Ripples of Hope
Monday, February 22, 2010
By: Carol Jo Terri

In a troubled world which seems to radiate from humble Jerusalem, it's always a blessing to take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God through the love of His people. The following stories may only be small pebbles in the great ocean of world events, but rest assured their ripples have touched many.

The Greatest Need

What is the greatest need for an aid center serving the general public in Israel? Diapers. Diapers represent life—new life and hope in the future, God’s wonderful blessings of children.

One of the MJAA’s contributing partners from Holland, Nachamu Nachamu Ami, has provided an incredible 327 packages of diapers that are currently being trucked to MJAA distribution centers throughout Israel. We are also distributing diapers to pregnancy centers that reach out to young pregnant girls in distress.

Today, one in three children in Israel lives below the poverty line. Israel’s resources are directed toward defending and protecting their citizens from terrorism—from within and without. Yet life goes on and these children need our help.

Nachamu Nachamu Ami – a long-time faithful partner of the MJAA – takes its name from Isaiah 40:1, “Comfort, comfort ye my people.” As anxious mothers pick up their diapers at the MJAA aid centers, you can watch the change in their faces. They are comforted with the knowledge that the needs of their little ones are being met—today. And they are thankful to the Lord. Comforting moms and their babies is another vital component of the restoration of Israel (ROI). Thank you, partners, for sowing into this work.

Warming the Body and Soul

Mount Hermon is breathtaking. Located in northern Israel, tourists have enjoyed many recreational activities in the snowy peaks. However, those who work to serve and protect—especially in the winter—must weather the sharp winds and freezing temperatures.

That’s why when the Fire Department Commander of the Kiryat Shmona regional fire station recently contacted the MJAA requesting sweatshirts for the firemen in the Mount Hermon area—we said, “We’re on our way!” Mount Hermon is isolated and far from the highly populated areas in central Israel. Unfortunately, many agencies that help needy people in the large cities forget about those living in the far north. We will never forget the brave and courageous soldiers and public servants of northern Israel.

You may remember General Danny Hanania, the Commander of the Northern Israel Fire Brigade. In 2006, during the second Lebanon war, General Hanania led his firemen to not only rescue families and homes, but heroically prevented the devastation of nearly 4,000 acres of forests.

It’s an honor to know that the Commander knew he could contact us, and that the Lord would provide our ability to answer the call. The MJAA delivered 60 brand new blue sweatshirts* to the firemen. MJAA is working hard for the restoration of Israel (ROI); new sweatshirts for the firemen will bring warmth to their bodies. We pray they also receive warmth in their hearts.

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*The sweatshirts were donated to the MJAA by our partner Mission World Aid, in Australia.