Simon's Mission Update

Shalom Friends,

I begin this report rejoicing in God's faithfulness towards His plans and His people. The Lord does not neglect His purposes and the testimony to His enduring Word. Simply put, God does not lie, He does not change His mind, nor become distracted or deterred from all He has determined to accomplish both in this world and the world that is to come. (Deut 7:9; Mal 3:6; James 1:17; Titus 1:2;

In an increasingly dark and deteriorating world it is important that our confidence in God's promises remains, that we stay focused on Jesus, the "Author, and perfecter of faith", who is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven awaiting the time for His return to bring justice and salvation upon the earth. (Heb 12:2; 10:12-13)

Sabbatical Leave

I have just returned from an 8 week sabbatical coinciding with my 10 year anniversary at FOI. This time of refreshment allowed me to recharge and look towards the next season of ministry giving thanks for all the Lord has done to date. I am really grateful for our Auckland office administrator Cassy Vivian who so capably managed the daily tasks and responsibilities in my absence. Cassy keeps things running smoothly and I know how much she is appreciated by so many of our supporters as well.

Praising the Lord's faithfulness

We continue to give thanks for the Lord's provision. As a faith-based mission we rely on the faithful partnership from supporters and rejoice as people respond by faith. We have seen a steady number of donations coming into the mission that support our operations and provide support for the many projects we support in Israel and for the Jewish people around the world. So thank you for your heart for the Jewish people.

In October I will be in the Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and lower North Island speaking at churches and connecting with our supporters. My subject, "Is God a Zionist" will I hope challenge believers to examine the Scriptures for why Israel has a future and a hope.

Another point of praise is the appointment of a short-term ministry intern in New Zealand. Rachael Pengelly who recently completed our Bridges program will be working over the next 3 months on several projects to engage with the Jewish and church communities. Please be in prayer for Rachael and I look forward to sharing further on this development in future updates.

Our FOI Equip program assists those interested in educating themselves about Israel and the Jewish people. Our free online resources and classes can be accessed HERE

For those wanting to engage in a more in-depth training opportuntiy, we offer BRIDGES, a 9 week online training program with our next intake starting soon.

With the uncertainty still affecting the Middle-East these past months we made the decision to not proceed with our anticipated October tour to Israel.

As a result we will now look towards late in 2027 when we hope there will be greater stability and an open dooor for group travel. In the meantime, we continue to have many people interested in pre-registering for our future tours.

Thanks for taking a moment to catch up with our news and for your continued prayer and partnership in the ministry of FOI-NZ.

May the Lord richly bless you as you keep your eyes firmly focused on Jesus the Messiah.

Simon

PS. We continue to actively search for a permanent Ministry Director/Representative for New Zealand and ask for your continued prayer in this significant need.