The Negev Desert—a place where people are few and surprises are many. Even in its arid landscape, the winter months foster flowers and foliage to thrive. Despite the Negev Desert appearing fairly desolate and being overlooked by many, its rich history and prophetic significance are bringing it back to life.
Just at the brink of winter 2018, we were honored to visit the land and meet an extraordinary family—a family that was losing hope and eager to find opportunities to bring their farmland (or moshav) in the Negev, and just 3 miles from the Gaza Strip, back to life.
The Bitan Family | This Is Their Story
The Bitan family has three generations living on their moshav. After buying the land and moving there in the 1940s, they planted beautiful, vibrant flowers that were primarily sold to vendors in Europe.
Sadly, due to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, the flowers once grown on the beautiful family farm have been boycotted. The once-lush land now stands desolate and dry because there is suddenly no market for their crops.
Some might be of the opinion that they should just move and find another way to make a living. After all, they have witnessed balloon bombs landing near their home, and they are no strangers to the whistling sounds of rockets fired near their fields.
But it isn't that easy. This is not merely a random piece of land. It is their heritage, a connection to their hope, and it is their home. The Bitan family has longed to see their native land of Israel thrive. And their farm was, only a few years ago.
The BDS could've caused them to be disheartened. For a moment, their future looked as dry and desperate as the land that was right outside their family home. But they chose not to lose hope.
This family, nearly bankrupt and searching for a miracle, still held tight to the promises of God and the hope of the Messiah.
Mr. Bitan explained to us on that cool October morning that it had been his father’s dream to be a part of the prophecy that would harvest pure olive oil to be used in the coming Third Temple’s great menorah.
Can you imagine what it would be like to wait nearly a lifetime, and then finally see God unfold a part of your dreams right before your eyes?
When we met with them and heard their story, we couldn’t believe how God was orchestrating such restoration from something that seemed nearly lost. But nothing is beyond the reach of God’s sovereign hand.
We were reminded of this verse…
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”—Jeremiah 32:27
We didn’t know how God’s restorative plan would be revealed, but we had faith. So, we stepped out in it and took action.
When we stood on one of their open fields near the Gaza Strip, the wind blew, and dust filled the air. The smell of dirt was unmistakable, but we could almost detect the fragrance of flowers once planted there as we imagined what the moshav looked like in full bloom years ago.
God’s Favor
God has shown them favor with an opportunity of restoring their land, and He invites you to be a part of the fulfillment. The ground that was anxiously awaiting to be planted last year is now beginning to take root!
The land is equipped with an adequate irrigation system, as you can see. The expert knowledge the family, fine-tuned from years of planting and harvesting, can finally be released again through the olive tree—YOUR olive tree!
The joy this family has been given because of your generous sponsorship is immeasurable. They provide a humble and sincere thank-you to those first 150 sponsors who have made this possible.
They still have hope that the next 450 sponsors will step forward. They know those generous hearts will be blessed beyond measure. If the Lord is calling you to be 1 of those 450 who will step up, the Bitan family wants to send a message of gratitude.
They literally would not be in the place they are today without supporters like you.
To those 150 (you know who you are), we want you to look at the pictures above. Look at the joy on the face of Mr. Bitan. This has been possible because of YOU!
- You have restored a family
- You have restored a hope
- You are restoring the land
The Next Phase
As the remaining 450 trees wait to be sponsored, we ask that you pray for this family and for the nation of Israel. Pray for protection, peace, and prosperity to flow like a river through this desert—and for the Lord’s name to be glorified as He uses each of us to carry out His plans.
This particular area where the Bitans reside is significant. It is the location through which Abraham journeyed and lived thousands of years ago.
“And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar.”—Genesis 20:1
Mr. Bitan explains the location is, “the place where Abraham goes with the sheep, along with Isaac and Jacob.”
We know that God orchestrates all things to work together for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. The Bitan family’s story is a perfect depiction of His timeless hand resting upon Israel and inviting Believers to be a part of it all.
“We love the area and the Negev… and want to stay forever.”—Mr. Bitan
A Message from the Bitan Family to YOU!
“One-by-one we planted the young olive trees today. I couldn’t be prouder of this new olive grove. There is a selection of various olive trees from various species. Now we can harvest the best olive oil, and above all, we have your love and support. The whole family came out today and couldn’t stop thanking you. As a family, we very much appreciate and respect your generosity. Shalom.” —Samuel Bitan
Will you consider continuing this legacy and taking this project to the next phase? We know God has a plan for Israel and the land. We also know He gives us a choice to be a part of it and blesses those who are.
Let us—as Believers, the chosen generation who are the light to the world—proclaim His praises and be a part of what can be. Let us step into our higher purpose for our mighty God and His chosen people!
Sponsor a single olive tree today for $177 and receive a certificate that represents your footprint in the Holy Land—the land that holds the history of your faith and a hope for tomorrow.