Today, our whole family is going to a get-together of people who volunteered for an event some weeks ago. This Prayer and Action Event For Israel was held at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, by an organization called Proclaiming Justice To The Nations. The mission of PJTN, is to "educate Christians about their Biblical responsibility to stand with their Jewish brethren and defend the State of Israel." They also try to get media reporters to report the truth of what is happening in Israel and the Arab world. They are also the ones who produced the video "The Forgotten People" with Ted Pearce. You can watch this video by scrolling down to the bottom of this blog.
Some of us were able to volunteer for this event in February, and now our whole family will be joining some of the other volunteers for a picnic this afternoon.
Speaking of the Prayer and Action Event, here is a picture that we received several days ago.
Photo taken by Bryan Seltzer
From right to left: Sarah, me, Abigail, Ruthie, my father, Meshi Zahav, and I do not know the name of the other man - he was Mr. Zahav's translator.
While we were at the event, Mr. Zahav approached my father, intrigued about his tzit-tzit (tassles). He is from Israel, and did not speak English, but he wanted to get a picture taken with us. While his translator went to go find someone with a camera, Mr. Zahav asked us (in Hebrew) where we lived when we were in Israel. I could answer that, but then he asked something else, which I believe was a question about whether we wanted to go back. I didn't have the words to reply right then, though I have since come up with a reply that I believe would be correct!
Anyway, Meshi Zahav is the one of the founders of ZAKA. This is an abbreviation for "Zihuy Korbanot Asson", which means Identifying Victims of Disaster.
ZAKA, founded in 1995, is Israel's dominant non-governmental lifesaving, rescue and recovery organisation, with over 1500 volunteers, 34 ambulances and 162 motorcycles deployed around the country, on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to respond to any terror attack, disaster or accident immediately, professionally and with the necessary equipment. [excerpt from their website]
Unfortunately, there are terrorist attacks fairly often in Israel, rendering an organization like ZAKA a necessity. This is not a pleasant job, as you can well imagine, but it is a necessary one. ZAKA does not only operate in Israel, but will sometimes go to other countries where there have been disasters, like the earthquake in Haiti last year, and the one in Japan just recently. You can see more info at their website: www.zaka.us. We were honored to have the opportunity to meet Mr. Zahav, even if it was through an interpreter. Hopefully one day we will know enough Hebrew to be able to speak directly! And we look forward to the day when swords will become plowshares, and there will be no more need for an organization like ZAKA. Amen!
Tommy and I are busy making preparations to go. Last week, I did some fabric shopping to make some new outfits, and Ruthie has kindly offered to help with the sewing. I am really appreciative, because while I do enjoy sewing sometimes, it can get me stressed, and I don't want to get stressed right now!
We are looking for a camera to take ... any suggestions? We don't want to spend a whole lot of money on it, but I would like to be able to take good quality pictures. It needs to be pretty small, so that we can fit it into our pocket. We're planning to go shopping one day this week, and look at some different models, but we'd welcome suggestions on good (or not so good!) cameras.
I'm also looking for some all-terrain sandals; something really comfortable that I can wear all the time, and walk comfortably in. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know!
We'll try to update again soon - it's time to get back to work now! We're getting ready to plant in our garden :)
Great News! Thanks for sharing the links. I hope to come back and check them our when I have ore time.
ReplyDeleteWhen buying sport sandles I always liked to look for ones with a full toes to give more protection, in rough terrain and city streats. However, these days I am finding that I really like a lightwieght hiking shoe that is well ventilated instead. I wear www.merrell.com shoes and really like them. They give my foot full protection, which is nice for the "heavier" outdoor farm chores. But they are also great for trecking city streets and hiking for that reason too, because they keep the rocks/twigs out and protect toes on crowded buses and such. :-) They often have holes around the base or breathable vents. They can be warn in water (like walking through creaks), and dry pretty fast. I can wear them with or without my socks. So that is my shoe of choice in the warmer weather these days. :-) They are a bit of an investment, but its worth it if you can swing it because it is a good solid all purpose shoe that you should be able to wear for several seasons. (You might be able to find sales too!)
Much Love, pamela
Great post! Love you all soooo much!
ReplyDeletelove,
Cat
Pamela ... thanks for the shoe suggestions. My father used to sell shoes, and often talks about how good Merrells are! I think I'm going to visit the nearby Marti and Liz that has really good shoes and really good discounts, and see if I can find something like that.
ReplyDeleteCat ... we miss you all! Hope your puppies are doing well :)
This is all so exciting! Hannah, I hope you are able to find the things that you need for the trip. I admit I don't know much about what would be best with what you mentioned, but I'm sure Yah will provide.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're able to get some relaxing in as the time gets closer!