December, 2007

 

Holiday Greetings,

 

I pray that you all have had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving holiday.  We all have so much to be thankful for.  During the entire month of November it was as though Abba just opened up a window and began to rain down blessings from above!  It was just one telephone call or one letter after another that left me unable to stop the tears of joy. I just could not stop thanking Him for what He is doing, especially within my family.  All of us are so very grateful for the work that He has done, and the way that He has led us and provided for us.    

 

It all began November 3rd when those of us here in South Florida and South Georgia traveled north to attend my granddaughter Christina’s wedding. We all had extremely tight flight schedules, but the Lord saw that each and every flight and connection was on time. A rental van was waiting for us when we arrived at the airport, and Kenny drove us   straight to the hotel with David guiding us by cell phone. When we arrived at the hotel they had a flier with directions to the church all ready for us.  We made it to the service with about a half an hour to spare. To top it all off, the dear Lord gave us a beautiful fall day and much less traffic than normal.  Praise His Holy Name!

 

As soon as I stepped inside the doors of the church building I was pulled aside to be seated with the rest of the grandparents. My eyes fell on my two grandsons, Daniel and Jeremy, who were serving as ushers, and I had to choke back the tears.  As we hugged and hugged the joy of the Lord was overwhelming. What handsome young men they have become. 

 

In just a matter of minutes David brought Christina down the aisle, and bless her heart, she was a radiant bride. The service was just beautiful and the Presence of God was surely there!  The Pastor who performed the ceremony spoke with such deep conviction that every heart was touched. Then, Brian and Christina exchanged vows and knelt before the Lord to invite the Lord to take His rightful place in their marriage, asking Him to lead them and guide them in the way He is calling them to go.  It was precious!       .   .

 

 After the service was over we all went to the hall where the reception was to be held and for the next five or six hours there was nothing but sheer joy and sweet fellowship. Karen and I were able to spend a bit of time with Donna, and Kenny, Meagan and Kelly were able to spend time with Daniel and Jeremy.

 

Also, several years ago, when Christina was in college, she had invited me to come up to the college to visit and share a little bit about Israel with her friends. Three of those girls were in attendance at the wedding, and one by one they came and sat down beside me to share the things that I had said at that time, which they have never been able to forget. It so blessed my heart because, like Christina, all of them have a real heart for missions now.  Also, they each one proceeded to tell me what a great mother Donna had been to all of them while they were in college. They told me that she was a great witness for the Lord! David and Donna always had the door of their home open to the students who wanted to come and relax and be refreshed, especially over holiday weekends. . 

 

Early the next morning, Karen, Kenny, Meagan, Kelly and I all headed back to the airport. It was a full and tiring day of travel, but we all came back to the South so thankful for the time we all were able to spend together.  It was such a blessing, a luxury that we all seldom are able to enjoy because of our hectic schedules and travel. When given the opportunity though, we make the most of it and thank God for it! 

 

Shortly after we returned home, I received a call from Karen telling me that she and Brian had just become engaged, which also blessed my heart for I know that their relationship is one that is truly blessed by God.  And as if that is not enough, Meagan called me to tell me that Kenny found out that he is not going to be recalled to the service again, at least not for now. I just rejoice with them all!  God is so good!

 

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On the road so many exciting things have been happening    Last month Deborah Cain and I were headed south for a meeting early one evening, when suddenly there appeared a big, bright and very beautiful rainbow over us. We felt as though we were driving under a canopy or multi colored covering for quite a number of miles. It was breathtakingly beautiful and huge!  It gave us a really secure feeling. It’s hard to explain!

 

One long weekend we had meetings in four different cities, and three different people in three different gatherings prophesied that because I have had to travel so much, the Lord   was going to begin to translate us at times to cut down our travel time.  We both heard the words each time, but by the end of that four day weekend we were so tired that apparently it didn’t sink in.

 

Our last meeting was in Vero Beach, and from there we were going to head back to Brunswick. Deborah was driving, and she asked me to keep talking to her so she wouldn’t become drowsy, and I said I would. While we were going across 60 to pick up I-95 North, I was trying to arrange everything in the car to give us a little more room and pull out the music we were going to listen to for the next four hours of travel.  I remember seeing I-95 and the sign that said Vero Beach, and then I fastened my seat belt to settle in to my seat.

 

In just a matter of a few minutes I saw a sign which said we were entering Daytona Beach, and I recall thinking to myself, “How on earth did we get here so fast!”  I looked at Deborah, but she was concentrating on driving and so I said nothing to her.  However, about another hour down the road she happened to look at a sign and was absolutely amazed that we had made such good time. She couldn’t figure out how it happened and then I told her that it happened between Vero Beach and Daytona Beach.  He truly had translated us.  We arrived in Brunswick an hour and a half early.  Since that time we have heard from three other people that had the same thing happen to them while traveling. Is He awesome or what?    I just praise His Holy Name!

During the same period of time Pastor Cecilia, Rick Day and a few others went to Melbourne Beach to build an altar to the Lord and sound their shofars. Two different people came up to inquire of them (separately) and they led them to the Lord. One man was Jewish and Rick used Isaiah 53 to lead him to his Messiah. Hallelujah!

 

A couple days later, Matthew, a friend of Gwen’s, called her to tell her that the Lord sent him to the Casino in Delaware to sound his shofar.  When he arrived at the Casino, he stood in the parking lot ready to sound it and the Lord asked him what he was doing. He told the Lord that he was about to blow his shofar and the Lord told him that He wanted him to go inside the Casino to sound the shofar. So Matthew went inside and blew it for about three minutes until everything went quiet.  Then the security guards rushed him and escorted him outside.

 

Once outside he walked up to the side of his car and the Lord told him to stand still, and would you believe that twelve people came out of the Casino to talk with him.  He began to preach to them, but the security guards saw what was happening and came out again to tell him to get all the way off the property.  Immediately Matthew pointed to a gas station, telling the people that he was going to drive over there, so if they wanted to talk with him they could just drive over there, too.  Nine of the twelve followed him over to the gas station, and he was able to lead them all to the Lord.

 

During the same period of time, Deborah Giordany was sent on a mission trip to Jamaica.  When she left she took her shofar with her and the Lord told her that He was sending her, and those she was traveling with, to Jamaica to introduce Jamaica to Messianic Judaism.

 

When they entered Customs, on their way home, the Lord told her to sound her shofar, which she did, and security guards came running from every direction.  Praise His Name!  He is sending His own to sound the alarm everywhere, and you would be amazed at how many are beginning to awaken when we are obedient to go where He tells us to go and do what He tells us to do, unconcerned about what others think. It’s exciting!.

 

In our meetings it never ceases to amaze me at how quickly He moves to confirm the Words we speak. He told me back in January of 2007 that He was going to require me to speak things and do things that I would much rather not speak or do, but I had to be obedient. When we are obedient to His commands, even when we would rather not be, His purposes will be accomplished, and He will be able to drive any and all rebellion out of us, for in the days ahead we cannot rebel. Total obedience in all things will be required of all of us for it just might be a matter of life or death for us or for someone else.

 

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“Great Awakening” by Karen Ellard is a brand new CD the dear Lord has brought forth for such a time as this. It has a strong prophetic flow and is a call to worship, intercession and declaring of the Word.  Karen is a very gifted sister in the Lord who has a very beautiful voice that rings out strong and clear. This work is a precious gift to the Body of Messiah. To contact Karen email: songsoutofheaven@yahoo.com.   

We Must Stand Up for What We Believe!  

 

Virginia – For Stephanie Hoffmeier, it came down to believing that God can make a way where there seems to be no way. With prayer, persistence and a lawsuit against the Stafford County School District, who were denying her the right to start the club, she has succeeded in starting what might be the region’s only anti-abortion club in a public high school.  The Pro-Life Club, which attracted twenty people to its first gathering, also promotes teen sexual abstinence as well as opposing abortion. When asked why she started the club, she said, “I feel that God has laid it upon my heart to do so!”  When school officials finally conceded that they were wrong, Stephanie dropped the lawsuit against them. The Pro-Life Club was officially recognized by them October 24th.  PTL!

 

Washington – Child Evangelism Fellowship has sponsored Good News Clubs at two schools in the Tacoma School District for years. However at the beginning of 2007 they were informed that they would have to begin paying a weekly fee to use the facilities because their meetings were religious in nature. Their meetings feature teachings on moral values, character qualities, and respect for authority, all from a Biblical perspective.  They immediately contacted Liberty Counsel who sent a letter to the School District spelling out the laws regarding Equal Access.  As a result, the School District has reversed their decision.

 

California – Recently, students at Adams Middle School in Brentwood were told to come to school dressed like the opposite sex during the last day of the school’s “Spirit Week”.  However, the mother of a seventh grade student found out about it and contacted the other parents as well as the school principal to voice her complaint. She was told to just keep her child at home that day, but instead she went to the Pacific Justice Institute and they counseled all of the concerned parents as to how to communicate with the school.  As a result the school cancelled the event and allowed the children to wear their school colors to school on that given day. Thank God for the intercession of one mother.

 

Brad Darcus, President of the Pacific Justice Institute, said, “The only purpose that seemed to be involved with this event was for the sensitivity and tolerance of cross-dressers, transsexuals, and transvestites. That is what was being pushed on these young boys and girls of Junior High age.”  He went on to say that this is a very good example of what parents and individuals can do when they stand up for what is right.    

 

Somerset County – Vincent and Pauline Matherick, who have had an unblemished record as foster parents of thirty children over a period of years, lost the eleven year old boy they were caring for because they refused to sign the new sexual equality rules which would force them to discuss same-sex relationships with him and tell him that gay partnerships were just as acceptable as heterosexual marriage. They refused because it contradicted their Christian beliefs, even though it meant they could never care for foster children again. However, as a result of media pressure, a terribly upset eleven year old when taken in to custody, and lots and lots of prayer, they have been told that they will not have to teach what they do not believe in. There are too many vulnerable children out there who need foster homes. Needless to say they are all rejoicing and thanking God.

The Ultimate Goal of Deception

 

There is currently a doctrine being pushed on the Church which says there is a separate plan of salvation for Jew and Gentile, for the Jews are saved just by virtue of being Jews. It claims that Jesus is not the Messiah, and He never claimed that He was. This is dangerous teaching because of the deception that it fosters on both believers and unbelievers who happen to be Jewish. Let’s look at what the Scriptures say about this:

 

“Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole,……Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”    

(Acts 4:10-12) 

 

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.  Thomas said to Him, Lord we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?  Jesus told him, “I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”  (John 14:1-6)

 

These two statements in bold print are all inclusive.  Both Jew and Gentile are included. There is no separate path for salvation for the Jew or for the Gentile.  The Scriptures makes it very clear, the Gospel is to be taken “to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.”  (Rom.1:16) This is not an age-related dispensational formula, but a ‘for all time’ strategy for the Church.

 

One of the devil’s main avenues of attack is deception.  Saying that the Jews are saved by ‘election’ is certainly one of those deceptions. I wonder who those who believe this heresy think were present 2000 years ago to hear Peter’s Pentecost sermon?  If this ‘dual covenant’ doctrine is true, then Peter’s sermon was wasted.”     Pastor Charles Cooley

 

Reader Beware!

 

I’m sure I don’t have to tell anyone that I support and stand with the Nation of Israel, nor do I have to tell anyone that I dearly love the Jewish people. I have had many of them as close friends through the years, even as a small child, and to this very day.  I’ve traveled to Israel so many times in the last twenty-five years that I’ve lost count, in fact we were based there for a couple of years, as we sought to comfort His people and bless them in numerous ways, which we still do. In so doing, I have never compromised my faith or position in Yeshua to maintain those close relationships. I have never idolized the Land or the Jewish people believing they can do no wrong, for we all sin and make mistakes. And, yes, I have shared my faith with most of them, and led many of them to the Lord. I have never hit anyone over the head with a Bible, but as the Holy Spirit opened their hearts and gave me the opportunity, I shared Yeshua with them. In doing so I knew that they might reject me, but I loved them enough to tell them the truth anyway, knowing that once I shared with them, the Holy Spirit would continue to work that word around in their spirit until they were ready to receive Him as their Messiah, and that is what it is all about, is it not? 

 

There is a new book out now entitled, “In Defense of Israel” by Pastor John Hagee, and it is sheer ‘heresy’.  I have shared before that Pastor Hagee believes in ‘dual covenant,’ in other words we Gentiles must go through Yeshua to get in to Heaven, but the Jews do not.  He believes that they go simply because they are Jews, and that is not Scriptural.     

 

He also teaches that the Jews have suffered enough, so they don’t need believers in Yeshua to share the Gospel with them, because they will eventually be saved anyway.  I tell you that this teaching has already spread far and wide. I have had people tell me that I should not witness to a Jew because their Pastor told them that it isn’t necessary. Never mind that there are Jews dying every day.  Pastor Hagee also believes that Yeshua never claimed to be their Messiah and therefore they could not have rejected Him.

 

I could go on sharing but I’ve given you enough information so that you will realize the dangers in what this man is teaching. As you know he has recently founded an organization known as ‘Christians United for Israel,’ and speaking on behalf of everyone who has become a part of that organization, he is lobbying our White House to go in and bomb Iran with no concern about the consequences. He appointed a non believer as his Executive Director and therefore none of the monies that he takes in hosting the ‘Night to Honor Israel’ gatherings is given to any Israeli Ministry or Organization who shares Yeshua with the Israeli people. Two believers from Israel have written concerning this. Please hear their hearts.   

 

Quoting from their letters, “We watch all of the big ministry leaders come over here with their big checks and turn them over to those who will give them a photo-op, meanwhile the believers, who are being persecuted, fighting to stay in the Land, struggle to pay their rent and feed their families.”  Christine 

 

“Christians in America are under a veil of deception when it comes to blessing Israel.  Do they know where their money is going that they are giving to the “Bless Israel Nights?”  I don’t think so!  Those of us here in Israel, who are witnessing and preaching the true Gospel, are ignored by the Church, while the true Ministers of the Gospel here struggle to make ends meet. Meanwhile the millions of dollars Pastor Hagee takes in is primarily given to the Religious Communities, who funnel part of that money to the anti-missionary groups, who work to bring persecution upon the believers of Yeshua in Israel. Some goes in to outlandish causes like Kaballa, which is nothing more than witchcraft. Therefore, indirectly, the believers in America are in many cases helping to bring persecution upon the true believers in Yeshua.” Gabriella

 

 Keep in mind that each time Paul was making a missionary trip to Jerusalem, it was stressed that he was taking gifts to the believers in the Land.  Let us pray that Pastor Hagee come to repentance and everyone be set free of all of this erroneous teaching,

Chanukkah

“Festival of Lights”

 

Chanukkah is an eight day joyous celebration that begins December 4th at sun down.  It means re-dedication and its theme is of a miracle. Yeshua preached three sermons during Chanukkah in which He declared Himself to be “The Light of the World!”  As we light our Menorahs, let us re-dedicate ourselves to Him, body, soul and spirit, thanking Him for the many miracles that He has performed in our lives this past year, and ask Him to help us to become the Salt and Light that He needs us to be in these dark days. May we all burn bright for Him, today and every day, in the coming New Year.  Chag Sameach!

 

Short Term Missions

 

Barbara Wittbrodt has returned and called to ask me to thank you all for praying for her   while she was on assignment in Korea.  Jerry & Jan Watkins are still in New Zealand. I have heard from Jan, and they are having a wonderful time and blessing everyone they meet. They will return within a week so please pray for them as they travel home during this busy holiday season.

 

Holiday Greeting Cards

 

As you begin to make out your Chanukkah and Christmas cards, please remember our military men and women in Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  You can send one of each to: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001.  They will be blessed!

 

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your prayer and financial support.  In addition to all those we support monthly, we were able to buy new back packs, fully equipped, for 25 IDF soldiers as Chanukkah gifts.  They went to those who have no family, and are serving on the front lines, most of them new immigrants. They, too, will be blessed!

 

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Until next time, “May you be whole in body, soul and spirit, as a result of being in harmony with God’s will and purpose for your life.  May His Presence be your covering! May your heart know His fullness, and by His mighty power may you know victory over every enemy.  May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart! May you know the healing power of His Presence, and restoration of every broken relationship. Through His sufficiency, may every need that you face be met by His limitless resources.  May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life, and in the lives of your family members.  May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment, and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know.  May you have a wonderfully blessed Holiday Season!”

 

Lots and lots of love, Myrna