Israel (MNN) — A Messianic Jewish congregation in southern Israel is navigating a legal dispute connected to the use of an additional building it purchased to support the church’s growing ministry.
Pastor Ilya Butolin, worship pastor with Beit Hallel Congregation in Ashdod, says the issue does not center on outreach activities, but on whether the congregation may use the property for regular church functions. He describes how authorities have framed their objections.
Beit Hallel Congregation’s new building in Ashdod. (Screenshot courtesy of Beit Hallel Congregation)
“We have a building that we purchased, and they are trying to say that we can’t use this building because we cannot share the Gospel in Israel, like we cannot be missionaries in Israel. So they’re trying to prevent it in any way possible,” says Butolin.
“We’ve [had] physical persecution. They used to come to our building and shout in front of our doors. But now it’s more official. I would call it persecution with suits.”
According to Open Doors USA’s World Watch List 2024 Israel Full Country Dossier, the influence of ultra-Orthodox Jewish ministers nearly led to the passage of a bill in January 2023 that would punish Christian evangelism with prison time. Ultimately, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blocked the bill. Even so, Messianic Jews in Israel continue to encounter legal and cultural challenges in ministry.
Israel flag (Photo courtesy of Oleg Vakhromov/Unsplash)
Despite these pressures, Butolin says his commitment to Israel and to prayer for the country remains strong.
“It’s important for us as Christians to stand and support Israel, even [though] there is persecution in Israel. There will be always. The Christians were persecuted all over the world. But the great part is that there [are] salvations in Israel.”
He adds that a believer’s hope is not rooted in political systems or governing authorities, but in God’s sovereignty.
“We’re never going to get satisfied. But it’s important to separate that, and that there is still God’s will. The fact that there is an Israeli government, it’s God’s will. So I don’t care if they’re left or right, I will pray for them — same like I’m praying for my enemies. I’m praying for the Muslim brothers to come to Christ because I want them to be saved, same as I want the Jews to be saved.”
As Beit Hallel Congregation approaches an upcoming court date, Butolin is asking believers to pray that “God will give us also wisdom — what to say, what to speak.
“We can stand not only for Beit Hallel Congregation, but this court will be really important for the Body of Christ in Israel because we’re representing not only our congregation, but also the Messianic Jews in Israel.”
Learn more about Beit Hallel Congregation’s ministry at beithallel-israel.org.
Header photo: The coastline of Ashdod, Israel. (Photo courtesy of Lio Voo/Pexels)