From our team in Israel

We continue a thriving ministry across Israel. Here are some highlights of our work in the Holy Land, especially at our Tel Aviv Messianic Center. The regular programming rhythm at our center includes women’s ministry, young adult ministry, Sabbath dinners, worship nights, and several Israeli backpacker reunions. We have successfully held two outreach tours and hope the coming quiet will lead to many more opportunities to invite unsaved friends to see biblical sites. Of course, many events had to be postponed or canceled due to the security situation, but ministry continues, and our staff are always meeting people and ministering to needs.

Ministry among Women

Once a month, we host a brunch for twenty-to-thirty-five ladies. The brunch brings together the ladies from both Bible studies and our greater Tel Aviv Messianic Center community for a wonderful time of fellowship, a devotion from God’s Word, and a time of prayer. The ladies love the sense of community and eagerly come early to help with setup and chopping fruit and vegetables, and stay after for deeper conversations, prayer, and help with the clean-up. From these brunches, ladies have asked for one-on-one discipleship meetings or mentoring relationships to grow in their faith.

During the recent war with Iran, the ladies met on Zoom twice for a chance to see each other and overcome the sense of isolation that many of the ladies were facing. We shared a short devotion from God’s Word to encourage the ladies. As soon as the ceasefire was in effect, our staff quickly organized a ladies’ brunch right away in order to gather the ladies together for fellowship, good food, God’s Word, and prayer.

Ministry Online

Our ministry in Israel also continues to bear fruit through direct engagement online. Every quarter, young Israelis reach out through Instagram seeking spiritual truth. While there may only be one or two serious seekers every few months, the depth of these conversations is significant. Many of these young people feel more comfortable exploring faith in a digital, informal environment.

One of the most important aspects of this ministry is its natural multiplier effect. When influencers come to faith, they often carry both a passion for the gospel and an existing platform through which they can naturally share their testimony and faith journey. 

Ministry to Israeli Travelers—after Their Return

We hold reunions in the Jerusalem Messianic Center and Tel Aviv Messianic Center when those who are part of our ministry of hosting Israelis around the world visit Israel.

The goal is to invite those they hosted (in places like Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, etc.) to an event at our ministry centers in Israel to reconnect, sharing memories and special moments travelers had while in different countries.  

Local staff and a few local believers who have been to these locations are invited as well to make connection in a relational way and continue follow up. Sometimes these events are a Sabbath dinner. Other times, we host a cultural evening with food, music, stories, and memories shared from that country.

Through these events, Israeli travelers meet believers in Israel and become aware of our centers and activities they might want to attend. Most importantly, many leave exchanging contacts with our staff and local believers for a future coffee or other follow-up to continue the dialogue about their spiritual questions or about Jesus!

Ministry among Young Adults

The Tel Aviv Messianic Center’s young adult ministry continues to grow in a beautiful and encouraging way. Since this ministry center is located in Tel Aviv, most of the young adults who attend come from the greater Tel Aviv area, but it has been amazing to see young people also traveling from the north and south of Israel in order to be part of the community. Many of them are searching for a place where they can belong, grow in the Lord, build meaningful relationships, and openly ask questions about faith and theology.

The group includes students, young professionals, singles, engaged and married couples, and young people from different backgrounds and congregations. What draws them to young adults night is not only the Bible teaching, but also the genuine sense of family and connection. It truly feels like a close community rather than just a weekly gathering.

A typical evening often includes:

• Shared meals
• Fellowship around the table
• Worship
• Testimonies
• Bible discussions
• Prayer
• Simply spending time together

Many evenings also include board games, conversations late into the night, and intentional time for discipleship and encouragement. One of the most meaningful sights to witness is how comfortable the young adults feel sharing personal prayer requests and taking time to listen and pray sincerely for one another.

During the war with Iran in early 2026, we unfortunately were unable to meet together physically. However, this only highlighted how important these gatherings have become for the young adults.

As soon as the ceasefire was announced and we were able to gather again, there was a deep sense of joy, relief, and emotional need for community and prayer. Many shared openly about fear, uncertainty, and the emotional challenges of living through the current situation in Israel, and it was powerful to see the group come together in unity, support, and prayer.

Worship Nights at the Tel Aviv Messianic Center

The worship nights at the Tel Aviv Messianic Center have truly been something special this past year. We regularly see large, diverse crowds gathering—people of all ages, from different cities and backgrounds—coming together with one purpose: to worship God. It is beautiful to watch as people lift their voices in praise, united by a shared hunger for God’s presence. These nights are more than just events; they are a space for deep connection with the Lord and with one another. We offer coffee and snacks to create a welcoming environment, and there’s a strong sense of fellowship and family.

It is always a joy to see different musicians join us—each bringing their own unique style and heart. We intentionally invite worship leaders from different regions in Israel to participate, which adds richness and diversity to the sound and spirit of the night. We hold worship nights once a month, and we really believe in the power of consistency. People know they can count on that time each month to experience a high-quality, Spirit-led night of worship, music, and heartfelt community.

In addition to worship, we often make space for spontaneous testimonies and prayer. People are encouraged to share what God is doing in their lives or to pray for others, which brings a sense of authenticity and openness to the evening. We also like to align certain worship nights with relevant holidays or seasons in Israel—this keeps the nights fresh and rooted in our context, both spiritually and culturally.

GIVING OPTIONS

Contact Cindy Forbes at [email protected] | 212-223-2252

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

THE PROMISE

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.”
— Psalm 126:5

The tears are real. The trauma runs deep. The questions are raw.

But in this soil—watered by tears, broken by crisis—seeds of faith are being planted.

We are sowing gospel seed in hearts made tender by sorrow. From the trauma of October 7 to Israel’s two years of war, God has still been at work. Our hardworking staff have persevered in meeting Israelis where they are.

We trust in—and have witnessed firsthand— the faithfulness of God even in the darkest of times.

QUESTIONS