One of the great blessings of ministry in Israel is witnessing the many ways God brings people together who might otherwise never meet.
This past weekend at Home of Jesus the King Church, we experienced one of those special moments.
As believers gathered in Nazareth for worship and fellowship, our congregation was joined by guests from Japan, Israel, and Africa. Different languages could be heard throughout the building. Different cultures and backgrounds were represented in the room. Yet as we worshiped together, it became clear that what united us was far greater than anything that made us different.
For a few hours, we experienced a beautiful reminder of God’s heart for His people and a glimpse of the Kingdom He is building among the nations.
During the service, one of our guests led worship in Japanese. Although most of us did not understand the words being sung, we understood the heart behind them. The same Savior was being praised. The same Holy Spirit was present. The same love for Yeshua filled the room. It was a moving reminder that the Gospel transcends language, culture, and geography.
One of the most meaningful moments came when we prayed the Lord’s Prayer together in four languages—Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, and Amharic. Hearing these languages spoken side by side was a powerful experience. Each language reflected a unique culture, history, and journey, yet together they formed one prayer offered to our Heavenly Father.
As the voices rose together, I was reminded of Yeshua’s words:
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:10
For a moment, it felt as though we were witnessing a small expression of that heavenly reality.
As an Arab congregation serving in Nazareth, moments like these hold special significance for us. Our ministry has always carried a burden to see walls come down and relationships built between people from different backgrounds. In a region that often experiences tension and division, we believe the Gospel demonstrates a different way—one of reconciliation, humility, and unity in Messiah.
We often speak about building bridges between Arabs and Jews, but God’s vision extends even further.
His desire is to gather people from every tribe, language, and nation into one family through Yeshua. When believers from different parts of the world worship together, pray together, and encourage one another, we see a reflection of His purpose being fulfilled.
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”
Ephesians 4:4–6
Those words felt especially real as we stood together in worship.
I was also reminded of John’s vision in the book of Revelation:
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9
What we experienced in Nazareth was only a small glimpse of that future day, but it was enough to encourage our hearts. God is still drawing people to Himself. He is still building His Kingdom. And He is still bringing together people from every background who are willing to follow Him.
We are grateful for the friendships God continues to build between believers from different nations and cultures.
Encounters like these strengthen our faith and remind us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. We are part of God’s global family, united by His grace and joined together through Yeshua the Messiah.
Please pray that the Lord would continue to strengthen the unity of believers throughout Israel and around the world. Pray that our congregation would remain a place where people from different nations can encounter God’s love, worship together, and experience the transforming power of Yeshua.
Thank you for standing with us as we continue serving the Lord in Nazareth and sharing His love with Jewish and Arab communities throughout the Galilee.
Blessings,
Pastor Saleem Shalash