Right now, it’s the beginning of Purim. Tonight, Jewish people around the world will gather to read the story of Esther—the account of an evil regime in Persia (the land of modern-day Iran) that sought to wipe out the Jewish people.

Yet even as I write, Israel and the United States are engaged in a conflict with the current leadership of Iran—a regime that has long desired to destroy Israel. The parallels to the Bible are striking. When the same region, the same rhetoric, and the same hatred we read about in Scripture reappear in our own day, those of us who know God’s Word cannot ignore the sobering parallels.

Our staff in Israel have been running in and out of bomb shelters with their families as sirens sound day and night. Some have been called up for reserve duty in the IDF. Our café and worship space in Tel Aviv had its windows shattered by nearby missile attacks. And the homeless community we serve in Tel Aviv now has even fewer places to turn as soup kitchens close and services are disrupted.

At the same time, antisemitism is rising around the world. Whenever Israel retaliates against its enemies, Jewish communities around the world feel the backlash.

Yet the Esther story we read at Purim reminds us of something essential: when evil rises against the Jewish people, God raises up the faithful to stand against it.

Right now, our staff are serving in Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide by helping, praying, caring for the vulnerable, and sharing the Scriptures to bring hope in the middle of fear and uncertainty. Even today, they have served over 100 people whose homes were damaged by Iranian missile attacks.

When the world shakes, people begin asking deeper questions. This is a moment of real danger, and for many it will be a time of heartfelt spiritual searching.

If you are a believer in Jesus, I invite you to pray with me.

Pray for the peace and protection of Israel. Pray for safety for civilians who are living under threat, in Iran and across the Middle East. Pray for wisdom for leaders making difficult decisions. And pray that, even in the midst of fear and conflict, many would find hope through our Messiah.

If you would like to stand with us now, your one-time or new monthly gift will help us respond to this destruction in Israel with practical support and gospel hope in the midst of conflict.