To My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It's something like white noise for maybe the first thirty seconds up until one minute when you are sitting in the back seat of a van and hear someone tell you on the other end of the line...
"Did you hear what happened?" Before you can wrap your brain around the implications of such a statement, your tongue naturally forms the words, "No, what happened?"
"Two more soldiers were kidnapped."
"Who did it this time?"
"Hizbollah (Lebanon)."
"What's going on?"
"Heavy fire, frenzied attacks"
"What does this mean?"
"War."
White noise.
That's all. It's white noise. The world spins for a moment, you remind yourself that you now live in the part of the world where enemies surround you and what is even more shocking is when you see the enemies slowly pushing their way toward you.
You hang up the phone, sigh and close your eyes for a moment while resting your head on the backseat for a second. Then you look up, watch the People you adore walking, working, talking, living life as "usual" and give a half-smile because you understand them. Each moment is a way to cope, each moment is a chance to live.
I really, really wish I could share stories of fantastic miracles and amazing spiritual declarations. I wish I didn't have to be the bearer of "bad news" as so many receive it to be. I wish I didn't sit at night with my head in my hands wondering how to make people realize the intensity of what is going on here.
Sometimes I feel like the "Girl who cried wolf." I warn and speak of impending doom time and time again and I get tired, exhausted even, from my own efforts. I almost want to disbelieve my own self!
Who wants to hear that Iran threatened Israel's existence again this week?
Who wants to hear that two more IDF soldiers were kidnaped by Hizbollah?
Who wants to hear that we are under fire on the border of Lebanon?
Who wants to hear that Gaza is still unresolved?
Who wants to hear that the 'World Pride' gay parade is planned to be held in Jerusalem?
I don't want to hear it sometimes.
But I have to.
And YOU have to.
This update will be more political than usual. I hope it gives you a picture, paints an amazing visual for you so that you may see the times we are living in. I think of Paul's letters to the church and how some were received in the right spirit, while others weren't. Just know that my intentions are to inspire, not condemn. To make people move, not sit still. To make people shout out, not stay silent. And if one of you, just one of you gets the severity of this message, then Victory to the Almighty God!
Here is your update of all that's happening in this part of the world:
Kidnappings - Two more IDF soldiers were kidnapped by Hizbollah on the Lebanese border today. Hizbollah wishes to negotiate using the two soldiers' lives. Aside from today's kidnappings, Gilad Shalit, IDF soldier, is still captive by Islamic Militants in Gaza. Trands are that when one Militant Islamic group does something, the rest follow suit. We see this happening now with the two most recent kidnappings.
India Bombings - Another act of radical Muslim Militants was to bomb trains in India last night.
Under Fire - The IDF continues military operations in Gaza after Gilad Shalit has been kidnapped. Heavy fire is underway as I type this between Hizbollah and Israel on the Lebanese border.
'World Pride' Parade - A gay parade and world pride march is scheduled to take place in Jerusalem as an abomination unto God in His holy city. For one week, multitudes of gay men and women will gather in Jerusalem to show their pride. They have a multi-faith rally planned, a youth rally and several marches and events. Measures are being taken by religious leaders and prayer rallys to prevent this from taking place. The ramifications of such an event are undescribable. And God will not be mocked. let's pray that this event is stopped.
On a personal note, God has caused some major breakthroughs and answers to prayer! I am rejoicing for His provision and grace! I suppose if less was going on politically, I would have spoken more about my personal stories here... but since so much is going on, I'll save my stories for another time! Just know that God is revealing Himself in undeniable ways to His People and has opened so many new doors and has answered so many prayers.
In closing, I wish to include an article I received a moment ago:
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Hezbollah kidnaps 2 IDF soldiers during clashes on Israel-Lebanon border
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We were awakened early this morning as we heard the the distant sound of tanks and artillery fire. We then heard explosions and knew that fighting had broken out on the Lebanese border. Throughout the morning we have heard continued artillery firing.
Shortly thereafter the Israeli fighter jets came streaming over our home as they attacked targets in Lebanon. The sorties have been going on since early this morning non stop. The article below details that 2 IDF soldiers were kidnapped during the clash.
If you look at the news today in other parts of the world you will find that horrendous acts of violence were committed against innocent civilians in India by Islamic terrorists in which 200 people are dead and some 700 are wounded.
Iran declared once again this week that the time has come to "wipe Israel off the map."
In Iraq the carnage continues non stop, as those who have made a "covenenant with death" go about their horrible work.
The Lord declared that the day would come when "You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs." Matthew 24:6-8
The sons of Islam have declared war on Israel as well as on the world at large. We are seeing nation rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and that in Africa there are famines and earthquakes.
The Lord further declares, "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved." Matthew 24:9-13
Contrary to popular teaching the Lord says, "They will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My Name!"
How many people today are really willing to day "for the sake of His name?" Are you?
Is what you are living for worth dying for? That is the question you must answer today!
When your time of testing comes will you be willing to die for the "sake of His name?"
Some will we know because His word declares, "The one who endures to the end, he will be saved!"
Are you one who will endure to the end?
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And even though Israel is headed into an inevitable war, I remain steadfast in the love and protection of my Messiah.
Having the blessing of being one of God's Endtime warriors, I shout out, "Bring It ON!!!!!!!!"
This is Erin reporting LIVE from Israel and enduring until the end...