In the past few weeks, Jim has been really busy with the winter fleece project of Project David's Shield and with the soldiers. It’s a busy, busy season for David’s Shield now that winter is here. Other than during war time, our most active time of providing gear is in the winter. The soldiers in the northern and desert regions have cold winter nights, and CFI is providing over 3,500 fleece jackets this winter - along with neck fleece, hats, and wind blocker jackets for soldiers and airmen.
During a recent visit near Hevron where much of the attacks are now taking place, as we were delivering fleece jackets to these brave warriors, we got an inside view of the heart and thoughts of these soldiers defending the Land and people during these recent terror attacks. There is a heaviness of the current terror situation, as many of the attacks are perpetrated against soldiers and border police. At the same time, morale is high – as these brave young men and women are taking pride in protecting and defending the people of Israel. They shared with us some of the struggles that they deal with while on patrol duty, and the daily riots in the Arab villages. But – they also shared miracles of fellow warriors who, while harmed, received quick healing and are doing well. We are so proud of the boys and girls – many age 18-20 years – who put their lives on the line daily.
Jim (and sometimes Linda) has visited bases from the far north at Mount Hermon to the desert near Gaza delivering these much appreciated jackets. The picture above is a unit just outside of Gaza, which can be seen in the distance behind them. He was able to spend a few hours just chatting with the guys about the important things, and letting them know we are behind their efforts.
Christian Friends of Israel, through Project David's Shield is also providing winter jackets for units in the Israel Air Force this year. The Air Force requires special jackets that are anti-static, and Jim was able to find a supplier to provide these with their logo sewn on the front like all the other fleece jackets. This coming week, Jim will visit three Air Force bases to deliver their jackets. Our CFI co-founder and new directors will also be visiting the first base to share words of encouragement and solidarity with the airmen.
It is an honor and a privilege to speak encouragement into these young lives who so bravely protect this Land. As Jim always reminds them, they are the physical guardians of God's Land, modern day warriors of a modern day King David's army.
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| Trying on vest gear, really heavy!! |
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In the picture above, Jim is presenting a Hebrew Tanach (Bible) to a good friend. Earlier on this visit, this young religious man felt led to give Jim his personal army cap. He normally wears it as his "head covering" instead of a kippa in the army. What an honor to receive such a personal gift.
As we are in the holiday season, and yet also in the midst of these terror attacks, it's always good to focus on the good when we can. We wanted to share a few real life stories of Israelis who have in the past few weeks been victims of attacks, and yet found miracles that took place for them. Please take a minute to read their stories, and rejoice with them. The first is of a woman whose car was shot at many times.....
Next is of a man who was stabbed repeatedly......
Lastly, is of another shooting at a car.....
Here also are two beautiful and amazing songs from a congregation in Jerusalem for you to enjoy. We could listen again and again....with passion and tears....
I will Run to Your Arms
You are my Father and I am your son/daughter
I will trust in your love,
I will lean on your grace
For I have taken shelter in you
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord”
I will look to you and find salvation
And also if I fall, you are beside me
To lift me up
For I have taken shelter in you
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord”
For I have taken shelter in you
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord”
For I have taken shelter in you
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord”
And let us rise up, our King, to life
And spread out upon us the tabernacle of your peace, For you are God our keeper
A gracious and merciful King,
Who keeps His nation Israel forever
Blessed are You, O Lord
Protect us, remove our enemies from Upon us for you are God our keeper
A gracious and merciful King
Who keeps His nation Israel forever
Blessed are You, O Lord
A gracious and merciful King
Who keeps His nation Israel forever
Blessed are You, O Lord
Thank you again and again for those who keep us here in Israel with your prayers, and for those who keep us here in Israel with your financial support. We thank you for working with God, so we can walk out His purposes and plans to bless Israel and the Jewish people.
Together we truly are making a difference!
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