Meridel talks about the work that she has done over the years with both Israelis and Palestinians. “People don’t know what to do, but we can pray” for the current situation.
#bringthemback #hamasisisis
You can support our GoFundMe campaign to help the families of kidnapped Israelis here:
https://gofund.me/337091c5
“Shalom Dear Friends and Family,
The tragic and horrendous events continue in Israel. The suffering of innocents on both sides is so desperately sad, it is beyond words. Our website www.israelvision.com is now reopened by our son Chris, in light of the situation. He has established a GoFundMe account earmarked for the survivors of the Israeli families of the hostages held in Gaza. The latest count by Israel is 237.
To participate please go to: https://gofund.me/337091c5
Our son David is in Jerusalem shooting regular video reports. Chris uploads them to: www.israelvision.com and stillsmallvoice
My family is now urging me to meet you weekly for 2-3 minutes via video updates. Looking forward to it. We as a family, thank you for help in this drastic situation.“
With our love and prayers,
Jay
My Dear Friends who Pray:
Thank you, for your communications to us, to our children in Jerusalem and the rest of the tribe in Europe. Quite frankly, I find it impossible to wrap my head around what is happening in Israel. Last night while we sat around the table, our son Chris played this song. Here is the clip, listen carefully to the words in English.
A most interesting conversation followed. I said, “Who is he referring to when he says, ‘You want it darker?’ Is it the Lord? Why?”
“Because, Mom, the world has to get darker before mankind will finally turn to the Flame he refers to as the Light. This is history, only 8 in Noah’s time survived.”
Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Of course! The darkness is becoming darker, and YES, Abba is moving among all nations. Yes, Jews and Palestinians worldwide, but also nations like Canada and Ukraine, Russia and so many more who are experiencing catastrophes at the hands of their leaders. “Nations hang in the balance and are found wanting.” This is all is preparation for the multitudes in the valley of decision. These multitudes are facing death and destruction. If they will call out, I believe they will see the Light. The Flame, Leonard Cohen refers to, I see as the Flame; the very concept of God and Jesus, is still being crucified even as man kills man. Pause and think of that. It all began by disobedience in Eden.
(Chris our 2nd son has spent two weeks with us in Greece and it is a joy to have him with us. He shared a dream while here. “I awoke weeping and in my dream, a little 6 year old boy in Gaza, was clasping his dead mother’s hand while she was being wheeled away on a stretcher. I was up for sometime weeping and praying.”
“We all have our duty, the PM, the War Cabinet, the Army, and the people have their duty and we all take it very seriously.” Visiting guest D. Rappaport
The war between Israel and Gaza grinds on, and we hear that it will go into winter. Israel is living up to her God-given name, of Israel, Prince with God, fierce, and lion-like in battle. Jacob who was a shepherd, is his other nature. He struggled with the Living God in order to be prepared for his role as leader.
We are in touch daily with our son David and his family who live in the heart of Jerusalem. One can sense the strength in their words. “Like everyone else, our hearts are broken, sad, hurting, confused, angry, asking questions, looking for hope, looking for comfort. Israel is a family and with all the pain, we will find strength to win and grow — we are with eternity.” David is just back from being up North on a film shoot. Adi, his wife has opened her dance school, in the beautifully renovated Gerhard Behar Bldg, which sits in the heart of Jerusalem. She has invited the public to come to all of her dance classes free of charge. The response has been overwhelming. She moved two families from the South to a lovely available home in Jerusalem. Here they can rest and enjoy the pleasant garden.
Next she gathered up the toys of well off children, and took them to the hotel in Kibbutz Rachel which is housing 40 families from the South. “Meridel” she said, “I cannot find the adequate words to express what I felt and saw when I walked into the room. It was a world I knew nothing of, but had only heard about. Everyone is still in shock, from the orphaned children, to parents whose children were killed or taken hostage. We fell into each other’s arms. No need for words. I sat with them for a while before leaving. Most of my grandmother’s family perished in Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Here I am, a 2nd generation Sabra, facing it all again. How can that be?” Adi and David and other dear Israeli friends, Dothan and Sivan his wife, will distribute the funds you send to ‘Go Fund Me’. Dothan, has been on the kibbutzim down south helping to identify bodies of the victims.
Liyah, my Israeli granddaughter, is 19 years old and instead of going to the army, she is serving her second year in a Jerusalem school, working specifically with ‘autistic’ children. Sensing the need in her community, she called the local municipality to come and set up a ‘mourners tent’ in the parking lot of their building, for the neighbors who have recently lost loved ones, kibbutzniks and soldiers. The tent came with a large coffee maker, table and chairs. It was full most hours.
The downstairs neighbor lost his son. After sitting the 7 days of mourning he wrote and I quote: “We can choose to elevate or decimate the souls around us. If I draw my attention toward the gruesome photos and non-stop news, it does exactly what terrorism was designed for. It diminishes me. One terrorist in captivity was asked, Why did you rape? He answered, because it dirties them.
Ha Shem (the LORD G-d of Israel) tells us that…
“He knew us before He put us into our mother’s womb.”
Psalm 139
I will connect with ‘the good’ in this life. I will not let those who choose evil defile or dirty me. I choose to elevate all of those around me in this world; to bring His Light. Every evil of terrorism is an attempt to snuff out our given light. After the loss and carnage, we sit quietly for 7 days sometimes alone, sometimes with friends and family. After sharing our sorrows and tears, memories, and even laughter over the good times, we STAND UP on our feet to continue living in Ha Shem’s purpose for each one of us.”
“Our army tactically fights, I tactically pray on their behalf and pour out as much kindness during the day as possible. This keeps my soul clean and allows joy, hope and light to course through the impending darkness. I refuse to allow Evil to dirty me. I AM a ‘Light-bringer’. You can do the same.” By Old Baruch. One of the neighbor’s the Mourners Tent was set up for.
I received this letter from one of our Bible Study group in our synagogue.
“Dear Family and Friends: During these difficult times, we are doing our best to stay strong, busy and positive. Our Synagogue, has provided its members and local community wonderful opportunities to contribute resources, time and energy, and to strengthen each of us with a sense of belonging. The sad truth is: Unfortunately, the government does not provide financial support. Our resources are limited and insufficient, for regular and now war related activities.
We (Norm and Judy), like many others, make huge quantities of egg salad and other things. Every morning at 7 a.m. we put together sandwiches for soldiers and families in hotels, which we are absolutely filled with people who need sufficient food. Soldiers first and those evacuated from the north and south,. We are just one of tens of thousands of programs in need of financial assistance.” Judy and Norm
Officially there are still 237 hostages inside of Gaza. I, Meridel dreamt they were being kept in tunnels under hospitals. In despair I said to Jay. “I don’t know how to pray?” His immediate response brought peace: “Our Father, in heaven, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
May prayer be your outlet for the confusion, sense of anger and helplessness. We must pray for all people and the nations fighting for liberty. Will you join us in praying for the Presence of the LORD to overshadow His people Israel in this filthy war and of course pray for all innocents?
“When we are weak, He is strong.” That is the hope. This is long, but hopefully it will touch your hearts and bring understanding. I end with worship, let it be through our tears.
Love from Meridel and Jay Rawlings.
Meridel Rawlings, Box 47554, Ermioni, 210 51, Greece. meridel.rawlings@gmail.com
Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. I have not called you servants, I have called your friends.”
John 15:15
I LOVE that, and am comforted many times during the day and night, knowing this personally. I highly recommend: “Why not invite Yeshua – Jesus to be your friend?”
Stress and pain bring out the best and worst in us all. I read a good word about ‘not bringing the war into your home.’ That is our work. Fake news is rampant, and slick media people in Qatar with every technology at their fingertips, write for Hamas. Oh yes, perpetuated lies have started. Pray for the Spirit of discernment.
We stay in close touch with loved ones in Israel. We get news from the Source, which is Israel. One characteristic that Israelis seem to have in common is frankness and honesty. But, after hearing the news we find ourselves struggling with impatience. Then comes the argumentative and combative confrontation. Some of us slip over the edge. It is the work of ‘peacemakers’ to bring back a sense of peace. Humor helps enormously along with instant repentance and forgiveness. The atmosphere lightens up immediately. Thank goodness we have family with us right now. The teenagers keep us engaged and light, their antics put us in stitches of laughter. Our best times are often spent enjoying a meal around the kitchen table. We often break out into breathless hysterics because of the antics between three generations. It is such a gift to have our son Chris and his wonderful family to love and hold, share the pain and tears, and enjoy the beauty of Greece, at this most painful and stressful moment in our history.
I take a moment to thank each and every reader for your precious prayers: they are like ointment poured forth. Your positive response be it moral, financial, or verbal in prayer helps in the midst of a worldwide phenomenon called Jew hatred!
Actually, all of heaven is a spectacular world! Look it up and read about it for yourselves. Can you visualize the Throne room of the Potentate of the Universe? Father God knows ALL of history. Our place is to fill those golden bowls on His altar with our prayers of sweet incense until they overflow. (The prayers of the saints?) Under His altar, is this hidden and protected place. Treasured here are the souls of those from generation after generation down through the annals of time who have died at the hands of despots because of who they were. Joining them are Jews who bear the mark of the LORD whose they are because of His Eternal Covenant with them. Their unified cry is: “How long oh LORD GOD!”
Many Christians are confused about God’s mercy, because of a doctrine that does not include the First Covenant, the Old Testament, which is Eternal. Christians are not the only kids on the block. Everything we love and cherish came from the Jew. Never forget it. “To the Jew first …” Paul declared. At this point in history, Israel cannot see Yeshua – Jesus. But never forget that Jews are under the Abrahamic Covenant, whether they believe it or not, it is also an Eternal Covenant relationship, created by the Father. Are you going to argue with Him? I didn’t think so. Pray and stop judging! Of course, there are innocent Palestinians and are they any less loved? NO! Pray and don’t judge. It will all come clear in time. Be careful.
”All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame.”
Isaiah 45:24b
I find it most interesting that directly from Egypt, Moses was instructed to lead his people across the Sea, rather than go into the land of the Philistines just a 10 or 12-day march. Why? They had a poor slave mentality and were no match for what they would face. The Spirit of Murder was already deeply rooted among the local inhabitants in Philistia, even back, 4,000 years ago. Remember when Israel was leaving, Amalek came out to attack the women and children who were walking behind men. The Bible tells us very clearly that this spirit has never changed. Israelis, (Jewish slaves at that time) were instructed from the beginning, to carefully follow the guidelines, even when fighting for our lives and land. Even when the Canaanites chose war over peace, they were instructed to engage in warfare with compassion and mercy. Today, as well, Israel shows tremendous restraint when dealing with enemies, and regrets the loss of life. Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir said in 1973 at the Yom Kippur War, “It is more difficult for me to forgive Egypt for making us kill their soldiers than to forgive them for killing our soldiers.”
Moses was instructed to go to war, God knew the hearts of this enemy. I don’t know if you understand how Midian used sex to try and destroy Israel. It was yet another foe just as deadly.
“Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Let men be picked out from among you for a campaign, and let them fall upon Midi-an to wreak the LORD’S vengeance on Midi-an.”
Numbers 31:3
Sent by an Israeli. “Every missile dropped from Israeli planes requires a chain of command. Israel is not a terrorist nation nor are we the Gazan version of ISIS. We do have a highly organized army. Every bullet, every missile, and every piece of equipment has to be accounted for. Meanwhile inside Gaza, over 500 of Hamas rockets launched have fallen inside of Gaza causing untold damage. The loss of life is horrific, our hearts go out to the ordinary people of Gaza. We have to defend ourselves, they leave us no choice. A recent Israeli video clip caught The IDF filmed a conversation between two members of Hamas at this site. The misfiring of a Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket misfired and landed on a hospital with horrendous results; blaming Israel.
Did you know that 3 days ago, Hamas raided a UNWRA depot (UN facility in Palestinian hands) and confiscated fuel and medicines sent into Gaza by Israel? UNWRA tweeted the fact, sent a communique, and then retracted it because UNWRA hires 99.9% Palestinian workers, everyone except the Director. They are scared of their fate in the hands of Hamas and ISIS too. Did you know that the funding provided by YOUR government doesn’t go to the people of Gaza? It is also commandeered by the ruling class, ISIS in Qatar for fighting troops.
Brainwashed Palestinian Kids:
King Abdullah of Jordan has uninvited President Biden, who visits Israel today. It’s true the US has have spoken long and hard, with President Sisi of Egypt Sisi Both have made it very clear; they will not accept any refugees from Gaza, not even one. President Al-Sisi is, was and probably always will be a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Jordan and Egypt cannot risk importing terrorists. History tells us that this minute dot of land is a crucible of hate. (Gaza)
A week before that fateful day for Israel, October 7th, Shabbat, the Lord told me to start praying for Israel. I told my husband, I didn’t really know what to pray but I muddled through and started to listen to the Holy Spirit’s directions. Then things blew up. You sent the info, and I got educated fast. Thank you so much for your links.
We got your Still Small Voice Blog and felt the wrenching cry of Israelis: We should have left when we had the chance.” We have been praying, especially in the light of feeling an opportunity was missed. God has a purpose for ever Israeli in the land.
We are continuing to pray for Israel every morning in our living room. We are calling it our war room. A friend joined us yesterday. Together we listen to the Holy Spirit and pray accordingly. Yes, I have the list: army protection, freedom for the hostages, good intel, swift retaliation to silence all attacks even FAKE media and finally, this will not escalate into World War III.
The Lord gave my husband a vision of Jesus down on his knees among the rubble of Gaza weeping. Then he was given the scripture before the battle of Jericho in Joshua 5:13-15. Josh asks the man with the drawn sword: “Are you for us or against us?” The answer was. “Neither, I have not come to take sides but to TAKE CHARGE!” I am the Commander of Yahweh’s armies.” Josh knew this was no angel and he threw himself down and worshipped the Living God. He was instructed to take his shoes off just like Moses did at the burning bush. The Lord spoke to us that He grieves and intercedes for ALL souls involved. He has not forgotten those who are pawns under Hamas control. We pray confusion against the commanders of darkness and release angel armies to take charge and direct the army of Israel and go with them just like they went with Joshua’s army to Jericho. We shared with our Church what the Lord had shown us. We all prayed. Unfortunately, you are correct. “Most Christians don’t know how to pray for Israel, because they are just uneducated concerning the history of Israel and the hateful neighborhood”. Now we understand that thIs is precisely where we can help and give understanding of how to pray and battle for souls over this region of the world.
NOTE: If you would like to be in touch with this couple, contact me at my email, see below and I will send it to them.
“Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your Name we give glory. But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer this? For all things are from You and from Your hand we give to You.”
UPDATE about GoFundMe: through SMV, we have received $2,500.
We will see that these funds are delivered personally to broken families in Israel.
David our eldest in Jerusalem will catch some of it on his video blogs. Stay tuned.
Tell Others – SHARE this with your local nightly TV newscaster!
Gmail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com
5084/2023, so wurden wir gewarnt, würde ein Jahr des Schocks und des Staunens sein. Dies ist die israelische Realität, seit dem letzten Schabbat, am 7. Oktober, als Israel angegriffen und der Süden ab 6:30 Uhr morgens überrannt wurde. Es wurde bestätigt, dass 1.300 Israelis abgeschlachtet wurden. Die Hamas versucht nun, sich von den Gräueltaten zu distanzieren, welche von Soldaten im Süden entdeckt wurden. Dieses Gemetzel erinnert an den Holocaust.
“Niemand hat eine größere Liebe, als wenn er sein Leben für seine Freunde hingibt.”
Johannes 15:13
“Dies sind die schrecklichen Tage der Verdorbenheit der Hamas gegenüber der israelischen Zivilibevölkerung, auf unvorstellbare Weise .”
Anthony Blinken, Außenminister der USA
Für jeden Israeli ist dies eine Zeit des emotionalen Schleudertraumas. In der einen Minute beten wir und flehen zum Himmel, in der nächsten weinen wir ängstlich und fühlen uns allein. Wir bemühen uns um Ruhe und fallen dann in einen erschöpften Schlaf. Ja, wir fahren fort, durch unsere Tränen hindurchzubeten, nicht über die Tragödien zu sprechen und unsere Familie und Freunde vor Ort in Israel zu ermutigen. Wir alle arbeiten daran, unsere Wut und Empörung zu zügeln. Wir Israelis machen Überstunden, um anderen auf jede erdenkliche Weise zu helfen und beizustehen. David, unser Ältester, sagte: “Es ist schwieriger, in dieser Zeit nicht in Israel zu sein.” Ich muss ihm zustimmen, denn Israel ist eine große Familie und ich bin eine israelische Mutter und Großmutter.
Natürlich habt Ihr von den Gräueltaten gehört, welche am 7. Oktober, einem Schabbat, in Südisrael begangen wurden? Ältere Menschen bis hinunter zu Säuglingen wurden erschossen oder ermordet, viele in ihren Betten. 1.300 Seelen – das Schlimmste seit dem Holocaust. Der anhaltende Angriff der Hamas ist weiterhin in ganz Israel zu spüren. Die Raketen der Hamas schlagen weiterhin im Norden, im Zentrum und im Süden Israels sowie in Jerusalem ein. Mit der israelischen Bombenkampagne im Gazastreifen und einer Bodenoffensive beten wir natürlich für die unschuldigen Palästinenser.
Ich schreibe jetzt als Mutter. Gestern Abend hat uns alle diese Not unserer Kinder und Enkelkinder in Jerusalem erschüttert. Es ist ein Kampf ums Überleben. Ich habe meine Kinder klagen hören wie nie zuvor. Einige haben sich am Telefon dazu wie folgt geäußert:
Wir, die Rawlings, welche außerhalb von Israel wohnen, helfen, wo wir nur können. Unser zweiter Sohn Chris hat die Israel Vision Website wieder eingerichtet. Er hat ein Go-Fund-Me-Konto (Hilfs-Konto) eingerichtet, um zerstörte israelische Familien zu unterstützen. David ist vor Ort in Jerusalem und dreht Videoclips in Jerusalem. Hier ist der erste:
Noam Rawlings, unser ältester Enkel, postet meinen Brief “Still Small Voice”. Ich habe bereits $330 erhalten. Bis heute für israelische Familien. Danke.
Weitere Aktualisierungen finden Sie unter: YouTube: israelvision.com, oder www.stillsmallvoice.tv
Bleibt auf dem Laufenden und informiert Euch in Euren lokalen Medien. Hütet Euch vor gefälschten Nachrichten. Ich habe einige Prophezeiungen gehört, die einfach lächerlich sind. Seid sehr kritisch. Es tut mir leid, sagen zu müssen, dass Christen meistens nicht informiert sind.
“Sei nicht fern von mir, denn das Unglück ist nahe. Wirst Du mich für immer vergessen?
Wie lange willst Du Dein Gesicht vor mir verbergen?
Wie lange soll ich noch meiner Seele raten und Kummer haben
in meinem Herzen den ganzen Tag lang?
Verbirg dein Antlitz nicht vor mir, wende deinen Knecht nicht im Zorn ab.
Du bist mir eine Hilfe gewesen. Lass mich nicht im Stich.
Der Herr ist nahe allen, die ihn in Wahrheit anrufen.
Wende deinen Knecht nicht im Zorn ab.
Du bist meine Hilfe gewesen, verlass mich nicht und lass mich nicht im Stich, o Gott meines Heils.”
“Er wird zu mir rufen, und ich werde ihm antworten. Ich werde euch nicht als Waisen zurücklassen, sondern ich werde zu euch kommen. Ich bin bei euch alle Tage bis zur Vollendung des Zeitalters.”
“Meine Seele wartet in der Stille auf Gott allein, denn meine Hoffnung ist von ihm.”
Wir bitten Euch, täglich für die Israelis zu beten.
Schalom, schalom, Meridel Rawlings
Gmail: meridel.rawlings@gmail.com
Teilt meine Website mit Euren Gebetsgruppen und Freunden.
David, unser ältester Sohn und seine Familie, leben im Herzen von Jerusalem, und beiliegend sind einige seiner kurzen Video-Reportagen:
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:
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.
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:
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”
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
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.
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.
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.
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
