Update from Israel

Through Breaking Christian News, I read that Hamas attacks are aiming farther north closer to Tel Aviv this week.  I am anticipating God's move.  The world shall be stunned by His Power and Might.

As we worshipped at King of Kings Sunday evening and praised our Lord God together as one, the reality of  "leaning on God's protection" took on a profound meaning to me.  Not just for my own personal safety but the safety and preservation of Israel and Her people as a Nation. Tears flowed as we raised our hands to worship God.  

Last Friday was Purim - a day to remember how God rescued the Jews from total destruction.  Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu, had in recent weeks given President Obama a decorated scroll telling the Biblical story of the Book of Esther.  He said, "Then, too, they wanted to wipe us out".

Schools were closed for three days to celebrate Purim.  Many dressed up and many got drunk.  

None of us understand the reason why (for the next few weeks) no food or clothing will be sent out;  but instead, families will use the vouchers to shop at participating stores.

We will use this time to do a major job of storing away all winter clothes and bringing out the summer ones.  This involves hours of sorting and organizing plus maneuvering heavy containers up and down the tall shelves using ladders.  Please pray for safety for all the volunteers.  Thank you.

Shalom,
Lilian 

Update from Lilian Ma in Israel

It's freezing cold here in Israel.  I am actually writing this email in bed because there is no central heating and the apartment is quite cold. 

We work Sundays to Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with half an hour lunch in between.  The warehouse is bone-chilling cold and I have been wearing six layers of clothing every day since I arrived.

At the warehouse, we fill orders for needy families. We send out food packages and clothing and household items depending on their needs.

The Lord has opened up the windows of Heaven after years of drought and years of on-going prayers; and now since December, Israel is experiencing record breaking rain falls since 1937. 

Jerusalem has also received a new blanket of snow last week.  There is no bus services on Shabbat.  I share the apartment with a lady who is from California and we usually stay in, do laundry, cook, and take naps to recuperate from the week-long manual labour.  

Sundays after work, all the volunteers will drive together into Jerusalem to attend church at King of Kings.  We are about 10-15 minutes outside of Jerusalem.  Once a week on Mondays, we go grocery shopping in the area.  

Before entering any buildings or parking lots, cars and people are searched by security.  It's not unusal to see soldiers buying grocery with their machine guns hanging on their shoulders.

Please pray for God's protection over Israel and her people as rumours of war circulate. 

My return date has been moved from May 3 to April 24 after I found out that I shouldn't over stay the 3-month tourist visa or else the Israeli Government has the right to deny future entries. 

Will see you in two months.  Thank you for the prayers!

Blessings,
Lilian