Shalom, I pray that the grace and peace of the Lord may abundantly fill your lives.
Reflecting on the past month, the confession of the psalmist first came to mind: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Though war and anxiety still surround Israel, even in the midst of it all, I feel anew and deeply that God holds us fast.
The war between Israel and Iran has brought fear and tension to the people of this land. Yet at the same time, God is using this war to reveal hidden secrets, bringing to light what was concealed in darkness. We are easily shaken when we focus only on the reality before our eyes, but God’s work always transcends human calculations. The fact that God’s sovereignty is becoming increasingly evident, even in the midst of war, brings us great comfort and challenge.
Observing the Israel-Iran conflict.
The war between Israel and Iran that began last June went beyond a simple military clash, sending a powerful message to the entire Middle East. Through this war, Israel clearly demonstrated to the world its formidable deterrent power and its unwavering resolve to employ any means necessary to ensure its national security. This event also served as a stark reminder to neighboring Middle Eastern countries of Israel’s military strength and decisiveness.
We must consider one more important point. The restraint and strong will that Israel has demonstrated can sometimes be interpreted as a ‘show of force.’ Historically, nations with significant military power have often taken dangerous paths when they mistakenly overestimated their capabilities. Therefore, we should pray that Israel uses its military strength with the wisdom and restraint granted by God, ensuring that all its actions align with His guidance.
This war was not just about Israel. The conflict exposed previously unknown or overlooked truths about Iran. The suffering of oppressed Iranian citizens and the tears of Iranian Christians, who remain steadfast in their faith despite facing persecution, have once again been brought to the world’s attention. Although their voices may seem small and weak, God hears their cries.
The name of this operation, “Rising Lion,” carries significant meaning. It represents not only Israel’s victory but also conveys God’s message to the citizens of Iran and the underground church believers. These individuals are called to rise up even in the face of oppression and persecution. Through Israel, God is illuminating the darkness of the Middle East, revealing what has been hidden, and offering freedom and hope to those who are oppressed.
Dear fellow believers, as we observe this conflict, we should not simply rejoice in one nation’s victory or breathe a sigh of relief. Instead, we must consider the greater purpose that God is fulfilling through these events. Please join us in prayer that Israel will wisely use the strength God has granted them, and that the oppressed people of Iran, as well as persecuted Christians, may find freedom and restoration under the Lord’s hand.
After attending the Mission Conference in Korea
Last June, I was grateful to attend the mission conference even amidst the war. Truthfully, it was never an easy path from the start. Due to the war, Israel’s airport was temporarily closed, and my scheduled flight was canceled, nearly preventing me from going. Yet God opened another way. A route through Jordan to Korea became available, and through that journey, I experienced God’s special guidance in a profound way. Though it took two nights and three days, it was an incredibly precious and grateful time.
During my stay in Jordan, I was welcomed by a missionary family, where I heard testimonies from brothers and sisters who had converted from Islam. Their determination to follow Jesus Christ, despite facing persecution and threats, was profoundly challenging and encouraged us to reevaluate our own faith. I also learned that Palestinian refugees encounter even harsher discrimination and marginalization within Jordanian society than they do in Israel. I felt deeply that the pain and tears hidden behind the label of “refugee” are something we must hold onto firmly in our prayers.
Guided by God’s hand to the mission conference, we found rest and a renewed sense of our calling. This year, as we gratefully served on the missionary praise team, God confirmed that He was present during every moment we lifted Him up. Additionally, the conference deepened our understanding of the incredible scope of God’s plan for Israel and the nations. We felt a renewed commitment to share this revelation more widely with the Korean church.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity my second son, Ye-jun, had during the missionary training retreat to play the piano in front of all the missionaries. While he quietly accompanied his parents in the mission field, God watched over him. I am thankful that Ye-jun was able to comfort the missionaries with his beautiful performance. To make up for Ye-jun’s lonely years, God provided him with the chance to meet many missionary children, allowing him to form friendships with those who share his heart and thoughts. Please pray for Ye-jun’s future studies, personal growth, and financial support for university tuition.
Understanding and Efforts for the New Generation
In August, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Afikim BaNegev (Afikim in the Negev) Youth Summer Camp. This camp serves youth aged 12 to 18, with a focus on teenagers from the Be’er Sheva area and the Negev. Half of the participants come from families of faith, while the other half come from non-believing families, all seeking change and transformation in their children. Despite the ongoing tensions of war, it was a precious time filled with laughter, heartfelt connections, and hope in God. Some children carried the pain of losing family members, while fears about the future burdened others. Throughout the camp, we shared the message: “Knowing God, the power of the Holy Spirit is strength.” Gradually, the children began to open their hearts and experience God’s love.
I prayed that the young people of this land would embrace the hope that change brings when God’s Spirit works within us—not by our own strength or abilities. I believe that the small encounters with God and the tears we shed now will become seeds of faith that can transform the future of this land.
Lord, gather us with the trumpet
This past September marked Israel’s festival of the Day of Trumpet. In Israel, the Day of Trumpets is commonly understood as Rosh Hashanah, the festival that marks the beginning of the new year. However, the biblical festival is specifically named Yom Teruach, the Day of Trumpet. To celebrate Rosh Hashanah, we planned a simple dinner and movie night with the students. We watched the second film in The Chronicles of Narnia series, Prince Caspian. Since most participating students were unfamiliar with The Chronicles of Narnia, we briefly introduced C.S. Lewis and shared about Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah carries messages about God’s calling, judgment, and His return. Prince Caspian tells a story related to these themes. After watching the film, we discussed God’s calling, the return and judgment in the last days, and entering the eternal kingdom with the students. Please join us in prayer that we may live in accordance with God’s purpose for this age.
Dear fellow Prayers in the Lord, even amidst war and turmoil, God remains good and merciful. The grace experienced at the mission conference and camp stands as clear evidence that God is still at work in Israel. We want to share once again that your prayers and love are a great source of strength in all these places.
This month, we would like to share the following prayer topics.
- May the youth of Israel discover genuine peace and hope in Jesus Christ amid their uncertain reality.
- May the faith of the Messianic Jewish community grow stronger, boldly proclaiming the Gospel in this land.
- May the Bridge to Israel fulfill its role as a light and a salt in the Negev region.
- May the finances for this ministry never run dry but overflow abundantly.
- May the Lord pour out His anointing upon Ye-jun’s tuition, visa, and studies.
- May our family grow ever more humble before the Lord, serving Him through prayer and worship in lowly places.
Your intercession and partnership are becoming instruments through which God’s will is accomplished on this earth. We sincerely thank you for praying with us, and we earnestly pray that God will repay you with overflowing grace upon your lives and your church.
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