November 2025

 

Praise the name of the Lord. Thank you for your precious prayers and donations.

I applied to join the Israel team two years ago, but the trip was canceled due to Hamas attacks on Israel. I received my El Al ticket back as a voucher, and the team was canceled again the following year, so I was able to participate two years later. Amid a temporary ceasefire due to President Trump's peace negotiations, I saw many tourists arriving at Tel Aviv Airport, but I was able to feel the struggle and hardships of the local people in many different ways.

We held a New Year's worship service on the shores of the Sea of ​​Galilee.  We renewed our faith of being sent from Israel, prayed on the Mount of Olives, ministered at a Russian Jewish church, held a time of praise and worship at Mount Arbel and held evening holy meetings. I am grateful to have received so many blessings and messages, while staying safe.

During my time with the team, I was shocked to hear the news that a Muslim had been elected as a new mayor of New York City --following London's current mayor. While preparing for the first service in NYC after I returned from Israel, a man sneaked in and stole the church supervisor's jacket. The new mayor is apparently trying a new approach in which social workers will respond to minor incidents and hardships in daily life, while the police focus on serious cases.  I pray that crime in New York will not increase and that people come to know Christ.

There is a possibility that a team will be sent to the U.S. in February or March, so I am praying for God's will for the specific schedule. If they come to New York, I hope we may be able to hold a joint worship concert. This will require different preparations than before. Please pray for the next team and for our preparations.