Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, we mark three years since the October 7th, 2023, Hamas attack with special guest Benny Gantz, Israel’s former Defense Minister and alternate Prime Minister. Gantz shares what it was like inside Israel’s war room, the challenges of unity among political rivals, the heated debates over strategy, and the personal cost of war. He also offers a special message to evangelical Christians considering a visit to Israel. Join us for an insider’s perspective on crisis leadership and faith amid conflict.

(00:02) Inside Israel's election tensions

(03:06) Discussing Israeli leadership dynamics

(07:00) Netanyahu and Unity Government Dynamics

(12:32) War room strategy discussions

(15:09) Discussing a past unique crisis

(18:19) Addressing criticisms and misunderstandings

(20:49) Reflecting on Psalm 121 for Israel

(26:34) Forming emergency unity government

(27:54) Interview with a key decision-maker

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Bible verse of the day:

Psalm 121: 1- 4. I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Prayer Request:

Pray for Israel as they are fatigued, as they are wondering when normalcy will return. And pray with us that they would cry out in these same words of David, that they would have the same heart as the shepherd king David, that they would lift up their eyes to the hills, that they would look to the Lord, that they would ask Him for His protection, and that they would turn to know their God, the God who keeps Israel.

Related Episodes:

The Mecca Pact: Is Saudi Arabia Turning Away from Israel? #386

Bye-Bye Bibi? Israel's Most Consequential Election in Decades #385

Raising Up Israel's Next Generation: The Story of Netivah #382

War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg unpack the astonishing story of the recent FlyDubai hijacking attempt on a flight headed to Tel Aviv. With families returning from holiday and 174 lives at stake, chaos erupted as a co-pilot tried to seize control midair. The hosts reveal the heroism of passengers and crew, the swift military response, and the series of miracles that prevented disaster. Join Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg as they discuss the significance of this event for Israel’s security, regional peace, and spiritual resilience.

(00:02) Intercepting hijacked plane over Israel

(03:39) Israel's security improvements

(08:39) Pilot Smit's heroic actions

(12:19) Plumber's heroic act during attack

(15:02) Potential aerial conflict incident

(18:09) Am Yisrael Chai discussion

(22:16) Emergency codes and Israeli response

(24:10) Flying during conflict and Middle East tensions

(30:24) Praying for plane incident survivors

(32:35) Reflecting on Sukkot's significance

(36:18) Praying for unity and strength

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Bible verse of the day:

Psalm 121:1-2. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Prayer Request:

Prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving that the God of Israel never slumbers or sleeps, that He is always on the job, and that He is always watching over the Israeli people and His people.

Let's pray that the Israelis would recognize that, would recognize that the God of Israel is who they should be turning to, who they should be thankful to, who they should be calling out to, to reveal Himself to them, that they would get comfort from the Lord, and that they would worship the Lord.

Related Episodes:

Audacious Prayers for the Epicenter #387

The Mecca Pact: Is Saudi Arabia Turning Away from Israel? #386

What is Happening? The Staggering Shift of Muslims to Christianity #384

War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg speaks with Dr. Imad Shehada, founder of the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS), about how God is equipping the next generation of pastors and church leaders in the Middle East. Discover how JETS is training men and women from across the region to face cultural, political, and spiritual challenges, and hear inspiring stories of how biblical leadership is fueling a spiritual awakening in one of the world’s most complex regions.

(00:02) Equipping Middle Eastern church leaders

(05:15) Biblical sites in Jordan

(07:37) Meeting King Abdullah II of Jordan

(11:35) Believing in the whole Bible

(14:08) Literal vs. figurative interpretation

(16:50) Raising new church leaders

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Bible verse of the day:

Matthew 9:37-38 - He then said to his disciples, the harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest

Prayer Request:

Pray for Dr. Imad Shehadeh, the faculty, staff, and students of the Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary as they faithfully prepare pastors and ministry leaders to serve throughout the Middle East. Ask God to grant them wisdom, protection, and abundant resources for their ministry. And also pray for the next generation of church leaders across the Middle East.

Ask the Lord to call more men and women into the ministry, strengthen those who already are serving, and empower them through the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel despite opposition and hardship

Related Episodes:

How Local Churches in Israel Bring Hope and Practical Help #34

Stories of Faith and Resilience in Crisis from Inside the Epicenter #341

Evangelical Pastors Join Forces with Israel for a Meaningful Mission #277

Arab Pastor’s Life-Altering Mission Among Israelis and Palestinians #23

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. In this episode, hosts Joel and Lynn Rosenberg are joined by Executive Director Kelli Drury to celebrate 20 years of the Joshua Fund and share their most audacious prayers for the future. Together, they discuss faith-filled hopes for ministry in Iran, compassion for orphans and widows in Gaza, and the dream of building the Willow House discipleship center in Israel. Tune in for inspiring stories, bold vision, and practical ways you can join the mission.

(00:02) Introducing the podcast and co-founders
(04:00) Religious efforts between Israel and Iran
(09:15) Prayers for Middle Eastern outreach
(10:27) Discussing spiritual hope for Iran
(16:36) Prayer focus and global outreach
(20:33) Discussing humanitarian aid in Gaza
(22:37) Hope for the church in Gaza
(26:41) Focus on love and forgiveness
(29:29) Dream of a spiritual center
(33:39) Vision for the Willow House
(38:17) Praying for the church's mission
(41:11) Praying for breakthroughs in Gaza

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Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund
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Join us in Israel in 20207

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Bible verse of the day:

Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, Jesus says, I, Jesus, am with you always, even to the end of the age. 

Prayer Request:

Pray with us about the corridor between Tel Aviv and Tehran, that God would be mightily pouring out His Spirit in Tehran, into all the Iranian people, even the enemies, even the most hardened enemies, that God would appear to them in visions and dreams, and that they would come to know Him, and that the whole Holy Spirit would be poured out all the way across that highway down to Tel Aviv.

Pray for Gaza, that God would break through the darkness, and that there would be new opportunities and open doors for The Joshua Fund and other believers and churches to come alongside and bring hope and life to the people of Gaza. Pray for the orphans and the widows; pray for us as we dream and pursue a ministry center, the Willow House, here in Israel, as we raise the funds to do that; pray with us that God would make it a reality

Related Episodes:

Bye-Bye Bibi? Israel's Most Consequential Election in Decades #385
Pastor Israel Iluz’s Story from the Front Lines in Kiryat Shmona #383
Raising Up Israel's Next Generation: The Story of Netivah #382
Tim and Carolyn Lugbill Share Early Joshua Fund Memories #380

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter, where we explore the latest events in the Middle East through a biblical perspective. In this episode, Joel and Lynn Rosenberg discuss the surprising new “Mecca Pact” alliance between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—a development that’s raising eyebrows across the region and among Christian observers. They examine how this pact could affect Israel, why it’s causing both concern and confusion, and whether it fits into biblical prophecy or is simply another political realignment. Join us as we seek clarity, encouragement, and a call to prayer amid rapidly shifting alliances at the epicenter.

(00:02) New Middle East Alliances Discussed
(06:19) Houthi attacks and U.S. response
(07:03) Middle East geopolitical tensions
(11:14) Erdogan's Neo-Ottoman Ambitions
(14:34) T.E. Lawrence's Aqaba Campaign
(19:10) Praying for nations and the Gospel
(23:04) Discussing the Joshua Fund's role
(24:25) Russia and alliances in prophecy
(30:11) MBS interview on Fox News
(31:55) Supporting global Christian communities

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Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund
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Join us in Israel in 2027

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

Bible verse of the day:

Daniel 7:13-14- In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. And he was given authority, glory, and sovereign power. All nations and peoples of every language worshiped. His dominion is everlasting and will not pass away, and His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Prayer Request: 

Pray for Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. We know that countries, like pieces on a chessboard, move around and make different kinds of alliances and plans. And yet, we know from Daniel that the Lord, who is Jesus, the Son of Man, that He is the One with an everlasting Kingdom that will not pass away. And we would love for the people of the epicenter to know that. 
Pray that the Gospel would go forward more and more, that the Church would be strengthened here in the epicenter so that they might turn people away from political solutions— they're putting their hope there— and instead, put their hope in the Lord Jesus, in the Ancient of Days, the One who has written this story long before any of us walked here on earth, long before the Ottoman Empire.

Related Episodes:
What is Happening? The Staggering Shift of Muslims to Christianity #384
War, Rumors of War, and the Gospel #381
Iran, Israel, and God’s Sovereign Plan in the Last Days #377
Unbelievable Stories Coming Out of Iran #375

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. On this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg discuss how Israel is approaching its most consequential election in years: will the country keep Prime Minister Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu or turn to rising challenger Gadi Eisenkot? From Eilat, Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg explore why support for Netanyahu is fading, introduce the candidates, and break down the key issues fueling national debate—from security to economic pressures and political alliances. Tune in to Inside the Epicenter for timely context and guidance on how Christians can pray for Israel as it faces a season of change and decision.

(00:02) Israel's upcoming national elections
(04:30) American evangelicals and Netanyahu's support
(07:18) Israeli unity and protest shifts
(13:01) Gadi Eisenkot's military background
(14:34) Netanyahu family and military service
(17:59) Mixed Israeli Support for Netanyahu
(22:37) Invitation to Israel Tour
(26:06) Discussion on Mental and Physical Trauma
(27:50) Netanyahu's recent actions and criticism
(33:08) Gadi Eisenkot's political stance
(35:10) Netanyahu's alliance with the ultra-Orthodox
(40:24) Discussing faith and political leadership
(41:11) Praying for Christians in Israel

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Bible verse of the day:
Daniel chapter 2:20-22-Daniel answered and said, blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belongs wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.

Prayer Request: 
Pray for Israel at this time of great change and great questioning. Pray that the Israelis that they would turn their hearts to the Lord and say, the Lord should lead us.
Pray for this election. Pray that God's will will be done. Pray that people are elected and put in place who will be wise, do God's will, and be kind to the Jewish people.

Related Episodes:

Raising Up Israel's Next Generation: The Story of Netivah #3
Iran, Israel, and God’s Sovereign Plan in the Last Days #377 
Can Israel and Lebanon Achieve Lasting Peace? #373
Inside Passover: Spiritual Strength Amid War in Israel #357

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. On this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg welcome Henri Aoun, a Lebanese evangelical leader, to discuss how God is moving powerfully among Muslims today. Hear inspiring stories from the front lines, learn why prayer and outreach matter, and discover how The Joshua Fund seeks to bless both Israel and its neighbors with the hope of the Gospel.

(00:02) Muslims converting to Christianity
(06:00) Calling Professionals to Serve Faith
(08:39) Discussing ministry in Central Asia
(11:58) Meeting a Lebanese caretaker
(15:33) Discussing faith and active evangelism
(20:42) Praying for common names
(24:04) Joining the Joshua Fund board
(26:43) Blessing and helping Israel
(30:14) Encouragement to support the Joshua Fund
(32:12) Discussing impactful evangelism model

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com
Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund
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Bible verse of the day:
Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the nations. 

Prayer Request:
Pray for God to raise up more workers because we know that the harvest is plentiful. 
Pray that the people of the epicenter would walk in confidence, knowing that God is at work.

Related Episodes:

Stories of Faith Among Jews and Muslims in the Epicenter #369 
Dr. Hormoz Shariat - Are Iranians Turning to Jesus During Crisis? #356
Why Are Millions of Muslims Turning to Jesus? #342
Why Gazans Are Leaving Islam and Finding Hope in Christ #313

Join us in 2027 in Israel!!

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. What does it mean to lead a congregation on Israel’s war-torn northern border? In this episode of Inside the Epicenter, Joel and Lynn Rosenberg take us inside Kiryat Shmona, where Pastor Israel Iluz and his Messianic community serve as a light amid relentless missile attacks and evacuation. You'll hear Pastor Israel’s powerful story—from growing up in a devout Orthodox Jewish home to finding faith in Yeshua—and how his congregation is caring for soldiers, Holocaust survivors, and neighbors under fire. Discover what it looks like to persevere, serve, and reflect God’s love in the midst of crisis, as we spotlight The Joshua Fund’s enduring partnership with these courageous believers on the front lines.

(00:02) Living as a Pastor During War
(04:29) Life in Kiryat Shmona during war
(10:16) Praying for Kiryat Shmona community
(12:21) Hope and perseverance through faith
(17:31) Questioning Religious Hypocrisy
(21:19) Praying for Israel's guidance
(24:50) Episode closing and gratitude
(25:38) A greeting in Hebrew

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Bible verse of the day:
Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Prayer Request:
Pray for Pastor Israel Eluz, his family, and the Messianic congregation in Kiryat Shmona. Ask the Lord to protect them as they continue living and ministering near Israel's northern border with Lebanon, and to give them courage, strength, and wisdom to faithfully shepherd and serve their community. 
Pray for the people of northern Israel who've endured war, displacement, fear, and tremendous uncertainty. Pray that this congregation will be a bright light for Jesus in Kiryat Shmona. 

Related Episodes:
Raising Up Israel's Next Generation: The Story of Netivah #382
Minister Amichai Chikli - Israel’s Fight Against Iran and Hezbollah#363
Pastor Illuz’s Journey Amid Hezbollah Rockets/ A Pastor’s Battle Against Fear #362
Henri Aoun - Insights from Lebanon's Evangelical Leader #231

Join us in Israel in 2027

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund. In this episode, part of our series celebrating 20 years of The Joshua Fund, Joel sits down with Joel and Leila Goldberg, founders of Netivah, one of the very first ministries The Joshua Fund ever invested in. Netivah is a national youth ministry in Israel that prepares believing teenagers and young soldiers to know, defend, and share their faith — often as the only believer in their entire school. Joel and Leila share powerful testimonies of young people transformed through Netivah's pre-military and discipleship programs, and reflect on 20 years of raising up "arrows" for the next generation of the Israeli church.

(00:00) A generation prepared, not just recruited

(01:36) Introducing Netivah: 20 years of youth ministry in Israel

(04:09) The loneliness of being the only believer in your school

(04:54) Starting Netivah with obedience, not clarity

(06:24) Psalm 127 and Jude: the Scriptures behind Netivah's mission

(09:59) "Jay's" story: from wanting to do the minimum to giving his life to Christ

(14:21) "This is the last chance I'm giving God"

(14:57) A second testimony: transformed through the book of Romans

(18:18) Investing in young women through Netivah 

(18:56) Leila Goldberg on 20 years of God's faithfulness

(20:50) Sharing your faith: the next level after growing in it

(22:15) Why the Joshua Fund has invested in Netiva for 20 years

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com

Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund

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Bible verse of the day:
Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Prayer Request:

1. Pray for Joel and Leila Goldberg and their whole team and staff at Netivah, that God would continue to bless them and give them all the resources they need to keep investing in the youth of Israel.

2. Pray for the youth leaders as they continue to be raised up by the Lord to invest in the next generation.

3. Pray for the young people of Israel as they graduate from high school and go into the army, that God would use them as a mighty force of bold witness and that they would influence their peers and their country more and more.

Related Episodes:

Inside the Epicenter #380: Carolyn and Tim Lugbill
The Joshua Fund's 20-Year Journey #379
How It All Began: The Joshua Fund's Origin Story #378

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter Weekend Edition with New York Times bestselling author and Middle East expert Joel Rosenberg. This is a radio program of the Joshua Fund. Today we're featuring highlights from a message Joel delivered at Calvary Church in Aurora, Colorado. Joel explains why three years of war have created the most spiritually open environment for the gospel in Israel and the Muslim world in modern history — and then turns to Scripture, showing how God has always called ordinary, unqualified, even reluctant people like Nehemiah, Peter, Timothy, and Moses to do extraordinary things. He closes with a direct invitation for anyone listening to say yes to Jesus for the first time.

(01:30) An unprecedented spiritual openness in Israel and the Muslim world
(06:00) Called but unqualified: Nehemiah, Peter, Timothy, Jonah, Gideon, and Moses
(09:30) Transition: what Timothy's calling teaches us today
(10:30) 1 Timothy 4: don't let anyone look down on you
(14:00) A prayer-hearing, wonder-working God: lessons in humility from Joshua and Jericho
(17:30) Confidence in God's Word and the Great Commission
(20:00) An invitation: Is God calling you to something today?
(23:00) Closing prayer of salvation

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Bible verse of the day:

1 Timothy 4:16 - Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.
Prayer Request:

Related Episodes:

Blessing Israel and Her Neighbors #379
How It All Began: The Joshua Fund's Origin Story #378

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Welcome to Inside the Epicenter with Joel Rosenberg and Lynn Rosenberg, brought to you by the Joshua Fund.  In this special episode, Lynn Rosenberg celebrates the 20th anniversary of The Joshua Fund with Carolyn Lugbill and Tim Lugbill—key figures present from the very start. They share memories from the early days of launching the ministry, recounting how faith, prayer, and an unwavering vision to bless Israel and her neighbors shaped The Joshua Fund’s humanitarian outreach and growth. Join us as we hear powerful stories, lessons learned, and encouragement for the next generation to join in what God is doing in the epicenter.

Come and join us in Israel!!

https://joshuafund.com/2027-epicenter-summit-landing-page/

(00:02) Starting a new religious organization
(05:01) Humanitarian outreach initiatives
(09:52) Perception of blessings and charity
(11:46) Family trip to Israel 2007
(14:40) Celebrating The Joshua Fund's Anniversary
(19:10) Starting the Joshua Fund ministry
(24:04) Trusting Faith and Stewardship
(25:48) Hiring Chris Free for storytelling
(31:44) Experiencing Israel with the Joshua Fund
(34:33) Humanitarian aid day and Epicenter Summit

Learn more about The Joshua Fund: JoshuaFund.com
Make a tax-deductible donation: Donate | The Joshua Fund
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Bible verse of the day:
Zechariah chapter 4:10 - Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. 

Prayer Request:
Pray and thank God for His faithfulness to us as a team, for the way that He's brought people together, both our board, our staff, and our partners. And would you 
Pray that the Lord would take us further into the next 20 years, that He would keep showing us His will, that we would keep walking in faithfulness, and that He would use us to build and equip the church in the epicenter to reach their people with the Gospel.

Related Episodes:

The Joshua Fund’s 20-Year Journey #379
How It All Began: The Joshua Fund's Origin Story #378 
The Joshua Fund’s Origin Story #107
Who Exactly Is Joel Rosenberg and What Is The Joshua Fund That He & His Wife Founded? #1

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