Dear Friends,
 
It is not easy getting back to work even six weeks after a total knee replacement surgery, but here I am limping along. The experience has given a whole new meaning to Hebrews 12:12, "Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble." 
 
But even more I have learned about myself during this difficult time. Here's a short lesson about...
Wheel Chair Wisdom 
wheel chair wisdom
It was my first attempt to explore beyond the second floor ward. After finally making it down the crowded elevator to the hospital lobby to get a real cup of coffee, the plastic cover popped off and fell on the floor. Constrained by the limitations of my wheel chair, stretching as far as I could, it was impossible to reach down far enough to retrieve the plastic lid. Nor was I able to escape. With one hand on the steaming open paper coffee cup (I didn't dare try to hold it between my legs), my other free hand trying to wheel away from the embarrassing litter, I found myself making circles around the trash as the crowds of eyes passing by seemed to glare even more conspicuously.

A hospital worker soon appeared, mercifully, and swept the deserted lid into her cleaning bin. Calm was restored, momentarily, until a folded paper napkin suddenly glided down from the upper level and landed right next to my chair. But this new display of public filth did not have the same effect on me. It didn't bother me at all. It wasn't mine, there was no personal involvement, let it rot. The shinny clean hospital lobby just didn't seem to matter anymore.

Self-righteous apathy is apathy all the same. When you see others throwing dirt - in word or in deed - take some responsibility. "I didn't do it. Let somebody else clean it up," leaves us all in a mess. 
SHAPING THE FUTURE

While applying for a job at a large and highly respected local trucking company, two young men wondered whether or not to tell the boss that they are Messianic Jews. With hundreds of applicants for the position offering a good salary, benefits and job security the brothers knew that talking about their faith would probably prejudice the boss against them. During the interview, with no little trepidation, they spontaneously decided to tell him the truth about their faith in the Messiah, come what may.

"So you are Messianic Jews," he grinned. "My brother is a believer just like you. He is a great guy and all the Messianic believers I have met are honest and reliable workers. The job is yours!" he exclaimed. 
 
You can imagine the smile of surprise and relief on the faces of the two brothers. They shook hands and went to work for the company the next week. 
 
We try to put an emphasis in our congregation on loving our people, respecting our Jewish heritage and honoring our nation. What an honor when someone recognizes the good work that Yeshua is doing in us!
 
These two brothers happen to be seasoned Russian immigrants to Israel. They have worked hard for many years to raise their families, learn the language and integrate into Israeli society. Like so many others, they are faithfully serving our people and contributing so much to our nation.
Would you like to help?

At Beit Immanuel we care for and assist many Jewish immigrants wanting to do all that they can to bless Israel and we need translation equipment to help them learn Hebrew and adapt to Israel's unique and special life. The system we need costs approximately $5000. Your contribution of any amount towards this would go a long way to helping them be a blessing to Israel.

 
Ever grateful for your friendship. love and support,

David and Michaella Lazarus
Beit Immanuel