My dear friends who pray:
Allow me to quote from Paul’s first letter. 
Greece was divided into two Roman provinces. The northern region was called Macedonia and the southern, Achaia. Thessalonica was an important seaport and was the capital city of Macedonia. They welcomed Paul with open arms. “We give thanks for you brothers and sisters, because your faith is growing ever greater, and the unselfish love of each one of you toward one another is continually increasing.”   Thessalonians 1:3 

This kind of agape-love,  means, ‘brotherly love’; caring for one another. Jesus said: “You will know them by their love.” That is the true sign of a believer. Many times we have given thanks here for the strength of the Greek Orthodox Church. that has faithfully preserved the church for 2,000 years. Many of the believers who have befriended us, pray for Israel, “Because, Jesus was a Jew!”
Are you watching the unfolding events in the Middle East? If you are a prayer warrior … you are!
Do you realize this cease-fire was demanded by the perpetrator Iran? Hamas’s release of a few hostages is an emotional ploy to gain world sympathy. It is not good for Israel in the long run. 
Let me explain. Israel will do anything to save lives. They are a moral army, who go to great lengths to save lives, whether Jew or non-Jew. Hamas is using this ‘ceasefire’ to regroup and restock supplies. Israel was winning, so they had to stop it with the help of the nations. Right now, hundreds of trucks are going into Gaza from Egypt to resupply them with what they need. No, everything will all go to Hamas, the Palestinian people’s needs have never mattered to them. 
Yes, we are so grateful to see one complete Israeli family reunited and a father hug his little 9-year-old son and the elderly ladies. But what about ALL of the other hostages? And why are there NO details of the others locked inside? What about those who have died? Hamas has broken the Geneva Convention over and over again. They move now with the world’s backing led by the UN. Israel is releasing 150 convicted prisoners, in exchange for 12 or 13 Israelis a day for 4 days.
There seems to be no end to the suffering Israel is being put through. Where there were riots non-stop this summer, today, we see servant people. Israelis are standing shoulder to shoulder helping out in any way they possibly can. This has always been the secret of Israel’s strength, and look how they are calling upon the Name Above All Names! 
Make no mistake, this wicked war against Evil is using every means possible to discourage every household in the nation. The Palestinians in Gaza have been victimized for years now as well. 

I am reminded of the chaos that reigned when we were in Israel from April to August this year. Just seeing the glum, desperate faces of the people on the streets and in the stores, was heartbreaking. There were riots every night against the proposed reforms of this ultra-orthodox government. There is so much that will be dealt with that went on behind the scenes when this bloody conflict is over. Israel was asleep at the switch on every level.  I believe the grief cost me, my old life. But all praise to the LORD Jesus who heard the prayers of Jay and my best friend Irene and Ilana. What the enemy stole, He gave back. I am alive and well. Hallelujah. 

Everything changed on October 7th, the last day of the ‘great’ Feast of Tabernacles-Simchat Torah. (the joy of Torah) 1,200 souls were ripped and torn out of their families and homes. Over 300 IDF soldiers died trying to rescue them. It was hell on earth, and quite frankly still is.
From the sidelines, our call is to prayer, 24/7. I am sure you are also waking in the night to heart-wrenching dreams and thoughts of what the hostages are facing non-stop. There is no rest, by design of this vicious enemy. Israel’s Ambassador to Italy said it all with regard to this 4-day cease-fire, and the exchange of hostages. “It is a deal with the devil.” Iran is the arch-controller. They arm their proxies to orchestrate it all. Hamas is a puppet, and disobedient at that!  How powerful ‘darkness’ must feel? My heart quakes. But we have consolation.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives and He shall stand at last on the earth.”  Job 19:25.
Job lived to experience overwhelming restoration, and by God’s grace, so will Israel.
“AM ISRAEL HAI!  THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL LIVE!”

With love and prayer; Meridel Rawlings.
P.S. I wrote this to my Granddaughter Liyah: “How can I send a little something for Christmas? She responded: “Mom Honey, (her and her brother’s name for me) you are so sweet but I really don’t need or want anything. What you can do is mail me a nice Christmascard, I’ve never had one before.”
Love, Liyah.
Her address is: Liyah Rawlings, Ha Malka St #2. Jerusalem, Israel 9362729
Would you consider making this 19-year-old Israeli happy by such a simple act? She applied to go into a top front-line fighting unit with the IDF but was turned down. Thank God she was, or she would be in Gaza today. She is presently serving the 2nd of two years. teaching 7 autistic children. Liyah is a gifted teacher, and real changes are seen in her students. She plans to go on and get a degree in special education.  Tell her who you are.
Thank you so much. Meridel.

Photo at the top by Maayan Nemanov on Unsplash