One of the realities of ministry in Israel today is that we regularly meet people who are trying to rebuild their lives after experiencing tremendous upheaval and uncertainty.
Over the past several years, many Ukrainian and Russian immigrants have arrived in Israel carrying stories that few people see. Some left behind homes, careers, possessions, and lifelong friendships. Others arrived after experiencing the trauma of war, separation from family members, or the challenge of starting over in a completely unfamiliar environment.
While each person’s story is unique, many share a common experience: the feeling of having to begin again.
At Home of Jesus the King Church, we believe that practical compassion becomes especially important during these seasons of transition. New immigrants often face significant financial pressures as they adjust to a new language, culture, and way of life. Simple necessities that many people take for granted can quickly become difficult to obtain when families are trying to establish themselves from the ground up.
That is why supporting immigrants and refugees has become an important part of our ongoing ministry. Through food assistance, clothing, hygiene supplies, household necessities, prayer, and personal encouragement, we seek to help people navigate some of the challenges that accompany building a new life in Israel.
Yet over the years, we have discovered that practical help is only part of what people need.
Many arrive carrying loneliness, uncertainty, and questions about the future. Some have left family members behind. Others are still adjusting to the emotional weight of everything they have experienced. In these moments, a listening ear, a caring conversation, and a welcoming community can often be just as important as the practical assistance itself.
Recently, one of the women we have had the privilege of serving, Sveta, shared words that deeply touched our hearts.
She expressed her gratitude not only for the help she has received, but for the way she and others are welcomed each time they visit. She spoke about Pastor Saleem and Nisreen’s kindness, the warmth they experience, and how meaningful it is to know there is a place where people genuinely care.
Her words were a beautiful reminder of something we see again and again. People may initially come seeking practical assistance, but often what impacts them most is the sense of dignity, friendship, and belonging they encounter along the way.
This is why we continue to invest in these relationships. Every food package, every conversation, every prayer, and every act of kindness becomes an opportunity to reflect God’s love in a tangible way.
As we look ahead, please continue praying for the many Ukrainian and Russian immigrants who are building new lives here in Israel. Pray for provision, healing, friendship, and strength as they navigate the challenges of settling into a new homeland. Pray also that our congregation would continue to be a place where people experience genuine compassion, practical support, and the hope that comes from knowing they are not alone.
We are grateful for your partnership in helping us extend that care to so many individuals and families. Together, we are able to stand alongside people during some of life’s most difficult transitions and remind them that they are seen, valued, and loved.