January 14, 2009
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What Would I Do?
The following is from a friend that is attending a university in Israel, He has sent us a couple letters since the conflict began. He is not only going to school, but he has learned the Hebrew language, and has fallen in love with the people. I’ve only copied part of his letter, but I want you to notice the last paragraph. If I were over there. What would I say?
Dear Friends
I really cannot say exactly what will happen, but I do know that Israel is in a state of frenzied activity due to these very real threats. I have lost track of the number of my own friends who have been drafted into reserve duty due to this situation. I also know at least three soldiers from the regular army currently serving in Gaza which is a new and difficult scenario for me. A week ago I was visiting right along the border and – by a seeming “coincidence” – ran into one of the three, someone I have known very well for some time. I treasure the half hour I had simply to walk around with him as he prepared quietly and pensively for the ground war which ended up coming just one day later. Needless to say, I have said more than one prayer per day for him since then.
So where am I in all this? I believe I am right where God wants me. For the most part my daily schedule continues at this point in spite of the tension even here in the area of the university. This situation is painful to watch and my heart is so heavily involved in what happens here. Even so, I am at peace and I know that God holds in his hands the uncharted waters of the next few months.
A friend
Can we say that? I also know someone that has been doing some mission work in guarded places and I heard them say. “Even though your heart beats hard and you have a certain amount of fear, underneath there is a peace.” I thank God for those that are willing to risk their life in dangerous places for the sake of standing for what is right. I’m pretty comfortable in my warm house. Would I be willing? Would I even go close to the border, if I were there?
Comments (13)
I don’t know what I would do in such a situation but I have a high respect for such a person as this.
Sounds like he has a solid faith and knows where his trust is. That’s so wonderful! I pray I would be as sure in my faith. My dh and I have reservations to go to Israel in May. We pray we will still be able to go. We are going with a group from Idaho!
That is a very moving letter. The writer sounds very strong in his faith even though his corner of the world is falling apart. God’s peace in his heart is very real. I can only imagine how difficult it must be.
shellys girlfriend from grandview just went to africa with her husband and three month old babyh. The day they were to leave the US they got word that the neighbors to the house they were moving into there…those neighbors were beheaded that night. Shellsy girlfriend was given the option to stay here. They wanted to get the news to them before they left so they could reconsider. They didnt blink an eye. They left Portland as previously planned and are now living in a house where two weeks ago the missionaries beside them lost their lives.
They had huge containers sent by boat down there before they arrived with baby formula and gobs of belongings. Their containers had been ransacked and there was no baby formula or foods that they had sent down. Clothing and all had been looted. This was just a few days ago so it waits to be seen how things will go for this young couple.
By the way, mom, this is one of those cunningham girls Mrs V spoke about.
I most definitely would not have gone with my baby down there a mere 24 hours after my neighbors were beheaded. No way!
Thank you for sharing this portion of a letter. In just a couple of paragraphs, this person has said more that all the news media combined. My prayers are for the 2 countries involved and for the families.
Thank you for sharing this very personal yet insightful letter from ‘the front’.
Blessings!
This was a blessing to read thanks for sharing have a great week
Helllo, You had commented to me a while back on my site and I never replied back. I work at a children’s home for children who have a parent incarcerated. I Still take a lot of pictures, esp of the kids!!!! They are so cute!! I also was one of the photographers at a wedding back in Sept, a friend I had met since moving to Al got married and had me and another guy take pics instead of a professional. I’ve done informal photography at some of my friends weddings before and one other friend of mine had several of us(her friends, one of them does weddings, portraits,etc) do her wedding. I take a lot of pics, but I’m not a professional or anything.
You do a lot of traveling with your photography, don’t you? Are you still keeping busy with it?
Hi Grandma Swartzendruber,I am very slow in learning this art. Also very impatient to sit in front of a computor but maybe in time I’ll get it.My dau. posted my pictures and my sons wife just now showed me how to post a message.Just give me a simple life and I’m at home,but than when I’m there I find I don;t fit that style any more either so I guess I’m a pilgram wandering here on my way to my HEAVENLY HOME where I’ll be at home with the one that my soul loves.Yes my grandchildren are the dearest, Fin is so sweet I could eat him and McKinzie is a dear.She told me when she stayed with me that somethimes she gets mad at me cause I don’t let her do what she wants and that her Mom lets her do anything she wants.[ smile ]Your blog is so nice ,the pictures and all.I can’t express myself on mine .so long from sodeartomyheart
Wish I could come with mom to see you guys. I love you both.
Oh dear Gramma_s … where for art thou? You have been away from your readers for quite a spell now. I do pray that you are not ill. Please give us a post soon
I hope you and grandpa both start feeling better. We need to plan a trip to come see you guys. We could come on a Friday and leave on Sunday. I love you both.
Dear Virginia … I know it’s been quite sometime since I’ve been over. We’ve had a few curves thrown at us over the past few months, but the path is beginning to straighten somewhat, and I should be around more often! I see you haven’t been on recently, either, and I do pray that all is well with you both! This letter touches my heart. I’m not sure what I would do if I were there. I pray for Israel … for their protection. Things are moving at a rapid pace in the world now, and we don’t know what tomorrow may bring, but I do know that I so desire the peace of God in those uncharted waters! Please let us know if you’ve heard any more from this young man. Let us know how you’re doing!
Blessings,
~ Deborah <><
Hi – It’s been a while since we’ve heard from you. I do hope you are reasonably well. How is your talking machine working?