Amid chaos in Israel, I will trust in the Lord.
What’s the time? The room was dark, but I was awake. I reached over to my phone and saw that it was too early. It was Saturday, October 7, a little before 7 a.m., and I was hoping to sleep in.
But as I looked at my phone, I noticed an unusual number of messages waiting to be read on WhatsApp and iMessage. As I began reading of what was happening in Israel, my stomach dropped and my eyes teared.
In a shocking and devastating turn of events, the terrorist group Hamas had launched a highly coordinated attack on Israel—what the world now calls Israel’s 9/11, a surprise strike by more than 3,000 rockets as well as by ground forces from the land and sea. In less than 24 hours, this evil attack left hundreds dead and injured, mostly Israeli civilians, but also some tourists and visitors. Scores more were kidnapped by Hamas.
It would be two weeks before my wife and I would be able to travel to Israel to be with our family, friends, and staff at Jews for Jesus, where I am the chief operating officer, during these unimaginably difficult days.
Stepping off the plane, we sensed a deep sadness and grief. You can feel it in the air and see it on people’s faces. Tel Aviv’s bustling and energetic nightlife is gone. Instead, there are constant memorials and gatherings to mourn. You must stay near known, safe locations so you can take shelter if a siren sounds.
Now, a month later, the numbers have tragically increased: more than 8,500 rockets have been fired from Gaza, more than 1,400 innocent Israelis have been murdered and over 4,500 injured, and more than 240 hostages are being held in Gaza. And, since arriving in Israel, I have found time to reflect on the reality of this war.
It is impossible ...
from Christianity Today Magazine
Umn ministry