AUSTRALIAN FIELD DIRECTOR UPDATE
SEPTEMBER 2025
Dear Friends,
Shalom! Winter ends and spring commences here in Australia, but the reverse in Europe, where I recently travelled with my wife, Elizabeth. It was warmer than we anticipated. We visited Auschwitz / Birkenau, one of the death camps run by the Nazis to eliminate millions of Jews. It was confronting and sobering to experience the enormous scale of human depravity, yet necessary as a witness of another tragic episode of Jewish suffering.
With antisemitism escalating among western nations, including Australia, knowing history helps to grasp the outcome of such hatred, if it is not opposed. We stand against antisemitism and with the Jewish people, including the nation of Israel, at this critical juncture in our world. Thank you for standing with us through your generous donations to the Stand with Israel and Israel Relief funds.
I was able to share with a group staying at one of FOI’s ministry centres in Poland about the work of FOI globally and among them was a Jewish family from Belarus. They were amazed and wanted to know more after the meeting, which I was pleased to communicate. We exchanged contact details and I thought that was the last I would see them. God had a different plan. While visiting a museum of 1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland, Elizabeth and I met the father and son again. They were hopeful that I would participate in the son’s podcast on his return to Israel, which I committed to do. We took the normal selfie to send to the mother and parted ways again. Unexpected, but providential connections demonstrate God’s concern to reach Jewish people, which your support enables.
Mark Rogers’ wife, Kathy, lost her battle with cancer in June and we attended the funeral service celebrating her life on June 24. The day before we had lunch with Mark to express our love and support, which he has appreciated from many of you. Please continue to pray for Mark as he adjusts to this deep loss and resumes his ministry activities in churches and among the Jewish community in Melbourne.
Our other ministry representatives continue their engagement with churches, proclaiming God’s truth about Israel, end times and the Church’s role in reaching Jewish people. On September 13, in Auckland, New Zealand, we are presenting our prophecy conference, “Israel Behind the Headlines”, and ask for your prayers as we travel together for this special opportunity.
Places are still available for our tour to Israel in October/November this year. We have called it, the “Everlasting Love Tour” as an expression of our commitment to Israel during these trying times. It includes Jordan and has an added option, “Highlights of Paul”. You can register using this link - 2025 Israel In Focus Everlasting Love Tour — The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry–Australia.
Thank you for your partnership in ministry through prayer and financial support (Philippians 1:5). I pray the rest of 2025 brings many blessings in your walk with God and service for His glory. Shalom!
Your servant for Messiah Jesus,
Les Crawford
Australian Field Director
