One Step at a Time:

          This month marks a milestone for Israel.  They have announced a very cautious approach to start to open the country to tourists once again.  It was February of 2020 Israel began to close their borders to tourists, first from specific countries, and then eventually to everyone due to COVID-19.  

          With this new announcement, came specific requirements to be allowed to travel into the country.  Currently, those requirements are a mandatory vaccination or if the individual has had COVID-19, a serological test to confirm they have the necessary antibodies to prove the individual has recovered from the COVID-19 infection. 

          So, on May 23rd, they will start to receive tourists.  The plan is to slowly “test the waters” and limit the number of tourists early to see if there might be any detrimental impact to opening up the country with the ongoing concern of COVID-19.

          How does this affect us?  Well, we aren’t quite sure at the moment.  We use a different path than tourists to visit Israel.  We are optimistic Israel will once again open up its volunteer visa program in the not-so-distant future.  Our current communication with friends in Israel shares that Israel is opening up within its borders more and more.  

          Our hope is since a volunteer is there for a much longer duration of time,  we can avoid some of the more stringent requirements that are currently part of the tourist protocol.  It really remains to be seen.  We do covet your prayers as we watch and wait and take one step at a time.

            

                                

          In our recent communications with our friends and staff in Nigeria, we received an update on how things are going.  Like just about every country in the world, there was a detrimental impact on Nigeria and Faith Agriculture (FAAGRIC) by Covid-19.  For a number of months, the classes were suspended, and eventually, there was an effort to try and do some online classes and training.  This would likely be met with a mixed result as most of the online capability would be through smartphones and the need to have enough phone credit to stay connected.  

          More recently they have reopened some of the study centers, and also are going to local churches on Sundays to promote the FAAGRIC program.  One of the ways they do this is by sharing seed as a way to encourage involvement and participation.  We are currently getting a seed order together for Nigeria.  If you would like to help with that, you can send a gift earmarked for “Seeds”, or refer to the above list that is provided if you desire to purchase the seed yourself. Those seeds can be dropped or mailed to Carolyn DeRoos, 210 Johnson Street, Alta, Iowa 51002. Thank you!

          Who is in Charge Here?

          All around us we are witnessing levels of unrest and chaos within our country.  Our political system seems to be at an all-time high of disagreement between the Republicans and Democrats.  Decisions appear to be made without any consideration towards those who are most affected by the decision.  Many small businesses are gone and unemployment has caused additional hardships. The morality of our country is spiraling downward, at least that’s how it appears as I look at it from a Christian perspective.  If that weren’t enough, depending upon which state you live in, there are all kinds of mandates revolving around COVID-19 and the need for masks and social distancing. 

          It truly can leave a person in a state of confusion and shock as we experience so many unknowns and so many changes from how things were as little as 14 months ago.  Every area of life has been impacted in some way, and the emotional, and psychological trauma, for some, is all very real.  

          The unknowns and questions about the future remind me of a story in the Bible.  Jesus is quickly approaching His final days on earth. In John Chapter 16, there is a long dialogue with His disciples, and he is preparing them for the tough times which are to come.  In John 16:32, he says this, “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.  These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 

          It must have been very special to have Jesus look into their eyes and reassure them that in the midst of some very chaotic and confusing times, they could have peace! I’m not sure they fully comprehended Jesus’ statement of, “...in Me you can have peace.”, at that moment, but it certainly became clear to them in the days and weeks that followed.  As we know, 10 of the 11 original disciples went on and served Jesus Christ, promoting the kingdom of God to the point of being martyred for their faith.  One was exiled on an island and remained true to the mission of sharing Christ’s love to the world till the day he died.  Evidently, that peace that passes understanding remained strong in each of them just like Jesus said. 

          Friends, we have the same promise and the same Savior today!  He is still there looking into our eyes saying, “...in Me you can have peace.”  No matter the circumstances, no matter the confusion, no matter the unpredictable future, no matter the chaos, no matter the moral decline, no matter this…no matter that…no matter whatever.

          Paul, in his encouragement to the church in Philippi, shares this.  Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  That, my friends, is an amazing promise from God.  This peace that surpasses all comprehension is available to us.  Like the disciples, we may not fully understand just how this works, but rest assured it's there to guard our hearts and minds. 

          Thank you, Lord, for you truly are the One in charge.

 

                                              

                                                                                                        

          There are some very important people I would like to bring to your attention.  Some of you have heard about them.  They have been very well hidden and forgotten and they need our prayers.  

          Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking.  It is not only big business, it also fuels satanic rituals to horrific levels.  But, I will spare you the details here. 

          Their innocence is coveted by every walk of life including Hollywood, Politics, Business, and yes, even some religious groups.  

          There are a number of different methods and venues where trafficking is done and an estimated 30 million people, including more than 5 million children are affected by trafficking.

          We live in a world where evil plans are made in secret meetings, back door operations, and under-the-table deals. These are often performed out of the public eye with the hopes of never being discovered. To read more on this topic, please click here.
 

Luke 8:17  For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest;
neither anything hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 

          It is comforting to know that all will be exposed by God's grace soon.
 

          Will you pray with me for the LORD God's protection around these children.
          Will you pray with me for the rescue of these children.
          Will you pray with me for the emotional, physical, and spiritual healing of these children.

   
 The Morning Glory-Sweet Potatoe
                                                               (click title) 

DID YOU KNOW THAT NATURE GIVES US CLUES ABOUT THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS? WE CAN SEE THEM AT-A-GLANCE.  IT IS CALLED "The Doctrine of Signature" (DOS).

              “Sign of Nature” = Signature

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> Where does the Sweet Potatoe fall on the glycemic index?
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