Abby's IDF update:
We are so proud of our daughter Abigail who has made a huge commitment to be here in the land and serve with our family. Part of the requirement of every citizen under 22 years old is they must serve in the Israeli Defense Force. This isn’t something we took lightly. We prayed and discussed with both Abigail and David and after much prayer and discussion, they have both decided this is where the Lord can use them for the furtherance of the gospel. Fortunately, for young ladies they don’t have to serve in combat units. Abby, by God’s grace will be able to live at home once her 3-month training is done. For now, we are happy she gets to come home every weekend since it’s mandatory the soldiers get off for Shabbat(sabbath). She is home Friday mornings through Sunday mornings which means she gets a much needed time of rest and the ability to worship corporately with us on Saturday evenings. In less than two weeks Abby has been able to share the gospel to many and we have seen such spiritual growth and maturity. Below is Abby’s letter she wrote to give an update in her own words:
Shalom Everyone,
Well I thought I would write an update this month as I began my IDF two years of service. I’m really excited to see how the Lord is going to use me. I won’t know my position until after more Ulpan (Hebrew studies) and basic training. My basic training base is near the Galilee area and will take about 3 months. I have really enjoyed and have been blessed to have the opportunity to meet other young people who are going or who already served in the IDF. Just seeing how the Lord has used them in amazing ways to be a light in a dark area.
I am praying for boldness as I embark on this journey in my life. I feel, more than ever, that this is exactly where the Lord is leading my life -- to be a shining light in other young people's lives and to be a messenger for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! What an honor it is to have this opportunity to be a part of all this work. The Lord has been so good to us! I think we tend to forget the importance of sharing the gospel of Christ to others. It has become so real to me these past few months as I see so many who are lost without any hope. This is especially true when I see young people who are my age and have no desire to hear about Yeshua. Most people when they hear gospel, instead of desiring to hear more, they push the subject away very quickly when it comes up. If you could please pray for me to have more boldness and that I would say the truth in love to others who I will be coming in contact with. I will definitely be needing it as I go into a world with so many who are lost.
I want to thank everyone who has been praying for me and been there to give me encouragement along this journey of my life! It means so much just to hear your thinking of me over here. It keeps me going each and every day. The Lord has been so good in placing just the right people in my life as I need it. Anyways, I just wanted to give a quick update and personally say thank you all again for all your thoughts and prayers! I will try to give another update again soon and keep you all posted on my IDF service. May the Lord bless you all! I will end with this verse that has really encouraged me and I hope it will encourage you all as well.
Isaiah 41:10 & 13
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Blessings,
אביגיל Abigail
Post Aliyah update:
Now that it’s been over a year since we made Aliyah we were required to take a driving test and get an Israeli driver’s license. By God’s grace Beth, Abby and I all passed our tests and are officially Israeli drivers. We also can take our temporary passports (Teudat Maavar) and change them in for our permanent Israeli passports. God has blessed us with getting through a lot of red tape and completing many requirements for new immigrants (Olim). Praising the Lord for His abundant mercy and grace toward us.
Besides the feasts of Passover, Unleavened bread, and First-fruits the country also recognized Holocaust Memorial Day this month. It was very surreal. Sirens went off and the whole country stopped what they were doing and stood for 2 minutes remembering those lost in the holocaust. We were in Ulpan and our teacher lit a candle and talked about how her parents came here from Poland and Lithuania as orphans because both sets of her grandparents were lost to the Holocaust. She ended her speech with saying that those who tried to exterminate the Jewish people and others won the battle but lost the war and the greatest evidence is that out of the ashes of the horrors of the Holocaust came the nation of Israel. The fact that God’s ancient people have this land to call home again is a living miracle of prophecy being fulfilled before our eyes. It was very emotional to listen to her speech and realize in part the prophecies of God calling His people home to the land. These prophecies are being fulfilled but without a new heart and a belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah it will only be a temporary benefit. For those who die without faith in Christ, whether they be Jewish or not, will die in their sins under the wrath and judgment of God. Therefore, our purpose here is to live out and proclaim the glorious gospel of the Messiah Jesus Christ to the Jewish people living in the land. Unfortunately, most stumble over the very cornerstone of our faith; but by God’s grace we will be faithful to proclaim this gospel according to the Scriptures and nothing else until He comes again! (1 Cor. 1:23-24, 15:1-4).
"...I do not say, Don't play games or cricket and so forth. By all means play and enjoy them, giving thanks to Jesus for them. Only take care that games do not become an idol to you as they did to me. What good will it do to anybody in the next world to have been the best player that ever has been? And then think of the difference between that and winning souls for Jesus." C.T. Studd
Bl
essings,
Scott, Beth, Abigail, David, Mark, Levi
לוי ,מארק ,דוד ,אביגיל ,ג'יין ,סקוט
