MINISTRY UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 2025

Shalom! As I write this update I am conscious of the deep grief sweeping much of the world following the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie founded Turning Point USA and was one of the most influential people in America who championed Judeo-Christian values. Charlie was also a strong evangelist for the Christian faith and openly shared his testimony through his platforms both on college campuses and online through podcasts and other forums. We mourn deeply for this incredible young man (just 31), and pray for his wife Erika and two little children at this most difficult time.

Charlie Kirk also was a true friend of Israel who regularly proclaimed truth about Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu honoured Charlie with an emotional tribute by saying he was a "once-in-a-generation" figure. "He was a defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilization. He was unbelievably excited to walk in the footsteps of Jesus here. He valued our bond, the bond between America and Israel,". Netanyahu added, "We’re shattered first as human beings, because a great human being has been taken from us. He was an extraordinary friend," and "I’ll be thinking of Charlie all my life," he said. 

SPEAKING THE TRUTH

Charlie Kirk was not afraid to speak the truth, he was the voice for many in Christianity that wish they could speak up more yet struggle to find the words or the courage. Charlie was articulate, courageous and respectful in the manner for which he conducted his debates. His knowledge was exceptional, and he used it to argue for a better world as we see the dark clouds of an alternate world looming.

The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry was founded during times when Christianity fell silent. When fear rose up and courage for most capitulated. It was a dark and dangerous era history promised never to repeat, yet sadly we are, at a juncture in civilisation when the obvious voices for truth and justice have once again gone quiet.

OUR MINISTRY VOICE IS VITAL

Our Bible Prophecy Conference in Auckland is scheduled for this weekend (Saturday 13th) hosted by Manurewa bible Church (MBC) in Auckland. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances MBC needed to move the conference to an alternate venue and managed to secure Manurewa Baptist Church. On Monday 8th (5 days before our conference) we were told that due to internal pressure the Baptist church had cancelled our conference. Praise the Lord, we were able to get another venue.

While not surprised by what happened given the recent NZ Baptist statement that supports Palestine, we were disappointed that biblical truth about Israel was blatantly cancelled. As a mission, we also provide significant relief worldwide and in Israel for what are a persecuted people. But sadly, once again antisemitic attitudes are influencing the church.

Our ministry voice is vital in a world that hates Israel. But our voice is your voice, together with all friends of Israel in New Zealand. We cannot do our part without you and therefore we ask that you continue to pray earnestly that the Lord of the harvest would raise up more willing voices to speak the truth about Israel, the Jewish people and our faith in Messiah, Jesus.

THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS

I am in New Zealand till 29th September and following the Prophecy Conference I will be speaking at various churches in the South Island. If you would like a visit to your church in 2026, please contact our Auckland office via email.

IN THE AUCKLAND OFFICE

We continue to give thanks for Cassy Vivian keeping our Auckland Office steady. Cassy will be on leave from 15th September to 7th October, however you can still make orders and donations online which will all get processed when Cassy returns.

STAFF

On 6th October I am excited to have an intern joining our mission who will be sharing in the work of both Australia and New Zealand. Jordan Dorr will be based in Australia but Lord willing assist in our ministry to Israeli backpackers as we resume Meet at the Mountain here in New Zealand in late February and March 2026. Jordan has spent the past 2 years living and working in Israel for Bridges for Peace and was there during the attacks of October 7 2023.

Please continue to pray for a new Ministry Representative for New Zealand. Over the course of this year, I have spoken with people of interest, and will continue to do so as the Lord reveals His choice for the role.

TOURS

On 22nd October, together with our Australian contingent I will be hosting 35 people on our Everlasting Love Tour to Israel followed by our Highlights of Paul tour in Greece and the Aegean Sea region. We would appreciate your prayers for our tours and for the enthusiastic group who for many will be visiting the Holy Land for the first time.

We have strong interest for people wanting to visit Israel, yet for many the uncertainty in the Middle East has created hesitation. We will be launching our first of what we hope will be two Israel tours for 2026 in a month or so. You can see the dates and pre-register for the tour information when it is launched.

FINALLY

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 4th December. We rejoice in God's goodness to the mission over the course of 2025 where we have seen increased interest and engagement in support for Israel and the Jewish people.

Thank you for your support. Without you and your voice we would not be able to do what God has called us for in times such as these.

Every Blessing In Christ,