The Return Home: I’m Back

Would you ever consider flying to a war zone to show solidarity to a group of people you’ve never met?  That’s exactly what 20 of us did thirteen days ago.  We spent 10 days traveling to various parts other Israel, from the north down to the south central section of Israel.  We stood at the Syrian border and talked about the difficult neighborhood that Israel is located in.  We visited with numerous displaced people, some 150,000 from the North, who are living in hotels in the Galilee for protection.  The conversations I had were significant.  Most all of these folks have been displaced now for four months.  While they are away from their homes, many of the Israeli army soldiers are living in their homes in order to protect their borders. These pastors had the privilege of ministering to many people over these days.

I also stood in three different communities that were severely attacked by Hamas on October 7.  I saw the carnage, spoke to people, and heard the heart wrenching stories.  Our adventure included feeding soldiers, hearing informative speakers and recognizing the spirit of mourning that hovers over the nation of Israel.  I felt your prayers and had a many opportunities to share with the Jewish people that there are MULTITUDES of people in America who love and support Israel and the Jewish people.  Because of your generosity, I was able to distribute almost $15,000.00 to individuals and families who were in need.  They were so touched and humbled, even dumbfounded - dumbfounded because we traveled to Israel, and deeply impacted hearing about the many people who love and stand with them.  Master Minded and Deer Flat Church will still be distributing funds, that were generously given, to the various organizations that are making enormous contributions in a variety of areas to the needs of communities and important efforts.

I will be sharing about this trip on Sunday, Feb. 25 in both morning services at Deer Flat Church.  Thank you again for your prayers.  They were significant and difference making.  I needed them, and I felt them.  Please continue to keep Israel in your prayers.  They are facing the strong possibility of engaging in war with Hezbollah.  If this should happen, it will be a dramatically different engagement than with Hamas. It’s a greater enemy with greater capability of striking Israel.  We are living in Bible times.  God is at work.  Let’s be living ready to be used by God at all times.  Let’s hold nothing back from the One who gave it all for us!

Forever Grateful,

Pastor Dave