AUSTRALIAN FIELD DIRECTOR UPDATE
Dear Friends,
The Middle East conflict continues with uncertainty over an elusive peace deal between the US and Iran. Meanwhile the threats from Hamas and Hezbollah continue with significantly less impact due to Israels upper hand and firm alliance with the US. In Australia, we saw antisemitism turn deadly in December with the Bondi massacre and continues to threaten Jewish communities and centres. The work of FOI has never been more important and needed which is why we are applying for tax deductible status for a new entity, Friends of Israel Relief Ministry Australia. If approved, this complementary organisation will focus on relief activities as a public benevolent charity.
Thus far, our generous donors have enabled the mission to support the Bondi victims’ families with over $15,000 in grants, Operation Fire Support, training Israelis to prevent and fight fires, with a $10,000 grant, and $1,000 grants to various Jewish organisations, such as the Adelaide Holocaust Museum. We believe we can do more with this option for donors in matters of relief in Australia and overseas, especially Israel. Please pray for a swift and successful outcome for our application.
Our ministry representatives continue to speak in churches, serve Jewish communities and connect with our supporters. We give thanks for a number of new churches that have welcomed their ministry in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. This is encouraging, but so much more is needed. A biblical view on Israel and the Jewish people is the best counter against antisemitism. If your church is open for one of our representatives to visit, please let us know.
This year, we are continuing our prophecy conferences under the new name “REVEALED” as we seek to bring biblical clarity to what has become an increasingly confused area of theology.
Our first conference was held in Adelaide in February, with future conferences planned for Perth in July and Sydney in September. Each conference is presented in a focused half-day format (9:00am–1:00pm), designed to provide a high-impact opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Bible prophecy at a time when clear biblical teaching is greatly needed.
This year has seen the added ministries of our intern, Jordan Dorr, and new digital content and communications employee, Jemima Richards who started with us in February. Jordan assisted Simon Lawry with Meet at the Mountain in New Zealand, which was a great success in hosting Israelis. Jemima is enhancing and expanding our digital footprint, which is critical in reaching new generations. Pray for Jordan as he completes his internship in October that God will guide him for the next steps in his ministry journey. Pray for Jemima as she is expecting the arrival of their first baby in July.
Our proposed tour of Israel in October/November is still open and hopefully will proceed as planned. If you are interested in this tour, please contact us so that we can add you to the list and make sure you do not miss out. At this point, no financial commitment is needed, only your desire to visit Israel.
Some of you may be aware that my wife, Elizabeth, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It is a slow growing variant and can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Elizabeth has had surgery to remove the cancerous mass, which was successful, and is now having chemotherapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells. This has meant an adjustment to my ministry activities so that I can care for her, but I am still speaking in churches and working from home. Please pray for her healing and God’s work in us during this unexpected challenge.
Thank you for standing with FOI in these challenging, yet exciting days. May God richly bless you in your sphere of life and ministry.
Your servant for Messiah Jesus,
Dr. Les Crawford
FOI Australia Field Director
SAVE A LIFE IN ISRAEL
Your donations to the Israel Relief Fund directly serve the vulnerable in Israel. You provide bomb shelters during missile and mortar attacks, encourage mothers to choose life over abortion, minister to addicts in Tel Aviv, feed hungry children, offer Sabbath rest to Lone Soldiers, and give sanctuary to abused women. When you give you are tangibly and directly serving the least of these in Israel.
GOD’S PLAN IN A CHAOTIC WORLD.
In a world that often seems defined by chaos—marked by wars, civil violence, and increasing deception—how can believers remain faithful, hopeful, and fruitful? How do we continue to trust in God’s plans and purposes when facing growing opposition? Join us in Perth as we delve into God’s Word. We will explore what Scripture reveals about the times we are living in, the warnings we should heed, and the challenge to uphold a steadfast commitment to Christ.
