“Israel, put your hope in the Lord! For with the Lord is mercy, and with him is full redemption” (Ps 130:7).
It is said that Israel is the heart of the world. There is certainly some truth to that. Israel is a small country with a unique history full of both suffering and blessing. It is a land that is loved and blessed by God in a special way. Israel cares deeply for the people of its land and can serve as a role model in every respect.
But there are people who fall through the cracks of the social safety net. These are people who recently immigrated to the country and haven't yet completed all the necessary paperwork, or who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. The community cares for these people. The government granted a special permit so that, despite the curfew, the brothers could travel to places where drug and alcohol addicts congregate and distribute food. They also invited people who had decided to sober up to the rehabilitation center.
Furthermore, they distributed food, supplies, and Bibles to pensioners, the sick, and people with disabilities. God greatly blessed this time of quarantine because God's work could be done despite the lockdown, Eduard Betiew from Ashkelon told us. This allowed the brothers to travel with two vehicles. They also distributed aid supplies in Tel Aviv.
Poor people especially needed help during this time, as all shops, restaurants, and food distribution centers for the needy were closed. These people would have gone hungry, but God gave them the opportunity to serve. Edward, the person responsible for this ministry in Israel, repeatedly emphasized that they prayed that people would recognize God the Father in these acts. As it is written in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The community in Maalot is also bringing light to the dark places of despair. Staff members packed individual portions of food into disposable containers and distributed them to drug and alcohol addicts, Valentin Negura from northern Israel told us. In June 2020, gatherings of up to 50 people were permitted in Israel. But even there, the situation is becoming increasingly critical. Although Israel's death rate is statistically ranked 185th in the world, the population is concerned for the well-being of their country. Please pray for Israel, that God may draw His people even closer to Himself and bless them during this difficult time.
“Oh, that salvation for Israel would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will be glad and Israel will be joyful” ( Ps 53:7 ).
Eduard Betiev & Valentin Negura,
CDH Stephanus
Eduard Betiev (right) hands over the aid for the new DIY enthusiasts.
Tatjana, a wheelchair user, is happy about the help.
A Holocaust survivor