“… from your bounty, Yah, you provided for the poor.” Psalm 68:10 


 The Father’s steadfast love and faithfulness in our lives and the lives of those He allows us to serve is without end. There are so many times He brings someone to us with a need, and then provides that need through another source. Or we are given things that at first may seem like an odd donation only to have someone come to us requesting that very thing. 


Last month at the storefront, a lady came in seeking help. Her husband is working, but with three small children it just doesn't stretch far enough. She had asked if we could help with some diapers and formula. Now diapers and formula aren't part of our regular items we distribute but we sure have been getting a lot of requests lately. It dawned on me the other day that all those children who were 11, 12, and 13 when the rockets first started in 2000, are now grown, married and having babies. The children of 2000 are now bringing the next generation of children into this war zone reality. Anyway back to the young mother asking for help. We now have about 5 or 6 young families we help out with diapers and formula when we can. As funds become available we purchase what we can and then make deliveries. Well the day the mother came in we had just gave out what we were able to buy that week so we had nothing to offer her, but told her we would help when we could. Later that afternoon, a truck arrived from a ministry in Jerusalem called Joseph Project. We were expecting some beds and chairs that we would distribute to those in need. Well there weren’t any beds or chairs on the truck, but instead a pallet of boxes. Our Father's love and concern for His children is so amazing. You guessed it... the unexpected boxes were filled with diapers. And of course, being able to share with this young mother (we called her that afternoon to come back in) that God loves her so much that even before she asked Him to help her that morning, the day before the truck was being loaded with what she needed. Praise Him!


About a week ago, a couple who live in the north contacted us because they wanted to give a donation to provide for some needy families for Shavuot (Pentecost). Now it was a Thursday and there was much to prepare for the double Shabbat that was quickly approaching. Not to mention the shopping and dinner to prepare for the Thursday night fellowship. There are times when we must put our carefully planned agendas aside in order to let the Father bless us. 


So arrangements were made to meet with the couple, who had 1000 sheckles to donate and wanted to buy additional food for eight families. The couple later shared how they had collected the money by saving loose change for the past year. 
So anyway, they go to the local market to buy eight each of the items we told them the people would appreciate. Meanwhile we get another phone call. It was a family who in the past chose life when faced with a pregnancy at a financially difficult time. At that time we promised to help in any way we could to relieve the burden of the expanding family. The father called because he had lost his job and the family had nothing for the holiday. 


How amazing our Father is! He touches the hearts of a young couple over a year ago to save up. And right in His perfect timing He orchestrates it all, bringing together those that have to give and those that need. Then He allows us to share with both His great love and provision as we share the parts of the story unknown to those involved. Hallelujah!


I praise you for all your wonders and mostly for your great love. Help me to be an instrument that effectively broadcasts the story of your glory.

Update 3/13/12

March 9–13

Palestinians have fired nearly 200 Grad missiles, rockets and mortars deep into Israel. Three civilians were wounded directly by the fire, one of them seriously. Additionally, 21 people suffered from shock and 11 were injured while fleeing for cover. Many of the Grad missiles launched at large cities were intercepted by missile defense system known as Iron Dome.

Most of the attacks followed an Israeli air strike on Zuhair al-Qaissi, commander of the armed wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, a terrorist group with close ties to Hamas, and Mahmoud Hanini, a top field commander in the group. Al-Qaissi had overseen the 2011 southern Israel cross-border attacks, which killed eight Israelis including six civilians. Israeli officials said that he was preparing the final stages of a new mega-attack that could have claimed multiple lives.

To protect students from the rockets, Israeli officials cancelled classes in most schools in the cities the Southern region and the Home Front Command barred all mass gatherings in southern Israeli communities. The Israel Police raised the level of alert around the country and foreign embassies, including the US Embassy, have issued travel warnings and emergency directions to Americans currently living in Israel.  A portion of that travel advisory is below.

Today, despite the so called ‘ceasefire’, seven rockets have been fired into the southern region. The news media refers to this as “relative calm”.

“I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:2

From: <amctelaviv@state.gov>
Date: Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 6:07 PM
Subject: Embassy Tel Aviv Security Message, March 12, 2012
To: stewartinsderot@gmail.com

Security Message for American Citizens regarding Travel in Southern Israel, March 12, 2012

Violence continues to occur along the boundary between Israel and the Gaza Strip.  Terrorist groups fired rockets and mortars into Israel from Gaza over the weekend, and Israel continues to conduct military operations inside Gaza, including airstrikes.  In the past, some rockets have traveled more than 40 km (24 miles) from Gaza and landed as far north as Yavne and Gadera and as far east as Beersheva.  As a result of possible military operations by the Government of Israel in Gaza and the ever-present risk of rocket and mortar attacks into Israel from Gaza, U.S. government personnel travelling in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip boundary, including the city of Sderot, or traveling south of Beersheva,  must make prior notification to the Embassy's Regional Security Office.

U.S. citizens in southern Israel should be aware of the risks and should take note of announcements by the Government of Israel’s office of Homefront Command at: http://www.oref.org.il/315-en/PAKAR.aspx.  U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling in this region, and should monitor local news sources to find the latest information on the situation, as it can change unexpectedly.

Update From Sderot 10/3/12

As most of you know, I have now returned to Sderot after spending a few months with family and friends in the States. I am thankful for all the opportunities I had to share and visit with family and faithful friends. You all made my visit very memorable. And of course, a special thanks to my host families for providing me with housing and friendship.

While I was in the States I had a wonderful opportunity to share over several weeks with a ladies group on Leviticus 23 and the Appointed Feasts of the LORD. The Appointed Feasts of the LORD are vital to the gospel message and understanding the Father’s plan of redemption. They were given to us by God so we could understand the coming Messiah and the role Messiah would play in redeeming and restoring both man and the earth. The Feasts were intended to place man into God’s time table; they help us understand His reckoning of time.

Now that I’m back in Sderot, I am busy catching up on the changes in the weekly distribution and the new computerized system of tracking everything.

The past 24 hours has once again seen an escalation in rocket fired into the southern region. At least 100 rockets- Kassams and the longer-range Grads- have pounded the southern region since Friday. As of now those living in the affected areas have been instructed to remain near safe rooms. According to the Ministry of Defense the current escalation is far from over and the operations will probably continue for another day or two.

“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” Psalms 32:7