The Jewish community of South Africa, through South African Friends of Israel, has called on Christians to pray this weekend for South Africa, Israel and the South African Embassy in Tel Aviv which is under threat of a downgrade to a liaison office.
Teri Levin of the SA Zionist Federation says they are reaching out to Christian communities, calling for a peaceful weekend of prayer from December 8 to 10, at local churches.
“We have a large number of churches who are already on board, such as Nazareth Baptist Church, Hope of Glory Church, City of Mercy Tabernacle and lots more,” she says in an email to Gateway News.
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A special prayer which Christians are asked to pray can be downloaded from the SA Friends of Israel website at http://www.safisa.co.za/media/blog/prayer-state-israel/
An Israeli cabinet minister, Minister of Regional Co-operation Tzachi Hanegbi, who met with South African Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe last month, afterwards expressed optimism that a downgrade in relations between the two countries wouldn’t happen.
Huffington Post reports that in a policy briefing at Luthuli House on Wednesday, deputy minister of public service and administration Dipuo Bertha Letsatsi-Duba –– who serves on the ANC national executive committee’s sub-committee on international relations –– said an assessment was being conducted on the implications of the embassy downgrade decision.
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Gateway News asked three Christian leaders who have extensive experience of Israel to comment on the implications. Cheryllyn Dudley ACDP MP and member of the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, and Apostle Linda Gobodo founder of Vuka Africa Foundation, responded by providing recent statements they have made on the topic. Pastor Oluegun Olenipekun president of the Institute of Christian Leadership Development drafted a written report for us.
Below are brief extracts from the three leaders’ reports. You can read their full reports here.
Religious pilgrimages
Cheryllyn Dudley said an embassy downgrade would negatively affect the right of Jewish Christian and Muslims to make religious pilgrimages to Israel.
It would also put an end to the South African government’s potential of playing an important role in bringing about peace between warring parties, she said.
She also said it would jeopardise trade opportunities that could promote economic growth and employment, and would violate the business rights of South Africans who trade with Israel.
She also spelled out negative educational and cultural, geopolitical, constitutional and security consequences.
“Effectively this action, although called for in order to place pressure on the Israelis to negotiate a sustainable peace with their Palestinian counterparts, would instead restrict and vilify Jewish and Christian South Africans, as well as many others, for their legitimate religious, cultural, and business association with Israel,” Dudley said.
Linda Gobodo said she has over the years been involved with other ministries making pilgrimages to Israel where the Bible comes alive. Downgrading the embassy would have a very negative effect on South Africans wanting to visit the Holy Land — especially if Israel reciprocated.
The embassy move would also cut South Africa off from benefiting from valuable skills and resources that Israel is willing to share in fields such as agriculture, water management, medical innovation and hi-tech.
‘There will be an upgrade’
However, South Africa could take heart because godly government would come according to prophecy, and SA would return to Israel and have good relations, and instead of a downgrade there would be an upgrade.
Olusegun Olenipekun said South Africa was out of step with advanced economies of the world, including America, Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia, who were strengthening diplomatic ties with Israel — and with many African countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Togo, and Rwanda, who were increasing trade relations with Israel.
He writes: “What culture is going to prevail in South Africa in the near future depends on who South Africa befriends in its international relations. Israel shares the culture of productivity, innovation, excellence, and entrepreneurship. If we neglect what Israel offers in this area we may be opening the door to terrorism, barbarism, incessant riots and unproductivity that is associated with the enemies of Israel. Which side is South Africa?”
He continues: “Israel has been a beacon of light to all former colonised territories of the world. Israel has succeeded to reverse two thousand years of colonialism by regaining her land and restoring the use of Hebrew language. This is motivating for African countries who are seeking for the restoration of our identity in the post-colonial era. Why does it appear as if the ANC is castigating Israel for her courage to reverse colonialism?
Political suicide
“If the ANC goes ahead with the downgrade of the Israeli embassy, it will be committing political suicide. It will be the gravest policy mistake that the oldest political party on the African continent would have committed and it would be too late for the party by the time it realises its mistake.”
He also pointed out that many Christians and business travellers to Israel who went there without visas may require them if the embassy downgrade was implemented. And the ANC would lose the opportunity to be an arbiter in the conflict in Israel.
Lord we ask that you override this anticipated decision by the ANC to downgrade the Israel embassy. There are many Christians in South Africa who love and support Israel. We declare that the favour that we have enjoyed with that nation will be strengthened and that no man will shut that door.
Amen to your post, Suzette van Rooyen
I thank Segan for his outspoken and unequivocal stance for supporting ongoing relations with Israel. Let us give glory to Our Father whose arm is not shortened; for greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world!
Thank you for keeping us informed and standing up for Israel.I look forward your weekly news letter.
Will always keep Israel in my prayers.
Been there twice.
Will continue to pray for South Africa. We trust God that the ANC will not downgrade the Embassy. We also pray that God will be involved in the selection of their new president.
Psalm 122:6 says “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you”. The converse is that all who do not love Israel will NOT prosper. The ANC will make a very big mistake if they hate Israel. They will put this country at great risk.
South Africa is already at great risk by legalizing issues that the Lord clearly states are in violation of his commandments, through the foolish decisions of the ANC. Pray that the Lord will have mercy on the people of the country. 1Chron 7:14
May the Lord intervene
Ezekiel 5v5 Jerusalem God put at a centre of the world-without it there is no light for the world-SA mines are deplited,water scares in Cape town,crime high-ANC will surely fall and New government will take over-God did it with Trump aand will do for us also with his servant who will support Israel.
Dear God please open the eyes & minds of the ANC to understand the disastrous result of leaving Israel. “Those who curse Israel will be cursed & those who bless Israel wiĺl be blessed. DONT MESS WITH GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE!!!
Lord Jesus Christ be with you all time and all members