Our April Update

 

 

 

 

Old and New

Building and Re-building in KC

Our trip from Israel to Kansas City was memorable and successful -- flying through Moscow with an infant and 8 carry-ons for a total of 36 hours can only happen with the grace of G-d!

Now that we've gotten situated and adjusted to the reverse culture shock (sort of) we're turning our attention to the reason the L-rd called us back to Kansas City -- to establish a Messianic Discipleship Bible School. There is much to do: working with a designer to create a logo that captures the essence of the school; creating a website with original and informative content; maintaining our current financial support; raising the additional funds necessary to launch the school; and developing curriculum and projects for the discipleship school. The L-rd continues to confirm and encourage us as we are now on track for accreditation with a dynamic university that offers a complete Messianic Jewish Studies degree (more details soon)!

One of the key elements of the school is imparting a Holy Spirit-empowered Hebraic worldview. In order to do this we are praying specifically for our leadership team -- teachers, musicians, intercessors, and shepherds. We're praying for people who have the spiritual and physical gifts necessary to impart the foundations of the faith while also helping each student realize their specific gifts. Please pray that the right people, location, finances and curriculum will come together to launch this fall!

If you missed our last newsletter, with an overview of our ministry in America, click right here!

Yeshua's Passover

Join us for a Seder on the First Night of Passover

Throughout winter in Israel there are always flowers and plants growing, because it doesn't get as cold as it does in the midwest. Back here, though, the first little green buds push their heads through the ground to show us that spring is on its way -- and we all rejoice! The new life we see in the springtime reminds us that Yeshua is the Resurrection and the Life.

One thing we learned from our time in Jerusalem is that not only are the seasons different, but each family does their Seder differently. Last year, in keeping with Persian tradition, we hit each other with green onions! This year we're excited to celebrate the faithfulness of G-d and the ultimate sacrifice of His Son Yeshua with our family and friends in Kansas City. We're inviting you to join us for a Seder on the first night of Passover, Monday, April 14th at 6 PM. Because the evening involves a special meal we are suggesting a minimum donation of $15. Space is limited so please RSVP by Friday, April 11th, at the latest. Please Email Leah at leah@remember-jerusalem.org for more details and to reserve your place at the table. We look forward to seeing your faces as we taste and see that the L-rd is good! 

Financial Need

Before we moved to Israel we sold our van and our home, sure of His call on our lives. While we were in Jerusalem He blessed us with a wonderful apartment and a great location near the train. Public transportation is very convenient within the city. KC is very different from Jerusalem because public transportation is not very accessible. We quickly realized we needed a car in order to do basic daily tasks and ministry. After much searching we found a reliable used van to accommodate our growing (hopefully) family! Please consider donating money specifically toward our vehicle as we still need about $5,000 to pay for the van. We know that He will continue to take care of our financial needs as we move forward with establishing the Messianic Discipleship Bible School. 

Break Bread With Us

Throughout the last two years the L-rd used you, our faithful supporters, to allow us to be in Jerusalem -- studying, connecting and spreading the love of Yeshua. We need your continued support as well as many more partners who believe in the importance of discipleship and Israel. Our plan is to meet with all of you to catch up on life -- a lot has happened for all of us -- and to impart more of the vision of our school. There's nothing like sitting down to a meal, or a cup of coffee, and sharing life together and we're looking forward to it. So let's set up a time  -- we have Tuesday and Thursday evenings specifically set apart for breaking bread (or not if you're gluten free)-- and other times if these nights won't work. Please send us an email or give us a call soon!

Tom -- tom@remember-jerusalem.org 913-645-8814
Leah -- leah@remember-jerusalem.org 913-645-8108

We want to say a huge THANK YOU! Our time in Israel was blessed because of your support and encouragement. And our next step is very exciting! If you haven't yet partnered with us we would also love to sit down and share more of the vision for our school so you can share in what G-d is doing. Join with us in rooting lives in the Truth of the Living G-d and His Son, Yeshua!

All Joy & Peace

We rejoice in the things the Father has given us as we look to the close of 2013 -- new life, new friends, and new opportunities to share His love and truth with Israel and the Nations. Before we moved to Jerusalem we sold our home and our car, left our families and congregation for the sake of knowing Yeshua and making Him known and we can see His Hand in our lives. The blessing of living in Jerusalem for two years is priceless and the relationships and knowledge we've gained are eternal. Moving back to Kansas City means we have to start over, in a way, but with new eyes and new hearts. We're seeing how the L-rd wants to use the experiences and knowledge from our life in Jerusalem and our unique testimony, and are excited to use our gifts to teach, disciple and share the Good News of Yeshua . We seek your prayers to implement the vision that the L-rd has put into our hearts, for great success as Tom pursues his doctorate at King's University, and for His provision as we seek a new home, vehicle and all the necessities of reestablishing our life in Kansas City (which should be much easier than moving to the Middle East!).

As we step out in faith during this next season we ask that you will continue to partner with us. Please consider giving a one-time, year-end donation to help launch us into this next year. You can donate online by clicking here or mail checks to Tikkun International, PO Box 2997, Gaithersburg, MD 20886-2997. Include a separate note indicating your donation for Remember Jerusalem.

We look forward to seeing many of you again and rejoice that we get to share more meals and laughter with you. Until then, here's a brief look at some of the highlights we've experienced in the last year. Blessings to you, friends and supporters.

"Now may the G-d of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

 

 

A New Season

Once we returned to Jerusalem in September we began praying into what the L-RD did during the five weeks we were in Kansas City. He powerfully provided the finances, through you, to keep us here through this semester. He partnered us with so many who share a heart for unification between Jew & Gentile through Yeshua and the importance of Israel.

Even though we anticipated being here in Israel for several more years, we both felt that we were to pray and ask the L-RD if He wanted us to stay beyond February.

In asking this question we prayed into many factors, not just finances, in our desire to do His will. We were both in agreement that we desired to serve more. While we definitely serve here in different capacities, Tom is limited because of the amount of time required for his studies. The language barrier also prevents us from serving more within the Messianic Jewish body. At some level, we feel we have come to a crossroads as to whether to begin a very serious modern Hebrew language study program or move on to a new season as the L-RD leads.

Through much prayer, wrestling, and affirmation from our spiritual authorities and the Holy Spirit, He showed us that this season in Israel is coming to an end. And He has even begun to put an excitement in our hearts for the next step in our journey. In coming to this unexpected decision, we reviewed our main goals for being in Israel:

1. Connect with and serve the Messianic community in order to join the Gentile body with the Messianic body here in Israel
2. Study the Bible in its original context to bring more depth to Tom's teaching gifting
3. Learn Biblical Hebrew to strengthen Tom's gift for teaching

He has graciously allowed us to achieve these goals in the 21 months we've lived here and we've gained so much more. But the obvious question is, What about Tom's PhD if you leave Israel?

The academic experience here has proven invaluable -- both inside and outside of the classroom. Tom's calling is to teach, and he is eager to share more about everything that the L-RD has shown him through his studies and living here in the Holy Land. The plan is to continue his doctoral studies at The King’s University (founded by Jack Hayford) in Dallas, Texas. The degree is a Doctorate of Ministry in Messianic Jewish Leadership/Studies and is the only program of its kind.

We believe this is a perfect fit for us. The program is designed for people to continue in their full-time ministry positions while also pursuing a doctoral degree. Therefore, it is set up so that you only come to the campus three times per year (9 days at a time). This is very exciting for us because it will allow us to be in full-time ministry/teaching while also pursuing the doctoral degree.

We plan to return to Kansas City after this semester, in the early Spring, and the L-rd has begun giving us vision for this next step in our ministry. We once again ask for your prayers for our lives and specifically our future ministry. We desire to continue teaching the message that G-d's heart for the Nations is rooted in Israel and because of our experiences in Israel He has equipped us to be able to impart that message in a unique way. We are thankful and excited for the leading hand of the Holy Spirit and have confidence that He is leading us into this new and exciting season.

We value your partnership and will share more details in the coming months and look forward to seeing you again in America! We pray you'll continue to partner with us as we share the message: Remember Jerusalem.

October 6th

We obviously feel it's very important to pray for Israel, and specifically Jerusalem. But did you know that there are people all over the world who feel this same way? They've taken Psalm 122:6 to heart and have implemented an international day of prayer for the Holy City. Here's a video and link to help you understand what they're doing and why.

We're Bringing a Bit of Israel to Kansas

Come join us as we share about what's really happening in Israel

In some ways life in Israel is similar to life in Kansas City: we go to the grocery store (overlooking the Dead Sea); we worship with other believers (from Russia, Australia, Canada, and South Korea); Tom studies the Word (in Hebrew); and we keep our ears open for sirens (for bombs and not tornadoes). This August we’ll be sharing about the reality of life in Israel and why it should matter to the Body of Messiah.

Join us on either 

Wednesday, August 21st,

 or Saturday, August 24th, at 6:30pm, 

 as we share photos, videos and stories 

about what’s really going on in Israel. 

We’re very excited about reconnecting with our friends and partners; it’s been a year since we were last in Kansas City. Please pray for our time in the States -- that our meetings will be life-giving and hearts will be stirred to partner with us at Remember Jerusalem.  We need a financial miracle in order to continue our work in Israel!

In addition to sharing each night we’re also having a small silent auction. We’re bringing back Judaica, photographs, first century oil lamps, calendars & more!

Each night begins at 6:30pm 

@ Mike & DeAnn Blake’s 

20825 West 94th Street

Lenexa, KS 66220. 

We will share at 7:30. 

Silent auction bidding closes at 8:45.

In addition to these two nights, Tom is teaching at a local congregation, Kingdom Living, on 

Saturday, August 17  . 

If you can’t come to any of these nights, or would like to meet with us individually, please contact us, we’d love to get together with you!

Contact us by emailing leah@remember-jerusalem.org

Emmylou looks forward to meeting you!

Great is your faith

On the 15th of July our Hebrew-speaking kehilah, קהילה (congregation/community), had a time of blessing the new babies. Since Emmylou's birth at the end of February four more babies have been born in the small community and two of the other families were present for this time of prayer and rejoicing. Standing in front of so many believing Jews who live in Israel was a bit incredible. To have a child in Jerusalem is a blessing, and so is the opportunity to raise her, and Cassidy, with an awareness of their spiritual family roots. The importance of the Jewish people changes when it leaves the pages of the Bible and enters into every day life. They are not spiritual beings but friends with whom we break bread and laugh and pray. 

That morning Eddie passed the microphone from each mother and we prayed for our daughters (Hallel and Eliyah and Emmylou). Without much time to prepare the one thing that was pressed upon my heart was Emmylou's identity: She is grafted into this family of Jewish believers, to be a help, not a hindrance, and ultimately she is a child of the Most High. 

Why did I pray this? After all, her name has so much meaning. I could have prayed into her role as a warrior, or the goodness of the Father to give us another child after the absence of our sons. But in the situation, surrounded by people who have given up so much to live in the land of their fathers and to hold firmly to their Jewish Messiah I was overwhelmed with the desire to call her into her role as a Messianic Gentile. It's an important role, a calling worth pursuing. 

As if to prove my point Asher taught on faith and referenced Matthew 15:22-28,

And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O L-rd, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "L-rd, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, L-rd, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. 

Asher admonished us to pray with the passion and trust of the Canaanite woman. For us, as Gentiles, it's a powerful message. This Canaanite mother recognized Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah, connecting him with King David even though her background was not Jewish. Acknowledging Yeshua as the Son of David is a powerful statement for anyone to make.

Yet even when Yeshua tells her that He's come only for 'the house of Israel' and not her she presses Him further. She acknowledges she is not Jewish but does not let this stop her from pursuing His healing. She persists in asking for His "crumbs" (because anything from His table is better than nothing!) and He is clearly moved. He not only heals her daughter but describes her emunah, אמונה (faith/trust), as great. 

This teaching seems a perfect fit for the blessing of Emmylou Achinoam, and our whole family for that matter. There aren't many stories of Yeshua interacting with Gentiles, but this one (and the centurion who recognized Yeshua's authority) shows us that He hears the cries of our hearts, especially when we know our identities within the Body. Knowing our roles as Gentiles, or Jews, brings about greater power and unity within the Body of Yeshua. We are not all the same and that is okay. In fact, that's the way He designed it!

Last Saturday we stood with our Jewish brothers and sisters, heard their prayers for our daughter (thanks to our friend Simcha's translation) and we rejoiced together as "one new man", Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2 -- Go ahead, read the whole chapter).

10 Years and counting

Last night we sat in our living room, finishing off our triple chocolate cake from Kadosh Cafe and watching the candles burn down in our olive wood candlesticks.  As our daughters slept Tom and I talked only briefly about the highs and lows of the last ten years of our marriage -- they seemed pretty obvious. Instead we talked about the possibilities of our future. In some sense this seems futile; we know that our lives are not our own. But in recognizing that He is the One who holds our future then we know that anything is possible. 

Mike Bickle argues through Song of Songs that we should seek two things: to pursue our inheritance and to be Yeshua's inheritance. It's a complicated dance: running after the desires of our hearts, all the while keeping our hearts set on His face. When we attempt this we see the greatest struggles and the greatest victories. It's definitely the reality for us right now. We are excited by the reality that we live in Jerusalem and yet struggle being in a foreign land. This tension creates reliance upon the One who brought us here, and we look for His leading every day in order to make the most of this life. It's not easy, we're not always successful, but we know one thing very well: In our shortcomings, struggles and doubts He pours out grace. I think He allows these complicated situations so we will realize just how big He really is.

O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of G-d! How inscrutable are his judgments! How unsearchable are his ways! For, 'Who has known the mind of the L-rd? Who has been his counselor?' Or, 'Who has given him anything and made him pay it back?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
. 

Emmylou Achinoam

Our second daughter arrived Monday night at 9:05 after a smooth and quick delivery. The grace of G-d was very evident during the whole process -- the baby was never in distress, I was only in labor for three hours and she arrived into my arms healthy, pink and ready for love. We are so thankful for your prayers and care throughout this pregnancy and especially during the labor. Being part of a body so big and loving has made her arrival extremely exciting.

Throughout the last few months we talked through a handful of names we thought appropriate for our daughter. There was never a long list, which made it easy and difficult at the same time. At Yom Kippur we received a prophecy about our baby being a strong warrior and as I prayed about what this meant the L-rd gave me Revelation 9-12. Surely this child will proclaim a powerful message. There are few names for girls that carry the weight of "strong warrior" but when Tom turned to our list of names we gathered while pregnant with Cassidy he found Emmylou. At one point it was our #1 choice for Cassidy, but obviously we ended up not using it. 

Now we can see the leading of the L-rd: Emmylou means famous warrior.

Since I was not 100% in love with the name I asked the L-rd, repeatedly, if Emmylou was supposed to be her name. I heard YES every time. I began to bless her spirit by calling her Emmylou and I started to feel the importance of her name. Now that she is here she is definitely our Emmylou.

The middle name was also a process for us. We did not hesitate with giving her an "American" and somewhat old-timey name, fitting in with our other children, but felt it would be helpful for her to have a more Hebrew/Israeli middle name. Depending on where her Father leads her, she might end up back in Israel and if that is the case we want her to have a name she can use here that will fit more with the culture plus she was born in Jerusalem!

We had several options we considered: Tikvah (Hope), Simcha (Joy), Halleli (Praise). I kept coming back to something completely different -- Achinoam. I first heard this name at our Hebrew congregation and immediately filed it away for later use.

So what does it mean?!

My brother is a delight.

How do you say it?!

Ach- ee-no-ahm. If it's too much to gather phlegm for the Ach, it's ok to say it with a hard 'k' sound. The point is to connect with the eternal perspective that though her brothers are not here they are part of her life and part of her message. 

In the weeks leading up to her birth the L-rd spoke about her middle name. I like the previous names mentioned but none of them resounded in my heart as much as Achinoam (for obvious reasons, right?). Then about a week and a half ago, as I blessed her spirit out of Arthur Burk's book, Blessing Your Spirit With the Blessings of Your Father and the Names of G-d, I felt the stirrings of His timing and His will. The title of the blessing was "Used by G-d to Turn the Enemy's Plans Upside Down" and the scripture was Esther 9:20-22:

Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces 

of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days 

of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month 

when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. 

He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one 

another and gifts to the poor.

We just observed these events in Jerusalem on Sunday and Monday, the holiday called Purim, when young and old alike dress up in costumes, dance in the streets, feast like kings and give gifts of food to each other. It had not occurred to me that my due date was so close to Purim. The two seemed like such separate events. But in that moment of calling Emmylou's spirit to attention and blessing her to recognize that "the death of Jesus on the cross was not the end of something, but rather the beginning" I realized something. I asked Him about her middle name and He told me, no her name is not Hope or Joy or Esther. She is not your Hope, or your Joy. I AM. It is through her that I am giving you more hope and joy, but just like that blessing said, it is about Me. And in that moment I knew Achinoam, my brother is a delight, was the name. It connects her, and all of us, with the eternal perspective that we live this life for His glory, for His Kingdom, and whether we get to delight in our brothers now or when the King returns, it is all a delight because it's from Him.

And now that she is here, in our arms, we are delighting in His ways. Three and a half years after Zeke joined the Heavenly Army we now have another warrior for the Kingdom. And though Achinoam means a singular brother, it represents Zeke and Wyatt and every other loved one that has been called to prepare the way of the L-rd's return. 

Firstborn Son

Seven years ago we celebrated the birth of Wyatt William, our first child. Throughout his four and half years he was a blessing and reminder of G-d's diverse nature. Two words truly summarize him: Tender Warrior. His heart was to fight for the things of G-d, to love deeply and serve the Almighty.

Just recently we read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" with Cassidy and were struck by Lewis' depiction of riding on Aslan. I longed to read this story with Wyatt, knowing it would speak deeply to his warrior heart. But when I read this part I realized he already knows this story, and so much more. Some people have described the L-rd coming to Wyatt like the Lion of the Tribe of Judah that May night that he left, and as I read aloud Susan and Lucy's ride on Aslan's back Tom and I could not hold back the tears.

And he (Aslan) crouched down and the children climbed onto his warm, golden back, and Susan sat first, holding on tightly to his mane and Lucy sat behind holding on tightly to Susan. And with a great heave he rose underneath them and then shot off, faster than any horse could go, down hill and into the thick of the forest.

That ride was perhaps the most wonderful thing that happened to them in Narnia. Have you ever had a gallop on a horse? Think of that; and then take away the heavy noise of the hoofs and the jingle of bits and imagine instead the almost noiseless padding of the great paws. Then imagine instead of the black or gray or chestnut back of the horse the soft roughness of golden fur, and the mane flying back in the wind. And then imagine you are going about twice as fast as the fastest racehorse. But this is a mount that doesn't need to be guided and never grows tired. He rushes on and on, never missing his footing, never hesitating, threading his way with perfect skill...

We are thankful for his life, and the way he touched so many people by being a sweet little boy with the heart of a soldier. We pray you're experiencing the power of G-d in your life, and may we all seek to run with the Lion.

He is unpredictable

I remember when Zeke was in the ER at Shawnee Mission Medical and I looked at the clock as it approached midnight. I thought, "Surely he will be fine. August 24th is Aunt Ann's birthday." Just nine months before our visit to the ER my aunt died suddenly, presumably of a heart attack. She was the only aunt I knew and my mother's only sibling. So that night, as we watched the medical staff fight to keep Zeke breathing I could only ask for God's mercy and believe that he would let August 24th continue to be a day of celebration.

But just a few hours later, after a safe transport to Children's Mercy Hospital, the staff ran out of options.  Our son was connected to tubes and machines and he wasn't making any progress. At one point, when the doctor told us he thought Zeke had a 50/50 chance we truly believed this was good news. The L-rd was going to work a radical miracle and bring our little guy around. We prayed that even though Zeke coded several times, for too many minutes to count, that the Creator of the universe would bring Zeke back to complete and perfect health. But we believed it would happen on this side of eternity.

We left the hospital that morning stunned. I am still overwhelmed by the thought of that day. It is incomprehensible to me. One day we had our beautiful Ezekiel John, named after Aunt Ann's husband, and the next day we were left with empty arms.


Writing this I feel a deep pain inside. I'm still disappointed that we only got ten days with him and that if he had remained with us he would be a three year old. But comfort comes with the truth of the word of G-d. I've posted it before, and I'll probably continue to post 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 because it is now a part of me, part of my story: 

Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, 

you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. 

For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way God, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died. 

We visited the garden tomb today, a beautiful spot that replicates what the crucifixion location and tomb would have looked like. There is a door inside the tomb and a sign there says, "He is not here, for He is risen". It is because of this amazing action -- that Yeshua did not stay in the grave -- that we have the true hope of seeing our sons again. G-d is loving and good and stands with us in our grief. He must have been grieved to let His Son go to earth, to walk among men. He must have been grieved to see the way His Son was treated by people, some ungrateful for his miraculous power and some worried about losing their earthly power. He must have been grieved to watch His Son suffer unspeakable physical torture. But He allowed it because of love and goodness. So we spend this day, and every other, remembering that He is good and His love endures forever (Jeremiah 33:11). And this I know is true, because it, too, is a part of my story.

A Remarkable Day

Today we celebrate the life of our third-born, Ezekiel "Zeke" John. He would be three today and as the third child he would probably be full of spunk and joy (like his father). Everything I think of writing seems cliche and obvious, so I'll leave it at this: Happy Birthday, Little Man. We're grateful to be your parents and with so much longing we look forward to the day when we're all celebrating together.

Teenok: Made in Israel

Yes, it's true. We are expecting another child in February. Many of you have waited and prayed for this, patiently and quietly wondering. Thank you. We are filled with joy and happiness because He has given us more life.

So now we're praying for a good doctor or midwife that speaks English, as well as great health for me and the baby. No, the blue doesn't mean it's a boy, but we'll let you know.

Cassidy is thrilled to be a big sister again. Since her birthday is February 13th and we're expecting the baby late February she views it as a very special birthday present. She even said that she doesn't need any presents because we're going to have the baby. She prays for the baby every day, hugging me and kissing me more than usual (which is a lot) and telling me to eat and sleep enough to grow the baby. One of her new favorite things to do is talk about all the things she's going to do for the baby: change diapers (not poopy ones), throw the diapers away, sing to the baby, put a blanket on the baby, tell the baby stories before bedtime.

We all feel the same way as Cassidy: this child is a gift and we are grateful to be adding to our family and the Kingdom.

*teenok, תינוק is Hebrew for baby

Hope

What are our thoughts on a day like today, the second anniversary of our oldest son going to be with the Lion of the Tribe of Judah?

The grief is deep, and painful, and the beautiful memories are mingled with the longing for his smile. So we hold Cassidy a little tighter today, play a little more, give her gifts, in order to remember that she is still here, and He is still good. And He is.

We received a priceless gift last night at King of Kings during worship. As we worshipped the L-rd for His goodness and power the band began to play "How Great Thou Art". We sang this song to Wyatt before bed ever since he was an infant. I suppose in the beginning of motherhood I resorted to something familiar and beautiful, something I used to sing with my own father and mother in church. And then when Wyatt was old enough he would request it. The verses themselves are filled with powerful imagery that speaks to both me and Tom, but it's really the chorus that has taken root deep within:

And so, as we stood there, weeping for the son that is gone, we heard the L-rd speaking to us, individually. Ultimately He said the same thing: "Though I am the Almighty, and I gave everything for the redemption of mankind, I care. I care about you." Thinking of His blood poured out for us is humbling and awe-inspiring. Knowing He cares about the details of our lives -- our pain, our joy, our needs and our hopes -- revives our hearts and and renews our strength.

I will always point to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 as a cornerstone to my journey. "Now, brothers, we want you to know the truth about those who have died; otherwise, you might become sad the way other people do who have nothing to hope for. For since we believe that Yeshua died and rose again, we also believe that in the same way G-d, through Yeshua, will take with him those who have died."

Do you have Hope?

The Apartment Story

Trust in ADONAI, and do good; settle in the land, and feed on faithfulness. Then you will delight yourself in ADONAI, and he will give you your heart's desire. -Psalm 37:3-4 (from the daily devotional Jesus Calling, March 6^th)



Our first Sunday in Jerusalem we went to a congregation called King of Kings. There were all different nationalities at the service done in English. The music exalted the King of the universe and the teaching message challenged me. Reuven Ross focused on the Martha/Mary personalities, exhorting us to focus first on the L-rd and His heart. Cassidy attended the children's program and loved it, learning a new song about obeying her parents.



When Tom came in January he met a guy named Robert, a tourist who stayed with a friend from UHL and he also attended King of Kings. At the end of our service Robert came up to us and holding his camera he said, "I have something for you". He flipped through his photos and told us he had been out all day taking pictures of the city because he was leaving this week to go back to the States. He showed us a picture of a realtor's sign. "I was walking around French Hill,” he said, “and passed this sign. I felt like I should go back and take a picture of it, and now I know why. For you!" Tom wrote down the realtor's name and phone number and we talked a while longer with Robert before hugging good-bye.



You see, we had a bit of a struggle with our first realtor, (we didn't see any apartments) and this new name was a light of hope for us. After we had been here about a week without a home Tom called Robert's realtor from the picture, Nelly. We told her we wanted a 3-bedroom apartment with some sort of patio or garden area. She said there wasn't much available right now but she would find some things for us to see.



Since the home is my domain (as a homemaker) Tom suggested I make a list of the things I was hoping for. This is the list: a nice kitchen; a good view; 3 bedrooms; shelves in the bedrooms and kitchen; a clean bathtub; good lighting; top floor, and not too high; nice neighbors; room for a desk by a window in the living room (for me); room for a baby. I gave it to the L-rd, knowing He had a plan and would find us the right home. I prayed repeatedly for the best.



When Nelly took us out she had three apartments she wanted to show us. The first one was a 2-bedroom place with a large sunroom-type area that I thought might work for Tom’s studies. He didn’t think it was possible and wasn’t willing to overlook the cabinet doors coming off their hinges in the kitchen or the large leak in one of the bedrooms. The second apartment was another 2-bedroom, or more like 1 ½ bedrooms; the second room barely had enough room for a single bed. We were disappointed with our prospects. Nelly said she had one more she could show us, but it was definitely out of our price range.



And here’s where I need to explain something about renting an apartment in Jerusalem. When they say they’re unfurnished they mean completely unfurnished – no stove, oven or refrigerator. Sometimes no light fixtures. The longer we waited to get an apartment the more stressful it became because Tom’s school started soon. Thinking about finding beds, a table and chairs, kitchen items as well as all those big appliances was daunting. So when you add up all those items it’s another chunk of change, on top of rent and paying the realtor a finder’s fee (which is just how it works here). We were beginning to wonder where and when we would find a home.



The last place she showed us was definitely out of our price range, but she thought the owner might come down a little. She opened the door and we could barely believe she was showing it to us. We walked into an open floor plan, with an island in the kitchen that overlooks the dining room table and the living room. The light streamed in from large glass sliding doors that led to a patio. A big patio, overlooking a green space below. Three good-sized bedrooms, with beds and dressers. A clean bathtub in the hall bathroom. A shower in another bathroom. Large windows in every room. And the kicker: a desk next to the patio doors in the living room. We could barely contain our excitement and yet deep down inside we knew it was ridiculous to be looking at this place. Nelly calculated some numbers and suggested what we could offer the owner. We told her we’d have to talk and pray about it.



On the way home I told Tom it was everything I prayed about. Well, almost everything. It wasn’t on the top floor; it’s the third, with one more above us. I guess technically, if you’re going to ride the elevator, it’s floor -1, but that’s a technicality. It was a nice place so I presumed the neighbors would be nice. He began to do his mental calculator game; he factored in the large appliances, couches, beds, table and chairs. We talked about saving money since Cassidy and I might not come home the first year since she’ll be in school when he will be traveling (possibly). Where else could we skimp in order to have a nice, spacious, clean home?



As most of you know, we posted on facebook about our apartment saga. We actually had a place to stay in southern Jerusalem while we searched, and that was a blessing beyond anything we could have imagined. Being in a hotel for three weeks wouldn’t have been possible. We also had a great roommate which brought us back to our days on Mastin Street. We love sharing life with other people. But as school began for Tom it became a large time commitment to get back and forth from school in French Hill to home in Talpiyot. Sometimes a two hour commitment, on the bus, one way. Hence the urgency to get a home in French Hill. We also wanted to wait until we were in French Hill to start Cassidy in school; the commute would have been very long and her school starts at 7:30.



We wanted to do our due diligence and contacted another realtor, hoping she had some different options. She showed us one: a 3-bedroom apartment with a little garden area, completely unfurnished but doable for sure. We went home and Tom ran the numbers again. The difference between the nice, furnished apartment and the ok unfurnished apartment was still too much to swallow. We could make the second place work, we’d just have to move quickly to get it cleaned and furnished.



Then we got news: someone out in our circle of supporters wanted to bless us, beyond our expectations. They wanted to give money specifically for the nicer, fully furnished home. The donor recognized our desire to host, both locally and globally, and this place was perfect. How could this be happening? Someone cared enough about our home in Jerusalem that they would finance the difference between our budget and the price we negotiated with the owner. Miraculous!



But the story doesn’t end here. It still took a while to get into the place; with our money transferring from the States, the fast of Esther and Tom’s classes it became difficult to meet with the owner’s son and lawyer to sign the contract. We finally agreed on a date: March 8^th, Purim. This is the day Jews (and anyone who loves them) everywhere celebrate their victory over the murderous Haman because Esther approached the king, found favor and saved the lives of her people. We were ready to celebrate too! This happened to be a Thursday, which means we rented a car Thursday afternoon and had to have it back by Friday at 2, because the rental car store closes for Shabbat. Tom moved all of our suitcases down three flights of stairs while I packed up the rest of our things (did I mention I had the stomach flu?). We got all of our things moved in one night, which turned out to be a perfect timing because a woman was coming in from Taiwan that evening and had plans to stay at the apartment in Talpiyot where we had just moved out of!



For the first few days in our new place Tom was in shock. I think every few hours he said, “This place is so nice”. I believe the L-rd answered my prayers about a home not for my sake but for Tom’s. He’s worked hard since before we got here to make this move as easy as possible. I know it blesses him to be in a clean, comfortable home and I praise Jesus that He gave it to us in such a miraculous way. Once we moved in we talked with Tom’s family about the place and his sister Susan reminded us of the dream she had right after we left Kansas. She dreamt that we “found a great apartment with the most amazing kitchen.” When she heard the details of the kitchen she exclaimed, “In my dream it had an island and an open floor plan!” What a confirmation of G-d’s plan for us.



Our socks are officially knocked off by this blessing. For years I took for granted how nice my home was; all the little details we spent years working on made it ours and we loved it. Being in a new space is hard, but having the L-rd look after all the details made the transition so much easier. Now we’re beginning to function like we used to (sort of), and we’re even having our first guests over for lunch on Friday! We pray the L-rd uses this space as a refuge not just for us, but for all of His people.



Once again, thank you for your prayers! Just like Esther we can approach the throne of the King and ask for His favor. It doesn’t always look like we want it to, but it is His best for us. Halleljuah!

Home

We found an apartment and signed on it today. It has been warfare getting a home in Jerusalem, and are relieved the search is over. Thank you for your prayers, we know many of you were standing with us through this time. It's a wonderful story of G-d's timing and provision and we will tell you all about it...soon.  We're hoping to move today, so we will be without internet for a while, but will be in touch once we're settled.

Chag Purim Sameach, Happy Purim Holiday!

The Old City

If you haven't heard, we're here! We arrived flawlessly with all of our bags and a little bit of jet lag. The apartment where we're staying temporarily is wonderful and we're fully anticipating a nice place of our own up north soon.

A view from our apartment.
Can you see the sheep on the grass, near the street?

Today we counted our blessings. It was a cool 55' and the sun was out so we hopped on the bus to go into the city. We visited Cassidy's school and it is going to be a nice fit. Jacob's Ladder is a Messianic school run by some amazing women and an Israeli named Jon. The classes are small and the content dense and we believe that in less than a year Cassidy will be a fluent Hebrew speaker.

The Old City's Damascus Gate

We visited the Old City today as well, since it's about a block or so from Cassidy's school. We walked through the crowded Muslim quarter to get to the beautiful Kotel, the Western Wall. Cassidy and I spent some time praying for the first time at the Wall and the L-rd graciously reminded me that He will return here, in power and glory.

Tomorrow we meet with Tom's advisor and then someone affiliated with the school is going to show us some apartments. We're praying the L-rd will show us the right one; what that will look like we don't quite know. But rest assured, we'll fill you in once we know!

Shalom!

Ordination

Last Sunday evening our local congregation, Kingdom Living, and our international covering, Tikkun International, laid hands on us and blessed us by ordaining us into ministry. The wisdom, love and power of the people involved Sunday night is almost unspeakable. Throughout the last 5 years we've journeyed closely with Paul Blake and Eric Simon and others to better understand the importance of Israel, and how G-d desires us to function within His Body of followers. One of Kingdom Living's board members and the man who ordained Paul, Hal Linhardt was there to lay hands on us as well. Additionally, Tikkun America leader and prophet John Glueck laid hands on us and blessed us into the ministry. During the ordination, we could feel the tangible presence of G-d and were filled with encouragement and support from others within the Body of Messiah.

Eric, Hal, John and Paul, with Tom and me

We see how G-d is moving us to Jerusalem, by giving us confirming words, providing a buyer for our home during a difficult market, bringing along men with wisdom concerning the finances (thank you Dad and Brenton!), and providing the finances themselves. Ordination was one more step of commitment that brought along encouragement. They ordained Tom as a teacher, and it's been made apparent that this is what he should be doing as he prepares to give two more teachings this week to groups hungry to connect with the importance of Israel. The L-rd used study to bring hope to Tom in the last two years and he is bearing fruit from that time. His education at UHL will further his own understanding of the Scriptures and will allow him to impart more to others.

It's hard to grasp how much there is to study and learn, yet as Tom gains clarity on one issue he sees another topic to dive into. We're blessed by the partnership of so many and thank you for giving of your time, energy, words and finances. Your partnership with the L-rd and with us makes this all possible. If you have questions or are curious about Tom's studies, please contact us. We can meet with you or send you his thesis, which seems like only the tip of the iceberg now that a few months have passed since he finished it. We are blessed that the L-rd is infinite and that He desires us to know Him. We pray He draws each of you closer to Himself as you journey with us.

3 Years in Israel!

 After much prayer and consultation, we have decided to pursue the 3-year doctoral degree in Jerusalem!  Because of our student-visa, we have the amazing opportunity to be able to live in the Holy Land for 3 years.  Be praying for us as we are still emotionally digesting the reality of being gone for so long.  We are thankful we get to stay longer than a year or so.  Being there for three years means deeper relationships and more opportunities to minister and learn.  Because of the school semesters we will be leaving in February.  Assuming we are able to raise enough support…

As you may have guessed, 3 years also means that we need to raise a lot more money.  As for raising support, we have just added the ability to receive tax-deductible donations online to make it easier for people to partner with us.  When you click on our “Donate Now” button on the right hand side of the screen it takes you to our webpage at Tikkun International and allows you to donate electronically to “Remember Jerusalem”. 

We are so thankful for all the financial support we have received and appreciate your continued prayers for this big life transition; we also need prayer as we consider selling our house.  We experience the L-rd working and moving and wait with anticipation as February is only 5 months away! 

Road to Israel Update

We just heard some big news from the University of Holy Land in Jerusalem – I (Tom) have been accepted into their Doctoral Program!  This is surprising and emotional on many levels.  First of all, to stay in Israel beyond 3 months you must have a special visa.  Dan Juster recommended this school as a way to be able to stay in Israel by obtaining a student visa.  Although I obviously applied to the doctoral program, I did not really think I would be accepted.  So we have a lot to pray about.  We were planning on staying around a year and a half in Israel and trying to also complete a Master’s Degree.  Now we have the option of staying 3 years and completing the doctoral program while also connecting with Tikkun in Israel.  It’s a lot more money to stay that long but it is also a great opportunity.  The extra time would allow us to develop deeper relationships with the Messianic Jewish community and ministries in Israel which is an important aspect of why we are going to Israel.  It would also obviously help our Hebrew language learning by being there longer.  At the same time, it would take us away from our friends and family for longer than we had anticipated.  Please pray the L-rd will speak to us about this big decision and that we will have confirmations of His will.