About Akaya Kitchen

Akaya Kitchen is the founder and president of Lifting up Zion. God called her to “lift up Zion” in 2011 after her first visit to Israel. She fulfills that by (1) encouraging the Body of Christ to pray for the salvation of Israel and (2) collecting funds for the Messianic Jewish community in Israel. She is an ordained Assemblies of God minister. Akaya has a Master’s degree in Applied Communication and a Certificate in Biblical Studies. She is married to her husband, Lee, Associate Pastor of Hope Church in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, and is a dedicated daughter, sister, and aunt. She is the author of the book How You Should Pray for Israel.

The God Who Declares the End: Why Israel’s Salvation Is Certain

Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and [...]

By |2026-02-13T14:10:32-06:00February 13th, 2026|Newsletter|Comments Off on The God Who Declares the End: Why Israel’s Salvation Is Certain

When Antioch Gave: The Forgotten Story of Gentile Generosity to Jerusalem

Antioch was an interesting place. The bustling city in Syria was home to a diverse group of believers—both Jew and gentile—who worshipped the God of Israel together. In fact, Antioch would be the training ground for a young man named Paul, also known as Saul, as God prepared him for a global ministry. After [...]

By |2026-01-12T13:21:30-06:00January 12th, 2026|Newsletter|Comments Off on When Antioch Gave: The Forgotten Story of Gentile Generosity to Jerusalem

Doctor of Ministry

Dear friends and partners, This month, I bring a personal life update to you that has bearing on my work with Lifting up Zion. On Monday, December 8, I successfully defended my Doctor of Ministry dissertation, “Messianic Jews and Antisemitism: Responses and Jewish Perspectives.” It was an arduous but worthwhile journey, and I pray this [...]

By |2025-12-10T17:23:26-06:00December 10th, 2025|Newsletter|Comments Off on Doctor of Ministry

Symposium on Global Antisemitism

On November 6-7, 2025, The King’s University in Southlake, Texas, hosted its first annual Symposium on Global Antisemitism. I was privileged to present a paper there discussing the contributions of various Messianic Jewish and Jewish mission organizations in the fight against antisemitism. Here is a short synopsis of what the Messianic Jewish world is doing [...]

By |2025-11-10T11:52:34-06:00November 10th, 2025|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Symposium on Global Antisemitism

A Prayer for the Salvation of Israel

In Romans, we see a heartfelt expression from the Apostle Paul, that he deeply desired and earnestly prayed that the Jewish people would be saved. It seems that Paul was deeply convicted of this prayer in his heart. In Romans 9, he said: I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience [...]

By |2025-10-16T16:13:43-05:00October 16th, 2025|Newsletter|Comments Off on A Prayer for the Salvation of Israel

September Newsletter

These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also. Acts 17:6 In Israel, there are approximately 20,000 Jewish people who believe in Yeshua as Messiah. While the percentage of Messianic Jews is relatively small, their number is increasing. In fact, in 1999, there were only 5,000 Messianic Jews. This should remind [...]

By |2025-09-17T11:06:22-05:00September 17th, 2025|Newsletter|Comments Off on September Newsletter

Will you take a stand?

The world is turning against Israel. It’s happening right before our eyes. In just the last few days, I’ve read the following headlines: France temporarily halts visas for El Al security staff Three Arrested After Red Paint Smeared, Door Smashed at Israeli Embassy in The Hague Star of David necklace ripped from neck, beaten for [...]

By |2025-08-14T13:22:47-05:00August 14th, 2025|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Will you take a stand?

July 2025 Newsletter

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. 1 Chronicles 12:32 Messianic News Sources Reliable news can be difficult to find. This month, I want to share two Messianic news sources that you can subscribe to in order [...]

By |2025-07-17T09:14:21-05:00July 17th, 2025|Uncategorized|Comments Off on July 2025 Newsletter
Go to Top