Making Homemade Gifts

Michaella, our daughter Moriel and I visited East Germany and the Czech Republic last month. It was freezing cold with ice and snow everywhere. It was tough traveling, but the Lord's goodness kept us all in good spirits and many people's lives were touched with his love as we taught, shared testimonies of what is happening here in Israel and Michaella performed a number of Klezmer (Jewish wedding music) concerts.

It was such a privilege to get to know these hard working and strong people and wonderful to experience their warm and sincere hospitality. Hard to believe that only 20 years ago they were cut off by communist oppression. It is almost as though they appreciate the friendships that they were excluded from under communism. Some of the Christians we met had suffered torture and imprisonment for their faith, and yet they remain warm and loving in hope of a better future.

It was especially fun to be with them during the month leading up to the Xmas celebrations. Everywhere we went colored lights shone, shops were decorated, Christmas markets in the city centers were filled with people eating sausages, drinking hot cinnamon wine and shopping - outside, in minus 15 degrees, in the midst of a snow blizzards!

East German Hospitality

Unlike my experiences in North America the people share small, homemade, traditional presents.  Life is simpler in these rural areas of East Germany. People give special "Dresden cakes" or make a knitted scarf.  Children come home for school holidays, grandparents travel far distances by train. It was a time to enjoy one another.

One of our main goals was to talk about Yad b'Yad - the German and Israel youth exchange program. Churches came together and listened to the wonderful testimonies of German and Jewish youth reconciled. Many were deeply moved and expressed a desire to organize a Yad b'Yad journey in the near future. It is our desire to strengthen these friendships and together build a better future for your children.    

Restoring Ancient Paths 

"I feel like I am on an operating table without anesthesia," said one of our home group leaders after going through the first session of  "Ancient Paths" a popular seminar created by Craig Hill. Aleksey has been organizing these seminars for our home group leaders and the results have been tremendous. Often as leaders we do not recognize the need to receive help for ourselves. But as these young men and women get in touch with some of their inner most struggles they are receiving comfort and healing and as a result become far more capable of helping others.   

February 9-10 we begin a regular monthly in depth Bible study program. This is open to anyone desiring to have a better understanding of the Bible and how to apply its insights to everyday life.