August 2024
Dear Friend of Israel,
All too often, we fail to appreciate the preciousness of just one second of our lives. The Bible tells us in Psalms 30:6 that God’s anger can come and go in a single moment, indicating that we as human beings have the power to please God in less than a second. However, in the grand tapestry of life, the process of change, particularly on the macro level, typically requires many years of work and introspection. Occasionally, all someone needs are several weeks, or even days, of reflection in which he or she experiences an epiphany motivating him or her to make a change of direction in life.
However, sometimes all we need is one second that can trigger a massive revolutionary change in our lives. Every time we wake up is an opportunity to reflect on how we can use the day in front of us to be a better person. Whenever we are surrounded by our loved ones, all it takes is one second to recognize how grateful we should be to have them in our lives.
Unfortunately, unlike in movies and television shows, life is not accompanied by background music that indicates whenever crucial moments are right around the corner. Sometimes we just miss the boat and can only look back in retrospect at missed opportunities. Other times, we are hit with life-altering experiences and episodes which compel us to take stock of our lives. Thousands of Americans woke up on September 11, 2001, without any inkling that their loved ones would board planes or head to work in downtown Manhattan, never to be seen again. On October 6th of last year, Israelis went to bed not knowing that the very next day, the entire country would be facing an existential war and that thousands of their compatriots would be slaughtered in cold blood with hundreds more taken hostage.
Such events will always remain etched in our memories, and we will never forget where we were and how we were feeling in the moment. With ever mounting challenges facing the United States, both on a societal and geopolitical level, the most recent attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump most assuredly provides all Americans with an opportunity for much needed reflection. As servants of the God of Israel, all of us can use this shocking and horrific incident to remind ourselves not only to hold value in every second of our lives but to always recognize the hand of God at work. Had Trump not turned his head that moment or if the bullet was fired one half an inch more to Trump’s left, the former US president and Republican nominee for president would have been killed.
Shortly after escaping the grip of the Angel of Death, Trump rightfully acknowledged the hand of God, writing on social media: “It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening.” May we seek every opportunity, not only to see God’s hand at work but to use such moments to remind ourselves to make every second of our lives count.
Shalom,
Shmuel Junger
Director
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities
P.S. Enclosed with this letter is our latest Heartland Story, in it you can read how your donations have helped save lives in the community of Migdalim. Thanks to your generosity Migdalim was able to install a new emergency access road. You are truly saving lives in Judea and Samaria! If you would like to host me at your church, home, or other event or gathering, please call Kim at 719-683-2041, she is now booking November 2024 and 2025 events.
Please note that our office number has changed! The 800 number is no longer in service. You can always reach us (the American office) at the regular office number: 719-683-2041.
