“Israel, receive the eternal life He promised!”
And this is what he promised us—eternal life.(1 John 2:25,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Middle East
Population | 8.91 million
Area | 21,937㎢, located on the eastern Mediterranean coast between Egypt and Lebanon in Western Asia.
Capital City | Jerusalem (950,000 people)
People Groups | Total 49 groups, Jews 74.4% (Israeli Jews 55.1%, Russian Jews 7.9%, Romanian Jews 2.4%), Arabs 20.9% (Israeli Arabs/Palestinians 17.1%, Bedouins 1.4%), Others 4.7% (Europeans, Filipinos)
Unreached People Groups | 38 (97% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Hebrew, Arabic, English
Total Languages | 39
Bible Translations | Completed 19, New Testament 3, Partial 9
Religion | Judaism 76%, Islam 17.3%, Christianity 1.7% (Protestant 0.1%, Orthodox 0.8%), Non-religious 4%, Evangelicals 0.7% (600,000 people)
》 About Israel
Throughout centuries of imperial rule and warfare, the Jewish people have faced repeated exile and forced migration, resulting in their dispersion across the world. The first diaspora began with the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem, and the second was intensified under Roman persecution, spreading Jewish communities throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. During this time, synagogue-centered religious traditions took root. The rise of Zionism in the late 19th century and the founding of the State of Israel in 1948 prompted some to return, yet nearly half of the world’s Jewish population still lives in diaspora communities in countries like the United States, France, and Russia. Israel is a member of the United Nations and a multiethnic, multireligious state. It remains the only parliamentary secular democracy in the Middle East, with a multi-party system. Jerusalem, a city sacred to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, lies at its heart. However, the nation continues to face a long history of conflict. Internal tensions persist between secular and ultra-Orthodox Jews, and Christians, Arab citizens, and Palestinian residents face various restrictions and discrimination. Christians in Israel come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Jews and Palestinians, and they remain a religious minority often caught between Judaism and Islam. As such, they frequently endure persecution and marginalization.
Israel has a high-tech, free-market economy. Its top exports include polished diamonds, advanced technology equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Key imports consist of oil, grain, raw materials, and military hardware. While Israel often runs a trade deficit, this is offset by strong revenue from tourism, services, and foreign investment. The discovery of large natural gas fields in the Mediterranean has significantly improved its energy outlook. However, the country faces issues such as income inequality, high housing and consumer prices, and economic slowdowns—especially intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Israel’s GDP per capita is approximately $53,111.
》 Scripture Focus
| 1 John 2:9–11, 15–17, 24–25(NIV) 9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. 10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11 But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them. 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Many missionaries in Israel serve self-supported due to safety concerns, making it difficult to track their exact numbers—though it is estimated that at least a thousand are currently active. Let us give thanks for the footsteps of those who bring the good news to this land. Israeli society, shaped by a painful history of persecution, often harbors deep suspicion and hostility toward Christianity. There is a common perception that Christianity threatens national identity, leading to significant opposition to evangelism and active resistance from those opposed to the gospel. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, efforts to dismantle long-standing prejudices are bearing fruit. Let us pray that the church will remain steadfast in its calling to proclaim the gospel until the people of Israel hear and believe. May the Lord, who is the God of Israel, reveal His saving grace to all who call on His name.
2. More than 8 million Jews live as diaspora, scattered across the United States, former Soviet Union, France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and other nations. Compared to others, they tend to be less tied to traditional Judaism and are often more open to the gospel. Various ministries, such as Jews for Jesus (JFJ) and Chosen People Ministries (CPM), serve Jews around the world. Let us pray that Jewish people across the nations will hear the message of truth—the gospel given for all humanity—and receive the blessing of eternal life that is promised in Jesus Christ and God.
3. Israeli society reflects a wide range of values, from ultra-Orthodox Jews who follow the Old Testament literally to secular liberals who view homosexuality as a basic human right. Same-sex unions are legally recognized as common-law relationships. Homosexuals can serve in the military, and single men can become parents through surrogacy. Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest city, hosts the biggest queer festival in the Middle East and is known as its queer capital. While Israel advocates diversity in human rights, it also discriminates against Christians and Arab Israelis and is accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians. Let us pray that the eyes of those who have turned away from the truth will be opened to believe that Jesus is the Christ. May they die to worldly desires and self-righteousness, turn from their foolishness, and receive Jesus as Lord. Let us pray that they become a channel of blessing, carrying the good news of the gospel to all nations.
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