By: Joe Hawkins, Prophecy Recon

In a rapidly unfolding series of developments, the red heifer project in Israel has once again captured the attention of prophecy watchers, biblical scholars, and believers worldwide.

On March 7, 2025, Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz reported in Israel 365 News that there were no suitable red heifers available at that moment for the biblically mandated purification sacrifice described in Numbers 19. This announcement sent ripples throughout the prophecy community, many of whom had been closely following the progress of red heifers imported from Texas by the organization Boneh Israel in 2022.

Just days later, on March 10, 2025, Prophecy Watchers host Mondo Gonzales released a video offering a significant counterpoint. Gonzales questioned the narrative being presented, citing historical power struggles among Jewish sects as a backdrop for the current lack of clarity. He suggested that the Temple Institute may be withholding certain information, possibly to control public perception or prevent interference. According to Gonzales, reliable sources maintained that at least two red heifers were still qualified for sacrifice, and preparations for the ceremony were actively continuing. If accurate, this would represent a monumental step toward Third Temple preparations, with deep prophetic implications.

Fast forward to July 8, 2025, when Israel National News reported that a red heifer raised in Israel had been disqualified for ritual use after two black hairs were found—violating the strict biblical requirement that the animal be entirely red. The animal was instead used in a practice burning ceremony designed to train priests in preparation for the eventual ritual.

The situation escalated again on August 6, 2025, when Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz published a new report for Israel 365 News. He cited an announcement from the Temple Institute confirming that none of the remaining red heifers brought from Texas by Boneh Israel were suitable for the ceremony. This appeared to be a final blow to speculation about a near-term sacrifice.

However, on that very same day, Byron Stinson, the American leader of Boneh Israel, posted a Facebook a response the the Israel 365 News article:

“In response to my friends at Israel 365,” Stinson began, “I want to be clear on a few things:

1. The Temple Institute is our friend, but they don’t even agree among themselves. In fact, 80% of them say the cows are good.

2. Contrary to the article’s implication, the Temple Institute did not pay for or participate in the location or transport of the cows from Texas. Boneh Israel covered all expenses and continues to do so. We are still in charge of the cows and make the final call.

3. Boneh Israel understands that the only time you can disqualify or qualify a red heifer is at the moment of the ceremony—not before.

4. On a much broader scale, this ties into Zechariah 12. In the last days, evil nations will surround Israel with plans to destroy her, but Judah will rise and fight—and win—blinding many. Think about this: If Yahya Sinwar had waited until Iran, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas were all ready to strike together, their plan may have succeeded. But Sinwar acted early. Why? Because of the five cows from Texas. He wrote to Iran and explained that he would not wait any longer because of those cows.”

Stinson added, “I am proud to be serving the Lord as He opens doors in ways no one else can. Hashem deserves all the glory. I ask everyone, please do not rely solely on Adam Berkowitz for your understanding of this situation. Adam didn’t even approach me for comment, despite the fact that Boneh Israel personally contacted Israel 365 on the very day the cows arrived in Israel. That is disappointing. In my opinion, Adam should issue a retraction. Then again, that opinion plus five bucks might get you a cup of coffee.” He concluded, “I have spoken the truth as I understand it. The world is changing. This ceremony was real. It was the first in 2,000 years. And yes—there will be more.”

Stinson followed this response with another post of longer video of alleged practice ceremony video accompanied by a striking claim:

“First Red Heifer Ceremony in over 2000 years. Referencing Numbers 19:10, Stinson explained that a sacrifice had taken place on July 1, though it was not performed on the Mount of Olives. He acknowledged that some Jewish leaders might reject the legitimacy of the ceremony because it did not meet all rabbinic standards, but he maintained that the ritual was biblically valid, performed with a perfect priest, a perfect heifer, and in a location “outside the camp” in Samaria. “Many will never agree,” he wrote. “But the world is changing fast. And I believe this ceremony changed something in the world.” Stinson concluded with a heartfelt plea for unity, repentance, and recognition that “His promised Messiah is working in this sin-filled world.”

The following day, on August 7, 2025, Mondo Gonzales again weighed in with a detailed video update. He acknowledged the flood of new developments, citing three primary sources of information: the Temple Institute, Adam Berkowitz, and Byron Stinson. Gonzales broke down the timeline, noting that Byron’s July 1 ceremony was initially posted as a brief video clip but has since been expanded upon with new footage and explanations.

Gonzales affirmed that while the ceremony was not on the Mount of Olives, it was conducted according to biblical instructions—specifically, outside the camp. He emphasized that while this meets scriptural requirements, it does not satisfy the oral traditions upheld by many rabbinic authorities, particularly those found in the Mishnah and Talmud, which are often considered binding by Orthodox leders. In his view, this distinction will prevent the ceremony from being fully recognized by the religious establishment.

Still, Gonzales insisted the significance cannot be dismissed. Despite the Temple Institute’s official disqualification of the original five red heifers, the genetic purity of the animals remains intact, and at least four are expected to be used in future breeding programs in Israel. He reminded viewers that red heifer breeding efforts are still active in the U.S., and several qualified candidates remain in the pipeline.

Additionally, Gonzales pointed to recent activity on the Temple Mount, such as Itamar Ben Gvir’s prayerful Tisha B’Av visit, as further evidence of a dramatic shift in the spiritual landscape of Jerusalem. He encouraged believers to remain discerning, noting that transparency is not always guaranteed—especially when religious politics and global scrutiny are involved.

Why This Matters to Believers

For students of Bible prophecy, developments surrounding the red heifer are not just ceremonial—they are prophetic milestones. However, it is vital to remember that our hope is not in red heifers, genetic perfection, or even a third temple. Our hope is in Jesus Christ alone.

The Rapture is a signless and imminent event. While we know a temple will be standing by the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, we do not know when it will be built. The emergence of discussions around red heifers and Third Temple preparations suggests that we are moving closer to that prophetic period. And if we are drawing closer to the Tribulation, then we must recognize the urgency of the hour.

These events should stir in us not fear, but a renewed urgency to share the Gospel. We should not want anyone to enter Daniel’s 70th week. Let the red heifer debates and prophetic developments motivate us to reach a lost and dying world with the message of salvation in Christ. Time is short. The Lord is at the door. Let’s be found faithful.

Stay Awake. Keep Watch.

Joe Hawkins, Prophecy Recon