As the challenges to Israel increase, so we have to move up a gear in response. Today, the repressive government of Ahmadinejad in Iran is opposed by millions of his people. In time his regime will fall, but for the present repression increases, the support from Iran for Hamas and Hizbullah continues, and the nuclear development programme in Iran is speeded up with the installation of faster centrifuges.
Israel is under threat from terrorism, from missiles and the bomb. Here in the UK, a campaign of BDS – Boycotts, Delegitimisation, and Sanctions – against Israel is co-ordinated by trade unions and left-wing groups at Universities. Supermarket chains have been targeted in local campaigns against Israeli goods, academics have again been urged to end co-operation with Israeli academic programmes and vicious lies are circulated condemning Israel as an apartheid state, in defiance of logic and evidence.
Arabs make up 20% of the population of Israel, they have voting rights, sit in Parliament and go to the same universities as Jews. Arabs in Israel are found in the same hospital wards, ride the same buses and sit as justices in the same courts. Who can call that apartheid?
At times like this, it is ever more important to be properly prepared for prayer and action. Christian Friends of Israel are concerned to communicate truth in relevant ways for each generation. Eight years ago we began a weekly Israel update, broadcast by United Christian Broadcasters and often by the Media Line in Israel and reaching our prayer partners via a dedicated phoneline. I recorded over 380 weekly episodes.
Today we have an internet prayer network operated by one of our volunteers – Fiona. To receive her weekly updates just send an email to prayer@cfi.org.uk
Last year we launched a new internet website called Isrelate, specially designed to interest young adults. Today it has over 200 people signed up on its Facebook group and averages over a hundred hits a day on the website. Just log on to www.isrelate.org and see the news content for yourself.
Six months ago we re-launched our study programme Kesher – making the connection – in DVD format. It comes as a set of 5-DVDs for home use or for church groups. In six months we sold 300 sets and reports keep coming in of large groups and small that are being blessed as they follow it from Scotland to the Isle of Wight.
As new methods of communication open up we cannot always continue doing what we have done before. Reluctantly we conclude this is the right time to end our weekly prayer-line message by telephone. So this is the last update I am recording in the Eastbourne studios of Revival Media. The rather aged computer that sends out the prayerline message from our office is being retired. Instead prayer-news will come from our printed monthly prayer bulletin – Watchmen on the Walls - or the internet prayer network – prayer@cfi.org.uk
On our CFI website www.cfi.org.uk we plan to introduce new features including more materials on Hebraic roots of the faith from Dwight Pryor and, as on this occasion, the full transcript of a policy speech by Israel’s Prime Minister – Bibi Netanyahu. It is a necessary change of gear! So thank you to our friends at Revival media who have been so helpful with their recording facilities. And thank you to our listeners. Please keep in touch via the internet, our printed materials and your prayers. And may the Lord, the God of Israel bless you as you bless His people.
