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

Happy New Year dear friends! I awoke with the Still Small Voice whispering: “I make all things new …!” This thrilled me. The LORD has always given me hope for the ‘can do’ in my life. I want you to have hope and confidence in the new year.  “Cast not away your confidence,  which has great recompense of reward.”    Hebrews 10:35 Remind yourself, that your faith is based upon the faithfulness of our loving Father. All of heaven is behind us and yes, our reality is; 2023 in the Gregorian calendar is ahead and it is unknown territory. But our God, who has created the beginning and the end is here with us! Ask Him for the unshakeable confidence that He IS in control. Right now choose not to allow fear to disturb or destroy your life. You must work to distance fear from your thoughts and emotions. TRUST in the LORD my dear friends as we go through this. That promise is implanted into my life this 2023. It is a new day …