FROM JOSHUA & CALEB COLSON,
THE BEARDED BIBLE BROTHERS

Shalom from Jerusalem! Twice a year we travel to Israel to film content for new Bearded Bible Brothers television programs. While our trips are both a blessing and a privilege, we experience 14-hour workdays as well as natural and spiritual conflicts. This time, we encountered Islamic resistance at sites like the Temple Mount, Solomon’s Pools, and Bethlehem. Likewise, some Jewish people also opposed us. Israeli police nearly arrested us for filming at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

Later, we were stopped while filming at the Kotel (Western Wall). This was the first time in decades that Israeli authorities tried to hinder a ZLM film crew, but tensions were understandably high. One day during our trip, most of Jerusalem and the freeway to Tel Aviv were shut down by around 500,000 (!) Orthodox Jews protesting the government’s proposal to draft Haredi yeshiva students into the military.

Sometimes, we must adapt quickly during our filming. But even in challenges to our plans, we see God’s master plan at work. For instance, soldiers from the specialized Yahalom Unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disrupted our filming at the Kotel. One soldier wanted a picture with Caleb, thinking that he was the actor who portrayed Yeshua in The Chosen. This open door gave us an opportunity to share our faith in Yeshua and pray with the soldiers before they left for Gaza that evening.

These soldiers, mostly 18- or 19-year-olds who had recently completed basic training, were grateful to learn that Believers in Yeshua came from America to support them by filming a television program that showcases the truth of Israel. That same day, we learned that a soldier had died in a firefight during the “ceasefire” between Hamas and Israel. In response, a furious Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered missile strikes on Gaza, resulting in explosions that we heard while we filmed in nearby Ashkelon.

This trip differed from our previous wartime visits. For the first time since October 7, 2023, we saw many tour groups at pilgrimage sites across Israel. Though they sometimes interrupted our filming, it was wonderful to see their joy and excitement at being in the land of the Bible.

Many pilgrims, including a group of South African Christians, asked if they could take pictures with us. These encounters allowed us opportunities to minister to their groups. We also saw friends of Zola Levitt Ministries during our filming — including Rosemary Schindler Garlow, Pastor Jim Garlow, and our good friend Joshua Aaron. With these wonderful moments, we especially anticipate our Zola Tours trip to Israel this coming spring. Please consider joining us on this life-changing Bible study tour.

Another interaction also encouraged us. On the day we landed at the Ben Gurion International Airport, Caleb and our traveling companion, Pastor Hirchie Schaffner, were scanning our group’s passports at the visa terminal when a woman recognized Caleb. Gina said that she came to Israel because of our television series Rebuilding the Ruined Cities. In it we had challenged viewers to volunteer with non-profit organizations in Israel, but Gina felt unqualified. Later, she got angry after seeing a video of Hamas forcing Israeli hostage Evyatar David to dig his own grave.

Gina accused God of not doing anything to rescue His Chosen People. She asked, “Why don’t You send someone to help Israel and pray for its people?” God responded, “I send you. Will you go?” Though shaken, Gina replied, “Yes.” Then, she began preparing. In less than 10 days, God opened every door and provided everything she needed to volunteer at a hospital in Jerusalem. Later, as we filmed at the City of David, we saw Gina again. Sensing God’s providence, we interviewed her for our BBB television program and prayed for the success of her mission.

The Lord calls each of us to serve His purpose on this Earth. Unfortunately, many Believers don’t say “yes” to Him. Thus, we ask you to pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can support Israel and the Jewish People. God may call you to go to Israel and volunteer like Gina. Maybe He will lead you to donate to one of our benevolence funds that blesses Israel. (Visit levitt.com/blog/israeli-support for more info.) Or perhaps He will ask you to give a monthly gift to support our television ministry in sharing the Gospel of Yeshua. Would you ask God what He wants you to do?

As you pray, please remember to Sha’alu shalom Yerushalayim! — “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” (Psalm 122:6),

Love, Joshua and Caleb

P.S. For over 45 years, Zola Levitt Ministries has shared the Gospel of Yeshua and God’s love with people in Israel and around the world. Our small but impactful outreach is only possible through your faithful partnership. Thank you for your steadfast love for God’s Chosen People!

FROM SARAH, OUR SABRA
ON THE GROUND IN ISRAEL

Dear Friend,

Shalom from the Holy Land. As you likely know, the surviving 20 hostages finally returned to Israel in October — 738 days after Hamas terrorists sadistically abducted them from southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

We Israelis held our breath from the moment the ceasefire and hostage release agreement was announced. We prayed that nothing would hinder the hostages’ release. On the day of the release, no one could focus on normal activities. We were all glued to the news.

At the reception point in IDF base Re’im (just outside Gaza), the abductees met with loved ones for the first time in two years. Afterward, they were taken to hospitals. Crowds of people carrying Israeli flags and shouting cries of encouragement awaited their arrival. As the hours passed, moving videos of the reunions brought tears of joy and gratitude to people throughout Israel.

Many, however, did not share this joy. Family members of fallen soldiers posted heart-wrenching messages on social media. They were still grieving over soldiers who died or were severely injured in the war. One wrote, “My brother died for nothing; I’m broken.” Another questioned, “My brother was badly wounded so that Hamas can continue to rule?” While the living hostages did return home, many people felt that the agreement wasn’t good for Israel. Adding to our shared grief is that the bodies of some deceased hostages remain in Gaza.

In our community, I watched people who lost family members during the October 7 attack. They struggled to enjoy the wonderful reunions, realizing that they would never again embrace their own lost loved ones. Even I had mixed feelings that day. While I knew that I should be happy, the horror of the attack again became very real.

International Considerations

Israelis realize that the hostage release happened because of significant intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump and his aides. A second part of this deal is supposed to begin after the recovery of the bodies or remains of the deceased hostages. The second phase includes establishing a governing force in Gaza with no Hamas involvement. This solution seems to align with Israel’s goal that Gaza will never again be a threat to the Jewish state.

Many international players want a hand in shaping a “new” Gaza. Their vision, however, often neglects Israel’s long-term security needs. While international disregard for Israel’s interests has escalated since October 2023, it has increased for decades.

Trump’s arrangement for ending the war and returning the hostages gave his Middle Eastern partners almost a blank check regarding Gaza’s future. Two of these partners are Qatar and Turkey. Qatar’s support of Hamas prompted Israel’s failed attack on Qatar in September. Yet the greater concern for Israel came in Qatar’s surprising defense agreement with the U.S.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey’s president since 2014, has a strong anti-Semitic temperament. His motivations are easy to imagine, given his defense of Hamas and long-time Palestinian advocacy.

Unfortunately, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia — who have a more agreeable relationship with Israel — may play minor roles in determining Gaza’s future.

A non-Palestinian group governing Gaza and disarming Hamas appeals to Israelis. We want to protect our soldiers’ lives. One problem with this idea, however, is that the international community loves “instant” solutions. Israelis, on the other hand, are painfully aware that such plans rarely work in the Middle East, especially regarding the Palestinian conflict.

A Bear Hug

Israelis knew that Hamas would eventually break the ceasefire agreement, and sure enough, Hamas’s violations occurred. They started with “trickle” killings of Israeli soldiers along the defensive Yellow Line in the Gaza Strip. Gazan “civilians” also repeatedly challenged that limit. Hamas later launched a brutal revenge campaign against Gazans who opposed Hamas during the war. Thus, few Israelis believe that Hamas will willingly give up its weapons or control in Gaza, which are requirements of the Trump-brokered peace deal.

Most Israelis waited to see how Israel would respond to Hamas’s ceasefire violations. Absurdly, while Jerusalem understood the need for a strong counter, U.S. inspectors, who are overseeing the ceasefire, have kept Israel’s hands tied.

President Trump has clear motives for maintaining this peace deal. It is the cornerstone for promoting normalization between Israel and some Arab nations, thereby expanding the Abraham Accords. Yet America placed Israel in a bear hug when it limited Israel’s response to Hamas’s violations. This may unintentionally sow the seeds for the next October 7.

Israel has already experienced long-term damage because of the conditions of the peace agreement. Further restricting its political and military freedom of action will bring increased security, political, and geo-political ramifications. Not responding decisively to violations and pursuing containment of Hamas have already proven to be a problem. Allowing foreign entities into Gaza — especially those who oppose Israel — will lead to greater problems for us. We learned on October 7, 2023, that minor threats and violations are never minor.

Now more than ever, the people of Israel need to know and trust in our Lord. We Believers here pray that Israelis will experience a revelation of God’s deep love and good plan for this nation and His people. We especially pray that they will know the Lord’s sovereignty and accept His salvation through Yeshua.

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

Many blessings from Israel,

Sarah Liberman

 

P.S. My ongoing prayer is that the Israeli people will understand, despite what they see with their natural eyes, that “… the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance” (Ps. 94:14). Would you join us in praying for Israel and its people? Your prayers, along with your financial gifts to this ministry, will help people around the world learn about the peace, joy, hope, and strength that comes in a faith relationship with Yeshua.

“We saw many tour groups at pilgrimage sites across Israel. Though they sometimes interrupted our filming, it was wonderful to see their joy and excitement at being in the land of the Bible.”

Hopefully you noticed Joshua and Caleb’s observation above that pilgrims are returning to the Holy Land. God’s people are overjoyed to tour there after a long absence. You can have the same joy and delight when you join the Bearded Bible Brothers for our 2026 Spring Bible study tour. Joshua and Caleb hope that you will go with them to experience Yeshua’s land.

For details or to make reservations, please contact Sandra, our tour manager, at 214-696-9760, travel@levitt.com, or via levitt.com/tours.

Spring Tour 2026 options

Deluxe — Israel March 16–26 $5,488
Grand Petra — Israel & Petra March 16–29 $6,888
Prices include tips, taxes, and airline surcharges (subject to change).

Bearded Bible Brothers^® TV programs in December

We begin this month with the final programs in our new series Conquest of Canaan. Rather than retelling the Biblical story of the Israelite conquest, this series contrasts the Hebrews’ victories with Satan’s attempts to overtake Israel’s territory through the ages.

Then, we wrap up the month with two stand-alone programs. First is a timely program related to the birth of Yeshua. This is followed by a program that looks at what’s coming in the New Year!

Conquest of Canaan

The Battle of Kiriath Arba and Kiriath Sepher — Granted rare access to Tel Rumeida, the team goes to Biblical Hebron where epic battles once raged between the tribe of Judah and Nephilim kings. A visit to Athens reveals the domination of the Greek Empire.

The Battle of the Altars — Accompanied by IDF soldiers, the crew travels to Mount Ebal in the “West Bank” to inspect Joshua’s ancient altar. Do the vows of blessings and curses have consequences on modern Israel? Later, the brothers teach from the city of Jerash in Jordan.

The Battle for Jerusalem — In the series finale, Joshua and Caleb visit ancient Tel Samaria’s remains. There, they discuss the final battle for Jerusalem and the rise of the Beast. Thankfully, Yeshua determines Israel’s final ownership.

Stand-Alone Programs

O Little Town of Bethlehem — In Bethlehem, the Bearded Bible Brothers visit Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. While reviewing God’s faithfulness throughout 2025, the brothers also reflect on God’s greatest gift of all — Yeshua.

A Glimpse into 2026 — Joshua and Caleb unveil their outreach plan for the New Year. They also offer a sneak peek at some of the exciting new content to come: Third Temple of Doom, Return of the Nephilim, and Paul vs the gods.