies and be the true light and salt of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit.
For the Bridge to Israel
- We pray that Bridge to Israel will be a lighthouse in the Negev.
- May the Negev Midrashet community be strong, grace-filled, and Spirit-led.
- Provide the needed finances (approx. $4,500/month) and co-laborers for worship, service, and educational ministries.
- May God open the right doors as we prepare new ministries, such as a cultural center and youth Bible teaching.
For Our Family
- Daniel is now old enough to apply for his visa on his own. We pray for a smooth process and quick issuance so that he can be admitted to Hebrew University.
- We need $2,000 for Daniel’s university tuition. It should be deposited sometime in June. Pray that the tuition money will be raised.
- May both David and Daniel receive vision and calling from God.
- David is currently in Korea for military enlistment. Pray for a safe and peaceful start to his service.
- Please pray for our ministry—teaching, worship, pastoral care, outreach, and discipleship—that we may be filled with wisdom, strength, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
- We are currently experiencing financial challenges. Living costs here are significantly higher, and we often face difficulties. We pray for God’s provision to meet our monthly need of $2,500.
If you would like to sponsor Bridge to Israel, please contact us via email or messenger below and make a donation.
Email: bridge2israels
