Directors Update
Dear Friends,
Shalom! I am writing this on the last day of winter here in Australia. Another season comes to an end and a new one begins. Sadly, the season of antisemitism in Australia and the world has not ended. If anything, it has increased significantly. I recently attended a seminar on antisemitism hosted by my local holocaust museum, which explained the challenge of countering this putrid plague in our society. One thing stood out to me – language is power and who controls the narrative controls the popular response. This makes FOI’s ministry to churches and Christians critical in countering the prevalent anti-Zionist, anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rhetoric.
Our Perth FOI-A Revealed Prophecy Conference in July and the Sydney one in September were designed to accomplish this goal. Hundreds of attendees heard the truth about what’s happening in our world today and in the future as we addressed God’s sovereignty in world affairs, His prophetic plan for the Church and Israel’s future, and the legitimacy of modern Israel as God’s restored nation. In Perth, we conducted several youth focused meetings to reach the next generation, who are subject to powerful influences against Israel and the Jewish community. Our intern, Jordan Dorr, spoke to these young adults concerning his experience in Israel, which was well-received, including an excellent Q&A segment. If you have a youth or young adults’ group that would benefit from our ministry, please let us know.
Sadly, the uncertainty and instability in the Middle East forced the cancellation of our planned trip to Israel in October/November this year. We are, however, planning this trip for October/November next year and you can register your interest at our website - Tour Pre-Registration — The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry–Australia. Hopefully, the situation for Israel and the surrounding nations will settle into a peaceful state, so that travel to that region is safe and not opposed by our Australian government.
Our application for DGR status for The Friends of Israel Relief Mission Australia is progressing and should be submitted soon with the assistance of our legal team. If successful, it will provide tax deductibility for donors in supporting FOI’s relief efforts among the Jewish community and in Israel. Please pray with us for the completion of the application and a positive response from the government agencies, ACNC and ATO.
On a personal note, my wife, Elizabeth, is nearing the end of her chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer and she is doing well, with minimal side effects, for which we praise God. We should know the outcome after being scanned to detect any remaining cancer. Thank you for your prayers for her and me during this journey with cancer. 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
