Sharing the love of God in Israel
It is not difficult to engage with Israelis about spiritual things. “They are often intrigued to see the genuine faith that you have,” said a team member. “It does take time to get past the cultural barriers to consider Jesus; willingness to invest time and prayer in people's lives is key.” Studying Arabic or Hebrew at local universities can provide real friendships, or in the workplace, where you can use your transferable skills.
Share God’s love with people through sporting activities together: surfing, hiking or cycling. Come and work with deaf and blind communities, using your professional skills. Offer practical help to needy Bedouin communities, unable to break the poverty trap alone. Accept those within the fringes of society: drug addicts and sex workers also need to know there is a God who cares and has not forgotten them. Bring life to Latino communities by sharing your love for all things Spanish. Shine light onto children’s understanding of the importance of knowing Jesus personally and how He might lead and change their lives, and families’ lives, for eternity.
Around seventy-five per cent of those in Israel are Jewish; and over seventeen per cent of inhabitants follow Islam. There are approximately 30 thousand believers in Jesus in Israel, where a spirit of unity is bringing reconciliation between communities.
We partner extensively with dozens of churches and Jesus followers here. By hosting 60 short-term groups from around the world (approximately 500 people every year), each Jesus follower has greatly encouraged local believers’ faith and belief in a God who cares for the whole of His world. Fledgling believers, seekers and those who are not sure what they believe experience the reliability of His Word.
As an international, you can come to Israel to live alongside national believers in Jesus, and those who have not yet met Him personally. You can join prayer initiatives for the diverse population. You can give practical support for communities as God’s hands and feet. You can use your relational or professional skills to bless and empower the people of Israel. You can even encourage the Israeli Jewish Diaspora of eight million living mostly in the West to pray with others and explore questions of faith in the countries where they are.
Whether you commit to care for a long, or short time, or whether you pray, or invest in lives through financial support, there are opportunities for you to impact the lives of those in Israel.
