Shalom!
I am doing well over on this side of the world. Still trying to get all of my computer issues sorted out, hopefully we are only days away from a solution! So, once again, I cannot attach pictures to my update. I have soooooo many pictures, too! Since I am borrowing a computer again, this update might end up being a bit shorter than mine normally are. I do have a few interesting things I want to share!
1. I have no idea what they put in the news back home and I haven't had time to look to see if any of this made it into the news, so I'm sorry if this is something you already know about. A few weeks ago Ahmedinejad was scheduled to go to the Lebanon border and give a speach attacking Israel and attempting to pressure them into meeting their demands. They actually went to the effort of building a replica of some of the buildings on the Temple Mount at the location where he was to give his speech. In many ways it was as if they were welcoming their leader verses the leader of another country. This of course was after a worm mysteriously wrecked the computer system for the wonderful new nuclear equipment he had recently received. I'm sure that part made news. But I doubt this next bit made news. On the Wednesday when he gave his speach in Lebenon there was an Israeli news agency who had someone critique his speach. This woman was a bit surprised by his behavior and commented on how he did not act in his normal arrogant manner. Now his words were not different than normal, it was his mannerisms that were different. Instead of pointing his finger he would use a sweeping motion of his hand. He also nervously picked at his clothes all through his speach. The woman said she didn't know what was going on but that he just was not behaving normally. This speech was given on a Wednesday. Ahmedinejad had made comments prior to this about how he had these underground bunkers that were inpenetrable for the purpose of storing his new weapons, etc. On the Tuesday before he gave his speech in Lebanon, there were three explosions in his underground bunkers!!!! Later the reports changed the wording to "a fire broke out in the bunkers" but in interviews with people there they said they heard three distinct explosions. It seems that Ahmedinejad realized that he is not as untouchable as he had thought himself to be and that these explosions following the worm incident managed to shake him enough that he behaved in a less arrogant manner when he gave his speach. He behaved as one who was shaken, whether or not his words matched his behavior! This was a huge deal for us here in Israel because it could very possibly have postponed a major war. Once again God is in some way fighting for Israel. I think God enjoys showing the arrogant that they are not quite what they think themselves to be. Over and over throughout history there are examples of people making arrogant claims only to be shown the falacy of their ways.
2. The Chinese Government has recently decided to start pumping resources into the Western provinces. Back in the Roman times they built extensive road systems that were then used by God to send the good news around the world to places that were previously unreachable. Right now we are seeing the same thing take place in China. These areas have been some of the hardest to get to. Interstingly enough, they were once part of the original Silk Road. We have been believing for quite some time that God was going to reopen the Silk Road and that this time it was going to allow the Good News to go forth from Western China throughout Central Asia all the way back to Israel (through many, many Muslim nations and unreached areas). It is so exciting to see this begin to be set up by the Government itself!!!! They are making the way, even though they don't know it. This tremendous amount of building will cause that area to be open to foreigners in a new way. Pray that those who are called to go will find the way and the means to go! I recently heard a quote from Keith Green, "If Jesus didn't call you to stay, then He called you to go." Not all are called to go, but now is the time to pray that those who are called WILL go. God is certainly doing many things worldwide, we must learn to look beyond our little worlds to see what is going on elsewhere, to see the Bigger Picture.
3. A friend was recently at a huge conference in South Korea. For the first time 5 of the largest churches there (which have thousands of people each), hosted a conference to teach people about the importance of supporting Israel. This friend said it was incredible and that the levels of Government represented there would not be found in most any other country at the same type of conference right now. South Korea has turned to God in a major way and God in return is blessing them. Right now they have a huge open window due to their current president, pray that they will take full advantage of this time. The Eastern nations are rising, some more publically than others.
I think that's about all I have time for! Below are some more praises/prayers. Thank you so much for all of your continued prayers and support, you are such a blessing to me!
~Lydia
Praise and Prayer:
1. Adam (the father of the children I help with) has had major hearing loss for the last 4-5 months. Praise the Lord, this last week he began feeling a lot of heat in his ears off and on over a period of several days. Pray that his healing would be completed.
2. Also, a friend of mine fell on some stairs and heard a snap. When she managed to get up she could not bend, etc. and it was obvious her tailbone was broken. However, she said she wanted to wait until the next day to go to the ER. In the morning it was not better. Some friends prayed over her and she just walked around the room praying for a bit. Then she felt this heat in her back and heard a snapping sound, and instantly 90% of the pain was gone. They prayed a bit more and she has been completely fine ever since! Praise the Lord!
3. This same friend has recently had some open doors to share with some people here locally. I can't give details but the fact she had this open door was incredible! The people asked her a lot of sincere questions. Pray for the seed that was sown.
4. I paid my last bill for the month of October today by the skin of my teeth! Praise the Lord!!! I still need to back-pay for my insurance as soon as possible, and reimburse them for the rest of the cost of my visa. I continue to believe that as long as God wants me to remain here, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. Please continue to stand with me in prayer and faith, believing for His provision to be there just in time.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Update and Praise Reports
Shalom to you all!
I am so very sorry that it has been weeks since my last update. Yes, I am still alive, just having some technical difficulties. I didn't have internet for a while and then when I got internet the power cord for my computer died, so I've been borrowing computers for a few minutes here and there. I was finally able to borrow one long enough to write an update today!! Hopefully the new power cord will come soon, but it could take up to 3 weeks to get here (please pray it doesn't take that long!). Anyway, other than that, things are going well over here.
Since my last update (which seems like it was ages ago) we have finished all of the Fall Feasts (Hagim). I believe we were in Yom Kippur when I last emailed you, and since then we celebrated Succot (Feast of Tabernacles) which ended with Simchat Torah (praise for the Scriptures). Succot is a time of remembering the years Israel spent wandering the desert in temporary dwelling places and the miracles God did. They set up little structures outside their homes which they eat and sleep in. The last day is then spent in celebration of God giving them His words in the Torah. They gather together and the men dance around while holding their Torah scrolls. This is a great reminder that God is a joyful God!! He loves dancing and celebration and joy. We are to rejoice because of Him. I have to say, Jewish people are very good at this part! When God does something amazing in our lives we often respond by saying, "Oh thank you, Lord, You are so good." But they respond by grabbing their friend's arm and spinning around while yelling, far more child-like I'm afraid (Mark 10:15).
So much of life here is Israel is lived knowing you are hated by much of the world and at any point could be plunged into a war with half the world against you. Therefore, it is always special when I see these people rejoicing in their God with great exuberance.
Each day there are reports of things going on in the world that point to a soon coming war. Often I feel the need to back off from what the media is saying and just live with my ears open to what God is saying. We pray continually that all things would be done in God's timing, that war would not break out before God has ordained for it to come, that the people would turn to Him and rely on Him before the war comes. Last week a man in his sixties got lost in the desert and he wasn't found for several days. After his rescue he was interviewed and he stated that now he knows for sure that God is real. He said that he prayed for rain and right after he did, it rained. He was able to survive on this rain until he was rescued. He also stated that he prayed the Shema several times a day (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). The Shema is a call for Israel to know that the Lord their God is One.
Interestingly enough, Israel is now in its sixties as a modern nation, and it has been lost (in the desert if you will), and their supplies are no longer enough. They now must cry out to God for His rain to come and when it comes it will open their eyes and they will know once more that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is REAL. I am praying that this man is a first fruit of what God is about to do. Perhaps God used this man to intercede for his nation and be a physical sign to them of the state they are in.
On a physical note, it did rain twice in a matter of days, which is a huge blessing, but we need far more rain than that for Israel to be able to function. They have been in a serious drought for a number of years now. Please pray that the former rains come in great abundance. But most importantly, pray that Israel will turn to Him, knowing that He is their source and cry out to Him for the rain.
Recently we were able to sit under the teaching of a man who has spent the last 25 years living in Turkey. He has spent a huge amount of time studying the Quran for the purpose of comparing it with the Bible and using this to reach out to the Muslims and show them the truth. He had many fascinating things to share which I had never known, for example, the Quran commands the people to read both the Old Testament and the New Testament as well as the Quran. He also went through the prophecies regarding their Mahdi (who is supposed to be a messiah figure for Muslims) and all of the prophecies perfectly line up with Biblical descriptions and prophecies about the coming Anti-Christ.
But one of the most important things he spoke about is the time we are currently living in. Right now there is an unprecedented open door for reaching out to the Muslim peoples. They are receiving the Truth in numbers like never before and being radically changed. This will only be for a season, soon the countries will tighten their hold on the people and persecution will increase. We must cry out for there to be a tremendous harvest while there is still an open door for it to come. The harvest is ripening, but more workers are needed!
Praise and Prayer report:
1. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I was able to cover all of the bills that were due last month as well as a few that were due this month. That's a huge answer to prayer! A massive thank you for all your prayers and support.
Unfortunately bills are due again this month. I was able to pay the current insurance here, but I still owe people for the last 6 months of insurance. I have part of what I need to cover my bills back home, but I still need a bit more for this month.
2. I was granted another 1 year volunteer visa!! I came very close to not getting it. The person who went in for my appointment had to meet with a woman there who did not want to give me the visa and she told this person to pay her triple what we usually have to pay in 5 minutes or she wouldn't grant the visa. This person prayed, opened her purse and had exactly what was needed, down to the last shekel to pay the bill. Needless to say, when she went back in with the money the woman was not at all happy to see her, but she gave me the visa.
My prayer had been that if this season here was over for me that God would not give me the visa, He obviously gave it to me. Pray that I would have a greater understanding of the reason God has me here this time around.
3. A week ago Monday, Bethany gave birth to baby number 6 (Shalev - peaceful, comforter). He was born without any complications and is doing just wonderfully now. We were very happy that she went into labor while the other kids were asleep and when I was already at the house.
This last Monday they had his circumcision (which here involves inviting all of your friends and have a big meal together after the actual process is over). It was a special time of the various generations of the family praying blessings over him after the father spoke his name and explained the meaning.
Please pray that this time of adjustment for the family go smoothly and that the children all be at peace with the changes.
Pictures: I am so sorry that I can't attach pictures right now (since I can't use my computer), I have loads of great pics I could send too!!!!!
I hope this update makes sense as I had to write it quickly. Many blessings to you all and looking forward to having better communication soon!
I am so very sorry that it has been weeks since my last update. Yes, I am still alive, just having some technical difficulties. I didn't have internet for a while and then when I got internet the power cord for my computer died, so I've been borrowing computers for a few minutes here and there. I was finally able to borrow one long enough to write an update today!! Hopefully the new power cord will come soon, but it could take up to 3 weeks to get here (please pray it doesn't take that long!). Anyway, other than that, things are going well over here.
Since my last update (which seems like it was ages ago) we have finished all of the Fall Feasts (Hagim). I believe we were in Yom Kippur when I last emailed you, and since then we celebrated Succot (Feast of Tabernacles) which ended with Simchat Torah (praise for the Scriptures). Succot is a time of remembering the years Israel spent wandering the desert in temporary dwelling places and the miracles God did. They set up little structures outside their homes which they eat and sleep in. The last day is then spent in celebration of God giving them His words in the Torah. They gather together and the men dance around while holding their Torah scrolls. This is a great reminder that God is a joyful God!! He loves dancing and celebration and joy. We are to rejoice because of Him. I have to say, Jewish people are very good at this part! When God does something amazing in our lives we often respond by saying, "Oh thank you, Lord, You are so good." But they respond by grabbing their friend's arm and spinning around while yelling, far more child-like I'm afraid (Mark 10:15).
So much of life here is Israel is lived knowing you are hated by much of the world and at any point could be plunged into a war with half the world against you. Therefore, it is always special when I see these people rejoicing in their God with great exuberance.
Each day there are reports of things going on in the world that point to a soon coming war. Often I feel the need to back off from what the media is saying and just live with my ears open to what God is saying. We pray continually that all things would be done in God's timing, that war would not break out before God has ordained for it to come, that the people would turn to Him and rely on Him before the war comes. Last week a man in his sixties got lost in the desert and he wasn't found for several days. After his rescue he was interviewed and he stated that now he knows for sure that God is real. He said that he prayed for rain and right after he did, it rained. He was able to survive on this rain until he was rescued. He also stated that he prayed the Shema several times a day (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). The Shema is a call for Israel to know that the Lord their God is One.
Interestingly enough, Israel is now in its sixties as a modern nation, and it has been lost (in the desert if you will), and their supplies are no longer enough. They now must cry out to God for His rain to come and when it comes it will open their eyes and they will know once more that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is REAL. I am praying that this man is a first fruit of what God is about to do. Perhaps God used this man to intercede for his nation and be a physical sign to them of the state they are in.
On a physical note, it did rain twice in a matter of days, which is a huge blessing, but we need far more rain than that for Israel to be able to function. They have been in a serious drought for a number of years now. Please pray that the former rains come in great abundance. But most importantly, pray that Israel will turn to Him, knowing that He is their source and cry out to Him for the rain.
Recently we were able to sit under the teaching of a man who has spent the last 25 years living in Turkey. He has spent a huge amount of time studying the Quran for the purpose of comparing it with the Bible and using this to reach out to the Muslims and show them the truth. He had many fascinating things to share which I had never known, for example, the Quran commands the people to read both the Old Testament and the New Testament as well as the Quran. He also went through the prophecies regarding their Mahdi (who is supposed to be a messiah figure for Muslims) and all of the prophecies perfectly line up with Biblical descriptions and prophecies about the coming Anti-Christ.
But one of the most important things he spoke about is the time we are currently living in. Right now there is an unprecedented open door for reaching out to the Muslim peoples. They are receiving the Truth in numbers like never before and being radically changed. This will only be for a season, soon the countries will tighten their hold on the people and persecution will increase. We must cry out for there to be a tremendous harvest while there is still an open door for it to come. The harvest is ripening, but more workers are needed!
Praise and Prayer report:
1. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I was able to cover all of the bills that were due last month as well as a few that were due this month. That's a huge answer to prayer! A massive thank you for all your prayers and support.
Unfortunately bills are due again this month. I was able to pay the current insurance here, but I still owe people for the last 6 months of insurance. I have part of what I need to cover my bills back home, but I still need a bit more for this month.
2. I was granted another 1 year volunteer visa!! I came very close to not getting it. The person who went in for my appointment had to meet with a woman there who did not want to give me the visa and she told this person to pay her triple what we usually have to pay in 5 minutes or she wouldn't grant the visa. This person prayed, opened her purse and had exactly what was needed, down to the last shekel to pay the bill. Needless to say, when she went back in with the money the woman was not at all happy to see her, but she gave me the visa.
My prayer had been that if this season here was over for me that God would not give me the visa, He obviously gave it to me. Pray that I would have a greater understanding of the reason God has me here this time around.
3. A week ago Monday, Bethany gave birth to baby number 6 (Shalev - peaceful, comforter). He was born without any complications and is doing just wonderfully now. We were very happy that she went into labor while the other kids were asleep and when I was already at the house.
This last Monday they had his circumcision (which here involves inviting all of your friends and have a big meal together after the actual process is over). It was a special time of the various generations of the family praying blessings over him after the father spoke his name and explained the meaning.
Please pray that this time of adjustment for the family go smoothly and that the children all be at peace with the changes.
Pictures: I am so sorry that I can't attach pictures right now (since I can't use my computer), I have loads of great pics I could send too!!!!!
I hope this update makes sense as I had to write it quickly. Many blessings to you all and looking forward to having better communication soon!
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