The sudden and tragic passing of Peter and Sandra Schuptar on the evening of January 5th has left a deep and lasting void in the hearts of those who knew them. Their lives were defined by a passionate commitment to their faith, their community, and, above all, their unwavering support for the nation of Israel. Today, as we mourn their loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary legacy they have left behind—one built on love, service, and the shared vision of bringing people together in prayer and purpose.
A Shared Vision of Faith and Service
Peter and Sandra Schuptar were not only a husband and wife—they were partners in every aspect of their lives, united by their devotion to God, their commitment to Israel, and their deep compassion for others. Together, they served as active leaders in the Christian community, particularly through their work with Prayer for Israel Australia (PFI), an organization dedicated to promoting prayer, education, and advocacy for Israel.
Their involvement with Israel ministries began in 2008, shortly after their first visit to the Holy Land, a trip that deeply impacted them both. From that moment on, they felt a calling to support Israel in tangible ways—through prayer, education, and practical aid for those in need. In 2020, Peter and Sandra assumed the role of administrators for PFI, where they would go on to lead the organization with love, dedication, and a sense of growing urgency.
Since 2015, they opened their home to hold monthly prayer meetings for Israel, inviting others to join them in lifting up the Jewish state in prayer. They passionately believed in the power of prayer and the importance of standing with Israel during challenging times. Their leadership extended beyond prayer meetings, as they also organized Israel Restoration Seminars and hosted small tours of Israel, guiding fellow believers, friends and work colleagues through the land they had come to love so deeply.
Through their work, Peter and Sandra not only educated others on the importance of supporting Israel but also fostered deep relationships between the Christian and Jewish communities. They often spoke of the mutual love and respect that could be built between these two faiths, founded on shared values and a common belief in the God of Israel. Their commitment to building bridges of understanding and partnership was felt not only here in Australia but also by their friends and colleagues in Israel, who recognized their dedication to the Jewish state.
A Life of Compassion and Service
Beyond their work with Israel, Peter and Sandra were known for their tireless service to their local communities. Sandra, a gifted educator, spent much of her life working with children who had special needs. As the head of the Early Childhood Development Program and Special Education Services at Mount Ommaney Special School, she touched the lives of countless families and students. Her colleagues and students remember her as someone who was always there to lend a hand, offer guidance, or provide a listening ear. She was known for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.
Peter, too, was a man who dedicated much of his life to helping others. His work as the manager for sunshine Bus company with transport services in the local special needs community was a reflection of his caring nature—he was always looking for ways to make life easier for those around him. His quiet, steady service was a hallmark of his character, and he was loved by all who knew him. Together, Peter and Sandra made a powerful team, working side by side to meet the needs of their community while also expanding their efforts to Israel.
The Schuptars’ commitment to serving others also extended to the Jewish community. In addition to their work with Prayer for Israel Australia, they were known for their involvement in various Jewish ministries and prayer groups. Their deep, personal friendships with many in the Jewish community were built on mutual respect, love, and a shared belief in the importance of standing with Israel. Their efforts to bridge the gap between Christians and Jews through prayer, education, and dialogue were a testament to their hearts for unity and peace.
One of their most recent significant achievements was their work with Title Deed Media, where they were commissioned to serve on the board. This role brought them together with well-known Australian filmmaker Hugh Kitson, and other strong leaders like Fraser Harding, Pastors Kyal and Greg Cummings from Kingdom Church and his own friend and pastor Craig Hepplewhite from the local messianic fellowship Beit Neitzer, furthering their mission to inform and educate Australians about the historic, legal, and moral rights of Israel as a sovereign nation. Their involvement in this ministry only deepened their resolve to share the truth about Israel and advocate for the Jewish people in both Christian and Jewish circles.
A Lasting Impact
The impact that Peter and Sandra had on the lives of those who knew them cannot be overstated. Their humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the things that mattered most—faith, family, and Israel—left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of walking alongside them.
In their community, they were seen as a living testament to the power of love and service. Sandra’s colleagues at Mount Ommaney Special School have expressed how much her warmth and care shaped the culture of the school, making it a place of welcome and inclusion. Peter’s friends have shared memories of how he always went the extra mile to serve others, quietly and without fanfare. Their legacy, as educators, leaders, and friends, will continue to inspire those who knew them for many years to come.
What stands out the most about Peter and Sandra, however, is their shared love for Israel. Their dedication to praying for and supporting the Jewish state was not just a calling—it was a passion that defined every aspect of their lives. As they stood with Israel, so too did they stand with their friends, families, and communities, always ready to offer support, encouragement, and love.
Ambassador Amir Maimon of Israel spoke of their devotion: “Sandra and Peter were true friends of Israel, and their memory will always be a blessing. Their hearts were full of love for the Jewish people, and they dedicated so much of their time and energy to this cause.”
While their physical presence is no longer with us, their legacy endures through the countless lives they touched, the prayers they prayed, and the work they began. Their memory will continue to inspire all who shared in their vision of a stronger, more united Christian and Jewish community. The work they started will continue in their stead, as we carry forward their mission of prayer, education, and advocacy for Israel.
Well known Christian historian and author Kelvin Crombie has dedicated his most recent Book in memory of Peter and Sandra Schuptar and he flew over from Perth to attend the packed celebration memorial service at Citipointe Church in Brisbane on January 22nd,
Pastor Craig Hepplewhite encouraged us all by likening the sudden and unexpected death of Peter and Sandra to the parable that Jesus taught from the gospels, where it’s says unless a grain of wheat die and fall to the ground it will remain alone, but if it dies it bring forth much fruit, so As we mourn the loss of Peter and Sandra Schuptar, let us remember them not in sorrow, but in gratitude for the incredible lives they lived and the tremendous legacy they leave behind and Craig Challenged us to go and do and support the same work Peter and Sandra had been doing .
They were more than just friends of Israel—they were true friends of all who had the privilege of knowing them. May their memory be a blessing to us all, and may we continue to honour their lives by carrying forward the values they so deeply held dear: faith, love, and a commitment to standing with Israel, now and always.
If you want to make a donation to Prayer for Israel:
Bank: Heritage Bank
BSB: 638 070
ACC: 8091854
or subscribe to Prayer for Israel Australia Inc via facebook.com/Prayer for Israel-Australia or to purchase the Whose Land? 2 DVD that they were passionately involved with you can do so via: https://whoseland.info
The Celebration Funeral service can be viewed via: https://vimeo.com/1049582043/20c0183ebe
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