Australian Director’s Update
Dear Friends,
Shalom! Recently, Israel celebrated its 76th Independence Day in recognition of the nation’s declaration of statehood on May 14, 1948. This immediately resulted in war with the surrounding Arab nations and nothing much has changed since then. The October 7th Hamas terrorist attack added another painful event to include on May 13 as the nation stops for two minutes silence in a memorial to the fallen soldiers from 1948 to present. Added to this grief is the remaining hostages still in captivity and the rapid rise in antisemitism across the globe.
Standing with Israel
Never has standing with Israel been more needed, which I am pleased to report is happening, especially through FOI, both in Israel and elsewhere. Our ministry representatives are communicating our love for the Jewish people in practical ways, including attendance at rallies, participation through music and personal interactions. Your financial support also enables us to assist with security and welfare needs for Jewish communities here in Australia, as well as on the ground needs in Israel for missile shelters, medical provisions, ambulances, food distribution, counselling and fire prevention training to list a few.
The Stand with Israel and Israel Relief Funds have received significant donor income, along with the Aliyah Return Fund. In May, FOI USA conducted a solidarity tour to Israel, which expressed firsthand our personal support in contrast to constant international criticism levelled against them. Thank you for your generous financial support and also for not forgetting the war in Ukraine, which enters a third year.
What's happening at FOI Australia?
It seems that change is a constant and FOI-A is no exception. In May our ministry representative in NSW, Lyndon Beasy, accepted a call to CityReach Baptist Church Oakden in SA as the lead / teaching pastor, which is a loss and a gain. We will lose his ministry among us, but gain a strong partner at this church, which is my previous home church of some 40 years. Pray for Lyndon and Janine as they settle into this new ministry and for FOI-A as we seek God for a replacement in NSW.
Another change is the health of Kathy, Mark Roger’s wife, with a recent diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour. This is so distressing for them and Mark is on leave at the moment to support his wife during this difficult season. Pray for Kathy and Mark as they journey with cancer together.
Please join us in Sydney for our FOI-A Prophecy Conference – “Israel behind the Headlines” - at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Saturday 29 June or in Perth at Woodvale Baptist Church on Saturday 20 July. Both conferences are free and you can register on the FOI Australia website.
Please keep praying for Israel and the Jewish community, as well as our ministry in providing “spiritual and physical comfort to the Jewish people”. Shalom!
Les Crawford
Australian Director
