Shalom Friends and Family,

 

As I am counting down this last month before I return to the States for my visit, I am already daydreaming of the food I will get to eat (first on the list: Mexican), the stores I will get to go shopping at (Wal Mart all the way!) and most of all, the chance to spend time with my family that I miss so much (my awesome mom and dad).  I have to admit, I am growing more exhausted each day since I know I have a time of rest and relaxation in sight!  If I can just pull through July, I'll make it to the Land of the Free (can you believe that someone living in the Promised Land would actually say that?)  Included in this email is the invitation for you to come to hear Tomer and I share about all that God is doing in the land.  We hope you will attend!  

 

In the meantime, a lot of exciting things are going on here in Israel.  Most of you remember my good friend Julie.  She lives a few streets away from me and I met her when I first moved to Israel and was working in the hospital.  She and I have maintained our friendship over the years and recently we have been spending much more time together.  She and her husband have four children under the age of thirteen and I enjoy being a part of their family.  As Julie and I are having more talks and sharing, I see that she is becoming more open than she's ever been regarding faith.  I ask that you pray for her and her family and that God will start to move in their lives as these precious children could really use a strong family and strong faith for the times ahead.

 

Work at CFI continues to be steady... never a dull moment as so many lives are being touched on a daily basis.  The stories we hear about all of the families that are receiving much-needed items are so moving.  The crowds are increasing in number that gather at our distribution center every day to receive clothing and assistance.  More soldiers, Ethiopians, terror victims and many other special people in the land are being helped than ever before!  Though our visa situation for our volunteers that have been in the land over five years is still a challenge with recent restrictions, we are seeing hod God is working in each individual's life.  I will be sharing more details soon in person when I go to the States!  Get your questions ready.  

 

Tomer is doing well and continues to train as a Sergeant at the police academy in Haifa.  He passes all his exams with flying colors and enjoys all the drills, target practices, under-cover and counter-terror exercises.  I always enjoy talking to him on the phone hearing guns firing in the background.  We are rejoicing over an answer to prayer that his course ends exactly one day before we leave for the States!  He is so excited because he will get to be with the police force in New York/New Jersey again this year for the first four days of the trip and then will join me in Tampa.  He's just as excited about the food as I am (so much variety!) and the chance to take a break from all the action.          

 

The spiritual climate of Jerusalem is still very intense.  Things continue to heat up as we sit and watch the events unfold around us.  We who live here remember that it was one year ago that our soldiers were kidnapped and the war began.  Was it already a year ago?  Sometimes it seems like the time flies by and at the same time it can seem like so long ago.  Hamas has literally overtaken Gaza and has also established a strong presence in East Jerusalem.  Israeli intelligence uncovered a large plot today by Hamas to overtake the Temple Mount.  At times, I can feel so helpless when I see these massive changes taking place... and yet, it is all divine order.  God is in control.  He always has been and always will be.

I believe that very soon Yeshua will return, but I'll tell you more about that when I see you!

 

This is Erin reporting LIVE from Jerusalem...     

 

 

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• Learn of the prophecies that are being fulfilled before our eyes
• Gain an understanding of the political situation and how this affects you
• Explore the spiritual elements surrounding the city of Jerusalem
• Expand your understanding of the world's greatest threat: Islam
• Find out what your role is in all of this!