July 2025 Personal Letter


FROM JOSHUA & CALEB COLSON,
THE BEARDED BIBLE BROTHERS

Dear Friend,

We are jumping in ahead of Sarah Liberman’s on-the-ground-in-Israel report, which begins on page 3, to bring you this important and exciting news.

Caleb and Joshua filming in Israel

It’s official — the Bearded Bible Brothers have taken over the broadcast airwaves! In the past 46 years, God used Zola Levitt Presents followed by Our Jewish Roots to touch hearts during specific seasons of the broadcast outreach of Zola Levitt Ministries. Changing the program’s name was never a cheap gimmick; it is expensive. Yet in continuing our mission to preach the Gospel of Yeshua to the Jew first by declaring the Jewish roots of Christianity and explaining how God’s prophetic timeclock centers on Israel, we’ve concluded that a television program’s name can sail or sink a ship. Thus, we need a relatable rallying point for people to charge behind.

As America barrels toward a post-Christian landscape, the old-school methods many televangelists and ministries used are not reaching a new generation of lost people. Many of them view Christianity as flawed or doubtful after the sins of some prominent Christian leaders have risen to the surface. Though speaking the truth of God’s love is a staple that will never change, wrapping the Gospel message in “bearded duds” elevates the appeal for a generation that typically consumes media in a modern format.

Sharing the Gospel is a team sport, as is creating a TV program. The BBB’s background involves making television shows and movies. In secular Hollywood, many production houses employ hundreds of individuals and spend millions of dollars to deliver a single 30-minute product. Thankfully, our experience and God’s wisdom has afforded us new technology, techniques, and ingenuity to produce a quality television program at a fraction of that cost.

It also helps that our all-star crew of television professionals work sacrificially — with a reduced budget — rather than receiving what they could earn in Hollywood. They understand that their labor earns them eternal treasure; this is as much their ministry as it is yours. Thus, every dollar that Believers like you donate is supernaturally stretched to meet an immense need, just as when Yeshua/Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fishes. But we can’t continue traveling to Israel to preach the Good News unless we first have the loaves and fish.

Our founder, Zola Levitt, encouraged viewers not to give to this ministry when we were in surplus, but instead, to bless other ministries. Then when funds were needed, Zola operated on the principle of “Ask and you shall receive” (Matt. 7:7).

Since Hamas’s atrocities on October 7, 2023, we’ve encouraged viewers to give to several organizations in Israel to help rebuild that country. Now, however, we need your financial assistance. God is plotting a new course for this outreach to accomplish the same goal: declaring that Yeshua is Lord! Just as our Messiah spoke in parables to capture the imagination of the agricultural- based, Jewish people of His day, we seek to use modern methods to reach both the saved and the lost of our day.

Soon, the Bearded Bible Brothers® program title will appear on new platforms and new television stations, as well as sending weekly, time-sensitive emails to your inbox. We’re also flooding social media sites with the Gospel, using platforms like TikTok to reach people who would never watch Christian television. We have hired a professional social media team to kick start our social media surge, so we’re not winging it or speculating with ministry funds. While this is costing us money up front, it should pay off in the future. Even so, we need your help now.

In this era of Christian crowdfunding for outreaches like The Chosen, the Holy Spirit has inspired us to start a paywall subscription service to deliver relevant and fun content that will financially enable us to continue spreading the Gospel for free around the world.

Throughout history, finances have remained one of the greatest hindrances to any ministry. Though God directed His army to trust Him to supply their needs, many armies buckled under the daily demands to pay the bills. These ministries succumbed to manipulation and gimmicks to continue “God’s work.” Even worse, some ministries compromised ethical or Biblical standards hoping to get more eyes, ears, and offerings.

In contrast, Zola Levitt Ministries has always been faithful to God’s directive — in times of both plenty and shortage. Our steadfast leaders do things God’s way and do not compromise regarding Scripture or support for Israel.

Please continue to partner with us — by praying, sharing our videos online, telling others, and with your financial gifts. This outreach can be your vehicle to join us in reaching the Jewish people and spreading the Gospel of Yeshua.

Love, Joshua and Caleb

P.S. Please visit levitt.com/donate to find out ways that you can give to this ministry. In addition, don’t miss the BBB’s new website — BeardedBibleBros.com — where you can discover our new outreach initiatives.


FROM SARAH, OUR SABRA
ON THE GROUND IN ISRAEL

Shalom from Israel.

For decades, U.S. aid has been vital to Israel’s security. While many think that the U.S. gives Israel millions in foreign aid, in reality, Israel receives an annual allotment to purchase military equipment and technology from American companies. As a result, many Israeli munitions factories have shut down. This arrangement worked as long as U.S. and Israeli interests aligned.

During Israel’s campaign in Gaza to eradicate Hamas and rescue hostages, we also faced threats from Hezbollah in the north. Thus, the Israeli military implemented an “arms economy” — conserving ammunition in Gaza to have it available for use elsewhere. Sadly, this restraint cost the lives of Israeli soldiers, who had to clear dangerous buildings and tunnels manually rather than destroying them from a distance.

Calls in the U.S. to end arms shipments to Israel during the war sparked concern for many Israelis. Without American supplies, Israel could run out of vital ammunition, including Iron Dome missiles. The delays and even cancellation of American shipments felt like a betrayal by our closest ally.

Some Israelis believe these moves are Washington’s way of influencing Israeli military actions, especially in Gaza. Many feel that the U.S. doesn’t fully understand our security needs, as we face threats not just from Hamas, but from the Houthis and, most significantly, Iran.

Despite the tensions, most Israelis see the U.S.-Israel alliance as essential. American aid helps us maintain our qualitative military edge and provides support in global forums like the U.N., where Israel is frequently under attack.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla, and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. credit: Ariel Hermoni / Israel Ministry of Defense

A Contemporary Esther

God often works through willing individuals in desperate times. In the Book of Esther, we see a young woman responding “for such a time as this” (Esth. 4:14) to save the Jewish people from destruction by their enemies. In Israel’s current conflict, General Michael Kurilla — outgoing commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) — has acted with similar dedication.

Since October 7, 2023, Kurilla has spent considerable time in the Middle East. He fostered a quiet alliance among moderate Sunni nations and Israel, emphasizing coordination via CENTCOM rather than formal NATO-style pacts. This cooperation enhanced regional intelligence sharing and defense readiness.

His leadership also helped secure U.S. support for Israel and deter other regional powers, like Iran and Hezbollah, from escalating the conflict. Following the October 7 attack, the U.S. strategically deployed aircraft carriers to deter further aggression.

The Iranian Attack

On April 13, 2024, Iran launched “Operation True Promise,” firing 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and 120+ ballistic missiles at Israel. We activated our defense systems — fighter jets, Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow — but the attack’s scale required international support.

The U.S., U.K., France, and Jordan helped intercept the threats. CENTCOM played a central role, deploying American assets to neutralize missiles. British and French forces provided air and naval support, while Jordanian air defenses intercepted drones over their airspace.

This joint effort stopped 99% of the attacks, which minimized Israeli damage and casualties. The experience highlighted the importance of U.S.-Israel cooperation. It saved lives and also enhanced U.S. military readiness.

Strategic Support and Debate

Given the recent attacks by Iran and its proxies, many Israelis believe that the U.S. should block all uranium enrichment programs in the region. While Iran already has a dangerous nuclear program, other nations like Saudi Arabia are now seeking approval for similar capabilities.

There is growing debate in Israel about our continued reliance on the U.S. Some argue that the alliance is essential and worth maintaining, even if it means policy compromises. Others warn that such dependency puts Israel at risk, since American aid often comes with political strings, restricting Israel’s autonomy. These critics advocate for increased self-reliance, investment in local arms production, and expanded partnerships with nations like India and European countries. The detractors worry that ending American support will leave Israel vulnerable.

Taking Action

Supporters of Zola Levitt Ministries have long stood with Israel, supporting God’s promise of security for the Jewish people. There are several ways you can continue to strengthen the U.S.-Israel bond:

Pray for Israel

Prayer is a powerful intervention. As Believers in Yeshua as Messiah, Scripture commands us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17) and to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” (Ps. 122:6). Please consider praying regularly — individually, with your church, or in community groups. Organizing prayer meetings can make a difference, especially now.

Contact Your Elected Officials

As a U.S. citizen, your voice matters. When you contact members of Congress encouraging them to support U.S. aid and cooperation with Israel, you help shape policy. Personalized messages are especially effective. This support strengthens not only Israel but also all nations standing against Islamic extremism.

Engage on Social Media

After October 7, 2023, I hesitated to post about the war because I feared the backlash. But social media is powerful — and full of misinformation. Eventually, I began sharing accurate updates about Israel’s security situation. Though I received some criticism, most responses were supportive.

If you’re active online, please use your platform to spread the truth. Share facts, stories, and news that support Israel’s right to defend itself and highlight the value of U.S.-Israel cooperation.

Looking Ahead

Israel will continue to debate its level of independence from U.S. support. But amid rising global anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment, continued American partnership is more important than ever. I believe God is using the U.S. to assist Israel in these critical times.

Thank you for standing with us.

Im tirdefu lada-at oto“Press on to know HIM!” (Hosea 6:3 NLT)

Many blessings from Israel,

Sarah Liberman

 

P.S. Thank you for praying for the people of Israel. Also, thank you for supporting this ministry that enables Israelis and others around the world to hear about the salvation that only comes through Yeshua/Jesus.

Zola Tours: Returning to Israel

Bible study pilgrims are returning to Israel again. Small group tours are currently in progress across the country, including in the north, now that the Hezbollah threat has been dismantled. From all indications, many large group tours to Israel will begin again this Fall.

We continue to plan for our Spring 2026 tour, which Joshua and Caleb Colson will host. If you’ve ever wanted to encounter the places you read about in Scripture, March is a wonderful time to visit. For more information on this trip of a lifetime, contact Sandra, our tour manager, at 214-696-9760, travel@levitt.com, or visit levitt.com/tours.

Spring Tour 2026 options

Deluxe — IsraelMar. 16–Mar. 26
Grand Petra — Israel & PetraMar. 16–Mar. 29
Spring tour prices are pending

Bearded Bible Brothers® TV programs in July

This month, as our television broadcast rebrands as the Bearded Bible Brothers, we begin with four stand-alone programs.

During the last week, we debut The Lobstermen, which was filmed in the lobster capital of the world — Rockland, Maine.

Stand-Alone Programs

On the Road to Damascus — Following the footsteps of Rabbi Saul, Joshua and Caleb journey to the Syrian capital to uncover the mystery of the Isaiah 17 oracle.

All Hogs go to Heaven? — Should modern Jewish Believers adhere to kosher law? In this program, Joshua and Caleb join Shaul Katzav, a retired IDF sniper, to hunt for feral hogs in east Texas.

But Do all Hogs go to Heaven? — Joshua and Caleb continue their Texas hog hunt as they also unravel God’s mystery plan for the ages — justification by faith.

The Comradery Chronicles — Joshua and Pastor Mike Ferland undertake an epic road trip along the East Coast in which they reflect on the declining spiritual state of America.

The Lobstermen

In this series, we consider Yeshua’s call for His disciples to become “fishers of men” and consider the trailblazing ways of the Apostle Paul, the original “lobsterman.” There’s much we can learn in the Book of Acts from the first Believers about witnessing to the lost and discipling Yeshua’s followers. Join us to discover what it takes to be a fisherman — a lobsterman.

Go Into All the World! — Yeshua commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. The Bearded Bible Brothers join an all-star group of Jews and gentiles to focus on the Great Commission.

Visit levitt.com/schedule to read the expanded description of each BBB TV program.

Zola Levitt Ministries is ECFA approved and has Charity Navigator’s top rating of 4 stars, plus Ministry Watch’s Give With Confidence Score of 100.

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