Nessim Muse March 2009

Shalom again to all our dear friends all over the world,

I should like to begin this letter by thanking every one who has written to me, commented or made suggestions. I deeply appreciate all your efforts to keep in touch, but am unable to respond to all the letters Never the less, I am always happy to read them, and to know that many of you are praying for us here. Thank you all so much.

It has been another full month, with much to do, and little time to do it in. Just the daily round, the bi-weekly meetings, and sometimes an additional women’s meeting are enough to keep us busy. The last ladies’ meeting was on the subject of Intercession, and with the worsening economic and political situation, we could use and practice a lot more intercession. A number of folks are very sick, some at death’s door, many are in dire financial situations, some are seeking the Lord, and others are being persecuted for the faith. Then there are all our brethren from the territories looking to us for help and encouragement, and some to even escape from their dire circumstances, like the mother whose first husband died before her baby was born. The family of the dead husband are trying to take the child away from her, because according to Islamic, and in this case, Greek Orthodox law, the child belongs to the husband’s family! Then there are Arab families who have asked us to visit and sometimes hold meetings in their homes. Who is going to stand with us in prayer and ask that God will give us strength for all of this?

In February, we were able to make another short trip to Bethlehem. ABDM was waiting for us on the steps of the Bible Book shop. This time, Karen, Avi and Esther accompanied Najeeb and myself. They greeted ABDM like a long lost brother, and warmed to him at once. After coffee and cake in the hotel dining room, we then went to the House of Hope where we were able to distribute gifts to the 30 plus children and staff who live there. The children all got their cups filled with chocolate goodies, and the grown ups got big cuddly Teddy Bears, (they are all blind), and the children are either Downs Syndrome or suffer from severe physical difficulties, and have been largely rejected by their mainly Moslem families. ABDM shook his head when he saw a united Arab-Jewish delegation from the North giving out gifts from a Jewish Messianic group to rejected Moslem children. He kept saying, “I can’t believe this!” and shaking his head. Karen sat and cried, and one of the kiddies said to her, “Don’t cry”

After this very moving time, we went out to have some supper in a pizza restaurant, and dined with ABDM under the watchful eye of a large portrait of Yasser Arafat! I do not see very well these days, and when I could not see in the dark, it was ABDM who held on to me so that I would not stumble. He also passed a remark that if any one would harm me, he would finish them off! With his background, I have no doubt about that, but he meant it well, and I was quite amused by my new body guard!

Back home we have had some very strong reactions to some of our meetings. One preacher spoke on John chapter one, from the verse, “but men loved darkness rather than light”. He spoke of Jesus as the Light. After the meeting, one lady said, “I am not coming any more. I am in darkness and I shall stay there!” It sounds awful, but we know she is under conviction, and she loves us all very much, so pray for Cindy that she may choose light! At the Wednesday Bible Study on 1John ch.1, one woman began to cry, and said she had sinned so deeply that she feared she could not be forgiven. We were able to comfort her, and pray that she too may soon come to the Light. So we rejoice in all that the Lord is doing among us.

Pastor Najeeb was away for three weeks in Germany, and had a very blessed time. Now we have started to plan for our joint Passover venture with members from our assembly, and his Arab assembly celebrating together. This will be on Wednesday evening 8th April in Haifa, God willing and finance permitting! Please remember this venture in your prayers!

No space for more, but please keep praying, and God bless you all.

In Yeshua, Avi, Esther and Ruth

PS I shall be having my eye operation on 23rd March. This time a shunt will be put into the left eye to relieve th pressure, and if all goes well, I shall be able to order glasses at last.

PPS. I forgot to mention that I am continuing with my Arabic, and that Jeanne Norton from England , whom I met at the CFI conference at the Wycliffe Conference Centre, was with me for a week, and has almost finished illustrating my new book, which will be a children’s Passover story with lovely graphics. It promises to be beautiful book.