Hope in the Midst of Turmoil

When you receive this newsletter, we will have just finished a very full Passover season. This time of year is always meaningful, but it can also be exhausting. There are long days, a lot of travel, and many opportunities to teach and connect. We wouldn’t trade it for anything

Every year we’re reminded that what we do in the church really matters, especially now. Confusion about Israel and the Jewish people is rampant. Passover gives us a chance to go back to the roots of our faith and tell the story of God’s redemption in a way that profoundly connects with both Jewish and Christian hearts.

Passover is more than a tradition. It’s the story of how God delivered Israel over 3,500 years ago. When we tell that story today, at a time when Israel is once again surrounded by those who want to destroy her, it takes on even deeper meaning. It reminds us that God is still faithful. He still keeps His promises. His plan of redemption is still moving forward.

Being in the local church is a huge part of our ministry. It’s where we find encouragement, prayer, and partnership. Even though there is a lot of misunderstanding in the church today when it comes to  the Jewish people, we are grateful for the many believers who want to learn, grow, and stand on truth.

At the same time, we can’t ignore that there has been a rise in antisemitism, even in some church settings. Sometimes it comes through theology, sometimes through politics, and sometimes through simple misunderstanding. That can be discouraging. But it’s not the whole story.

We see God at work in powerful ways. Our hope is not dependent on circumstances or the news but God’s Word and His promises. He is raising up individuals to stand for truth. Because of that, we continue to have hope. We are also hopeful because...

Jewish People Are Being Reached

Passover is one of the best times of the year to have spiritual conversations with Jewish people. There is already a natural focus on identity, tradition, and the story of redemption, which opens doors that might otherwise stay closed.

Many Jewish people come to our Passover seders with Christian friends. Others come out of curiosity. Some come because they are part of interfaith families. Whatever the reason, these gatherings create space for meaningful conversations. The Passover itself is such a powerful bridge. As we walk through the elements of the seder, it naturally points to the Messiah. Again and again, we see how clearly it connects to Jesus (Yeshua).

We’ve had many moments when a Jewish person speaks with us afterward and says, “I’ve never seen Passover like that before.” Jewish believers in Jesus who celebrated Passover growing up also experience Passover in a new way. Seeds are planted, questions are asked, and relationships begin.

This year, though, Passover had a different feel. There was a real sense of tension because of what’s happening in Israel. The threat of missiles and attacks from Iran and Lebanon are not just something people read about, it’s something they are living with.

Because of that, we often get asked, “Is it even legal to share the gospel in Israel?” It’s a fair question, but there’s a lot of misunderstanding around it. Israel does not restrict sharing the gospel. There are two main guidelines: you can’t offer money or incentives to get someone to convert, and you can’t share with minors without their parents’ permission.

In reality, we share Jesus in Israel freely. We have friends and coworkers who are doing that right now. And here’s the amazing part...Jewish people are listening. Because of the turmoil, Jewish hearts are opening.

We are hearing more and more stories of people being willing to talk, listen, and consider the message of the gospel. Some of the most powerful stories we hear are coming out of Israel itself. Believers are sharing their faith in the middle of crisis, sometimes even in bomb shelters, and people are responding. It’s hard to describe how encouraging that is. Even in the midst of fear and conflict, God is at work! There is still hope!

Christians Are Being Helped

At the same time, something really special is happening in the church. After almost every Passover presentation, someone will come up to us and say, “I’ve never seen Jesus like that before,” or “I will never take communion the same way again.” We heard that over and over again these past few weeks. Those moments mean so much to us! Recently, a gentleman in his mid 60s said to me, “I only wish I had seen this decades ago. Thank you for opening my eyes.”

When people begin to understand the Jewish foundation of their faith, everything starts to connect. The Bible makes more sense, the Gospels feel richer, and Jesus is seen more clearly. It’s not just new information, it’s a deeper understanding that changes how people read Scripture, how they worship, and how they think about God’s plan. Seeing Jesus in context is life changing for many.

We are also encouraged by the personal notes and letters we receive. These are often simple, heartfelt messages, but they remind us that God is using our ministry in ways we don’t always see. From others we receive hope...

February 12, 2026

Dear Murray,

I hope this finds you well. I am sorry that you and others are dealing with antisemitism. I am just a homegrown “hillbilly,” and I don’t experience such things where I live, at least not that I know of. I wish I could take it all away.

But be of good cheer! He will come again and set everything right. People say that when they don’t know what else to say, but it is true. I can’t wait. My grandmother used to say she was “cramming for her finals.” She meant it. I believe that too.

Maybe we’ll finally rest when He returns. Until then, we keep going. Like in a race, it’s about finishing strong. Stay strong! 

March 2, 2026

Hello,

We supported your ministry years ago, and you have stayed in my prayers. I hope to go back to Israel someday with my grandson, and maybe more family too. I still remember when you came to our church and shared about Passover. It changed how I see Israel and the Jewish people.

You also prayed with me about going to Israel in 2012. I was overwhelmed, but God gave me peace through prayer.

I believe the Bible, and I remember being shocked when I first heard about efforts to divide Israel. I had no idea. This is a spiritual battle.

Thank you for the role you played in my life. That church is gone now, but the impact is still there.

These kinds of messages remind us that this ministry is about people. Sometimes we see immediate results, and other times the impact shows up years later. But either way, God is at work.

A Final Word

Summer is a key season of outreach for us. We spend a lot of time connecting with the Jewish community at events, in conversations, and during everyday interactions. These are simple moments, but they can open the door to deeper discussions about faith. Please pray for us during this time.

There is no question that we are living in difficult times. There is confusion, tension, and growing hostility, even in places we wouldn’t expect. But that’s not the end of the story.

Our hope is not based on what we see happening around us. Our hope is in God. He is still faithful, He is still working, and He is still drawing people to Himself, both Jewish and Gentile.

Thank you for standing with us, praying for us, and being part of this ministry. We truly couldn’t do this without you. Brothers and sisters in Christ, you keep us hopeful. We are operating in different times than ever before. However, we are staying focussed on the gospel and sharing Jesus with the Jewish people. They need him desperately now.

By Murray Tilles

Founder and Executive Director