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| Greetings in the precious name of Messiah!
As we write this first "Epistle" for 2009, we would like to greet you all for the New Year, and bless you with every possible blessing. We would also like to thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your prayers, love, encouragement and support during 2008. Thank you.
Most of you are probably aware by now of the intensive & perilous events occurring here in the Middle East, once again. We are 'living on the edge' with some degree of tension. We are not going to give you much info about Israel's determined war against the terrorist organization of Hamas, because you are probably "flooded" with facts from all sides. We will just give you our perspective and understanding, as Israeli Citizens living in the Land, and believing in Yeshua. One of the principles that sustain us during times of trouble is knowing how to maintain full trust in Him. This trust is an excellent "Divine Sedative"! Nahum 1:7 sums it up beautifully:
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him".
As we maintain this principle - we know that we can, and we will, survive any situation, and come out on the other side victorious! Amen. |
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Today's Theme for Israel: "Although they have allies & are numerous"(Na. 1:12)
Remember the story about the boy that assassinated his parents, and then begged the court for mercy, because he was an orphan?
Well, this is exactly what Hamas is doing today in Gaza, concerning Israel's eventual response to the 8-year period of constant shelling of her Southern region with Iranian built missiles and rockets. And for that matter - this is the "common behavioural thread" that characterizes the Arab world's response towards Israel since it came into re-existence in May 1948. The Arab nations still do not accept Israel's existence; they start up a fight with her, they loose (because the God of ISRAEL is on our side) - and then they cry for the entire world to pity them because of what they received from Israel as a response! And the world is, unfortunately, buying this scenario, time and again.
Israel is perceived to be the "Disproportionate Aggressor", while the truth is that Israel is the victim. Anti-Semitism is rising again, and so is "Anti Israelism". One BBC TV reporter said publicly during one of the first days of battle: "Of course I think you (Israelis) are disproportionate in your response: 220 poor Palestinians were killed, as opposed to ONLY FOUR JEWS on your side". Well, until the Lord comes again and puts some order into things, Jewish blood and hardship will always be considered cheaper than any other blood.
Israel unilaterally completely pulled out of the Gaza Strip in August 2005. This move divided the Nation internally, caused a major chasm between the people and the Government, and actually contradicted the Word of God. The results are: Ariel Sharon, the Prime Minister at the time, is in a deep coma since January 2006, Israel lost its deterring power in the 2nd Lebanon War against Hezbollah on our North that same year, and Hamas took control over the Gaza Strip in our South, turning it into "Hamastan". Both Hezbollah in the North and Hamas in the South are Rogue Muslim Terrorist Organizations, aspiring to form their own States. Both organizations are affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood movement, which stems from Al Qaeda. Neither of the organizations is a Sovereign State: in fact, Hamas has been defined by the UN as a terrorist organization. Both organizations are forceful tyrannies, and they use their own innocent peoples as Human Shields! They have no value for life, anybody's life, and their leaders publicly declare: "We love DEATH as much as the Jews and Christians love LIFE".
God does NOT share in this philosophy, and His Word concerning Israel's enemies is very clear. Nahum 1:11-12(a) is one good example:
1:11 From you, O Nineveh, has one come forth who plots evil against the LORD, and counsels wickedness. 1:12 This is what the LORD says:
"Although they have allies and are numerous, they will be cut off and pass away.
But who is REALLY standing behind these organizations? Who is the one coming forth, to plot evil against the Lord, and to counsel wickedness? Well, we probably have an "Isaac Scenario" here: 'The voice is the voice of Hamas, but the hands are the hands of Iran'. Iran is the culprit: supporting, training, equipping and motivating Hamas & Hezbollah!
What would Iran's motivation be? It is quite clear, we think: Iran is trying to get Israel and its army busy, preoccupied and bloodied in a major conflict involving the Axis of Evil, namely Hamas, Hezbollah, maybe Syria too. All of this is done in order to prevent a very possible Israeli Air Force strike on their internationally condemned nuclear program! If our assumption is correct - this "mini war" in our south could serve as the initial stage of a succession of major Israeli-Muslim battles to come!
Will little Israel have to fight it alone, with no other nation standing with her? Will the rest of the civilized world understand at last, that these wars are actually wars between "Civilizations" and their values, rather than merely local geo-political conflicts? Will the rest of the world finally understand that Islam has different, fundamental "Marketplace Values" of negotiating techniques, honesty, commitment to agreements, truth & falsehood, right & wrong, death & LIFE? We don't really know. We only know that it is going to be fierce and uncomfortable, to say the least.
By the way, we chose Nahum 1:11-14, because most of the book speaks about God's Oracle against Nineveh. Nineveh was the last Capital City of the ancient Empire of Assyria, and great parts of it overlap with modern-day Iran (and Iraq).
But there is ONE Source which Israel can, does and will look to, to find both Comfort & Salvation: The God of Israel! In Nahum 1:12(b)-14, God promises us:
"Although I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no more.
13 Now I will break their yoke from your neck, and tear your shackles away."
14 The LORD has given a command concerning you, Nineveh:
"You will have no descendants to bear your name. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols that are in the temple of your gods (Allah!). I will prepare your grave, for you are vile."
We thank God for His word, which promises us His protection: "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me, declares the LORD." (Isaiah 54:17)! Hallelujah!
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Israel Today:
Miracles Do Happen!
As we said in the opening section, there is a small amount of tension involved when there are such conflicts taking place here. As several of you have enquired about us, we would like you to know that we are fine. It is a small country as you know, and the "Battle Front" is always close to us in the physical, but almost at hand's reach emotionally. Yesterday (Sunday the 4th) severe riots started inside our nearest Palestinian town of Qualquilia - a major Hamas stronghold next to our small town of Alfei Menashe. The IDF put an immediate stop to it, and killed one Palestinian who tried to cut the fence and run, with explosives, into Israel. There were some stone-throwing incidents not far from us, but we thank God that "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps" (Ps. 121). It is all about trusting Him, focusing on Him and looking up to Him all the way through.
Here are two short stories, each of them beautiful in their own way. There are always positive aspects in the middle of the storm.
Story One: As mentioned earlier, in August 2005 Israel pulled out of Gaza, and the major part of that evacuation was to dismantle and completely ruin numerous, beautiful Agricultural Settlements which were built, owned and maintained by Israeli Citizens. Of course, the inhabitants of those properties found it hard to get up and abandon their houses, mainly for Biblical reasons. Some of the settlers, mainly the young teens - physically objected to the eviction. The State's penalty for such actions: temporary prevention of the youth from serving in the IDF.
Now, guess who a lot of the Combatant Soldiers of the Elite IDF units are, that are fighting in Gaza? Yes, you guessed it: former youth that are returning "home" to Gaza, to fight for it, according to Judges 1:18-19:
"1:18 The men of Judah also took Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron - each city with its territory. 1:19 The LORD was with the men of Judah."
Story Two: Last night, a young Israeli Infantry Officer in Gaza, was shot in his CHEST by a Hamas medium-sized Machine-gun. The young man's life was saved due to a Ceramic BREAST PLATE, called in Hebrew by its God given, Levitical term - an Ephod!
Amit (the officer) was only injured lightly, mainly from the impact itself, not from any bullet! This morning, in an interview at the hospital with the officer's father, he said: "I feel as if my son was re-born yesterday; many people told me he was re-born yesterday, and that we need to start counting his birthday on January the 4th. It must have been a MIRACLE granted to us by God Himself! I still cannot comprehend it". The young officer's surname is CHEZKIYAHU: "God is his strength", or "God strengthens him". Whichever way you look at it - it is definitely true in Amit's case! |
| Prayer Points for Israel
- Please continue standing with Israel today, especially during this Operation Cast Lead. Pray for Israel's Salvation and protection. Please pray for the Salvation of Jews, Druze & Muslims. Please pray for God to bring about His promises, in the Spirit of things given in Isaiah 61:7-11.
- Please pray for the safety of all soldiers that are engaged in warfare
- Please pray for the safety of all innocent civilians, both in Israel and in Gaza
- Please pray for the speedy formation of CAPABLE, UNIFIED Government in Israel, especially now, at such a time as this, as we are facing serious challenges. Since September the 19th we are governed only by an Interim, Provisional Government.
- Please pray for wisdom for this iterim Government
- Please pray for the comfort of families in Zion: Shalit and Arad. Corporal Gilad Shalit is a POW in the hands of the Hamas since July 2006; Ron Arad is a missing pilot. He was alive when he jumped from his Fighter plane in 1986!
- Please continue praying against rising Global Anti-Semitism, mainly in Europe, Britain, Australia and Scandinavia. We recommend reading Bat Ye'or's book, "Eurabia: The Euro-Arab Axis".
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| Beit Hallel Ministry Update
"Beit Hallel" is a Faith Ministry in Samaria, Israel.
Recent & Future Activities
December has been a very busy month at Beit Hallel. 
We have had guests to stay, and hosted groups for worship, fellowship, meals and ministry. And, then of course, the Celebration of Chanukah. It has been wonderful to have familiar friends with us, and also to meet so many new friends. Each group is very special, and their 'fragrance' lingers after they leave. We are so blessed to be allowed to serve the Body in this way.
We are expecting to host more of the same events in January. |
Personal Updates
- God continues to provide translation jobs, which assist with the running expenses of Beit Hallel.
- "Lotan Translations" is growing.
- Uzi continues to benefit from his growing involvement with the Society of the Messianic Translators and Editors.
- Charlotte continues to attend a weekly Bible Study group. There are 5 different language groups represented, but the teaching is in Hebrew.
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Prayer Needs:
· We PRAISE God for His financial provision during these past months. We thank you for your generosity and continued prayer for us, personally, and for the ministry of Beit Hallel.
· We PRAISE God for the extra translation jobs, and we continue to request prayer for this, as our expenses are still exceeding our income.
· Please pray for Charlotte for increased knowledge, understanding and confidence in the Hebrew language.
· If you would like to support this ministry financially, you may do so by either sending a one time gift, or a monthly donation. You may use this site (Clickable!) to do so. | |
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We thank you for your prayer, encouragement and giving.
With His love,
Charlotte & Uzi Lotan
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