The Friends of Israel in Action May/Jun 2025
40 Years of Faithfulness
After 40 years of devoted service to The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry (FOI), Peter Colón, our field representative in Florida, has retired from full-time ministry. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we celebrate the indelible impact Peter and his wife, Janis, have made in advancing God’s Kingdom.
Peter’s ministry is a testament to a life rooted in a deep love for God’s Word and a passion for sharing it with others. His dedication to teaching the Bible has inspired countless believers to love, support, and pray for Israel and the Jewish people. Through speaking engagements, reenactment performances, written contributions, video teachings, and more, Peter has consistently pointed others to the transformative truths of Scripture.
A regular contributor to Israel My Glory magazine, Peter has brought the Bible to life for his readers through his profound expertise in biblical archaeology. His articles illuminate historical and cultural contexts, helping believers understand the richness of God’s Word.
Peter’s insights extended beyond the page to audiences worldwide through various media. His engaging and accessible “Scholar Series” on YouTube offers fresh perspectives on biblical texts and their connection to Israel. Peter’s gift for teaching, combined with his knowledge of archaeology and theology, has made this video series a valuable resource for believers seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture.
Together with Janis, Peter has served not only as a minister of the gospel but as a source of encouragement to a multitude of Christians. Their ministry has cultivated a love for Israel and the Jewish people in the hearts of many, inspiring them to stand with God’s Chosen People in prayer and action.
Peter has suffered from several significant health issues in recent years, which contributed to his decision to retire. Yet, even as he endured painful diseases and disappointing setbacks, his joy and eagerness for serving the Lord never diminished.
As we bid farewell to Peter’s full-time ministry, we remember the apostle Paul’s words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Peter’s legacy is one of a well-run race—a life devoted to faithfully sharing the gospel of the Messiah.
You can support representatives like Peter Colón serving in North American Ministries. Thank you for your prayers and financial support!
In Canada, please give here.
Finding the Messiah at the Farm
Just outside Warsaw, Poland, sits the FOI facility we call the Farm, where our team hosts groups of Jewish Ukrainians needing respite from the conditions in their war-weary nation. Here, our FOI team hosts weeklong retreats in a secluded, quiet space among farm animals and gardens where adults can recuperate from the stress of daily war.
During our guests’ time at the Farm, God provides many opportunities to talk about faith, the Bible, and the Messiah. Because of the war, most participants do not have enough food; medicine; or regular utilities, including electricity and heat, in their homes. When these basic supplies can be found, they are often too expensive for many families.
FOI Poland is happy to provide a place where Jewish Ukrainians can find help, comfort, and encouragement. The ministry at the Farm is led by one of our newest team members, Anna Kur, whose family has partnered with FOI for many years.
One of our team’s goals has been to visit these Ukrainians when they return to their homes. Though the journeys are harrowing, our team’s love for the Jewish people and desire to bless them motivates us to continue to meet their needs. Despite the many safety concerns, including driving along bombed-out roads, our team brings relief into Ukraine with bravery forged by the love of Messiah Jesus.
One such relief trip last year brought Anna and our Polish team to those in need around the time of Sukkot in the fall. They visited four Ukrainian cities over three days, spending time with new Jewish friends who had come to the Farm in Poland. Through these friendships our team also met many other Jewish Ukrainians. At the Jewish Community Center in one town, our workers repeatedly explained, “God put it on our hearts to care for His Chosen People.” The fact that Jewish people in Eastern Europe find it hard to believe any group of Christians wants to do what our team does illustrates the region’s bleak climate of antisemitism.
Whenever our team members say goodbye to these friends, they leave behind supplies and support. The food, medicine, and gift cards speak volumes to the Jewish people about both our staff and our Messiah. As one woman at a Ukrainian synagogue said to Anna, “Your gifts are nice and very helpful. But what matters most is the fact that you want to come here and help us. Knowing we have friends that haven’t forgotten about us means the world to me.”
You can support our Eastern European teams and other FOI International Ministries around the world. Thank you for your prayers and financial support!
Photos: The Friends of Israel Archives
