Once An Arafat Man

I am reading a book recommended by a friend here in Jerusalem, 'Once an Arafat Man' by Tass Saada. This is the autobiography of the man who runs Cassidy's preschool. Confused? Tass'sjourney from being a soldier in Fatah to a follower of Yeshua is miraculous. From the very beginning, as a child in Gaza, then as a teenager in Qatar, the Hand of G-d protects him. He goes from a rebellious teenager to a hate-filled killer to a repentant, obedient man of G-d.

He spent his early years with Fatah and Arafat (he really was his chauffeur), then he went to the States to get out of trouble. He married an American woman so he could stay in the US and then led an empty life, in a loveless marriage, striving after the "American Dream". But as I said, he's the guy who started a Messianic preschool in Jerusalem. How?!

Well, I'm only halfway through the book, but the L-rd pursued Tass until he gave His heart to the Jewish Messiah. In fact his friend who shared the Good News with him told him he had to love a Jew.

I don't want to tell you too much. Tass's story is filled with testimonies of how the L-rd used the dramatic and the not very dramatic experiences in to bring Him glory. If you're looking for an easy read that will encourage you in your walk and give you some insight into the Middle East, get 'Once an Arafat Man.' You'll have trouble keeping the story to yourself.

Cassidy outside of her Gan, Jacob's Ladder

A New Friend

Today we had lunch with our friend Joy and her old friend Taly, an Israeli who lives in Jerusalem and KC. He was full of kindness and eager to help us while we're in Israel. In fact, he lives just ten minutes from the apartment where we'll be staying when we first arrive. He'll be returning to Jerusalem in a few weeks, which is perfect timing for us. He was excited to have us over for Israeli meals and promised to show us some great restaurants. Cassidy enjoyed listening to his accent as he shared with us a bit about himself. I told her that Taly would help her speak Hebrew and then she promised she would teach me.

This meeting was a blessing to us as we leave a home we know and love so well to go into a new life. Taly's kindness and willingness to help us encouraged us about our move. He himself has been through some hard things and he told us that instead of grieving his whole life he's decided to enjoy it, because every day he is here is a blessing from G-d. And when we enjoy our lives we're frustrating the Enemy.  His love for G-d and the land of Israel is evident and we look forward to building this new relationship. As Cassidy hugged Taly good-bye I couldn't help but think he could be a wonderful grandfather figure for her...and for us.