War in Israel day 20...

Shalom dear ones. There is so much going on in the World right now that it is difficult to keep track of it all! Our friends in Ukraine have continued to rest  under the cover of our dear Lord's wings- Ps. 91... the churches are the mainstay for almost all humanitarian aide and spiritual support there!  They are tired and the daily reports of death and injuries are a terrific burden to bear but God has done miraculous things to strengthen our brothers and sisters and give them grace to bring light, resource and encouragement in the midst of this horrific War!

Now Israel is facing the same kind of trauma and it doesn't look like it will end quickly! Over 20% of Israel's population is Slavic, so many, in both Wars, have loved ones in harm's way in each of these conflicts! We may be asked to help in different ways but there is nothing we can do that is more critical than prayer!  May Ezekiel 22:30 not be true on our watch!!

The following is an update from our dear friends at Beit Hallel Congregation in Israel:

A cry for help rang out from Ashkelon! Due to constant alarms and rocket fire raining down on the city, many people there are living in a bomb shelter. They were becoming desperate as they started to run out of food and supplies. Sister Abigail, from our Ashkelon congregation, reached out to our Ashdod congregation with a plea for us. Would you brave the dangers of the rocket fire to bring food and comfort to the frightened people living in the shelter?

Part of helping people in times of great need is being a light in their darkness. That is quite literally what we did for the people in Ashkelon. We drove out to Ashkelon through the dark of night to bring food and basic living essentials to the people in need. It was a way for us to be the light. 

Walking in with all the supplies we brought, immediately we noticed their bomb shelter, their refuge, was actually a synagogue. Synagogues are Jewish houses of worship, much like a church. Jews come to their local synagogues to pray together, read the Bible, and study the weekly portion of the Torah. 

Interestingly, the most recent weekly reading of the Torah included the passage in Genesis 6:11-12 “Now the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So, God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth” (NKJV). In Hebrew, the word violence or wicked translates to “Hamas.” We know from a further reading of this chapter that the Lord created a way to rescue Noah and his family from the “Hamas” by the construction of an ark that would shelter them and keep them safe. It is only fitting our synagogues have now become shelters that rescue us from the Hamas. After all, God is our shelter, our safe place, and in Him we find refuge. 

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” — Psalm 91:1-2

When Pastor Israel had a chance to speak to Abigail, one of the first things he asked her was, “why didn’t you leave Ashkelon when you were offered the opportunity to evacuate?” 

Abigail replied, “I believe I have to stay in my city, even if it’s difficult and alarms are going off all the time. This is my place. I have no other choice but to pray with my kids and ask for God’s grace and wisdom during this difficult time, to have the right words to encourage people around me. I pray for strength, mainly to be here for those who need me right now. I’m not afraid for myself, because I know if anything happens to me, I know where I’m going. Praise God! But I chose to stay so I can strengthen my people. I’ve been told several times that people felt God sent me to them like an angel, that they love me. But I make sure they know that God loves you so much more than that. It encourages them immensely.” 

Abigail along with You, Voice of Judah Israel’s partner, are the light shining amid the darkest cities. Even during war and terror, there are God’s beacons shining brightly and speaking life into others around them. Despite how terrifying it is, Abigail is standing her ground and spreading God’s light to everyone around her in these dark times. 

Abigail has a message for you who are standing so faithfully with Israel: “We appreciate your prayers so much! Keep praying for Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem, for God’s unwavering stand with His people. We send you blessings from Israel!” 

שאלו שלום ירושלים! 

Sha’alu shalom Yerushalayim  

Psalm 122:6

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper those who love you.”