Happy Chanukah

Dear Faithful Friend,

The time is flying by at an incredible speed! It seems that we have only just finished the Fall Feasts and now Chanukah is fast approaching!

In Israel, the food symbol for Chanukah is the sufgania- a doughnut like pastry that is covered and filled with all sorts of sweet things and deep fried in oil. The story of the oil that burned for 8 days in the Temple when there was only enough for one day is taught to all the children as truth, although there is no Biblical or historical evidence for this event. What is true is that the Maccabees were valiant fighters who though outnumbered, took their stand against a more powerful enemy and succeeded in resisting them and reclaimed the Temple from paganism, dedicating it anew to the one true God of Israel.

This year Chanukah and the Thanksgiving Holiday come a few days apart. As believers, we light the Chanukah candles and remember both the great military victory in our Jewish history and Yeshua, the Lord of Hosts who is the true victory and Light of the world. Many Americans in Israel celebrate Thanksgiving and so it's a double blessing to have the holidays so close together and to be able to reflect each time on all that we have to be grateful for in our lives in Him.

For me personally, I have been so aware of how the Lord has carried me these two and half years, how He has been my ever-present comfort in times of my trouble. I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving to see how He has guided and encouraged me and shown me how to walk on this path with hope and trust. When I see where I am today, I know it is certainly supernatural. My own strength failed me a long time ago!

It is impossible to predict what is in front of us as a nation and in the world but I am optimistic that we are moving forward and no matter what transpires politically, the gospel is going forth and will not be stopped. I have been excited and at times in awe by the doors the Lord has opened for me to share Yeshua. As I have focused on receiving His love in these days, I can feel my heart being filled up and I yearn for those I meet to know this love that surpasses knowledge and understanding!

It has been exciting to also get reports from other ministries throughout the country that are finding fertile soil for the gospel and people are responding. The Good News is going forth! In spite of all the division, uncertainty, turmoil on every side, God will work it all to the good and we will yet see a harvest in His beloved nation.

Happily, the fourth wave of covid was declared over a few weeks ago but sadly, just a few days ago, the numbers have once again been rising. Although as yet not significant, the government is watching it closely. Since November 1, tourists have begun to enter the country and it is wonderful to have visitors back again.

The first winter rains arrived this past weekend bringing the promise of green hills and a lovely spring to come. Everyone is happy when it rains and the colder weather begins. Unfortunately, many of our streets and roads are not equipped to handle heavy rain and it is not unusual for different communities to experience damaging floods.

Our congregation, Ahavat Yeshua, is finally returning to meeting indoors on a regular basis. We have a post Corona schedule which is two meetings a month as the larger congregation and once a month meeting with the smaller geographical groups. There have been various changes as a result of all that we have gone through with the pandemic and we are moving forward with cautious optimism. As these two years have proven, there is no way to know what turn this virus will take. If numbers continue to rise, we will have to deal with increased restrictions.

Please pray that we will be able to resume a more stable congregational schedule, that we can continue to meet together indoors through the winter season and beyond - and that we will all be encouraged and strengthened by our corporate gathering. May this be the year we see many new believers in our midst!

Please continue to pray for stability in our government and wisdom from heaven to be upon our leaders, especially PM Bennett. The situation with Iran continues to be heating up as they move towards becoming a nuclear power. Israel is committed to not allowing that to happen and military intervention always looms as a possibility.

As these times continue to be unpredictable, it feels often as though we are on a roller coaster with its ups and downs. In the midst of it, God is stable and sure, our refuge and fortress and His banner over us is love. I know that He who began a good work in us will see it unto completion. And we have a hope that will not fade, perish or spoil - the hope of Glory!

May this Holiday season, starting with Chanukah and Thanksgiving and culminating with Christmas and a New Year shine with the brilliant light of His love, grace and joy. May our hearts be filled to overflowing as we love Him and one another, so that all will know that He is God, King of Kings and soon returning Messiah, Yeshua.

With love from Zion,