By Marney Blom
Hebrew prophets, ancient kings and advancing armies have all trod the ancient stones of Jerusalem during the past three millennia. Throughout the ages watchmen have stood on her ramparts, guarding the ancient city from enemy invasion. Today, watchmen still man these walls, but instead of rifles and missiles, they are armed with a very different kind of weaponry.
“Every morning we scale the walls and start proclaiming the promises God has for the Jewish people … based on Isaiah [chapter] 62, ‘For Zion’s sake you will not be silent, for Jerusalem’s sake you will not be quiet,” says Bart Repko founder of “Never be Silent” – a ministry launched in 2006. “So we remind God [to] let those words come to pass.”
Six days a week, Repko – a former documentary film-maker from the Netherlands – guides groups of mostly European visitors along the ancient stones praying and declaring scriptures. Last year more than 3,500 Christians joined him on the ramparts to pray.
“Here we see the headquarters of the united nations,” says Repko as he points south. Then looking northeast he continues, “And here we have Mount Moriah – the Temple Mount where God wants to dwell. This is the most strategic location on this planet earth and [this is why] God appoints watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem.”
Guiding the tour group to a plateau adjacent to the landmark David’s Citadel – topped with crescent moon and minaret – Repko stops and opens his well-worn Bible. Beyond the corroding metal fence guarding the eastern perimeter of the stone landing one can hear the neighing of horses tucked away in a candid stable within the ancient walls. The Dutchman then raises his voice with great zeal mindful that all – Christians, Jews and Arab Palestinians – are within earshot.
“Playing time is over, we shouldn’t be distracted,” proclaims Repko, arguably a contemporary reflection of the prophets of old. “We need a spirit of discernment to find out what time it is on God’s watch [and to] which page the Bible is opened.”
The dozen evangelical Christians accompanying this modern-day herald follow his lead. Praying scriptures and declaring God’s ancient promises for Israel they spark the curiosity of local Jewish visitors to the wall.
“What are you reading?” inquires a group of Israelis passing by.
“Ezekiel 36,” answers Repko. “We love it … and we love you.”
“We love you too,” respond the Israelis. With smiles and an exchange of hand-shakes the locals appear to be warmed by the presence of Repko and his group.
“To my surprise, many Jewish people hear the rumours in Jerusalem, ‘Hey this crazy Dutchman is walking on the walls,'” admits Repko with a grin. “And they come and I welcome them – Jewish people walk with us. Many times they are moved because they feel we do not have a hidden agenda.”
Yet with every prayer and declaration, Repko’s tone and demeanour express a clear sense of urgency.
“We are living in decisive days – circumstances will change dramatically in the near future,” he warns. “I challenge the church – the 
believers – to wake up. I also challenge the Jewish people, ‘Guys, circumstances will change … if you can , come home.'”
Marney Blom, Acts News Network, Jerusalem
Marney Blom is news director for the Acts News Network.
Copyright © Acts News Network, Inc.