There are places in Israel where the stories of the Bible suddenly feel very close. Magdala, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, is one of them. Recently, our ministry partners at Beit Hallel brought 200 Israelis to this ancient town, where Jesus ministered in the surrounding region nearly 2,000 years ago. The purpose was to help them discover more about their biblical heritage, but above all, to introduce them to the One at the heart of that history.
What happened that day was deeply moving. People who had never prayed before began calling upon God. There were tears, voices lifted in prayer, and hearts opening to the message of Jesus, the Jewish Messiah. It was one of those precious moments in ministry when you realize that God is doing something far beyond what anyone could have planned.
For the first time, the Beit Hallel team organized an evangelistic outreach at Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Once a thriving Jewish fishing town, Magdala is now home to remarkable archaeological discoveries, including a first-century synagogue and ancient streets that offer a glimpse into the world of the New Testament.
Before the gathering, the team guided their guests through the site. They explored the ruins, listened to the history, and learned about Jesus’ ministry throughout the Galilee. For many of these Israelis, including Jewish immigrants who have made Israel their new home, standing among these ancient stones brought the biblical story closer than ever before. The message was simple: the God who spoke to the Jewish people thousands of years ago is still speaking to them today.
When everyone gathered overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Pastor Israel Pochtar shared the story of Mary Magdalene and how her life was transformed through her encounter with Jesus. He spoke about the struggles we all face, the burdens we carry, and our need for God’s forgiveness and restoration.
He also reminded everyone of something very important: God brought His people back to Israel for a purpose.
The Hebrew prophets spoke about Israel’s restoration and the return of the Jewish people to their homeland. Many sitting before him were living testimonies of those promises. But God’s plan does not end with bringing His people back to the land. He loves them, cares about their families and their future, and desires for them to know Him personally, receive His forgiveness, and walk with Him.
The God who brought His people home is also calling their hearts home.
As Pastor Israel was finishing his message, he felt the Holy Spirit leading him to do something different. Instead of immediately inviting people to pray for themselves, he asked them to think about someone they loved who was struggling. Perhaps a son or daughter, a parent, or a dear friend carrying a burden they couldn’t overcome alone.
We all have people we love deeply, and sometimes we simply don’t know how to help them. So Pastor Israel invited everyone to bring those loved ones before God in prayer.
What happened next was beautiful to witness.
People who had never prayed before began praying. Some held hands with those beside them. Others bowed their heads, quietly speaking to God about the people they loved. These were ordinary Israelis, many experiencing something entirely new, yet there they were, opening their hearts to God and asking Him to help their families.
Then Pastor Israel invited everyone to take another step. He spoke about the forgiveness we have through Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, and invited those who wanted to receive Him to pray together.
As the prayer began, voices could be heard throughout the gathering repeating the words, asking Jesus to forgive their sins and come into their lives. There were tears in many eyes. It was deeply moving for the Beit Hallel team to witness Jewish people calling upon the name of Jesus, some for the very first time.
And even after the gathering ended, people didn’t want to leave! They stayed, talking with one another and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of fellowship. There was such warmth and peace among them. What had begun as a visit to a beautiful historical place had become something deeply personal.
There was also something especially meaningful about where all of this was taking place.
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus walked through the towns and villages of the Galilee, bringing hope, healing, and the message of God’s Kingdom to the Jewish people. And now, on the shores of that same Sea of Galilee, another generation of Israelis was hearing His message.
Two thousand years have passed, but Jesus has not stopped reaching out to His people.
Dear friend, this is why your partnership matters so much. Through your prayers and generosity, you are helping make opportunities like this possible. Two hundred Israelis had the opportunity to explore their biblical heritage and hear the Gospel in a place where its history feels so close.
And the work doesn’t end when the gathering is over. Please keep these precious people in your prayers, especially those who responded to the Gospel, that what began in Magdala will continue growing into a lasting relationship with the Lord.
Thank you for standing with us and with our ministry partners in Israel as we continue sharing the Good News of Jesus with the Jewish people.
Together, we are helping bring the message of Israel’s Messiah back to the people and the land where it all began.
Blessings,
The Voice of Judah Israel Team