ENHANCE - 1st Quarter 2026

1 st Quarter 2026 • No 226
Christian Friends of Israel
United Kingdom
He is good; his love toward
Israel endures forever
Ezra 3:11
INSIDE: EDITORIAL – He has helped his servant Israel • A Tribute to Andrew Day • HEBREW WORD FOCUS – TOV - Good • Around & About
40 th Israel Tour Report • Festival Reports • Israel‘s Global Context • June Tour 2026 • Resources

Editorial
Christian Friends of Israel
United Kingdom
He has helped his
servant Israel
About us
CFI UK seeks to bless Israel through
practical and moral support, and serve
the Church in teaching about God’s
purposes for Israel and the Hebrew
heritage of our faith.
CFI UK also produce a monthly prayer
letter and a fortnightly news update with
commentary.
Please contact us for full details of
projects in Israel and the teaching
resources available.
As an educational charity, we carry a
variety of resources relevant to our
purpose. We do not necessarily endorse
every view expressed by our guest
writers or authors.
Encouraging understanding in the
Church about Israel in context of the
Bible, history and today.
Challenging prejudice against Israel
and antisemitism alongside the Jewish
community in the UK.
Assisting community cross-culturally
in Israel with charitable projects -
medical, educational and social.
What’s in a name?
ENHANCE means to increase, or further
improve the quality, value, or extent
of, in our instance, Christian friendship
of Israel. It also emphasises that when
God’s faithfulness to Israel is included and
understood by the wider Church, it truly is
‘faith enhancing.’
ENHANCE Magazine
Published by:
CFI Charitable Trust, PO Box 2687
Eastbourne BN22 7LZ
Tel: 01323 410 810
Email: info@cfi.org.uk
www.cfi.org.uk
Registered Charity, No. 1101899
Registered Office c/o
Caladine, Chantry House, 22 Upperton Road
Eastbourne, BN21 1BF
Company No: 04984515
VAT Registration No: GB678780275
Front cover photo:
Galileecalendars.com
April 2022
Jacob Vince
Toward the end of last year
there were celebrations of
Hanukkah and Christmas.
Reading the story of Hanukkah in the
book of the Maccabees it is possible
to see a rescue from the enemy at the
time, restoration and rededication
of the temple. (The tradition of
the miracle of the oil is added 450
years after the birth of Jesus and the
apostolic record.) So biblically and
in historical records of the time, the
people of Israel would be looking
back to their return to the land during
the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, as
well as God’s later deliverance during
the time of the Maccabees. They
were also keenly aware of the Roman
conquest under which they existed in
the land of Israel.
Moving to the time celebrated today
as Christmas, we note the nativity
story recorded by Luke provides
one of the songs read regularly from
the Book of Common Prayer, the
authorised liturgy for the Church
of England, titled the Magnificat or
Mary’s song.
What is noticeable, when stripped of
all that has accumulated concerning
Mary in the many centuries since her
words and song were recorded by
Luke, is how much was based upon
on the earlier Scriptures, which the
text suggests Mary clearly knew.
There was a great expectation of God
coming to the aid of Israel during the
period of Roman rule, let alone what
happened during the historical story
at the time of the Maccabees. But this
expectation was based upon what had
been seen throughout the Scriptures
at especially significant periods in
Israel’s history.
In light of all this, Mary has faith that,
“From now on all generations will call
me blessed’ (Luke 1:48),
and expresses of the Mighty One that,
“His mercy extends to those who fear
him, from generation to generation’
(Luke 1:50).
Mary then echoes, in her day, this
inter-generational help of the Lord to
Israel as she acknowledges,
“He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful to Abraham
and his descendants for ever, even as he
said to our fathers” (Luke 1:54-55).
So where might Mary have observed
from the Scriptures God’s help in the
past?
Firstly, in the Law and Deuteronomy.
Moses’ final words from Mount
Nebo as he blesses the twelve
tribes of Israel, from Reuben to
Asher, conclude with this blessing
concerning Israel,
“Blessed are you Israel! Who is like you,
a people saved by the Lord? He is your
shield and helper”
(Deuteronomy 33:29).
God was seen as Israel’s shield and
helper.
Next in the Prophets, Mary was able
to recall God’s help when Samuel
the judge and prophet addresses
Israel twenty years after the return
of the ark of the covenant from the
Philistines, following a subsequent
decisive victory against them at
Mizpah, in answer to Israel’s prayer
and repentance,
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it
between Mizpah and Shan. He named
it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far has the
Lord helped us.” (1 Samuel 7:12)
So, we see that God responded to the
people of Israel as they turned to him,
by expressing his mercy across the
generations and once again helped.
Next, we come to the third part of the
Scriptures, the Psalms, and a song,
a Psalm of David, entitled ‘for the
dedication of the Temple’, no less.
Here we see David’s appeal for God’s
mercy and help,
“Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me:
O Lord be my help” (Psalms 30:10).
So Mary, in light of God’s help
through significant periods of
previous generations, expresses in her
2 ENHANCE • 1 st Quarter 2026

A Tribute
‘The furious longing of God’
A loving tribute to Andrew Day
By David Soakell
Many of you will have heard, seen,
and known Andrew Day as he led
worship on keyboards with his
wife Liz (who played bass guitar,
and who is also a CFI UK Link) at
our Annual Christian Friends of
Israel conferences in Eastbourne
for four years up until 2024.
Andrew was a highly skilled piano tuner,
covering most of the Isle of Wight, where
he grew up and where his family live. He
was also an accomplished organ player.
Both Andrew and Liz were scheduled to
lead worship again last September but
sadly had to pull out due to his illness.
Andrew passed away on the 23 rd October
2025 after battling six months of cancer.
Andrew suffered with a tumour in his
oesophagus, the muscular tube that
connects the throat (pharynx) to the
stomach. The news was devastating.
Julia, Matthew, and I have led conferences
for CFI UK on the Isle of Wight over
the years, as Andrew always wanted
his church, and indeed the church in
general, to fully grasp the importance of
supporting Israel, the biblical importance
of God’s everlasting promises with the
Jewish people and the land of Israel, and
our Hebraic heritage. Indeed, Andrew and
his family have become like an extended
part of our family, and we have spent
a few holidays together on the Isle of
Wight. Both Andrew and Liz, along with
their son Tristan, and daughter Felicity
have also had two wonderful holidays
with us in the Cumbrian Lake District and
the Yorkshire Dales. These were great
times, and ‘Happy Days.’
As I wrote in my tribute in the CFI UK
Watching over Zion report, which I also
shared at Andrew’s ‘Thanksgiving’ on the
Isle of Wight where I read a quote from
Charles Spurgeon who stated,
“God’s whole character commands our
reverence because it is superlatively holy,
and his Name is to us a word of awe never
to be mentioned flippantly, and never to
be quoted without earnest thought and
prostration of heart before him.”
This was followed by a quote from
Brennan Manning’s book called,
‘The furious longing of God’ – a very
challenging book. The reason I included
these two references is that Andrew will
now indeed be ‘standing in awe’ literally
before our great King and Lord, and he
will be ‘experiencing the furious longing
of God’ that we can only imagine. A lot of
questions of course remain unanswered,
like why? And we probably won’t have
the answers until we too stand in glory.
In the present, we can only imagine what
it will be like to walk by God’s side as the
worship song by MercyMe describes,
“I can only imagine, what my eyes would
see, when your face is before me…
Surrounded by your glory, what will my
heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or
in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your
presence, or to my knees, will I fall? Will I
sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at
all?”
Well… we can only imagine, but Andrew
no longer needs to imagine! Andrew was
such a mighty man of God, a wonderful
husband to Liz and father to their children,
but also a dear brother and good friend
of Julia, Matthew and I – we will miss him
dearly.
I’ve produced a short film tribute,
uploaded onto YouTube with the kind
permission of Liz and her family, should
you wish to view it at https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=zJBo26dzPxI
A donation in Andrew’s memory may be sent to:
Mountbatten Hospice c/o www.geoffleather.co.uk
(Funeral Directors) or via CFI UK. Thank you.
generation that,
“He has, helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful to
Abraham and his descendants for
ever, even as he said to our fathers”
(Luke 1:54-55).
Inspired by the Spirit, Mary’s song
is based on the Scriptures. Similarly
inspired, her cousin Elizabeth
says what later becomes Scripture,
recounted during the time of the
apostles and recorded by Luke in
his biographical account of Jesus.
She realised that words spoken by
the angel to Mary would be fulfilled
just a few months later,
“Blessed is she who has believed that
the Lord would fulfil his promises to
her” (Luke 1:4).
So, we see God’s faithfulness
distinctively to Israel in everything
he says to them throughout all four
parts of the Bible.
But this will be extended to the
whole world, as stated by Simeon,
who is described as ‘righteous
and devout’, and waiting for the
‘consolation of Israel’ (see Luke 2:25),
interestingly also part of the Church
of England authorised liturgy,
“For my eyes have see your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight
of all people, a light for revelation to
the Gentiles and for the glory of your
people Israel” (Luke 2:31-32).
1 st Quarter 2026 • ENHANCE 3

Hebrew Word Focus
VERY GOOD:
Fulfilling the Purpose
Melissa Briggs “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good ...” (Psalm 34:8)
טֹוב
TOV
Good
As I perused the carpet aisle of a home
improvement store, I saw the flooring
options were all categorised by three
ratings: “good, better and best”.
It felt natural to translate that as: “cheap quality, probably
passable, and actually good”. Was I right to infer that
for a new carpet to be suitably fit for our purpose (i.e.
longevity in handling a lot of foot traffic), then a “good”
rating would not be “good enough”?
Often in our modern culture a simple “good” label can
express mere mediocracy or “nothing special-ness”. In
an era of hyperbole and mass-marketing superlatives,
sometimes we can lose track of the value, power and
preciousness of the biblical concept of “goodness”.
The Hebrew word טֹוב TOV is usually translated as ‘good’
or ‘goodness’. But what does ‘good’ really mean? It is a
question to which we probably have never given much
thought. Do we usually just mean it to be “acceptable”, or
to be the opposite of bad or evil?
When we study the biblical context and usage
of TOV, we see that a better translation or
understanding of TOV is along the lines of:
“well-designed, pleasing, fit for purpose,
and functioning in line with that purpose”.
Something is TOV when it possesses and expresses Godgiven
design for life-giving functionality. God made us –
and the whole world – to support life. The exact balance
of ecosystems and atmospheres, the distance from the
sun, and everything in all of creation attests to this! “For
everything God created is TOV...”
(1 Timothy 4:4).
Of course, the first time we encounter TOV in the Bible is
in Genesis chapter 1 – seven times. From the beginning,
each day of God’s work was well-designed and supported
life. God’s creation is both beautiful and functional. When
something fulfils the purpose for which it is was created
(ultimately to be life-giving), it is TOV. “And God saw
everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very TOV”
(Genesis 1:31).
TOV is also sometimes translated as “beneficial” or
“agreeable”. Does a thing bring benefit to the Lord, his
creation, and life? Does it agree with and please God? Then
it is certainly TOV! “I remain confident of this: I will see the TOV
of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).
We see TOV again in Genesis chapter 2 in the name of a
world-changing tree. Why did God command Adam
and Eve: “But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge
of TOV and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly
die.”? (Genesis 2:17). God had already surrounded
Adam and Eve with abundant goodness (especially his
own presence!), so they already “knew TOV” in a real,
experiential way. Could it be that God was not trying to
stop humans from having knowledge of TOV, rather, he
4 ENHANCE • 1 st Quarter 2026
God is
Good
wanted to spare them from the effects of also knowing and
experiencing evil? Adam and Eve could have remained
just in their knowledge of “good”, but they disastrously
chose “the knowledge of good and evil”.
Thankfully, God did not leave Adam and Eve’s
descendants perpetually to bear the consequences of
humankind’s new knowledge. Rather, Father God enacted
his amazing redemption plan where Jesus the Messiah
would pay the price for evil and sin, to ‘buy back’ and
restore us through his death, burial, resurrection and
ascension. Now, anyone who repents of their own evil,
and calls on the name of Jesus as Lord, can receive God’s
forgiveness and the free gift of eternal life in order to be in
a right relationship with God (see Romans 6:23 and 10:9-13).
This salvation plan is exceedingly TOV, because it brings
eternal life and accomplishes the purpose for which it
was made. God’s essential, unchanging nature is that
he is TOV. When we live out his thoughtful design (in
every area) it reflects his goodness. He is the ultimate
supporter, redeemer and sustainer of all life.
And he wants us – and all of his creation – to
complete the course for which we were created.
“You are TOV, and what you do is TOV; teach me
your decrees.” (Psalm 119:68)
When something is used in line with the way
God designed it, it inherently brings glory to God as
the all-wise Creator and Sustainer of all things. When
someone or something is ‘good’, they are living out their
God-given design and bringing him glory in the process:
“They celebrate your abundant TOV [O, Lord] and joyfully
sing of your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:7)
Thankfully we are not left on our own to sort out how to
do this. The Lord has given us his Holy Spirit as a guide,
and God’s TOV will pursue us as we pursue him: “Surely
his CHESED (unfailing, covenant love) and TOV will pursue
me all the days of my life.” (Psalm 23:6)
The apostle Paul lists TOV as one of the fruits of the Spirit
– the evidence that God is working in and through our
lives (see Galatians 5:22-25). And the prophet Isaiah says
we should be able to properly distinguish TOV from its
counterpart, especially in an age where others confuse
them: “Woe to those who call evil TOV and TOV evil” (Isaiah
5:20)
It is incredibly comforting to know that as we frequently
bump up against badness, brokenness and pain in this
fallen world, God can redeem a situation for his glory
and purpose. Joseph says what the enemy means for evil,
God can turn to TOV (see Genesis 50:20): “And we know that
in all things God works for the TOV of those who love him, who
have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
MELISSA’S NEW LEVEL 1&2 VIDEO COURSE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
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Around & About
Events in the last quarter of 2025
Anniversary and Succot Celebration, Europe
In October, CFI UK joined the CFI Jerusalem national
representatives from France, Switzerland, Belgium,
the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany, along with CFI
Jerusalem director, Tristan Hall, at the CFI European
Conference in Mulhouse, France. Together with the
120 participants, we experienced a wonderful time of
fellowship, worship, prayer, getting to know each other
better, and above all, mutual encouragement. This
renewed our motivation and equipped us for the tasks
and challenges we face in our respective countries.
Julia Soakell shared about the work of CFI UK
CFI UK alongside representatives from France, Switzerland, Belgium, the
Netherlands, Italy and Germany with International Director, Tristan Hall.
The local church where the conference was held
supported us greatly, with all the resources and
personnel at their disposal, in a way rarely experienced
elsewhere. This unity in spirit and the servant heart of
everyone present, whether staff or visitors, opened the
door to the presence of God.
Launch of UK Israel Alliance, London
CFI UK attended the inaugural UK Israel Alliance event
on Thursday 20 th November, among 300 guests including
diplomats, journalists, and cross-party parliamentarians
from both houses. The alliance was formerly known
as ‘UK Israel Future Projects’ and this invitation-only
event was introduced by Committee Member, writer and
historian, Sir William Shawcross, son of the late Lord
Shawcross, lead British prosecutor at the Nuremberg
trials.
UK Israel Alliance gathering in London on Thursday 20 th November,
with Allison Pearson interviewing Douglas Murray.
The event featured an exclusive interview with Douglas
Murray, conducted by Allison Pearson, leader writer
for the Daily Telegraph. The two of them discussed
‘Israel after 7th October and the future of the Middle
East.’ Douglas spoke with clarity and purpose from his
direct experience and observations following 7th October.
Afterwards he signed copies of his latest book.
CFI UK Regional Event, West Midlands
David Walker, Regional Link for the West Midlands, has
developed a monthly meeting in Cradley Heath with the
support of a local Elim church pastor. These Saturday
evening meetings have seen a deepening love and
understanding on matters relating to Israel and how to
support the nation, as well as CFI UK and CFI Jerusalem.
A final event for the year saw CFI UK’s David and Julia
Soakell take the Saturday meeting and speak during the
Sunday morning service. David spoke on the subject of
‘Evidence that demands a verdict’, while Julia focused on
how to support Israel and CFI in prayer. As the festival
of Chanukah was about to begin, the theme of ‘Light and
Hope’ ran through the prayer times.
Sharn Ashbridge leading sung worship at St Asaph Baptist Church.
Shabbat Shalom and Israel teaching day,
St Asaph, North Wales
The year concluded with Jacob Vince, chief executive of
CFI UK, travelling to St Asaph Baptist Church, North
Wales, and speaking at their newly-inaugurated monthly
Shabbat Shalom gathering on Friday 19th December,
followed by an Israel teaching day on the Saturday
and preaching Sunday morning – all organised by the
minister Paul Ashbridge and his wife Sharn.
Subjects covered included the Feast of Dedication,
Distinguishing the Covenants, the Covenant Steps oneyear
Bible reading plan, Fulfilment and Replacement
Thinking, Messiah – Root and Offspring of David,
concluding with Humility and Understanding in
Romans. We also had a prayer session for the work of
CFI UK, Israel and the Church. One of the attendees
commented, “I found the day refreshing in anointed
worship and meaty teaching which I relished.”
1 st Quarter 2026 • ENHANCE 5

Tour 2025 Report
A Time of
Discovery
and Insight TOUR 2025
By Chantal Paskins
It was always my dream to be able
to go to Israel one day, and so it
happened. Praise God, and thank you
so much for this blessing CFI UK.
We were embraced by the warm
evening air as we arrived at Tel Aviv
and welcomed by our lovely tour guide
Ganit Peleg who took us to our Hotel in
Nazareth.
Thank God for all the archaeologists
who have done excavations so
beautifully preserved for us Christians
to see and experience. Listening to
Ganit showing us the historical and
biblical paths where Jesus walked, as
we drove through the areas to visit the
sites, really made the Bible come alive
for me.
It was lovely meeting everyone on the
tour as we shared our experiences,
travelled and spent time together as a
group. Although our days were busy,
every moment spent there was so
peaceful and special that words can
hardly describe it.
Also very special was the time we
visited the Garden Tomb and had
prayer and communion led by Pastor
John Spurier-Davies, one of the tour
participants. It was lovely to meet the
CFI Jerusalem team, who are involved
with all the projects. They each shared
their project roles and described the
warmth with which they have been
received – even more so over the last
two years. It made a deep impact on
me when listening to heartfelt stories,
and I realised the difference supporters
make through their giving.
We ended our visit at the Yad Vashem
memorial, which left me with sadness,
as I reflected how much prayer and
support is vital for Israel so that nothing
like this can happen again.
I finally felt what others were describing
after being in Israel. My heart was so
grateful that I was able to see the land
of Israel where Jesus was born.
Big thanks to Jacob who worked hard
to plan everything so well, Kate being a
helpful hand and Ganit Peleg for all her
patience keeping us safe all the time,
and the coach driver Mohammad who
took us through the busy streets of the
Holy Land.
6 ENHANCE • 1 st Quarter 2026

Your Reviews
“A huge thank you to Jacob and Kate for an amazing tour, you
both put so much into this for us and personally I would like to
thank you both so much. Thanks too for our tour guide Ganit
always full of devotion to her role, putting the heart of the land
of God into our hearts and minds to bring back to England.
Special thanks to Ganit and her husband Eran for a beautiful
“Kiddush Shabbat” service. Also, thanks to our skilful punctual
driver Mohammed!”
“I want to thank Jacob Vince at CFI UK and Mark of Shalom
Tours for all their hard work in creating an excellent tour of
Israel. The tour was excellent, although a little bit rushed at
times. They managed to squeeze in a lot, including some extra
items that you would never get on a normal tour. What a
privilege to visit the Bethsaida Julius excavations el-Araj and
meet Dr Steve Notley, an evidence archaeologist. We also
visited the British Mandate Internment camp, which was a first
for me although I have been to Israel several times before. And
we went to the ancient Bar’am site and met Shadi Khalloul –
Head of the Christian Aramaic Association. What a joy to meet
this lovely Christian man who spoke the same language that
Jesus did back in the New Testament days.
Another highlight was to visit a kibbutz and see the chickens
and bees and hear about their life. And perhaps my favourite
time was to walk along the Hezekiah Tunnel. We needed a
torch as we waded through water and imagined what it was like
in the days of Hezekiah. We also visited Bethlehem and had
a very nice Christian Arab guide there and visited a wonderful
local ministry as well as the Church of the Nativity. Yes, we did
see a lot of other famous sites as well.”
“Just to say what a wonderful time it was. There was so much to
see and experience. It was all outstanding. I particularly enjoyed
the time in the Garden Tomb and the Communion Service.
As we went about in the bus to so many different places, I
experienced a feeling of peace. It was a privilege to have the
time in Israel and to see how God was with the country in their
time of need on so many fronts, and is blessing them now.”
1 st Quarter 2026 • ENHANCE 7

Exhibition Report
Christian Resources
Exhibition
14–15 OCTOBER 2025 SANDOWN PARK | ESHER
By Sam Willis
We have had the privilege of exhibiting our
CFI UK Resources Stall at the Christian
Resource Exhibition (CRE) for many years.
This October the exhibition was held at the Sandown
Park Racecourse, a venue in a nice part of Surrey with
some great landscape. The exhibition itself covered the
entire ground floor of their main building, a facility of
over 4,000m 2, , and extended into the food hall and
reception areas too.
It was great to see so many different organisations and
charities packed into the venue, as well as some familiar
exhibitors who we met at other festivals. There were a
lot of visitors this year, and the exhibition was very busy
throughout, with wave after wave of people coming past
our stall.
This led to some great conversations and a lot of interest
in our resources. We were very grateful to find many
visitors, and indeed the neighbouring exhibitors, to be
very supportive of what we do. In fact, we were closely
situated to a couple of other ministries with outreaches
in the Middle East, and it was encouraging to meet
them. Most conversations were fruitful and there were
very few disagreements, aside from a few differences in
opinion over matters like dispensationalism and
supersessionism.
Apart from the exhibition, there were also many
seminars and presentations, as well as a few worship
sessions with musicians such as Graham Kendrick and
the Fellinghams. Jacob also had two sessions at which
to speak, giving an overview of his ‘Covenant Steps
Bible reading plan’, and speaking briefly on “Why be
friends of Israel”. These were well received, for the most
part, and helped to bring more traffic to the CFI UK
Resources Stall.
It was great to be a part of the event, and particularly to
be present at this one since it marked the 40 th
anniversary of CRE. It was a fruitful time of networking
with other organisations and encouraging each other.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY | THE CFI UK ANNUAL PRAYER CONFERENCE
Christian Friends of Israel
United Kingdom
Prayer conference
2026
FORTIFIED
AT FORTY
WHERE GOD CAME DOWN
Tuesday 17 th – Thursday 19 th March 2026
King’s Park Conference Centre, Northampton NN3 6LL
Tristan & Galya Hall
Join CFI UK prayer conference hosted by David and
Julia Soakell with special guests Tristan and Galya.
Programmes will be sent out nearer the time, but the venue
reception should open from 3:00pm on Tuesday 17 th and
the programme will go through until 1pm on Thursday 19 th
concluding with lunch together.
Be strong in
the Lord and
the strength
of his might
(Ephesians 6:2)
BOOK TODAY TO SECURE YOUR PLACE
www.cfi.org.uk | admin@cfi.org.uk
8 ENHANCE • 1 st Quarter 2026

Exhibition Report
Mission Worship
Conference
21–23 NOVEMBER 2025 KING’S CENTRE | EASTBOURNE
As part of our regular series of
attendance at Christian events,
Sam Willis and Robin Lane
took the Christian Friends of
Israel UK Resources Stall to the
Mission Worship Conference in
Eastbourne over the weekend
of Friday 21 st to Sunday 23 rd
November 2025.
There we joined ten other organisations
in the exhibition area,
including the Bible Society, which
gave an update presentation on the
Quiet Revival taking place in the
UK.
The whole exhibition area was
not especially busy during
the conference, as most of the
500 delegates were focused on
song writing, singing, playing
instruments, and outreach with
the gospel. However, we were
able to take part in the ‘Christian
Mission in Action’ seminar again
this year, alongside the Christian
Institute and Ellel Ministries, each
organisation having a 20-minute
time allowance.
We used our 20 minutes to focus
upon the objective of encouraging
understanding about Israel
among Christians and used a
series of video clips from Gerald
McDermott’s teaching at the
Christian Friends of Israel UK 40 th
Anniversary Annual Conference in
September 2025.
Beverley Dwyer joined us for a
couple of hours so that Sam was
able to make a video recording
while Robin presented the clips
from Gerald’s first talk at the
September conference, titled ‘Why
Israel matters in the Bible’. The
presentation was well received at
Mission Worship and prompted
five people to buy copies of the
conference recordings.
Since then, we have adapted the
video recording of our presentation
and posted it on CFI UK’s YouTube
channel, praying that it will prompt
more people to realise the Bible
confirms that Israel still matters
to the Lord our God, and that
some of them will be motivated
to buy full copies of Gerald’s
highly valuable teaching, along
with Martin Charlesworth’s very
timely presentation on ‘Cultural
progressivism and the rise of
antisemitism’.
UK EVENTS | CFI UK ARE HOPING TO EXHIBIT AT THE FOLLOWING LIVE EVENTS IN 2026
Big Church
Festival 2026
Everything
Unmissable
12-14 May 2026 Harrogate Convention Centre
August 28 -30, 2026 Wiston Estate | West Sussex
Wed 5 - Sun 9 August 2026
Badaguish, Glenmore, Aviemore PH22 1AD
Grange-de-Lings, Lincoln, LN2 2NA
Cornwall
CRE 26: 14-15 Oct 2026
Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey
August 6 - 9, 2026
Royal Cornwall Events Centre, Wadebridge, PL27 7JE
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1 st Quarter 2026 • ENHANCE 9

Special Report
Robin Lane
Israel in its 2026
Global Context
Israel’s war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip
is the longest in its history – an important
fact for a country whose defence forces
are geared up for short conflicts. It is also a
much wider war than most, including at least
six other groups of enemies, some among its
neighbours, others more than a thousand miles
away.
Knesset Government Building, Israel
Lebanon
The 27th November 2024 ceasefire with Lebanon was
shaky throughout 2025, with Israel accusing the Lebanese
Army of failing to dismantle unauthorised infrastructure,
military positions and weapons south of the Litani River.
Consequently, the Israelis struck at various attempts by
Hezbollah to rebuild its forces, and on 23 rd November 2025
carried out a precision strike on an apartment in Beirut that
killed Hezbollah’s military leader. The conflict looks set to
continue, as many observers doubt the Lebanese Army is
capable of disarming Hezbollah.
Syria
Israel deepened its move into southern Syria in February
2025. While conducting airstrikes there and in Damascus,
Israel demanded Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa,
demilitarise the south of the country. Five months later,
Israel conducted airstrikes in defence of Druze and Christian
communities in the Suweyda province, which had come under
attack from Bedouin and government forces. Things calmed
down until November, when Israel carried out a ground raid
on a village near the border, aiming to capture terrorists
planning attacks against Israeli civilians. The raid did not go
well and led to heavy clashes with armed locals. So, tensions
between Israel and Syria continue, just as with Lebanon.
Iran
Tensions with Iran came to a head on Friday 13th June
2025 with the start of the Twelve Day War. Israel achieved
dramatic results, severely damaging Iranian military forces
and nuclear development facilities. The USA joined the
assault on Saturday 21st June, flying B2 stealth bombers from
Missouri to demolish
some of the most
secure nuclear sites.
But rather than let Israel
press their advantage home to
completely defeat the Iranian regime, Donald Trump declared
a ceasefire just two days later.
Gaza Strip
The US President made a similar intervention in the Gaza
Strip in October 2025, achieving a second ceasefire with
Hamas. Fighting had intensified from 16th May with the
launch of Operation Gideon’s Chariots by Israel, seeking to
take over and hold large parts of the Strip. That operation
slowly and steadily progressed towards the defeat of Hamas,
even daring to move into Gaza City and gain control of more
than 80 percent of Gaza’s 141 square miles. But much to the
relief of most Israelis, the 10th October ceasefire resulted in
the release of all 20 live hostages and the bodies of all but
one of the remaining dead hostages.
Donald Trump’s
peace plan
involved 20
stages, described
in the 3rd Quarter
2025 edition of
ENHANCE, and
as 2025 drew to
a close, the US
President seemed
keen to progress
to stage two
despite Hamas’
refusal to disarm
and give up
control. But at a
29th December
meeting with
Benjamin Netanyahu, he returned to stronger statements
against both Hamas and Iran.
Globally
In late December 2025 it seemed Israel’s context for 2026
would be dominated by the USA wanting quiet in the Middle
East, due to other global issues. While much attention has
focused on the war in Ukraine, observers say the threat from
China is the main one, as well as some in South America.
Consequently, the USA wants to build its own forces and
avoid involvement in too many conflicts.
But protests broke out in Iran on 28th December, following
a drop in the value of its currency. They spread around the
country throughout early January, threatening to topple
the Islamic regime, which would have a huge impact on
the whole of the Middle East and change Israel’s context
dramatically.
10 ENHANCE • 1 st Quarter 2026

TUE 2
WED 3
Jaffa Port
(old city)
2026
BIBLE u HISTORY u TODAY FULLY GUIDED TOUR
2 – 8 JUNE £1720
Arrive Tel Aviv & transfer to...
Jaffa, Caesarea & Nazareth
Simon the
Tanner’s house
Join us as we walk where Jesus walked!
Caesarea
aqueduct
Grand Beach Hotel, Tel Aviv
Emily Boutique, Tiberius
Caesarea
amphitheatre
Caesarea
Hypodrome
x1
x2
Nazareth
Village
EL AL flights to
Tel Aviv included
BOOK
EARLY
Church of the
Annunciation
THU 4
Around the Galilee
Ancient Boat
at Ginosar
Capernaum
Synagogue
Boat ride on
Lake Kinneret
Mount Beatitudes
Sermon on the Mount
Magdala
Synagogue
FRI 5 Central Galilee & Jerusalem (East) Royal Hotel, Jerusalem x3
Sde Eliyahu
Kibbutz
Mahane Yehuda
Market
Mount of Olives
Observation
Garden of
Gethsemane
Western Wall
Kotel
Shabbat
Dinner
SAT 6
Bethlehem & Old City Jerusalem
Church of
the Nativity
Olive wood
shop
Beit Al Liqa’
The Garden
Tomb Tour
Pool at
Bethesda
Holy
Sepulcher
SUN 7
Masada
Judean Desert & City of David
Qumran Dead Sea David’s City Hezekiah’s
Tunnel
Pool of
Siloam
MON 8 Jerusalem West
Yad Vashem
Memorial
Model of
Jerusalem
Shrine
of the Book
Dead Sea
Scrolls
FLIGHT INFORMATION
EL AL Return flights from Heathrow / Tel Aviv.
Airport transfers are included for the main group arrivals only, on whichever flight the majority of the
passengers are booked. Early booking is advised. Flights subject to availability at time of booking.
2 June 2026 London Heathrow / Tel Aviv LY316 15:15 / 22:00
8 June 2026 Tel Aviv / London Heathrow LY317 17:00 / 20:20
BOOK EARLY ON: 01726 477077
ONLINE BOOKING FORM: https://shalomtours.co.uk/cfi-israel-tour-2026/
Tour operated by: Kernow Travel / Shalom Tours
ATOL: 12012 & PTS 5627
THE PRICE INCLUDES: Flights, Hotels on a Half Board Basis, guide
and bus transportation, admission to the relevant sites/activities.
NOT INCLUDED: Single room supplement £450 per person.
Tips & gratuities (£8 per day) Travel Insurance (You must have either
your own travel insurance or via Kernow Travel 01726 477077).
NB. All programmes & tours
subject to change
1 st Quarter 2026 • ENHANCE 11

Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16)
Copyright & Distribution by CFI Charitable Trust
CFI Communications PO Box 2687 Eastbourne BN22 7LZ
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The teaching material on these CDs is copyrighted by CFI Communications. All rights reserved.
Cover image: Copyright © Adobe Images
Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16)
Copyright & Distribution by CFI Charitable Trust
CFI Communications PO Box 2687 Eastbourne BN22 7LZ
Tel: 01323 410810 Email: info@cfi.org.uk ~ Website: www.cfi.org.uk
Registered Charity No:1101899 – VAT Registration No: 678-7802-75 – Company Registration No: 04984515
The teaching material on these DVDs is copyrighted by CFI Communications. All rights reserved.
Cover image: Copyright © CFI UK
Copyright & Distribution by CFI Charitable Trust
CONFERENCE SERIES
Resources www.cfi.org.uk/shop.php
Anniversary Conference 2025
THE BIBLE: A STORY THAT MAKES SENSE OF LIFE – ANDREW OLLERTON
The political, social and cultural upheaval of our times can leave us feeling bewildered and wondering where
to turn for trustworthy guidance. As unlikely as it may seem, could the Bible provide ancient wisdom that
helps us flourish today?
Join Andrew Ollerton as he explores the story line of Scripture, connecting six major biblical events with
six definitive human needs: for meaning, freedom, peace, community, love and an ultimate home. In short,
digestible chapters, Andrew reveals how the Bible story makes sense of our human story.
B555 // PAPERBACK, 337 PAGES // £17.00 (INCL. UK P&P)
BY GOD, I WILL – THE BIBLICAL COVENANTS – DAVID PAWSON (revised edition)
It must bewilder many Christians that teachers and preachers using the same Bible can come up with so
many different interpretations and, more particularly, applications of God’s Word. One of the main reasons
for this confusion is their handling of the word ‘covenant’, which is so fundamental to Scripture. The two
key questions are: how many covenants has God made with human beings and how many of these apply to
Christians today? There are five which are basic to the story of our redemption. Only one of these is ‘old’
and therefore obsolete; only one is ‘new’ but endorses the other three. With this insight we can ‘rightly
divide the word of truth’.
B482 // PAPERBACK, 107 PAGES // £9.00 (INCL. UK P&P)
THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR CHRISTIAN ZIONISM – DAVID PAWSON (revised edition)
Has God brought the Jewish people back to the land of Israel? How can both Jews and Christians be God’s
chosen people? How many covenants are there in the Bible? Do all Christian Zionists accept dispensational
teaching? Does the God of Israel ever change his promises? These are some of the questions that must
be faced in the light of current attacks on Christian Zionism by some evangelical writers. David Pawson
believes that Christians need very clear biblical understanding before making political pronouncements
about conflict in the Middle East.
B358 // PAPERBACK, 122 PAGES // £10.00 (INCL. UK P&P)
THE BUILDER’S STONE – MELANIE PHILLIPS
Western civilisation is facing a critical moment. Foreign enemies sensing its weakness are circling. The West
is being consumed by division, decadence and demoralisation. The 7 th October attack on Israel presented
it with a choice between civilisation and barbarism - a challenge the West has failed. But this damaged
society is far from lost if it takes advice from an unexpected source. Western culture is based upon
Christianity, whose own foundations in turn lie in Judaism. The unique survival of the Jewish people offers
both the West and its struggling Christian church, as well as secular people who shun religion, priceless
lessons in resilience that they must learn if their culture is to survive.
B556 // PAPERBACK, 307 PAGES // £25.00 (INCL. UK P&P)
Contact: CFI Communications, PO Box 2687, Eastbourne, BN22 7LZ
Tel: 01323 410810 Email: info@cfi.org.uk Web: www.cfi.org.uk
For resources call: 01323 410 810
Postal savings on multiple items
CFI UK’s 40 th ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025, EASTBOURNE. AVAILABLE IN 3 FORMATS
Under the theme, “Why Israel matters to the Church”, the 40 th Annual Conference provided an opportunity to
again celebrate God’s irrevocable calling and purpose for Israel the land and his people the Jews. Our speakers
brought challenging messages, both of
EXPLORE
which were very timely in the season we
This series explores the subject of Israel in the Bible, prayer, history, current
affairs and Church heritage.
CONTENTS
are in. Gerald McDermott spoke on why Israel matters
Gerald McDermott teaches at Jerusalem Seminary and the Reformed
Episcopal Seminary (ACNA) in Philadelphia, USA. He retired from the Anglican
Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham AL in 2020. His
most recent book is, A New History of Redemption: The Work of the Jewish
Messiah Through the Millennia (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, March 2024).
in the Bible, through history and today. Alongside that,
Gerald and his wife Jean attend Holy Cross Anglican church in Crozet, VA, USA
where he serves as vicar-in-residence. He lectures and podcasts frequently.
Disc 1: Why Israel matters in the Bible (Gerald McDermott)
Disc 2: Why Israel matters through history (Gerald McDermott)
Martin Charlesworth spoke passionately about Disc 3: Cultural progressivism & the rise of cultural
antisemitism (Martin Charlesworth)
Disc 4: Why Israel matters today (Gerald McDermott)
Martin Charlesworth has worked as a school teacher, in business, as a pastor
and in charity leadership. He was the pastor of Barnabas Community Church,
Shrewsbury, for twenty years. Martin founded the Christian social action
progressiveness we see these days but also where more
charity ‘JubileePlus’ in 2013. He has led a leadership training programme
for Christ Central Churches, a Newfrontiers church network, for the past
ten years. He launched an online Bible teaching resource - ‘Word Online’.
Throughout his ministry Martin has retained a focus on the Church’s
engagement with the Jewish people.
recent rise in antisemitism has come from.
Session 1: Why Israel matters in the Bible (Gerald McDermott)
Session 2: Why Israel matters through history (G. McDermott)
Session 3: Cultural progressivism & the rise of antisemitism
(M. Charlesworth)
Session 4: Why Israel matters today (Gerald McDermott)
UK Retail Price: £12.00
2025
WHY ISRAEL MATTERS TO THE CHURCH – McDermott & Charlesworth
CDS
142
Why Israel matters to the Church
Bible
EXPLORE
EXPLORE
WHY ISRAEL
affairs and Church heritage.
MATTERS TO THE
CHURCH CONTENTS
Gerald McDermott teaches at Jerusalem Seminary and the Reformed
CFI UK Annual Conference 2025
Episcopal Seminary (ACNA) in Philadelphia, USA. He retired from the Anglican
Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham AL in 2020. His
most recent book is, A New History of Redemption: The Work of the Jewish
Messiah Through the Millennia (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, March 2024).
Gerald and his wife Jean attend Holy Cross Anglican church in Crozet, VA, USA
where he serves as vicar-in-residence. He lectures and podcasts frequently.
Gerald McDermott &
Martin Charlesworth
A CFI UK Teaching Series on 4 CDs
CONFERENCE SERIES
This series explores the subject of Israel in the Bible, prayer, history, current
Disc 1: Why Israel matters in the Bible (Gerald McDermott)
Disc 2: Why Israel matters through history (Gerald McDermott)
Disc 3: Cultural progressivism & the rise of antisemitism (Martin Charlesworth)
Disc 4: Why Israel matters today (Gerald McDermott)
Martin Charlesworth has worked as a school teacher, in business, as a pastor
and in charity leadership. He was the pastor of Barnabas Community Church,
Shrewsbury, for twenty years. Martin founded the Christian social action
charity ‘JubileePlus’ in 2013. He has led a leadership training programme for
Christ Central Churches, a Newfrontiers church network, for the past ten years.
He launched an online Bible teaching resource - ‘Word Online’. Throughout
his ministry Martin has retained a focus on the Church’s engagement with the
Jewish people.
UK Retail Price: £16.00
CDS142 // 4 CDs
£14 (INCL. UK P&P)
2025
WHY ISRAEL MATTERS TO THE CHURCH – McDermott & Charlesworth
Bible
EXPLORE
DVD
163
WHY ISRAEL
MATTERS TO THE
CHURCH
CFI UK Annual Conference 2025
Gerald McDermott &
Martin Charlesworth
A CFI UK Teaching Series on 4 DVDs
CONFERENCE SERIES
D163 // 4 DVDs
£18 (INCL. UK P&P)
Bible
EXPLORE
WHY ISRAEL
MATTERS TO THE
CHURCH
CFI UK Annual Conference 2025
Gerald McDermott & Martin Charlesworth
A CFI UK Conference Series on 4 MP4s
Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it (Jeremiah 6:16)
Explore the subject of Israel in the Bible, prayer, history, current affairs and Church heritage.
CONTENTS
Gerald McDermott teaches at Jerusalem Seminary and the Reformed Episcopal Seminary (ACNA)
in Philadelphia, USA. He retired from the Anglican Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in
Birmingham AL in 2020. His most recent book is, A New History of Redemption: The Work of the
Jewish Messiah Through the Millennia (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, March 2024). Gerald and his
wife Jean attend Holy Cross Anglican church in Crozet, VA, USA where he serves as vicar-in-residence.
He lectures and podcasts frequently.
Session 1: Why Israel matters in the Bible (Gerald McDermott)
Session 2: Why Israel matters through history (Gerald McDermott)
Session 3: Cultural progressivism & the rise of antisemitism (Martin Charlesworth)
Session 4: Why Israel matters today (Gerald McDermott)
Martin Charlesworth has worked as a school teacher, in business, as a pastor and in charity leadership.
He was the pastor of Barnabas Community Church, Shrewsbury, for twenty years. Martin founded the
Christian social action charity ‘JubileePlus’ in 2013. He has led a leadership training programme for
Christ Central Churches, a Newfrontiers church network, for the past ten years. He launched an online
Bible teaching resource - ‘Word Online’. Throughout his ministry Martin has retained a focus on the
Church’s engagement with the Jewish people.
Cover image: Galilee from the Golan heights
FD006 // USB MP4s
£10 (INCL. UK P&P)
EXPLORE
CFI Communications PO Box 2687 Eastbourne BN22 7LZ
Tel: 01323 410810 Email: info@cfi.org.uk Website: www.cfi.org.uk
Registered Charity No:1101899 – VAT Registration No: 678-7802-75 – Company Registration No: 04984515
The teaching material in these MP4s is copyrighted by CFI Communications. All rights reserved.
Product code FD006 UK Retail Price: £8.00
(Video format: MP4. System requirements: USB MacOS 10+, WINDOWS 9+)
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