January 2010

Shalom Dear Friends,

FLU EPIDEMIC AT HADAVAR HEADQUARTERS

We are facing a medical crises of significant proportions here in the HaDavar office — CHIARA HAS CONTRACTED A SEVERE CASE OF ISRAEL FLU VIRUS! What is the Israel flu virus? No, it is not the H1N1 swine flu (definitely not kosher). Israel Flu is a insatiable desire to return to the Land of Israel.

What are the symptoms of the Israel Flu? The symptoms are an uncontrollable, glassy-eyed urge to stop work and pitifully moan, "I want to go back!" The Israel flu is also accompanied by a desire to consume falafels, Israeli coffee and mutter what simple Hebrew phrases the victim knows like "boker tov” (good morning).

What is the prognosis for this serious malady? Fortunately, it is incurable. It diminishes over time in intensity but is easily triggered back to full strength at any time by making the acquaintance of an Israeli, watching a slide show about Israel, or even by unknown subliminal stimulus.

Yes, the diagnosis is in. Chiara is incurably sick. This can happen to anyone who travels to Israel, and she has contracted the disease in full strength. She fell in love with Israel really hard — totally. From day one in Tel Aviv, November 2nd, Israel reminded her of her first home, Indonesia. (The U.S.A is her second home and, by the way, she is on the verge of becoming a U.S. citizen — yippeee.)

This is one of the lasting side effects we hope to see whenever we take students on our study tour of Israel. We do not tell anyone that this serious side effect can occur, but we hope that everyone on the trip will become hopelessly and permanently infected (pretty sneaky huh?).

From November 1 to 15, 2009, 16 of us were in Israel walking in the Footsteps of the Messiah. We encountered some sickness and a smattering of rain, but the tour went smoothly and all expressed positive responses to all we encountered. It was a very successful study tour.

Our goal was to examine and experience the ministry of Jesus on location and thus gain a deeper appreciation of our Lord personally and a greater understanding of the Gospel accounts of His Ministry. In addition, we wanted to visit biblical sites relating to the Hebrew scriptures, other New Testament books (such as Acts), and sites relating to modern Israeli history as well.

The highlight of the trip for many was our Shabbat, worshipping with Peniel Congregation in Upper Tiberias, and a barbeque hosted by the Israelis who have had their bomb shelter remodeled by Tikvat Am Yisrael, a ministry that we encourage. Making friends with Israeli believers and unbelievers was a definite bright spot for many. We have included some of Bob’s photographs so you can get a better feel for our trip in November.

CLASS CUTBACK

Unfortunately, our present economic situation has forced us to cut back our classes from four to three for the beginning of 2010. Please pray that finances will permit us to offer four classes again soon in 2010.

UCI BOOK TABLE

Please continue to pray for our ongoing UCI outreach which begins again in January 2010.

JOSH AND IRENA

Josh and Irena are presently in Missouri for the holidays (yea!). Please pray for their future plans.

Thanks for being part of our ministry team.