Shalom! We hope and pray you are all having a good and fruitful summer, enjoying the goodness of the Lord.
ISRAEL ATTACKED
The latest Hamas offensive against Israel began on August 18, 2011 with a four-pronged terror attack on busses and cars in the South of the country near Eilat in which 7 civilians and one soldier were killed, with many wounded. In the days that have followed the southern part of israel has been under attack from rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. The following is from Joel Rosenberg's flash traffic update (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/):
More than 100 rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles have been fired from Gaza at Israeli towns and cities along the south. A suicide bomber also detonated himself near the Israel-Egyptian border over the weekend. Eight Jews were killed in Thursday's jihadist attacks on an Israeli public bus, and at least 30 were wounded. A rocket hit a home in Beersheva on Saturday night, killing one Israeli and wounded four others. Dozens more Israelis have been hospitalized for shock. Israel has struck back with airstrikes against selected terror targets, but the violence has only escalated. Tragically, Israeli forces accidentally killed two Egyptian border guards during a raid against Gaza militants. Israel quickly apologized, but this has created new tensions between Egypt and the Jewish State. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders -- who want their own sovereign state beginning next month -- have neither said or done anything to stop the latest attacks.
Howard Bass, who is the congregational leader of the "Nachalat Yeshua" (Yeshua's Inheritance) congregation in Beer Sheva sent out this report on Shabbat:
(http://www.gratefullygrafted.org/ministries/congregations/nachalat_yeshua.htm)
Shalom,
We thank God for those who have expressed their concerned interest in the rocket attacks on Beer Sheva, and for all who are aware and remember all of us in prayer.
This morning before we left home for our congregational service, the sirens went off, and we went down to our bomb shelter. The rockets from Gaza this morning, and also on Thursday night, fell not too far from the section of the city in which we live, and on one of the rocket falls, the house shook from the vibrations of the impact. This evening we have had twice to go into shelters while we were visiting friends from the kehila (congregation) who lived within sight of what we were hearing this morning.
The missile interceptor system, called Iron Dome, has been brought back to the city after being taken out a couple of years ago. It has successfully taken out some of the rockets which have been fired these past days. Hamas has taken responsibility for these attacks, after denying any for what took place in Eilat a few days ago.
Sadly, this evening a grad rocket hit in a neighborhood, destroying a car and seriously damaging the house. Worse, one person was killed, seven seriously injured, at least one mortally. All of these remained outside during the attack, rather than get inside under cover. Very likely, they were curious to see the Iron Dome work to intercept the missiles. It is interesting to watch, but dangerous: curiosity killed the cat. The guidelines the news and the security authorities are stressing is to get into shelters, and remain there for some minutes after the alarm finishes.
I do not believe that any believer is exempt from being harmed, either directly or indirectly. What will distinguish us is our reaction and response in the event of personal suffering, and how we relate to others who do suffer: the issue is glory to our Father in Heaven, and honor to the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah/Jesus Christ. Before the event, it is difficult to 'plan' for our reaction, but the Holy Spirit within us wants to steady us as quickly as possible on The Rock of our salvation.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We appreciate all your prayers for Israel at this time. Prayer is essentialand we need to stand together for strength in the face of the trying circumstances that are shaking the earth. We serve a mighty God who is able to provide, strengthen, heal, and Who can make a way where there is no way. At this moment, even though Hamas and Israel declared a cease fire, rockets continue to fall in the South.
My daughter's in-laws live in a settlement in the South, not far away from the Gaza order, and their town was also hit by a few rockets over the weekend. They are running into their bomb shelters several times a day when the sirens sound. Although they've lived through many of these attacks in the past, they said that they feel this one is somehow different, and more serious than before. Only people who have lived with this ongoing threat for all the years since Israel pulled out of the Gaza strip can have the perspective that they do. Please pray for this precious family and all the families in the South of Israel who are under attack at this time.
Last week, David and I went up to Jerusalem to meet with our lawyer. He told us that there will be a hearing on September 4th of the Jack Teitel case, which is supposed to be the summation of all the testimonies, and the closing arguments of the prosecution and defense. We've gotten a little jaded about all of this, because the hearings are often postponed at the last minute, but we take it in good faith that this will happen. The judge's decision concerning Teitel's psychological ability to stand trial will most likely not take place on Sept. 4th though, and will be made behind closed doors. We will probably be notified by letter or by the prosecutor.
We appreciate your standing with us concerning the end and summation of these hearings. We know that whatever the decision is, whether just or unjust, it does not deter the work of the God of Israel. May He show His mighty hand to His nation through all of these situations.
Ami is getting ready to leave for the U.S. in a few weeks. He is studying diligently for his college matriculation tests which he will take in NY, and he is preparing in many ways to leave home for an extended amount of time. He is seeing his friends go off to the army one by one, and looking forward to his next step in life. He is in great condition and health, thank God, and is trying to cooperate and be patient with his mother who is worrying over every detail of his leaving the nest!! Ami is very laid back, and takes things easy. He doesn't get excited or panicked about anything, and only responds with a sense of urgency to real emergencies. I think it's hard for him to deal with me at the moment...
MORE...
We recently received a revealing newsletter from Barry Segal, which is another sign of the times; spiritual confusion and the falling away from the faith of many believers in Yeshua which I know is distressing to all of us. We thought it was important to share this with you.
THIS WILL SHOCK YOU: OR AT LEAST SHOULD SHOCK YOU...
Church Leaders Who Claim The God of Israel is Allah by Barry Segal (Israel)
"A "who's who" of evangelical Christian leaders, including Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, Brian McLaren, Richard Cizik and Bill Hybels, have signed a letter to the Muslim community entitled "Loving God And Neighbour Together" that openly equates Allah with the Christian God. To read the text visit: (http://www.Yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm) By affirming that Allah is God, the 300 Christian leaders in this letter are denying the God of the Bible.
The reality is that the Quran denies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God no less than nine times. This letter represents apostasy of the highest order. It is another huge step towards the one world religion and one world church of the last days. The Christian ministers who signed this letter have denied their faith and have brought shame to their ministries and congregations. Therefore, we are calling for the immediate resignation of each and every Christian minister that signed this letter. You can find a list of the Christian leaders that signed this letter here: (http://www.Yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm)
You will likely recognize quite a few names on that list. These are just a few.
David Augsburger, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counselling, Fuller Theological Seminary
James A. Beverley, Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics, Tyndale Seminary, Toronto, Canada
Rev. Dr. Stuart Briscoe, Minister at Large, Elmbrook Church, Brookfield Wisconsin, USA; Founder, "Telling the Truth, Inc."
Rev. Colin Chapman, Former Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Near East School of Theology, Beirut, Lebanon, and author of Whose Promised Land?
David Yonggi Cho, Founder and Senior Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, Korea
Harvey Cox, Hollis Professor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
Lynn Green, International Chairman, Youth With A Mission
Bill Hybels, Founder and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL
Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA
Richard Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller, Founder, Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power
John G. Stackhouse, Jr., Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology and Culture, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
Rev. Dr. John Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK
Harvey Thiessen, Executive Director, OM Canada
Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director, World Evangelical Alliance
Jim Wallis, President, Sojourners
Rick Warren, Founder and Senior Pastor, Saddleback Church, author: The Purpose Driven Life, Lake Forest, CA"
In the midst of all this, we continue to "Praise the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 136:1) and to hold on to Psalm 46:
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Yours in the Messiah,
Leah
ISRAEL ATTACKED
The latest Hamas offensive against Israel began on August 18, 2011 with a four-pronged terror attack on busses and cars in the South of the country near Eilat in which 7 civilians and one soldier were killed, with many wounded. In the days that have followed the southern part of israel has been under attack from rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. The following is from Joel Rosenberg's flash traffic update (http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/):
More than 100 rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles have been fired from Gaza at Israeli towns and cities along the south. A suicide bomber also detonated himself near the Israel-Egyptian border over the weekend. Eight Jews were killed in Thursday's jihadist attacks on an Israeli public bus, and at least 30 were wounded. A rocket hit a home in Beersheva on Saturday night, killing one Israeli and wounded four others. Dozens more Israelis have been hospitalized for shock. Israel has struck back with airstrikes against selected terror targets, but the violence has only escalated. Tragically, Israeli forces accidentally killed two Egyptian border guards during a raid against Gaza militants. Israel quickly apologized, but this has created new tensions between Egypt and the Jewish State. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders -- who want their own sovereign state beginning next month -- have neither said or done anything to stop the latest attacks.
Howard Bass, who is the congregational leader of the "Nachalat Yeshua" (Yeshua's Inheritance) congregation in Beer Sheva sent out this report on Shabbat:
(http://www.gratefullygrafted.org/ministries/congregations/nachalat_yeshua.htm)
Shalom,
We thank God for those who have expressed their concerned interest in the rocket attacks on Beer Sheva, and for all who are aware and remember all of us in prayer.
This morning before we left home for our congregational service, the sirens went off, and we went down to our bomb shelter. The rockets from Gaza this morning, and also on Thursday night, fell not too far from the section of the city in which we live, and on one of the rocket falls, the house shook from the vibrations of the impact. This evening we have had twice to go into shelters while we were visiting friends from the kehila (congregation) who lived within sight of what we were hearing this morning.
The missile interceptor system, called Iron Dome, has been brought back to the city after being taken out a couple of years ago. It has successfully taken out some of the rockets which have been fired these past days. Hamas has taken responsibility for these attacks, after denying any for what took place in Eilat a few days ago.
Sadly, this evening a grad rocket hit in a neighborhood, destroying a car and seriously damaging the house. Worse, one person was killed, seven seriously injured, at least one mortally. All of these remained outside during the attack, rather than get inside under cover. Very likely, they were curious to see the Iron Dome work to intercept the missiles. It is interesting to watch, but dangerous: curiosity killed the cat. The guidelines the news and the security authorities are stressing is to get into shelters, and remain there for some minutes after the alarm finishes.
I do not believe that any believer is exempt from being harmed, either directly or indirectly. What will distinguish us is our reaction and response in the event of personal suffering, and how we relate to others who do suffer: the issue is glory to our Father in Heaven, and honor to the name of the Lord Yeshua Messiah/Jesus Christ. Before the event, it is difficult to 'plan' for our reaction, but the Holy Spirit within us wants to steady us as quickly as possible on The Rock of our salvation.
PRAYER REQUESTS
We appreciate all your prayers for Israel at this time. Prayer is essentialand we need to stand together for strength in the face of the trying circumstances that are shaking the earth. We serve a mighty God who is able to provide, strengthen, heal, and Who can make a way where there is no way. At this moment, even though Hamas and Israel declared a cease fire, rockets continue to fall in the South.
My daughter's in-laws live in a settlement in the South, not far away from the Gaza order, and their town was also hit by a few rockets over the weekend. They are running into their bomb shelters several times a day when the sirens sound. Although they've lived through many of these attacks in the past, they said that they feel this one is somehow different, and more serious than before. Only people who have lived with this ongoing threat for all the years since Israel pulled out of the Gaza strip can have the perspective that they do. Please pray for this precious family and all the families in the South of Israel who are under attack at this time.
Last week, David and I went up to Jerusalem to meet with our lawyer. He told us that there will be a hearing on September 4th of the Jack Teitel case, which is supposed to be the summation of all the testimonies, and the closing arguments of the prosecution and defense. We've gotten a little jaded about all of this, because the hearings are often postponed at the last minute, but we take it in good faith that this will happen. The judge's decision concerning Teitel's psychological ability to stand trial will most likely not take place on Sept. 4th though, and will be made behind closed doors. We will probably be notified by letter or by the prosecutor.
We appreciate your standing with us concerning the end and summation of these hearings. We know that whatever the decision is, whether just or unjust, it does not deter the work of the God of Israel. May He show His mighty hand to His nation through all of these situations.
Ami is getting ready to leave for the U.S. in a few weeks. He is studying diligently for his college matriculation tests which he will take in NY, and he is preparing in many ways to leave home for an extended amount of time. He is seeing his friends go off to the army one by one, and looking forward to his next step in life. He is in great condition and health, thank God, and is trying to cooperate and be patient with his mother who is worrying over every detail of his leaving the nest!! Ami is very laid back, and takes things easy. He doesn't get excited or panicked about anything, and only responds with a sense of urgency to real emergencies. I think it's hard for him to deal with me at the moment...
MORE...
We recently received a revealing newsletter from Barry Segal, which is another sign of the times; spiritual confusion and the falling away from the faith of many believers in Yeshua which I know is distressing to all of us. We thought it was important to share this with you.
THIS WILL SHOCK YOU: OR AT LEAST SHOULD SHOCK YOU...
Church Leaders Who Claim The God of Israel is Allah by Barry Segal (Israel)
"A "who's who" of evangelical Christian leaders, including Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, Brian McLaren, Richard Cizik and Bill Hybels, have signed a letter to the Muslim community entitled "Loving God And Neighbour Together" that openly equates Allah with the Christian God. To read the text visit: (http://www.Yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm) By affirming that Allah is God, the 300 Christian leaders in this letter are denying the God of the Bible.
The reality is that the Quran denies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God no less than nine times. This letter represents apostasy of the highest order. It is another huge step towards the one world religion and one world church of the last days. The Christian ministers who signed this letter have denied their faith and have brought shame to their ministries and congregations. Therefore, we are calling for the immediate resignation of each and every Christian minister that signed this letter. You can find a list of the Christian leaders that signed this letter here: (http://www.Yale.edu/faith/acw/acw.htm)
You will likely recognize quite a few names on that list. These are just a few.
David Augsburger, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counselling, Fuller Theological Seminary
James A. Beverley, Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics, Tyndale Seminary, Toronto, Canada
Rev. Dr. Stuart Briscoe, Minister at Large, Elmbrook Church, Brookfield Wisconsin, USA; Founder, "Telling the Truth, Inc."
Rev. Colin Chapman, Former Lecturer in Islamic Studies, Near East School of Theology, Beirut, Lebanon, and author of Whose Promised Land?
David Yonggi Cho, Founder and Senior Pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, Seoul, Korea
Harvey Cox, Hollis Professor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
Lynn Green, International Chairman, Youth With A Mission
Bill Hybels, Founder and Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, South Barrington, IL
Mennonite Central Committee, Akron, PA
Richard Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller, Founder, Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power
John G. Stackhouse, Jr., Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology and Culture, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
Rev. Dr. John Stott, Rector Emeritus, All Souls Church, Langham Place, London, UK
Harvey Thiessen, Executive Director, OM Canada
Geoff Tunnicliffe, International Director, World Evangelical Alliance
Jim Wallis, President, Sojourners
Rick Warren, Founder and Senior Pastor, Saddleback Church, author: The Purpose Driven Life, Lake Forest, CA"
In the midst of all this, we continue to "Praise the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever" (Psalm 136:1) and to hold on to Psalm 46:
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Yours in the Messiah,
Leah