Israel Prayer Update - Oct 18

CMJ USA • October 18, 2023
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map of Israel and Gaza

By Rev. Cariño Casas
CMJ USA

I was heartbroken last night to read about the deadly fire at a Gaza hospital. Initial reports blamed Israel. Israel says it was a rocket misfire by Islamic Jihad. Military experts told the BBC that "the heat generated from the impact may have been caused by leftover rocket fuel rather than an explosion from a warhead." I encourage you to see videos of the incident . Pray that the truth is revealed and accepted.

We thank God that all those touring Israel with Rev. Philip Bottomley when the war started have returned home safely.

I exhort you to keep praying for peace in the Holy Land. I also encourage you to check on your Jewish neighbors .

Key things to pray for right now

  1. Nearly 30 CMJ Israel staff members or family members have been called up to active service, -- military, medical, chaplaincy. There are another two dozen activated from a congregation connected to the Anglican International School. Please pray for their safety, for wisdom, that they would shine the light of Messiah in the fog of war.
  2. For those who have been kidnapped. Israel notified families of 199 persons known to be held by Hamas. Pray that their captors show mercy and release them. Pray for peace and comfort for both the hostages and their families waiting to hear from them. FIRM -- Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries -- has a list of hostages and encourages us to pray for them by name.
  3. For the perseverance, unity, and calm of our staff -- Jews, Arabs, internationals -- as they prepare the three guest houses to receive Israeli refugees.
  4. Pray for the people of Gaza. There have been reports that Hamas has tried to keep Gazans from moving away from the fighting in the north to safety in the south. Pray for the followers of Jesus in Gaza, some of whom have tried to keep in contact with Christ Church Jerusalem.
  5. Pray for peace and calm among Israel's neighbors. The initial reports blaming Israel for the hospital fire in Gaza sparked protests throughout the Muslim world. Pray that no other nation joins Hamas in the fight.

CMJ Israel needs your help as they continue to minister to the displaced, the poor, and to the congregants of Christ Church Jerusalem and Christ Church Jaffa. Consider making a gift.

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By Carino Casas • August 19, 2025
The LORD has continued to stretch us at CMJ USA in 2025. We're back on social media. We've launched Bridge Builders Essentials. The Emunah Course is nearly done. We are moving the direction the Lord has called us. God wants us to build bridges with our Jewish neighbors, and we are filling up the toolbox for you. Gathering and preparing resources like Bridge Builders Essentials, Jewish/Christian Ministry Guide, and the Emunah Course has a financial cost. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley reminds me, "The Lord pays for what he orders." But we also know that the Lord loves to use his saints to be conduits of his abundant provision. We are grateful for those of you who are regular givers. Thank you! You are integral partners. If you are not yet a financial partner, please prayerfully consider coming alongside us.
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