AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM ME TO YOU

Some may see this message as out of character for me. Others may even criticize it - as they always do. But as Balaam said to Balak after he blessed Israel instead of cursing them:

“Must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?”

Ever since its inception, we at Behold Israel have refrained from asking people for donations throughout the year, with the exception of our year-end giving campaign.

When we added Connect to our mission, people responded generously, and as a result our ministry media hub was built completely debt-free.

While we were building and launching Connect, I was on a sabbatical from traveling. As a result, our international speaking ministry was largely on hold, and much of our funding was directed toward the completion and ongoing operation of Connect. Since resuming our worldwide speaking tours, however, we have experienced a significant increase in expenses. We are now operating Connect while also covering the costs associated with ministry travel - flights, hotels, meals, transportation, and the many hours of work invested in each event.

In addition to Connect, we have recently launched a new endeavor: GenZion, our ministry outreach to young adults around the world.

Our practice has always been - and continues to be - to never ask local churches to shoulder the expenses of our ministry travels. We do not want to place a price tag on our willingness to come and serve. In fact, you can contact any church we have ever visited and verify this for yourself.

As I was praying about these things, the Lord directed me to Philippians 4:15-18:

“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”

The Lord made it very clear to me that as long as I neither ask nor expect anything from the churches and organizations where I minister, it is perfectly acceptable - and thoroughly biblical - to make the needs of the ministry known to God’s people and even to recognize their giving as an acceptable sacrifice offered to Him.

Although millions of people follow our ministry around the world, you might be surprised to learn that only a small fraction of one percent are regular supporters. Of those faithful donors, approximately 90% give between $20 and $50 per month. While that may not seem like much to some, it is often a significant sacrifice for them and a tremendous blessing to us.

As I prayed about writing this message, I was encouraged by the Holy Spirit, knowing that although critics will always be present, this may serve as a reminder to many who have never considered that we, too, have needs and opportunities before us.

“How shall they know if no one tells them?”

So, as I write these words, I simply ask that you pray about this and respond as the Spirit leads you. And if you choose to give, rejoice - for God loves a cheerful giver.

Awaiting His Return,

Amir

[https://beholdisrael.org/donate/](https://beholdisrael.org/donate/)