Praise the name of the Lord. Thank you for your
precious prayers and donations.
I applied to join the Israel team two years
ago, but the trip was canceled due to Hamas attacks on Israel. I received my El
Al ticket back as a voucher, and the team was canceled again the following
year, so I was able to participate two years later. Amid a temporary ceasefire
due to President Trump's peace negotiations, I saw many tourists arriving at
Tel Aviv Airport, but I was able to feel the struggle and hardships of the
local people in many different ways.
We held a New Year's worship service on the
shores of the Sea of Galilee. We
renewed our faith of being sent from Israel, prayed on the Mount of Olives, ministered
at a Russian Jewish church, held a time of praise and worship at Mount Arbel and
held evening holy meetings. I am grateful to have received so many blessings and
messages, while staying safe.
During my time with the team, I was shocked to
hear the news that a Muslim had been elected as a new mayor of New York City --following
London's current mayor. While preparing for the first service in NYC after I returned
from Israel, a man sneaked in and stole the church supervisor's jacket. The new
mayor is apparently trying a new approach in which social workers will respond
to minor incidents and hardships in daily life, while the police focus on
serious cases. I pray that crime in New
York will not increase and that people come to know Christ.
There is a possibility that a team will be sent
to the U.S. in February or March, so I am praying for God's will for the specific
schedule. If they come to New York, I hope we may be able to hold a joint
worship concert. This will require different preparations than before. Please
pray for the next team and for our preparations.
