From India To Vietnam, with the Jewish Culture

The Context
With a full schedule of workshops planned, we will be extending our program into new VN regions. Something new and something more seems to be the theme burning in my heart that bears not only on what I've just returned from doing in India, but for what lies ahead in Vietnam.

The charge to understand the times and know what to do has long been foundational to the various dimensions of my calling: from intercession to writing; to both the mobilization of the top-down Joseph-Daniel calling and the equipping of the bottom-up community-builders. Likewise, the significance of the Jewish roots to our faith has been key to this equation driving my calling.  Another crucial piece of this mosaic has been to reach out to bring transformation to "the least of these our brethren."

An Emerging Strategy for Something More
In the early days of the God's economy program, a time of prayer gave me a glimpse of what I discerned as a strategy of the Lord that would mobilize an overlap of segments between the persecuted church, the oppressed church and the Messianic Jewish community. It seemed to carry the mark of God's hand of simplicity, order and the extraordinary, to spark societal transformation in a time of turmoil.

With these thoughts in mind, there were times during our India quest when spiritually I experienced a sense of almost being overwhelmed, without fully grasping more than the surface-level of what we were walking out. Yet, there seemed an unsuspected dimension being unveiled as we proceeded, of an awareness of the enormous Messianic potential hiding under the ashes left by the inquisition.

There clearly is something more to what I'm walking out. I've come to realize through the three years we've worked in Vietnam, how through simplicity and obedience, that God exceeds our wildest expectations. The God's economy program that was birthed after a heart-cry prayer from my exposure to a group of impoverished Ethiopian believers in 1999 has been the catalyst of a simple, but growing, grass-roots movement within the persecuted church in Vietnam. Despite this significance, the witness of the Spirit is of there still being "something more."

Reaching Beyond the Obvious

Deuteronomy tells us that "the secret (or hidden) things belong to the Lord, but those that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever." Reaching beyond the obvious to understand the times and know what to do places us in the dimension of the generational.

Historically, the 4000 years that the Jewish people have outlived the civilizations they have been a part of is a reflection of how the Jewish community has wielded what has become an historic and remains the prophetic mantle that God gave to Abraham that "through you all the nations of the earth will be blessed." 

In short, the Jewish people have consistently operated as "a culture within a culture;" becoming an entrepreneurial middle class in societies without one and serving an integral role of proactive influence in seats of power, especially economically and governmentally, in furthering the positive aims of their host cultures.
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare."  Jeremiah 29:7

The Something New to the Something More

The God's economy program conforms to this biblical standard and strategy. It begins by making God's people the head and not the tail. It then develops proactive "community builders" who provide practical hope to their community in challenging times. Its mandate coincides to the Jewish strategy of operating as a "culture within a culture," by exercising the charge to Abraham "to be blessed to be a blessing."

Yet the time in India has left me with the brand-mark of there being something more, not only in what we're doing in India, but in Vietnam and beyond.

Could it be possible that the unveiling of the hidden will point to something more in terms of the Jewish roots of our faith? Could it be that the strategy of "a culture within a culture" may bear on this whole issue of transformation at a time when many around the world are losing hope and seeking answers that bears on a people who demonstrate the reality of God in some very practical ways, as the Jewish people have done over the generations.

I seem to have more questions than I have answers as I proceed, but I know that the Lord has been guiding and providing the tools and strategies with which to help those we serve "to be blessed to be a blessing." 

Jesus said, "That which is covered will be revealed and that which is hidden will be made known." There's a key that unlocks the hidden and the bondages that have immobilized generations. Indeed, we walk by faith and not by sight as we move toward "something new and something more."

So, despite the already tangible results from these ventures to this point, there seems to be an unveiling, pointing to the overlapping role of segments between the persecuted church, the oppressed church and the Messianic Jewish community. Something beyond the obvious is in motion with these agendas. Something new and something more;  something that is clearly beyond me;  "something beyond" that is being orchestrated by the Spirit of the Lord.

I can't begin to tell you how much your prayers mean as I head out; and how much I'm depending on them as I impart, equip, mobilize -- and continue this amazing unfolding venture of discovery.

In His love and mine,

Morris Ruddick

Global Initiatives Foundation
http://www.strategic-initiatives.org/

Global Initiatives Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt ministry

Global Initiative Foundation | PO Box 370291 | Denver | CO | 80237

The Prayers of Yeshua

I heard someone once say, with understandable regret, that with only three exceptions, we have no record of Yeshua’s prayers.  In actual fact, this is not entirely true, as I’ll explain a little later in this article.  But first, let’s look at the three prayers that are recorded.

The first prayer is, of course, The Lord’s Prayer – recorded in Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2.  This is a fascinating prayer, because in this prayer, Yeshua seems to be making reference to a host of Scriptures found throughout the entire Tanak (the Old Testament).  Let’s take a look at some of them.

“Our Father, Who art in Heaven…”  The Fatherhood of God can be found in many places, such as Psalm 68:4-5; Psalm 89:24; and Isaiah 9:6.  That God dwells in Heaven is abundant throughout Scripture, such as Genesis 24:7; Joshua 2:11; 2 Chronicles 6:14; and Psalm 136:26.

“Hollowed be Thy Name…”  The Tanak is replete with references that the Name of God is Holy and to be treated with reverence and sanctity.  Examples such as Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 22:32; Psalm 103:1; Ezekiel 39:7 can be found throughout Scripture.  To this day, an observant Jewish person will neither pronounce the Name of God, nor even write it.  To the Jewish person God is referred to most commonly as Adonai (Lord) or HaShem (The Name), and when writing His Name, the vowel is left out rendering the written form as L-rd or G-d.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven…”  The Kingship of God and the endurance and domain of His Kingdom is also a major reoccurring theme throughout the Old Testament (Tanak) Scriptures.  Yeshua was undoubtedly referencing such passages as Psalm 22:28; Psalm 103:19; and Daniel 7:18, to name only three.

“Give us this day our daily bread…”  The uncompromised belief that all of humanity’s material blessings are gifts from God is a central foundation of the Jewish faith.  Here Yeshua underscores the fact that the Father is the Source of everything we have, from the provision of “manna in the wilderness” (Exodus 16:15-33) to the ongoing recognition that God is the giver of all things (Deuteronomy 8:18; Isaiah 42:5; and Job 33:4).

“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive everyone who sins against us…”  Yeshua here emphasizes the Biblical Principle of Reciprocity which is stated in Malachi 3:10 and Proverbs 3:9-10, and which He Himself expands in Luke 6:37 and Matthew 7:1.

“Do not lead us into temptation…”  Here Yeshua may be referencing Psalm 5:4 which states that “Thou art a God that has no pleasure in wickedness, neither shall evil dwell with Thee.”  And the Holy Spirit, speaking through the Apostle James puts it even more forcefully when he writes, “…God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does He tempt anyone.”  (James 1:13)

“But deliver us from the Evil One…” And finally, Yeshua quotes Psalm 140:1, “Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil one; preserve me from the violent one.”

The second of Yeshua’s prayers that have been preserved for us is found in John’s gospel, chapter 17.  In this passage of Scripture Yeshua is praying that God will glorify Him through the work that He has accomplished, and also through the work yet to be accomplished by His followers.  He then asks the Father to preserve and protect His followers in the world.  He asks that the glory He shares with the Father will likewise be shared with us, who believe in Him.  Finally He prays that the love that exists between Himself and the Father will be manifest within us, His Church, as we walk with Him in unity with each other.  It’s a powerful and humbling prayer!

The third prayer is Yeshua’s supplication in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His crucifixion.  Gethsemane is Hebrew for olive oil press, and that night in the garden, Yeshua’s very spirit and soul were being pressed to the maximum.  “Father, if it be Thy will, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.”  (Luke 22:40).

But are these the only prayers of Yeshua that we know about?  Actually, the answer is “No”.  I believe that there are at least five or six other prayers that we can know conclusively were prayed by Yeshua.  Moreover, in these additional prayers that are mentioned, we can confidently know their exact words!  Where are these prayers and what did Yeshua say?

In Matthew’s gospel, the apostle wrote about several additional events in which Yeshua prayed.  In chapter fifteen he writes, “And He [Yeshua] took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks…”  (Matthew 15:36).  Likewise, in chapter 26 Matthew records this event at the Last Supper Passover meal, “And as they were eating Yeshua took bread and blessed it…” (Matthew 26:26).  In both of these instances we can know exactly what Yeshua said, even though His words are not recorded.  Indeed, every Jewish person reading Matthew’s account during the first few centuries of the Church would have known what words He spoke.  This is because the blessing of the bread has been a standard Jewish prayer from time immemorial.  Visualize those moments with me.  Yeshua would have covered His head with His tallit (prayer shawl), as was the custom in the first century and remains the Jewish custom today.  He then would have lifted the bread toward heaven and said aloud these words, “Baruk atah Adonai Eloheynu, melek haOlam, Ha’motzi lechem meen haEretz.”  (Blessed are You, O LORD our God, King of the Universe, Who brings forth bread from the earth.)

In the first instance recorded above, when Yeshua gives thanks for the bread and the fish, Matthew’s record suggests that He gave thanks only once.  However, it’s more likely that Yeshua actually offered two prayers – one for the bread and a second blessing for the fish.  If, indeed, that is the case, then His second prayer would have been, “Baruk atah Adonai Eloheynu, melek haOlam, she-ha-kol ni-he-yah bid-va-ro.”  (Blessed are You O LORD our God, King of the Universe, Who brings about all things by His Word.)

The Apostle Mark records another poignant event in which Yeshua prayed.  He writes, “And they brought young children to Him that He should touch them…and He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16).  To this day, as part of the Shabbat (Sabbath) ritual every Friday night, the Jewish father will lay his hands upon his sons and say, “Ye-sim-khah Elohim ki-ef-rayim v’ki-me-na-shah.”  (May God make you like Ephraim and Manassah.)  Likewise, he will lay his hands upon his daughters’ heads and say, “Ye-sim-khah Elohim ki-sarah v’riv-khah v’ra-khel v’le-ah.”  (May God make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.)  There is no question in my mind that Yeshua would have blessed the children with these very same blessings that are still said today.

Also, at the Last Supper Passover meal it is recorded “And He took the cup and gave thanks…”  (Matthew 26:27)  Here again, we know for certain Yeshua’s exact words -- “Baruk atah Adonai Eloheynu, melek haOlam,bo-ray pre-ha-gafin.” (Blessed are You O LORD our God, King of the Universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.)

And finally, we come to Yeshua’s last blessing upon His disciples before He ascended into Heaven.  The physician Luke records the event with these words, “When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany He [Yeshua] raised up His hands and blessed them.”  Once again, by this simple description, we can know Yeshua’s exact words and how He performed the blessing.  He blessed them with what is called today the “Aaronic Blessing”.  This blessing is also called “The Raising of the Hands” and is performed in a very specific way.  One’s head is covered with the tallit, as mentioned before.  The hands are raised so that the thumbs are touching; the index and middle finger are held together; and the ring finger and little finger are likewise held together, like this –

Yeshua raised His hands and said, “Y’varekh’kha Adonai v’yish-merekah.  Ya’er Adonai panav eleikha vich-u’nekka.  Yissa Adonai panav eleikha v’ya’sem l’kha shalom.”  (May the LORD bless you and keep you.  May the LORD make His face shine to upon you and be gracious unto you.  May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”)

Jewish tradition requires that we bless the LORD for each detail of our daily lives.  What a delight to know that in these Hebrew prayers, we are repeating the exact same words to the Father that Messiah Yeshua did so long ago.  In these Hebrew blessings we, like Yeshua, vocalize our gratitude to God for His daily provision and care.

Baruk HaShem (Blessed be The Name)

Bill Duerfeldt, North Carolina

I am a Friend of God! Phillips Craig & Dean

Friend Of God

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Restoration of Israel - Peter Wyns at Beit Tikvah (Part 2)

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Japanese View of the Palestinians

Japanese View of the Palestinians'
Couldn't have said it better.
One Picture = 1,000 Words

Is the world just plain stupid? An interesting questionnaire for Palestinian Advocates, by Yashiko Sagamori

If you are so sure "Palestine, the country, goes back through most of recorded history," I expect you to be able to answer a basic questions about that country of Palestine
.
1. When was it founded and by whom?
2. What were its borders?
3. What was its capital?
4. What were its major cities?
5. What constituted the basis of its economy?
6. What was its form of government?
7. Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat?
8. Was Palestine ever recognized by a country whose existence, at that time or now, leaves no room for interpretation?
9. What was the language of the country of Palestine ?
10. What was the prevalent religion of the country of Palestine ?
11. What was the name of its currency? Choose any date in history and tell what was the approximate exchange rate of the Palestinian monetary unit against the US dollar, German mark, GB pound, Japanese yen, or Chinese Yuan on that date.
12. And, finally, since there is no such country today, what caused its demise and when did it occur?

You are lamenting the "low sinking" of a "once proud" nation. Please tell me, when exactly was that "nation" proud and what was it so proud of?

Here is the least sarcastic question of all: If the people that are mistakenly called"Palestinians" are anything but generic Arabs collected from all over -- or throw outs of -- the Arab world, if they really have a genuine ethnic identity that gives them right for self-determination, why did they never try to become independent until Arabs suffered their devastating defeat in the Six Day War?

The truth: these people are Illegal squatters on the land in the Country of Israel.

(Added note: The Land of Israel belongs to the Jewish nation of Israel, as promised over 4000 years ago by the Living God of Israel. He shall regin forevermore! And we will stand with them.) Steve Martin, Founder/President, Love For His People Charlotte, NC

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Ephraim Shaul & the Orphans in Liberia - March 28, 2011 Update

March 28, 2011
Liberia, West Africa


Hello family of the Most High,

I bless the Most High God who has made us to be counted among the living at this time.
I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to all those that contributed towards our trip to Liberia from Ghana at the beginning of March. With the unrest in the refugee camp that had developed, we needed to flee quickly. Many of our friends are still back in Ghana.

 I'm very grateful to all of you.  Since we arrived here in Liberia we been facing problem with accommodations. We're sleeping outside at the bus parking station. The owner of the place has given notice that he will put us out this week, which is Friday, April 1.

I'm kindly appealing to you all to please do your possible best to help us with the amount of $3,500 for the renovation of the three bed rooms apartment which one lady gave to us to use. We don't know any body here in Liberia and we don't know what will become of us if we're kicked out of station.

Liberia is a country that  is going through war and there are lot of criminal activities going on here every day and night.

We pray that the Lord will speak to you to help us. You can do so through "Love For His People, Inc.", (a 501 (c)3 ministry in the USA, founded by Steve Martin. Tax deductible contributions receive a receipt. Please use this secure, online "Giving" link. ( "Give now through Love for His People, Inc.") This organization has been helping us here since the summer of 2010.  And we pray that you will help us through them.
Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for your understanding.

May the Most High bless you all.
Ahava and Shalom,

Ephraim Shaul and the kids

                                Location of Liberia in the bottom west coast of Africa (in yellow.)

Map of Liberia

Ephraim with orphans last fall, before they left Ghana.

Ephraim (hands raised) in the Shabbat morning service, while yet in Ghana.

On-line Giving through secure website: Support Ephraim & the orphans

Gifts can also be sent through the mail to:

Love For His People, Inc.

P.O. Box 470035

Charlotte, NC 28247

(All gifts are tax deductible. USA Fed. ID #27-1633858)

Fear Not Little Flock - Ahava Love letter

   Ahava Love Letter

“Fear Not Little Flock” "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 NASB)

Dear family of friends,

Growing up in Iowa, one of my summer joys was to spend a week or so at my cousins’ farm near Hazelton, Iowa. Pulling blood suckers off our feet from the shallow creek; chasing the scared chickens around the yard; throwing corn cobs at the lazy huge hogs lying in the thick, gooey mud… You know, just a few things young whipper snappers do for fun in the hot sweltering sun.

Shearing the sheep was an annual event too. I tried to avoid that particular task, for it was not easy. My Uncle Roger and cousin Jim did it. Aunt Marilyn was always involved for sure too! Being quite the farmer’s wife that she was, she did as much as the guys did, and then even took care of the ongoing household jobs. I admired her very much. (She sent me a birthday card every year too!)

Sheep are a rare breed. They come in several colors of white, grey and black, and wool varieties. I am certainly not an expert on raising them, but did observe some things in those youthful days now gone by.

They tend to be very frisky, timid and jittery. A watchful shepherd is usually nearby, looking out for invaders, varmints above and below the ground, and caring for their daily needs. If you want a good “product” for the market, with valuable wool and meat, you best care for them as required. You don’t raise sheep just as a pet.

I tend to think that the Lord Yeshua (Jesus) had a very good reason why He told stories about sheep. He knows humans can very much act like them. We need continual care, proper nourishment and a faithful leader at all times. He knows our very being, for He is, of course, the Creator of all, and most especially of us.

So when He tells us to be not afraid “little flock”, I find comfort in that very fact. He is the one taking care of us. My trust is not in the USA government, the military, or another institution of mankind’s making. My foundational trust is, and will continue to be, in Him, the One who created me and you.

Assurance comes when we daily realize and apply in our lives His proven words of protection, guidance, and provision. That they are ours to hear and walk in. Did He not say that He is the Good Shepherd? Did He not say that He is the One who knows what is going on all around us, as the shaking increases? Yes He did. That settles it in my heart. May it be settled in yours.

Fear not little flock. It is a true statement. Jesus (Yeshua) is the One to believe in for today, and when tomorrow comes. In fact, for all eternity. Just do it, heh?

Ahava to you my family of friends,

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. Our 2^nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of  Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.

This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.

Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of  “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget.  (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)

P.S.S. Beit Tikvah – Passover Seder on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 at Antioch International Church, Fort Mill, SC!

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2011 Steve  Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box 470035   Charlotte, NC 28247-0035      E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com

 Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       Twitter: martinlighthous  and  LovingHisPeople  

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/         YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)  

Ahava Love Letter #20   Date: March 29, in the year of our Lord 2011    

BUILDING THE THIRD TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM

Jerusalem, the Covenant City (trailer)

Chris Updegraft Band - This Is My Desire

King of kings and Lord of lords

Small Nation, and yet...

Israel is a country surrounded on all sides by enemies, but the people's headaches are caused by the neighbors upstairs.

Israel is the only country in the world where the coffee is already so good that Starbucks went bankrupt trying to break into the local market.

Israel is one of the few places in the world where the sun sets into the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel is the only country in the world whose soldiers eat three sets of salads a day, none of
which contain any lettuce (which is not really a food), and where olives ARE a food and even a main course in a meal, rather than something one tosses into a martini.

Israel is the only country in the world where one is unlikely to dig a cellar without hitting ancient archaeological artifacts.

Israel is the only country in the world where the leading writers in the country take buses.

Israel is the only country in the world where the graffiti is in Hebrew.

Israel is the only country in the world that has a National Book Week, during which almost everyone attends a book fair and buys books.

Israel is a country where the same drivers who cuss you and flip you the bird will immediately pull over and offer you all forms of help if you look like you need it.

Israel is the only country in the world with bus drivers and taxi drivers who read Spinoza and Maimonides.

Israel is the only country in the world where no one cares what rules say when an important goal can be achieved by bending them.

Israel is the only country in the world where reservists are bossed around and commanded by officers, male and female, younger than their own children.

Israel is the only country in the world where "small talk" consists of loud, angry debate over politics and religion.

Israel is the only country in the world where the ultra-Orthodox Jews beat up the police and not the other way around.

Israel is the only country in the world where inviting someone "out for a drink" means drinking cola, coffee or tea.

Israel is the only country in the world where bank robbers kiss the mezuzah as they leave with their loot.

Israel is one of the few countries in the world that truly likes and admires the United States.

Israel is the only country in the world that introduces applications of high-tech gadgets and devices, such as printers in banks that print out your statement on demand, years ahead of the United States and decades ahead of Europe .

Israel is the only country in the world where everyone on a flight gets to know one another before the plane lands. In many cases, they also get to know the pilot and all about his health or marital problems.

Israel is the only country in the world where no one has a foreign accent because everyone has a foreign accent.

Israel is the only country in the world where people cuss using dirty words in Russian or Arabic because Hebrew has never developed them.

Israel is the only country in the world where patients visiting physicians end up giving the doctor advice.

Israel is the only country in the world where everyone strikes up conversations while waiting in lines.

Israel is the only country in the world where people call an attaché case a "James Bond" and the "@" sign is called a "strudel".

Israel is the only country in the world where there is the most mysterious and mystical calm ambiance in the streets on Yom Kippur, which cannot be explained unless you have experienced it.

Sunsets in Jerusalem are gorgeous every evening, regardless of the season.

Israel is the only country in the world where people read English, write Hebrew, and joke in Yiddish.

"I Believe There is More" - Don Moen

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Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

KISS Star Gene Simmons: Bands That Don't Play Israel 'Fools'

Jerusalem Bust Stop Bombing - People Still Hospitilized

Friday, March 25, 2011

Prayer for the Wounded

Eleven People Still in Hospital After Jerusalem Terror Attack

by Elad Benari

Wednesday’s terror attack in Jerusalem left as many as 50 people wounded from physical injuries as well as from trauma.

At present, eleven of them are still in the hospital and two
are in still listed in serious condition. On Thursday, the One Family Fund issued a call to pray for their quick and complete recovery:

• Odelia Nechama bat Michal suffered serious head  injuries and is in intensive care. Her life is still in danger.
• Natan Daniel ben Shulamit, a 17-year-old student, suffered massive internal injuries and has had a number of internal organs removed.
• Leah Bracha bat Shoshana, a 19-year-old seminary student, suffered burns to her legs and arms as well as serious shock.
• David Amoyal, the owner of the snack stand next to the bus stop who told the people who were in the area to run away and then called the police, and was on the phone with them when the bomb exploded.  Amoyal suffered injuries to his legs, feet and lower body and is listed in moderate condition.
• Sasson ben Shulamit suffered lower body injuries and serious post-traumatic symptoms.
• Ad Shapira, an 18-year-old who is about to complete high school, suffered light orthopedic injuries and is in good condition in hospital.
• Shilo ben Ofra, 15 years old, suffered burns and fractures to his legs and lower abdomen.  He is sedated in intensive care.
• Daniel ben Nurit, 13 years old, suffered lacerations and shrapnel injuries to his lower extremities, and is likely to be released from the hospital before Shabbat.
• Elchanan ben Alona, 14 years old, suffered serious injuries to his feet. One ankle and three of his toes were crushed. He has had one operation and will require more surgery. He will likely be in the hospital at least 2-3 weeks.
• Netanel ben Shlomit, an 18-year-old who works as a security guard at the bus station, was injured in the abdomen had surgery.  He is now recuperating in the hospital.

The four-pound bomb exploded across from Jerusalem's Central Bus Station on Wednesday afternoon and killed one person. The explosive charge was placed at a public telephone booth and was detonated as two packed buses passed by.
The terrorist or terrorists who planted the bomb fled the scene, but Palestinian Authority security forces have arrested tow members  of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization in connection with the blast.
The two, Khaled Jaradat and Tarek Ka'adan, were picked up in Jenin on Wednesday night, and the Islamic Jihad claimed the PA forces had been working in coordination with Israeli security personnel.

Gaza Missiles inch closer to Tel Aviv

Map: Gaza missiles inch closer to Tel Aviv

- Israel Today Magazine

Thursday, March 24, 2011 | Ryan Jones

 

Gaza-based Palestinian terrorists again escalated their confrontation with Israel on Thursday when they fired foreign-built missiles at towns just 10 miles south of the heavily-populated Tel Aviv metropolitan region.
Eight missiles fired from Gaza landed in or near the port city of Ashdod and a number of central Israel towns, including Rishon Lezion and Yavne.

Israeli responded with tank fire into Gaza. A Hamas facility in Gaza City was destroyed by the retaliatory barrage. Israeli aircraft also attacked terrorist cells attempting to launch additional missiles into Israel.
Thursday’s back-and-forth was a continuation of the escalating war between southern Israel and Hamas-ruled Gaza. The situation began to spiral out of control over the weekend, when Hamas-allied terrorists fired more than 50 mortar shells and rockets into southern Israel.

Israel has responded hard to the provocative attacks. Israeli retaliatory strikes on Tuesday killed nine Palestinians, including four civilians, whom the terrorists were using as a human shield. Many others were wounded.

In a demonstration proving that it is not Israel’s intent to harm Palestinian civilians, an eight-year-old Gaza boy wounded in Tuesday’s exchange was rushed to an Israeli hospital for emergency treatment.

Map shows range missiles are traveling from Gaza to Ashdod (30 km) and Rishon Lezion (50 km):

 

http://www.israeltoday.co.il/NewsItem/tabid/178/nid/22718/Default.aspx

Elizabeth Taylor - A Friend of Israel

Elizabeth Taylor's pro-Israel record comes to light

- Israel Today Magazine

Thursday, March 24, 2011 | Ryan Jones

Iconic American actress Elizabeth Taylor passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79. While most will remember Taylor as one of Hollywood’s most famous actresses, few today recall that she was also a staunch supporter of Israel with a stellar track record of defending the Jewish state.

Taylor herself converted to Judaism in 1959. That same year, she purchased $100,000 in Israel Bonds, and helped sell an untold sum of Israel Bonds to others. The fledgling Jewish state was selling the bonds in a desperate effort to raise capital for the defense of the besieged nation.

In 1967, Taylor played a major role in raising $840,000 for Israel at a gala event in London. That same year, she cancelled a visit to Moscow after the Soviet Union harshly criticized Israel’s actions in the Six Day War.
In 1975, Taylor joined 59 other prominent women in signing a letter to then-UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim condemning the UN General Assembly’s equation of Zionism with racism.

A year later in 1976, Taylor offered to take the place of 104 Israelis and foreign Jews who were being held hostage by PLO terrorists at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport. She made the offer while in Israel fund-raising for the Jewish National Fund. The hostages were freed shortly after in a stunning IDF rescue operation.

In the following decades, as her star in Hollywood began to dim a little, Taylor visited Israel frequently. She became a close friend of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

During these later years, Taylor auctioned off her legendary collection of jewelry, and donated a sizable chunk of the earnings to the Israel War Victims Fund, one of her favorite charities.

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Ephraim and the Orphans in Liberia - Sleeping in Bus Station

Shalom Dad,
How are you and the entire family doing today? I hope and pray that you all are doing great in the Lord.

Dad, I feel real bad sleeping in the buses station with the kids as it's not safe at all. I thank you once again for saving our lives from beeen killed in the hands of the Ghana police, but it's like living in Ghana was much better then the situation that we find ourselves into. Every night I can't sleep, as I am watching over the kids and our things from being taken away. 

Dad, you have been doing well for us wish I highly appreciate,but  it will be a pity  continue sleeping here and then get kill. Honestly Liberia is a country thatjust from war and there are alot of criminal activities  that are going on here every dasy and night, it is just by the grace of Adonai that we're alive here.  From last night the owner of the bus station that we're sleeping said that if we don't leave or fine place to go by next week he will be left with no option then to kick us out of the place. I'm afraid what is going to become of us if this man put us out of this place.

It's not that i'm just here to be asking you for money. It's not my aim to  keep asking you always for money. But if the situation with us is very bad and we don't know any other person as father to turn to. Even though you are not working right now, But if we continue sleeping out side here, any bad thing can happen to us at any time which we're not praying for. I really feel bad  bothering you each time for money. But I'm kindly appealing to you so that you can try your possible best to help us pay for the Renovation of this place.
I pray that you'll not find this as embarrassment to you.

May the good Lord of Israel touch your heart and provide for you to rescue us from here. All the kids extend their greeting to you and MOM.

Ahava and shalom,

Son

Here is a photo of Ephraim before they left Ghana.

If you can help us help them, we are a 501(c)3 ministry and accept gifts through our website: http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ on the "Gifting Opportunities" page. Thank you.

 

Ahava Love Letter - "Raise & Release - Not Catch & Cook"

   Ahava Love Letter

“Raise Up & Release – Not Catch & Cook”

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. (Eph. 4:16 NLT)

Dear family of friends,                                        

Back in the day, in a real small section of southwest Minnesota, my older cousin Richard Shultz and I “went fishin’.” Well, I tagged along at least. I was about 12.

We hiked along the cold spring stream, poles and gear in hand. The former “Catch & Keep” fish pond, that had been stocked with bullheads (and some good fish) for nearby state park campers, was just a mile from his house. It had been shut down for years. We didn’t cut the barbed wire to get in. That would have been wrong. So we just pulled it apart. With a town of less than 200, no one cared about this forgotten hole anymore.

I had never caught so much fish before in my life. It had always been too boring back at the golf course pond in Cedar Falls, IA. But here was a different fish story! It was great! Toss the line. Reel it back in. Pull the bullhead off the hook and do it again. After 32 of them (no, I don’t exaggerate, but I did count them!) we had our work cut out for us in getting them back to his house and preparing them to fry. (Now you know my good wife would never allow these “unkoshered” fish in our house this current day!)

Remembering that story brings me to this one. Laurie and I, on our earlier prophesied “labyrinth journey” these past 33 years together (labyrinth – “an intricate structure of interconnecting passages through which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze”) has taken us to many locations and experiences (*see below.) Many of you have gone on this journey also. (Maybe still are!) Along the way, we had good, and needed, training times.

The places we tremendously appreciated over these past years were the organizations with leadership who had hearts to “raise up and release” those the Lord had entrusted into their hands for a certain period. Those places with the “catch and cook” mentality were more of a challenge. Though some members were indeed called to stand alongside and serve with the appointed leadership for many years, many others were brought into their care for the purpose of training, supporting, releasing and walking together in unity, even more so, as each moved onward.

If you are a member of a church family that treasures each and every part of the Body, you are indeed blessed. If you need to be in one that is truly seeking to raise up and release people for God-given callings, and you are not experiencing that, then my prayer is that the Lord will direct your steps to another place. If that may mean a move for you, then seek the Lord for His response. Then hear and obey.

It is going to be very vital and important, even right now, that you and your family are in the right place. Each member of the Body of Christ needs to know their place and part, and be it. We are going to need each other, even more so in these coming days and years of trial. 

As for my final thought, I don’t think we are getting “raputured out of here” before a lot more happens. That keeps my perspective in line, to raise up and release, not catch and cook.

Ahava to you my family of friends,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. Our 2^nd annual “Ahava Adventures” service trip to Israel is set, with flights, hotels, and ground transportation in place. On the date of  Oct. 29, 2011, only ten will depart from Charlotte (or join us in Philadelphia) to spend six days/nights in Jerusalem and two days/nights on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias (only $2495 for the entire trip!) Our Israeli friends will meet us there, as we further connect with the believers in The Land.

This isn’t your “basic tour” time. We go where not many can, or would go, for we want to be more adventurous, more supportive, and experience even more what Israel’s people and land is about in this day and age. We do see spiritually and historically important locations, but our primary focus is to bless the ones living the day to day life there. Curious enough to find out further? Contact info is below.

Can’t go yourself? Please consider sponsoring a friend, family member, or person in your church, especially of  “the next generation” age group. Trust the Lord to highly impact their lives for life, to impart to them a heart for His people that will never leave them, and give them an adventure they will never forget.  (Heh, it is tax-deductable for you too. In part or full, it doesn’t matter.)

One special note: When we are there in The Promised Land, we will spend time with three local organizations that serve the youth and so many more of Israel, each in their special ways. One of these will be with us at the Beit Tikvah meeting on March 25, 2011. Friday night, 7 pm, Antioch International Church, in Fort Mill, SC. After meeting him, you may want to come and see what they do first hand with the youth in Jerusalem!

We also will be having a Passover Seder on Good Friday, April 18, 2011. We can only hold 200, so please get your $10 registration tickets ASAP at Antioch International Church, home of Beit Tikvah.

*Our Labyrinth Connections

I. Churches

  A. Victory Community Church – LaSalle/Peru, IL 1977-1980

  B. Shiloh Fellowship/New Covenant Christian Church  - East Lansing, MI 1980-1987

  C.  Good News Church – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 1987-1992

  D. Cornerstone Church – Davie, FL 1992-1994

  E.  All Nations Church (part of the founding members of five couples) – Ft. Lauderdale, Fl & Charlotte, NC 1994-2001

  F.  Cornerstone Church – Pineville, NC 2001-2004

  G.  St. Giles Presbyterian – Charlotte, NC 2004-2007

  H. MorningStar Fellowship – Fort Mill, SC 2007-2010

  I.  Antioch International Church – Fort Mill, SC 2010 to present (on the pastoral team)

II. Ministries

A.  Derek Prince Ministries (1987-1990, 2001-2005

B.  Mahesh Chavda Ministries (1987-2000)

C. Vision for Israel (2005-2010)

III. Boards

A. Christian Friends of Israel (USA) 1994-2009

B. Christians for Messiah Ministries 2008-present

C. Love For His People 2010 to present (Founders/President & VP)

Love For His People, Inc. truly appreciates your generous support. Please consider donating now on-line by clicking here http://www.loveforhispeople.com/ for our website’s “Giving Opportunities” tab, or by sending checks to the address below. Todah rabah! (Hebrew - Thank you very much.)

©2011 Steve  Martin      Love For His People, Inc.  P.O. Box 470035   Charlotte, NC 28247-0035      

E-mail: ahavaloveletters@gmail.com

Facebook pages: Steve Martin  and  Love For His People       

Twitter: martinlighthous  and  LovingHisPeople  

Blogger: http://loveforhispeople.blogspot.com/         YouTube: loveforhispeopleinc

Love For His People, Inc. is a charitable, not-for-profit USA organization. Fed. ID#27-1633858.  Tax deductible contributions sent by mail or given on-line will receive an e-receipt for each donation, for you to print out. (Saves the ministry on postage!)  

On the Sea of Galilee heading towards Capernaum.

Photo by Steve Martin

Ahava Love Letter #19   Date: March 22, in the year of our Lord 2011