Shalom Friends and Family,

 

Just now, I came upon a quote that made me pause and consider the power of such a statement:

 

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

- Helen Keller

 

Surrounding us is a world of suffering.  I have yet to meet someone who has not suffered in some way.  I myself have been through a measure of suffering, but I never entered into a world of suffering until I plunged into the land of an entire suffering people.  I have had the personal experience of seeing many suffering cultures from disease-stricken Africa to oppressed China and Russia, but Israel is a very different creature.  It's suffering dates back to the beginning of time, endured countless attempts of annihilation and to this day remains a tiny country surrounded by vicious enemies.  I used to say that one cannot serve a wounded and rejected people unless they also have experienced rejection.  I now add something to this and say that one cannot serve a wounded and rejected people unless they also have experienced rejection and have overcome it.  These have two very different meanings.  To relate to this people is not enough; to overcome is the only way that I can offer hope to them.

 

The cost of living in an environment of suffering is great.  It requires things that I am still learning about and presents me with a constant season of growth.  And it's painful to die to myself.  Dying to one's self or to one's will is possibly the most painful experience I have ever had to endure.  Paul spoke often of this and I always marveled at the concept but it never became real until I actually had to undergo this process... and I am still in this process. 

 

Why am I even sharing these things?  Because I want you to see inside.  I want to offer you a true perspective of my life here.  And ultimately, I pray that those of you who are called to step out and serve Him will do the same.  There are many missionaries that share their stories but don't actually allow you to see inside of them.  I wish to be transparent. 

 

While it is a challenge, it is also an amazing blessing to help others overcome their suffering.  I am thankful I get to see people overcome their suffering on a daily basis.  Our CFI outreaches only increase and it's an amazing thing to be a part of.  So many lives are being touched: Soldiers, Ethiopians, Terror victims, Disengagement evacuees, Holocaust survivors, the poor and needy, new immigrants, Israeli brides and grooms, War victims and so many more.  Each project reports the stories of how so many lives are being changed.  It would take books to write all the stories down, but I'll share a few!

 

Ethiopian Families:  In Israel, the Ethiopians are treated with discrimination.  They are given lesser jobs and not given assistance like other Jewish groups.  CFI recently sent the team of four from the States to help repair damaged apartments for Ethiopian families.  We also have given brand new computers to three families who were in desperate need of them for their children's education and also to teach them skills that will hopefully offer them better jobs.  These families are almost in shock when they receive such assistance and we see hope that has revived their souls.

 

IDF Soldiers:  CFI recently hosted one of our regular dinners for one hundred soldiers where we feed them a great meal and fellowship with them.  It's a way to show solidarity with Israel and the ones who defend Israel.  It lifts the spirits of the soldiers and lets them know they are loved.  These young men and women average between the ages of 18-21 and suffer when the media paints them in such a negative light. 

 

War Victims:  Weekly since the Lebanon war started, CFI has sent small teams of volunteers on one outreach a week to bless the families of war victims with what they need the most: money to repair damages and pay for hospital bills.  We pray with them, encourage them and meet their financial need.  So many families were given hope after their present suffering and have been able to overcome because of the support.

 

These are just a few stories of the suffering people whom we were able to encourage to overcome through the grace of God.

 

If any of you are currently suffering, may I gently remind you that Yeshua has wrapped His arms around you and is suffering with you.  I believe, like the nation Israel, that you too can overcome and be victorious.

Psalm 30:5b
"...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."

 

This is Erin reporting LIVE from Israel...

 

If you are interested in becoming a financial supporter of my ministry to the Jewish People of Israel , please contact my mom at kcmather3@aol.com for information on how to donate.  Your support in any amount is critical and received with much gratitude and is used to go directly toward my necessities as I serve as a volunteer through Christian Friends of Israel www.cfijerusalem.org