Building in More Ways than One

Here I am again, with a short update.

First, a bit about my family. As I wrote in the previous letter, we are ten people under one roof: my daughter who just got married and didn’t manage to rent an apartment yet, a guy fighting with the Ministry of Interior for his status, and my family. This week we decided to build a DIY pergola over our balcony – I think our neighbors had an quite entertaining show…:)

Some News

Hurray! Modern Israel just had a “birthday” and is 72 years old! And thank God – finally – Israel has a government! Not without the prayers of Christians around the world, and your prayers too!

At some point, God gave Israel the responsibility to carry the truth of one God to all nations. Today, God makes the disciples of Yeshua from the Nations to be GUARDIANS on the walls of Israel! All of this reminds me of a science lesson at school – Connected vessels.

The stability of Israel is dependent on the prayer of the Nations and the blessings of the Nations are dependent on the stability of Israel.

“I will bless those who bless you, but I will curse anyone who curses you; and by you all the families of the earth will be blessed. (Genesis 12:3)

Covid-19 News

We are attempting to exit the quarantine, slowly and carefully. The Israeli government is relaxing measures and trying to restore normal life. But there is a “but” … what if suddenly it will be necessary again to revert to the confinement of the apartments?

The world still exchanges whispers aloud and guesses whether there was a “great conspiracy” or a “biological leak from foreign laboratories”, or … or … ???    The believers are no exception and some curious people “keep digging deeper”. However, “to dig or not to dig”, I am not sure that we can come to a true closure. There is a piece of very strong advice on this matter from the Lord:

For this is what Adonai said to me, speaking with a strong hand, warning me not to live the way this people does: “Don’t regard as alliance[conspiracy] what these people call an alliance [conscpiracy], and don’t fear what they fear or be awestruck by it; but Adonai-Tzva’ot God of the Armies” Consecrate Him! Let Him be the object of your fear and awe! (Isaiah 8:11-13).

This is valuable advice for us, those who seek His face, even comparable to a commandment!

Congregation and Ministry

The humanitarian aid service projects continue. Our staff and volunteers distributed hundreds of grocery packages recently.

The situation is especially difficult for the elderly and lonely. Also, the new immigrants – people who made Aliyah – are in the risk “zone.” In our case, these are all our clients.

They need physical aid and also sometimes a friendly and encouraging talk on the telephone. We reach out to dozens of such people daily.

We have made several online weekly programs of Hebrew lessons for new immigrants, including guidance consultation for life in a new country (in our case, spiritual consultation). Our team tirelessly and prayerfully communicates with people in need, like a cheer group.

Some of our most active congregants are undergoing strong attacks of the enemy – physically and mentally. I ask you to pray for them (Lena and Isaak, Mark and Evgeny, Hanina and Vakif, Michael and Lianne, Olga and Ruslan, Rami … and the youth) strongly!!! We gave dozens of new immigrants sets of kitchen utensils – as it is their first time in their new homeland, and it is vital that they would feel confident in their kitchen  🙂

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I urge you to assist us in prayer. Your donations are also very cherished, particularly at this tough time for the economy  in Israel!

We love you, and we pray for you and your dear ones.

Y’varekh’kha Adonai v’yishmerekha. [May Adonai bless you and keep you.] Ya’er Adonai panav eleikha vichunekka. [May Adonai make his face shine on you and show you his favor.] Yissa Adonai panav eleikha v’yasem l’kha shalom. [May Adonai lift up his face toward you and give you peace.].

“In this way they are to put my name on the people of Israel, so that I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:24-27)

Oceans of blessings,

Leon and Nina Mazin Lead Pastor, Return to Zion Congregation Haifa, Israel www.shaveitzion.org