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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Juanita Bonde says
You got it Jerusalem Team!
Tom Brennan says
JGS brothers & sisters,
prayers and prayer petitions from the USA. As intensity increases from Israel’s enemies we can take some real relief in knowing that what we all are doing is right! The evil forces do not waste time or effort on pushovers, these malevolent forces throw their weight against G-d’s real faithful. If G-d is with us, who can be against us.”. “once more dear friends, into the breach….”
Cary Leon says
You will be in my daily prayers..starting right now.
Much love and Shalom!
cary
Sandra says
With you every day in my heart and prayers JGS Team. God’s Family of Jews and gentiles have been called into battle for “just such a time as this”.
Shalom my family,
Sandra
bert watkins says
this coming Sunday I will proclaim gods holy word on the nation of Israel the fight of the Jew is my fight, it is Americas fight also, God told us in his word this is so
Gabrielle Mary says
dear brothers and sisters, this is the call of Eliyahu/ Elijah, REPENT of sins and RETURN to Yahuwah Almighty God and walk in all His Ways. Amen. CLEAVE to Yahuwah, Blessed be His Name. Ask Him EVERY moment, is this right? And always pray not my will but Thy will be done. Amen. And FORGIVE them Father for they know not what they do. Amen. Ask yourself, do I KNOW God? Am I His friend and talk with Him and Hear His still, small voice. The Kingdom of Heaven is within. And let everyone remember to LOVE God, LOVE thy neighbour all the way HOME! The darkest hour is before the Dawn, we are almost HOME! Hallelu Yah! Amen. Yahuwah bless and keep all Israel. Amen. In Yahuwahshua Messiah’s Name I pray. LOVE to Ian and LOVE to all. Gabrielle Xxx
Abir & Tony says
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Like you mentioned in the article our war is not with flesh&blood but with evil forces. But with G-D by our side we wont be afraid of anyone or anything.
We will pray for all good people who is fighting this evil and for the peace of Jerusalem.
may G-Dkeep you safe and guard the holy land
Abir
Sarah says
Will definitely keep you all in my prayers.
Nina Ruth says
My heart stands with you!!!
Love,
Nina Ruth
Joe Kupris says
You will be in my prayers, along with the IDF, the FIDF, United for Israel, and Chosen People Ministries. I visited the Holy Land approximately one year ago at this time, and had a wonderful experience there. There will always be a special place in my heart for Jerusalem, all of Israel, and now my dear friends at the The Jerusalem Gift Shop. May you have His Shalom, complete peace, in all circumstances.