Israeli PM Issues Warning to Iran

ISRAELI VICE PM WARNS IRAN: CHOOSE “THE BOMB” OR “SURVIVAL”

People from 90+ countries participated in Epicenter webcast


By Joel C. Rosenberg




(Philadelphia, PA, June 29, 2010) -- In a blunt message at the 2010 Epicenter Conference that suggested a war between Israel and Iran may not be far off, Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon on Saturday warned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to choose “the Bomb” or “survival.”

Yaalon said he agreed with the U.S. assessment that Iran is between one and three years away from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He said there is still time to stop Iran, but time is running out. He warned that “any American hopes of attracting Syria, Lebanon, or Turkey away from Iran would effectively be dead” if Iran builds nuclear weapons. He also said Turkey is rapidly shifting from a moderate democracy to an Islamic republic and suggested this is of great concern to the Israeli government. Yaalon delivered a powerful and detailed 55 minute policy address, then did a 30 minute Q&A session with me that covered everything from the status of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit being held by Hamas, to Islamic eschatology and the Twelfth Imam, and Yaalon’s fascinating personal history and where his family came to Israel from.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the 2010 Epicenter Conference, and everyone who helped pull the event together. We were encouraged that people from over 90 countries around the world viewed the webcast, including those from Israel, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Algeria, Oman, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Sudan.

At wwww.epicenterconference.com, you can now order a DVD set of all of the messages delivered at the conference. This includes fascinating presentations by Vice PM Yaalon, Lt.-General Jerry Boykin, Greg Laurie, Kay Arthur, Tony Perkins, Israeli Pastor Wayne Hilsden, Iranian Pastor Hormoz Shariat, as well as my closing talk on “How To Build A Global Movement To Bless Israel and Her Neighbors, Come What May.” The DVD set also includes a bonus feature, a two-hour seminar by Hormoz Shariat and Mideast ministry expert Tom Doyle on how to share the love of Jesus Christ with your Muslim friends and neighbors.

I would encourage you to get a set of the DVDs to watch as a family, and with your small group Bible study or home fellowship group. You may also want to send a copy to Christian workers that you pray for and support around the world.

CBN correspondent Erick Stakelback posted an on-line report on Saturday night on Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon’s address and Q&A session at the 2010 Epicenter Conference. “Yaalon was undoubtedly the most anticipated speaker for the roughly 1,500 in attendance and 20,000 tuning in via satellite from around the world,” Stackelback wrote. “I’ll be filing a report on the conference for Tuesday’s edition of the 700 Club, but I wanted to fill everyone in right away on what I think was a very newsworthy speech by Yaalon, who is the second highest ranking official in the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Yaalon received no less than three rousing standing ovations at Epicenter-one lasting for at least two minutes and punctuated by raucous cheers of support. A former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Yaalon has a reputation for being a serious man who’s as tough as they come. But he appeared genuinely impressed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and affection he received from the Epicenter audience and gave it right back with some kind words for evangelical Christians throughout his almost one hour speech, which was followed by a hard-hitting Q and A session with Rosenberg in which “Bogie” addressed everything from Iranian nukes to Turkey’s Islamist turn to the state of U.S./Israel relations. Below are some of the highlights from a riveting afternoon with the Vice Prime Minister. Yaalon began his speech by outlining Israel’s four primary strategic challenges….”

To read the rest of the CBN report, please go to Joel’s weblog, http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter on Joel’s weblog (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com), please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel’s email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here and visiting our new website, www.joshuafund.net.

GO: Join Joel’s “Epicenter Team” on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2011 Epicenter Conference in Israel and The Joshua Fund’s prayer & vision trip to Israel in May 2001, please click here (www.epicenterconference.com)

To purchase a DVD set of the presentations at the 2010 Epicenter Conference, please go to www.epicenterconference.com, or click here

U.S. and Arab Support for Military Strike on Iran

NEW POLL FINDS U.S., ARAB SUPPORT FOR MILITARY STRIKE ON IRAN TO PREVENT MULLAHS FROM GETTING NUCLEAR WEAPONS

* Will it happen? Should it? Lt.-Gen. (ret). Boykin, Israeli Vice PM Yaalon and I will discuss implications during conference


By Joel C. Rosenberg


(Philadelphia, PA, June 24, 2010) -- An intriguing new survey of international public opinion indicates deep concern over the mullahs in Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, and strong support for preemptive military action to stop Tehran from getting the Bomb. According to the Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project 2010....

• In 16 of the 22 states included in the survey, people who were polled said they would support preemptive military strikes against Iran to prevent the mullahs from obtaining nuclear weapons compared to avoiding a military conflict with Iran, even if that means allowing the mullahs to have nuclear weapons.
  
  
• In the U.S., 66% support a military strike on Iran, compared to 24% who object.
  
  
• In France, 59% support a military strike, compared to 41% who object.
  
  
• In Germany, 51% support a military strike, compared to 39% who object.
  
  
• In Great Britain, 48% support a military strike, compared to 37% who object.
  
  
• In Egypt, 55% support a military strike, compared to 16% who object.
  
  
• In Jordan, 53% support a military strike, compared to 20% who object.
  
  
• In Lebanon 44% support a military strike, compared to 37% who object.
  
  
• In Brazil, 53% support a military strike, compared to 33% who object.
  
  
• However, in Turkey, only 29% support a military strike, compared 37% who object and would allow Iran to get nuclear weapons.

That said, I don’t forsee a U.S. or NATO preemptive strike to stop Iran from getting the Bomb, especially with General David Petraeus moving from CENTCOM commander to running the war in Afghanistan. Will Israel launch a strike? That remains to be seen, but if Netanyahu orders one, don’t expect these poll numbers to hold up. International public opinion would likely turn decisively against Israel in such a conflict




LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter on Joel’s weblog (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com), please click here


PRAY: Sign up for Joel’s email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.


GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here and visiting our new website, www.joshuafund.net.

GO: Join Joel’s "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here (www.epicenterconference.com)

Christian Revival in Muslim Countries?

“INSIDE THE REVIVAL” RELEASED FOR 2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE

Also: special seminar on how to share the gospel with your Muslim friends.


By Joel C. Rosenberg


(Washington, D.C., June 21, 2010) -- Just four more days until the 2010 Epicenter Conference. My prayer is that this will be the most practical conference we have ever done. We don't want to just talk about the importance of blessing Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus. We want to give you as many specific, actionable ideas as possible.

In that context, I wanted to let you know that this Wednesday night, I will be moderating a two-hour event at an evangelical congregation in the Philadelphia area on how to share the gospel with your Muslim friends. Jesus, of course, commands us to love Israel's neighbors and her enemies. One of the most important ways we can do this is by not withholding from Muslims the good news that they can find true forgiveness and eternal salvation only through Jesus Christ. If we really love people, how can we let them enter eternity without having a chance to hear and respond to the good news of God's amazing grace and love? Still, many of us are intimidated by the notion of sharing the gospel with Muslims in our hometowns. That's why we can created this special two-hour training seminar. To help you with a Biblical and practical approach to fulfilling the Great Commission with Muslims.

There is no cost for this event. Details can be found by on my weblog (or by going to http://www.ccdelco.com/). The main teachers that night will be Tom Doyle, an American pastor who has extensive experience here and in the Middle East sharing the love of Jesus Christ and helping lay people do the same; and Hormoz Shariat, the Iranian pastor and evangelist whom I describe as “the Billy Graham of Iran.” These men know the Word of God. They have enormous experience. They really love Muslims with unconditional love. And they are very engaging communicators. I hope you'll join us if you're in the Philly area. If not, then don't worry - we're including the two-hour seminar by Tom and Hormoz on the 2010 Epicenter Conference DVD set that we will be releasing soon. The DVD will include all of the messages at this conference, plus bonus features like this seminar. More details coming soon.

I also want to let you know that a new booklet called “Inside The Revival” is now available at Christian bookstores and on-line at Amazon.com and elsewhere. It's short - only 64 pages long. It's inexpensive - only 99 cents. But it has exciting stories of how Christ has changed the lives of Muslims in the epicenter. It also has a simple presentation of the gospel. I've designed it for Christians to share with Christian friends who don't know much about what the Lord is doing in the Middle East, as well as to share with Muslims who don't yet know the Lord to get a conversation started. I hope you and your congregation will find it useful as you ask the Lord to show how to bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus.

-------

UPDATES:

1) There are still some tickets available if you would like to join us in person. Or please join us via the live webcast or the radio/TV broadcasts. Full details at www.epicenterconference.com.

2) Please keep praying for Mosab Hasan Yousef. I will have new details to share on Friday and Saturday during the Epicenter Conference.

3) Please pray for all the technical details of the conference to go well, for each speaker to know exactly what the Lord wants him or her to say, and for safety.

4.) Please pray for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his team. They have been invited to the White House to meet with President Obama on July 6.

U.S. Should Not Deport “Son of Hamas”

U.S.SHOULD NOT DEPORT "SON OF HAMAS"

Mosab Hasan Yousef will speak to the 2010 Epicenter Conference next week via video. But we need to pray for him now.


By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., June 15, 2010) -- Mosab Hasan Yousef, author of the New York Times best-selling non-fiction book, Son of Hamas, will be speaking by videotape at the 2010 Epicenter Conference next week. But I can't wait until then to tell you the latest that is happening with him. He needs our prayers.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security may soon deport Mosab back to the West Bank where he very well could be assassinated. He is scheduled for a DHS hearing on June 30th that could decide his fate. U.S. officials believe his previous leadership role in Hamas is too great a risk to give him political asylum here in the States. But they are not properly assessing the totality of his story and the situation.

Here are the facts. Yes, Mosab is the son of one of the founders of Hamas and was a rising leader in the terrorist organization - he described his role in detail in his book. That said, Mosab renounced Hamas and risked his life to become a double agent working for the Israeli secret service (Shin Bet) against Hamas. In so doing, Mosab helped to stop scores of terrorist attacks and helping Israel arrest scores of jihadists. Then, Mosab renounced Islam and became a follower of Jesus Christ. His story was first revealed through the Haaretz, one of Israel's leading and most credible newspapers. The Haaretz team carefully vetted his story and have done numerous follow up stories. The Israeli government has not denounced him as a liar - to the contrary, Mosab's Shin Bet handlers affirm his story and say that he is telling the truth. Mosab has lived in the U.S. for the two years and is actively speaking out here and around the world through the media and in speeches against Hamas, against Radical Islam, and in favor of the U.S., Israel and most importantly his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ

The U.S. has given political asylum to people who have done far less for the U.S. and the cause of freedom than Mosab - he deserves and should receive the right to stay in this country and become an American citizen

I have gotten to know Mosab over the last 18 months and am convinced he is the real deal. I am, therefore, asking you to pray faithfully and consistently for him.

* Pray for Mosab to have Christ's peace and joy during such turmoil and stress

* Pray for Judge Rico J. Bartolomei on June 30th to truly hear and understand all the facts and come to the proper conclusion that Mosab has truly renounced Islam and Hamas, that he is not a threat to U.S. national security in any way, shape, or form, that he should stay in the U.S., and that he would be in grave danger if he were sent back to the West Bank

* Pray for Members of Congress to take up Mosab's case and intervene on his behalf with the Department of Homeland Security (my colleagues and I are currently working on this, as are other friends and allies of Mosab)

* Pray that the Epicenter Conference will give his case more exposure so more people can pray - we will be showing video excerpts of my recent interview with him and this will be broadcast on more than 1,000 Christian radio stations, 5 Christian TV networks, in all 50 states and in more than 200 countries around the world

* Pray, too, that the media will raise the profile of Mosab's case so still more people can learn about it and begin to pray

(Photo: Mosab and Joel having coffee at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville in March 2010.)

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter on Joel's weblog (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com), please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here and visiting our new website, www.joshuafund.net.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here (www.epicenterconference.com) 

Israeli Rabbis Predicting Armageddon?

ISRAELI RABBIS SAY CURRENT EVENTS COULD LEAD TO “WAR OF GOG AND MAGOG”

By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., June 3, 2010) -- A pastor friend of mine who is helping us set up the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia later this month just sent me an urgent text message with this headline from Israel National News:

“RABBIS: FLOTILLA CLASH SIMILAR TO GOG AND MAGOG PROPHESY.”

As you might expect, it caught my attention right away.

Excerpts:

• The Rabbinical Council of Judea and Samaria issued a statement Thursday in which it said that the results of the incident in which Israel intercepted a flotilla trying to break the naval blockade of Gaza seem like the Biblical description of  the beginning of the Gog and Magog process where the world is against us, but which ends with the third and final redemption….
  
• The Council was formed by Rabbi Zalman Melamed of Beit El and includes leading religious Zionist rabbis who are the spiritual leaders of communities in Judea and Samaria….
   
• “Gog and Magog” is a reference is to chapters 38 and 39 in the book of Ezekiel, a part of which is read on the intermediate Sabbath of Sukkot (Tabernacles). These chapters describe a vision of a war where the world is united against Israel that will precede the final redemption of Israel and the world. The prophecy’s symbolism involves a prince called Gog of Magog, leader of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, who leads a coalition that includes Persia (Iran), Cush, Phut, Gomer, and Beit Togarmah against Israel. There are various opinions regarding the modern identity of these nations.

There is growing interest in the Ezekiel prophecies and whether they could play out in our lifetime. I believe it is still too early to say anything definitively. But I agree that current events are strikingly consistent with the prophecies and I believe it is possible that we could see these events unfold soon.

The mention of “Gomer” in Ezekiel, for example, refers to the modern-day State of Turkey which will be an enemy of Israel and part of a Russian-Iranian alliance against the Jewish state. I’m not saying the prophecy will necessarily come to pass soon, but I can’t rule out that possibility.

We’ve never seen a convergence of geopolitical and spiritual events so consistent with Ezekiel 38-39 in history like we are seeing today. We need to be prayerful, sober, alert and prepared.

At the conference on June 25-26 in Philly, I will address the latest developments. But I knew you’d want to see this article.

It’s posted on my weblog -- http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com.

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2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE UPDATE

• Over 1,300 people registered
• Over 700 radio stations and several TV networks will be broadcasting portions of the conference
• Just 24 days left to register to attend or to show the webcast to your congregation

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter on Joel’s weblog (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com), please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel’s email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here and visiting our new website, www.joshuafund.net.

GO: Join Joel’s “Epicenter Team” on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here (www.epicenterconference.com) 

Israel Faces New International Crisis Due to Violence Aboard Gaza Aid Flotilla

Now is the time for Christians to show Israel unconditional love and unwavering support.


By Joel C. Rosenberg




(Washington, D.C., June 1, 2010) -- Israel is being bombarded with lies, false and unfair allegations and sheer anti-Semitic assaults. The U.S. is doing precious little to defend its most faithful ally in the Middle East, but this is the precise moment for followers of Jesus Christ to show unconditional love and unwavering support for the Jewish State amidst this brutal onslaught.

The Israeli Defense Forces had every right to defend themselves and their country from the brutal and premeditated attacks of terrorists and left-wing anti-Israel activists, and it is unconscionable for world leaders to act otherwise.

Here's the background of what happened: Israeli is facing a new international crisis after a spasm of violence aboard Turkish-flagged boats filled with some 600 activists from the Middle East and Europe that were heading for Gaza as part of a "Gaza aid flotilla." French, Danish and Israelis sources said some of the Turkish-backed left-wing activists had connections to terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda and Hamas. The Israeli government had made it clear in advance that the six boats would not be allowed to enter Gaza directly but would have to bring any humanitarian aid they carried to be bringing through Israeli ports. Israeli commandos ordered the boats to stop, but the flotilla refused. The Israelis then forced the boats to stop and boarded them in part to determine if the activists were trying to smuggle weapons into Gaza. The commandos were then attacked by the activists and the Israelis defended themselves. At least 10 activists were killed and several more were wounded. At least 5 Israeli commandos were wounded, as well.

"They [the Israeli soldiers] were mobbed, they were clubbed, they were beaten, stabbed, there was even a report of gunfire. And our soldiers had to defend themselves," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "Our policy was and will continue to be that Israel would let humanitarian aid, any kind of goods that are meant for peace, to the civilian population of Gaza….We have no problems with the people of Gaza. We do have a conflict with the terrorist regime of Hamas, supported by Iran. We want to maintain a situation where we prevent weapons and war materials from coming into Gaza, and allowing humanitarian aid to go to the population of Gaza." [More details on the weblog -- http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/]

Israel Prepares for War

ISRAEL BEGINS FIVE DAY NATIONWIDE DRILL TO PREPARE FOR WAR

* Fmr. Delta Force commander Lt.-Gen. Jerry Boykin to speak at 2010 Epicenter Conference.


By Joel C. Rosenberg


(Washington, D.C., May 24, 2010) -- Israelis on Sunday began a massive nationalwide home front exercise to prepare for the possibility of a major with Iran, Syria, and/or Lebanon.

"The exercise, 'Turning Point 4,' is due to last five days and be carried out in all parts of the country," reported Haaretz. "During the first three days the drill will involve the Israel Defense Forces' various command centers, the police, emergency services, ministries and other government offices. The exercise, which is held annually in May, will be broadened on Wednesday to include civilians, with a siren sounded at 11 A.M. throughout the country. Civilians will have to seek cover in shelters or other secure areas."

* "The main scenario for the police will be a strike on Be'er Sheva by missiles fitted with chemical warheads....The distribution of gas masks, something already underway over the past three months, will be expedited during the drill to include other parts of the country. Home Front Command will be tested on its ability to shift to emergency distribution on a national level.

* "Extensive participation by volunteers, nongovernment organizations and youth movements is expected to be part of the drill, especially in helping local authorities reach people and communities in distress or needing special assistance."

The Joshua Fund continues to prepare for war by stockpiling supplies in our new warehouse and training and equipping those running seven food distribution centers. At the Epicenter Conference, I'll give an update on how those preparations are coming and how you can be involved in helping. Please keep praying for peace and please keep praying for our team and our allies in Israel as we keep preparing for the possibility of war.

------------------------------------------------

What are the implications of a regional war with Iran? Former Delta Force commander Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin will provide analysis at the the 2010 Epicenter Conference. Please be sure to register today at www.epicenterconference.com to join us in Philadelphia June 25-26. Pastors, please visit the same site to sign up to show the live webcast to your congregation. Thanks and God bless you.

New report finds Israel has 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas

U.S. GOVERNMENT REPORT: ISRAEL HAS 122 TRILLION CUBIC FEET OF NATURAL GAS OFFSHORE

* 2010 Epicenter Conference to examine whether we are seeing events consistent with Ezekiel 38-39
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., May 17, 2010) -- A recently-released report by the U.S. Department of Interior indicates that Israel has massive reserves of natural gas and oil supplies just offshore, lying under the Mediterranean. "The U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean 1.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil and a mean of 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Levant Basin Province using a geology based assessment methodology," stated the report's executive summary.

Israelis for years have lamented that if God wanted to bless them with a "promised land" He could have given them the oil-rich Arabian peninsula. Thus the report has become big news in the Israeli media and the energy industry. Several oil and gas companies are already at work there and have made more modest discoveries in recent years. But this is by far the biggest development to date and some reports indicate Israel could begin using the natural gas -- and possibly exporting it -- within two years.

What intrigues me is that such developments are consistent with several Bible prophecies that indicate petroleum will be discovered in Israel in the last days, adding to the nation's prosperity. For more details, please see Chapter Five of my 2006 non-fiction book, Epicenter: "FUTURE HEADLINE: ISRAEL DISCOVERS MASSIVE RESERVES OF OIL, GAS."

Just five weeks left to the 2010 Epicenter Conference. Please be sure to register today at www.epicenterconference.com to join us in Philadelphia June 25-26. Pastors, please visit the same site to sign up to show the live webcast to your congregation. Thanks and God bless you.

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OTHER KEY STORIES ON THE WEBLOG (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/)

* Israel plays wargames assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
* Russia to sell jets, air defense systems to Syria
* NYT: Iran strikes nuclear deal with Turkey -- "Iran announced an agreement on Monday to ship some of its nuclear fuel to Turkey in a deal that could offer a short-term solution to its ongoing nuclear standoff with the West, or prove to be a tactic aimed at derailing efforts to bring new sanctions against Tehran."
* Iran step could boost ability to enrich uranium, diplomats say
* Washington Post: Iranian cleric wants creation of 'Greater Iran' -- "A radical cleric called Saturday for the creation of a 'Greater Iran' that would rule over the entire Middle East and Central Asia, in an event that he said would herald the coming of Islam's expected messiah, [the Twelfth Imam]"

(Graphic source: U.S. Department of Interior) 

News on Upcoming Epicenter Conference

ISRAELI VICE PRIME MINISTER TO SPEAK AT 2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA ON IRAN NUCLEAR THREAT

* Register today
* Churches invited to sign up for live webcast
* Prayer request: The Joshua Fund leading pastors conference in Iraq


By Joel C. Rosenberg




Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon has just agreed to be our special keynote speaker at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia this summer. He will give us an exclusive, inside look at the Iranian nuclear threat, the rising threats from Syria and Hezbollah, the state of U.S.-Israel relations, and the importance of building a strategic relationship between Israel and evangelical Christians.

He will speak on Saturday night, June 26th, at the Kimmel Performing Arts Center.

Ya'alon previously served as the Chief of Staff for the Israeli Defense Forces. I believe his presentation will be a fascinating complement to that of Lt-General Jerry Boykin -- former head of Delta Force -- in terms of helping us understand the geopolitical threats to the U.S., Israel and our allies. We are honored to have both of these men and I hope you will register today to join us for that conference. Also, The Joshua Fund staff will be at the conference to meet you and answer your questions about who we are and what we are doing to bless Israel and her neighbors in real and practical ways.

For pastors not in the Philadelphia area, please sign up your congregation to show the live webcast of the conference.

Full details on all of this -- plus our new video blog reports -- can be found at www.epicenterconference.com.

-------------------

PRAYER REQUEST: PASTORS CONFERENCE IN IRAQ -- Please pray for me and several members of The Joshua Fund staff as we lead a conference for pastors and ministry leaders in Iraq. We are joined by several American pastors who have been close friends of this ministry. We are teaching through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, verse by verse and chapter by chapter. The team is also be teaching at several Iraqi evangelical churches, doing humanitarian relief work, and praying for the spread of the gospel and for new, strong, Bible-teaching churches to be planted throughout this important Middle Eastern country. Please pray for safety, for physical and spiritual strength, and for the Lord to teach and encourage the local believers through us. Thanks.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

New Talk of War As Israel Turns 62

AS ISRAEL TURNS 62, U.S. LACKS STRATEGY TO STOP IRAN

* Report on preaching the gospel into Iran via satellite TV broadcasts
* Iranian evangelist to speak at 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia
* Fresh update from The Joshua Fund in Israel
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., April 19, 2010) -- Israel turned 62 on Sunday. Israeli leaders marked the occassion by warning Iran not to mess with them. But a secret memo by Defense Secretary Robert Gates indicates that the U.S. does not have a clear decisive strategy to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Details on the weblog.

Meanwhile, Russia will allow the Iranian nuclear reactor facility at Bushehr (near the Persian Gulf) to go live in August. Now Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a fateful decision to make. Will he order a preemptive military strike against all of Iran's nuclear sites before August when the Bushehr site becomes "hot"? Also, Jordan's King Abdullah warned over the weekend that he is increasingly convinced that a major war could break out by this summer.

We must pray for peace, but prepare for war. Here are a few ways we can prepare:

* We need to preach the gospel to all the people of the epicenter, including our enemies. Last Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the remarkable opportunity to go on live satellite TV into Iran and share the gospel, teach on Bible prophecy, and explain God's love for Iran and Israel and all the people of the world. Millions saw the program. We answered live calls from Iran, Europe, the U.S. and even China. Two Iranian Shia Muslims even called in to pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord! More details on those programs are posted on my weblog.

* Hormoz Shariat, the most widely listened to Iranian evangelist in the world, has agreed to speak at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia. Please register at www.epicenterconference.com and come hear his astounding insights and wisdom into what Jesus is doing in Iran today.

* Update from The Joshua Fund's executive director who just returned from Israel with our director of operations: "We have 7 storefronts [food distribution centers] up and running and hope to have the 8th one set up a little later this year....During our stay we received the equivalent of approximately two semi truckloads of food. The warehouse is beginning to fill up. Soon, as we bring more storefronts on line we will most likely need to install shelving and begin to go vertical to accommodate the supplies. We currently have approximately 77 tons of food in stock....Our first food delivery from the warehouse was made to an organization in Jerusalem. [The director] just told me that the first bag of food that they delivered from the food we supplied went to a holocaust survivor. It was a small delivery (approximately 1 ton) as they are desirous of starting out small and building to a larger operation as the Lord directs....Our new truck has a lift gate that allows us to easily make deliveries that do not have a dock or a forklift and as we were beginning to unload all the children came out to help us unload the truck, so instead of using the lift gate we decided it was very exciting to see the children getting involved wanting to help with the ministry. It was an awesome blessing to watch and be part of this."

Also on the weblog:
* An open letter from the leader of the World Jewish Congress strongly criticizes President Obama for his positions on Israel and Iran
* A new poll indicates Jewish support for the President is plummeting
* The Joshua Fund's new website has details on our 2011 tour and Epicenter Conference in Israel

(Note: There was a technical problem with my last Flash Traffic email and many of you were unable to read it. Sorry for that. I think we've corrected the problem.)

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. 

Will Netanyahu Hit Iran by August? (By Joel C. Rosenberg)

(Washington, D.C., April 15, 2010) -- Russia has just announced that it intends to allow the Iranian nuclear reactor facility located in Bushehr (near the Persian Gulf) to go live in August. This is an ominous development.

Now Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has a fateful decision to make. Will he order a preemptive military strike against all of Iran’s nuclear sites before August when the Bushehr site becomes "hot"? His mentor, Menachem Begin, ordered an Israeli air strike against Saddam Hussein’s Osirik nuclear reactor in Iraq before it went hot in 1981. Netanyahu wants the world to act with decisive unity to stop Iran from getting the Bomb. But that is increasingly unlikely. The Obama administration is no longer calling for "crippling sanctions," and even if they were, it appears to be too late for sanctions to be effective. U.S. officials -- including Defense Secretary Robert Gates -- says Iran could have the Bomb by next year. German intelligence thinks it could be sooner.

We must prepare for peace, but prepare for war. Here’s how:

* We need to preach the gospel to all the people of the epicenter, including our enemies. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I had the remarkable opportunity to go on live satellite TV into Iran and share the gospel, teach on Bible prophecy, and explain God’s love for Iran and Israel and all the people of the world. Millions saw the program. We answered live calls from Iran, Europe, the U.S. and even China. Two Iranian Shia Muslims even called in to pray to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord! More details on those programs are posted on my weblog.

* Hormoz Shariat, the most widely listened to Iranian evangelist in the world, hosted me on his shows. He has also graciously agreed to speak at the 2010 Epicenter Conference. I urge you to register to come and hear his astounding insights and wisdom into what Jesus is doing in Iran today.

* The Joshua Fund would greatly appreciate your prayer and financial help as we stockpile food and other humanitarian aid in our warehouse and at other facilities strategic positioned throughout Israel. We have expanded the number of food distribution centers in the country from 1 to 8. We’re feeding thousands of needy Israeli and Palestinian families each month, but we need your help to do more.

Also on the weblog:

• An open letter from the leader of the World Jewish Congress strongly criticizes President Obama for his positions on Israel and Iran
• A new poll indicates Jewish support for the President is plummeting
• The Joshua Fund’s new website has details on our 2011 tour and Epicenter Conference in Israel
• More details on how close Iran is to getting the Bomb.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here ’

PRAY: Sign up for Joel’s email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests. ’

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here. ’

GO: Join Joel’s "Epicenter Team" on Facebook. ’

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. ’

Epicenter 2010

WHITE HOUSE REMOVES TERM "ISLAMIC RADICALISM" FROM NEW NATIONAL SECURITY DOCUMENT, DESPITE IRAN THREAT

2010 Epicenter Conference to focus on Radical Islam, Israel and the Church. Pastors invited to sign up to show live webcast to their congregations.


By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., April 7, 2010) -- This morning I woke up to read an AP story about the White House decision "to remove terms such as 'Islamic radicalism' from a document outlining national security strategy." It never ceases to amaze me how many in Washington don't understand the threat of Radical Islam to the U.S., much less the Biblical command to bless Israel and her neighbors in the name of Jesus. But I believe the Church must.

Only 80 days remain until the 2010 Epicenter Conference on June 25-26 at the Kimmel Performing Arts Center in Philadelphia. Given how close Iran is to getting the Bomb, the mounting threats to the U.S. and Israel, the increasingly unfriendly attitude of the Obama administration towards the Israeli government, and the growing international effort to delegitimize the Jewish State, I believe this is going to be the most important Epicenter Conference we've ever held, and I hope you will join us either in person, or via a live webcast.

Here's the latest:

* The Conference will be webcast live in its entirety, and pastors are invited to sign up to show a high-resolution version of the webcast to their congregations. Details at www.epicenterconference.com.

* The Conference website has a new section called "Joel's Video Blog." Please check out this series of videos. One is an invitation for you and your friends to come to Israel in May of next year for the 2011 Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem! More details on that soon!

* We believe the most impactful way for you to experience the Conference will be to join us in person in Philadelphia. Please register and reserve your seat today.

REMINDER: If you're in the San Jose area, please be sure to sign up to come to the event Hormoz Shariat and I are doing next Tuesday night, April 13th. Thanks and God bless you!

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* THE JOSHUA FUND HAS LAUNCHED A COMPLETELY REDESIGNED WEBSITE: It includes updates on the efforts of evangelical Christians to bless thousands of needy Israeli families with food during Passover this year, plus lots of other details and projects. Please check it out at www.joshuafund.org.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. 

Son of Hamas Leader to Address 2010 Epicenter Conference

SON OF HAMAS TO ADDRESS 2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE 

Register today to join us in Philly on June 25-26.
Also: Update coming on The Joshua Fund's humanitarian relief efforts.
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., March 11, 2010) -- Today, it my honor to announce that Mosab Hassan Yousef will address the 2010 Epicenter Conference this summer in Philadelphia.

Mosab will share the inside story of how he went from being the eldest son of one of the founders of the Hamas terrorist movement to a double agent working for the Israeli secret services to protect Jews and Arabs from terrorism. You'll hear first-hand how he made his stunning decision to renounce Islam and become a baptized follower of Jesus Christ, what it has cost him, as well as his powerful vision for true peace and reconciliation in the epicenter. [Note: for security reasons, Mosab will not physically be on site at the Kimmel Performing Arts Center where the conference will be held. He will address the event either by videotape or by satellite.]

Please register today at www.epicenterconference.com to make sure you can be there in person for this remarkable two-day event. Other featured speakers include Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Jerry Boykin, the former Delta force commander; Greg Laurie, senior pastor of Harvest Fellowship in California; Kay Arthur, the internationally respected Bible teacher; and Janet Parshall, one of the leading nationally syndicated Christian radio broadcasters.

ALSO ON THE WEBLOG:
* Shots fired in an evangelical Christian church in a Muslim country in the Middle East
* Updates on Vice President Biden's trip to the epicenter
* Updates on Israel's efforts to encourage more evangelical Christians to visit the Holy Land
* The remarkably peaceful elections in Iraq last Sunday

COMING SOON:
* A report on the exciting developments with The Joshua Fund's warehouse in Israel and efforts to care for the poor and needy in the Holy Land, as well as stockpile food and relief supplies for the future. Stay tuned.

(PHOTO: Joel and Mosab sharing coffee at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville in March 2010.)

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about -- and/or register for -- the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

Son of Hamas Leader Comes to Faith in Jesus Christ (Pt2)

* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * *

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HOW THE SON OF THE HAMAS LEADER CAME TO FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST -- PART TWO By Joel C. Rosenberg (Washington, D.C., March 3, 2010) -- The following is an interview I did with Mosab Hassan Yousef, author of the new book, Son of Hamas. JOEL: How has your life changed since becoming a born again Christian? Specifically, how have your attitudes towards Israel changed since your dramatic conversion? MOSAB: My conscience is not the same. This doesn't mean that I became a perfect person but at least when I do a mistake I know how to fix it and avoid it in the future. Today, I am free from sin because I am the son of the King. When I first understood how religion is imperfect in general - and in Islam in particular - and allowed myself to accept Christ as my personal Savior and get out of the box of religion, not only did Israel look different to me, I started to see everything differently. I remember one day walking in Jerusalem right after I studied the Scripture that says give to those who ask you. [Jesus said in Matthew 5:42, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."] There was a homeless Jew in the Jewish side of Jerusalem, and I answered the call of the Lord to share with him some of the change in my pocket. Then I sat down and cried because I had the chance to understand the unconditional love God has for everybody. It was shocking to me that I never felt sorry for a homeless Jew. Then gradually - through God's grace and mercy, through the years - all humans became equal to me. My people see the sun every day but they never ask themselves why the sun shines on both east and west Jerusalem. The easiest thing to me was to hate my enemy but the real challenge was to love them. Later on I realized my enemy was not man anymore - not Israeli, not Palestinian - but sin and darkness within us. JOEL: What can followers of Jesus do in real and practical ways to love the Palestinian people and reach them with the gospel of Jesus Christ? MOSAB: This is an excellent question, thank you. Christians have a huge duty to love his neighbor and his enemy. Every Christian needs to carry this heavy cross. Loving Muslims and Palestinians is our responsibility. And our duty as Christians to show God's love toward Muslims is more important than governments, the United Nations and the international community. All of those don't have a clue how to deal with the Islamic problem. We know as Christians that the conflict is spiritual and ideological. You can't kill an idea. You have to replace it. Governments can send troops to change a regime or kill terrorists, but they don't have the type of weapons that we have - love and hope and grace. Today, I need from my Christian brothers and sisters to.... [TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW, PLEASE CLICK TO MY WEBLOG] **** Please join us at the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26. To find more details -- and to register on-line -- please go to www.epicenterconference.com. **** LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests. GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here. GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook. GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

Netanyahu Arrives in Moscow to Discuss Iran Crisis

NETANYAHU ARRIVES IN MOSCOW TO DISCUSS IRAN CRISIS 

Joel posts on-line his notes for forthcoming Purim message on "Israel, The Iran Threat, and Lessons From The Book of Esther"

Sign up now for 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philly
By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., February 15, 2010) -- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived in Moscow at 2:45am local time for two days of meetings with senior Russian leaders at the Kremlin. His goal: to persuade President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin to support "crippling economic sanctions" against Iran at the U.N., and to promise not to deliver and install the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system that Russia agreed several years ago to sell to Iran. Please pray for Netanyahu and his team.

IRAN CRISIS: LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

* Vice President Joe Biden will head to Israel is the next few weeks to coordinate U.S.-Israeli policy against Iran.

* Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was just in Israel over the weekend for meetings with top Israeli defense officials. He warned an Israeli first strike could have "unintended consequences," but pointedly noted that the military option was very much on the table.

* Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, is in Saudi Arabia today and was in Qatar over the weekend urging the Arabs to unify against Iran and promising to defend America's Arab allies if a war with Iran should erupt.

* What does all this mean? I've posted analysis of these events on the weblog.

------------------------

CALL TO PASTORS TO PREACH ON BOOK OF ESTHER ON FEBRUARY 28 -- At the request of several pastors, I've also posted on-line a draft of my notes for my upcoming Purim message on "Israel, The Iran Threat, and Lessons From The Book of Esther." I'll be delivering this message at a church in Northern Virginia on Sunday, February 28, and at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville on Monday, March 1. If you're a pastor, please prayerfully consider preaching or teaching on the Book of Esther on February 28th, and feel free to use all or part of my notes directly, or as some background as you prepare your own message. Given the seriousness of the moment, I believe it is vital that pastors around the world call followers of Jesus Christ to pray and fast for the peace of Jerusalem, and for the Lord to save and protect the people of Israel, and Iran, and all the people of the epicenter.

-------------------------

2010 EPICENTER CONFERENCE -- Please also prayerfully consider joining us in Philadelphia on June 25-26 as we hold the 2010 Epicenter Conference. We will provide you with the very latest geopolitical updates from the Middle East, in-depth Bible teaching and very practical training on how to help mobilize a global movement to "learn, pray, give and go" to the Lord's work in the epicenter. Among my guests will be Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, fmr. commander of Delta Force and fmr. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence; Kay Arthur, the internationally renowned Bible teacher; Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California who has preached the good news of Jesus Christ to more than 3.8 million people around the world; Janet Parshall, the nationally syndicated radio talk show host; and other wonderful guests we will announce as we get closer to the event.

Find more details -- and register on-line -- at www.epicenterconference.com.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here.

A Call to Pastors Regarding Iran, Purim, and February 28

A CALL TO PASTORS: THIS "PURIM," PLEASE CONSIDER PREACHING ON THE MODERN-DAY LESSONS OF THE BOOK OF ESTHER

Wouldn't it be powerful if pastors all over the world would call the Church to prayer and fasting for God to save Israel and Iran?


By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., February 9, 2010) -- This is not the first time in history when the Jewish people have been threatened with annihilation from Persian/Iranian leaders who hated them without cause. The Book of Esther tells the story of how two heroic believers -- Mordechai and Esther -- prayed and fasted and encouraged others to do the same.

In response to those faithful prayers, the Lord intervened in a dramatic and powerful way. The evil Prime Minister of Iran (Haman) was removed from power and hanged. The heart of the Supreme Leader of Iran (King Ahausuerus) was miraculously changed. The Jews did have to fight. But they were saved from destruction and scores of Iranians converted and became true followers of the God of Israel.

This year, the holiday of "Purim" commemorating these events falls on Sunday, February 28th.

If you are a pastor or Bible teacher, may I ask you to prayerfully consider preaching and teaching on the Book of Esther that Sunday? May I ask you to help followers of Jesus Christ remember how the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob saved the Jewish people from Iran once in history, and how He will do so again if His people will pray and fast as never before?

I am not speaking in a church that particular Sunday morning. But the next day, March 1st, God has opened a door for me to speak at the National Religious Broadcasters conference in Nashville. I have entitled that address, "Israel, The Iran Threat and Lessons From The Book of Esther."

Wouldn't it be powerful if thousands of pastors all over North America and all over the world would call the Church to prayer and fasting for God to save both Israel and Iran?

The situation is urgent. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei this week again threatened to destroy Israel and warned that next week Iran will unveil a "punch" that will stun the infidels in the West. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has just announced that Iran will enrich part of its uranium stockpile to 20%, moving steadily and aggressively to creating weapons-grade uranium capable of producing nuclear bombs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today called on the U.N. Security Council to impose immediately on Iran "crippling sanctions" in the hopes that this will bring the regime in Tehran to its knees and cause them to change course. But I don't think Netanyahu is holding his breath for the world to act. The French this month are running the Security Council, and they understand the threat and support strong sanctions. The Chinese, however, have expressed no intention of cracking down on Iran, since Beijing buys an enormous amount of oil and gas from Tehran. The longer the world takes no decisive action, however, the greatest the prospect of a massive Israeli preemptive strike against Iran.

Now is the time for the Church to get on our faces and seek the Lord's grace and mercy for Israel, Iran and the people of the epicenter.

This summer, we will be gathering in Philadelphia for the 2010 Epicenter Conference. I hope you will join us for the latest geopolitical updates from the Middle East, in-depth Bible teaching and very practical training on how to help mobilize a global movement to "learn, pray, give and go" to the Lord's work in the epicenter. Among my guests will be Kay Arthur, the internationally renowned Bible teacher; Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, fmr. commander of Delta Force and fmr. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence; Greg Laurie, the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California who has preached the good news of Jesus Christ to more than 3.8 million people around the world; Janet Parshall, the nationally syndicated radio talk show host; and other wonderful guests we will announce as we get closer to the event.

The conference will be held in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Performing Arts in Philly. All tickets can be purchased by calling Ticket Philadelphia at 215-893-1999, on line at www.kimmelcenter.org, or in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Please keep your ticket as it must be presented at both events on 6.25 & 6.26 to gain entry into Verizon Hall. (One single ticket will be issued for admission to both days.)

Tickets can also be purchased through our new website, www.epicenterconference.com. This site has all the conference details. It will also have regular updates over the next few months (including specifics coming soon on how your congregation can sign up for a live webcast). Please note that the facility only holds 2,000 people, so please sign up today to reserve a seat for you and your family.

Thanks so much -- we look forward to having you join us at this critical hour in the history of the epicenter.

LEARN: To track the latest news and trends from Israel and the epicenter, please click here

PRAY: Sign up for Joel's email alerts and receive the latest news and analysis from the Mideast, Joshua Fund project updates and prayer requests.

GIVE: Help The Joshua Fund stock the new warehouse and bless the poor and needy in Israel and among her neighbors. Please make a tax-deductible donation of $50, $100, $250 or a monthly commitment by clicking here.

GO: Join Joel's "Epicenter Team" on Facebook.

GO: To learn more about the 2010 Epicenter Conference in Philadelphia on June 25-26, please click here. 

Epicenter

NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, FORMER DELTA FORCE COMMANDER, AND RENOWNED BIBLE TEACHER TO HOST CONFERENCE TO EXAMINE GLOBAL & MIDDLE EAST CRISES IN LIGHT OF BIBLE PROPHECY

“With wars and rumors of wars dominating headlines, what does the future hold?” An expected 10,000 to gather in San Diego on April 4th at Epicenter Conference for answers to this and other questions

(Washington, D.C.) – Joel C. Rosenberg, the New York Times best-selling author of Epicenter: Why The Current Rumblings in the Middle East Will Change Your Future, announced today that on April 4th he will host the 2009 Epicenter Conference to examine several rising global geopolitical and economic crises in light of Bible prophecy. Rosenberg will be joined at the conference by Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, the former commander of the Army’s elite Delta Force and the former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence; and Pastor Chuck Smith, the renowned Bible teacher, author, radio host and prophecy expert.

“With wars and rumors of wars dominating the Middle East, the eyes of the world are riveted on Israel, Iran and their neighbors, the epicenter of the dramatic events that are shaping our world and shaking our future,” said Rosenberg, whose new non-fiction book about the Mideast – Inside The Revolution – releases March 10th from Tyndale House Publishers. “Americans are reading apocalyptic headlines out of the Middle East. They are looking for answers to questions like, Is there any chance of peace in the Middle East in the near future, or are we headed toward even more catastrophic wars? Why are Iran’s leaders saying the end of the world is near, and the way to hasten the coming of the Islamic Messiah is to annihilate the U.S. and Israel? What happens if Iran gets nuclear weapons? Why is Russia helping Iran go nuclear? How will coming events in the Middle East affect us as Americans, economically and geopolitically? Were the global crises we see unfolding today foretold thousands of years ago by the Hebrew prophets? And given the urgency of such crises, is there any hope in the world today?”

WHO: Joel C. Rosenberg, Pastor Chuck Smith, and Lt.-Gen. (ret.) Jerry Boykin

WHAT: The 2009 Epicenter Conference:Understanding Today’s Global
Crises In Light of Bible Prophecy.

WHEN: April 4, 2009 – 9:00am to 4:00pm

WHERE: Cox Arena, San Diego, and web cast gavel to gavel at www.epicenter09.com

Rosenberg, who has more than 1.5 million copies of his political thrillers and non-fiction books in print and is often a guest on CNN, Fox, MSNBC, the History Channel and other networks, noted that the emergence of a new President of the United States and a new Prime Minister in Israel – as well as upcoming national elections in Iran in June – are developments that are adding to the volatility and uncertainty regarding the future of the Middle East and how Americans will be affected. He also cited the following recent headlines to underscore the timeliness of the 2009 Epicenter Conference:

• IRAN HOLDS ENOUGH URANIUM FOR NUCLEAR BOMB – Financial Times, 2/19/09

• Israel, Iran liable to clash in 2009 over nukes, says U.S. intel chief – Haaretz, a leading Israeli newspaper, 2/14/09

• Hayden: Iran near nuke decision; Departing CIA chief says American intelligence agency Tehran appears to be nearing decision on whether to build nuclear warhead – Associated Press, 1/16/09

• Iran president says Israeli leaders face 'doomed end' – Los Angeles Times, 1/16/09

• Russia to start Iran nuclear plant by year end – Reuters, 2/5/09

• Bin Laden urges jihad against Israel – Associated Press, 1/14/09

• Obama Turns to Mideast, Offers ‘New Way’ With Muslims – Bloomberg, 1/21/09

“Wherever General Boykin, Pastor Chuck Smith and I travel – throughout the United States and around the world – we meet people who are increasingly anxious about the future of the United States, the future of Israel, and the future of the Islamic world,” said Rosenberg, who recently returned home to Washington, D.C., after four weeks traveling through Israel, Iraq, India and the Persian Gulf region. “I am honored that these two distinguished experts in military intelligence and Bible prophecy respectively will be joining me to help Americans – and all who join us via the world wide web – better understand current events not just through the lenses of geopolitics and economics, but also through the ‘third lens’ of Scripture.”

The San Diego event will be the first Epicenter Conference held in the United States. In April 2008, Rosenberg, Boykin and Smith spoke at the inaugural Epicenter Conference which was held at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem.

Background on the major speakers at conference:

• Joel C. Rosenberg – An author and former political advisor based in Washington, D.C., Rosenberg previously served as a senior aide to former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky and U.S. presidential candidate Steve Forbes. In April 2008, Rosenberg, an evangelical Christian, hosted the first Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem, an event that drew some 2,000 people from around the world to examine regional threats to Israel and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. His forthcoming non-fiction book, Inside The Revolution: How The Followers of Jihad, Jefferson & Jesus Are Battling To Dominate The Middle East And Transform The World, will be released March 10, 2009 from Tyndale House Publishers. His previous non-fiction book, Epicenter, was a New York Times best-seller, as were each of his five political thrillers, all of which were set in the Middle East. He is the co-producer of a documentary film called Epicenter. In 2006, he and his wife founded The Joshua Fund (www.joshuafund.net), a non-profit organization to educate and mobilize Christians to bless Israel and her neighbors with food, clothing, medical equipment, and other relief aid.

• Pastor Chuck Smith – A renowned Bible teacher, author of numerous books, and host of the nationally syndicated radio program The Word For Today, Pastor Chuck is the founder of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, an evangelical congregation that draws some 25,000 people weekly in southern California. He is widely known for his passion to teach the Scriptures to lay people, his commitment to train evangelical leaders, and his deep love for the Jewish people and State of Israel. Since 1965, he and the pastors he has trained and inspired have started more than 1,200 Calvary Chapel evangelical churches throughout the U.S. and around the world. Over the years, Pastor Chuck has led numerous tours to the Holy Land. He co-hosted his first conference in Jerusalem in 1983 with then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and was a headliner at the inaugural Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem in April 2008.

• Lt.-General (retired) William “Jerry” Boykin – A founding member of the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force, Boykin was part of the commando team President Carter sent into Iran in 1980 to rescue American hostages held by the Ayatollah’s followers. He later helped liberate Grenada from Soviet-backed Communists and was severely wounded in the effort. He went on to help capture Panamanian dictator Manuel Noreiga, was promoted to Commander of Delta Force, and later oversaw the training of all U.S. Special Forces at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He was then promoted to the rank of three-star general and retired in 2007 after serving as the U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. An evangelical Christian, he is the author of Never Surrender: A Soldier's Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom. He is a popular speaker and lecturer throughout the United States, and was the keynote speaker at the inaugural Epicenter Conference in Jerusalem in April 2008.