MERRILL BOLENDER
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4 NIV
It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our beloved friend and Chief Intercessor, Merrill Bolender. Merrill has been a pillar of strength and an unwavering advocate for God’s holy work of Aliyah from the early days of Ebenezer Operation Exodus International and the work of Operation Exodus USA.
Please see details of his service at the very end of this email.
In 1948, as a twelve-year-old farm boy in southern Ohio, Merrill clearly heard the Lord saying, “You will be a voice in the wilderness, saying ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’” For many years, this word was a mystery, but over time, the call and vision became clearer.
During the Cold War, 1985–86, Merrill joined a delegation from across the USA to the Soviet Union. Merrill and his wife Donna visited Jewish families in Leningrad and Moscow who had applied to immigrate to Israel but were refused, known as “Refuseniks.” Merrill and other prayer groups interceded on Red Square, praying for God to speak to “Pharaoh,” “Let My people go!” and, if necessary, visit plagues on the Soviet Union to bring her to her knees so the Jewish exodus (Aliyah) could take place. After Chernobyl, drought, a failed expansionist invasion in Afghanistan, the Cold War bankrupting the Soviet economy, and a major earthquake in Armenia, the miracle happened. The Iron Curtain collapsed, and the exodus began, resulting in well over a million Jews making their way to Israel.
From 1975 to 1989, Merrill served on staff at Daystar Christian Ministries in various capacities. He developed a Christian bookstore and lending library, served as Director of Counseling, worked in the Business Office, taught in Christian Maturity Seminars, and served as Assistant Director.
In 1980-1981 and 1987-1988, Merrill worked in Tel Aviv, Israel, in various capacities, including Elder on Pastoral Staff, Manager of Guest Facility, and Director of Immanuel House, which housed three ministries: a Messianic Congregation, a Study Center, and a 60-bed guest facility.
From 1985 to 1986, Merrill led six outreach teams to Central American nations, including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize, doing humanitarian work such as clothing distribution in refugee and Indian villages, medical clinics, dental clinics, construction, and evangelical outreach using drama, mime, Bible distribution, and nightly outdoor events using the Jesus film with a Spanish soundtrack.
From 2004 to 2020, Merrill, with his wife Donna by his side, served with Ebenezer Operation Exodus, living six months in Odessa, Ukraine, a port on the Black Sea. They sailed on six cruises from the port in Odessa with Olim making Aliyah to Haifa, Israel.
In 2005-2006, Merrill taught for two weeks each year at Samara Revival Bible Institute in Samara, Russia, on the subject: Israel’s Role in History; Past, Present, and Future.
In 2006, Merrill and his wife Donna became Area Representatives for Operation Exodus USA in their state of Indiana raising up intercessory prayer groups and participating in OEUSA intercessory prayer by phone and Zoom. They were trailblazers as they prayed and made Godly connections on the Aliyah highways throughout the mid-west states, and other countries around the world.
From 2011 to 2020, Merrill authored the book, “WHEN THE CROSS BECAME A SWORD: The Origin and Consequences of Replacement Theology.” The English version is in its tenth printing and is presently printed in sixteen languages, being made available on six continents.
In 2014, Merrill’s book was printed in Polish. As a result, for two years (2014-2015), Merrill was an invited speaker at a World Conference titled “FROM THE HOLOCAUST TO LIVING HOPE” in Oswiecim, Poland, a town bordering Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
In 2015, Merrill’s book was translated into Portuguese, resulting in a two-week speaking tour in Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Uberlandia, Brazil.
While we mourn the loss of Merrill, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of powerful writings, generosity, and passionate intercession. His memory will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his unfaltering great faith and vision for the greater Aliyah. His love and service to the LORD, and for God’s chosen people and God’s holy Land, are awe-inspiring to all of us at OEUSA.
We extend our deepest condolences to our dearest friend, Donna, Merrill’s beloved wife of 60 years. Their relationship was awe-inspiring, an example of true love and a life committed to serving the LORD in fervent intercession for the Aliyah of Jewish people, strong supporters and lovers of Israel and her people. We also extend our condolences to their children, grandchildren, extended family members, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
Let us honor Merrill’s memory by reaffirming our commitment to the work he held so dear—God’s holy work of Aliyah. We rejoice in Merrill’s homecoming—he is now in the presence of his LORD and Savior!
In God We Trust!
John Prosser
President, OEUSA
And the OEUSA Team
The Bolender family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Operation Exodus USA in memory of Merrill Bolender.
Please enter in the memo or comment section, “In Memory of Merrill Bolender”.
