Pray again for today - Friday - please

Frustrated and disgusted.

As many of you  may know by now, Israel not only took down the metal detecters at the Temple Mount, but they have removed ALL the security measures they had in place.  The Muslim leaders gave their demands to Israel in order for the riots & demonstrations to stop, and Israel met them all. And now, they are dancing, singing and rejoicing that they got Israel to surrender to them.  Here is a cartoon from their media:

Not only are they celebrating, but they are still protesting and clashing with the police.  Thousands of Muslims flooded the Temple Mount yesterday as their leaders approved them to return after all security was removed.  With their return came trouble.  We saw videos of them taunting the police and they threw stones at them - they also threw stones down to the Western Wall area where the Jews come to pray (there were no injuries).

http://www.timesofisrael.com/clashes-erupt-at-temple-mount-as-muslim-worshipers-return-to-site/

Many feel the action of the government is disgraceful, and will lead to more violence.  Due to the violence already last night, Israel is barring anyone under the age of 50 to enter the Temple Mount for Friday Muslim prayers.  They are also setting up checkpoints around the Old City as they did last week.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/girding-for-clashes-police-restrict-temple-mount-prayers-to-women-men-over-50/

Earlier in the week, both Hamas (a terror organization) and Fatah (the Palestinian leadership) ordered Friday as another "day of rage" and also to riot in Judea & Samaria (known the world as the west bank) - and blocking the settlements where the Jewish people live in that region.  If they continue to protest with violence, after Israel has removed everything, will this then prove to the world that it had nothing to do with the metal detectors, cameras or barrier fences?? Not likely.  We again encourage you to please watch the video links we posted in our last update - "Must See."

Here is also a video of a security guard "telling it like it is."

So, again, please pray for the peace of Jerusalem - and all of Israel.  This is an interesting time for these protests over the Temple Mount, as the the 9th of Av (on the Jewish calendar) is August 1st - this commemorates the destruction of the two Biblical Temples that stood on the Temple Mount.  Will not forget His promise to redeem His mountain.

"I will bring them to my holy mountain

and make them joyful in my house of prayer;

their burnt offerings and sacrifices

will be accepted on my altar;

for my house will be called

a house of prayer for all peoples.”

Adonai Elohim says,

he who gathers Isra’el’s exiles:

“There are yet others I will gather,

besides those gathered already.”

Isaiah 56:7-8

Must See

Boy things happen quick here!!  Just since we wrote last, Israel was able to get their Embassy workers back from Jordan - which was a BIG deal.  After the Israeli security official shot and killed two men - one was his attacker (who stabbed him with a screwdriver) and the other a man rushing at him, Jordanians were calling for the Israeli security official to be tried and executed!  Israel had to act quickly because Jordan would not release him, even though he had diplomatic immunity.  Prime Minister Netanyahu and the King of Jordan spoke, and came to an agreement.  We may never know exactly what was said, but what we do know, is that soon after the embassy workers were back on Israeli soil late last night, the metal detectors were being taken down at the Temple Mount.

It is yet to be seen how the Muslims will react to having no metal detectors, but a different more "high tech" security in place - special cameras.  They are already spreading rumors saying that Israel plans to use "x-ray" cameras to "see their women naked" and that the cameras would cause cancer.  As it seems, they will not accept any security measures, and have said so.

In the midst of all this, we think it is very important for those here - and for those who are watching this play out from afar - to have a real understanding of what is going on and why it is taking place.  We have watched two excellent documentaries that are on Youtube about this conflict that are very well made.  The first documentary explains "why the Jews (Israel)".  The second documentary explains "why the Temple Mount" - which is what we are experiencing now.  They both give a clear understanding of what Islam (and Israel's other enemies) are about and what they are thinking.  We very highly recommend watching both.  We have sent the link to the first one in the past, but will include it again.  If you'd rather, you can even watch the second documentary first since it helps to understand the current conflict.

When speaking to a soldier this past weekend, we explained that we felt it was very important that the nations keep a close watch on what is happening in Israel.  Because what happens here will spread to the rest of the world.  What was once a problem only in the Middle East has spread rapidly through Europe and is creeping into North America.  No one is immune to this. The young man (a Lone soldier from Australia)  agreed completely.  Many of you may be familiar with the phrase, "First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people." It's time for people to wake up.  There is history that many people don't know or understand.  We hope these documentaries will help - they did us.

Covenant and Controversy Part One: The Great Rage

Covenant and Controversy Part Two: The City of the Great King

We give thanks to the Lord that He doesn't break His covenants.

Update

Shalom - we want to give a quick update on the past two days.

There was quite a bit in the news last night stating that Israel was going to compromise and take down the metal detectors.  As of right now, they have not.  What they have done is increase security with some sort of "smart cameras" that can tell if someone is carrying a weapon.  They also put in place fencing and have hand wands if they feel it is necessary to check someone further.

Whether all this is leading to the removal of the metal detectors or not, is yet to be determined.  While this is a very complex situation, we - along with most of Israeli society - hope they do not.  However, if they leave them up, there will continue to be protests, riots, and more casualties.  The Muslims do not respect life, and it is an honor to be a martyr, so they are willing to "shed their blood" for this cause.  On the other hand, if the metal detectors are taken down, they will be empowered to continue to use these tactics to get whatever they want in the future because they know it works.

Today was the funeral of the three victims of Friday evening's terror attack with 3,000 people in attendance.  The wife, who was seriously wounded in the attack, left the hospital in order to attend the funeral of her husband and 2 adult children.  The attack took place North of Jerusalem, just north of Ramallah - less than an hour's drive from us.  Some will remember the young Fogel family that was brutally murdered in their beds 6 years ago - their parents live in Halamish, the village where the attack took place Friday night.  What a tragedy for them once again.

Friday terror attack victims.

These children have now lost their father, and witnessed a horrible sight.
Please pray for them - and their mother who is now a widow.

The terrorist, who assumed he would be shot to death (as a martyr for his cause) is now sitting in an Israeli hospital receiving treatment.  Several leaders are requesting the death penalty.  His mother has said on video how very proud she is of her son and praises allah.

Several countries are protesting the metal detectors, including outside of the Israeli Embassy in London where they burned the Israeli flag and stomped on it, and in Amman, Jordan where a security guard was stabbed at the Israeli Embassy (the terrorist was shot dead).

There continues to be protests and riots in Jerusalem and Judea & Samaria (known to the world as the west bank).

Two more palestinians were killed yesterday in riots - one had a molotov cocktail explode in his hand before he could throw it at the police.

So as we hold our breath and wait and see what will be decided about the metal detectors, we go on with our day to day activities.  Today we travelled to visit two bases - one for the police special forces, and one in the north.  For the police unit, we (CFI'S Project David's Shield) provided room darkening curtains.  Most of their missions take place at night, and therefore, they need to sleep during the day.

The other base we visited was in the Golan Heights as we accepted an invitation we received for a commander-change ceremony.  It was a great time of seeing friends we have not seen in a little while, and to share hugs and smiles.  It was also good to get out of Jerusalem for a day, and drive "through the country."

Please continue to pray for the current situation here.  As we said before, this is not over yet.  How Israel proceeds will determine a lot.  Will they stand strong and see this out? Or put off the conflict for another time?  We will wait, pray and see.

May God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

~ Amen ~

Lord Help Us

Before we even attempt to update about the day concerning the Temple Mount, we must try to explain what has a happened a few hours ago.  How to put this into words when the shock and numbness and grief in the pit of our stomachs cannot even fathom this?

Tonight, as a family of ten (including children) were enjoying their evening Sabbath meal together, a Palestinian broke into their home and stabbed 3 people to death - during their dinner - in front of the children - who were then hid in a room by one of the women.  We will not post the pictures, it's more than one can bear.  The terrorist was shot by a neighbor - a soldier home on a short leave.  Earlier today, the terrorist posted on Facebook that the al aqsa mosque (on the Temple Mount) needed to be defended.  Hamas (a terror organization) has said the attack was heroic.  This is the kind of people Israel is dealing with.

It is past midnight, so this update will be short, but you can click on the links to read more and to keep up to date with local news.  We don't think it will get much better any time soon, as the Muslim world is in an uproar.  Apparently "1.7 billion Muslims say no to the metal detectors".....and some are calling for a third intifada.

Overall, we must say that this afternoon wasn't quite as bad as anticipated - so thank you for your prayers.  Yes - there were violent protests around the Muslim area of the Old City. But Israel's security did an excellent job at blocking off most protestors from even making it into Jerusalem.  They were turning back busloads of protestors before they could reach the city.  They also  had checkpoints set up leading to the Old City.

Thousands of Muslims from Jerusalem did protest and refused to go through the metal detectors - praying in the streets instead, and many choosing violent protests, but the Israeli security used "crowd control" methods to disperse much of the rioting.  There were 3 Palestinian deaths today, however,  during the violent protests.  Several Muslim religious leaders were detained today as they were inciting violence.  Another complicated issue was the Arab MKs (members of Knesset - Israel's governing body) showed up to encourage and stir up the protestors and to participate in the protests.

Here are a few pictures from today's protests and riots.

And a video.

Here are the links to two Israel online newspapers if you wish to find out more or keep up to date with the events happening here:

http://www.timesofisrael.com

http://www.jpost.com

Again, please continue to pray.  We need our leaders to stay strong and have courage.  We need wise and Godly decisions.  How do you deal with terror?  Do you give in to their demands when they riot and kill?  These are not easy decisions.  Lord help us.

Urgent Prayer Request

Shalom from the City of Peace.  That is certainly a prophetic statement, because Jerusalem is anything but peaceful right now.  The Bible says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may those who love You be secure." Psalm 122:6

For those of you who haven't been keeping up with the news in our neighborhood, there has been a lot of turmoil in the past week.  Last week, 3 Palestinians murdered 2 Jewish police officers near the Lion Gate also near the Temple Mount (where Biblical Temple stood).  The terrorists had smuggled guns onto the Temple Mount (where the Islamic Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque are located).

The Israeli government closed the Temple Mount for a few days for their investigation - this included Friday, the Muslim holy day when they assemble on the Temple Mount for weekly prayers.  This is the first time this has occurred in decades.  Sunday afternoon, the Israeli government reopened 2 of the 9 Muslim entrances to the Mount.  However - there was a change.  Israel had installed metal detectors at the entrances.

This did not go over very well with the religious leaders or Muslim worshippers, and most refused to go though and have been protesting (sometimes violently) ever since.  Their leaders have told them if they go on the Temple Mount their prayers will not be answered.  Each day has seen escalations as the Palestinians and Arab nations around the world demand that Israel take down the metal detectors.  Arab leaders have called called for a "Day of Rage", protests, refusal to go through the security detectors to pray and jihad.

Tomorrow - Friday, 21 July - the religious leaders have ordered all mosques in Jerusalem to be closed for prayers and for all Muslim worshippers to go to the Temple Mount to protest.  The Israeli army has cancelled weekend leave for many soldiers, and called up 5 extra battalions of soldiers in anticipation of unrest.

There is disagreement among Israeli security leaders as to whether they should remove the metal detectors to quell the uprising, come to some sort of  compromise, or leave them in place.  The point has been made that most other major holy sites in the world have security detectors - even Mecca and the Jewish Western Wall.  While Jordan is in charge of running the Temple Mount (where nonMuslims - Jews and Christians - are not allowed to pray), Israel is in charge of security.  Period.  Even the Jordanians admit this - but they say they still will not accept this new change.

Our concern is that once again, in the face of world pressure, our Prime Minister will back down and compromise.  There is absolutely no logical reason why the metal detectors cannot stay in place to protect lives - of everyone who visits the Temple Mount.  Israel has released video footage of the guns being smuggled onto the Temple Mount.  If there had been metal detectors, this could have never happened.  However, it is the standard procedure for them to protest until they get what they want.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/white-house-very-concerned-over-temple-mount-disquiet/

So, our request is this - please pray for Godly wisdom for our leaders, for protection for our protectors (IDF, police, etc.), and  please pray for God's will to be done in this volatile situation.  This is HIS holy hill.  And as His Word says....

"Why do the nations rage,

And the people plot a vain thing?

 

The kings of the earth set themselves,

And the rulers take counsel together,

Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

“Let us break Their bonds in pieces

And cast away Their cords from us.”

He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.

Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,

And distress them in His deep displeasure:

“Yet I have set My King

On My holy hill of Zion.”

Mish*Mash

~ Mishmash ~ 

synonyms:

jumble, ragbag, patchwork, assortment, medley, miscellany, mixture, mélange, blend, mix, potpourri, conglomeration, bricolage, gallimaufry, salmagundi, hodgepodge

Have you ever felt like you are in a season of life walking around in a fog? Like you've been in semi-hibernation? That's been us for the past few months.  Coming back from our trip to the United States last fall found us in overdrive trying to catch up from being gone for a month.  It literally took a couple of months to not feel completely behind in everything, it was a bit dizzying.  And then, with the cold weather came the fog.  Some sickness set in (colds, allergies & such), never really going away, and not really being 100% on any given day - even until now.  Many - most actually - at work feeling much the same way.  

It's very tiring, leaving us in a "weary in well doing" state.  It's difficult enough living in Israel, and pressing on each day in the midst of a fog can be exhausting.  We work hard during the day, come home tired, eat and go to be early to get up and start again the next day.  Most weekends have been spent in hibernation trying to recoup and get ready for the week to come.  In all this, we ask for you to please continue to pray for us - for healing, endurance, strength and joy.  We're believing with the warmer weather and time change, the fog will lift and the light will shine and we will get out to smell the roses and breathe the breath of life in the Land we love.

So - mishmash - that is what this update will be.  A mishmash of our favorite little pictures, sayings and a few things we've been up to over the past couple of months.  Here we go....

Below is a picture of a church in Eastern Jerusalem that was destroyed by Muslims who are against the work the church is accomplishing among the arabs in Israel.

How we grow...

A good lesson for us all.....

The next 4 pictures we found, but do not know who to give credit to...they are amazing photos of Jerusalem.

We'll be looking for answers soon.... :)

We were once again invited to visit and encourage the defenders of Hevron.  The Israeli Border Police are the division that actually have control over the protection and safety of the Tomb of the Patriarchs seen below (where Abraham & Sarah, Isaac & Rebecca, and Jacob & Leah are buried).  

While we have visited here several times, on this visit they said they were taking us up on the roof!  So we entered through this locked secret green door....

And climbed the narrow stairs....

To see the area from a view we never expected to be allowed to see.  It was a bit sureal and even scary up there, knowing there have been incidents of shootings in the past in this area by Palestinian sharp-shooters....

We then headed back down the narrow way.  They didn't like us being up there for too long....

As we drove through Hevron in their police jeep, we saw a few sheep.

We then went to their base to talk with those on duty, to encourage them and provide fleece jackets with their logo on them, and tactical gloves that can be used to even fire weapons while keeping them warm.

Jim sharing of our solidarity and support.

Handing out jackets and gloves.

And then...the traditional coffee time with the commander. :)

Many times on Fridays in Jerusalem, you will find people handing out these packets of tea light candles.  They are encouraging people to celebrate the weekly Shabbat as a family - a time of consecration to God.

We also received another container of clothing at our distribution center for the new immigrants.  Each delivery starts our day at 7 am with the staff unloading the truck one box at a time, and then bringing everything inside.

This was a full truck, and we ran out of room and had to fill even the hallways.

The storage room filled to the ceiling with barely a walkway.

One Sunday we travelled to the northern border to meet a group of pastors that came on tour.  On the way we had a beautiful view of Mount Hermon with snow on it in the distance.

The place where we met the pastors on the tour is on the Israel-Lebanon border as seen below.

We were taken on a military road along the border.

And then to encourage those watching and protecting the border.

We were then taken to plant 2 kiwi trees for the community that had a grove in the valley.  The hill in the background is Lebanon.

The pastors planting the trees next to the old ones that they would replace.

Jim speaking to some of the pastors about how CFI encourages those in the Land.

The harp (or string) bridge at the entrance to Jerusalem.

The bridge from Linda's office window.  We had just experienced a week of rain, and this was the first sun we had seen.  While we were in the States last fall, our CFI headquarters moved its location to inside the Jerusalem Central Bus Station on the 6th floor.  When we returned, along with catching up on our work, the two of us also moved our offices to the new location.

This is another view from Linda's office.  We are watching the new high speed train station being built up before our eyes.  In the foreground is the light rail train.  In the background is the convention center.  The new high speed train will go to the airport in just 20 minutes! For the past few years (and even still) we hear - and feel - underground explosions, as the train will enter the city through an underground tunnel.  It's truly a blessing to have both our headquarters and our distribution center in such a prime and central location!

This is the car garage below the bus station.  Apparently this car felt it necessary to take up 3 spots....

Walking down Jaffa Street.  Looks like these IDF soldiers are going on a field day outing :)

On another day, Jim took a few CFI volunteers and went to visit and encourage the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the southern Israel border with Egypt.  This is the place in the Bible called Kadesh Barnea, where the 12 spies came to check out the land and brought back the huge cluster of grapes.  Today there is a winery in this area.

One of the things we have been enjoying is attending the Wednesday night Bible study at the Bible Lands Museum.  We have received a lot of insights that we have never considered before.

Last night, to celebrate Purim, we went to a friend's house.  Some of the guests were dressed up as characters.  After the dinner, we took turns reading through the book of Esther, which tells of the deliverance of the Jewish people in Persia, which is now modern day Iran.  Our friends had just gotten a new puppy - a Canaanite breed - and Linda fell in love....

Since Linda had not dressed up, our hostess lent her a hat to where.

We shall close with 2 scriptures from Esther that still ring true today. 

One for the enemies of God's chosen people.....

"After Haman had told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordekhai, before whom you have begun to fall, is a Jew, you will not get the better of him; on the contrary, your downfall before him is certain.”" Esther 6:13

And one for those who can choose to help....

“Don’t suppose that merely because you happen to be in the royal palace you will escape any more than the other Jews.  For if you fail to speak up now, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from a different direction; but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows whether you didn’t come into your royal position precisely for such a time as this.” Esther 4:13,14

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will protect and keep covenant with the Jewish people, and their deliverance will come from Him.  It is up to us if we choose to be against His plan for them, or a participant.