By Steve Rees —
Invited to churches in a handful of countries, pastors of one of the largest Christian communities in Jerusalem say many of the global faith leaders they visited prefer to remain quiet about Israel’s war with Hamas, while still supporting Israel.
Worldwide, many pastors, churches, Christian and messianic leaders are worried about being “cancelled” for their biblical convictions about Israel, according to Pastor Wayne Hilsden, founder of King of Kings Community Jerusalem.
Others are concerned for Middle Eastern church members who sympathize with Hamas.
Hilsden and Pastor Chad Holland traveled this summer to congregations in the United States, Asia, Indonesia, Canada and the Philippines, which are mostly sympathetic toward Israel.
They shared their experiences before a worship service at King of Kings Community Jerusalem (Home – King of Kings Community Jerusalem (kkcj.org), which seeks to reveal the true face of Yeshua (Jesus) to Israel and the world through its global church network.
Some pastors are afraid of speaking up, said Hilsden, noting that COVID-19 shrank congregations with few exceptions.
Insecure leaders fear controversial topics like the war because their preaching and teaching on it may scare away more church members, Hilsden said.
Privately, many leaders told Hilsden they know the Bible supports the existence of both the church and Israel in God’s eternal plans.
“I don’t think we’re seeing rampant antisemitism within Christian circles. But we’re not getting people courageous enough to speak up against antisemitism and about what’s really going on in this part of the world,” said Hilsden.
He returned to Israel just as a drone from Yemen hit Tel Aviv, killing one and injuring others.
In retaliation, Israel launched several F-15 fighter jets, hitting and severely damaging a main Yemen port in the Gulf.
The Houthis – not the entirety of Yemen – are Iran-funded proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. Together, Israel’s enemies now present an existential threat to the Jewish state, Hilsden believes.
Travelling to Asia, Holland sensed most communities he visited are very supportive of Israel.
Yet, in many cases, they don’t have a lot of knowledge about messianic Judaism, the Jewish roots of the faith in Jesus or the Bible’s one-new-man teaching, Holland said.
As for Israel’s war with Hamas, knowledge of it is sparse among the Asians believers Holland visited, due to media’s scant coverage of the conflict.
In Canada, Holland felt more boldness to preach biblical truth and provide war updates with believers who are sympathetic to Israel’s position.
A mixed bag is how Holland described his visits with believers in the U.S., where views on the war varied from interest in learning more to caution in even mentioning the conflict.
One church leader asked Holland to avoid the topic altogether.
As for believers’ spiritual condition, many people are angry.
“It was the first time I’d seen the body agitated, more awake, maybe prophetically listening,” said Hilsden.
“At the same time, I found the messianic Jewish communities tired,” he added.
Hilsden witnessed believers who are weak and wearied from multiple battles with antisemitism, as well as protests in their neighborhoods and cities.
“I would say the anger’s not just about what’s going on here with Hamas or Islamic radicalism on the streets of America, or whatever country we’re talking about.
“There’s a general sense that the world is going nuts with questions about what’s going to happen with nations, cultures and children” said Hilsden.
He pointed to California where godless politicians deem parents as threats to school children who chose to secretly transition genders.
Believers’ anger should be righteous and coupled with truth and love, rather than lashing out, Hilsden said.
Leaders should be willing to speak out on issues that threaten not just the church but society, he believes.
“I’ve never seen in my lifetime such turmoil in the world. I’m not talking about wars and rumors of wars as much as I’m talking about cultural battles at every level,” said Hilsden.
He was protected by police bodyguards in two churches simply because he’s from Israel. The leaders feared their guest might be attacked, causing problems for church members.
“So there’s fear, anger, confusion, a real sense that we need revival,” Hilsden said.
Sympathizers with the Palestinian cause and terrorist organizations feed on misinformation – not just about history and geography – but also on biblical illiteracy particularly among youth, Hilsden said.
“If you don’t read the Bible, then you’re going to have a world view that is wordly. You’re not going to have a biblical worldview. We’ve got to get the Word of God to young people,” Hilsden said.
That’s challenging with increasing censorship in media, social media and movies, Holland pointed out.
King of Kings Community Jerusalem funds war-relief for injured warriors and families of lost loved ones, as well as prays for Israel’s political and military leaders. It also intercedes for mercy and release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Home – King of Kings Community Jerusalem (kkcj.org))
