Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Messiah Jesus.
2023 is another busy year and the Lord has opened many more doors for Paul Gray to teach in churches around the country. It was also a joyful privilege to reopen our outreach to Israeli travellers who visited “Meet at the Mountain” at the latter end of summer, and Lord willing we hope to continue this ministry again early in 2024. We have also been encouraged as many new supporters have shown interest in what we believe to be an important and relevant mission focus in the days in which we are living. Following Covid, we found many believers eager to gain more understanding about end times events and what the Bible says about such things. In addition, while many in New Zealand and around the world are facing financial pressures, we feel encouraged to have seen increasing financial support that helps meet our ongoing expenses and to continue this important work.
On a sad note, and I know it has been with mixed emotions, but also with prayerful consideration that our Ministry Representative Paul Gray has decided to return to Pastoral ministry in Southland near where he lives in Invercargill. Paul will therefore be finishing with Friends of Israel on the 15th September and we will be sad to see him go, yet understand his deeper yearning for more church based ministry. We are very thankful for Paul and the contribution he made in such a short time, and for the support of his wife Therese and their family as Paul travelled extensively for the mission.
Will you prayerfully join us as we now search diligently for a new National Ministry Representative who is able to lead and further our mission here in New Zealand. We know God provides faithfully and in a timely way according to His will and through the prayers of His people, so thank you in advance for your intercession as we pursue a new mission leader of God’s choice.
In the meantime, in my existing capacity, I will continue to serve New Zealand and be available to help in every way. Cassy Vivian our office administrator is also keeping a steady hand in our Auckland office and doing a great job. And we also have our colleagues and supporters around the globe who love New Zealand and are in prayer to see the Lord provide in every way.
May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you; we give thanks for you on every occasion knowing your love for Messiah, Israel and the Jewish people and for us.
Simon Lawry (on behalf of the FOI-NZ Trustees)