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Outreach in Israel ... Harold Gamston |
My wife and I counted it a great privilege to be given the opportunity, with three others from our church in England, to work with well-known friends from Northern Ireland, on a feeding programme to mark the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel.
On other occasions when we have gone on humanitarian aid programmes in Eastern Europe, it has been hard work but always well worth it. I think we can say the same about this trip, but we didn't find it so hard because of the deep sense of thankfulness in the hearts of the Jewish people whom we served. Coupled with this was the obvious joy it gave to these dear people. They were, truly, so grateful.
There were, of course, moments of sadness, especially when those who had been victims of terror shared their experiences with us. Whilst they did so, we, on our part, were able to show in our faces a deep compassion for them.
We will never forget some of the children and their parents who were severely traumatised because of the constant barrage of rockets upon their town. By our showing them something of the love of their Messiah in our lives, many of them opened up and shared a little of what they were going through. Perhaps, most importantly, they went away knowing that there were Gentile Christians who had a great love for them.
I had the privilege of talking to a few Holocaust survivors who had travelled in a group from northern Israel.
Another highlight of this programme was the opportunity to go into the Old City for a couple of days to feed a number of Arabs. We were mindful of their great need and, more especially, their need to be loved and cared for. My wife was particularly privileged to go in to the small dwellings of some who were elderly and infirm and, therefore, unable to attend the Christian home where the feeding took place. She spoke of being so moved by these dear people and by the joy on their faces as they were given food. It was so lovely to be able to pray with them.
I encourage you to pray for these dear people who are the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel'. Let us pray that many, having been touched by the compassion and service shown to them by those who love their Messiah, will seek Him for themselves.
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