Maoz Israel Podcast

Missiles fly overhead from Iran as Shira shares her unique understanding of tension in the Middle East, based on having lived there covering events since 1967.

Listen as she uses history to explain why the citizens of Galilee are now evacuated and how Hezbollah has become Israel’s most serious threat and how she has confidence in Gods ability to protect His people.

In what feels like a chat with a dear friend, Shani shares a unique perspective and insight on Iran’s attack and the war in Gaza based on her lifelong study of relations in the Middle East, her deep love for her nation Israel, and her heart of ministry for all people. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the phrase “from the river to the sea”, knowledge of the numbers we’re hearing in the west, and a challenge to pray for religious freedom in all countries affected.

Shani shares the parable of the sheep & goats, presenting an interpretation that challenges the nations.  Is Jesus speaking about  something more than helping those in need everywhere?

Shani explores reasons why God chose a slice of Earth in the middle of Europe, Asia, and Africa as the Promised Land for His people.  Why not a beautiful, peaceful tropical island? Could it be that being central to humanity was part of His plan?

Hear remarkable miracle stories from the War of October 7th and how King Solomon prayed into the future of Israel healing as a nation

Whether it’s worship, war relief or spreading the Word of God, Maoz Israel is always at work somewhere in Israel.  Here’s a quick update of what has been going on the ground

Shani Ferguson shares the courageous story of David Ratner, a young man who grew up in the southern city of Ashdod. At 18 years old, David was drafted into a special combat unit in the IDF.  His faith was challenged, yet he came to a deeper and more personal relationship with Yeshua.  On October 7th, his post came under attack.  Hear how his courageous acts of bravery saved lives and how his choices opened the door to bring the Gospel to some Israelis for the first time.

Shani Ferguson discusses some of the questions raised by Maoz partners and their friends and colleagues in regards to the war. How should Christians approach the emotional issues that come with war and conflict and more in this edition of “Israeli Insiders”

This war has changed everything. And here’s how we can be a part of that change

In this month’s feature article in the Maoz Israel Report Shani Ferguson discusses the backdoor to your faith.

There’s a reason why thieves go for the backdoor of a home. They know the front door is reinforced and designed to keep out unwanted people. But it’s the backdoor that makes us vulnerable.   The same goes for our beliefs. There are ideas we hold solidly in our hearts: God is good.  He is Holy.  He is the Beginning and the End.  He is a God of Covenant who always keeps His promises.  He never fails and He never changes.   So, may I ask, if there is no doubt about God keeping His promises to every one of His followers, why is there such confusion when it comes to God keeping His promises to Israel?   Simply put, the backdoor…

We just finished celebrating Hanukkah but we know our Christian brothers and sisters are just about to enjoy their family time around the story of the Jewish savior and a Christmas tree. If you are one of those, this podcast is full of warm wishes for your holiday experience. 

And as you are celebrating a family event that took place in Israel long ago, we threw in a sprinkle of thoughts about your own family story.

Enjoy a quick Happy Hanukkah from Israel with the Hebrew word of the day and its meaning in modern day life in Israel

Kobi and Shani's oldest daughter has been featured on Fox News as she joined the IDF this month during a time of war and how Maoz has been involved in the war efforts.

It's the holidays! And being at war doesn't mean we can't find moments of joy in the darkness. So in this edition of the Maoz Israel Report we collected a number of funny and bittersweet stories in this conflict that brought a smile to our faces. We hope they bring smile to yours.

Shani discusses the current situation in Israel including how Israelis feel about the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners who have committed terror attacks. She also discusses Maoz war relief activities around the country and how people can get involved at israelneedsme.com 

This is not a fun article. But it is a necessary one. It is the story of the darkest day in Israel’s modern history - the Black Sabbath - as we call it in Hebrew. I did my best to spare you from the worst of it, but it’s still not an article for kids. Honestly, it’s not an article humans should ever have to write about other humans. We know who our true enemy is and he is not flesh and blood. And yet, he works through humans and it is crucial that we face it with eyes wide open.

Shani Ferguson is interviewed on the American Family Radio by "The Middle East Report" with John Riley  in a passionate appeal to Christians.

“Christians are not just grafted into a random tree - they are grafted into a tree called Israel. Have you ever seen a branch when it is no longer attached to its tree? Because right now someone is trying to cut that tree down.”

It's the Jewish holiday season, the perfect time to enjoy another tale in the incredible journey God is taking His people on - drawing them from the four corners of the earth to meet with them in the land He promised their ancestors. This is part two in a three part story of Pastor David Safafa’s congregational leaders who “have all been in some sort of prison” as he likes to describe them.

Meet the Boys of Beresheet! They are the young, new leaders of Beresheet (Genesis) and how they got there is quite a tale!

PM hospitalized after visiting Sea of Galilee, and the law to shut down the power of the court system and make Israel’s legislators unchallengeable passes first reading causing renewed protests. 

All this and more on this episode of Israeli Insiders

Follow the journey of Israeli-Arab Saleem Shalash from his childhood serving in the church disconnected from God to discovering the true nature of His Savior and His love for both Jews and Arabs

What if you could take your child into their future and let them experience life as a parent. Would it change the way they view their own behavior today? That and much more on this section of the Ancient Jewish Family Secrets in the Maoz Israel Report

Your family story matters - whether it’s a beautiful story or a crazy one. Here’s why

We'll take a break from politics in this month's Maoz Israel Report and discuss the most powerful ingredient for a prosperous nation - and that is the family dynamic. Enjoy the beginning of Ancient Jewish Family Secrets - and stay tuned for the rest in the coming weeks.

Do you know what the Jewish holiday of Shavuot and the Day of Pentecost have in common? Listen in to find out along with a few updates on Israel’s political home front on this edition of Israeli Insiders

While Israelis spent the evening around bonfires, as is tradition during Lag Ba’omer – the IDF surprised the Islamic Jihad in Gaza with Operation Shield and Arrow taking out three top terrorists in the organization in their hideout apartments. The following day all public events and educational outlets were closed and Israelis told to stay close to bomb shelters as Israel awaited the expected response from Gaza.

The temporary break Israelis took from protests is over and the streets are once again full of protesters for and against the judicial reformation. The coalition is under pressure to pass a budget or Israel goes to automatic reelections. But members of the coalition are threatening not to pass a budget if their proposed laws aren't passed first. Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum as just this week 100 rockets were fired on Israelis from Gaza in 24 hours.

In this episode we report about the temporary break Israel took from protests to enjoy God's Feasts, mourn our lost and celebrate our independence. Then it was full force back to protests - for and against the reform. However, the unrest in Israel is not just about the politics in Israel, it is about how our surrounding enemy nations perceive the unrest - and whether it offers them an opportunity to attack Israel at a vulnerable time.

It’s Passover and Israelis momentarily abandoned their protests to honor what we refer to as the Freedom Holiday. But it’s also Ramadan and we’re under attack on virtually every front. Rockets from the north and Gaza as well as riots on the Temple Mount. And also terror attacks from rural roads to the popular Tel Aviv boardwalk.

Israel was supposed to have a constitution. But since it’s rebirth in 1948 Israel has been fighting off numerous armies and in the midst of it, Ben Gurion was afraid that if they sat and debated all the contentious issues regarding the nature of the state, this would cause an irreparable division.  They decided to wait until a later date when circumstances on the ground were better. And now 75 years later, we’re reaping the consequences.

Why the protests? What is this judicial reform everyone is upset about? Why are pilots refusing orders? And most jarring - is the Gospel going to be banned in the Holy Land?

Over the past decades, Messianic Jews have immigrated to Israel from all over the world. They fought through discrimination, stigmas and immigration barriers and earned reputation of being loyal and good citizens. Now millions of Jews living abroad who don't fit into the category of ultra-orthodox are facing the real possibility of no longer being eligible to immigrate to the land promised to their forefathers. But why?

When Israel was formed, certain laws were established as the foundation from which its democracy would grow and evolve. However, for this current coalition of indicted or convicted politicians to function with its ideology, they are challenging these fundamental laws with the goal of changing them.

Get to know Shani Ferguson on a personal level as Kiplin from Christ for the Nations is given to the green light to “ask anything” about her life and ministry.

Q&A time as Shani Ferguson answered some of the questions on the minds of the student body at Christ for the Nations.

How faithful is God to His word? Try the poetic descriptions of Jeremiah 31 on for size as Shani Ferguson teaches the student body at Christ for the Nations

Throughout its history, Israel’s culture has toggled between following the Lord and longing to be “like all the other nations.” In modern Israel, the arts have played a role in this process as Israel’s artists produced songs, films, books, and plays that glorified wickedness. As is common with Israel, once they follow in a direction, they eventually lead the way. Someone within Israel, must redirect the arts to glorify God.

Every year we highlight some of the personal stories of people who were helped by I Stand with Israel. Here are some of the harrowing tales of Israelis and Jews abroad in their time of need.

When Israel became a nation, she gave Bedouins living in her desert Israeli citizenship. However, with the Bedouin polygamous lifestyle, their numbers have increased exponentially and their cooperation with local authorities has decreased as the years have passed. Israel's Negev desert consists of about 60% of Israel's land mass. But it is quickly becoming a dangerous place to live in - or even pass through. 

This month of November Israel is attempting to elect a stable government for the 5th time in four years. If you're asking why, you're in the right place. It's not as simple as voting for "right" or "left" in Israel. Listen for a summary of how Israel's political system works and various party platforms, and you may find you can now pray for Israel's governement with new understanding. 

Christy Wilkerson's farewell letter to Maoz partners as she retires after 35 years of serving as the international administrator in the USA office.

In a new episode of Israeli Insiders podcast we will cover some questions that our readers have sent in, this time about the ancient Jewish “secrets” to living multi- generationally, including three reasons why people shy away from taking on this challenge.

Every Year millions of Israeli as well as Jewish families around the world gather around a table to eat, sing and celebrate Rosh Hashanah: the Feast of Trumpets as well as what has become the traditional Jewish new year! Counting from the time of creation, this year ticks up to 5783!

There are so many things to talk about when it comes to the Biblical Feasts - and so, in honor of the upcoming fall High Holidays, we answer some of the questions we’ve been asked about how Christians can relate to them.

Operation Breaking Dawn - the three day war. Hear how Israelis experienced this event as described in the Maoz Israel Report by Shani Ferguson