Special Israel Edition — Jun 05, 2025

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Thursday June 5 2025

🇮🇱 Chris and Marilyn are in Israel from May 26 to June 7.

One of the most unforgettable moments of my time in Israel was our visit to a Druze village, Majdal Shams, nestled quietly in the hills. We sat with members of the community and listened as they shared their story—one marked by profound loss. Twelve children from their village, innocent and full of promise, were killed in an attack by Hezbollah. The weight of that grief was tangible. It clung to the air, and to our hearts. We were taken to a memorial event—simple, sacred, and 100% in Arabic. There were no English translations, no explanations. And yet, somehow, we understood. The language of sorrow and remembrance needs no translation. I found myself aching and weeping with them, overwhelmed not only by the tragedy but by something even more surprising—their response. There was no bitterness in their words. No call for revenge. Instead, they chose to speak of peace, of continuing forward, of living in a way that honored the memory of those lost without becoming enslaved to hate. It was one of the clearest pictures I’ve ever seen of what forgiveness looks like in real life—raw, costly, and holy. In their mourning, I caught a glimpse of something eternal: God’s mercy reaching beyond borders, beyond religion, beyond history. I saw the possibility of redemption taking root in a place of deep sorrow. And in that moment, I understood more deeply that God's heart beats not only for the Jews, but for Arabs too. His love truly is for all peoples, and His desire is that none should perish—but that all should come to salvation.

Marilyn

While staying near the Sea of Galilee at the Return Ministries’ Aliyah Return Center, we’ve experienced both the beauty and the reality of life in Israel. As we prepare to celebrate Shavuot (Pentecost) with joy, food, and traditional white clothing—yes, including lots of cheesecake!—we’re also reminded of the ever-present need for security. Just behind me is what looks like a pile of rocks, but it’s actually a bomb shelter. These shelters are a normal part of life here, with alerts and sirens in place should missiles be launched. It’s a sobering contrast to the celebrations, but it reflects the resilience and preparedness of daily life in Israel.

Thanks to our donors for making a difference!

The National House of Prayer is not sponsored by any particular denomination or agency. We rely on the generosity of people like youto enable us to activate strategic prayer for Canada and its leaders. If you would like to partner with us in a financial way, supporting our work, please click below.

Partner with us

We invite you to join us for our NHOP Zoom prayer calls—a great opportunity to connect in prayer online:

🕙 Tuesdays | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM ET

🌙 Wednesdays | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

All are welcome!

Join our NHOP Zoom prayer meetings

Prayer Points

Praise Him for the spiritual and prophetic significance of this feast of Shavuot—both the giving of the Torah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) upon believers in Israel and around the world.

Pray for divine protection over Israel’s borders, cities, and communities, especially those in vulnerable areas.

Pray that bomb shelters would remain unused, and that God’s supernatural shield would cover the peoples of Israel.

Pray for the people of Israel, asking that their resilience would be matched with hope and a revelation of God’s nearness.

Pray for the continued success of the Aliyah Return Center and other ministries assisting new immigrants to settle in the Land.

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips.'"

Isaiah 49:22

Blessings,

Chris & Marilyn Byberg

Executive Directors

National House of Prayer