CJFM Newsletter December 2009

Dear Friends,

Time has arrived to send you another update on Nahariya and what is happening in our corner of the world,but first we wish to greet you all and wish you either a Happy Feast of Messiah’s birth, or Happy Hanukkah, according to which one you celebrate or even if you celebrate both. We ourselves will be celebrating Hanukkah next week, and going on to a Christmas theme, with the thought that without what happened on that first Hanukkah in 165 BCE, there would have been no Christmas.

For those who do not know the story, the Selucid ruler Antiochus Epiphanes set out to Hellenise Israel and stamp out Judaism. Thus he sought to eliminate all Jews who would not accept Greek culture and religion. He even sacrificed a pig on the altar of the Temple, and forbade circumcision and the keeping of Shabbat. He put to death any Jews  refused to obey and continued to keep God’s laws. Judas Maccabeus, and his sons revolted successfully, threw the Greeks out of the Land and cleansed the defiled Temple. The story has it that there was only enough oil to relight the Lamp and keep it burning for one day, but the oil continued to burn for the eight day period which was necessary for the new oil to be ready. Hence the eight days of celebration with an additional candle for each day. It is also a time of eating Latkes, (fried potato cakes) and doughnuts made with all kinds of fillings and chocolate and cream coverings! Slimmers beware! It is also known as the festival of Lights, and while we enjoy the light of the burning candles, we remember too that light is come into the world through Him who is the Light of the world.

This is the message that we give to Jew and Arab alike. Just before my trip to England, I visited Bethlehem with Georgia, a colleague from CJF Ministries. We were able to see “ABDM” again, and he was very happy to meet with us. He said afterwards that the visit was a great blessing, and he now has many brothers and sisters in Israel. The Light has changed his whole appearance. Unfortunately, his brother “Z” was still in Jordan, so I hope I can see him on my next visit, as he keeps on asking to meet me. We also revisited the House of Hope where we are received very kindly, and other friends.

Georgia stayed for two and a half weeks which passed very quickly, and was able to see first hand what God is doing in this land, and not only co-existence, but also close family-like ties between Jewish and Arab believers, especially between us and Pastor Najeeb’s assembly. After Georgia left for the States, I went over to England for just over three weeks to share what is happening with some of our friends there. I had a pretty grueling schedule, but much blessing, and I was able to see many pro-Israel groups, taking on board our Arab brothers and sisters. There was great interest, and sometimes people were in tears.

Back home, the assembly is still growing, and new people are coming all the time. Tim and M..are doing an excellent job with preaching and teaching, more musicians have arrived, and even some people who can participate in the translations. Today we had translations running from English into Arabic and Hebrew, and prayers in Russian, Hebrew, English and Arabic. Several new people were present, and at least two Jews have come to faith in Nahariya in the last two or three weeks. Cindy , however, is in a shocking state as her second son died just before I left for England and she is very grief struck.

The Immanuel Church are still looking to God for the provision of a building for the new theological college, which is doing well. The building is for sale, but the finances are not yet forthcoming, and we may lose the opportunity. It is in God’s hands, but the time to purchase this particular building is nearly up.

Prayer Requests

Finance for a building for the Arab theological College.

Prayer for Thomas Damianos who is running it .

Healing for Cindy’s broken heart and her need for forgiveness and Salvation.

Prayer for the new believers.

Wisdom for those who lead, direct and serve in this congregation,

Prayer for wisdom, courage and integrity for the Israeli Government, as they come under increased pressure from The States to give up the Land.

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Monetary Gifts

Some people have asked us how they can contribute to the work financially. If you are wishing to send a cheque, generally speaking it is more economical to send larger amounts less often, than small amounts more frequently. This is because there is a charge for every cheque that we deposit – about £6 for a cheque. There is no free banking in Israel!), thus it is obviously cheaper to cash one cheque for £30 than three for £10, so it is better to save the gifts for a month or two before sending.

For those wishing to contribute to Immanuel Church in Haifa or the Theological College fund, please do not send your gifts to us, but directly to Moriel Ministries. If the gifts are sent to us it can add another layer of bank charges and administration costs, which diminish the gift. Please send gifts intended for them direct, as this means they receive as much of the original amount as possible.

God bless you all, and wishing you the joys of the Festivals of Light,

Avi, Esther and Ruth