Church Set on Fire in Israel
by Staff
November 5, 2007
(christiansunite.com) - Suspected arsonists set fire to the Narkis Street Baptist Church in Western Jerusalem at approximately 10:45 p.m. on October 23, according to an October 26 report from Compass Direct. The arsonists forcibly entered the building through a side door and set three fires in the sanctuary. The blaze damaged sixty chairs and also caused smoke and water damage to the building. Although the police have not yet determined those responsible for the attack, the perpetrators are suspected to be Jewish militants.
According to Pastor Victor Blum, the leader of a Russian Messianic Jewish congregation that meets in the building, an anti-missionary organization named "Yad L'Achim" had threatened him and his congregation over the past several years. The group opposed the church's local evangelistic work and claimed that the believers were members of a "dangerous sect."
Pray that these Christians will rest in the love of the Heavenly Father as they recover from this attack. Ask God to continue to equip them to take a bold stand for Him in an environment of opposition. Pray that their persecutors will see that Jesus is the promised Mes siah and receive His free gift of salvation (Hebrews 1:1-4; Ephesians 2:8, 9).
For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Israel, go to www.persecution.net/country/israel.htm.
