Persecution Watch Weblog

Once again our tiny nation deeply grieves to see the tragic loss of the innocent. This time the violence is directed at a Jewish family for their faith in Yeshua as Messiah!

“For thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter…” Psalm 44:22

The following is the painful, yet miraculous account of one courageous Messianic pastor and his family who have deeply suffered in the past days as a result of their faith in Yeshua as Messiah! Please take it to heart to stand with them in prayer to be strong and courageous… and see a true miracle!

David and Leah Ortiz have served as spiritual leaders of a small Messianic congregation in the picturesque, central Israeli West Bank community of Ariel, a controversial city slated to be returned to implement “The False Road Map for Peace” by demands from radical Hamas and Fatah Islamic leaders.

Amil, at 15, is the youngest of six born to David & Leah. To open the joyful festival of Purim (a Jewish holiday commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people of the ancient Persian Empire from Haman’s plot to annihilate them, as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther), an attractive gift basket of fruit and sweets was delivered to their home and left on their front porch. Seeking to sample the tasty morsels visible under the cellophane liner, Amil opened the basket only to be met by a violent explosion of fire and jagged shrapnel, which tore through the flesh of his head, limbs and young body.

Even though the Ortiz family had received previous threats by radical individuals from both the local Muslim and Jewish communities due to their outspoken faith in Yeshua as Messiah, they remained deeply respected by the mayor and city council for the many large contributions they generated from prominent international Christian leaders for the West Bank city of Ariel. Within hours, it was obvious to the Shin-Bet (equivalent to the CIA) that this horrific act of terror was an expression of religious hatred, intended to destroy the lives and witness of David, Leah and the entire Ortiz family!

Upon arriving at the hospital, David & Leah were in deep shock to see the extensive injuries their dear son had suffered. Through eight hours of critical life-and-death surgery, prominent Israeli doctors labored to save Amil’s life, in spite of the many deadly bomb fragments which had torn into his body. Because of the fiery blast, Amil’s face and chest were severely burned. His neck, throat and face were seriously injured by the many pieces of jagged metal; some still dangerously lodging in one of his eyes. Numerous nerves and tendons in his arms were severed; including many deep lacerations to his arms and legs, regretfully causing a few toes to be amputated. Many deadly pieces penetrated into his chest and abdomen causing severe injures to his organs and leaving doctors to struggle to save one of Amil’s collapsed lungs.

David and Leah bravely shared amid tears of grief and relief at the wonder of Amil’s spared life. Following the critical surgery, the doctors were amazed to see Amil regaining strength and alive. To survive such a powerful ‘point-blank’ blast of deadly shrapnel was clearly recognized as a true miracle by these doctors who have become more than familiar with the effects of terrorism!

Returning to his home for the first time since the blast, David was shocked to see the extensive damage to his apartment. Jagged fragments of metal penetrated the refrigerator and metal stairway. Even the stone table which had held the deadly gift was shattered along with their kitchen, living room and furniture. Their apartment is on the 3rd floor and the blast was so severe that the windows on a car parked on the street below were blown out as a result. David and Leah now remain deeply touched at the awesome miracle which shielded his dear son from certain death, knowing that such a blast would have fatally injured many of their family had they all been home at the time!

The Ortiz family remain sincerely appreciative for the encouragement and prayers they have been receiving from local and international believers on Amil’s behalf; including numerous Rabbis who have expressed deep sorrow for such an evil act toward this family due to their faith. Many Arabic friends who have become believers throughout the years as a result of David’s active involvement in their lives have also come along side to provide food, prayer and much-needed encouragement.

Outside of the intensive recovery room where Amil lay, our MERCY team was touched by the strong witness of faith that was so deeply expressed by David and Leah following such a costly attack upon their lives. We could not but help offer thanksgiving and praise to our L-RD for the great mercy He is extending to this battered yet courageous family! After a time of prayer, the years our friendship have spanned was strengthened from just being there during this difficult time. We were honored to offer words of courage and spiritual support in the face of such tremendous loss! So, please take time to lift up this dear family in prayer through these challenging days; standing with them in faith to see our L-RD’s mercy fulfilled through the complete healing of Amil!

Should you wish to personally contribute to this family or write a note of encouragement,
please contact us at: mercy777@netvision.net.il

For Israel’s Redemption…

Ye’shi Reinhardt — ‘Hands of Mercy’

PS: WE NEED YOUR HELP! We are launching a special Pre-Pesach Youth-Outreach Project called “Healing Thru Art.” Please see our website for details!

Phone: 02-622-2220 or 050-202-3040

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P.O. Box 60 • Saranac, MI 48881 • USA

Please see our web-site for details about ways you can help

www.israel-handsofmercy.org