December 2022
Dear Friend of Israel,
As I look towards the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, I think of the words from Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikva,” which means “The Hope.” “Our eyes look to Zion; our hope is not yet lost. The hope of two thousand years, to be a free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem.” This is a powerful statement, and it holds true today. When all hope seems lost, we can look at the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel and know that God keeps His word. This is especially meaningful when I look at the communities in Judea and Samaria, the Mountains of Israel, and see the literal fulfillment of prophecy unfolding right before my eyes. Hope is not yet lost!
Even though we’ve just come through two hard years, when the world struggled with hopelessness and often felt like all hope was lost, God did not fail. I lost dear friends, some from the virus, some from old age, some because they lost hope and took their own lives. I’m sure you, too, experienced unprecedented loss these past two years. My prayer is that you will be encouraged as I have been by the words from Psalm 121. “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Interestingly, we are told to look up and beyond the circumstances surrounding us, to look “up” for the source of our help. Yet, God who made heaven and earth will not allow our feet to be moved, and He won’t fall asleep. And that promise of protection is tied directly to the nation of Israel. So, as I look at the miracle that is Israel today, I can know with certainty that God will help me. All I need to do is call Him, and He will answer.
Often when God answers our prayer for help, He answers through people. That is true for Israel too. Every time a community has asked for help, you have generously given your time, prayers, and finances to meet those needs. I am so grateful that you listened – that you were the one God used to answer the prayers of those living in the mountains of Israel. Today, you can play a part in God’s plan for Israel coming to life as you help the communities grow. Thank you for being part of their redemption story.
As we enter the holiday seasons celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas and turning our calendars to 2023, I pray that you will look up and find your help comes from the Lord. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Troup
Director, USA Office