Greetings!
Just one week ago we asked you to help us purchase our first apartment in Israel. We needed $30,000 for a down payment on a mortgage which is partially subsidized by the Israeli government. We are now halfway there. Over the past few days we received gifts from Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Germany and the US bringing the total to $15,200.
Each and every amount of support you send comes as a sweet pat on the back, and the message is, "keep going you guys, we are so proud of who you are and what you are doing." After nearly 30 years of service in Israel I admit that I sometimes struggle with discouragement. The tensions, pressure and disappointments pile up, and I get weary. But this week, this joyful week, has brought a breath of fresh air. It is even as King Solomon said so long ago, "As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country."
In the Newer Testament Paul comments on the believers in Corinth that were helping supply the needs of one another. He calls their support "God's indescribable gift." (II Cor. 9:15) Something indescribable transpires when we help one another. It reminds me of those places in America where they have a barn raising for a family in need. As the whole community works together to put up a home for a young family, something happens in the hearts of everyone. Not only does a young family get their house back, but they find a home. Working together the community creates a sense of belonging. It is in these committed friendships as we share our lives together in meaningful ways that we are able to transcend our fears and feel truly at home. And there is no place no home.
Thank God for this "indescribable gift."
Yours,
David and Michaella As promised, we wanted to give you this update and let you know where things stand. We are getting closer to the goal, but there is a still a way to go. Here is the Paypal link for those who would like to give online. Otherwise, you can reply to this email. 
Some of our community at Shabbat service. |