August, 2009
Greetings!

Here is a brief sketch of some of our summer activities... and more... .
1.  In Jerusalem we participated in a gathering to discuss the place of Jewish tradition in the life of the believer. We considered how to understand and celebrate the Sabbath in light of our Messianic faith. These conversations are an important contribution in helping us define and understand our calling as Messianic believers living in Israel. There are a now a number of local Messianic forums amongst the believers in Israel attempting to do serious biblical study on these topics. Some have strong opinions on these subjects and feel threatened by these conversations. Most thankfully appreciate the need for serious biblical study in a process of open dialogue to better understand our journey as Jewish and Arab believers living in the land of Israel.
 
2.  In July I was in Suriname. Arriving at the tiny airport in this South American rainforest my hosts declared, "Welcome to paradise!"  Suriname is a truly a unique nation. No visitor can help but notice that this is a land with many different faces. The country can best be described as a mosaic of cultures and lifestyles. All live together in relative peace and harmony and I was reminded of the vision given to Simon Peter in Jaffa of how in God's kingdom all people are equally beautiful. It was an honor to share God's word with these warm and loving people.
 
3. On my way to Suriname I had an opportunity to visit my mother and father. I am so thankful for having wonderful parents and to see them enjoying their later years in this lovely setting. South Florida could be described as a Caribbean Shtetl! There are more synagogues, delis and bagel bakeries than in Tel-Aviv! Many of our closest friends are now also dealing with the unique challenge of having elderly parents. The older we get the more we appreciate and care for the parents that gave us so much of themselves.
 
4.  Michaella Lazarus was able to finish her third International Flute Master Class with Sir James Galway, Weggis, Switzerland this July. The first was in 1977 at Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, England, second was in 1978 at London's Wigmore Hall. After raising her four children, she is re-entering her profession as a concert flutist for the Lord and has already preformed in Sicily, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, Switzerland and Jaffa. On August 29 at 8pm she will be performing at a special concert by mothers for mothers at Christ Church in Jerusalem. She has been blessed with a new Brannen-Cooper gold flute which she will be using for the concert. The concert is given to benefit Be'ad Haim Israel.
 
5.  While in Switzerland we had the opportunity to visit our dear friends from Weinfelden. Appropriately named, these are some of the most beautiful wine fields in the world and August is harvest time. These are a hard working and dedicated people and it was an honor to share God's word with them in the village church. I spoke about the courage and brave-heart necessary to live a meaningful and purpose-filled life in today's challenging world.
 
6.  We also went to Lausanne to met with Igor Ustinov the son of Sir Peter Ustinov and great-grandson of the Baron who build Beit Immanuel in the late 1800's. Mr. Ustinov a prominant artist and scuptor has dedicated his life to preventing racism and fighting prejudice in the world. It is his hope and ours that historic Beit Immanuel can continue to be "a place to seek the best of human values and hopes, to overcome limitations with love."
  
7.  This summer two more youth groups joined German youth on a Yad B'yad journey to Auschwitz. We also hosted an open house here at Beit Immanuel with displays and performances by German and Jewish Yad B'yad youth. A few hundred youth and parents enjoyed a great day and are now helping spread the message building friendship through reconciliation to build a better future for our children.
 
8. Continuing the master's degree program in journalism I'm working on an internship with CBN this summer.  Here's a link to a article I did on a sculpture in the Negev that is challenging both Christian and Jewish responses to the Holocaust. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/insideisrael/2009/June/Fountain-of-Tears/
 
9. Back in Jaffa we are also preparing to celebrate the summer harvest. Our Shabbat school children are going to a winery to learn about the grape harvest. They are also preparing a special end of summer family gathering to celebrate God's goodness and blessings in the Land this year.
 
10.  Then we get ready for the Jewish New Year and the coming Fall Festivals.  This year we are taking the congregation up to Nahal Shofet in the Carmel Mountains.  This is a beautiful place in Menashe Heights, which is green and covered with carpets of winter and summer blossoming flowers. The clean air, the settlements spread over its hills, the trees and the ever-flowing streams make this a great place to celebrate the holiday.
 
11. Messianic believers in the land are organizing a national day of prayer on September 20, the second day of Rosh Hashana in the hills around Jerusalem. We will come together from around the country to pray for Israel and for the blessing of the New Year.  
 
12. We continue the work on the renovation project for Beit Immanuel facility. Working with engineers, financial consultants and city planners on a development plan we are considering how Beit Immanuel can increase its strategic potential for ministry to the people of Israel. All of the streets around Beit Immanuel have been restored and new housing built. Young families are quickly moving into this attractive area and visit Beit Immanuel daily.
 
13.  The Guest House is thriving and has often been filled to capacity.  We've added four large rooms since the Lazarus family vacated the top floor and moved into the Cottage at the bottom of the compound. We are so thankful to the many groups and individuals from around the world that stayed with us in the Guest House this year. We have had our best year ever with many months fully booked.
 
14.  Many young people from Israel and abroad have joined our volunteer program at Beit Immanuel. Right now we have young people from Israel, Finland, Canada, Switzerland and Korea. We still have space for a few good people, especially someone to help with plumbing, electrics and general repairs.
 
15.  It's been a busy season for the Congregation.  New young people and some young families who have recently come to faith in the Messiah have joined us. One young man actually experienced a vision of the Jewish Messiah calling him to follow.
 
14.  For your information and prayers, there are now approximately 70
Arab and 150 Jewish congregations in Israel today....and counting.... .
 
15.  In spite of the world-wide financial crisis God has been very gracious and our year-end budget is excellent.  With your help we have been able to help dozens of young families and provide for many needy and sick in Israel. We look forward to another year of blessing the people of Israel.
 
16.  The Children's Work continues to grow. Over 60 children come to the Shabbat School meetings at Beit Immanuel and we are opening a new class for 3-year-olds this September. This summer we are again organizing special activities for the children.
 
17.  The Baron's Cafe is up and running with "the best espresso in town."  We actually heard someone say this by chance on a street in old Jaffa!  Our staff keep the goodies stocked and the coffee hot and the crowds satisfied.
 
18.  The Heritage Center is thriving under Pedro's leadership. He calculated that over 3,000 Israelis visited last year, and this year the groups are getting larger.  A member of Israel's Knesset came for a visit and especially asked for the Hebrew New Testament.
Thank you for all that you are and all that you do for God's honor.
 
David and Michaella Lazarus
and the team at Beit Immanuel