HAPPY DIFFICULTIES IN ISRAEL

We are inundated and at loss for what to do. The small hall we use, meant for 60, houses around 200+ almost every Sabbath morning and the three elders and myself are stretched beyond ours abilities in search for time to visit the many newcomers, deal with problems that arise, continue the teaching and evangelistic ministries of the church and seek to cultivate new and younger potential leadership. Your prayers are earnestly sought, especially in light of the fact that this year is the fullest year ever in terms of overseas obligations and Baruch is forced to be out of the country for weeks at a time.

There is no doubt that the need for a building is pressing - we could probably fill it to capacity as soon as it is functional.

We are frightened by the responsibilities that have fallen upon us - they are far greater than our abilities and all the more obviously so at the moment. Days stretch on into nights, mornings have become extremely short and the opportunities, needs and challenges continue to present themselves relentlessly.

Yet God is good: he has granted us his continued blessing both on the ministry of the word and in fellowship, although we are continually challenged - in the best sense of the term - by those who have come to us from very different church backgrounds. We need grace to deal with them graciously, without compromise, yet in a way that will win them over rather than estrange them. Oh! how we need wisdom, grace, patience, humility, strength and kindness! And, Oh! how much we lack in these important aspects of Christlikeness!

The building authorities have granted us an unconditional permit to commence the building process as, as soon as we can, we shall commence to construction of our building. We expect it to take us some twelve months before we complete construction, during which time many in the congregation will be involved in lending a hand. It will be an exciting time, physically very demanding, but rewarding as we see the walls slowly rise.

Baruch and Bracha Maoz