“Are you always open?” Avi asked.
It was a simple question, but it stayed with us throughout three busy days of ministry. For someone living on the streets, an open door can mean a hot meal, clean clothes, a conversation, or the possibility of finding a way into rehabilitation. Sometimes it means knowing there is still a place where someone will remember your name.
An Open Door
Olga was the first person to arrive at the soup kitchen on Tuesday. She was so happy with the shampoo, soap, and other practical items she received. Her gratitude brought warmth into the room before the busiest part of the day had even begun.
Soon, people started coming through the door, including many we had never met before. Yoab is homeless, although he does not struggle with drug addiction. His needs are different, but he still needs the love of God and the care of people around him. We pray that he will come to know the salvation found in Jesus.
Vitality also came for the first time. He seemed surprised by how much love he received. Then there was Itshak, another new visitor, who looked at us and said, “You are not from this world.”
In one sense, he was right. We belong to the kingdom of our Messiah, and His love is the reason we are there.
Vladimir was new as well. So were Abaddon and Avi. For Abaddon, our hope is that this will be the beginning of less time on the streets, rather than the start of a longer life there. Avi’s question about whether we are always open reminded us how badly a place like this is needed throughout the week. We continue to pray that God will provide a way for the soup kitchen to open every day.
As the room filled, the depth of the need became harder to ignore. Tel Aviv is getting worse. More people are being pulled into homelessness and addiction, and we see the bondage of the enemy in many lives.
Sadam came to us after an accident that left him with serious difficulty walking and partial paralysis. He is Muslim, and although he needs help, he told us he is still not ready to enter rehabilitation. Later, he became so intoxicated that we could no longer wake him.
These are some of the hardest moments. Many people have nowhere safe to sleep, and the pain they carry keeps driving them back to drugs. We pray for Sadam’s physical healing, but also for the moment when he is ready to accept the help being offered.
Others were facing the same decision. Cristiana has lived on the streets for a long time but is still not ready for rehabilitation. Victoria is trying to decide. Jhony has been talking about going for three weeks, yet each time he postpones it. We keep praying that he will finally take that step.
Jimmy gave us reason to hope. He is an Arab man who asked us to help him enter rehabilitation. He said he was serious and agreed to return on Thursday so that we could take him. We prayed that he would come.
Ortal was also thinking about leaving the streets. “May God have mercy on us,” she said. Her words were simple and honest. Please pray with her.
Around these conversations, other needs kept appearing. Denis looked deeply depressed, and we ask you to pray for his salvation and for hope to enter his life. Mohamed came from Sudan and used to work, but he is now without a job and living on the streets. We hope he will find work again soon.
Manana had been robbed of everything she owned. We could not replace all that was taken, but we were able to give her some needed items so she did not leave empty-handed.
By the end of Tuesday, we were tired and deeply grateful. The day had been so busy that we could not have managed without Jeanna, Angie, Tom, Petra, and Abigail. Thank you for every meal served, every practical item given, and every person welcomed with kindness. Your willing hands helped people feel seen and cared for.
The Same Hope Beyond the Soup Kitchen
On Wednesday, the ministry moved from the crowded soup kitchen to the Jewish Quarter, where Yoel, Pastor Al, and Elias went to preach.
The response was difficult. One Orthodox Jewish man tore up a tract and spat. Soon, several angry men began gathering around the team. A police officer arrived and checked with the station to identify those involved while considering whether to issue a fine.
The setting was different from the soup kitchen, but the reason for being there was the same. People need to hear about the Messiah, even when the message is rejected. Please pray for Yoel, Pastor Al, Elias, and everyone sharing the Gospel in places where opposition can rise quickly. Pray for wisdom, courage, protection, and hearts that are willing to listen.
The following morning brought us back to the practical work of preparing food. The rice was cooking, the stew was ready to be warmed, and the bread was waiting. Antuaneet was already there, ready to help.
Avi’s question from Tuesday came back to mind when Job walked in, happy and surprised that we were open on a Thursday. Perah arrived for the first time, hungry and needing a meal. Vitali also came for the first time. He stood outside shyly, unsure whether to enter, so we invited him in. Once he understood that he was welcome, he was very happy.
The open door brought people inside, but many were still struggling with what to do next.
The Choice to Return
Job told us that no one had been able to find a rehabilitation center for him. His words showed us a practical gap we could address. We decided to prepare a list of rehabilitation centers and their telephone numbers and place it on the refrigerator. That way, every team serving at the soup kitchen will have the information ready when someone asks for help.
David is already waiting for his opportunity to enter a rehabilitation center. Bilal, an Arab man from Ramallah, told us that he was tired of his life and asked whether we could help him.
We answered honestly: “If you make a decision to do something with your life, we can help. First, you have to make that decision.”
That decision is often the hardest part.
Yonatan has a kind heart, but he still cannot decide whether he is ready for rehabilitation. He ate only a small meal that morning because he felt he first needed his “fix.” He said he would return later for more food. Before leaving, he took a gift for himself and another for his disabled friend, Avraham.
Others spoke openly about the same struggle. Some said they first had to get their morning fix and would return afterward. Amit felt too hot to eat. Shaked, who has been getting thinner and rarely eats much, finally asked for food. We thanked God that she did.
Then there was Roi.
Antuaneet had first met him the previous Tuesday. He returned that Friday and came back again on Wednesday. At first, we understood his name to be Ronny, but his name is Roi.
Roi lives in Haifa and had previously managed to leave addiction behind. Three weeks earlier, he travelled to Tel Aviv and decided that he could use drugs once without falling back into addiction. That one decision led him back to the streets.
Since then, he has sold his phone and everything else of value. He is using up his savings. All he has left is the key to his home in Haifa, which he carries as a reminder that there is still somewhere he can return to.
Elias spoke with Roi about entering rehabilitation and getting his life back before it is too late. Please pray for him. His key is still in his hand, but he needs the strength to use it.
While that conversation was happening, our Dutch friends spent time talking with Rachelli about her plans for her baby after he is born. It was one of those quiet, personal moments that can happen even on the busiest mornings.
Then we noticed Embar lying unconscious across the road. As Antuaneet approached her, the police arrived and helped bring her into the soup kitchen. We gave her clothes, food, and one of our stickers. After some time, a smile appeared on her face.
By then, Avi’s question had taken on a deeper meaning.
The soup kitchen cannot solve every problem faced by the people who enter. Some are not ready for rehabilitation. Some say they are ready and then do not return. Others want help but cannot find a place to go. Yet an open door gives them somewhere to eat, rest, talk, pray, and consider what their next decision will be.
Thank you to our Dutch brothers Klaas, Martin, Ben, and Eric for your prayers and encouragement that morning. Brother Chuck, welcome back, and thank you for stopping by and helping. We look forward to seeing Leah.
Please continue praying for Olga, Yoab, Sadam, Cristiana, Denis, Jhony, Ortal, Victoria, Jimmy, Mohamed, Manana, Job, Bilal, David, Yonatan, Shaked, Roi, Rachelli, Embar, and the many others whose names and stories are known to God.
Pray for those considering rehabilitation to make the decision while the opportunity is there. Pray for healing, work, safe shelter, and salvation. Please also pray that God will provide everything needed for us to open the soup kitchen more often.
Help Us Keep Showing Up
If you would like to support the work of KBN Israel, you can donate through the link below. Your support helps us continue providing meals, clothing, practical care, street outreach, and help for people seeking rehabilitation.
Donate to KBN Israel through PayPal
Thank you for standing with this ministry through your prayers, service, and giving. Every open door gives someone a place to return to.