These days here in Israel carry a weight that is hard to fully describe. The reality around us is constantly shifting—sirens in the night, rockets from the north, tension that lingers even in the quiet moments. Families move quickly to shelters, children wake in fear, and sleep often comes in short, interrupted stretches. By morning, life resumes again, but you can see it in people’s eyes—there is a weariness, a heaviness that many are carrying right now.
And yet, in the middle of this, there is something else that is just as real. We are standing firm—not because the circumstances are easy, but because our trust is anchored in the Lord. In these days, I find myself returning again and again to the story of Nehemiah. When he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, it was not simply construction—it was spiritual resistance. The people were surrounded by threats, pressure, and fear from every side, and yet in that moment, Nehemiah called them to lift their eyes higher:
“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
That word feels alive for us right now.
Here at Home of Jesus the King Church, we sense that same calling—not only to respond to urgent needs, but to rebuild something deeper in this land. To rebuild trust where there has been distance, to restore relationship where there has been pain, and to stand in the gap between Arab and Jewish communities in a way that reflects the heart of God, not just in words, but in visible, practical love. This is not easy work, especially in times like these, but it is the work the Lord has placed in our hands.
And like in the days of Nehemiah, we are learning to carry both responsibility and readiness at the same time. Scripture tells us that the builders worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other—they were fully engaged, yet always prepared. That is what life feels like here now. We move between shelters in Nazareth and the Haifa area, sometimes under the sound of sirens, continuing to serve, to pray, and to stand—not in fear, but in faith.
There are moments that stay with you. Sitting with families in shelters late at night, hearing children ask questions that don’t have easy answers, watching parents try to comfort while carrying their own concerns, seeing people attempt to rest on hard floors while holding onto hope. These are real moments, human moments, and they leave an impression on your heart.
But in those same places, we are also seeing something else. We are seeing quiet strength. We are seeing people help one another in simple, meaningful ways. We are seeing hearts open—sometimes more than they ever have before. Even in the middle of uncertainty, God is moving. His presence is not absent from these spaces. On the contrary, it is often in these very moments that His nearness is felt the most.
The work continues. Right now, we are preparing and packing one thousand food packages for both Arab and Jewish families as we approach Passover and Easter—two seasons that carry deep meaning, especially now. For many families, these packages will not only meet a practical need; they will serve as a reminder that they are seen, remembered, and not alone. That someone thought of them. That someone showed up.
This is how we stand, and this is how we fight. Not only through prayer, but through presence. Through faith that takes action. Through continuing the work even when it is not convenient, even when it is costly, even when it requires endurance.
And we want you to know—you are part of this. Your prayers strengthen us in ways that are difficult to fully express. Your support allows us to keep moving forward, to keep showing up, and to keep bringing light into places that need it most. You may be far away physically, but here in the land, your impact is very real.
We truly believe that this season will pass. The darkness will not overcome the light. And just like in the days of Nehemiah, the work will continue—not because of our strength, but because of the faithfulness of our God.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for praying. Thank you for walking with us in this time.
God bless you,
Pastor Saleem, Nazareth