Today is Israel's 59th Birthday!
Shalom Everyone,
Though we know Israel is much, much older than 59, we still recognize the extreme importance of the modern State of Israel and when it was placed back into Jewish hands. Much blood has been shed, much sacrifice has been made to be where Israel is today... and I am honored to live in the home of the greatest miracles ever performed in history.
Last night, the two minute siren sounded across the land as we remembered the fallen soldiers and victims of terror from the past 59 years in Israel. This morning, the siren sounded again for two minutes and we began celebrating our Independence! Tonight, we will begin the festivities by going to downtown Jerusalem for fireworks, food and fun! It is, by far, one of my favorite days of celebration and I can hardly believe that I am here in the land to celebrate it for the third year in a row! Having my loved one in the Special Forces Police Unit has given me a new understanding for what it means to sacrifice one's life for their country... and I admire the sacrifice, hard work and determination it takes.
This year, we also remember three of our kidnapped soldiers whom are still in the hands of our enemies and have not been returned to us. We also remember the Lebanon War last summer and the precious lives that were lost. Many families grieve over their loss and I share in their grief because I have been allowed the privilege of living in this terror-stricken, yet beautifully overcoming nation.
And also, a huge "Thank You" to all of you, my faithful prayer supporters, for believing the very real calling upon my life to be a light to the Jewish people and for supporting me in my most trying moments as I have left behind a comfortable life for a very challenging one! Mom has been visiting me and can testify to this new lifestyle dictated by buses, tons of walking, hours of waiting and sometimes, very little results in the end! Your support means so much to me and I thank you for your encouragement that carries me through each day.
Mom and I have been staying busy doing the tourist routine (which is always fun because I rarely have time to do it!) and enjoying each other's company... as well as eating out and shopping, which is especially rare for me! You'd be impressed by our routine living in such a tiny amount of space! It's worked out nicely and I am proud of her for being so adaptable and willing to go the extra mile (literally!). Sadly, her three weeks has almost come to an end and she will be departing Friday for the journey home. Please pray for her safety and health during her travels.
I can't pass up the opportunity to thank mom for all her hard work volunteering through CFI. She has assisted our Holocaust outreach, Attended an IDF soldiers outreach, created food packages for the needy, folded clothes at our Distribution Center, met with terror victims and has assisted so many departments in so many ways! Everyone has gravitated towards her, as you all know she is gifted in reaching out and lifting up others. I pray God will bless her abundantly for all the hard work she's put in on her "vacation".
Work at CFI has been only on the rise for me! Not a day without challenges, blessings and lessons galore! Though I often get close to burn-out, God replenishes me each day and gets me going again. I never expected it, but I have actually become a morning person: I love rising early and feel like it's the best time of day for me! Who would have thought! Or perhaps I am getting older (heehee)
The political climate in Israel remains tense... we are praying daily for the many situations that seem to be unfolding around us. I ask for your continued prayers as well. The spiritual tension remains and is often very fatiguing for those of us that live here. Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the earth and where the main Last Days events will unfurl and so the spiritual warfare is often overwhelming. Please pray for protection and the we will be a light to those who are living in the darkness.
This is Erin reporting LIVE from Jerusalem...
Zechariah 8:3
Thus says the LORD:
"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."
Your financial support is critically needed!
As you have followed my updates and have shared in my heart and vision for Israel, I ask that you consider taking a step to support me financially at this time.
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. Donations go directly toward my necessities as I serve as a full-time volunteer through Christian Friends of Israel www.cfijerusalem.org