Israel (MNN) — War takes its toll on the men who fight it, but Jewish believers are stepping into the pain to offer a God of peace. Pastor Israel Pochtar says Beit Hallel Congregation came together with churches around Israel in a recent ministry event to build up men torn down by war. 

“It was so wonderful to see men breaking into small circles, praying for each other, sharing their hearts, asking for prayer, and taking time — like really taking time,” Pochtar says.

“To see men with tears in their eyes, sharing their challenges, asking for prayer, then praying for others, was really beautiful to see.”

Afterwards they would praise God and, as men love to do all around the world, they ate meat together. The fellowship continued all the way until it got dark, Pochtar says.  

Image courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation

These ministries bringing men together is more important now than ever. Many of the people fighting are not career soldiers. Hundreds of thousands of those fighting for Israel were called up from the reserves. Pochtar says that men are struggling with fighting for months and then coming back home to normal life — wife, kids, and grocery store runs. The church encouraged men at the event to speak openly about the difficulties they face.

“It’s humbling, but also it’s beautiful. Because this way they are setting themselves up to be able to receive help, to listen to others, and then also to minister to others,” Pochtar says. 

Divorce rates have spiked as a result of soldiers’ long military service and PTSD. Israel’s Collective Action for Resilience says a third of couples are talking about divorce. It has become a national conversation.

“We need more experienced counselors who can guide men through these difficulties, help them to open up, because I really see when they open their hearts, then it’s easier to receive help,” Pochtar says. 

Pray for men to be open with each other and willing to receive help, and that searching for peace would bring people to God. War has been going on for long enough that it can be easy to neglect doing this, but ask that God would bring an end to fighting in the Middle East.

Find out more about how Beit Hallel Congregation is serving the body of Messiah in Israel and how you can help be a part of it at their website.

 

Header image courtesy of Pastor Konstantin Tsivin/Beit Hallel Congregation