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Pastor Dragan Stojanovic, president of the Israel Field of Seventh-day Adventists and editor of the Inspiration newsletter, reports that, by God’s grace, there have been no casualties among Seventh-day Adventists in Israel, even amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The Adventist community in Israel includes approximately 930 members and friends who worship in 20 congregations across the country, reflecting a rich cultural diversity with nine languages spoken: Hebrew, English, Russian, Romanian, Spanish, Amharic, Akan, Azerbaijani, and Arabic.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

In the March edition of Inspiration, Pastor Stojanovic shares the experience of one of their pastors, Gerardo Farías, who lives in the Tel Aviv area with his wife, Joselyn. Together, they serve the Spanish-speaking congregation and support the youth of the Israel Field. Their apartment building, however, does not have a protected shelter.

Because of the current security situation, Gerardo and many others have spent several nights seeking refuge in a public bomb shelter located in a Tel Aviv metro station. For four nights, this underground space has become a place of safety during missile alerts.

In these unusual circumstances, we are reminded that beyond every human shelter, God remains our true refuge and strength—a shelter in the time of storm.

Faith and Fellowship in the Shelter at Advent House

The spirit of our community remains strong despite uncertain times. Last Sabbath, due to the frequent alerts, our Sabbath School and worship service were held in the shelter, with about 25 to 30 people in attendance. Despite the unusual circumstances, the atmosphere was filled with faith and gratitude. We prayed together, sang hymns, and shared words of hope from the Scriptures.

During the week, 10 to 15 members gathered in the basement to seek protection from the missiles. These moments serve as a powerful reminder that the church is not defined by a building, but by the people who come together in faith, encouraging one another and trusting in God’s presence.

“One of our greatest sources of strength has been the many messages of encouragement we have received from friends and partners on all five continents. Your prayers, letters, and words of support remind us that we are part of a global family of faith. In the midst of uncertainty, we hold firmly to God’s promise: “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Thank you for standing with us in prayer and hope.”

Reference:

Inspiration Newsletter

Israel Field of Seventh-day Adventists