The Apple of His Eye

Today's post will be different from most.  We could update on the onslaught of terror attacks that still continue daily in Israel with stabbings, car rammings, shootings and riots - where people are dying, being injured and lives are forever changed.  Even today there has already been two separate stabbing attacks in Jerusalem - one at the Old City and one on a bus.   We hope to do a post soon about more appointed visits we've had with Israel's Defense Forces.  However, we want to address something even bigger.

We already know in advance that due to people's busy schedules, and information overload, most won't even read this post - but for those who do, even if it's only one, this is for you.  We share with you our heart, and what we also believe is God's own heart.  Some may say that "Israel & the Jewish people" are important to us - Jim & Linda, and others like us - because it's where God has placed us as individuals to serve.  He gives others different nations, people groups, and neighborhoods to serve. We would like to say, though, that anyone who reads the Bible knows that Israel and the Jewish people are important to God, and they are on HIS heart - that alone should make them important to us all.

* If you haven't listened to the song in the email yet, please listen to it before you continue reading. Sorry we couldn't figure out how to post an mp3 in the blog.

And so, we wanted to share some of the things we personally have been considering and contemplating lately.  There are acts of terror popping up all over the world, but in this post, we want to focus on Israel, and after you read, we hope you will see why.

There is so much going on in the world against Israel right now - beginning with our neighbors within Israel wanting to take the Land, neighbors in the Middle East wanting to erase Israel, and also the Nations blaming Israel and putting pressure on Her.

What we see in the natural - or political - is really the Spiritual being played out before our eyes.  The world doesn’t see this, and sadly, much of the Church doesn’t either.  While we know it will only be a remnant that stands with Israel, this is very troubling. 

 
We can see all around the world that people are being put in a position of having to make the choice of where do you stand when it comes to Israel?  The anti-Semitism against the “Jews” of the past, has changed its face to being “anti-Israel”.  This is more palatable to people because it’s being masked as political and not racial, and certainly not anything having to do with God.  In this, many Christians and Churches are being deceived into standing against Israel, not realizing the consequence of their actions.

As we watch what is happening - the European Union labeling products from the "West Bank", blaming of Israel or “the Jews” for almost anything bad that happens in the world (even the attack in Paris!), and physical and verbal attacks of Jews worldwide, we can certainly see glimpses of what occurred not so long ago right before the Holocaust took place. For many of us, that was "before our time",  but really, it wasn't that long ago, and it appears that history may be repeating itself in our generation.

We talk about “BDS” against Israel, but we decided to look each word up in the dictionary, and what we found is a little startling when you define it instead of just saying “BDS”.

Boycott

verb (used with object)

* to combine in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a means of intimidation or coercion

* to abstain from buying or using

Divest

verb (used with object)

* to strip of clothing, ornament, etc

* to strip or deprive (someone or something), especially of property or rights; dispossess.

* to rid of or free from

* Law:

 to take away or alienate (property, rights, etc.).

* Commerce:

to sell off

to rid of through sale

Sanction

noun

* Law:

a provision of a law enacting a penalty for disobedience.

the penalty.

* International Law. action by one or more states toward another state calculated to force it to comply with legal obligations.

verb (used with object)

* to impose a sanction on; penalize, especially by way of discipline.


So, by definition, the world is trying to intimidate Israel, to strip and deprive Her of property and rights.  Trying to dispossess Her, to be rid of and free from Her.  They want to alienate Israel, and "sell her off."  To the world, doing so is a penalty for Israel's disobedience, and they will force Her to comply with their obligations - their goal is to discipline Israel.  First, no one wanted Jews in their country. Now that they have their own country, the world says Israel is an occupier and they want to take the Land away.  It seems to us that BDS and anti-Semitism is a strange way to provoke a Jew to jealousy. Romans11:11

While none of us would participate or condone any of this -   we do think, however, that we should each ask ourselves (as we have been) how far our loyalties lie when it comes to standing with Israel.  We all, of course say “never again” and condemn the inaction of “The Church” before and during the Holocaust.  We lift up on a pedestal (and rightly so) those who saved and defended the Jews during that time period - the Oscar Schindlers, the Anne Franks and the Corrie Ten Booms.  They "walked the talk."

But we need to ask ourselves, if we were in a position that it would affect our finances, our family, possible imprisonment, or even our life – would we go the distance with our solidarity?  If it was dangerous (for whatever reason) to wear a Star of David necklace, would we?  If we would be a target for flying an Israeli flag, would we?  We certainly understand the difference in taking a stand, and using wisdom with this.  We do this ourselves when traveling.  We just have to wonder, while right now many of us are so strongly vocal with our support and our actions, if things got really difficult, are we so steadfast in our solidarity that we would “ride it through to the end” no matter the cost?  Could we be like Oscar, Anne, Corrie and many others who risked everything?  As we see the Nations raging around us, we ask ourselves these questions. 

When we moved to Israel, we made a commitment to the Lord, knowing it was His will for us:  even if we never went back to America, even if we never saw our friends & family again, even our daughter - we would come.  It’s this same solid commitment we'd like to know we can continue to walk - no matter the cost.  It’s something we each need to consider and ask ourselves.  Will we defend God's people? Or will be be silent to defend ourselves? Are we willing to lay down our lives for a friend? John 15:13  It's not a flippant question, and deserves deep consideration. 

The Bible says the Nations are going to be held accountable for their actions towards Israel.

Joel 4 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

1“For then, at that time, when I restore
the fortunes of Y’hudah and Yerushalayim,
² I will gather all nations and bring them down
to the Valley of Y’hoshafat [Adonai judges].
I will enter into judgment there
for my people, my heritage Isra’el,
whom they scattered among the nations;
then they divided my land."


And for those who choose to stand with Her....

We want to play a music video of a song we’ve posted before.  On YouTube, with the video, this is written:

"I Believe" is a song that crushes the barriers of ideological differences. The foundation of an eternal righteous plan for the redemption of the whole earth begins with a special covenant to a specific people in a specific land. In the millenniums following this promise men have sought to alter, to distort, and even undo God's beautiful plan.

This song challenges us to make a stand with the Word of God:

He remembers His covenant forever...the word He commanded for a thousand generations...the covenant He made with Abraham...the oath He swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:

Psalm 105:8-11 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

⁸ He remembers his covenant forever,
the word he commanded to a thousand generations,
⁹ the covenant he made with Avraham,
the oath he swore to Yitz’chak,
¹⁰ and established as a law for Ya‘akov,
for Isra’el as an everlasting covenant:
¹¹ “To you I will give the land of Kena‘an
as your allotted heritage.”

Many of the Jewish people obviously understand this eternal promise. We see it in their actions. They have come back to the land the prophets foretold they would return to - again, the evidence of the existence of our Creator and the truth of His Word.

At this moment in history, when the nations unite to discuss the future of the Promised Land, every person is called to make a righteous choice. Today, as we watch and listen to this song ......as we sing it ....as we witness the prophetic word confirmed ....may this be your declaration of faith in an eternal God and an eternal promise. May this song unite the hearts of every Bible believing person -- both Jew and Non-Jew - all those longing for the Redemption in Jerusalem.

An amazing documentary has been recently released.  It is part one of a new series called Covenant and Controversy.  It is 1 hour 39 minutes, but we highly recommend - even beg - each of you to watch this compelling production that clearly explains all we have longed to be able to put in words - to explain the challenges we face in creating relationships with the Jewish people.  Please, please set a time in your busy schedules to watch this.  Whether you have a love for the Jewish people and Israel, or you really don't understand what it's all about, this is for you.  We cannot emphasize how important this information is.  These are God's chosen people.  It is important to Him how they are treated. 

Or here is the link to the above movie:

https://youtu.be/B0iTHHKqFRs

Everyone reading this can acknowledge that things are changing in our world at a dramatic rate, and not for good.  It's important how we choose to move forward.  Thank you for considering the Jewish people and how Israel affects you personally.

Divine Appointments

First, we'd really like to thank everyone for your prayers and encouragement, especially over the past month. Please know that while we haven't replied to the many emails we've received, we have read each and every one.  It is very reassuring to know that people are praying for us, and also standing with Israel and the Jewish people during this challenging time.

The terror attacks are still continuing daily, with a "norm" of 2, 3 or 4 attacks, or attempted attacks per day - that is a combination of stabbings, shootings, fire bombs and car rammings.  This again, does not include the riots, attempts to cross the Gaza border fence, and occasional rockets.

Last Sunday, as we were writing our latest update, Jim went to deliver the CFI vehicle to the staff member who would be using it the next day.  He had used it on Saturday for a ministry event, and it was parked in front of our building.

When he went to put items in the trunk, this is what he found (picture below).  Someone had thrown a rock through the back windshield, which was laying in the back seat.  While this is a common occurrence in some trouble areas, we've never had problems on our road, since it is a main road (6 lanes including bus lanes).  We think they were driving down the road and threw it as they went.

Nonetheless, Jim spent the next 5 hours on & off the phone getting the police to come for a report, and the car picked up for repair.  Trouble is, it was pouring down rain all day.  What a mess (balagan, in Hebrew).  Just one more attack to try and steal joy, time, and peace.

But what we really want to focus on in this update is a day of appointments we had a week ago, in the midst of the chaos going on right now.  Jim had some visits for his CFI (Christian Friends of Israel) project David's Shield, and we were able to both spend the day together.  We started the day in Jerusalem, with a very interesting sky above us - the entire sky looked like the comfort of wings.

We then drove towards Tel Aviv to meet with a supplier of IDF coats, hats, bags, etc.  Jim was putting together a few orders he was needing, and wanted to look at what they can offer, and discuss details.  The owners of the company are husband and wife, and we have been forming a relationship with them over the past couple of years, even going to their home for a BBQ with their family.  Both were born in Israel, and both husband and wife served in the Israel Defense Forces.

While talking about the different needs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, we also discussed the current events.  Sharon (in picture below) was curious how we were handling it, living in Jerusalem. We explained how the security has increased, and that this is "what we signed up for" - standing with the Jewish people during the hard times, not just when things are peaceful.

She shared her heart about what is going on, and we shared ours.  It's in these times when we can express our concern, and they see the help we are trying to provide to the soldiers, that we can provide encouragement and prove our solidarity with Israel.  It's not just nice words - but they see our actions.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16

Before we left, Sharon once again, invited us to her home to have another BBQ with her family.  

Building Relationships

As we met with Sharon, a commander popped his head in to say hello to Sharon.  What he didn't expect to find, was us!  And would you know we had met this man earlier in the year at his base in the south.  We had spent time with him in his office, then he gave us a tour of the base.  This commander is from a Bedouin village in the North of Israel, and had invited us back then to come visit his home some time.  One again, last week, he asked us to please come see him in his village. The Bedouins have an amazing gift of hospitality, and we will definitely need to get this on our calendar soon.

Building Relationships

Our next stop was also near Tel Aviv, and was much more than we ever expected.  We were simply dropping off a check for payment of services to our import company that coordinates the shipments of donated clothes to CFI from both the UK and US.  The postal service in Israel is quite lacking, and since we were going to be in the area, we thought we would just drop off the check.  While it would also be a good time to keep the business relationship on a personal level, we still only told the parking attendant we would be gone no more than 30 minutes.

When Jim asked to see the owners, once again husband and wife, we were told they weren't there. When they found out who we were, however, they invited us in to sit down for a cup of coffee.  Kind of strange for just dropping off a check, but we went with it even though we had a long drive to the North ahead of us.

The young man in the picture below took us in an office and we began to talk.  He had just recently returned from his time of reserve duty with the IDF.  We of course talked about the current attacks, especially since we live in Jerusalem.  Everyone outside of Jerusalem always has an understanding that it is much more intense in the capital city.  We shared our thoughts about it, and he shared his.  

We were in agreement as to the cause, but none of us seem to know the solution.  At least not a quick one.  The root cause is the deceitful, lying education the arab children have received over the years. They have no conscience of killing being wrong, because they are taught from a young age that it is honorable to be a martyr and kill Jews.

He, as many soldiers, shared with us, almost trying to convince us, of how humane the IDF is.  How many missions are aborted in the name of saving lives - the lives of the civilians in enemy territory. He shared with us of a time during the war last year when he was in Gaza.  There was a known terrorist they were searching for, and when he found him, the terrorist was holding a child to prevent from being shot.  The mission was aborted.  This is just one example from first hand experience that we've heard.  

When Jim told him that he had served in the US Air Force for 6 years, he got very excited!  He was enthralled to hear about what Jim's job entailed.  After we talked a bit more about the IDF and military, he told us that several years ago, he had written his thesis for his BA about CFI! How amazing it was to hear this!  CFI has had a relationship with this import company for many, many years. This man was so interested in the work that CFI does in helping the new Jewish immigrants, that he wrote a school paper about it!  We also explained to him the many other outreach projects that CFI is involved with as well - Holocaust survivors, terror victims, Ethiopian immigrants, communities under attack, the soldiers, etc.  

We had such a great conversation, one that was never expected.  He even wanted to know more about us.  What kind of Christians are we anyway....?  He asked are we Catholic or Protestant?  We explained to him that it wasn't that simple, especially since many denominations are now taking sides against Israel with the boycotts and divestments.  We told him that if we have to label ourselves in a way that he can understand who we are, and what we believe, we would call ourselves "Christian Zionists."  We told him we believe not only in the New Testament, but also in the Tanach (Old Testament).  We also believe what God says in it, what are His plans for the Jewish people in bringing them back to this Land, and that they have a right to be here - and we are here to support that.

Wow.  So, he says, "You believe that Jesus was killed on the cross and in His disciples (and he named them) don't you?"  This man has done some studying.... "Yes, of course we do", we say.  So, he wants to know, why do many Christians not believe that Jesus was killed on the cross as a Jew? Ahhh..... the million dollar question.  We wonder that too.  How is it that many Christians never even consider that their savior is Jewish??  Not only that, the Palestinians try to claim that Jesus was the first persecuted Palestinian.  He was from Bethlehem you know.....and no Jew is allowed there these days, as it is a Palestinian only city and illegal for Jews to even visit.  

After spending about an hour talking together, Jim also discussed the business aspect of importing and some projects CFI may want their help with in the future.  Of course they are willing to help! And as we reminded him, their company gets to play a part in blessing the new immigrants as they are a conduit between the donors in other countries, and CFI.  Together, we work together in God's plan in bringing His people home.

Building Relationships

We then left for our next appointment.  This day was amazing - and it was only noon!!  

From Tel Aviv, we drove to Migdal in the Galilee.  This is the town where "Mary Magdalene" was from.  In case you never thought about it, Magdalene was not her last name.  In the Bible times, people didn't have surnames.  They were known by whose son/daughter they were, or where they were from. In this case, Mary from Migdal - just as Jesus was a "Nazarene" meaning from Nazareth.

We were picking up a shipment of Tanachs - Old Testament Bibles - for our distribution center to give to new immigrants.  Many Jewish immigrants don't have a Bible when they arrive, and our DC provides them in English, Russian, Spanish, French, Dutch and Amharic (Ethiopian).  They each also are in Hebrew to help them learn the new language in Israel.  What a privilege to put God's Word in the hands of new immigrants!

The unexpected part of this appointment, was the conversation we had with the man who is the new director of the property we were visiting.  They have hosted soldier conferences over the years, and Jim offered to partner with them for the next event they hold.  The man was amazed, as he said the previous director had his own contact for support, and now they didn't know what they were going to do to supplement the cost of the events.  The timing was perfect, and would take a lot of pressure off trying to find support.  One of the things Project David's Shield likes to do is partner in events that bless the soldiers.  We look forward to working together with the new director, and he was very encouraged as we left.

Building Relationships

And as we drove around the North of Israel, we noticed that the same clouds of "wings of comfort" were covering there as well.

We had an amazing day of "face-to-face" time of encouragement.  As we said in the last update. How are we encouraged in these difficult days?  This is how.  Days like this.  We give thanks to God for allowing us to be His Hands, Feet, Arms, Voice and Face.  That's our desire.  To be the Jesus that the Jewish people should have been seeing in Christians for the past 2,000 years.  May we represent Him well.