Shalom family and friends!
I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in Israel away from my family, but there was something amazing about being here in Jerusalem and thinking over the past year and the many events that have occurred. On the outside and from a carnal perspective, this past year hasn't always produced much to be thankful for. it's been difficult. But when I look at where I am now, I can truly say "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, but blessed be the Name of the Lord!" If Job can say it then so can I.
My position at CFI http://www.cfijerusalem.org/default.asp has been absolutely amazing. On my first day the Director of Administration sat with Lori and I in his office and said that he knew from the moment I walked into work that I would be a source of energy, motivation and joy to the ministry. He said that he normally waits and observes with new people but he knew immediately that I could take on some intense projects. He also said that he sees a woman of God that has been through the refiner's fire and is coming out to be pure as gold. Never has a supervisor ever said those things to me. And today the entire staff laid hands on me and prayed over me. I cried, for I am truly blessed to be serving here in Jerusalem. After prayer time, a special lady that is also a volunteer spoke over me prophetically and said, "Erin I have a word for you. God is telling you to draw deeply from the well within." What could that mean? It means so much to me. I knew immediately. It's time for me to go deeper, push in further and relinquish the things I so tightly grasp.
My job is administrative and so I am handling many tasks such as all IT questions and concerns, post office runs, managing contracts and documentation for our resources and many, many other tasks. I love every second of it and I can't believe I have only worked at CFI a little over a week! I think the most exciting thing is that I get to observe all the different projects we have that reach out to the different people groups in Israel. I also love sending out mass mailings. Today God spoke to me in an amazing way! I was mailing out prayer letters and was shocked to see that we had a ton of prayer supporters from Africa, Kenya in particular, China and even Russia. Since I have also served in those countries, I was given a spiritual vision of what God is doing in the world: He is impressing people all over to pray and intercede specifically for Israel! How awesome is that!
Today, our IT tech guy from the company we use to keep us all in line came to my office to meet with me about some computer issues when I ended up telling him my testimony for hours! It was totally Holy Spirit inspired and it was so cool to know that I was free to operate in such a way. And I never compromised the ministry because he was inquiring personally. I just answered his questions! Please pray for Medad. I believe God is reaching out to him.
My Hebrew classes are insanely difficult but amazingly rewarding! I can actually read and write already, which amazes me. The curriculum is outstanding and I am so thankful that I am learning the language. It has helped me immensely already. I even have full Hebrew discussions on a regular basis. how cool! Please pray for me as I continue to study, work and perform daily chores as well.
I will most likely be moving within the next few weeks with Kim, a native Israeli from Haifa. Kim is a Messianic Believer and is attending University. We met through our congregation and hit it off immediately. We can't wait to scout out a new apartment! Please pray for this also.
The political climate here is really shifting with Ariel Sharon's new party "Forward". In all honesty, Israel is a ticking time-bomb. Buckle in your seatbelts.
This week, a CFI team went to the Jerusalem Gold Hotel where 40 families are still living after having been evacuated from the Gaza strip. Their situations are terrible and they are in very trying circumstances. Can you imagine having to give over your house to your enemy and then move into a hotel room for an unknown amount of time? Yet we expect them to comply and "Get over it." Please pray for these precious families.
Another people group that God has been laying upon my heart are the Ethiopian Jews. I have a compassionate spirit toward them and I think that maybe God will use me to reach out to them more in the future. They are a precious group of people that live in poverty. Please pray for the Ethiopian Jews.
As I close this update, I pray that you will consider continuing to support this ministry God has graciously allowed me to be a part of here in Israel. If you are interested in supporting me financially, please contact my mother at: Kcmather3@aol.com for details. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and go directly toward the cost of my volunteer service here in Israel.
This is Erin reporting LIVE from Jerusalem and loving every second.