Spring!

“Come … let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Is. 2:5)

The news from Israel has been discouraging this past month – after four weeks of our third lockdown with stores and schools closed and restrictions in travel, the number of infections did NOT go down at all! In spite of the very strict government regulations and the fact that they have the highest infection rate per capita, the ultra orthodox Haredim ignored the rules with tens of thousands coming out for funerals and thousands for weddings in addition to their schools remaining open the whole time. Violent confrontations resulted as the police intervened. One extremist group among the Haredim actually set fire to a public bus. These events which showed the serious division in Israeli society between the religious and secular were very hard to witness.

The hospitals had reached their limit caring for emergency corona patients and were going into crisis mode. The vaccination program which started off with great enthusiasm and optimism slowed down and the government has been concerned that the rate of infections would outpace the positive effect of inoculations.

The elections on March 23rd with its plethora of political parties do not project confidence that this election will bring change as it seems unlikely that any party will be able to establish the needed coalition to govern.

This week, seemingly in line with the welcome spring weather and just as I was sensing a positive new season, the numbers have begun to decline, hospitalizations are down, schools are beginning to open up, the Haredim are increasingly getting vaccinated, and optimism for the future has begun to slowly increase.

In my last letter, I had written how that it was so incredible that a microscopic virus could cause so much catastrophe worldwide. As I thought about that, God reminded me that if a microscopic virus could do such damage, what mighty exploits could be done with faith the size of the tiniest mustard seed! There is no comparison! There is no limit to how much we can advance the Kingdom of God! Our greatest weapon is faith that rises up and declares the name of Yeshua.

I want to thank you for your overwhelming year end generosity. I am continually humbled by your ongoing support as I press on in this challenging situation. With deep gratitude, I was able to support the congregation with significant donations as they struggle to continue to help those who remain unemployed. Zion’s Glory has also been able to give generously to ministries who focus on Israeli evangelism. May all these seeds that have been planted come to life now! No matter how things look from the outside, God will have the victory! His kingdom will advance. The whole strategy of satan is no match for one seed of faith which can dispel the darkness!

So let us continue to walk in the light of the Lord. May the wonderful name of Yeshua be exalted in all that we do and say because; “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who have faith and are saved.” (Heb.10:39)

With love from Zion,