Shalom Faithful Friends and Family,

 

I have great news!  I was finally able to make progress with my visa today and was given an immediate extension before my student visa goes through in December... This is a huge answer to prayer because I watched everyone in line ahead of me get rejected.  People were crying, yelling and having a really rough time.  I was so worried.  When it was my turn I gave them my documents and they immediately issued an extension and then guaranteed me that in December I will have a student visa since I am learning Hebrew!  I even have all of this in official document form as proof.  Praise the Lord!  I almost gave the lady a hug and started screaming but had to contain myself.  So now it's official:  I'm staying.  Thank you to everyone who has been praying for this!

 

Now that I am officially remaining in Israel for as long as God chooses to keep me here (forever), I am starting to pursue more permanent ministry opportunities.  I have several meetings and interviews coming up with different ministries that I will list for you at a later time once a decision has been made.  I could use your prayer in this endeavor as it will be my next step in permanent ministry here in Israel.

 

When I look back over how much God has already accomplished in this short time, I am both amazed and excited.  Nothing is coincidental and for the first time in my life, I am actually enjoying all of the steps it takes to get to where I need to be.  There is such freedom and peace when you give God total control of your life.  I literally have no agenda other than what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

What sticks out to me about these verses is this: “I was with you in weakness, fear and in much trembling…” because that’s what life is like here in Israel.  It can be fearful at times and even make you tremble, but if our heart is to reach out to those around us then we are safe in the palm of His Hand, Amen?

 

So thank you again for your prayers and support.  As I continue to minister and work here in Israel your prayers and donations are critical.  For more information on supporting this ministry, contact my mom at kcmather3@aol.com and don’t forget to see recent pictures and updates here: http://braveandunafraid.blogspot.com/

 

This is Erin reporting LIVE and just getting started here in Israel…

 

Am Yisrael Chai!