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Still Small Voice – War, Day 10 / October 16th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings
My son David’s first post from Jerusalem, which shows missiles coming right over his house on the first day of the attack

Dear Friends who love Israel and pray:

5084, we were cautioned, would be a year of shock and amazement. This is an Israeli reality as of last Shabbat Oct 7th, when Israel was attacked and the south was overrun from 6:30 a.m. onwards. 1,300 Israelis were confirmed slaughtered. Hamas is trying now to distance itself from atrocities being discovered by soldiers in the south. This slaughter hearkens back to the Holocaust.

“Greater love has no man, than he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

“These are the days of depravity by Hamas against Israeli civilians in the most unimaginable way.”

Anthony Blinken USA Secretary of State, USA

For any Israeli, it is a time of emotional whiplash. One minute we are praying and beseeching heaven, the next we are crying anxiously, feeling alone. We struggle to rest, then fall into an exhausted sleep. Yes, we continue praising through our tears, not speaking of the tragedies, and working to encourage family and friends on the ground in Israel. We all work to harness our anger and outrage. We Israelis are working overtime to help out and succor others in any way possible. David, our eldest said, “It’s harder to be out of Israel at this time.” I have to agree because Israel is one big family and I am an Israeli mother and grandmother.

Of course, you have heard of the atrocities committed in South Israel on Oct 7th, a Shabbat.  Elderly down to babies were shot or murdered, many in their beds. 1,300 souls – the worst since the Holocaust. The ongoing Hamas onslaught continues to be felt all across Israel. Hamas missiles continue to land across Israel’s North, Central, South and Jerusalem. With the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza, and a ground offensive, we pray for innocent Palestinians of course. 

I write now as a mother. Last night, the distress of our children and grandchildren in Jerusalem shook us all. It is a fight for survival. I heard my children lament as never before. A few comment over the phone:

  • We are doing all we can to help out in any way.
  • Gazan civilians are used by Hamas, as human shields, cannon fodder, nothing more! Israel is telling them to flee south. The USA is asking Egypt to open the Egyptian-Gaza border. Hamas has sealed it.
  • “I feel like I missed the boat, not selling our house when we had a chance. We could be living a new life … but now we are caught. We can’t even get out of the country!”
  • “I don’t know whether to keep the door to our building locked, so that no terrorists can enter … but we are still running to the bomb shelter!”
  • “Today in Tel Aviv, my brother and his family ran to the shelter 5 times.”
  • “I am now afraid to walk in our streets …”
  • “Promise,  that you will take us out, if it comes to that …” As a mother, of course I promised!

Facts on the Ground:

  • Between 130 – 150 hostages were dragged into Gaza. Among them many Internationals, elderly, pregnant women, teens and babies… Children have been driven through the streets of Gaza, only to be bitten. A little boy is being whipped by another Gazan child. All mean to break the hearts of Israelis by Hamas.
  • Every family is affected. In my son’s apartment building, one gentleman is sitting Sheva for a son killed. Across the street, the green grocer lost his son. Our Israeli grandson 23 years, has four missing friends, either dead or taken hostage. But they don’t sit around and moan, they are all helping out in some way and funds are coming in from local Israeli people to support the suffering.
  • I spoke with senior Israeli family tonight, both former IDF officers in the 60’s. They both feel ‘scared’ for the first time ever in Israel. 
  • Israelis have been ordered to carry fire arms at ALL times. The days are perilous. No one can be trusted. From mosques all over Israel, the I-mans have instructed all Muslims to attack their local Jews.
  • Hamas missiles are now hitting Jerusalem and hit a mosque in the village just 4 minutes down the road from where we lived. 
  • Irene, my friend in Galilee called with an update on Hizbullah missiles shot into Israel from the Lebanese border. Six Israelis have been killed.. She lives in a wooden house and has no bomb shelter, only a wooden stair case to run to. 

How we Rawlings outside of Israel help in a way we are able. Our 2nd son Chris has resurrected the Israel Vision Website. He has established a GoFundMe -account to assist broken Israeli families. David is on the ground in Jerusalem making video clips in Jerusalem. Here’s the first:  

So far, I have $330 collected for Israeli families. Thank you.

To see further updates go to: israelvision.com. or www.stillsmallvoice.tv or one of the websites’ YouTube channels.

Stay Informed and Inform your local media. Beware of fake news. I have heard some prophecies that are just ridiculous. Be very discerning. Sorry to say, Christians are mostly uninformed.  

  • Choose your news sources wisely: Israeli Channels 11, 12, i24 News, and Y-net directly from Jerusalem are good.
  • The call-up to defend Israel was an astounding 150%.
  • The war is quickly moving into far-reaching international proportions with Iran, USA, and Russia. Israel is becoming more compromised every day. PRAY for survival.

Here is a meditation that you can read in prayer on behalf of Israel:

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near. Will You forget me forever?  How long will You hide Your face from me?  How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all day long?  Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger.  You have been my help. Do not abandon me. The Lord is near all who call upon Him in truth. Do not turn your servant away in anger. You have been my help, do not abandon me or forsake me, O God on my salvation.”

“He will call upon Me and I will answer him. I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you. I am with you always even unto the end of the age.” 

“My soul waits in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.”

Beseeching you to pray for Israelis daily. 

Shalom, Shalom,  Meridel Rawlings

Gmail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com

Share my website with your prayer groups and friends.

David, our eldest son and his family live in the heart of Jerusalem, and enclosed are some short reports:

Making food for the War against Hamas

Please support the families of kidnapped Israelis

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear friends,

I announce with a heavy heart that our family friend’s son has been kidnapped into Gaza by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. His safety and whereabouts are unknown. The family is going through absolute anguish and terror at this moment. I have created a GoFundMe called: “Please help the families of kidnapped Israelis” to help these Israeli families going through this horror. We will support each family that has a loved one missing or kidnapped.  I have volunteers in Israel who will contact each family.

Thank you for your prayers and support!!

Here is the link to the GoFundMe page: “Please help the families of kidnapped Israelis”

Meridel

Still Small Voice -WAR ALERT / Oct. 7th 2023  

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends who care for and pray for Israel:


Today is not only the Sabbath when Jews are at home, it is also the 8th day, and last day of the Feast of Tabernacles.


In Leviticus 23:36 God commanded Israel (in the days of the Temple] to bring an offering by fire on this the last day of the Feast.

Today Psalm 6, is sung in synagogues, but, how does it fit with the Feast? This my friends is a mystery. Our God is all knowing. In Psalm 6, you will read the word “fire” several times. It has been a day of bombing, burning, firing shots, a day of war.

“Blow a shofar-trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm from my holy mountain. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the Day of The LORD is coming. It is close at hand – a day of darkness And gloom, a day of clouds and blackness.”

Joel 2:1-25


Fifty years ago today the Yom Kippur War erupted. This was a carefully planned war against Israel. Yet again today, on the last and 8th day of the Feast Saturday/Sabbath October 7th 2023, terrorists infiltrated at 6:15 a.m. from Gaza, landing via sea in Ashkelon. Others smashed through security barriers in white pick up trucks filled with killers shooting in every direction. Still others came over the border using para-gliders and explosive balloons. Meanwhile thousands of rockets were launched all over Southern Israel, exploding as far away as the hills of Jerusalem. They crashed into Israeli towns, villages and kibbutzim, setting many ablaze.

Our son David and his wife Adi and children Amitai and Liyah, living in the heart of Jerusalem give us updates. They were in their apartment bomb- shelter 4 times between 6:30 and 9:40 a.m. At one point, David climbed up to the roof of the building and took a phone video of one of the incoming rockets. Black plumes of smoke dotted the horizon. Israel’s Iron Dome was is in action to take out as many incoming rockets as possible, but sadly, not all of them. David reports: ”A Muslim call went out to all mosques across Israel ordering their people to: “Take up arms and attack everywhere from house to house. Israeli soldiers and civilians have been taken hostage to Gaza. The bodies of soldiers are among them. As many as 100 citizens, of all ages, tonight are hostages inside of Gaza. Seventeen Nepalese health workers are among them. Israel has amassed, 200,000 troops on the Gaza/Israel border. Many think, hundreds of Israelis are dead even though the Israeli authorities have not released the full numbers. Hundreds are wounded.”

Amitai, our grandson, called to say he spent the night at a friend’s home and his mother drove to get him in the morning. “Grandma, it was so dark and dreary, really tense and ominous in Jerusalem’s streets.”

Shelly, our son Daniel’s wife here in Greece is in constant touch with her family in Jerusalem. She reports: “Terrorists drove up to our Jerusalem neighborhood, and spread out from house to house. All doors were kept locked. In the south entire villages and kibbutzim have been taken by terrorists. The town of Stderot was overrun, and the police station taken over. Killers search house to house, killing old and young alike. To those families who are hiding down in their bomb shelters, Hamas has set their homes on fire seeking to burn them alive.”

“There has been a terrible breach in security from the Prime Minister down to each and every security service. This terrible event is being called a second Yom Kippur War. We need you to make sure that your journalists get the whole truth, that they see the gory, inhuman clips on social media to understand who our enemy is. Write to whoever you can, politicians and journalists alike. Ensure honest reporting.” Sheila Raviv

On Sukkot, The Feast of Tabernacles, we leave our homes to sit outside in a frail little house or succah with only the branches of trees for our roof. This way, one can gaze up at the stars at night and remember WHOSE world we are invited to share. By sitting with loved ones and friends in such humble settings, we learn that our possessions, our homes and even our security, are not lasting. The only One we can ultimately rely upon is our Father in Heaven.


Today is Simchat Torah – The Joy of Torah, but, there will be no celebrations this night and
no dancing with the Torah Scrolls. We have nothing to celebrate. We feel that we
have become “an offering made by fire.” We are in deep mourning for those whom we’ve lost, for the hundreds in hospital, many in critical condition, and for those who saw horrors that no-one should see. Thank you for your prayers for Israel and her many diverse peoples. Please be careful who you donate to at this time, as many scammers are on the move.

Thank you for your prayers for our people. Do not forget the hostages in Gaza, those still under siege, and the wounded and dying. Please share our letter with your church or prayer group. Today, every soul in Israel became a soldier, including our former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet who is literally out on the front lines.

From the desk of Jay and Meridel Rawlings

Still Small Voice – 6. Oktober, 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Liebe Freunde:

Shalom shalom… vollkommener Friede!

Das Laubhüttenfest ist da, mit dem vollen Erntemond, und ja, FREUDE! Unsere Familie freut sich mit unseren Söhnen in Jerusalem, Finnland und Griechenland. Die Enkelkinder sind in Jerusalem, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dänemark und Helsinki! Es ist die Zeit des Erntedankfestes, welches auch viele Kanadier mit einem Truthahn-Essen feiern. Wir sind gesegnet, in Jerusalem dabei gewesen zu sein, als Merv und Merla Watson die christliche Feier des Laubhüttenfestes zusammen mit der Eröffnung der Internationalen Christlichen Botschaft Jerusalem einführten. Wir feierten auf dem Gelände der anglikanischen Schule, damals im Jahr 1980. Heute lobt die internationale israelische Presse, dass auch in diesem Jahr wieder Tausende von christlichen Pilgern nach Jerusalem gekommen sind. Es war die
göttliche Zeit von Vater Gott, auf prophetische und tiefgründige Weise zu wirken. Wie gut, dass wir ein Teil davon waren. Jay und ich waren für die Medien verantwortlich. Da wir Israelis sind, haben wir immer daran gearbeitet, unsere eigene Sukka (Laubhütte) im Garten zu errichten. Wir luden Freunde und Nachbarn ein, um gemeinsam zu feiern. Hier in Griechenland kennt man das Fest nicht, aber wir feiern es trotzdem. Josh hat dieses Jahr die Palm- und Olivenzweige für unsere bescheidene Sukka geschnitten!

Aber wir dürfen nicht vergessen, dass sich das Leben in einem Augenblick ändern kann! Bei mir war das am 28. August dieses Jahres der Fall, als mein Herz einfach aufgab. Zu dieser Zeit besuchten Jay und ich unseren Freund in Galiläa. Später sagte Jay: “Ich weigerte mich, die nackte Realität vor mir zu akzeptieren und packte sozusagen deine Füße, um dich davon abzuhalten, nach oben zu gehen. «Jeschua”, rief ich, “KOMM!”.

Irene war ebenfalls sofort in Alarmbereitschaft und rief “Jesus” und betete! Sie übergaben die unmögliche Situation, in der sie sich befanden, der absoluten Barmherzigkeit unseres HERRN und Erlösers Jesus! Sie ließen im Gebet nicht locker… bis ich wieder normal atmete, ein Beweis dafür, dass mein Leben zurückgekehrt war.

Wenn ich zurückblicke, bin ich ziemlich sprachlos, denn ich habe mein neues Leben nicht verdient. Ihr könnt Euch die Dankbarkeit vorstellen, welche immer wieder in mir aufsteigt. Zu dieser Zeit waren Jay, Josh und ich von April bis August in Jerusalem beschäftigt. Es war vielleicht die stressigste Zeit in unserem Leben. Wir waren auch traurig und verärgert über die fragwürdigen politischen und religiösen
Veränderungen, welche sich in Israel vollzogen. Unser Haus wurde verkauft, Jerusalem Vistas geschlossen.

Ich danke dem HERRN für Jay, meinen Ehemann seit 55 Jahren, (wir waren zwei Jahre lang verlobt, während ich in Indien war und er in Toronto studierte. Irene und ich waren zusammen Krankenpflegeschüler, welche wir vor etwa 63 Jahren in der nordkanadischen Stadt Edmonton besuchten. Auch sie wurde nach Israel berufen). Unser offizieller Ruhestand begann im August dieses Jahres, als wir mit einem Aufenthaltsvisum nach Griechenland zurückkehrten. Nach meiner Rückkehr ging ich zu einem Kardiologen hier. Als er meine EKGs sah, meldete er mich sofort im Metropolitan Hospital in Athen an, damit ich einen Herzschrittmacher erhalten konnte. Alles in allem war es eine Tortur, schmerzhaft und kompliziert. Fragt mich nicht, warum? Jay und Josh haben sich so liebevoll um mich gekümmert. Auch unsere Kinder waren eine große Ermutigung.

Ich danke Euch von ganzem Herzen für Eure liebevollen Rückmeldungen und Gebete, ermutigenden Nachrichten über What’s App, E-Mails, Telefonanrufe und Spenden zur Deckung der Kosten. Wir haben jetzt unsere griechische Krankenversicherung erhalten. Es hat mich sehr gefreut, von jedem einzelnen von Euch zu hören. Ich warte darauf, persönliche Nachrichten zu beantworten, sobald ich mehr Kraft habe.

Der Weg der Gerechtigkeit ist Leben, und auf seinem Pfad gibt es keinen Tod [sondern Unsterblichkeit, ewiges Leben].

Johannes 3:16, 4:36, 8:51,11:26, 1 Kor.15:54, Gal 6:8.

Jeden Segen von unserem Haus zu Eurem.
Jay und Meridel Rawlings.
E-Mail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com
Meridel Rawlings, P O Box 47554, Ermioni, 210 51, Griechenland.

Still Small Voice – October 5th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends:

Shalom, shalom… perfect peace!

The Feast of Tabernacles is here, with the full harvest moon, and yes, JOY! Our family are rejoicing with our sons in Jerusalem, Finland and Greece. The grandchildren are in Jerusalem, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Denmark, and Helsinki! It is the season of Thanksgiving, as so many Canadians also celebrate with turkey dinners. We are blessed to have been ‘there’ in Jerusalem, when Merv and Merla Watson inaugurated the Christian Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in concert with the opening of The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. We celebrated on the grounds of the Anglican School, back then in 1980. Today the Israeli international press are praising the coming up to Jerusalem of thousands of Christian pilgrims again this year. It was Father God’s divine time to move in the prophetic in profound ways. How good it was to have been a part of it all. Jay and I were in charge of media.  Being Israelis, we always worked to put up our own succah in the garden. We invited friends and neighbors in to fellowship. Here in Greece, the Feast is unheard of; but we celebrate anyway. Josh cut the palm and olive branches for our humble succah this year!

But, let us remember that life can change in a moment! It did for me on August 28th this year, when, my heart simply gave out. At the time, Jay and I were visiting, our friend in Galilee. Later, Jay said, “I refused to accept the stark reality in front of me and grabbed your feet (so to speak) to keep you from going up. Yeshua,” I shouted, “COME!”

Irene also instantly on the alert cried out “Jesus” and prayed!

They gave the impossible situation before them into the absolute mercy of our LORD and Saviour Jesus! They would not let go in prayer …  until I was breathing normally again, evidence that my life had returned.

Looking back, I am quite dumbfounded, and did nothing to deserve my new life. You can imagine the gratefulness that continually wells up within me. At the time, Jay, Josh and I were busy in Jerusalem from April to August. It was perhaps the most stressful time in our lives. We were also saddened and exasperated by the dubious political and religious changes sweeping over Israel. Our home sold, Jerusalem Vistas closed.

I thank the LORD for Jay, my husband of 55 years, (we were engaged for two years, while I was in India, and he in grad school in Toronto. Irene and I were nursing students together, which began some 63 years ago in the northern Canadian city of Edmonton. She also was called to Israel.

Our official retirement began this August, when we returned to Greece with residency visas. Upon return, I saw a cardiologist here. Seeing my ECGs, immediately he booked me into the Metropolitan Hospital in Athens to receive a pacemaker. All in all it was an ordeal, painful and complicated. Don’t ask me why. Jay and Josh nursed me so lovingly. Our children were a huge encouragement as well.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loving responses of prayer, encouraging messages via WhatsApp app, email, phone calls and gifts to help defray costs. We now have our Greek medical insurance.

It was joyful hearing from each one of you. I wait to answer any personal messages when I have more strength.

The way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death [but immortality, eternal life.]

John 3:16, 4:36, 8:51,11:26, 1 Cor15:54, Gal 6:8.

Every blessing from our home to yours.

Jay and Meridel Rawlings.

Email: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com

Meridel Rawlings, P O Box 47554, Ermioni, 210  51, Greece.

Dr. Jay Rawlings – 4. September 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Schalom liebe Freunde

Da Ihr nun schon seit über einem Monat nichts mehr von Meridel und ihrem Blog Still Small Voice gehört habt, hielt ich es für angebracht, Euch den Grund dafür mitzuteilen und um Gebet für sie zu bitten.

Am 28. Juli erlitt Meridel einen plötzlichen Herzstillstand – Herzinfarkt.

SIE WAR GERADE DABEI, IHREN NEWSLETTER “STILL SMALL VOICE” ZU VERFASSEN

ALS SIE RIEF: “JAY ICH BRAUCHE DEINE HILFE, WEIL ICH NICHTS MEHR SEHEN KANN”!

ICH EILTE ZU IHR HINÜBER UND SAH, DASS SIE DAS BEWUSSTSEIN VERLOR. ALS ICH IHREN PULS FÜHLTE, KONNTE ICH KEINEN FINDEN. DANN TASTETE ICH NACH IHRER HALSSCHLAGADER UNTER DEM KINN. NICHTS!

Ihr Kopf fiel nach vorne, ihr Gesicht war kreidebleich und ihre haselnussbraunen Augen wurden blau. Wir riefen Jeschua im Gebet an, um den Geist des Todes zu vertreiben, und baten den Herrn Jesus, sie wieder zum Leben zu erwecken. Nach einigen Minuten begann sie langsam und schwer zu atmen, als würde sie schnarchen, und öffnete allmählich ihre Augen. Sie konnte nicht sprechen, aber sie blinzelte und wir alle beteten im Heiligen Geist, einschließlich Meridel, BIS IHR LEBEN ZU IHR ZURÜCKKAM.

DANN ERBRACH SIE UND SCHLIEF, NACHDEM SIE SICH INS BETT GELEGT HATTE, ETWA 15 STUNDEN LANG.

AM NÄCHSTEN TAG BRACHTEN WIR SIE IN DIE ÖRTLICHE GESUNDHEITSKLINIK. DORT UNTERZOG DIE ÄRZTIN SIE EINER EKG-UNTERSUCHUNG UND MEINTE, SIE HABE WAHRSCHEINLICH EINE BLASENENTZÜNDUNG. DAS KAM UNS SELTSAM VOR, UND ES STELLTE SICH HERAUS, DASS DAS NICHT DER FALL WAR. DER ÄRZTIN SAGTE: “IHRE VORGESCHICHTE INTERESSIERT MICH NICHT”.

EINIGE TAGE SPÄTER GINGEN WIR WIEDER HIN UND DERSELBE ÄRZTIN MACHTE EIN WEITERES EKG. SIE STELLTE FEST, DASS MERIDEL KEINE BLASENENTZÜNDUNG HATTE.

AM NÄCHSTEN TAG FLOGEN WIR JEDOCH NACH GRIECHENLAND UND ICH BRACHTE SIE SOFORT ZU MEINEM KARDIOLOGEN, DER SOFORT FESTSTELLTE, DASS SIE EINEN SCHRITTMACHER BRAUCHT.

SO HABEN WIR AM DIENSTAG, DEM 5. SEPTEMBER, EINEN TERMIN FÜR DIE IMPLANTATION EINES SCHRITTMACHERS DURCH EINEN TOP-KARDIOLOGEN CHIRURG IN EINEM SPITAL IN ATHEN (durch eine Komödie von Irrtümern haben wir zur Zeit keine Krankenversicherung, da die Gesellschaft uns heute mitteilte, dass sie Meridel nicht versichern werden, weil sie über 70 Jahre alt ist).

SIE IST SEHR SCHWACH UND SCHWINDLIG UND IHR IST OFT SOGAR NACH DEM TRINKEN VON WASSER ÜBEL.

WIR VERTRAUEN AUF DEN HERRN, DASS DER HERZSCHRITTMACHER DIE BEUNRUHIGENDEN SYMPTOME BESEITIGEN UND EINEN RÜCKFALL VERHINDERN WIRD.

WENN ES IHR WIEDER BESSER GEHT, HOFFT SIE, DEN BRIEF MIT DER STILLEN KLEINEN STIMME WIEDER AUFNEHMEN ZU KÖNNEN.

DANKE FÜR EURE GEBETE,

AUFRICHTIG IN YESHUA.

JAY

Still Small Voice – Update

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Shalom dear friends,

Since you have not heard from Meridel and her Still Small Voice blog for over a month now I felt it would be appropriate to let you know why and to ask for prayer for her.


On the 28th of July Meridel suffered a sudden heart stoppage – heart attack.


SHE WAS COMPOSING HER STILL SMALL VOICE NEWSLETTER WHEN SHE CRIED OUT, “JAY I NEED YOUR HELP BECAUSE I CAN’T SEE”!

I RUSHED OVER TO WHERE SHE WAS SITTING AND SAW THAT SHE WAS LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS. TAKING HER PULSE I COULD NOT FIND ONE. I THEN FELT FOR HER CAROTID ARTERY UNDER THE SIDE OF HER CHIN. NOTHING!


Her head fell forward her face was chalk white and her hazel eyes turned blue. We called out to Yeshua in prayer to rebuke the spirit of death and called on the Lord Jesus to bring her back to life. After some minutes she started to breathe slowly and heavily like snoring and gradually opened her eyes. She couldn’t speak but blinked and we all prayed in the Holy Spirit including Meridel UNTIL HER LIFE CAME BACK TO HER.


SHE THEN VOMITED AND ONCE SETTLED IN BED SHE SLEPT FOR ABOUT 15 HOURS.


THE NEXT DAY WE TOOK HER TO THE LOCAL HEALTH CLINIC. THERE THE DR GAVE HER AN ECG EXAM SAYING SHE LIKELY HAD A BLADDER INFECTION.  THIS SEEMED STRANGE TO US AND TURNED OUT NOT TO BE THE CASE.  THE DR  SAID ” I’M NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR  HISTORY”.


SEVERAL DAYS LATER WE WENT BACK AND THE SAME DR DID A FOLLOW-UP ECG. SHE PICKED UP THAT MERIDEL DID NOT HAVE A BLADDER INFECTION.


HOWEVER, WE LEFT FOR GREECE THE NEXT DAY AND I TOOK HER STRAIGHT AWAY TO MY CARDIOLOGIST AND HE IMMEDIATELY DETERMINED THAT SHE NEEDED A PACEMAKER.
SO ON THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH, WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT FOR HER TO HAVE ONE IMPLANTED BY A TOP CARDIAC SURGEON AT A HOSPITAL IN ATHENS.

(Through a comedy of errors we have no health insurance at this time as the company told us today they won’t insure Meridel because she is over 70. )


SHE IS VERY WEAK DIZZY AND OFTEN NAUSEOUS EVEN AFTER DRINKING WATER.


WE TRUST THE LORD THAT THE PACEMAKER WILL BEGIN TO RESOLVE THE WORRYING SYMPTOMS AND PREVENT A RELAPSE.


WHEN SHE IS WELL ENOUGH SHE HOPES TO RESUME THE STILL SMALL VOICE LETTER

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS,

SINCERELY  IN YESHUA.
JAY 

Still Small Voice – Av 10th 5783, July 28th 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

PHOTO; “Celebration!” Adi Rawlings, in Copenhagen. Photo: David Rawlings

Dear Friends:

“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the day of your visitation.”

Luke 19:41-44

In this verse, Yeshua-Jesus sounded the death knell over the Temple and city 

He loved and would give His life for. No wonder he wept. The rejection then is just as it is here today! What is it going to take to steer this nation toward Redemption? More religious rulings are NOT the answer. Your prayers are needed more than ever before. “How long O LORD, how long?”  

The nail-biting vote removing the word “reasonableness” from a phrase in the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Israel has been struck down. That was on Monday of this week. Painful and hurtful demonstrations nationwide, upsets in every household and foolish vows are made in frustration and anger.

Wednesday evening began the historic day of the remembrance of the destruction of both of Israel’s Temples. Solomon’s in 586 BC and Herod’s in 70 AD which was prophesied by Yeshua-Jesus. Again, shops closed and traffic is minimal as many fast, mourn and pray. All is in slow-motion it seems. Channel 11 on Israeli TV showed a poignant hand-illustrated docudrama on the destruction of the last temple just one generation following the death of Yeshua.

With stunning clarity, I could see similar scenarios depicted across the ages from antiquity, being played out in our neighborhoods and streets for everyone with open eyes to see. We are reliving history in a way. Yes, history does repeat itself. Yeshua lived among the generation of the last destruction. He gave a warning. How fierce an inditement it is to see what happened to the only nation He – The LORD of Glory lived. Here He walked, taught and healed any to call to Him. The majority rejected the love and truth He brought because of their their willful ignorance. They did not deserve HIM.

Do we? What have we done with Him in our nations? Is there one of us who can lift our heads up? We must stand up and be counted before it is too late. Stand up in any way you are capable of. Something small is better than nothing at all.

The First New Law Proposed:

Tuesday of this past week, the government glorying in their triumph, proposed a new law. All Yeshiva (schools that teach Torah and Rabbinical writings) are now to be seen as equally important as the Israel Defence Soldiers, and will receive monthly stipends for their studies. Yes, of course we know, no one is better than another. We also know the secret power of prayer. But, we don’t need government legislation to give us our place.  The way in which it is being put in place is hurtful and divisive. Unbridled religion is a curse, and I don’t care what name it hides in. 

STANDARD AND POOR:

In one of the world’s leading economic authorities Standard and Poor warns that Israel’s Judicial crisis will continue to harm the economy. 

  • Economic growth will slow to 1.5% in 2023. It was 6.5 % in 2022.
  • Doctors’ interest in leaving Israel soars after Reform legislation. Jerusalem Post, July 28th 2023.

Weather in Israel:

“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: he hath no standing grain; the blade shall yield no meal; if so be it yield, strangers shall swallow it up.”

Hosea 8:7

“This July will be the hottest July in history in 120,000 years!”

Jerusalem Post 28/23. Dr. Karsten Hanstein, a climate scientist at Germany’s Leipzig Germany. 

“He  has showed you O man what is good, but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humble with your God.”

Micah 6:8

Living Stones:

Here in Israel and Jerusalem, one is always blessed to encounter most exceptional people. Rachel is one such lady. She is a care giver, a single Mom who works in Jerusalem. She was born of an Italian mother and a father whose generations still live in the ancient Jewish Community of Gibralter. Her ancestors can be traced back to the destruction of the first Temple. Can you even imagine? Only with many untoward situations in her life, did she finally find her way home to Zion.

Speaking of Zion, Psalm 88:5 tells us:

“But of this one born in Zion, it will be said, “This one and that one were born in her.”

Here in Jerusalem, we are very aware of the emotional, spiritual and physical state of the people in the shops, on the roads, and on the streets. There are no smiles anywhere. It is a grim moment in history. Grim. Here are a few snapshots of a handful of some born in Jerusalem called: “Jerusalmeeme – Jerusalemites.”

This weekend, our family and friends are so happy to be celebrating the birthday of Adi, the wife of our eldest son David. See the covering photo. We love her dearly and are very proud of her many accomplishments. She is a choreographer and often invites us to her concerts. For years she enjoyed being on a personal name basis with all of Israel’s Presidents. Her dance groups were always chosen to perform at the Presidential Palace  to dance for visiting dignitaries. 

A Concert in the Midst of Madness: 

Just last week, in the middle of the demonstrations, we attended a concert in downtown Jerusalem, written and choreographed by Arye Korbin. It was a modern Israeli dance performance. To us, the dancers were like wounded machines, making weird inhuman moves, jerky and unnatural. To many of us ‘oldsters’ it was different. Not that it is was improper, just somehow disconnected and disruptive and non-human. Perhaps, a picture of what our world is becoming.

Afterwards, I said to Jay, “In one word I would describe that presentation as Conflict.”

“Tension!” He responded.

I asked others what they thought and heard words like: Because, It was not my cup of tea, and Death.

I spoke to Mr. A. Korbin during the reception, which followed and asked him to describe his work in one word. Without hesitation, he pronounced, “WHY?”

It reminded me of Job asking his ‘why’ questions. I learned that this gentleman has been struggling with brain cancer. I told him that I was praying for him to be completely healed and finish his course in the fullness of strength and joy. Then he looked directly into my eyes, breathed deeply, paused, and grinning quietly said, “Thank you.”

Other dear souls in our family who were born in Zion – Jerusalem are Daniel our youngest son, and grandchildren, Amitai 24, Liyah 19, Ryan Raphael 2.5 years and his little brother Gabriel Victor 4 months. Hallelujah.

A Shabbat Story:

With the extended family seated around the table on summer evening, in the garden, we began. Jay said the many blessings, and of course, blessed the LORD for the wine. Amitai age 4 was given the privilege of offering thanks for the bread.

Everyone thought it was super. Little Liyah age 2 looked on, and was not as impressed. Just, having to have a part, she lifted both of her arms straight up and shouted, “Halleli-lu-li AMEN!” That brought the house down. Then she grabbed the hands of those sitting next to her and began to sing at the top of her lungs, ‘Hiney ma tov, uh ma niyeem … The entire clan burst into heart felt song with ‘… how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’

Today, we choose to give thanks to the MOST HIGH. We never cease to give thanks for Yeshua-Jesus who brought REDEMPTION to earth. This marvellous LIFE is a free gift. It just costs everything! But, it is there for anyone who will take it.  One must have eyes to see and ears to hear. This is where the sweet Still Small Voice comes in.

My you be a blessing in the midst of your family:

Love from Meridel Rawlings and family in Jerusalem.

Your comments and gifts are so appreciated.

Still Small Voice – Av 5th 5783/July 23, 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Dear Friends:

“The heaven declare the glory of God, the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Ps 19:1

Look up! Your redemption is one day closer. This beautiful inspirational painting is by Shelly Bandel in Canada, before she married our youngest son Daniel. 

Israel is in the midst of a crisis. We are beseeching friends around the world to stop what you are doing right now and pray for the PEACE of Jerusalem. We want to see, “Thy Kingdom come as it is in heaven …” A week of intense protests are behind us. Today, the parks of Jerusalem are filled with little silver tents, occupied by protestors who have come up from all over the land. The 3rd and final vote for the “reform” takes place tomorrow. Roads are blocked, tens of thousands of soldiers have refused to serve reserve duty, 1,100 pilots have refused to serve this new government and tomorrow the entire nation will go on strike if this reform is passed. Last night Mr. Netanyahu received a pacemaker. Yes, the stress is costing everyone dearly! 

Retired US attorney Professor Emeritus, Allan Dershowitz said, “These reforms will make Israel into a Democracy like Canada, New Zealand and Australia.”  Israel Unwired July 22nd 2023.

Jesus said: “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on the earth? No, I tell you but rather division … You hypocrites, [play actors. pretenders]! You know how to analyze and intelligently interpret the appearance of the sky [to forecast the weather],  but why do you not intelligently interpret this present time? I say to you, you will not get out of there until you have paid the very last cent.”

Luke 12:51,56, 59.  

When we pray let us ask Jesus to allow us to see things from His perspective, in light of this time in history. First, we must encourage ourselves in the LORD with songs and hymns and spiritual songs! Then we need to make sure our own lamps are filled with oil, and that we are living in a vital honest love relationship with the Master of our souls and our families!  LISTEN for the Still Small Voice and obey. Ask your sister WISDOM, “What do I do with my finances?” Don’t waste time!

There are mighty plans afoot for the city of Jerusalem. One Israeli said, “It is going to be like New York.” The intense build-up here is unbelievable. Thousands of cranes are seen all over the landscape, “building up Zion”. It is unrecognizable compared to the city it was just 5 years ago. The pressure, dialogue, confusion, unrest and disruption are mind-boggling. Many funds are coming to the country to pay for these upheavals. Is it thanks to America?  In concert with this distress which we all suffer under, on the other hand, the Government plans to bring in sweeping change faster than anyone can imagine. Sadly, a Spirit of Fear motivates and rules ordinary Israelis. 

The final vote for the “reform” takes place tomorrow in the Knesset, on the 24th of July. What really undermines one’s peace is knowing that this first reform law to be passed, is just the beginning of what is coming. Unwise members of Mr Netanyahu’s government spouted some of their proposals off in January of this year. It was like throwing oil on hot embers. The Reform hasn’t even started yet!

We are all of the very firm conviction that nothing will turn this new government aside from its ultra-religious sense of destiny now that they are in power. Nothing! So, let us keep our eyes open and watch and pray. BUT never forget: we can rest knowing that it is all in Father God’s hands, and yes, He does sit in the heavens and laugh at the machinations of world leaders. For His alone has the Power and Glory, and He grants it to who He will for a specific time and season to accomplish HIS purposes. We trust HIM above all.  Let Him Judge! Change is upon us!

In closing, please pray to “Our Father” today and tomorrow. We want to be found working with heaven, not against it. “Thy will be done, Thy Kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven.”  All over Israel ordinary people are fasting and praying.

Shvuah Tov – A blessed week,

Meridel Rawlings and Family in Jerusalem.

Friends: It is now Monday afternoon July 24th 2023: The Knesset has voted in favor of the change I have been writing about. 54 to 0. The opposition showed their great disfavor by not even showing up, abstaining completely. None of us ever dreamed that we would see this day.

“It is good to praise God, to sing hymns to Your name, O Most High.”

Psalms 92:2

Still Small Voice – 7. Juli 2023

Published by Meridel Rawlings

Liebe Freunde:

Das Geheimnis für alle ist, die leise, kleine Stimme zu hören.

Jay Rawlings

An meine lieben deutsch- und norwegischsprachigen Freunde: Leider können wir nur  einen Brief pro Monat in Deutsch zu veröffentlichen, dank Myrtha Schumacher. Auch ein großes Dankeschön an Noam Rawlings, meinen Enkel, der Still Small Voice jede Woche auf Youtube veröffentlicht. Aber ich möchte Euch ermutigen, jede Woche meinen englischen Brief anzusehen und ihn mit Eurer Google-Übersetzung zu lesen. Wir brauchen Eure Gebete.

“Bittet, so wird euch gegeben; sucht, so werdet ihr finden; klopft an, so wird euch aufgetan; denn jeder, der bittet, empfängt, und wer sucht, findet; und wer anklopft, dem wird aufgetan. Der HERR erlöst die Seele seiner Knechte; und keiner von denen, die bei ihm ihre Zuflucht nehmen, wird verdammt (verwüstet) werden.”

Matthäus 7:7,8, Psalm 34:22

In meinem Brief diese Woche werden wir uns mit einigen der herzzerreißenden Katastrophen befassen, welche unser Land, Israel, und auch Kanada heimsuchen. Doch zunächst wollen wir König Davids Modell des Lobpreises verwenden, um seine Liebe und Sehnsucht auszudrücken, dem Allmächtigen näher zu kommen, indem wir IHN preisen. Der Lobpreis bringt mich in Berührung mit seiner Größe und erinnert mich immer wieder an das unschätzbare Geschenk meines LEBENS. Heute Morgen verkündete einer meiner Söhne: “Gott, der Herr, hat die Zeit erschaffen, sie ist in seinen Händen, sie gehört ihm, und sein Timing (Zeitmessung) ist nicht unseres, sondern… es ist das Beste. Er ist nie zu spät. Unsere Aufgabe ist es, zu vertrauen und zu gehorchen!” Amen.

“Bei all dem Stress, welcher durch die schnellen Veränderungen in Israel entsteht, wache ich auf und rufe den Herrn an. Ich kann es nicht ändern. Was ist das Leben hier ohne Ihn? Für mich wäre es völlig unmöglich. Das Gebet mit Danksagung durchbricht das schreckliche Gefühl der bangen Vorahnung, welches sich an unsere Nationen in dieser Zeit der Geschichte heranschleicht. Ich möchte Euch ermutigen, einen Teil der Psalmen zu lesen, zusammen mit einem Teil der beiden Bündnisse Gottes. Das ist es, was ich tue, und ich finde immer Trost für den kommenden Tag. Ich verstehe natürlich, dass das nicht immer möglich ist.” Meridel Rawlings

Angst und Chaos innerhalb und außerhalb von Israel:

In dieser Woche stiegen die Temperaturen von 36 auf 43 Grad; eine natürliche Erinnerung an die überhitzten Emotionen, welche als Reaktion auf die Verabschiedung der ersten Lesung der neuen ultra-religiösen Regierungspartei, das Wort “Vernunft” aus dem Protokoll des Obersten Gerichtshofs Israels zu STREICHEN, auf die Straßen übergeschwappt sind. Fragt Euch selbst: WARUM ist die Nation so “unvernünftig” in ihren gewalttätigen Demonstrationen gegen die Streichung dieser “Angemessenheitsklausel”?” Ganz einfach: Die Regierung will neue Gesetze verabschieden, welche kein Gericht boykottieren kann! Meiner bescheidenen Meinung nach fordern sie einen Obersten Gerichtshof, der keine Zähne hat, damit sie ihre ultra-religiöse Agenda durchsetzen können.

Woher kommt dieses Gesetz? WARUM hat es in ganz Israel während des gesamten Jahres 2023 ununterbrochen zu so schwerwiegenden Störungen geführt?

Es stammt aus dem britischen Recht, auf das man sich vor Jahrhunderten berief, und welches Israel bei seiner Gründung als Nation im Jahr 1948 übernahm. Die Internationale Juristenkommission beschreibt “Angemessenheit” als einen Überprüfungsstandard, der von Gerichten häufig verwendet wird, um die Rechtmäßigkeit von Gesetzen und Verordnungen, insbesondere von Grundgesetzen, zu beurteilen. Die Richter werden beurteilen, ob das in Frage gestellte Gesetz oder die vorgeschlagene Praxis gerechtfertigt werden kann. Handelt es sich um Vetternwirtschaft oder um ein Gesetz, das letztlich dem Wohl des Volkes dient?

Unsere Familie ist der Meinung, dass die derzeitige Regierung keine Rechenschaftspflicht verlangt. Wir werden eine Diktatur werden, oder, um es vorsichtiger auszudrücken, eine jüdische Theokratie. Beispiel: Iran ist eine muslimische Theokratie. Ein Beispiel: Diese Regierung will die Gesetze umstoßen, welche jedem Juden, egal welcher Herkunft, die Rückkehr erlauben. Das wird geändert werden! Sie wollen ein orthodoxes Israel, nicht ein vielfältiges.

Es wird versucht, Israel, wie wir es kennen, zu übernehmen, und ist von solcher Bedeutung, dass die Israelis nicht aufgehört haben, viele Male pro Woche auf Plätzen, Brücken und Kreuzungen, wie auch vor den Häusern der Führer, zu demonstrieren. Massen von Menschen schreien auf. Sie glauben, dass dieses Urteil der “Angemessenheit” von den israelischen Gerichten NICHT aufgehoben werden soll. Sie glauben, dass es der gegenwärtigen Koalitionsregierung nicht erlaubt werden kann, uns von der Demokratie wegzuführen. Ihr Plan ist ein Weg, welcher zu ungezügelter Macht führt. Ja, es ist schwierig zu hören und sogar zu glauben, denn die meisten meiner christlichen Leser verehren Herrn Netanjahu. Freunde, bitte entschuldigt mich, Ihr versteht es einfach nicht! Bitte betet, ich hoffe, ich liege falsch!

Es folgt ein weiterer Teil der Gesellschaft, welcher protestiert: Seit Januar finden wöchentlich Unruhen statt. Diese Woche wurden der Ben-Gurion-Flughafen und die wichtigsten Autobahnen blockiert. Es scheint kein Ende zu geben. Trotz alledem bewegt sich unsere Regierung weiter in Richtung Justizreform. Die meisten Demonstranten sind der Meinung: “Die Agenda der Regierung ist alarmierend und erschreckend und beinhaltet einen jüdischen, ultra-religiösen Staat, welcher auf jüdischer Vorherrschaft basiert. Es wird keine Rechte für Frauen, LGBT-Menschen und andere Minderheiten geben. Es wird die Einverleibung der Gebiete und die Apartheid beinhalten.”

Ja, quer durch unser Land verfolgt die Angst Haus um Haus, die Angst vor dem Verlust der Zukunft und der Demokratie. Bitte nehmt Israel in Eure Gebete auf. Gottes Verheißungen sind groß und herrlich … aber er braucht gehorsame Diener auf allen Ebenen der Gesellschaft, angefangen bei der Spitze!

Nachrichten-Junkies:

Israelis sind auf die Nachrichten fixiert, und das bringt keine Ruhe in das sonst so schon anstrengende und unter Druck stehende Leben hier. Der Bus- und der Taxifahrer schalten die Nachrichten stündlich lauter, wenn sie kommen. Die Bürger tragen ihre Handys bei sich und benutzen sie 24/7 in jeder freien Minute. Innerhalb Israels gibt es ununterbrochen Terroranschläge. Die Probleme in der Palästinensischen Autonomiebehörde nehmen zu. Die Rolle der Armee in der Reaktion darauf führt nur zu mehr Schmerz. Wir waren in einer Apotheke in der Altstadt von Jerusalem und die Person, welche uns bediente, war sehr lautstark. “Es gibt viele Katastrophen rund um die Welt, aber hier sind die Menschen die Katastrophe… schließlich haben sie Jesus getötet!”

In Westjerusalem hält die Spannung an. Die Straßen sind gefährlich, da Wut, Ungeduld und Frustration die meisten Fahrer zu beherrschen scheinen. Besonders intolerant und unhöflich sind sie gegenüber älteren Fahrern. Ein Taxifahrer schnitt uns den Weg ab und beschimpfte uns, weil wir ihn aufhielten. Wut und Ungeduld herrschen auf den Straßen. Was ist aus unserer Heimat geworden?

Kanadische Kinder im Visier:

Da ich viele Jahre meines Lebens der Arbeit mit Kindern aller Altersgruppen gewidmet habe, die durch sexuellen Missbrauch geschädigt wurden, möchte ich Euch wissen lassen, dass unsere Kinder in Kanada einem grausamen Angriff durch eine wütende «woke» Regierungsagenda ausgesetzt sind. Erst diese Woche wurden in mehreren Klassen der Jahrgangsstufe 9 im ganzen Land eindeutige Sexkarten verteilt. Sie sind obszön und bringen einem zum Erbrechen. WENN Ihr Zeit habt, könnt Ihr meine Referenz auf Rebel Nachrichten in Kanada (rebel news Canada) finden. Die einzigen Demonstranten, welche ich gefunden habe, sind Rebel Nachrichten, welche von Herrn Trudeau (natürlich) gehasst werden und ein paar mutigen muslimischen Eltern in Calgary, Alberta, welche in der Innenstadt stehen und laut rufen: “Lasst unsere Kinder in Ruhe!”

Ich persönlich habe über 30 Jahre lang intensiv auf dem Gebiet des sexuellen Missbrauchs gearbeitet. Ich freue mich sehr, sagen zu können, dass mir in der Schweiz und in Deutschland die meisten offenen Türen angeboten wurden. 2017 haben wir, Still Small Voice und Jerusalem Vistas, gemeinsam den Film CAN: You Can Make a Difference erstellt: (CAN Du kannst den Unterschied machen). Gleichzeitig gründeten wir in Kathmandu, Nepal, eine Non-Profit-NGO zur Jagd auf Pädophile und zur Unterstützung der Opfer. Unsere Adoptivtochter in Nepal setzt diese Arbeit fort. Wenn Ihr spenden möchtet, tut das, und vermerkt: alle Spenden für CAN. Mein Buch, welches die Familien Geschichte des Inzests nachzeichnet, ist immer noch auf Amazon erhältlich: Stain Remover von Dr. Meridel Rawlings.

Klicken Sie hier, um zu lesen, was kanadische Schulen tun

“Ein Geschlecht rühme dem anderen deine Werke und verkündige deine mächtigen Taten”.

Psalm 145:4


Ich glaube, das ist ein Grund, warum wir dazu erzogen wurden, in dieser Generation zu leben!

Damit möchte ich schließen. Ich danke Euch für Eure Kommentare.

 Wir danken Euch für Ihre Gebete für das krisengeschüttelte Israel

 und die vom Kinderhandel betroffenen Kinder in aller Welt.

Wenn Ihr helfen könnt, dann tut das bitte.

Meridel Rawlings und Familie.