22-23 September 2023

Our Arab Deborahs Arising Conference this past September was nothing short of miraculous. 155 Arab women gathered from across Israel, including the West Bank, and a 23-member ministry team of both local and international believers. Together, they prayed, spoke life, and served the women in love. The presence of the Lord was tangible from the first note of worship to the last prayer of commissioning, clearly demonstrating that the Holy Spirit was moving.

Worship in Unity: Hebrew and Arabic in Harmony

The worship experience, led by Karen Davis in Hebrew and the HOPE worship team in Arabic, was a profound display of unity. The melodies, though in different languages, flowed seamlessly, creating an atmosphere where we worshiped the Lord with one voice and one Spirit. The conference theme, taken from Luke 1:35—

“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…”
served as the foundation, weaving through each message and uniting us all in purpose and faith.

Receiving the Call: Rania’s Opening Message

Rania opened the conference with a powerful word about Mary’s calling in Luke 1. She emphasized that the angel Gabriel’s announcement was not merely a historical event but a prophetic invitation for us today. Mary’s response, saying “yes” to God despite the risks, became an example for all. Rania encouraged us to remember:

“When our strength fades—through sickness or trials—we must trust not in ourselves but in the Lord.”

Rania connected the idea of “overshadowing” with the image of the Spirit hovering like a dove over the waters of creation. Just as the earth was formed, salvation too came through a woman’s womb. Furthermore, each of us is called to carry a harvest within us, one of salvation and healing. As a symbol of this calling, every woman received a bundle of wheat, signifying the need to pray for more workers in the harvest.

Living the Surrendered Life: Elin Fakerbakke

Next, Elin Fakerbakke from Norway spoke about “The Power of a Surrendered Life.” Using the life of Heidi Baker as an example, she illustrated what it means to lay everything down for Jesus. She also quoted Corrie Ten Boom:

“Let God’s promises shine on your problems.”

Elin reminded us that God knows us, loves us, and desires to restore our identities. The story of the prodigal son highlighted this powerful message of restoration—despite feeling unworthy, the father embraced his son. Similarly, we have the opportunity to be restored by God, no matter our past. While not everything that breaks us is our fault, we have the choice to let it make us rather than destroy us. Choosing Jesus in every circumstance is the essence of a surrendered life.

Healing the Deep Places: Pastor Linda Berling

Pastor Linda Berling from Sweden continued the theme by challenging us not to limit God. She shared that true healing begins with a deep understanding of God’s love. Sometimes, God must “operate” on us, bringing us to a place where He can heal our deepest wounds. She recounted a personal story: when her father cursed her decision to become a street evangelist, she prayed for him years later when he was near death, and God gave him 15 more years of life.

“We will see Muslims touched by miracles—this is a key to the harvest among Muslims,” Linda proclaimed.

Radical Encounter: Testimony of Cameran Yarai

A highlight of the conference was Cameran Yarai, a former Muslim from Iran, who shared his powerful testimony. As a young man, he experienced visions of Jesus and eventually surrendered his life to Him at age 33 in America. One significant word the Lord spoke to him was:

“I call everyone My friend, but not everyone calls Me their friend.”

Cameran’s message was profound:

“If you want a Muslim to invite Jesus into his heart, invite the Muslim into your heart first.”

No More Thorns: Heidi Baker’s Charge

In the final session, Heidi Baker delivered a passionate message titled “Cast Out All the Thorns.” She reminded us that division in the Body of Messiah is akin to “eating your own family.” As believers, we are called to honor, respect, and love one another. Each of us has been given a unique anointing. Heidi emphasized:

“God doesn’t want to hear your ‘but’—He wants your ‘yes.’”

When we are called to intimacy with God, we must be willing to throw out the schedule and prioritize our time with Him in the secret place.

Holy Spirit Breakthroughs: Joy, Healing, and Prophecy

Throughout the conference, the Holy Spirit was powerfully at work. Many women received healing, prophetic words, and deep encouragement. There were moments when the room erupted in spontaneous dancing, laughter, and tears. It was clear—no one wanted to leave God’s presence. As a result, we indeed had to throw out the schedule to remain in His presence.

A Lasting Impact

We give all glory to God for what He did at the Arab Deborahs Arising Conference. He met us in power, and He is faithful to complete the good work He began in each woman (Philippians 1:6). Let us continue to carry His fire, rise to our callings, and become Deborahs for this hour.