August 2023 – Av 5783

Dear Family in the Messiah Yeshua! Greetings and blessings to you from your brothers and sisters at “Holy Land Ministries”, Israel!

Thank you so much for your continued prayer and financial support for HLM. It is only through your ongoing commitment that we are able to continue meeting the need of the elderly, and the needy through our outreach in Ashqelon and Beersheva and to meet the needs of new immigrants and refugees with temporary accommodation by means of the HLM guest houses in those locations.

We are pleased to make available to you this our latest newsletter which will highlight immediate prayer requests. But first we would like to present an article concerning the upcoming feast of Yom Truah (Feast of Trumpets), also known as Rosh Hashannah from our local rabbi and fellow disciple in Yeshua (Jesus).

This appointed time of Adonai will be celebrated starting on Friday Evening 15th
September by the Gregorian calendar.

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The Feast of Trumpets 5784
(Rosh HaShanah)

There is very little said about the Feast of Trumpets in the Torah. Biblically it is called by two different names, “ זכרון תרועה the memorial or remembrance of the trumpet sounding ” (Leviticus 23:24) and “ יום תרועה the day of the trumpet sounding ”(Numbers 29:1). There is no Biblical reason to associate this festival to the New Year. When looking at the observance of this festival historically, it becomes clear that the trumpet which is being referred to by the text is the , שופר the ram’s horn. In previous years, I have discussed the connection of this , מועד Appointed Day, to Genesis chapter 22, the binding of Issac. However in this article, I want to focus on the liturgy which is recited in the synagogue on this significant day.

When examining the prayers which are said during the Feast of Trumpets, there is a clear emphasis on , תשובה repentance. The question which must be asked is why is this so? When looking at the L-rd’s Appointed Days (The Biblical Festivals), it is possible to break those which appear in the Torah into two groups: the Spring Festivals and the Fall Festivals. It is obvious when studying the New Covenant Scriptures that there is an inherent relationship between the Spring Festivals and the primary events of Yeshua’s work during His first coming. An additional question which also must be considered is whether there will be a similar relationship between the primary events when Yeshua returns at the End Times? One certainly cannot be dogmatic in regard to this question, but it seems that the Fall Festivals should not be viewed as relating to particular times when significant events will take place; rather, the Fall Festivals simply provide a framework for understanding the important events of the End Times.

The message of the sounding of the shofar relates to G-d’s provision to His people for victory, for this is what is taught in Genesis chapter 22. Therefore, in the End Times, believers will be persecuted first for their relationship with Messiah Yeshua and then the Jewish people will be because of their unique covenantal relationship with G-d. Despite the supernatural assistance that Satan will provide the antichrist and his empire, G-d’s provision for His people will be sufficient to bring victory first to the Congregation of the Redeemed (The Church), and then to the remnant of Israel. It is when one hears the sounding of the Shofar that he or she should remember that only through G-d’s provision can one endure to experience victory.

Another question that needs to be answered is what is victory for G-d’s people? This is something that you should try to answer for yourself. What is victory to you? The proper answer relates to the will of G-d. It is only when one is in G-d’s will and doing G-d’s will is this one experiencing victory. When reading Genesis chapter 22, it becomes clear that as G-d provided the substitute for Issac which enabled him to live and serve G-d, so too has G-d provided His Son so that through faith in Yeshua one can serve G-d. Sadly, this message has often become corrupted by spiritual leaders and today it is most common for believers to think that G-d will provide what we want or need in order to wilful our will. In other words, it is G-d Who serves us. Such a perspective, although popular, is absolutely incorrect and provides a foothold for the enemy to manipulate “believers .”

It is such heretical beliefs from which many need to repent. Repentance begins with an acknowledgment of the Biblical standards of G-d which are found in His commandments. G-d provided the Holy Spirit so believers can serve Him, not through the oldness of the letter, but through the newness of the Spirit (Romans 7:6). This verse should greatly impact one’s life in regard to how a believer serves the Living G-d. When looking closely at this verse, Paul uses the Greek phrase, γράμματος παλαιότητι. This phrase should be translated as the “Oldness of the writing or letter”. It should not be understood as meaning that the Law has become obsolete, but rather it is now possible, through the wonderful giving of the Holy Spirit, to serve G-d by keeping His word. Once again, there is a heretical understanding of this verse by a large portion of the believing community. Even a cursory examination of only a few of the leading Christian commentators reveals a faulty understanding of this verse.

The Apostle Paul did not use the word κατηργήθημεν (we have been released) as from the Law in general, but the context for this passage demands one to comprehend that it is only from the punishment of the Law that the believer has been released. In the flesh (unredeemed and unsaved), the commandments of G-d only aroused our evil inclination (See Romans 7:5 and Genesis 6:5) and the result was that people brought forth the fruit of death. But now, as new creations in the Messiah, with the provision of the Holy Spirit, we have the new way to serve G-d and fulfill His will. The manner in which much of Christianity interprets this verse is to believe that a key portion of the Scriptures are no longer relevant for followers of Yeshua. They seem to ignore what Paul continues to write in this same chapter about the Law being holy and the commandments holy and righteous and good (Romans 7:12).

It is most puzzling that individuals would think that such a significant portion of the Word of G-d, as the Law of Moses, would be done away with. Also, in this same seventh chapter of Romans, Paul explains that the Law is actually spiritual and the problem is not with the Law, but with humanity. In the natural state, Paul says every human is carnal and in bondage to sin. It is only after accepting the Gospel that one becomes a spiritual being with the potential to serve G-d in the newness of the Holy Spirit. It is this serving G-d in the newness of the Spirit and demonstrating the righteousness of G-d that is the victory which every true disciple of Yeshua should be seeking. Failure to do so reveals either a spiritual deficiency (not understanding the purpose for which one has been saved) or the fact that one is not really a believer.

I will conclude this article with one more advantage of walking in the Holy Spirit and fulfilling the righteousness of the Law (See Romans 8:4). When one is serving G-d and fulfilling His purposes this will bring the believer into a closer intimacy with Yeshua. One of the results from this intimacy will be a greater understanding of the will of G-d. In other words, obedience which leads to righteous acts will also be a source of revelation. One could think of this in the following manner: greater obedience and submissiveness to the instructions (commandments) of G-d will bring about a greater understanding and comprehension of G-d’s perspective. When a follower of Messiah Yeshua is able to discern G-d’s perspective, it will lead to this one making G-d pleasing decisions which will bring about blessings in his or her life and the ability to be a blessing to other individuals.

This principle can also have a significant impact on one’s ability to understand the Word of G-d. When a believer approaches Scripture with a desire to implement it into one’s life, whatever the Holy Spirit teaches, then there will be a greater revelation from Him to the believer. If a person approaches G-d with an attitude which is, “Teach me your truth and then I will decide if I will obey it or not”, then it is very unlikely that the Holy Spirit will reveal and teach this one much about the perspective and purposes of G-d.

May you embrace the Feast of Trumpets with a prepared heart ready to receive G-d’s provision and truth in order to serve Him with a greater obedience.

We would like to update you with a praise report concerning a family of new “olim.”

Some time ago Vecheslav, Lena and their son Rodion made Aliyah to Israel and stayed for a while in the Beersheva guest house. Since then they have kept in touch with HLM and updated them on their progress.  They have settled in well and are truly grateful for the support of HLM and especially for the prayer support they received.  They often mention how blessed they are to be in the Land of Israel.

Rodion, their son, suffers from ill health including epilepsy. It was likely that Rodion would have to attend a special school because of his health challenges.  As you can see from the pictures, he has been declared well enough to attend his local school where they have adequate extra support for him.

Lena and Vecheslav send their thanks for all those who have prayed for them and will be praying for them as they progress in their life in the Land of Promise.  Both are convinced that it is through the power of prayer that they have been so blessed.

Please pray for this family that they would come to know the fullness of their salvation in Messiah Yeshua.

Also please pray for Rodion that he may grow and develop, not just physically, emotionally and intellectually but also spiritually as he embarks on his educational journey.

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much.”  James 5:16b

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We would also like to ask for your prayers concerning Anna (pictured on the left).

Anna is 24 years old and is a refugee from Ukraine.  She is on her own having been orphaned early in her life.  She is currently staying temporarily in the Beersheva guest house while looking for permanent accommodation.  Anna is a believer and wishes to stay in Israel and make it her home.  This is sometimes difficult as she is not Jewish and does not have the automatic right of return.

She has also expressed a desire to help in the ministry of HLM while she is here.

Please pray for Anna that she would be blessed during her stay and that she will be a blessing to others and that G_d would grant the desire of her heart to become an Israeli citizen.

“He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”

Psalm 145:19 (NKJV)

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We would like to introduce a new member of the HLM team.  His name is Michael and he is a disciple of Yeshua, originally from an orthodox Jewish background.

His heart is to teach and encourage his fellow Jews who are coming to faith in Messiah Yeshua from similar backgrounds.  He is already encouraging Ariel and his family who you may recall from the previous newsletter.

He is also involved in assisting a group of believers in Kyrgyzstan (more on that later) who are desirous to follow the Moedim (feasts of the L_rd) in a Yeshua centered way.

He is also helping some believers there who are Biblical Hebrew scholars to translate the Tanakh (old testament) from the original Hebrew and who need some help with certain wording and idioms.  They are aiming to produce a translation that is more meaningful and relevant for the local believing community.

Michael hopes to be in Kyrgyzstan by 13th of this month to lead the Rosh Hashanah celebrations.

Please pray that G-d will bless and anoint Michael in his special gifting and that the L-rd will direct his paths, that Michael will be able to realise G-ds will and purpose in his life.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  NKJV 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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We would like to bring to your attention a new project that HLM is involved in.

As you may recall from our previous newsletter HLM recently made contact with believers in various parts of Kyrgyzstan. They have asked HLM’s assistance with their existing outreach and ministry to the local community.

The project is called “Or HaMashiach” (the Light of the Messiah) as this their heart as a congregation to be the light of Yeshua to the local, mainly muslim, community.

Part of the group live in the south of the country. The main focus of outreach for this group is the local orphanage.

Please pray for the protection, guidance and blessing for both groups as they seek to bring G-d’s love and the message of salvation in Yeshua HaMashiach to the local community and to the local orphanage.

Also we would ask for prayer for two young girls, Gulzina and Guldana, at the orphanage in Bishkek, who came to faith in Yeshua HaMashiach, and are now to be adopted by muslim foster parents.

Please pray that the Lord will keep them safe and their minds and hearts will be protected despite the pressure from their new foster parents.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” NKJV Matt. 5:16