Satisfied & Full...
...I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12
I'm finishing up my last full work week here in Haifa, Israel... Can you believe it? It has been a FULL 10 weeks here, and I am looking forward to a few days of downtime in Herzliya next weekend and then my return to the United States as I prepare for another ministry trip in NY!
So what's new? First of all, thanks to your generosity, my good Israeli/Russian friends here and I were able to take several families and a lot of children to the water park 2 weeks ago. We spent all day in an oasis of sorts, running from the water slides to the lazy river, to the "adult" pool, alternating with lounging, talking, and eating delicious authentic pizza! It was such a blessing to these families. It was especially rewarding to see little Solemena (the young child with cerebral palsy who is here for treatment in Israel due to lack of medical care in Ukraine) loving the water and the green grass too! You brought many smiles to the faces of all involved, including the parents and me :) As I now have a good connection to the pastor of the Congregation who assists this group, I will continue to support them as able with any incoming donations designated as such! THANK YOU!
WHAT ELSE IS NEW? Thanks to God's Timing & your prayers, I started TWO separate Krav Maga classes for ladies! I made them four week classes and one is held at Haifa House & the other I travel to Herzliya and teach the ladies from King of King's Congregation! Most of this group is mother/daughter and both groups are SUCH a joy to teach! From 13 years of age to 60+! I CANNOT tell you how much I have been blessed in being allowed to teach, support & encourage these lovely & strong ladies! Our theme is "Women of Perseverance" a beautiful and uplifting study of the courageous women of the Bible who lived in very tough circumstances. Please pray that this ministry would continue to develop as God blesses it and opens up more doors and opportunities in the future.
Israeli Defense Force - Due to your generosity, I was able to bless two units lately with special combat boots and a level 3 helmet and also FINALLY purchased the specialized gear for the Paratrooper/Sniper unit. Please continue to pray for the safety of the soldiers as they battle in very dangerous positions in Lebanon and in Gaza.
In the evenings, I've also been busy! I completed a 4-week pottery course with friends and really enjoyed the time together and learned that some things I am NOT SO GOOD AT!!! Ha. I think I enjoyed pounding the clay and learning new words in Hebrew the MOST!
Two or three days a week I practice MMA and Thai Kickboxing! I have NEVER in my life sweated as much as I do during these sessions! My teammates are the sweetest ever, and I think I would consider moving to Haifa JUST to be in these classes :)
PRAISE & PRAYER!
Praise for a FULL season here in Israel with new experiences, friendships and opportunities.
Prayer - for my last 2 Krav Maga sessions that I teach! That God would use these lessons in each of the women's lives and in mine!
For the ability to relax and reflect and enjoy...during my last 5 days (when I spend the time not working and chilling in Hertzlliya :) and safe flights back home on my birthday! So...I LOVE traveling on my birthday. I spent one hour in Israel, 14 in the air and because the US is 7 hours behind, I get to spend an EXTRA 7 hours of my birthday in the US !
For my next ministry trip in NY where I will be a first time TEAM LEADER.
Transition back to the US and back to my job! Definitely need prater for lots of grace and flexibility as I return.
Prayers for the future. I plan on returning to my job full time mid-August and have been GRACIOUSLY given 5 weeks a year of unpaid leave to return to Israel where it would be my hope to teach several ladies self-defense courses through the Kehila and other ministries. That being said, I will continue to accept donations as I am still in the negative from the last projects and will pass on any extra donations to the active ministries here helping either soldiers or the needy in the Kehila as well as any individual soldier requests from known contacts. Any donations designated to me personally will be saved towards my 5-6 week stay here (probably in January of 2027). If you are a monthly donor, I will send you a separate email!
Thank you SO VERY MUCH and may the God of Israel bless you and "supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Messiah" Philippians 4:19
They [your gifts] are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18