Today we ran a story on the growing persecution of Messianic believers in Israel. In the story, we mentioned a story done by Channel 1, a national Israeli news channel about Ami Ortiz, the 15 year old nearly killed by a bomb on March 20th. If you would like to see the story with an English translation, here's the link:

We also keep getting requests for updates about how Ami is doing. Here are a couple of excerpts from the latest updates from the family. They continue to covet prayers for Ami's complete recovery. If you would like to contact the family or Ami, they can be reached at:

Ami Ortiz
P.O. Box 1903
Ariel 40700
Israel

"Thank you all for praying for Ami - I have received so many encouraging emails. We're also thankful for every postcard, letter, calendar, drawing, and love gift that we've received. Our way is so much easier because of the love and concern expressed through every form of communication.

I wanted to update you on something -- Ami was scheduled to have the operation to repair nerves in his left arm this Monday, June 2nd. However, on Tuesday he all of a sudden became ill with a throat infection for which he's on antibiotics. Therefore, the operation is postponed for two weeks!! I believe this is of the Lord, as there is time for the Lord to intervene as we press in and pray for healing of the nerves in his arms and hands. He experiences much pain in his left hand especially, but he's being given a new medication for the neuropathy, which is beginning in small doses, and then will be increased.

Again, I believe that this delay is from the Lord, when the doctor told me, I felt a joy that I can't describe in my heart, and I "knew because I knew" this delay was from Him.

Thank you that you are there for us - and that you are faithful to pray. We love you all, and are grateful to the Lord for you every day. We pray for blessing on your families and great increase especially in the Spirit in these last days.

A video report has been done on Ami and the bombing which will air on Channel one in Israel at 8PM our time this Friday May 30th. The police tried to stop this report from being aired and brought Channel one into court twice!! However they were defeated twice. They say that they don't want details of the case revealed for their investigation but 9 weeks have passed with no arrests and no suspects. This is something that needs much prayer, but please pray for the perpetrators of this attempted murder and hate crime to be apprehended and for justice to be done..

... Please pray that we will be able to stay faithful and full of faith through this ordeal. I often feel overwhelmed by what Ami is going through, and Ami is weakened by the pain to the point of tears every so often. David and I are grateful though, that bottom line he's with us, and we can be going through what we're going through. We are also grateful because even in the natural there are solutions for all of his problems. We are grateful that we have all of you so faithfully praying and believing for us. We are also grateful that we have a great God who loves us and has never left us or forsaken us for a moment."