Dear Friends: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did as he pleased.” Judges 17:6 Concerning Israel, today, no news is good news. All we hear is confusion, accusations and hatred.  How can we be blessed? Jay observes that it harkens back to the time of the Judges when the people demanded a King. I am afraid we are in for some very very dark days. One side loves to blame the other, and no one has all of the answers, yet there is NO willingness for negotiation brother to brother. We are in dire need of a wake-up call immediately before the situation escalates into civil war.  “… Dispense true justice,, practice kindness and compassion to each other and do not oppress or exploit the widow or the fatherless, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise or even imagine evil in your hearts against one another.”   Zechariah 7:9,10. The above order came through Zechariah as he encouraged 50,000 returned exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. They had to …

Shalom, dear Friends,  During Purim which was a few days ago, we do fun stuff. Refusing to be paralyzed when faced with darkness is really the essence of the story of Queen Esther; along with the ability to use great wisdom and unify the people in your world.  Allow me, at this time, to introduce you to Daniel’s wife Shelly, an Israeli/Canadian. In Hebrew, she is our hen, which means grace. God meant for the women in families to be friends and family at the same time. We are meant to be close, loving and supportive! Jay and I are very proud of Shelly for holding her ground and speaking out in Hebrew and English. So friends, watch! I hope you will laugh along with us as Shelly does her Purim spoof: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS8QxAJkh/ 2023: the year of TRUTH for humanity “You may think you can break the divine and human law, but you will only break yourself.”   Judge Pascal Najidi The Earthquake is here!  For the millions who have been terribly compromised by the Covid …

Shalom dear friends, one and all: Did you know that Israel has a special day dedicated to family? This past Tuesday, families across the country spent the day focusing on and celebrating the special bond that is family. Children, especially in kindergartens, created art projects and brought family photos to share with their friends. Many families plan special after-school activities to celebrate the day together. Our family took off to the Negev desert to see the immense carpets of the ruby red ‘rose of Sharon’. Israel: Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem … and “we weep with great love for Zion.” Psalm 137: 1-5. It is a time of great controversy. I suggest, Noa Tishby’s 2021 book, Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth. It is a “wonderful read” especially at this very difficult time internally for the nation and her people. Thank you for your prayers. History comes to Life during Purim:  The Jewish people have faithfully kept the Biblical Feast down through the annuals of history. This week …

Dear Friends:  Man can be so discouraging at times. Aren’t the wars and rumours of war, along with the hurricanes, earthquakes, and cyclones enough disasters today? Man has the need to impose far greater tragedies of his own making. I am referring now to the judicial reforms rapidly taking place in Israel. Will they result in a better democracy in Israel or a failed democracy? Please stay with me, as I try to  express how we are grappling as a family with the changes.  “And he spake a parable unto them to this end,   that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”   Luke 18:1 I sit down to write, and I am uneasy, restless and wondering. Confusion tries to cloud my mind. The future of my nation (Israel) seems so dark. Has it been hijacked? I resist the  awful sense of heaviness and try to see the pros and cons of Israel’s new government  from both sides. So, what is happening? The ultimate example of democracy at work is  seen on …

Shalom, Dear Friends:  My heart is warmed, hearing from you. Let’s take a moment for a cup of tea or coffee.   We are exhorted to “have faith”. Not to “try” faith. These have been days of heartache for all people, and we need inner strength. What better response can there be but, prayer and the firm knowledge that “this IS my Father’s world!” I dig deeper into God to gain courage to stand steady. Reading Biblical passages out loud helps so much too. It  is calming and gives wisdom and understanding. There are no surprises in heaven.  I am praying for you to grow in this season, in spite of every obstacle. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”     Philosopher George Santayana I got a big response to the historical video on America’s role in World War II. Pass it on friends.  We are experiencing a world of the surprising and unexpected. For example:  Israel’s new right government has most people shaking their heads if they even pay attention. …

My Dear Friends: “I pray that the healing rains  this week could wash away our spiritual and political predicament … to say nothing of the blood being spilt upon our land.” Meridel Rawlings I have been weeping and praying as Jay and I have busily gone about Israel on business. Just seeing and sensing the stress here, breaks my heart. Israelis are being squeezed out of shape. Some say, a sledgehammer has come down not the Judge’s gavel! One dear friend of 45 years here said, “We have never seen it like this.” It is written: “For my people have been taken away for nothing,  and those who rule them, mock. And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. How beautiful on the mountains  are the feet of those who bring good news … But as the days of Noah were,  so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,  And deep darkness the people;  But the LORD will arise over you,  And His …

Dear Friends: “For Zion’s sake, I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns.” Isaiah 62:1. “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, …” Isaiah 62:6,7 I sent you a mail on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and on that day an ugly terror attack took place in Jerusalem killing 7 souls and wounding 10 as they came out of their synagogue after service.  I know that you may not get this information. I recommend The Watchman to be informed and for prayer. Thank you.  Sincerely,  Meridel Rawlings  Donate to us directly: Royal Bank of Canada Branch 04130 Account: 547 3152  in favour of John & Meridel Rawlings