We praise the Lord that 12,000 people have signed the CUFI petition ‘No State for jew Hate’ calling for the UK to NOT recognise a Palestinian state. Please pray for this petition as it is received by the UK government – that the words will lead to a softening towards Israel and a strength of conviction against rewarding Palestinian terror with a state. Whilst at the Foreign Office this week, CUFI prayed outside the building. It appears Keir Starmer is likely to go ahead with recognition after setting a September 9th ultimatum which included impossible conditions upon Israel and no conditions upon Hamas. But we are saying “not in our name!”. The Bible is clear in the mandate to bless Israel; it would be tragic for the United Kingdom to turn its back on Israel.
Even so, the Bible is testament to the fact that God allows opportunity for individuals and nations to turnaround and choose a better path – turning away from the curse and into the blessing. Another term for this is ‘repentance’. It is our prayer that there will be a complete uturn.
2 Chronicles 7:14-15 is a Scripture given to Israel. But it reveals the principles of a merciful God who promises healing to those who repent and turn to him:
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.”
Thank you for praying for CUFI’s attendance at the Big Church Festival, attended by 35,000. We were greatly encouraged by the opportunities we had to share about why Christians should stand with Israel. We were especially taken aback by an openness among the young people like that we have never seen before. Many were keen to express their support for Israel; it was also a privilege to share God’s love for Israel to some who had little awareness; and even those who held opposing views showed a remarkable softness towards CUFI’s message. Please continue to pray for the next generation. Our experience at the festival showed us that something is stirring in this nation and the young people are open to hearing the truth about Israel. Please pray for every seed sown and for a conviction to stand with His people. Whilst many in this generation have turned their backs on Israel, there is still hope. We must pray that the next generation will develop a hunger to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
Isaiah 40:5-8:
For He established a testimony in Jacob,
And appointed a law in Israel,
Which He commanded our fathers,
That they should make them known to their children;
That the generation to come might know them,
The children who would be born,
That they may arise and declare them to their children,
That they may set their hope in God,
And not forget the works of God,
But keep His commandments;
And may not be like their fathers,
A stubborn and rebellious generation,
A generation that did not set its heart aright,
And whose spirit was not faithful to God.
