Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign

Prayer Letter for December 2024

Dear Prayer Partners,

This past year has been difficult for Israel on many levels, yet so many Israelis have inspired us with their courage, resilience, and selfless sacrifice. In years to come, much will be written about the momentous days we are in right now, and it is indeed a great privilege to stand with Israel in these trying times. It made me reflect on our founding mandate from Scripture: “’Comfort, yes, comfort My people!’ says your God,” (Isaiah 40:1) So, what do we consider to be a comfort in difficult times like these?

The Israeli people were quickly condemned for their response to the October 7 massacre by Hamas, and they often express to us how alone and misunderstood they have felt ever since. They have prayed, asked hard questions, and examined their lives. Some concluded that they needed to pursue more purposeful and meaningful lives. In this crucible of anger, grief and loss, it is marvellous to begin to see beauty springing up – literally out of the ashes. 

In such times, true friendship is a great comfort. When times are tough, it makes all the difference to walk through the troubles with friends who support you, listen to you, believe your story, set the record straight on your behalf, and come to visit and lend a helping hand when you are in need. At the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, we have been there doing all those things for the people of Israel over the years and especially this past year of war and great loss in this nation. In a recent conversation with Asaf, a farmer in southern Israel, I was delighted to hear how true friends made such a difference in his life and have given him the strength to dream of better days ahead.

Asaf was overwhelmed by the flood of practical assistance and the willing extra hands of Israelis and Christian volunteers flying into the country to help to bring in the harvest. This inspired Asaf and his friends to open an agricultural school in the Eshkol Region even though their community is still evacuated. The idea is to bring young Israelis, ages 15-18, to the South to learn hi-tech agricultural skills while completing their high school studies. They will throw in lessons on Zionism – love of the Land and people – to inspire the next generation to continue to settle and develop the Western Negev. 

With his team full of hope and excitement over the future, they began renovating old buildings and were quickly finished. To their surprise, 30 young people from across Israel started the program on 1 September, with plans for up to 100 more students to join later. A garden has been planted and soon greenhouses will be added as classrooms. Seeing these young people bicycle around areas that have been devoid of residents for over a year, the project has already brought laughter and renewed hope.

Our actions have consequences, as they can bring either light or darkness to those around us. In this season, as we remember the birth of Messiah – our great hope and light – may we be inspired to reflect His light to those around us. As Kurt Kaiser’s gospel song “Pass It On” so aptly says: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up in its glowing…”  

Thank you for your continued prayers for us and for the people of Israel. 

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. May they be full of meaning and joy!

Nicole Yoder
Vice President for Aid & Aliyah
International Christian Embassy Jerusalem

PS: Our next day of prayer and fasting for the Isaiah 62 Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, 4 December 2024. Also, please join our daily Global Prayer Gathering at 4:00 PM (Israel time) to pray for the nation of Israel. So, please join us there at on.icej.org/ICEJGlobalPrayer

And let us hear from you about your needs and how God has answered your prayers! Send a short email to prayer@icej.org to let us know you are praying and fasting with us.