Israel Speaks
A fourth of Israel's population lives below the poverty line.
Consequently, there are many needy people.
Many Christian organizations have seized the opportunity to show love
to the nation of Israel by doing aid work among the poor.
The vision of Bridges for Peace is to build bridges between Christians
and Jews.
In the course of history there have been many incidents where so-called
Christians have done injustice to the Jewish nation in different ways.
Pogroms, inquisitions and the Holocaust
have left a deep scar in the history of the Jewish people and
they will disappear only by Christians who have the heart to
show love towards this nation and start building a bridge
from the other end.
Building this bridge goes two-ways: On the one hand, educating
Christians about Israel's status in the eyes of God, and
teaching about the roots of Christianity and how the prophecies
of the Bible are being fulfilled today in this land.
Bridges for Peace has the only radio station in the world
broadcasting live through the internet.
With this they can reach believers around the world
and share truthful news from Israel.
Another way of building bridges is by approaching the Jews and
showing them by actions of love and support that they are not alone.
Our biggest operation is the food bank.
In addition, we have a group which does home renovations.
For example, they can be invited to fix the house of a terror attack
invalid victim who might need a handle in his bathroom in order to
be able to take a shower.
There are many problems with building materials here.
They can also renovate the bathroom entirely with new tiles and paint.
It is also a great testimony to the people around.
We have a program called "feed the children".
We take snacks and other school equipment to schools, -
such as pencil cases, backpacks or books.
My story began 17 years ago when I was 19 years old.
That was the first time I went to volunteer in a kibbutz.
As a young girl I worked for 3 months in the kitchen
preparing different Israeli salads.
Ever since then I have had a love in my heart towards
this country and people.
12 years later God called me again and reminded me of what He began
in the heart of that 19-year-old girl.
He called me again and reminded me
that this country has a special place in my life.
Back then in 2004 I couldn't get into volunteer work immediately, -
but the desire built up in me during a period of 4 years.
It was a good time, because God's plans are not carried out rashly.
He equips us and He wants to prepare the situations in our lives
and in the lives of people around us
for us to be ready to go.
In 2007 when I started thinking about how I could come to Israel
I already had some friends here who were also volunteers
in different organizations.
One of them worked for Bridges for Peace, and through this person
I called the organization and asked if I could come and see the place.
I received a personal tour in the different branches in Jerusalem.
It was an interesting tour, because the presenter used almost the exact
same words that God had used when He spoke to me about Israel.
He spoke a lot about relationships, interaction and building bridges
and how these things are important in the organization's operations.
God had specifically spoken to me about interaction and standing with
the people of Israel.
In Finland after 10 years of working one can apply for
a leave of absence.
I had not thought of it earlier, but when I started planning for
volunteering in Israel, I checked the option of taking a leave of
absence from work and sent an application
to the government office.
I received an answer that it is possible to receive a compensation
during the leave of absence.
It was such a clear sign from God for me that now is the time to go
also from the financial aspect.
In the beginning I worked in the practical background team.
It was quite surprising that God put me in that place, but He had a
clear plan all along.
Currently, I am the supervisor of the team.
This food bank offers food to different organizations
around Israel, such as soup kitchens
as well as individals, such as new immigrants, -
students or other underprivileged people in Israel.
Currently, I am a manager and I make sure that all orders are placed
and that they leave in time from this place to all over Israel
from the North to the South to Eilat.
We deliver 50 tons of food per month all over the country.
I had a wonderful experience here in the food bank
in Jerusalem before Passover
when a mother of 7 asked if she could have some food assistance
for the holidays.
It was very touching to say that I can and I want to give.
We were also able to give them some clothes.
That was a touching experience.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, -
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, -
I was a stranger and you invited me in, -
I needed clothes and you clothed me. Matthew 25:35-36
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry
and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?'
The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers of mine you did for me.' Matthew 25:37,40
People are surprised to see a young person who gives her time
to serve this nation.
It often raises questions
and then I am able to say that I want to serve the God of Israel, -
the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and to stand with this people, -
because I want to show that love that God has towards this nation.
Many people who walk into the food bank wonder why the atmosphere here
is so different.
Some people come here just because they can feel the difference, -
the peace and people's joy in serving.
Many times it speaks louder than a thousand words.
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions
and truth. 1 John 3:18
It is researched that 25 per cent of families live below the poverty line
which constitues some 1,5 million people in Israel.
There are needy people; 30 per cent of children live under
the poverty line.
The great miracle we have been witnessing in Bridges for Peace is
that this global financial crisis has not affected the activities
of Bridges for Peace, but our budget has remained stable
throughout these 18 months of this global financial crisis.
It is a miracle from God that the financial situation in God's kingdom
is completely different than in the eyes of the world.
The understanding of what Israel's position is in world history
and how God views Israel and the Jewish people -
became clear to me already 17 years ago, and have become
clearer and clearer.
There are not enough words to describe the experience of
what it is like to live in the center of the world, -
which is also the place of God's presence.
However, in practice we can see how the prophecies of the Bible
are being fulfilled today and we are not just
waiting for them to happen, -
but we live them every day.
Bridges for Peace has a saying that why only read the prophecies of the
Bible when you can be a part of their fulfillment.
It can be by praying for peace over Israel and blessing it, -
supporting it financially -
or coming here and putting your hands into action
and taking part in the fulfillment of prophecies.
The word says in Matthew: "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, -
whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household
to give them their food at the proper time?"
We are living in a time when, particularly in Israel, the people
need food and help in practice.
This builds the bridges through which
love and support can be manifested
and can create trust.
Israel Speaks
Welcome to the Bible teaching series "Israel in God's plan".
Our topic for today is Israel's role in the end times.
Gershon Nerel is here with me. Shalom.
Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and
its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see
all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
Matthew 24:32-33
Then the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Jeremiah?"
"Figs," I answered. "The good ones are very good, but the bad ones are
so bad they cannot be eaten." Then the word of the LORD came to me:
"This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Like these good figs,
I regard as good the exiles from Judah, whom I sent away from this
place to the land of the Babylonians. My eyes will watch over
them for their good, and I will bring them back to this land.
I will build them up and not tear them down; I will plant them
and not uproot them. Jeremiah 24:3-6
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come
at an hour when you do not expect him. Who then is the faithful and
wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his
household to give them their food at the proper time?
It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he
returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Matthew 24:44-47
Translation: Sonja Mattayev