150 Hamas Rockets Fired Against Israel | 17 Injured

Since I sent out our Middle East Update yesterday, over 150 missiles, rockets and mortars have been fired at Israeli populations centers. There are videos of mothers and children running for cover. Last night during dinner, my phone nearly exploded because of the app that warns me of incoming missiles—one came after another. I could only think of my fellow Israelis in the south of Israel.

Hamas terrorists even targeted our fourth largest city, Beersheba. This is something they have not done since Operation Protective Edge—the devastating 2014 War with Gaza. If you lived in the south, you spent the day—and night—running to and from shelters. And the bombing has continued to today.

The Iron Dome took out 25 of the rockets, but it is not a perfect system. So far, we know of 17 injuries to Israeli civilians. Three homes were hit, including one in Ashkelon, where my in-laws live. Several moms went into premature labor. And countless children will be plagued with PTSD, after what occurred yesterday.

Israel Defense Forces retaliated, targeting 150 Hamas sites. According to an Israeli official, “Hamas has suffered a severe blow—Israel will continue to act with force.”

Housing Minister Yoav Gallant, who works with senior level leaders on the security council, said, “Whatever is needed to protect our citizens and our soldiers will be done, no matter what the price will be in Gaza. Let’s hope for peace, and let’s be ready for war.”

While Israel has the IDF, the Iron Dome and, dare I say, God on our side, my heart breaks for the innocent people of Gaza under Hamas’ control. Hamas has driven their economy into the ground. Wherever you find Islamic extremism, you will find poverty. You don’t find education, but rather indoctrination. Iran is on the brink of bankruptcy, despite its vast oil supplies. Islamic extremism is an evil ideology that imprisons its devotees and those over whom they rule.

Please take some time right now and pray for Israel and Gaza:

1. Pray that God will use this crisis to open the eyes of Israel to her Messiah.

2. Pray for supernatural protection for Israelis in the south.

3. Pray for the innocent ones in Gaza, that they would revolt against Hamas.

4. Pray that those who dig a pit for others (Hamas), will fall into it. (Prov. 26:27)

I know that an advertisement for our 2019 tour will appear automatically on this page. It may seem odd that we would advertise a tour in an article about Israel on the brink of war. All I can say is that Israel is my home. I have no fear. I am abroad now—ministering and celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary—but I wish I was home. I long to be with my fellow Israelis right now.

Until now, all these conflicts have been contained to a small area in the south. But even still, those who have been in Israel during such conflicts will tell you of the grace they experienced—and the joy of standing hand in hand with God’s chosen people. Don’t be afraid—come to Israel!

As we draw closer and closer to His coming, things are only going to heat up in the Middle East. Come Yeshua, come!