Reporting From Israel

07/11/05 - Israel Update: Gearing Up

 

Shalom Wonderful Supporters,
 
Only twelve days before I return to my Beloved Israel... and what a time to be going back!  It's quite chaotic over there so I am guaranteed to send some exciting updates your way as I live smack in the middle of it all for six months.  As you all know, the disengagement AKA removing Jewish occupants from Gaza (prounounced "azza" in Israel) will be taking place on August 15th.  Leading up to that have been many demonstrations, acts of violence and all sorts of political happenings.  Adding to that the 40-60 terror threats Israel has at all times (info taken from the IDF website) it will be a tense time to say the least!  I am not a tad bit apprehensive and the words that come to mind are "Bring it on!"  We can have no fear because of what God tells us in His Word, "... no weapon formed against you shall prosper."  So here I go... all 100 lbs of me into the hotseat of the world. 
 
I will be starting my hospital volunteer assignment back in the hospital in Jerusalem called "Maon HaRofe".  I look forward to updating you on my friends (both staff and patients) that you have read about in past emails... Raul my Jewish friend who manages the floor I work on, Abdul my Arab "brother" who works as a nurse, Luze my Philippino Christian friend who also works with the patients, Moti my dear Orthodox Jewish friend that was paralyzed from the neck down eight years ago, Dror the security guard who discusses Yeshua (Jesus) with me on a regular basis, Sully the patient who had a dream about Jesus and so many, many others.  After volunteering there for some time, I will most likely move on to the ER in Tel Aviv which will be a whole new exciting experience!  And, of course, I will sneak in many visits to the hospital in Rishon LeZiyyon to visit Miriem my best friend who works for the hospital, Rachel my 85 year old friend and advice-giver, and Noam the Jewish Atheist who is interested in why I believe in God, and many others you have read about previously!  I want you to feel just as much a part of their lives as I am.
 
Your prayers are critical and I know you will all be praying as the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) leads you.  Your emails are welcomed at all times and I will have much more access to them this time around since I have traded in my home computer for a laptop.  No need to keep one at home since I am never there!  Please do not hesitate to stay in contact with me throughout this assigment. 
 
My flight departs on July 23rd at 7AM.  I will be keeping in close contact with you all via email and will be able to send pictures along with my emails.  I pray many blessings upon you all as my dear friends and faithful supporters.  I know God will bless you for your faithfulness and unselfishness. 
 
As I am preparing to leave, I realize how exciting it is to be a part of God's plan for the Last Days as He draws together His people to His land - a true fulfillment of Biblical Prophecy.  These next six months will be quite an adventure.  I am glad that He is with us wherever we go.  The only safe place to be is in the palm of His Hands. 
 
May God bless you and keep you all... may He grant you His favour and His Grace.  May He order your steps and guide you into the paths of righteousness.  May He be your Guard, your Fortress, your Rock and your Redeemer.  May you live in the peace of His calling for your lives and may you take a step out of the ordinary into the extraordinary.  May you see beyond the natural and into the supernatural. And may you walk that narrow path that so few find.  Walk it boldy, with courage.  Walk it upright and in integrity.  Walk it without looking back or remembering your past.  Walk it unashamed, whether you are walking it alone or in a crowd, at home or in a foreign land. 
 
I love you all, I thank you for your support and I will report to you next time LIVE from Israel!
 
Am Yisrael Chai!   
Erin