2022 - A Year of Change For FOI-Australia
2022 has been a year of changes for FOI-Australia and we have been grateful to God for His faithfulness throughout.
Highlights
Dr. Deane Woods Retired
We said farewell to Dr Deane & Margaret Woods in June after 18 years of service with The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in Australia. It is safe to say that no one has made an impact for FOI in this region quite like the Wood’s.
Dr Deane passed the baton of leadership for the Australian mission to Dr. Les Crawford who will be the newly appointed Australian Director.
Some significant contributions to the ministry of FOI over 18 years by Dr Deane included…
Hosting hundreds of Israeli backpackers travelling in Australia
Initiating tours to Israel from Australia & NZ
Introducing the Australian Shofar teaching newsletter
Bible teaching throughout Australia, New Zealand, and many other parts of the world including the US where he also taught at FOI’s Institute of Jewish Studies.
Overseeing the establishment of an Australian Office based in Adelaide now with a staff of three.
Largely through his array of contacts from Adelaide College of Ministries, Deane built a team of State Representatives in Australia and in New Zealand where we now have an Auckland based staffed office and a full time representative.
We all at FOI give thanks for Dr Deane and Margaret for their input to our lives and the incredible contribution they made to the work of FOI all the time seeking to bring glory to God and bring hope to the myriad of Jews and Gentiles they met along the journey. Deane is still an FOI-A Board member and can still be contacted at his FOI email dwoods@foi.org
Dr Les Crawford - New FOI Australia Director
Les joined FOI in 2017 from his role as Academic Dean at Adelaide College of Ministries. He is married to Elizabeth and together with his role as Director, he will continue to manage the Adelaide Office, lead tours to Israel provide biblical teaching and oversee the staff and missions objectives.
We give thanks for Les and Elizabeth and ask you to pray for them in this new exciting chapter.
Introducing Lyndon & Janine Beasy
Lyndon Beasy has been appointed to the role of Ministry Representative in New South Wales. You can read Lyndon and Janines testimony as shared in this issue of the Shofar HERE. We are delighted to have Lyndon and Janine on the team as they seek to build on the work Deane & Margaret have established in Sydney and beyond.
A New Ministry Role
A new role that has been added to the FOI team this year is the Ministry Development Representative with Simon Lawry taking on this important work across both Australia and New Zealand. Simon's key responsibilities include creating greater awareness of the mission through the use of digital media and other resources as well as
developing projects and partnerships that support our mission objectives. These include our Israel Tours, our Israeli backpacker ministry in New Zealand and connecting with our supporters around the country. Simon is also available to speak in churches. Simon together with his wife Jo relocated back to Australia after serving five and half years in New Zealand where they restarted the ministry of FOI and established the Auckland office. Simon & Jo are currently living in Brisbane.
You Made a Difference in Ukraine
Your contributions to the Ukraine needs have helped FOI raise close to one million dollars for support to the rescue, refuge and return of Jews to the land of Israel. THANK YOU! Our workers in Ukraine and Poland have been under great pressure throughout the constant missile and drone attacks from Russia, but they have persevered and assisted many Jewish souls. The work is ongoing
and the need remains great. We trust you will continue to pray for the situation in Ukraine and for our staff and their contacts facing a long cold winter often without heating. You can still donate here.
Proclaiming Truth about Israel & Messiah
Here in Australia your prayers and gifts continue to support the much needed proclamation of biblical truth about Israel and the Messiah. There is much work to do for our Representatives who teach in churches around Australia helping believers understand Gods plan for Israel, to avoid replacement theology and stand against antisemitism.
A Significant Change in 2023
Next year will mark the beginning of a shift in funding for our ministry team. Currently our Ministry Representatives are paid a salary that is drawn primarily from funding in the USA. This is offset by support from local donations, which is currently a fraction of the total need.
So, we are asking for your prayerful consideration to support our workers here in Australia on a regular monthly basis or with an annual gift. If you would like to know more about how you can support our workers, contact our Adelaide office or go online to www.foiaustralia.org/donate
We give thanks for many who are regularly giving to this important work and continue to trust God as he moves more people to partner with us. It is with the greatest of joy and confidence that we have the privilege to serve our generous God and fulfil all He gives us to do.
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Phil 4:19
“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting” Psalm 136:1
