See the family photo album below.

This has been a very ‘hot’ month, here and in Israel, literally and figuratively.  The Southern US has seen record-setting heat and high humidity, and Israel has seen record-setting street protests and pushback against proposed “Judicial Reform” legislation.  Record crowds of many thousands have gathered in Tel Aviv, marched on the Knesset and at the Prime Minister’s home in Jerusalem, and been visible in every city in Israel – for the most part, demonstrating against the proposed Reforms.  Most in Israel agree that there need to be changes but disagree with what the Netanyahu government has proposed.  Many observers and commentators view this situation as near crisis level and with the potential to fracture the already divided Israeli society even more.  There are differing perspectives, and people on both sides of the issue are passionate about their beliefs.

 

JUDICIAL PROTESTS CONTINUE

Israeli police using water cannon to control peaceful protestors

We’ve been following this for several months now, and I’ll give a quick recap of the issues and offer some videos for further information.

At the root of the issue is the fact that Israel does not have a constitution but has a series of ‘basic laws.’ In America, we think in terms of ‘checks and balances in government – theoretically, power is divided between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches.  In Israel, the Legislative and Executive “branches” are the same – the ruling coalition of the Knesset (legislative) appoints the Prime Minister (Executive), and the balance is provided by the Supreme Court.  The Supreme Court has held the authority to override Knesset laws if they are deemed ‘unreasonable.’ The process of appointing Supreme Court justices involves a committee, with sitting justices holding three votes.  It is complicated and, in my opinion, needs to be reformed – but with the consensus of the Israeli public – as in any democracy.  For sure, we need to be praying for Israel as she navigates this season.

There are three ‘major’ issues in the proposed reform bill that are creating the most pushback:

1. Proposal that a simple majority of the Knesset can override any Supreme Court decision
2. A plan to change the composition of the judicial selection committee
3. Canceling the ability of the Supreme Court to override Knesset legislation it deems “unreasonable.”

This week, the Knesset passed #3, and the protests in Israel as well as news coverage around the world have increased.  The exchange rate on the Israeli shekel is falling, and major financial markets are forecasting very negative results in the Israeli economy as a result of this reform proposal.  Adding fuel to the fire, if the propositions are passed, Prime Minister Netanyahu, as leader of the majority party in the Knesset, would be in a position to basically excuse himself from pending criminal charges, appoint as a minister convicted and disgraced leader of the Shas party Aryeh Deri, and the fear is that there would be no restraints at all on bills passed by the majority government.

Israelis are passionate about the issues and have protested peacefully in the streets of every major city in Israel for months.  It seems that the government is not listening or just doesn’t care – although the government’s language is saying, ‘we want a compromise’ on this reform.

It is complicated, for sure, and we need to pray for a righteous resolution.  To give you a ‘what if’ picture, if the proposed legislation is passed, for example, citizenship could be revoked from Jewish believers in Messiah, and there would be basically no recourse or appellate rights.  This would not be good for believers……or reflect the prevailing standards of the last 75 years.

Protestors marching on the Knesset Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Following are some recent posts on Youtube for more information and perspective:

https://youtu.be/zBztBl,tAAw
https://youtu.be/O7bhl-O_HHA
https://youtu.be/edR6IU4Ni98
https://youtu.be/Cy0yhiBwvVw
https://youtu.be/XRJthhGTBQ8
https://youtu.be?QG8D4zwoJLI

Let’s not lose this opportunity to pray for a righteous resolution to this challenge.

TISHA B’AV

Tisha B’Av (literally ‘the 9th of Av’ on the Jewish calendar) is an annual fast day in Judaism, on or near which a number of disasters in Jewish history occurred:

• · The destruction of Solomon’s Temple by the Babylonians, 586 BCE
• · The destruction of the 2nd Temple by the Roman Empire in 70 CE
• · The first Crusade commenced in 1096, killing 10,000 Jews in the 1st month
• · The Jews were expelled from England in 1290
• · The Jews were expelled from France in 1306
• · The Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492
• · Germany entered World War 1 in 1914
• · Germany, 1941: Heinrich Himmler, SS commander, received approval for “The Final Solution.” This began the Holocaust, murdering almost 1/3 of the world’s Jewish population
• · Poland, 1942: the mass deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto began

Tisha B’Av is regarded as the saddest day on the Jewish calendar and is a day of mourning, fasting, and the reading of the Book of Lamentations. It is also regarded as the day on which the 12 spies returned to Moses, 10 with a ‘bad report’ and 2 in faith that the Land of Israel would be conquered.

Tisha B’Av was observed last week as the Knesset processed the issues of Judicial Reform.

 

LOCAL MINISTRY UPDATE

Michael continues to meet with local pastors, and we continue to minister in local congregations.  This is furthering the understanding and appreciation of God’s plan and love for Israel, the Biblical Feast Days, and combatting anti-Semitism and replacement theology.  We will be ministering at the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in McComb in mid-August. Please pray with us for those in attendance to receive a deep understanding of God’s heart for Israel and the Jewish people.

 

PARTNER WITH US IN PRAYER

• righteous resolution to the “Judicial Reform” issues
• Secure borders for Israel
• Continued Divine Appointments and ministry opportunities for us
• the upcoming elections in America

As always, we are deeply grateful to all our friends and family for your generous support, encouragement, and love.  May the Lord richly bless you and yours.

Michael & Patricia

 

PARTNER WITH US IN FINANCES

We are grateful to receive a partial salary from the King of Kings to help with the work of ministry, and as God opens new doors for us, we know He will supply the needed resources to enable us to minister from America to Israel and to the Nations.  May God continue to bless you as you continue blessing us and Israel.

There are a few options if you are prompted to partner with us financially:

If you don’t need a tax deduction, you can send funds to us via the INTERNET directly thru PayPal.  Use [email protected], which is Michael’s account.  Send as a friend, and there is no cost to you or us.

If you don’t need a tax deduction, you can send funds to us by check, payable to Michael Bryan.  Mail to Michael Bryan, PO Box 255, Magnolia, MS 39652.

Tax-deductible donations via the INTERNET can be made thru the KKCJ website, www.kkcj.org.  Engage the “Give” tab at the top of the page, select “Staff Support,” and select “Michael Bryan.”

Tax-deductible donations CHECK  can be made payable to “King of Kings Ministries” with a note “for Bryan family” and mailed to:

King of Kings Ministries Inc
PO Box 30607
Phoenix, AZ  85046

You will receive a printed receipt and our eternal gratitude.

JULY PHOTO ALBUM

At a “play place;” (l) Elon, now 14, Ma’ayani, 5, and Keturah, 12.  We were blessed to keep these Israeli Grands for a week while their parents were on a ministry trip.

Elon, Ma’ayani, and Keturah with sparklers

Patricia and a very silly-acting Keturah

Patricia and Ma’ayani in a morning cuddle on the swing