Greetings in Yeshua's name!  Once again, our hearts are full and we have much to communicate.  At the beginning of this new year, there is a quickened sense that we are to "be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer"  (1 Peter 4:7).  Here are some insights to help inform your thinking and praying for Israel and the Jewish people.

The Lord is 'putting the squeeze' on His people Israel. Israel is again being shaken – at home in the Jewish state and wherever the Jewish people reside around the world. God is drawing Jacob closer to the birth canal of 'dire straits'.  Two present examples are reflected in today's news. The Jerusalem Post (JP) headlines (Jan 24 2005) state that "violent anti-Semitic attacks skyrocket by 50 percent in Britain"  in the calendar year 2004. The article goes on to state that anti-Semitic incidents are increasing around the world, especially in France, Russia, the Ukraine and Western Europe.  The squeeze in Israel today centers around the 'disengagement' process – Prime Minister Sharon's decision to evacuate to hostile forces parts of the land promised by God to the Jewish people as an everlasting inheritance. This disengagement is causing much soul-searching in our nation, and deep questions are being raised about our national identity, calling and purpose.

Simultaneously the Holy Spirit's activity among the Jewish people is growing.  A small but steady stream of Israelis are putting their faith in Messiah Yeshua.  Intercession and identificational repentance are slowly increasing among Israeli believers.

Birth pangs and awakenings

Here in Israel the media reflects increasing spiritual awareness and hunger.  Popular secular Israeli songwriters are grappling with Israel's spiritual calling and relationship to God. Recent articles in January 2005's Jerusalem Post (www.jpost.com) point to this increasing awareness.

Mark Levinson comments that the Israel Song Festival's musical mood was ... "about being disoriented, alienated, and without moral support."  The winning song sighs,  'Another little branch breaks within, boom; another blow, one more and I won't be able to get up again.  All I want is to go home.  Someone big up there will take care that I don't fall.  A soft hand will come to me.'  Several songs expressed a similar need for comfort." (JP Jan 2)

Israel's former Chief Rabbi Yisrael Lau, who commented on the growing discord regarding the disengagement plan, says, "The curses mentioned in Leviticus and Deuteronomy came true during the Holocaust . . . Perhaps it is too much to expect of one generation to also make true the prophecy of returning Israel to the borders mentioned in the Bible. Just as we have yet to realize Isaiah's prophecy that the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, so, too, we have not yet attained of Eretz Yisrael Hashleima (the Whole Promised Land of Israel)." (Jan 4, JP)

Mati Wagner writes about how some rabbis are grappling with the pastoral fallout of disengagement. "Religious Zionist rabbis grapple with 'theology of disengagement,' that these rabbis are trying to provide theological answers to those who struggle with the disengagement issue.  For those who are struggling 'a feeling of betrayal can result in frustration and depression'." (Jan 6, JP)

Knesset member Effi Eitam describes how many Israelis are being torn apart by the potential upcoming disengagement. He uses an analogy of Israel as a patient awaiting surgery:  "No patient can survive surgery that separates the body from the soul." (Jan 13, JP)

Saul Singer writes about how Christians are responding to world suffering, especially with regard to the tsunami disaster.  He describes an American missionary group called WorldHelp which airlifted 300 'tsunami orphans' to a Christian children's home in Jakarta, and comments "... I can't help but find the spirit behind it admirable, even enviable."  He contrasts Christianity and Judaism's involvement in humanitarian aid, and asks if the Jewish people are accomplishing their God-given purpose as a people. "Christians know that they are supposed to 'save' souls.  Do Jews know that they, too, have a global mission, or the means they are told to achieve it?"  He goes on to say that "Our demographic crisis seems rooted in having become 'a messenger who has forgotten his message . . . Not only have we forgotten our message, but we've done so at the instant of delivery, the moment when we have more potential to actualize it than any time in the last 2,000 years." (Jan 21, JP)  Singer's words remind us of Isaiah 26:17-18 " ... as the pregnant woman approaches the time to give birth she writhes and cries out in her labor pains.  Thus were we before You, O Lord.  We were pregnant, we writhed in labor, we gave birth as it were only to wind.  We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth, nor were the inhabitants of the world born."

David Klinghoffer in an article about the Jewish community's response to Mel Gibson's film The Passion writes that the fears of the Jewish community (that Gibson's film would spark anti-Semitic responses) were unfounded.  He goes on to say that "Christian affection for Israel, and for Jews, is not going to go away anytime soon."  Klinghoffer then asks if the Jewish people are fulfilling their calling.  "I worry about the function God assigned to the Jewish people 3,000 years ago at Mount Sinai.  There He called us to be a 'kingdom of priests' (Exodus 19:6), and many passages in the Hebrew prophets make clear what this should mean.  We are called to function as ministers to the world, which is meant to be our congregation, teaching other peoples about God.  ... The time has come to acknowledge our mistake, even to apologize.  Not to Gibson, but to God.  Jews have a job in the world, which He gave us.  We're not doing it now ..." (Jan 21, JP)

A helpful prophetic dream to encourage believers

The Jewish people are about to enter the greatest challenges in their entire history, and the Body of Messiah around the world is being called to stand together with them. We recently hosted dear friends from Austria, Helmuth and Uli Eiwen, pastors of Ichthys Congregation in Weiner Neustadt near Vienna, Austria.  We have been their friends for twelve years. The Lord has given the Eiwens a deep calling to stand with the Jewish people and Israel. Recently Uli had a powerful prophetic dream which we feel should be heard by many.

Uli's dream:

"I was standing in the Jewish square (Judenplatz) in Vienna among many Jewish people.  Suddenly some men came from a sidewalk around the corner.  They were dressed in red uniforms with black buttons and black belts.  Immediately they started to shoot with their guns into the crowd and many people were wounded.  I heard the sound of the bullets in a very real way and I was deathly frightened.  I was cowering next to the wall of a synagogue and I didn't know if I was injured.  As fast as these men came, they disappeared.  I checked myself, and I wasn't injured.  Now I only had one big desire – to escape from this place and to go home!  There was only a tunnel-like passage through a house to get away from this place. I started to run through this passage and then on each side of this tunnel I saw doors with a black "J" written on them. I knew that these were entrance doors to apartments where Jewish people were living.  While I was running through this passage I realized that a lady was running/following me the whole time.  Now both of us stopped. As I looked at her I knew that she was a Jewish lady.  She introduced herself to me and said to me: "My name is Eckstein."  (ed. note: This is a German Jewish name which is translated 'cornerstone' in English or 'rosh pina' in Hebrew).  This lady said to me "I had breast cancer and my breasts were amputated.  But now my breasts are growing again."  Then she opened her blouse and showed me her left breast.  I couldn't believe what I saw.  In front of my eyes her breast was growing.  Then she ran/followed after me the whole way to the end of this tunnel. There I saw five streets which might lead me to my home, but I didn't know which street was the right one.  I chose the closest street and began running down it.  At the end of the street I realized that this street was going back to the Jewish square from where I had started.  I then chose the second street, but the same thing happened to me, because this street led me back to the Jewish square.  All five streets eventually led back to the Jewish square. I realized that there was no possibility for me to escape. Then I woke up."

The interpretation of Uli's dream:

Uli represents the Gentile Body of Messiah (the Church which is made up of born-again believers in Yeshua).  The Jewish woman named Eckstein ('cornerstone') represents Messianic Jews – those Jews who believe in Yeshua as their Messiah.  The 'amputation of the breasts (mastectomy) recalls the fact that when the Jewish leadership rejected their Messiah, some of the Jewish branches were cut off from the place of blessing (see Romans 11:17). As a nation the majority of Jewish people fell short of their national calling to nourish the nations with God's spiritual milk – spiritual light and truth. But in our day Israel's breasts are growing again as more and more Jewish people declare loyalty and fealty to Yeshua Son of David their Messiah (see Psalm 2:12).  The prophets declare that at the end of days Israel and Jerusalem will satisfy, nourish and comfort the world with her bountiful breasts (Isaiah 66:10-13).

The red and black colors of the anti-Semitic terrorist uniforms remind us of the colors of the Nazi flag. This indicates that the same spirit which motivated Hitler's armies is on the rise, seeking the humiliation, weakening and the destruction of world Jewry.  The black letter "J" reminds us of the Nazi practice of using a yellow star of David as a mark of persecution, and a black "J" on identity documents to single Jews out for tribulation and destruction.

The name 'Eckstein' or 'cornerstone' refers to the Jewish people being rejected by the nations of the world, just as their Messiah was also rejected by Israel's own leaders and by the world powers of His day (see Psalm 118:23; Acts 4:11, 27-28). 'Eckstein' indicates that the Jewish people have a foundational, pivotal and outstanding role to play in the last days ministry, in world revival and Messiah's return (see Matt.23:37-39; Acts 3:19-21; Rom.11:12, 15)

As we enter the tunnel of end-time persecution of the Jewish people, the true Church is being called out to join hands with Messianic Jews and with the whole Jewish people. Messianic Jews are being called forth to join hands with the primarily Gentile Church.  All the Body of Messiah will need to stand with the Jewish people in this persecution.  And together we will see Israel enter into her end-time calling – to bring spiritual nourishment, life from the dead, to the whole world (see Rom.11:15).

In the dream all five roads led to the same destination. There is a sense of destiny that the Gentiles' calling and redemptive role is bound up with helping the Jewish people. Even the fivefold ministry in all its glory is destined to bring the Church to the sobering recognition of this prophetic reality.

We believe this dream was given as a specific exhortation and encouragement to born-again believers in Yeshua to stick with Messianic Jews and with the Jewish people – to know that the best is yet to come for all of us as we all enter into our end time calling.  We will yet see Israel nourishing the world!  Here is another word of encouragement from the Lord to you who love Jerusalem:

"Be joyful with Jerusalem and rejoice for her, all you who love her! Be exceedingly glad with her, all you who mourn over her, that you may nurse and be satisfied with her comforting breasts, that you may suck and be delighted with her bountiful bosom.  For thus says the Lord, 'Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall be nursed, you shall be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees.  As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.'  Then you shall see this, and your heart shall be glad, and your bones shall flourish like the new grass; and the hand of the Lord shall be made known to His servants, but He shall be indignant toward His enemies."  (Isaiah 66:10-14)

Other recent events

On January 4-6 we were privileged to lead worship at a three day conference of spiritual "mothers and fathers" from Germany and Israel, held in Zichron Ya'akov.  About 30 spiritual leaders from Germany and Switzerland joined with about 25 spiritual leaders from Israel for a time of sharing of hearts and mutual encouragement.  We experienced much blessing as the oil of unity flowed over us all. There was not a dry eye for any of us.  These German and Swiss leaders brought very specific encouragement to us here in the land to keep on pressing on with our work, because our labor is not in vain and it really is leading to what we are all waiting for – the salvation of Israel!  Significant spiritual bonds were made and milestones were passed as we blessed and loved each other.

In our home in Omer, twice weekly worship and intercession gatherings continue to bless us and (we believe) touch the heart of God as well.  We sense that our calling is to "make smooth in the desert a highway for our God" (Isaiah 40:3).  Various brothers are helping to lead the worship and intercession gatherings.  We appreciate the fellowship we are experiencing with a small group of local Israeli believers from the Negev in our home.  We also have a time of studying the Word and praying for each other.  Please pray with us that this tender plant will be nurtured and sustained by our Heavenly Father.  Pray for a deepening of worship and intimacy.  We feel a real excitement and joy about what is happening.  We have been encouraged by a family who moved to Omer last Fall to join in what the Lord is doing here.  In the next week, a seasoned and gifted couple will be joining us for a season.  As well, we are delighted that another dear gifted intercessor/worshipper will be moving to Omer next week!  Please pray for all of us as we continue being built into a community of the Lord's choosing.

We have been blessed to help occasionally with worship watches at the Jerusalem 24/7 Tabernacle of Praise, overseen by Rick and Patty Ridings.  We rejoice to see worship and intercession growing among believers in the land of Israel.

Continuing operating expenses for Final Frontier Ministries

Over the past 12 years we have seen the Lord provide for Final Frontier Ministries in unusual ways. We have seen God provide for ongoing ministry needs and for salaries through FFM, for the most part without us having to leave Israel and travel outside of the country to raise support by speaking, teaching and ministering. We are thankful for being able to minister outside of Israel to friends and comrades when God calls us to do that, and when He quickens those opportunities with His blessing and wind! We realize that this is not the usual way that most ministries function, and we are very thankful that God has blessed us and allowed us to focus most of our time and ministry in the country of Israel.

At the same time, we know and feel that financially we are "walking on water" or "walking on air."  When we do have pressing financial needs, we do feel the freedom to make these needs known to you.  At present we need to let you know that there are immediate financial shortfalls for us in FFM.  We are presently functioning with no financial reserves and on a month by month basis. Sometimes we feel like the children of Israel in the desert, waking up to God's daily provision of manna.  At times this dynamic is His will and part of His way of drawing us close to Him.  At other times this "living with invisible means of support" can lead to a real increase in pressure, tension and strain.  We are deeply thankful to those of you who stand with us through your monthly financial gifts.  These gifts cover only part of our monthly needs. These needs include ongoing salary for us and for our administrative assistant in Nashville, Sandra Elkins, as well as FFM's operating expenses.  Often the Lord surprises us with one time gifts.  Though we have been able to pay our bills, we do need an increase in monthly giving.

There are many things we would like to do if there were increased financial provision:

*  We would like to obtain a decent sound system and an overhead projector for the worship and intercessory meetings.

*  We would like to print Avner's book Israel the Key to World Revival.  This book has been available in photostated version since 1997. We feel that it is time to make this book available in printed form. The result will be more attractive, smaller and more readable. It will also lower costs per unit, and make the printing profitable for the ministry. At this point the book is often sold simply at cost.

*  We have been operating under Jim and Michal Ann Goll's Encounters Network's 501(c)3.  It is time for us to have our own status as a non-profit organization. There are costs involved in setting up a non-profit.

*  We are sensing that we are to begin holding training/teaching seminars on the prophetic for Israeli believers. There will be expenses for these seminars.

*  If we had the funds, we would consider adding staff members to what we are doing in Israel.  We need administrative help and we just cannot keep up with the volume of work coming our way, especially in terms of connecting via e-mail with believers around the world.  Some people who are joining us here in Omer for prayer and intercession are also living by faith.  We are seeking the Lord as to His will regarding others joining us under the Final Frontier Ministries umbrella.

Please pray and ask the Lord to increase our financial provision.  Consider what the Lord might want you to do in helping financially, either one-time or on a continual or increased basis.

Please keep praying for Israel.  You will be deeply satisfied with the results of your prayers!  Life from the dead, the restoration of all things and being nourished at Jerusalem's comforting breasts await all those who carry Israel in prayer. 

Thank you for standing with us as we partner with you in the harvest field of Israel.

In Messiah Yeshua’s love,

Avner and Rachel Boskey

Donations can be sent to:

FINAL FRONTIER MINISTRIES    

BOX 121971     

NASHVILLE TN   37212-1971   USA    

Donations can also made on-line (by PayPal) through:

www.davidstent.org