Shalom Partner and Friend of Israel,

The Year of reckoning 2025… The “SHIFT” is happening and is happening very quickly! "The tide has turned" …is a Prophetic phrase often used to signify a significant “SHIFT” in a situation, indicating that after a period of difficulty or adversity a positive change is now underway with the momentum moving in a favourable direction! In every generation, God raises up those who carry more than just words as they carry God’s Divine authority! They bring godless rulers to their knees and hold people to a holy standard, reminding the world of God’s will. In these perilous times, we need fearless voices, boldness, true authenticity …and those who are brave enough NOT only speak TRUTH …but reveal the impossible through God’s Hand. The SHIFT is taking place before our eyes!

For the past 31 years Julie and I (Alf) have studied Bible Prophecy, Islamic agenda, lived in Middle East - Turkey (where faced prison in 1998 for the Word of God) …and today we continue Pray4Zion ministry almost 18 years in Israel. Today, we see what we could NOT see way back in the early 1990’s coming to pass! Mike has been alongside us during this journey and we continue to fight for, support dire needs, and speak, write and share God’s plan for Israel! Our story continues on and together with our precious generous partners today and we are so grateful for every one of you in these difficult but exciting Prophetic times. Thank you!

Essentially, a turn-around has happened that literally has shaken the Liberals of the world… with US President Donald Trump (a true friend and ally of Israel) now back in the White House as 47^th President! God has ALSO placed the richest man in the world South African born Billionaire - Elon Musk right at his side! We must always remember that it is God who placed Trump in office (2016 - 45^th President) BUT against all odds again in 2025; “…for such a time as this,” in the same way Esther was placed in an influential position to make a difference (see Esther 4:14). Many say that they don’t like Trump just as they say the same for Netanyahu …BUT God is Sovereign; therefore, any leader in any position can only be there with God’s approval! As one wise king stated, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” – Proverbs 21:1.

With Trump in the White House now things immediately started to get better for war-weary Israeli’s and even the hostages held for over 500 days in hostile inhumane conditions in Gaza are being released… We learnt however over the past 18 years that “peace” is fragile and NEVER sure for Israel whilst still surrounded by terrorists’ Nations. BUT clearly, God’s Hand is at work and especially more so this year in exposing every dark hidden agenda! Just as major changes are taking place in America, finally, South Africa’s ANC government is being held accountable for their harsh stance on Israel and for their ICJ Lawfare against God’s Land, Israel; “For the nation and kingdom that will NOT serve you (Israel) shall perish; those nations shall be utterly laid waste.” – Isaiah 60:12. Gaza is being “laid to waste” for its evil and brutal attacks on Israel. And, countries today stand on trial for its belief that it can sacrifice Israel and its own Jewish Community on the altar of its political advantages and is now being “laid waste” in front of the entire world. BUT Israel remains!

For a moment let’s look at Samson, everyone knows his story in the Bible (Judges 13-16) but did you know this… Samson was an Israelite warrior and judge who used his immense strength to fight the evil Philistines in Gaza for 20 years. Today they call themselves Palestine’s. He was a member of the Tribe of Dan and a Nazirite, which meant he didn't cut his hair …but was deceived by a pagan Philistine woman called Delilah and taken to Gaza where his eyes were gauged out.

Samson prayed to God for strength to defeat the enemy of Israel and God honoured his request as he shouted out to God to allow him to avenge his people; “Let me die with Philistines!” Samson pushed and braced with all his might on the pillars of the pagan temple of Dagon and it collapsed ...and fell killing him AND the Philistine rulers (leadership) and everyone else inside! (Judges 16:20-31) Today Israel is destroying the Leadership of Hamas in Gaza …and has already weakened Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran in Syria with Assad gone!

God will soon deal with Gaza! “For Gaza shall be destroyed, and Ascalon shall be a desert, they shall cast out Azotus at noonday, and Accaron shall be rooted up. No one will be left in Gaza.” – Zephaniah 2:4.

Israel has many enemies and the WAR is still ongoing after 500 days! “Do not keep silent, O Lord” appears in the Bible in Psalm 35:22 / Psalm 83. In both cases, the psalmist is asking God to take action against their enemies! Hamas is evil and clearly so, just as we saw on 20 February, 2025 how coffins of the 2 Bibas children 9 months and 4 years and their mother (who later turned out not to be her body) and another elderly hostage were “paraded like trophies in front of a cheering crowd” of Palestinian civilians including children in Gaza in exchange for the release of hundreds of blood-thirsty terrorists!

Like the story of David (Israel) and Goliath (today Hamas) in the Bible they taunted and mocked Israelis! David said to the Philistine (today called Palestine), “Come here,” he called to David, “and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”  “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” – 1 Samuel 17:44-45. As we read in the very next verse as David continues; “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.…!” 1 Samuel 17:46. We take comfort in knowing in the end David defeated Goliath …and did NOT end well for him …and so will it for Hamas!

Did you know that Egypt (like Iran) uses the Palestinian sympathy cause in Gaza? And, for their benefit and as proxies to fight the war against Israel on their behalf? The Camp David Accords in 1978 divided; Zone A where 18,000 military is allowed, Zone B where 7,500 military is allowed and finally Zone C where NO Military is allowed on the border of Gaza as it is a de-military zone to ensure “peace” in Israel. Yet, Egypt over the past 18 years has violated this agreement and has allowed all the military equipment and terrorist training for Palestinians from Egypt to Gaza …since they knew that Egyptians could NOT themselves violate the Camp David Agreement!

Egypt another proxy of Iran wants Israel destroyed just as much as the Hamas terrorists do…. They helped build underground tunnels that reached into Gaza and are silently planning something more as they DON’T want Palestinians to live in Egypt! All eyes are on Egypt and Jordan after Trump made his controversial Gaza plan known to the world. While Jordan's King Abdullah was quick to make a visit to Trump in America, Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi decided to indefinitely postpone his! This raised questions; What is Egypt planning for Gaza? Will Saudi Arabia step in and finally do right by Palestinians? Will Trump's plan backfire and triggered a regional war?  We watch and see!

The clock had ‘ticked’ for 30-years of deep corruption BUT stopped on 7 October 2023 for the ANC government of South Africa when they joined hands with Iran and became another proxy nation of the enemies of Israel (who are also the enemies of God) … Ramaphosa and his ANC Cabal voted in favour of a motion calling for the closure Israeli Embassy in Pretoria after 50-Years AND suspension of "diplomatic ties" and closure of Israeli EL-AL Airlines! This is nothing short of betrayal not only to the Nation of Israel BUT also the South African Jewish and Christian community! And, his shocking refusal to condemn the brutal attack upon innocent Israeli Civilians clearly showed ANC support of Hamas radical terrorists and planned “genocide” on Jews initiated from Gaza. And, his smirk blame stating that; “…Israel deserves the brutal attack” just 2-weeks after this terrible massacre happened, he wore his Palestinian “keffiyeh” scarf …and this will forever be a symbol of his “Judas” moment! “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” – Ecclesiastes 10:2. Matthew 25:32-33.

Yahweh God of Israel, and the Bible - our Eternal God, will NOT be mocked …and hears the many prayers of good, honest, law-biding God-fearing South Africans who love, stand with and support Israel! However, the West has become increasingly discontented; Last year 2024, South Africa’s invitation to the G7 Summit did NOT materialise and the Rand - currency lost 50% of its value under the ANC Leadership. Thank God this year 2025, America now has a strong leader - US President Trump who has put Sanctions on the ICC/ICJ Courts in the Hague for its “Lawfare” and so-called “genocide case” against Israel for defending its people and land radical terrorists in Gaza. America has sanctioned donations through USAID to South Africa and has threatened cancellation of ALL South Africa's exports under AGOA which include edible fruits, nuts, vehicles, auto components, iron, steel and chemical products.  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cancelled meeting with G20 meeting 26-27 February, 2025.

Israel is a land which God uniquely, prophetically and repeatedly in the Bible says; "…this is My Land" (Joel 1:6; Zechariah 2:5-7; Genesis 35:10-15). There is little mercy for those Nations who gloat over the pain of God’s people - Israel, and just as in the case of the Ammonites (Ezekiel 25:1-7) there is NO mercy. They WILL be destroyed for their sinful ways, and then, they will see God for who He really is! God loves His people; they are His and made a Covenant with them. Yeshua (Jesus) bought them with His own blood and for the true believers – the Church, He calls them His bride.

And God will NOT have anyone messing with His bride NOR His Land – Israel and people; "For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you (Israel), for he (whoever) who touches you (Israel) touches ‘the apple of His (God’s) eye!’" – Zechariah 2:8. Meaning; The "apple of the eye" is the pupil the centre and most tender part of the eye and Israel is that precious to God and so here it says anyone who harms Israel …is harming God!

A Nation cannot survive without Almighty God! And, ALL who stand with Israel and Jewish people WILL be blessed. God has NOT changed His mind! America is blessed for standing with Israel BUT truly see the difference in countries that do NOT standing with Israel. As true Judea-Christian believers we are ALL called to stand with Israel especially today because we are the people of the Last Hour.

Yes, God is pouring out His favour on America and something like a birth is taking place… America is in the "right hand" of Almighty God as US President Trump and his Administration stands with Israel BUT Nations wo come against Israel today are on the "left hand" signifying "Judgment!" "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He (God) will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on his left." – Matthew 25:32-33. God is "shaking things up" and is "turning things upside-down" in Africa. God loves South Africa but like a good Father must discipline and comes through His "judgement" giving another chance to make Godly choices.

2025 certainly is seeing a SHIFT is taking place and God is busy with something huge in the Nations …and the world can clearly see those who are with Him and those who are NOT being exposed! The Bible mentions God’s Hand numerous times and depict His divine ability as well as His reaching out and connecting with mankind. God’s Righteous Right Hand speaks of; blessing, provision, favour, anointing, protection, power and ability. It shows us God working with people to do what He has called and appointed them to do! God saves and delivers with His right Hand (Psalm 108:6). God’s Hand holds us up (Psalm 18:35, Psalm 37:24). Our times and future are in God’s Hand (Psalm 31:15). God satisfies our desires when He opens His Hand (Psalm 145:16).

In these Last Days, the Lord has called us to be people of moral and Biblical conviction, walking wisely together and knowing His Word… God will honour those who make an abiding commitment to stand with Israel (His people - the Jews) …And, the land of Israel that God has called uniquely His own (Psalm 122:6). When we put our faith in the Redeemer, Yeshua (Jesus Christ) who came through the Jews, we enter into a line of those who have trusted God according to His revealed grace and redemptive purpose. The "forces of darkness" that opposed Israel are NOT simply those of people who don’t like Jews as the world is caught-up in the stream of "spiritual forces" - greater than humanity - forces that cannot be overthrown "politically" or by the power of persuasion …because these forces can only be broken by "intercessory prayer" where "principalities and powers" are cast down (Ephesians 6).

God is speaking to people in the End-times who rise up against Israel… And, God is speaking of a confrontation that WILL take place in His land. "You will come up against My people Israel… I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you..."  - Ezekiel 38:16. When we talk about Israel, we are dealing with "a tiny piece of property" that God has called His very own AND God’s chosen people (the Jews) to whom He’s given the land. It is a MAJOR issue with the Yahweh God - Creator of ALL things, and it is non-negotiable! Things that God has said uniquely about Israel have NEVER been rescinded. Not only does the land of Israel belong to God …BUT also God has committed the land to Abraham (Genesis 17:7-8) and his offspring via Isaac forever! "With a little wrath I (God) hid My face from you (Israel) BUT My (God) kindness shall NOT depart from you (Israel), NOR shall My (God) covenant of peace be removed!" - Isaiah 54:8-10.

Hamas terrorist war in Gaza may be a much more ‘significant’ prophetic event than most realize …and the Bible warns there is more to come! The general attitude of the world today is to regard the Palestinians as the "underdog" and Israel as the "aggressor!" Israel is defending her Land, covenanted to them by Almighty God Himself - re-established in 1948 by the United Nations Assembly. The Palestinians goal was (and still is) to NEVER secure a homeland …BUT to drive Israel out altogether! For the sake of mounting public opinion against Israel the surrounding Arab Nations has NEVER offered refuge to Palestinians as they were simply used by Islamic Nations as "pawns" for sympathy and for funds from ignorant Western Nations. BUT thank God, under US President Trump "the tide is turning!" The majority of the "woke" world doesn’t see this, and nobody is bothering to tell them because their sympathies are so overridden by other godless forces. "The SHIFT" is happening …but the Liberal Socialist West, China, Russia and Islamic Nations will NOT just accept this without a fight! We must know this too.

Gaza in the Bible… Truly, Prophecy is now coming to pass BUT do we recognize each piece of the puzzle coming together in our time – Last Days? Gaza is one of the most ancient cities, and areas, mentioned in the Bible.It was mentioned as part of the cities of the southern plains lying along the border of the land of the Canaanites; “The territory of the Canaanite extended from Sidon as you go toward Gerar, as far as Gaza.” - Genesis 10:19. In other words the Canaanite people occupied the coastal area from Sidon (around and near today’s Haifa) all the way down to where the Mediterranean coast curves and borders with Egypt. 

The Canaanites were the most savage of the pagans of the land. It is interesting that the Palestinian people have settled there today and under Hamas are the cruel m and most savage today! The book of Joshua records that the Lord God fulfilled His promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham in Joshua 21:43. This book shows us how the Israelites, with the helping hand of the Almighty, conquered the land of Canaan, possessed it, and then divided its territory among the “Twelve tribes of Israel.”

The Bible says “Gaza Will Be Forsaken!” Are we seeing this taking place in our time Zephaniah 2:4, God warns us that Gaza WILL one day “be forsaken” (yes, that very same Gaza you have recently been watching on the world news). Gaza is in the land which was given to the Tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:1-12), and is one of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) titles “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah!” The Bible links the “forsaking of Gaza” to the coming ‘Apocalypse,’' which is also called “The Day of Wrath” and “The Day of the Lord’s Anger.”  From these following passages in Zephaniah 2:1-7, God warns Israel and the Nations to know what will help trigger this fierce and terrible anger ...GAZA! God warns us that 'Gaza will be forsaken'... her inhabitants ‘uprooted’ and 'driven out'...! “…The word of the Lord is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines (Palestinians): “I (God) will destroy you so there shall be no inhabitant,” Zephaniah 2:4-5. All 'Palestinians' and their allies should take note!

Yes, Gaza today is the centre for Hamas Palestinian terrorists and a population conglomerate of Arabs from many countries, NOT simply from the Holy Land… AS we have all seen that the stated purpose of the Palestinian Arabs is NOT to seek peace with Israel, but to launch attacks from the territory of Gaza and  from the so-called Westbank (Judea and Samaria) an effort to re-take the land from the Jews …and this will NEVER end whilst they are still allowed to be there. In 2005, when the Palestinians were given the land there were great opportunities in Gaza for them to prosper and serve as an industrial Nation in the Middle East supplying goods and services throughout the Middle East and Africa, but they NEVER made it happen!

They turned a once prosperous land of Gaza into bomb making and rocket launches in terrorist tunnels fuelled by their hatred and envy of Jews instead! Isn’t it just coincidence that Islam today has infiltrated Western Nations with not to assimilate but to take over and destroy Jewish and Christian Biblical values? Wherever Islam takes control governments fail and they do this by using corrupt, greedy Leaders through finances and bribes! When they are few, they live by the rule of their host Nation BUT when they become the majority they take over!

When will there be SHALOM – PEACE again? After the coming ‘terrible "Day of the Lord" a remnant of the "Tribe of Judah" will once again peacefully inhabit and prosper in that precious Land of Israel that God promised and gave to His people ... and then, and only then, will there be "peace on Earth." For at that time, our Messiah and God will restore all the Earth in peace and beauty ... as promised in Zephaniah 2:6-7. Yet, as noted above, the Bible warns prior to ‘the remnant of the house of Judah’ returning to their land in peace …Israel (and the world) WILL go through a ‘time of Tribulation’ and ‘testing’ sometimes called in the Bible the ‘Day of God’s Wrath’ when 2/3 in the land of Israel will be "cut-off" for their unbelief (Zechariah 13:8-9; Amos 1:6-8). As already shown, Gaza will be judged at the End of the Tribulation when Israel’s Messiah returns!  It is essential for believers in Yeshua (Jesus) to understand the gravity of the current situation and the significant roles that Israel and the Middle East play in the consummation of the Last Days according to Scripture. Pray for the "shalom (peace)" of God to fall upon Israel, the Jewish people and her neighbours.

Ezekiel 34–37 repeatedly describes Jews as re-occupying "the mountains of Israel," includes Judea and Samaria (West Bank). The October 7, 2023 planned ‘demonic’ attack on innocent Israeli civilians and today the ongoing terrorism from Palestinians in Gaza and from within Israel (Westbank) has "shifted" the Israeli public opinion from support for any form of compromise negotiations for a so-called "Palestinian state," to support for the annexation of part or ALL of Judea and Samaria (Westbank) and possibly with the expulsion of the Palestinian population! Israelis have realized that the Palestinians will NEVER cease to seek their destruction and complete annihilation simply because they are Jewish. Truly, it could NOT end without WAR as Israel will NOT surrender to Islam, and rightly so, as the land belongs to Yahweh God – the God of Israel and the Bible.

It is today possible in 2025, as the world sees that US President Donald Trump to be a TRUE friend and ally of Israel… that newly appointed Trump Administration would support the Israeli government in efforts against radical Islamic terrorists. Indeed, it is likely that this is one of the reasons why God caused Trump to outrightly win the US Election in 2024, save his life from attempted assassinations, because he would be much more favourable towards Israel! Trump has also declared his intention to make a concerted effort to negotiate a comprehensive Middle East "PEACE" and finally line-up with Last Days Prophecy! We surely cannot stop Prophecy as it WILL come to pass!

This fits with Ezekiel 38:8,11 which describes Israel living without "defences, without walls, and without a military" at the time of the Tribulation period. Clearly some extra-ordinary change MUST take place in the Middle East to convince the Israelis that they NO longer need a military and can tear down all their border walls and fences?

Immediately after Trump’s Inauguration on 20 January, 2025… the world saw how through "strength" it is possible that Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Egypt and possibly the countries of the Arabian Peninsula could also disarm as part of a regional coming "peace deal!" There is NO mention of them making WAR during the coming 7-Year Tribulation period. (Jordan appears to have a strong military at the time of the Tribulation, but is favourable to Israel (Daniel 11:41; Revelation 12:6,14). After the Palestinian issue in Gaza is finally resolved and presumably through the annexation of the West Bank …and with the expulsion of the Palestinians from war-torn Gaza it’s very likely through the collapse of the Iranian theocracy and/or the collapse of Islam in general …then the Middle East will change its character from being a place of Hamas (violence) to being a place of "peace, prosperity, and brotherhood." There must be some strong International Agreements in place, perhaps guaranteed by the United States, that will prevent an external invasion of the Middle East prior to the midpoint of the Tribulation period.

Remember that the Tribulation Period is centred around Israel… having nothing to do with the Church because the Bride of Christ will have been Raptured (Harpazo) and this period of time will last 7-Years …divided into two parts, each lasting 3 1/2 years.  The first 3 1/2 years is man’s destruction upon himself, and the last 3 1/2 years is God's judgment upon the earth! Mankind has been priming itself for their own destruction throughout the ages, and at last destruction can have its full reign. When the Tribulation Period begins destruction will take place in two forms; First, evil will be so rampant that rebellion will have its full reign and power upon the earth.  Secondly, there will be those who desire world peace, and will look for someone - anyone, to come forth to help them out of their destruction.

The re-building of the 3^rd Temple in Jerusalem MUST also come about at the conclusion of the current conflict… as there clearly is such a Jewish Temple in existence during the Tribulation period (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). Again, due to the uncompromising of the Palestinians, Jews increasingly view the Temple Mount as an exclusively Biblical “sacred space,” and they (rightly) view Gentile Muslims as the intruders. Israeli Leaders have shown an unprecedented boldness in the past year, and especially since Trump is now President in the White House …this must be leading up to the time when Israel will at last take possession of the Temple Mount in the near future!

In light of Ezekiel’s Prophecies, we expect to see Israel continue to WIN victories over its enemies - possibly with some temporary setbacks …until Israel has WON complete and total victory. We expect this victory to include annexation of Judea and Samaria (the so-called West Bank) which has been infiltrated by radical terrorists’ groups …and instead a settlement of there by Israeli Jews. Perhaps Israel with the help of America will find a way to expel most of them since this land rightfully so belongs to Israel. This may be followed by a new wave of immigration to Israel especially from Nations where they can no longer live in safety. This would allow Israel become very peaceful and prosperous.  

Can we expect Israel to reclaim Mount Moriah (Temple Mount) …and possibly tear down the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and to build the 3^rd Temple where the Dome of the Rock now stands …and the countries around Israel to continue making peace with Israel? Sounds far-fetched? Yes, but not since 20^th January, 2025 as Trump is back in the White House! This will be an end to the conflicts that have consumed the region for the past 77 years …to finally come to an end (prior to the midpoint of the Tribulation period). Although we cannot see clearly right now since Antisemitism had increased greatly since 2023 …we see a time both regional and world opinion of Israel to become much more favourable …enabling "a peace" that is NOT merely Political but also Social.

Israel is too big to ignore, and anyone who opposes God’s people cannot expect to receive God’s blessing. As events in the world continue to unfold in a way that clearly matches Biblical Prophecy there is a clear distinction between Israel and the Church. Both are important and both are connected to each other! Ezekiel 38-39 clearly describes the moment when the vast majority of the Nation of Israel WILL finally believe in Yeshua (Jesus) as their promised Messiah. Maranatha Lord we are waiting!

We most sincerely believe that God WILL bless you for your faithfulness and love for His land and chosen people. God’s Word is true! He IS watching to see how the Nations are treating His people. God will have mercy on Israel through Gentile believers acting as mediators towards them. This is one of the most amazing revelations ever given to the Church – an opportunity to do something that carries the highest priority in the heart of God. Yet, sadly, so few have seen the potential and the rewards of serving God in this manner - as agents of mercy to Israel and the Jewish people! Israel was and still is despised today and a despised Nation continually turning away from God …BUT nothing ever altered the purpose of God for that Nation. The "despised element" is always a noticeable element in the purpose of God. When the Saviour of the world came, He came of that "despised Nation" (and just like Israel) He Himself was "…despised and rejected by men." And there is that despised element; "…things that are despised God has chosen," - 1 Corinthians 1:28.

We hope that you enjoy and become more informed by our work. We serve an awesome God and we are humbled by this opportunity to bring you this information.

With Shalom to you and your family always, 

Alf & Julie Saunders

01st March, 2025

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