October 10, 2008

Haifa, Israel

God Bless you so much my faithful prayer warriors. On this day my prayer is that God Almighty will give you peace, protection, strength, endurance, and a Love for Christ that is passionate and true.

Its been a while since i last wrote about what was happening here in the Holy Land. God is moving. There are an estimated 10,000 to upwards of 14,000 Jewish believers here in Israel. God truly is manifesting Himself to the peoples of the World. As our brother Paul states in Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

My prayer is that God will purpose in His heart for all of us to not only run the race for the cause of Christ, but to finish the race on His behalf. So, I'm here to give you a word of encouragement, especially in these most difficult times that the World is going through right now. Just remember the task that God has given each of us. Remember that we are "sojourners" upon this earth. Jesus Himself said "I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am there you amy also be" (John 14:3). Also remember that we are called with a purpose. God has called each one of us to do his bidding. We are His instruments of praise and worship. Even when we are going through struggles financially, emotionally, economically, we should always remember who is in charge. He is Jesus Christ. He is our eternal foundation. A foundation that cannot be moved or removed. We are secure in His hands of glory. We are His prize possession. We are His children. He loves us. He loves you. Remember, we have been called to be a witness in a World that is lost and without hope. So when you see co-workers, family members, loved ones, or even strangers that are struggling, be sure to encourage them. Tell them that God hasn't forgotten about them. Its simple really. All of us, as believers in Christ have been chosen right now, right here to "speak" the Gospel of Christ to the lost around us. So, stand up. Shake the dust off of your clothes, and put a smile on your face. God is not only your King, He is your Almighty Father who loves you. Take joy of heart. and be rest assured that now is the time we must all stand up together and be bold. Be bold for the sake of the Gospel. For now is the reason we have all been created. Not only created, but chosen to live the life of Christ. 2 Tim 1:9 states "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began". He is our purpose. Jesus is our purpose. Let us take the possessions of our lives and truly give them to the Lord. He is our reason for being. He is our reason for life. He is our reason for love. Amen....

God has really placed a burden on me for the U.S. at this time. I've been amazed at the impact the U.S. has on the rest of the World. Here this week I found out that the childrens' after school program has been cancelled at the reformed synagogue where i have been volunteering. The reason for the cancellation is due to the fact that around 80% of the finances needed at the synagogue come from the Jewish Community living in the United States. Economically its easy to see why the reformed synagogues are loosing financial help here in Israel. We must really begin to pray for the needs of others, especially if they are not yet believers in Messiah (Jesus). Please be in prayer for Rabbi Edgar. Pray that God will touch His heart to hear the words of the Gospel.

As some of you know I moved into a new apartment 2 months ago. I am now living in downtown Haifa close to the Sea, Naval Base, and the main hospital. I'm now living in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the City of 300,000 plus people. God has already introduced me to some of the neighbors. Pray that the Lord will continue to bring new relationships across my path that I may be an example of Christ.

Another prayer request is for prayer here in the Nation of Israel. As I'm sitting here writing this news letter, 22 or so miles North of me is the border of Lebanon. It is estimated that Hezbollah now has acquired roughly 40,000 missiles aimed here at Israel. Pray that the hand of God will protect this beautiful Nation, and its people. Pray that God will bring peace to this weary Nation. Pray that God will bring peace and love. I was looking at the news an hour ago. The news here in Israel was talking about the city next door to me called Acre (Acco) which is 7 miles away from Haifa approximately. Apparently some rioting took place the last night between some Arabs and Jews. Please pray that peace will come. Pray the the Lord Jesus will touch their hearts...

May the Lord bless you so much in these days. Days of turmoil. I feel in my heart that the days for all us will become more difficult as the time draws near for the return of Christ. Hold firm to the rock. The foundation of Christ. Remember, you are in His hands and He will never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Remember to pray. Pray like you never have before in your life. God is needing your prayers for the peoples of the World right now... God Bless You so much this October, 2008. In Christ the Lord- Tim Crowe

ps:Psalm 122:6 "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you"