MATTHEW 13:52

52He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

KOREA

We got back from Korea on the 15th - it was an awesome trip that we are still processing, as so much went on in the natural and the spiritual realms.

We arrived in Seoul on January 7th, after a long but very comfortable flight, on a plane that was almost empty! When we came to the arrivals area, we were met by a group of Israel loving believers waving Israeli flags and singing in Hebrew! For a second we didn't know where we were! Seoul is a huge, modern and very sophisticated city. It reminds me of New York City where I lived for 14 years before we made aliyah to Israel. 11 million people live in Seoul, which is about ¼ of the whole Korean population. It is a city that never sleeps, and many businesses are open 24/7. After the Korean War in 1950 there was widespread poverty, but the country has made amazing progress, and is now one of the most viable economies in the world.

The Korean people are very highly motivated. They give themselves wholly to whatever they consider important, and they are devoted. The believers are praying people, and each congregation has an early Morning Prayer meeting. There are also four 24/7 prayer houses that have been established lately in Seoul. There are a small nucleus of believers who really love Israel and have the firm belief that if they bless God's chosen, then He will bless them by reuniting North and South Korea.

We had a daunting schedule that included sharing in 8 congregations. David ministered powerfully and with an anointing. His messages are very Old Testament based, bringing out treasures from the old and the new. We were there to promote the film "Restoration" and the opening took place 3 days after we got there. The film opened in 3 theaters, and we spoke in each one, introducing ourselves. The film is playing in a chain of theaters to sold out audiences, and the reviews have been great, saying it is a "spiritual blockbuster". Film companies from other countries have already requested translations into their languages, but the timing of the film comes at a time in Korea where many believers are opening their hearts and minds to the central role of Israel in these last days.

Ami shared his testimony at a youth meeting, and it was very good. I was able to share as well. We didn't go to any mega churches, only the much smaller gatherings of believers who pray for Israel, but we met so many precious people. Ami really flowed with the culture, becoming quickly proficient with chop sticks and picking up many Korean words and phrases. Everyone wanted a picture with him - you can imagine how he towered over so many. When we got back I was sharing with my family how it took two people to lower me to the floor to eat ( many Korean restaurants have seating on the floor which is the traditional way of eating), and two people to lift me up! Then, David and I requested forks! Hopeless.

We were able to travel up to the border with North Korea. I haven't mentioned that the temperature was freezing in Korea - below 0 degrees centigrade every day but at the northern border it was minus 21 Celsius!! We learned so much about North Korea, that we came away with a strong burden to pray for the believers in that nation who are suffering indescribably. There is a dead and oppressive feeling on the border which is tangible.

PHILLIPINES

David didn't return with us but is in the Philippines with Joel Rosenberg. It is the first Epicenter conference in that country. I was able to speak to David today, and he is amazed by the favor that Joel has with leaders of government and industry in many countries around the world. They are also going to meet President Arroyo! They are under heavy security as there is a strong Islamic movement in the country. Please pray for this conference to open the spiritual eyes of many. David will be speaking on how to pray for and help the Messianic Body in Israel.

COURT HEARING, OPERATIONS

The court hearing on January 11th, for which we weren't present, turned out to be just another postponement until February so that the defence lawyer can continue to familiarize himself with the case. Up to this point, Teitel still hasn't responded to the indictments.

We've received a date for Ami's ear operation, which will be July 11, 2010. We're now working on completing all the tests we need to do for the hand operation. With Marfan's syndrome ruled out, the next step will be a check up in the Genetics department of Tel HaShomer Hospital to determine some things that the surgeons want to know before operating.

Blessings to all,

Leah