City of Life Ministries (CLM) in Sderot – a town adjacent to Gaza – requests prayer for a court hearing on 2 February. They have an ongoing legal battle over using their rented premises for humanitarian aid and meetings of the Messianic congregation.
Sderot, known as “the bomb shelter capital of the world” because of its numerous refuges from missile attacks, was targeted when Hamas launched its attack from Gaza on 7 October 2023. Militants killed 50 civilians and 20 police officers in what became known as the Battle of Sderot. CLM ministers to those displaced by the attack and supports reservists of the Israel Defence Forces, among others.
Since 2020, CLM has faced repeated opposition from ultra-Orthodox Jewish extremist groups, influencing Sderot Municipality to open a case against CLM and pastor Michael Beener for alleged zoning regulation violations. At an initial court hearing in March 2023, the judge remarked that this is the only example of Sderot Municipality pursuing alleged violations of zoning regulations in this area, implying discriminatory treatment.
CLM rents a large space in the industrial area for their humanitarian work and congregational meetings. In August 2020, the chief rabbis of Sderot united to organise a demonstration in front of the ministry building. During this protest, ultra-Orthodox leaders declared that they would expel the Messianics from the city. This demonstration was accompanied by an extensive media campaign slandering the ministry and pastor Michael.
Prayer Points
Prayer is requested that:
- CLM and Michael will have favour in the courts,
- Their lawyers will have wisdom as they represent their clients
- The Messianic congregation in Sderot will respond to the opposition with love and faith and their humanitarian activities continue without interruption,
- There would be the opportunity for CLM to purchase a suitable property and continue their witness in Sderot.
