From the JGS Team
“Wasn’t it December 2013 just five minutes ago?” a friend asked the other day. I thought about it for a second or two. And then nodded. Because yes, in some ways, December 2013 feels like all of five minutes ago. See, it’s that time of year. When Christmas trees sprout like wild mushrooms. When, here in Israel, we wipe a year’s worth of dust from the Hanukkiyah for its starring role in Hanukkah. And the sweet smell of sufganiyot (Hanukkah doughnuts) follows you home at night. It’s the time of year we get a little philosophical about the twelve months that were. Perhaps because it’s the end of a chapter. Or maybe because another one is about to start. So we take stock. We ponder. And we hope…
The last twelve months were nothing if not eventful. Especially here in Israel. And perhaps even more so in Jerusalem. As a tiny nation we’ve braved one of the worst conflicts in decades. We’ve staggered under the onslaught of a series of vicious terrorist attacks. We’ve endured a tidal wave of harsh international criticism. All against the backdrop of an uncertain political future. Israel has been through a lot. And we at the Jerusalem Gift Shop have felt the effects. We still do. And will in all probability continue to do so in future.
2014 marked the ten year anniversary of the Jerusalem Gift Shop. We started out with a vision: to build relationships and strengthen ties between Believers in the nations and Israel by providing something tangible from the land. It’s been ten blessed years for which we give all the glory to God. Our customers became our friends, our allies and our supporters. This year the vision that God placed in our hearts grew. Instead of simply offering you something tangible from the land, we wanted to show you the heart, the essence, the sound and taste and truth of Israel. And that’s how News from Jerusalem was born.
Looking back at the year that was for us here at Jerusalem Gift Shop, many words come to mind: exhilarating, blessed, joyous. But also jarring, scary and above all challenging. Because to be brutally honest: the past twelve months have been particularly hard for us. So is this our way of garnering your sympathy? Of stirring your emotions to pity? Actually no. This is our way of asking you to be our brothers and sisters in arms. This is our way of calling you to battle. Because make no mistake about it: the battle is raging. Let me explain.
We’ve faced a particularly forceful onslaught over the past year. With an intensity that we’ve never experienced before. From many different fronts ranging from physical attacks on our home and family to financially, emotionally and mentally. God has been our rock. He protected, provided and strengthened. But we’ve learnt an important lesson: we are engaged in a battle. And because of what we do, we’re within the enemy’s line of fire. But we know that our battle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).
Which is why we are calling on your help. To help us do battle. To stand with us. To strengthen us. How? Simple. By covering us with your prayers.
We know that God fulfils His promises, that He’s true to His word. And we know that Israel and its people are interwoven in those promises. Which is why we believe it so important that Believers the world over have an insight, an experience and a lifeline to the truth and beauty of Israel. That is our heart. And regardless of the hardships, the attacks and the troubles, we will not back down.
And that’s why we’re asking for your prayers. For wisdom, vision, protection, provision and joy. The battle is raging. And we are calling on you to do battle with us.
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