Why am I moved by Yeshua’s words: “Look at the Fields?” Let me begin with Aaron’s true story. (I’ve changed his name for security reasons.)

Over a burger and fries, Aaron related how the Spirit of God touched him during one of our youth camps.

He’s a quiet kid, but deep. So, I listened, hanging on every word, glad that he felt safe enough with me to talk about his inner life.

“During a worship time I told God that I wanted to experience Him, that hearing about ‘knowing God’ wasn’t enough, that I REALLY want to know Him, personally. But nothing happened. Then, after the message that evening, you came to pray for me. Nobody was touching me, but I felt the Lord’s presence surrounding me. I sensed the indescribable depth of Yeshua’s love, meeting needs I’d not even been in touch with. Then, I couldn’t hold back the tears. He heard my prayer and answered me. I’ll never be the same.”

Aaron could not have given me a greater gift that day at lunch. To know that a young person has had a real encounter with the Living God and wants to walk with Him the rest of their life—well, it’s the best.

What’s Next for Aaron?

What’s next for this young man, you ask? With our nation at war for 13 solid months now, and in need of well-trained, motivated soldiers, what’s next is the IDF (Israel Defense Force). But first, nearly a year of intensive preparation—physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally. Aaron voluntarily entered a program that combines all of these aspects of serving in the Israeli military, including weapons training. Once finished, he hopes to qualify for a combat role. Pretty serious, eh— for an eighteen-year-old kid just out of high school?

I’ve told you some of Aaron’s story so you can feel the importance of what happens in the Katzir (harvest) youth camps we’re privileged to hold three times a year. His story could be told many more times by the young people who’ve been impacted in our 24-year history of working with youth. The increased urgency is that so many are being inducted into the IDF and placed in life-or-death battle situations.

I believe that it is our calling—yours and mine—to provide the Messianic youth of Israel with experiences in worship and the word of God that will equip them to stand among their peers, shining with the light of the Lord, as they defend our country. That’s why I’m reaching out to you with an invitation to join me in doing just that. Here’s how…

“Look at the Fields”

The Lord of the Harvest said to His disciples, “…lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together” (John 4:35-36).

Jesus’ description of our collaboration is compelling. Clearly, without sowing seed, there can be no harvest. Our shared commission is to prepare laborers for the end-time harvest of the Lord. Then why focus on teenagers? The answer is found in Joel’s prophecy of the Spirit’s outpouring before the Lord’s return. Israel’s youth are specifically highlighted in this time of unprecedented harvest.

“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams; Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days… Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Joel 2:28-29,31-32)

Is there any better time to sow seed into our Lord’s harvest? I cannot imagine one. Now, at the end of Israel’s most tragic year, is an ideal and strategic time to sow into the harvest.

Sowing and Reaping Together

We need your visionary help to finish out 2024 with our Chanukah camp in December and welcome the teenagers of Israel into the presence of the Lord three times throughout 2025 (Passover, Summer, and Chanukah). Each gathering brings 90-100 youth together. Potentially, these four events can touch 400 future harvesters. Our budget from December 2024 to December 2025 is $180,000. Together, with your help, we can achieve our goal! Your year-end gift will count, whether it be $18 or $18,000!

Please use the response button below or the additional means listed to send your seed. Your gift of $360 pays all the expenses for one young Israeli attending our six-day Summer Camp. With $180, you will be sending a young Israeli to the shorter Passover or Chanukah events. THANK YOU for praying earnestly with us for His provision.

I look forward to staying in touch with you as we gather precious seed for the coming harvest. Thank you for taking Yeshua’s exhortation to heart. “Look at the fields!”

Sincerely grateful for the honor of your friendship and partnership,