“Am Yisrael Chai! Stand with Israel!” voices shouted in unison with the blasting shofars and rallying drum beats, as the crowd snaked through the northern suburban park. Waving flags of white and blue and banners proclaimed our unified purpose and heart cry.

We were proud to be a part of it all – to make a public statement that despite the increasingly hideous news claims and accusations made against her, we stand with Israel. All of our connections in Chicago were represented there. Friends from Moody Bible Institute, Chosen People Ministries and several Messianic synagogues walked behind and in front of us. And each one was there because of a deeply felt importance of identifying with Israel before a cynical world.

In light of our American Independence Day, our hearts are stirred with a similar national pride and a deeply felt gratitude for our freedom. Truly, God has blessed America. But, as a nation, we stand at a crossroads before God. Will we continue to stand with Israel, or will we turn our back on her? As individuals, we must do what we can to sway the tide. Will we each take a stand against the modern faces of anti-Semitism? Will we accept the influence of political misinformation and faulty hermeneutics on our churches and schools? Or will we seek and stand for truth?

With each new strain placed on our ties with Israel, a familiar verse is brought continually to our minds.

“And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.” Genesis 12:3

So, this month, as we celebrate our great nation and our blessed freedoms, I urge you to pray for the United States of America, and our relationship with the people of Covenant. May we never turn our backs on Israel, and may God always bless America.

As we travel around the country this month, we would appreciate prayer specifically that we will present our ministry clearly and simply, and that God will move in many hearts to join our partnership team through prayer and financial support. Please also pray for continued recovery for both of us from our Lyme treatments in May, and strength & energy for our travels.

As always, we are so thankful for your love, prayer and support for us, and we pray that God will use us and this ministry to richly bless you.

Love in Yeshua,

 BJ and Carissa Kerstetter