Day 3 in Israel - Shabbat
Today is Shabbat, like our Sunday, but much more strict here! Almost everything is shut down except for a few gentile businesses, like restaurants and a few gas stations.
Our dear brother Eli Nacht, who has had all kinds of leadership roles in the Israeli Kinesset and been a great help with our ministry here, is now deputy mayor in Ashdod! He was able to take a couple hours for lunch with pastor Israel and I today!
Because relationship is always God's first issue, we have been on this journey together not only as brothers but with each other's family! We were extra blessed when his sweet wife Inna showed up with their youngest daughter Tally! Our time together is always around friendship, family and the work God has given us to do! It is amazing what the Spirit of Jesus has done over our last ten years together, but the best part is that the tasks still flow out of loving relationships, which makes every time we are together sweeter than the time before!
Pastor Israel was kind enough to lend me the church's Toyota Tacoma to drive up the Coast to Bat Yam where Max and Tanya Garkavenko live. Because of Covid and a few other challenges, it has been nearly 5 years since we have been together! They and their family continue to serve Christ as evangelists, pastors and International ministers. They bought me a great dinner by the Sea and we spent about 2 1/2 hours catching up and dreaming about ministry here in Israel and also the work that God continues to call us to in Ukraine! There are so many personal relationships for all of us there, and the terror that these friends continue to face caused all of us to weep!...We're not sure what to do except to keep crying out for mercy on both sides of this terrible War!!
Interspersed thrughout today were all kinds of health challenges, close calls on the freeway and danger from several different situations - but one by one, our God delivered us out of them all! There are always challenges but some days it feels like the devil is running so scared, that he tries to lay land mines at every turn, yet our Savior is greater than all the enemy's foolishness. We just need to listen and keep our eyes on Jesus! I hope your journey today is filled with His loving Presence and provision for 'every' needed out of God's riches in Christ Jesus! Phil. 4:19
In His love, jerry
3 Comments
I just read all 3 of your blogs, and as always, inspirational. How wonderful it is to hear about our friends there. They must be so happy to see you. I pray that you continue to be led by the Holy Spirit, the grace of the Heavenly Father and enough energy to accomplish all that He wants you to do. I will be sitting here in good old Burien with two sweet little kitties on my lap, living vicariously through you, lol. Take care my friend.
How special.to get drive your own type of car to see Tanya and Max. Things and conditions have changed during these times. Jerry you are a gifted leader to stay in relationship with so special friends. BLESSINGS TO THEM TO. MARILYN
As I “wake up” from reading Pastor Jerry’s blog entry, and focus on my own day and journey to come, I now realize that I have many very distinct relationship opportunities. How to do this better? Jerry says, LISTEN, and keep my eyes on Jesus. How does Jerry do this? By reaching out to others with love and hope. Happy Shabbat, Pastor Jerry.