Human Weakness, Divine Strength

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Dear Friend,

Human weakness and divine strength – these seem to be the themes in our life lately. The promise of Isaiah 41:10 has been a focus in my life for some time now, and it has been especially prominent in my meditations and prayers during these past months. I find that I often feel drained, emotionally weak and that the “mundane” tasks of life are difficult to tackle. The Lord reminds me not to fear or be anxious, but to remember that He prefers to work through weakness in order that the glory will all be His.

Heidi’s experience has been much the same. “Human weakness and divine strength” evoke the circumstances surrounding our Messiah’s birth. She was reminded often of how amazingly God worked His glorious plan of salvation through faithful, yet weak humans. Weak as they were, the Lord used Mary and Joseph to work out His divine plan. And so it is with us. While we are okay, every moment we find that there is nothing to do but call on Him to fill us with His Spirit of supernatural strength, joy and peace.

After the holidays and the guests had departed, Heidi pointed out that we’ve avoided being home for Hanukkah and Christmas in the two years since Dasha’s murder. This avoidance surely relates to the grief we’re still experiencing. As well as being our “first” Christmas home since then, we entertained quite a few people who wanted be with us.

Nicole, Hannah’s friend, and her daughter, Posy, joined our family at the end of Hannukah. Just before Christmas Elishua, Raphaelle (his girlfriend) as well as her parents arrived. Her parents, Charlie and Suzan, are from Hong Kong and do not speak English. Our home was at twice its regular capacity! We prepared meals, celebrations and outings. We had a pared down version of our Christmas Eve party, only adding Yoav (Elishua’s best friend since kindergarten), and his girlfriend; Ariel (a long time family friend); Becky, Michael and Boaz (honorary family); and Diego (a grad student here in Israel from Columbia).

Everyone seemed to enjoy their time with us. It was nice to get some time with each of them. Raphaelle’s parents are very kind and quite flexible. We’re glad to have had a serious conversation with Elishua and Raphaelle before they left. Heidi traveled to the UK just after our final guests departed to attend Nicole’s graduation at Durham University. It was a beautiful celebration of her achievement and an opportunity to see the fruit of our investment in her life.

We were able to develop a “regular” schedule following the fall holidays, allowing us to move forward with life and ministry. The grandgirls attend school, enjoy their classes, friends and activities. I lead a Hebrew home group, the weekly prayer meeting, guide the young adults leadership and execute various leadership and administrative tasks that fall to me. Heidi manages home, ensuring the grandgirls are equipped for school and activities, keeping everyone fed, clothed, happy and healthy. But some things don’t seem to get done, falling through the cracks. In spite of the failures, the Lord sustains and provides the motivation and strength needed to keep moving forward.

Following the Sukkot holiday in October, I was committed to leading a two-part seminar to train leaders for our small group ministry. In spite having led such things before, I dealt with anxiety and fear that I wouldn’t pull it all together. Knowing that you were praying, and confiding my feelings with Shmuel, we asked the Lord for the strength, help and guidance needed. And the Lord answered. The seminars went well, over 30 were trained and expressed that it was helpful to their ministry.

Heidi desires to rejoin the home group regularly, but while she’s made a few of the meetings, there is still a challenge with finding a regular babysitter. Thanks to Hannah and Noah, we did get a chance in November to get away for two nights to attend a pastors conference. It was a real blessing to have the opportunity to listen to some great Biblical teaching and connect with other leaders whom we don’t get to see very often.

We are also grateful that we have a getaway planned for next week. Hannah and another friend (who is willing to come stay in our home) will care for the grandgirls for several nights. We are looking forward to being able to sleep late, play golf and enjoy some time hanging out together. Thank you, Lord!

Everyone in Israel was thankful that the body of the final hostage was returned last week. Unfortunately, the conflicts and threat of conflict have not ended. But our young men and women have been able to return to daily life for the most part. The current tensions within Iran and the movement of US forces to the Gulf pose the threat of another round of missile launches, running to bomb shelters and trusting in the Lord to keep us safe from harm. We’re not too stressed by it.

There are many things to pray for. Please be asking the Lord to:

• Work in the hearts of our children, giving Noah confidence and strength to finish up this semester and drawing him back into active fellowship; directing Elishua as he considers his relationship with Raphaelle and future career; continuing to restore Hannah’s energy and life vision while drawing her back into active fellowship; and revealing to Josiah what is in his heart as he deals with anger and depression.

• Give wisdom and understanding as Misha and Sasha, Dasha’s siblings, have been in touch and desire to build a healthy relationship with us and the girls.

• For Charlie and Suzan’s, Raphaelle’s parents, to come to know Him.

• Provide a babysitter that will allow Heidi to regularly attend Tuesday night home group and give Heidi and I a bit more freedom to spend time together.

• Strengthen and encourage our hearts to have the motivation to tackle and complete the many important tasks on our “to do” list, specifically the preparation of Hebrew study materials and ministry reports.

• Raise up people interested in prayer within our congregation as well are young adult male leaders who desire to follow the Lord and will make growing a priority in their busy lives.

• Work among those making the decision regarding the grandgirls’ request for US citizenship, giving them reason to grant the request as well giving us patience as we wait for news.

We are so grateful for you who stand behind us. Your continued prayers are the reason we can continue forward as we deal with the challenges we face. Thank you so much for being partners with us in this ministry!

Yours in the Messiah,

Phil and Heidi