Prayer for Israel (PFI) is an international, non-denominational Christian fellowship of believers. It was founded in the UK by Ken Burnett (OBM) a messianic Jew in 1969 and began as a response to the growing messianic movement in Israel after the Six-Day War in 1967. Ken’s dedication and witness is a great testimony and the outcome of his early single-handed efforts is nothing short of remarkable. PFI – UK is now directed by Captain Paul Smith.
PFI – Australia was established in 1991 and was originally administered by Richard and Shirley Jones from Toowoomba. Today PFI – Australia is administered by Peter and Sandra Schuptar who reside in Queensland and have been administrators since 2019. Although under international law, we are autonomous and share the calling of the parent body in England.
There is no doubt that God has raised up the ministry of PFI – Australia so that He might do a work in the land of Israel. Our first concern is prayer for the Messianic and other believers in the Biblical land of Israel with the purpose of the salvation of the Jewish people—the regathered nation. After all, this was the desire and cry of the apostle Paul who said: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel, is that they may be saved.” (Rom.10:1). This is the main distinguishing feature of PFI – Australia Inc. That this is close to the Lord’s heart is evident by the number of born-again, Messianic believers in Israel today.
PFI also provide the ‘Body of Christ’ with information and teaching materials, enabling the personal growth in the Lord of brothers and sisters here, by providing sound scriptural teaching through books, DVDs and CDs. Providing accurate biblical information on Israel, and its place in God’s eternal and end-time purposes.
Since the pioneering work of the founder Ken Burnett, PFI has seen the growth of messianic believers in the land of Israel from around two in 1948, to well over 130 fellowships during these 53 years. It is also estimated that the number of born-again believers in the land is estimated to be 25,000. The good news is that the number of born-again, Messianic believers in Israel is greater today than at any time since the 1st century. Despite the unrest and violence surrounding the borders of Israel and the possibility of war, the Lord is building the ‘Body of Messiah’ and saving His remnant in the land of Israel. We praise the Lord for His faithfulness in preserving the ministry of Prayer for Israel over all these years. “Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but to your Name give glory” (Psalm 115:1).
PFI – Australia has developed strong personal relationships with over 15 different communities and organisations within Israel and provide monetary support as well as prayer support on a regular basis. In this article we will feature one of the congregations which has been deeply affected by the recent events in Israel and many of their congregants have been called up to fight with the IDF including the pastor, Howard Bass’s son Tal.
Kehilat Nachalat—Howard Bass (Beer Sheva)
Kehilat Nachalat Yeshua (Yeshua’s Inheritance Congregation) under the pastoral leadership of Howard and Randi Bass, is in the Biblically historic city of Beer Sheva and continues to be a mainstay of witness and testimony to the truth of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus to Israelis—to Jews in particular, and also to Arabs and to internationals. We continue to teach holiness in the fear of God, that we will be sanctified, both as godly witnesses now, and also to be ready for when the Bridegroom will come.
The current war of Israel against Hamas in Gaza, which Hamas began last Oct 7, continues to impact our congregation and the ministries within and beyond it. We have had up to 20% of our members actively participating in the war, both in combat and in other areas of military preparedness and action. We have had families who needed to be (and are still) evacuated from the Gaza Strip border area. We have relatives of members who have been injured, and one very seriously. We have members who have been active in assisting efforts to provide soldiers with food and equipment, and to provide families with financial assistance at a time when income is much affected, due to our being in the South, where the negative impact has been greatest till now.
… is evident by the number of born-again, Messianic believers in Israel today.
The war has moved us to pray more, and to teach with greater clarity and an urgency about how we are to live in our country and world at a time that is rapidly heading towards more challenging prophetic fulfillment in these last days. Our intimate relationship with our Saviour God is paramount for overcoming evil with good, and to love one another for His sake.
The mixed emotions of dealing with the truth of the peace that we have with God, and of the trauma of open evil playing out around us keeps us aware of our utter dependence upon the Lord, and of the Holy Spirit enabling us to keep His word.
Thank you all of PFI – Australia for your steadfast support. God bless you all in your own situations. Howard Bass, Pastor.
In the next edition of Israel & Christians Today, we will introduce you to more congregations and organisations who are thankful for the ongoing support, love and prayer from the Believers in Australia.
How is PFI Different From Other Prayer Organisations?
Prayer for Israel is a unique organisation, in that it has direct and constant contact with the fellowships in Israel. Prayer for Israel’s function is to support and encourage the developing ‘Body of Messiah’ in Israel— both Jewish and Arab, through prayer and giving. Prayer is the ‘heartbeat’ of this ministry, and all designated gifts are passed onto the recipients in full.
God’s Word regarding Abraham’s descendants the Jews, stands for ever: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you.”(Gen.12:3). We also have this challenging but practical verse from Romans 15:27: “If the Gentiles have been partakers of their (the Jews) spiritual things, their (the gentiles) duty is to minister to them in material things.”
Simply meaning this:- The gentiles have the Jewish nation to thank for the Torah (Law and instruction), surely then it is our responsibility to minister to the Jews for their every day needs, ( food, clothing etc..)
The work of PFI – Australia is voluntary, and non-profit. Every donation is forwarded by PFI in its entirety to whatever area of ministry the giver designates. Indeed, since October 7th, 2023 we have raised and sent over $60,000 AUD to the Messianic congregations and individuals in the land.
As the ‘heartbeat’ of PFI is Prayer for the Jewish and Arab believers in Israel, it is our desire to establish more prayer partners and prayer groups in Australia. The Lord waits in the midst of those who gather together in His Name, especially for the purpose of prayer, for Jesus said: “Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in their midst.” (Matt.18:20)
Would you consider partnering with us in this unique and important work?
Please call 0431 324 123 or write prayer4israelaus@yahoo.com for ways you can become involved. For $35 per annum subscription you will receive a monthly prayer magazine, regular updates of what is happening in the land, plus access to monthly Zoom meetings with Messia
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