In July, a morning of serving in Tel Aviv was followed by Gospel outreach in Jerusalem’s Zion Square.
A morning at the Tel Aviv Soup Kitchen
As we gathered for our weekly soup kitchen in Tel Aviv, we began the morning in prayer, asking the Lord to prepare hearts to receive not only a warm meal but also the hope found in Jesus Christ.
The day didn’t begin as peacefully as we had hoped. A disagreement in the kitchen and coffee spilled across the floor quickly tested everyone’s patience. It was a simple reminder that serving the Lord often begins with serving one another in humility.
Victor, whom many of you have prayed for, had planned to enter a rehabilitation program. This week, however, he admitted that he still could not make up his mind. Addiction has a powerful grip, and decisions that seem obvious to outsiders can become overwhelming battles for those living through them. Please continue praying that he would find the courage to take this important step.
Another familiar face, Eleanor, was upset because we would not give him money. In the past she he asked for large sums, but we have learned that real love sometimes means setting healthy boundaries. Our desire is not simply to meet immediate requests but to point people toward lasting hope and restoration.
One of our volunteers mentioned that the 28th of each month is usually quieter because many receive their government disability payments. Sadly, that money often disappears on drugs within just a few days, and the cycle of hardship begins all over again.
One of our volunteers shared her own testimony of God’s faithfulness, encouraged her with the hope of the Gospel, and gave her a personal phone number, inviting her to stay in touch.
Enbar, a woman who has been living on the streets, asked Antoinette a heartfelt question: “Can someone really be delivered from this life?”
Antoinette shared how the Lord had transformed her own life and encouraged Enbar that no one is beyond God’s reach. She reminded her that the same God who changes hearts is able to restore broken lives. Before they parted, Antoinette gave Enbar her phone number and asked her to stay in touch.
Please pray for Enbar. Pray that the hope she heard through the Gospel would continue to work in her heart and that she would experience the freedom and new life found in Christ.
After spending time talking, praying, and sharing a meal together, we closed another soup kitchen with thankful hearts.
Taking the Gospel to Zion Square
The following day, Elias and Yoel headed to Zion Square in the heart of Jerusalem to continue sharing the Gospel through street evangelism.
One elderly man, walking slowly with the help of a cane, eagerly accepted not just one Gospel tract but an entire handful to take with him.
One man accepted a tract only to tear it into pieces moments later.
Later, the police once again approached Elias and instructed him to stop preaching. Experiences like these have become familiar, yet they serve as reminders that openly sharing the Gospel in Jerusalem is not always welcomed.
Several meaningful conversations followed, including one man who approached simply because he wanted to know what was being discussed. Instead of walking past, he stopped, listened carefully, and engaged in a genuine conversation about faith.
Our responsibility is not to control how people respond. Some will reject the message. Others will oppose it. But there are always hearts that God has prepared to hear His Word.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us:
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
That truth gives us confidence every time we serve a meal, hand someone a Gospel tract, or begin another conversation on the streets of Jerusalem.
Please Pray With Us
Please continue praying for:
- Victor, that he will choose to enter rehabilitation.
- Eleanor and the many others caught in cycles of addiction and homelessness.
- Protection and wisdom as we continue sharing the Gospel throughout Jerusalem.
- Open hearts among those we meet, whether around a table at the soup kitchen or on the busy streets of Zion Square.