Shalom Faithful Ones in the Messiah,
These are eventful times in Israel, as always! There is very little that is consistent here, other than the constant craziness. It has required of me to be disciplined in seeking for God's perfect peace and time alone with Him in order to remain focused and able to stand strong when all around me feels so out of control. (Hebrews 12:1) I am so thankful to have a place to live that reflects an atmosphere of worship. When I walk in the door usually after midnight from a full day's work and ministry/outreaches all evening, I feel at peace and know that I can rest in Him.
Recently, Israel elected Prime Minister Olmert. Olmert was one of the three candidates with no vision. All three candidates plan to make unilateral negotiations to give even more land away to the Palestinians, our grave enemies, in an effort to obtain false peace. This election had the lowest turnout in the polls in Israel's history. Without vision, the people perish, and this election proved as such. (Proverbs 29:18) Security levels are at their highest and daily attempts are thwarted by our hardworking IDF. Peace is the constant campaign slogan, yet it couldn't be any farther from the truth. Peace is more distant than it's ever been as the Arab world gains power and joins forces for a common goal: The annhilation of the State of Israel.
My work load continues to increase but in wonderful ways! I am helping to rennovate our entire Distribution Center (where we offer clothing and items to the needy in Israel, new immigrants and offer financial assistance.) A new wave of Aliya (immigration of Jews to Israel) is prophesied in the land soon and we are making necessary preparations. I was placed as the head of the design committee and am able to re-design the DC from top to bottom as a team of 15 Americans come for two weeks to complete the task. In addition to my set designs for "the deepend" and the rennovation of the Distribution Center, I now have my first Israeli bride-to-be to do makeup and hair for her wedding day. Her name is Lydia and she will be getting married next week. It is an honor to be able to bless her on her special day and another small way I am able to reach into the lives of the people here in Israel. Please pray for me as I tackle these three major projects.
This past weekend I had the blessing of leaving at 3:30AM to drive to the Sea of Galilee for sunrise and then spend the morning and early afternoon visiting the special places that track the life and ministry of Yeshua. That makes a wonderful day off! As we were driving near the Jordanean border, we noticed the high security military and police presence, reminding us that there are threats looming.
I continue to be involved in my Congregation's young adults ministry called "Mosaic". Tomer is now a regular attender as well and has made friends with many of the guys there. I have a core group of solid believing friends that I am accountable to and enjoy spending time with. It's an answer to prayer! There are several of us that like to meet for lunch, hang out or do something fun.
I am learning to trust God in a way I have never had to before in the area of finances. My decision to sell what I owned and move to Israel for full time assignment has been an amazing experience, though very challenging. As I continue to serve here in Israel, I am praying and crying out to God for people who will become supporters financially and take the "dive" into supporting me. I currently have three regular monthly supporters and I must trust God that the many who read my updates and are blessed by them will take a step of faith to help me continue the good work that has been started in the lives of these precious people. I simply cannot stay here without your support. This is a very humbling position to be in but I am also eager to see how God will provide, because I know He will. Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Your donations literally provide food for me to eat and the ability to live in this country as I serve.
As months pass by so swiftly, I can see God maneuvering and shifting the earth for the return of Yeshua. Governments are changing, morality is declining and prophesies are being fulfilled rapidly. Not a day goes by when I don't wish I could have you here so I can show you firsthand! I am honored to be one that God has chosen to be in His city during the last days. It's a heavy burden, but one I love to bear.
I pray blessings upon each of you in Messiah. Prepare the way of the Lord and make straight the paths for Him.
This is Erin reporting LIVE from Jerusalem...
