So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)
I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1)
One of the greatest privileges Linda and I share while serving in Israel, is the knowledge that what we experience here, is truly God's promises being fulfilled right before our very eyes. We are granted the opportunity to help people who desire to return to the land of their forefathers.
The misrepresentation of history along with the political climate has made the issue of aliyah a much discussed and debated topic. We won't focus on that - but rather believe that the promises described in the scriptures ultimately translate into real life people coming to a real life place. We believe that is happening today, and we want to be a part.
Aliyah (translated "ascent") is simply the immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel. In other words...coming home!
A great adventure for me is to drive in Israel as I am called upon to drive for various reasons such as helping assess a situation or for safety purposes. The cities in Israel are not unlike many large cities as far as driving is concerned, other that the fact that the street signs are really designed for pedestrians. In the "country", driving is much like the interstate systems in the states - except we can travel 110 here (kph that is). The signage can still be a little unforgiving, so it's always a good idea to have a navigator until you get very familiar with the system.
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| Intersection in Jerusalem. Can you find the street sign? It's there...I think... |
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| Highway driving! |
I've been blessed quite a bit to drive our Project Teams to various places in order to meet with and serve the people of Israel who are in need of assistance during the aliyah process. Their practical needs being met with His Love and encouragement, and along with the fact that we're experiencing God's promises by helping someone fulfill their heart's desire to return home, is amazing. Many olim (newcomer making aliyah) are from extremely different backgrounds and cultures and need assistance assimilating into society. Ethiopians for example come from a very simple lifestyle and modern conveniences and methods must be learned. I've visited with many hard working, sincere, humble Ethiopian olim. Recent trips to Haifa, Netanya and Lod have been a highlight for me.
On a recent particular trip, I was called upon to do a little plumbing repair - a VERY minor adjustment in the toilet tank, but got a great big hug out of the deal. But a call to the plumber would have been very expensive, so I was glad to help. Our next visit that day was with a woman who, although very ill, was so full of joy and her stories were never ending. We were glad to hear them (yes, we had a translator with us). She was speaking of her family with such pride. She was sharing that the opportunities in Israel were so much better for her children than in Ethiopia (not that there aren't many challenges in Israel for olim). She couldn't stop praising God for her being home. She passed away a few days ago, but her family spoke of our recent visit and said how much they appreciated it. Divine appointments...
We have also visited with small groups of Americans who have settled in the coastal city of Ashkelon. I met a couple that was simply looking for advise on how to navigate the bureaucracy of the aliyah process. I enjoyed a great conversation with this friend from Kansas City who misses his Harley Davidson. He and his wife, who is a pharmacist, are looking forward to starting their new life in Israel serving God and personally being real life participants in God's real life promise.
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| Meeting our friends in Askelon |
The extremes are evident, but the desire to come home is the same for all who are called...and this calling is irrevocable!
Finally, I'll share about a gentleman from Argentina who settled in Israel just a few years ago. He and his wife were professionals in the medical community and raising four children, but again the calling home became a reality for them. The visit surrounded the need for short term assistance due to recent surgery that has caused the husband to be without work temporarily. Food vouchers and help with school expenses will probably be a short term practical solution for this family, but the experience of sitting in the home of a Jewish oleh and his family from Argentina, along with a spanish translator from Peru, a Project Coordinator from Canada, and a "driver" from the States talking about the promises of God - is truly loving God with all of our heart...and our neighbor as ourself...I think this is what He had is mind for His people.
Aliyah - (Hebrew) 1. "Going Up;" refers to immigration to Israel or the holy land, a term in use since the dispersion or before, and referred to in the book of Ezra.
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