December 2023
Dear Friend of Israel,
What a year 2023 turned out to be! We can certainly say that the year did not turn out like anything we imagined last January. However, there is still reason for hope and for joy. We know that God brings peace on earth, but sometimes He uses people to eradicate evil. Proverbs 25:5 tells us, “Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.” Proverbs 25:26 says, “Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain, is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.”
The Government of Israel is currently filling the position of the Biblical “King” of Israel. They are following God’s commands to wipe out evil and eradicate it from before His throne. The world has become so used to calling evil good and good evil that they are unable to understand that to fight true evil, people are going to get hurt. War is not peace. War is ugly, it is painful, it is not easy. Peace is something we all strive for, but to achieve peace, you must eradicate evil through war. We need to stand with Israel and lift up the Government of Israel continually in prayer, that they will not give way to the wicked. They must succeed in removing the evil of Hamas for all our sakes.
As we enter the Christmas season, we sing songs about silent and holy nights, about God entering earth as a baby to bring peace to all mankind. At this holy time, may we remember that this is the same Holy and Righteous God who commands us not to tolerate evil in our midst. To call out evil for what it is and not disguise it as good, to promote clarity and to seek and identify righteousness. For decades, a culture of lies and double-speak have overtaken us. Even today, Israel is being blamed for the evil that is Hamas. No more. We must be crystal clear – the horrific events of October 7th are the epitome of evil. Hamas showed their true face for all the world to see.
The original Christmas story took place during the reign of an ungodly King Herod, and Israel’s Roman occupiers. Today, we see God is still at work bringing redemption to Israel, by calling the Jews home to resettle and rebuild the land. In Isaiah 57 and 58, God promises to bring restoration to the land and people of Israel. We are witness to that restoration today. God is bringing comfort to the mourners. He is restoring the streets for people to dwell in them. For this, we have much to celebrate.
Israel will win; they will overcome evil; they will rebuild. Thank you for making a choice to stand with Israel, to lift their weary hands and strengthen them in their fight against evil. Every gift you make this holiday season to bless a family whose husband and father are serving at the front, or to purchase vital emergency and surveillance equipment for the communities in greatest danger today, brings light and hope. You can save lives, one person, one family at a time. You can truly make a difference and join the battle against evil. Good must prevail, for all our sakes!
Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas and may we all enjoy a safer, better 2024,
Kimberly Troup
Director, US Office
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities
P.S. Please note that our office number has changed! The 800 number is no longer in service. You can always reach us at the regular office number: 719-683-2041.
