Sharing your faith with a stranger isn’t always easy. Even believers who have walked with the Lord for many years can find themselves hesitant when an opportunity arises to speak about Jesus. But sometimes, all it takes is a few minutes of conversation to introduce someone to the hope of the Gospel.
Last week in Ashdod, we saw what can happen when believers are encouraged and equipped to take that step.
People stopped to listen, conversations led to prayer, and 16 individuals responded to the Gospel through prayers of repentance. One person who heard the message on Thursday even attended Beit Hallel’s congregation service the following day.
It was an encouraging reminder that God can work through ordinary believers who are willing to share their faith.
Preparing Believers for Everyday Evangelism
From November 3–6, Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod hosted four days of intensive evangelism training as part of the Good News Project. The event, also known as Jesus Camp, brought together approximately 60 participants across its daytime and evening sessions. Believers traveled from Haifa, Netanya, Ramle, Ashkelon, and other parts of Israel to take part.
Experienced evangelists from Ukraine, Poland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands joined the training, bringing years of international ministry experience and practical insights into sharing the Gospel.
The goal was to help believers become more confident in speaking about Jesus wherever they find themselves, whether at work, in their neighborhoods, or during everyday encounters.
Participants practiced overcoming hesitation, beginning conversations respectfully, and presenting the message of salvation clearly in just three or four minutes. They also learned the importance of approaching people with sensitivity and respect, particularly in a country as culturally and religiously diverse as Israel.
The training was designed to give believers practical tools they could continue using long after the event ended.
Putting Faith Into Action Across Ashdod
By the second day, participants were ready to take what they had learned beyond the training sessions.
After practicing with one another, teams headed into neighborhoods throughout Ashdod, including areas where sharing the Gospel can be especially challenging. On Friday, following Beit Hallel’s Shabbat service, the group came together for a larger outreach along the city’s waterfront.
For some participants, approaching strangers to speak about Jesus was something they had never done before. It required courage, but with encouragement from their fellow believers, many began to overcome their initial fears.
As the teams shared the Gospel, residents stopped to listen and engage in conversations about faith. Some were hearing the message of Jesus for the very first time.
Over the course of the outreaches, approximately 15–16 people responded through prayers of repentance. Another particularly encouraging moment came when someone who had heard the Gospel on Thursday attended the congregation’s gathering on Friday.
Every encounter was a reminder that behind the numbers are individuals with their own questions, experiences, and spiritual journeys.
Encouraging Testimonies of Prayer and Healing
Alongside the evangelism training and street outreach, the four-day gathering provided meaningful opportunities for worship, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
Evening sessions allowed those who were working during the day to participate in times of worship, hear testimonies, and receive personal prayer.
Several participants shared testimonies of physical healing following prayer.
One woman reported that hearing had been restored in an ear that had been deaf for 45 years. Others testified that they experienced relief from longstanding pain and difficulties involving their knees and joints.
These accounts brought great encouragement to those attending and strengthened their faith as they continued seeking the Lord together.
The gatherings were not only about learning how to share the Gospel. They were also an opportunity for believers to be refreshed spiritually, encouraged by one another, and strengthened for the work ahead.
Carrying the Message Into More Communities
Although the four days of training have concluded, their impact has the potential to reach far beyond Ashdod.
Believers who participated have returned to their home communities with greater confidence and practical experience in sharing the Gospel. The local team at Beit Hallel has also been encouraged and strengthened, with plans already taking shape for the next steps in this work.
The purpose of the Good News Project was never simply to hold another event. It was to help believers become more effective in sharing their faith wherever God leads them.
And that is what makes these four days so meaningful.
The conversations that began on the streets of Ashdod can continue through personal relationships, follow-up, and discipleship. The believers who received training can now take what they learned into their own cities and neighborhoods.
We are deeply grateful to our friends and ministry partners who continue supporting evangelism and discipleship throughout Israel. Your prayers and generosity help make opportunities like this possible.
Please join us in praying for those who responded to the Gospel, for the teams who will continue reaching out to them, and for the many people across Israel who have not yet heard the message of Jesus.
The training is over, but the mission continues. And we are trusting God for many more lives to be reached with the Good News in Israel.