On August 17, we went back onto the streets of Tel Aviv for another evening of street outreach. The situations we encountered were difficult, but once again we were reminded why we keep going.
People were sitting on the sidewalks, struggling with addiction, homelessness, loneliness, and hopelessness. Some were looking for food. Some needed practical help. Others simply needed someone to stop, sit with them, listen, and remember their name.
A difficult night on the streets of Tel Aviv
During the outreach, we met people who were still trapped in addiction and struggling to find a way forward. One man, Shimon, told us that he felt there was no hope for him. He is heavily addicted to methadone, but we were able to sit and talk with him.
We met people sleeping outside, sometimes in extremely difficult conditions, with nowhere safe to go.
We also met Slava, and we spent time praying for him and asking God to lead him toward the decision to enter rehabilitation.
Another man, Muhammad, had lost the use of both legs. We gave him our number and asked him to call us so that we could help him look into rehabilitation. We are praying that he will reach out and that a door will open for him.
The next day: our Tel Aviv soup kitchen
On August 18, we opened the soup kitchen again.
People came in from the streets for a hot meal, something to drink, hygiene supplies, clothing, and a safe place to sit for a while. Some came for the first time. Others were people we already knew.
One of the gifts we were able to give out was a collection of practical supplies, including socks, soap, deodorant, razors, aftershave, shampoo, hair ties, wet wipes, and other essentials.
New faces, new stories
Lynette came for the first time and shared a meal with us. Abraham was also new and was thankful to have a place where he could eat and rest.
Samuel is facing a different kind of struggle. He is depressed because he cannot find work and does not have enough money to pay his rent. We prayed for him and asked God to provide a place where he can stay.
Opodom was very happy to receive soup, shampoo, and aftershave. Enbar, who is from India, also came for the first time. We were thankful to have the opportunity to welcome her and share a meal with her.
Enas was very shy. He told us that he really needed a place to stay, and we are praying for him.
We also met Denis, who is very sad and continues to struggle on the streets. We prayed for him, asking God to meet him in the middle of his circumstances.
Then there was Perach, who was extremely thankful for the gifts she received. Her gratitude reminded us again that sometimes a small act of kindness can mean much more than we realize.
Alexander is trying to leave drugs behind
One of the most encouraging conversations we had was with Alexander.
As we talked, he surprised us by telling us that he had now been without drugs for three days.
He is trying to leave this habit behind.
Alexander asked us about rehabilitation programs that we have helped people connect with around Israel. For now, however, he wants to try to continue quitting while remaining on the streets for a few more days.
If he cannot do it alone, he told us he will ask us to help him go to rehabilitation.
Right now, he is very weak.
Please pray for Alexander.
Pray that God will give him the strength to leave drugs behind. Pray that he will not return to the life that has been destroying him. And pray that if he needs rehabilitation, he will have the courage to take that step.
The battle continues, but so does the hope
We also see people using drugs right outside the soup kitchen. We see people sleeping on the streets. We see broken bodies, broken relationships, depression, addiction, and people who have lost hope.
These moments are difficult to witness.
But this is exactly why we continue to go.
We believe that the people we meet are more than their addiction, their homelessness, their mistakes, or their current circumstances. Every person has a name and a story. Every person deserves dignity.
And above all, we believe that Yeshua can bring freedom where we cannot.
Caring for the Needs in Front of Us
During the soup kitchen, Elias also cared for Victor, whose leg was injured. He cleaned and treated the wound while spending time with him and listening to him.
Thank you for standing with us
A special thank you to Petra and Matt for your help today. Your service made a difference to the people who came through the soup kitchen.
Please continue to pray for the people we met during these two days in Tel Aviv: for Shimon, Slava, Muhammad, Alexander, Samuel, Denis, Enas, and the many others whose names we know and carry in prayer.
Pray for freedom from addiction, provision of housing, rehabilitation opportunities, physical healing, and most importantly, that people would encounter Yeshua and discover that there is still hope.
We also need people who will stand with us through prayer, volunteering, and financial support. Every meal, hygiene package, outreach supply, and rehabilitation journey requires people willing to give.
If you would like to support this work, you can make a donation here: Support the Ministry