Shalom Family and Friends,

 

My trials increase as I seek to reach out to God's Chosen people because the enemy does not like what I, and many others are doing in this land.   But I fear not, for God is in control and I know He will grant me the strength I need.  At times I am so exhausted because of the fierce battle that is being fought in the spiritual realm.   At times I am restored with indescribable energy that keeps me going.  Like last Friday when Daniel, one of our Jewish non-believing IT techs for CFI called me to say, "Erin, Tell me about Jesus.   I want to know where he was crucified… tell me everything you can about him because my brother and I want to know.  We are visiting all the sites because we want to learn.   And I trust you, so I am only asking you."  The opportunities are present like never before!

 

As all of you read before, I had my cell phone stolen, lost access to my bank account and lots of other small hang-ups.   All glory to God, these things were restored… but I was recently hit with another challenge.  My roommate Kim has decided to move to Tel Aviv to pursue a new job opportunity.   This meant that I would be left hanging and unsure of how to find a roommate or meet my bills.  Keep in mind that although CFI provides for some of my expenses, I still have to pay all of my utilities, food and other living expenses from my own money or from your kindhearted donations.  So I prayed and prayed and was led by God to an affordable apartment in Mevasseret… the area where I worked for the hospital Maon HaRofe.   This means I will still be in Jerusalem of course, but closer to families like Julie and her husband children and some of my other close friends.  So, after going through a ton of paperwork, I was able to find an apartment that suited my needs.  I will be moving this coming weekend, yet again.  As I have been moving, I have thought often of Abraham and how he followed God all over the place and willingly relocated.  How frustrating that must have been at times, yet God rewarded him with this immense faith.   I pray my faith will continue to grow through these challenges.  Please pray for me as I will need to find donated items to use in my apartment (fridge, microwave, dishes, etc).   I know that it must seem odd to hear of my frequent moves, but this is very common in the culture of Israel and the type of ministry I am involved in.   Thank you for your prayers and understanding!  My heart needs to settle somewhere and I believe this will be the place.  Even the landlord gave me a rent discount and waived some of the difficult paperwork because he admires the work I do at CFI.

 

My position at CFI has been amazing!  The fruits of my service here have been overwhelming!   Not only have I been able to reach into the lives of the Israelis I work with in conjunction with CFI on a daily basis, but I have had a new opportunity to reach out to a dear group of Israelis:   brides to be!  That's right… I am now the hair and makeup artist for our CFI bridal salon!  Each week we have soon to be married Israeli brides that have very little money to afford their weddings.   Many of these women are Ethiopian Jews, Russians and Israelis that have very little, if any, money.  So I volunteer to do their hair and makeup for them.   They are so delighted that they cry!  I have a couple of weddings this spring already!  This is such an awesome opportunity.   I have always wondered if God could use my joy for makeup and hair to reach out to women with the love of Yeshua!

 

Now that I have successfully completed my Aleph-level Hebrew class, I have decided to repeat it! I am not confident enough to move on and even the instructors say that everyone repeats Aleph an average of 2 to 3 times.   So I will most likely begin my next semester this summer.  In the meantime I am being restored at my Congregation at King of Kings in Jerusalem.   I have made such close friends my age and we hang out several nights a week.  It truly has built me up in the Lord to have such close young adult friends.

 

The political climate here is the same: Tense and unsure.  We pray daily for God's hand of protection upon us during these unstable times.   The presence of the IDF soldiers has now increased to every street corner.  That's a lot of soldiers!!!  Please pray for Israel during such unsure times.

 

I want to close this email with a hopeful request.  Now that I have completed six months of service here in Israel and have committed to permanent service here, I am asking for your prayers and consideration to support me financially.   I simply cannot continue serving in Israel without your support. Any donations in any amount are extremely appreciated.  These donations go directly toward my food, living expenses and bills for water and electricity.   CFI helps with my rent and bus pass and one meal a day (lunch).  Basically, in order to live and serve here, I need your help.   I will continue to believe God for His amazing provision through you.  A huge test of faith was when I sold my car in the USA to use the money directly for my service to Israel.   That was basically the last possession I owned (aside from small items my mom and dad hold for me).  When I sold out for Yeshua, I did so literally, not just in words.   I now need your understanding to know that what I do here is critical work, not self-serving in any way.  My life is not extravagant, my lifestyle has changed drastically, and my possessions fit into a car… yet I am happier and more at peace than I have ever been in my entire life!   Will you please consider supporting me financially?

 

To make a tax-deductible donation, or for more information, please email my mom at kcmather3@aol.com She will provide you with the details and information on how to donate.  It's an easy process and the blessings you will receive are incalculable.

 

It is my honor to serve the people of Israel every day.  I would sacrifice all I own to see just one come to the saving knowledge of Yeshua.   You have seen in each email the miraculous stories of what God is doing here.  You share in my joys and my sorrows, my growing pains and challenges, my rewards and blessings.   You pray for me when I feel far away, you build me up when I need encouragement.  My thankfulness and appreciation cannot be put into words.       

 

I want to leave you with some verses God has placed upon my heart in regard to Israel:

 

Zechariah 8:2-8

 

"Thus says the Lord of hosts:

 

'I am zealous for Zion with great zeal;

With great fervor I am zealous for her.'

      "Thus says the L ord:

' I will return to Zion,

And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.

Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth,

The Mountain of the Lord of hosts,

The Holy Mountain.'

"Thus says the Lord of hosts:

'Old men and old women shall again sit

In the streets of Jerusalem,

Each one with his staff in his hand

Because of great age.

The streets of the city

Shall be full of boys and girls

Playing in its streets.'

"Thus says the Lord of hosts:

'If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days,

Will it also be marvelous in My eyes?'

Says the Lord of hosts.

 "Thus says the Lord of hosts:

'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east

And from the land of the west;

I will bring them back,

And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.

They shall be My people

And I will be their God,

In truth and righteousness.'