"Hear Oh Yisra'el, Yahweh Our Elohim, Yahweh is One"
A DOSE OF REALITY, LOVE, AND COMPASSION
by
Sheryl Burnham
The excitement of going to Israel for the first time in my life was almost too much for me to contain. Just to be able to go on the trip was truly a blessing in and of itself, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had been praying for years that someday I would be able to go in hopes to quench the yearning of my heart to see the “promised land.” Little did I know how this trip would change my whole outlook of the land of Israel, its people, and strengthen my faith in Messiah Yahshua. From the time we landed in Israel until the time we left, was a time filled with learning, watching, spiritual warfare, joy, compassion for our brothers and sisters in the land, and especially a time where we saw the power and might of Yahueh working on our behalf. I was able to truly experience dwelling under the shadow of the Most High (Psalm 91). I am so pleased to be able to say, I have truly been blessed by this experience. To be able to share my deepest faith in Messiah Yahshua with my brother Judah was at times a challenge, but because we as a group were faithful to do so, many seeds were planted and I know without a shadow of a doubt they will grow and mature into what Yahueh has always planned for His people Israel.
One of my favorite times was when our tour guide took us on a surprise trip to a small school way out in the middle of what seemed to be nowhere. When we went into the school room where the children were sitting , and to see their little faces with such beautiful smiles and joy simply overflowing from them, I was over-whelmed by their innocence. They had just finished eating their lunch and wanted to sing the blessing for us. With such enthusiasm and joy these little children thanked Father for ALL they had.
Reality…they have so little. But, you would have never known it! What a blessing!!!!!! What a joy divine!!!! These were children of our brothers and sisters of Yehudah and I felt like they were my own. Tears of joy flowed from my eyes and I had a hard time containing them. Such love these children have.
Reality…the children. Love…the children. Compassion…the children.
I learned what it is like to be in ever present danger. At times it was hard to listen to the stories that were told to us by individuals who had gone through such terror.
Reality…our brothers need us. Love …grew. Compassion… in my heart, immeasurable.
I was able to see and touch the land that has and is being prepared for us by Yahueh. Oh how wonderful it will be when we get to go home!!! Yahueh will make a way when there seems to be no way!!! His timing is perfect. He will do it, only He can!
Reality….Ephraim is beautiful. Just like the scriptures say.
Love…Unending by Yahueh for his people…a must for us!
Compassion…A reality we all must embrace.
Reality…Messiah Yahshua…my Rock, my Fortress, my Redeemer, my Savior. Love…Yehudah needs Him. Compassion…Work the soil, plant the seeds, and pray for our brothers.
Please, if you can, go to the land. Support our brothers in any way Yahueh leads. They need our help in so many ways. And remember, pray not only for the peace of Jerusalem, but the country as a whole and everyone in it.
Yahueh gives Sheryl a song while visiting Ruth Matar’s home
