Praise in the Gates

Christian Friends of Israel

Christian Friends of Israel is a Jerusalem-based organization that represents believers from virtually all denominations throughout the world who have a vision to support the international Jewish community in general and the nation of Israel in particular. With a host of outreach projects that are promoted and administered with the highest degree of integrity and accountability CFI helps Christians support Israel through prayer, through establishing interpersonal relationships with Israelis, and by providing practical means by which they can minister to the many financial needs in Israel.

Christian Friends of Israel is directed by Ray and Sharon Sanders, two individuals who have a profound love for Israel and a great sense of commitment to the body of Christ’s biblical mission to stand with and for Israel and the Jewish people. Ray and Sharon travel throughout the world, speaking in conferences and seminars about the prophetic nature of God’s relationship with Israel and about the church’s need to support, defend, and promote God’s purposes with his ancient chosen people.

Maintaining a unique Distribution Center in Jerusalem, Christian Friends of Israel is able to bless new Israeli immigrants in very practical ways, providing clothing, food, and other personal needs to many Jews who have made aliyah from some of the impoverished, politically repressive nations of the world, especially in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Strategically located in the heart of Jerusalem near the Central Bus Terminal, the Center is able to serve Jewish people from diverse walks of life. The Center’s work has become a recognized point of Christian identification with Israel in the overwhelming task of immigration, as God is returning Jews from around the world to the land of their ancestors. Since the Center was opened in 1991, over 120,000 new immigrants have been given assistance with well over 150 tons of clothing.

Through the efforts established by Christian Friends of Israel, God has given believers around the world an opportunity to share in the blessing of Abraham upon those who will bless his people, Israel. Along with assisting new immigrants, CFI reaches out to the poor and need in Israeli society through its "Doors of Hope" ministry. Its "Project Care Package" extends Christian love to members of the Israeli army during the Jewish holidays.

A very practical assistance program provides Israeli brides with beautiful wedding gowns on loan from the CFI Bridal Department housed in the Distribution center. Then CFI’s "Project Forsake Them Not" provides outreach of assistance to elderly holocaust survivors who are often in poor health and carry emotional scars from the past along with the pressures of life in modern Israel. To these and countless others, the staff of CFI minister comfort and pure, unfeigned Christian love.

In addition to the work of ministry to Israel and the Jewish people, CFI also ministers to the international church through literature and materials, including Watchman'’ Prayer Letter (which provides Christians with specific prayer targets for spiritual warfare), Israel News Digest (which offers honest news and insights on Israeli life that are not tainted by the traditional Western media bias against Israel), Open Gates Newsletter (to keep partners informed of the work of CFI), and For Zion’s Sake (a bimonthly magazine offering teaching and promotion of CFI’s ministry).

In collaboration with Lance Lambert, CFI also produces a quarterly "Middle East Update" cassette tape on Israel and Bible Prophecy. CFI also sponsors an annual Shavot/Pentecost Conference, conducted each Spring in Israel. Such gifted speakers as Derek Prince, Lance Lambert, Johannes Facius, and many Messianic leaders from the land of Israel give in-depth teaching to the Body of Christ from nations around the world.

Another major concern of CFI is building up the Body of Messiah in Israel. The have designed "First Fruits," an outreach to assist believers in the land with personal problems of financial crises, congregational needs, illnesses, and other struggles for survival.

Restoration Foundation is pleased to give its unequivocal, enthusiastic endorsement to the work of Ray and Sharon Sanders and their colleagues in Christian Friends of Israel. If you would like to give practical financial and moral support to the Israeli people and to Jews around the world, please contact