It’s Urgent That We Stand FIRM With Israel

Every once in a while something comes along that is so important it rises above many other things that are clamoring for our attention. Two weeks from now in Colorado, a new organization will be formed uniting Christian ministries who love and support Israel.

It is called the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries (FIRM). They are holding their Israel Summit from Feb. 4-6 at Resurrection Fellowship Church in Loveland, Colorado.

There are many organizations that support Israel, and most have different functions. Some are more focused on lobbying and working with the Jewish community and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). 

I believe that it is time for Christian ministries to join together to support Israel, even embracing those believers who come from a Jewish background who are often excluded from participation in other pro-Israel organizations.

You know that I have been a big supporter of Israel. I have donated my time and resources helping to do what I could. Now I am throwing my weight behind Wayne Hilsden, the visionary and founder of FIRM. He is the pastor of King of Kings Community Jerusalem in the heart of the Israeli capital.

A Canadian by birth, he has pastored that congregation for more than 30 years. He has written for us numerous times, and I’ve had the privilege of visiting his congregation and seeing the impressive work, also over time becoming friends.

So when asked me to be involved, I jumped at the chance. I am planning to attend this important summit. I understand that more than 1,200 already have registered and the number continues to grow. Additionally, between 450 and 500 high school students who will be attending Friday’s sessions, along with 75 to 90 Youth With a Mission (YWAM) students.

The Israel Summit is for all ages but Wayne says, “it will especially inspire and challenge youth to stand united with the Jewish people as anti-Semitism is spreading like a cancer.”

“We’ll hear God’s heart for the Jewish people and reveal our biblical mandate to stand with Israel at this critical moment in history,” Wayne says.

The cost is only $39, which is very reasonable. I urge you to quickly make plans in the two weeks that are left to participate in what I believe will be a historic event.

Featured speakers at the conference include Hilsden, Pastor Jack Hayford, Dr. Michael Brown, Calev Myers of the Jerusalem Institute of Justice and Jewish Voice Ministries International’s Jonathan Bernis. Other leaders from Israel and around the world will be in attendance as well.

Billy Graham’s daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, voiced her endorsement for FIRM on her Facebook page:

“My good friend, Wayne Hillsden, founded and pastors King of Kings Church in downtown Jerusalem. I have spoken there on two occasions, and each time I’ve been thrilled by what God is doing in the midst of the city He uniquely loves. Wayne has begun an initiative that is seeking to bring together ministries that stand with Israel during these very difficult days. His first public launch is a conference called the Israel Summit … .”

Please share this link about the Israel Summit by email and social media to spread the word. Be sure to share this Strang Report as well.

As Wayne says, “There is a sense of urgency, and we need to rally the troops now, especially younger people, for worldwide support of Israel.”

Steve Strang is the founding editor and publisher of Charisma. Follow him on Twitter @sstrang or Facebook (stephenestrang).