An Opportunity To Help

News headlines during the last week have revealed the Israeli Air Force has struck and destroyed two shipments of weapons in Syria destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization in Southern Lebanon bent on attacking and destroying Israel. As a result, Israeli Defense Forces have stationed tanks and anti-missile batteries along the Northern Israeli and Syria border preparing for any possible counter attack by Syria.

Situations like these of war preparations and alerts are almost a continual status for the Israel Defense Forces. Since the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, they have fought numerous wars miraculously protected by the hand of God each time. Adding to the challenge of protecting its residents in wars, the Israel Defense Forces continually have to deal with the threats of terror attacks and entifadas.

We need to also realize that almost every young Israeli, male and female, after graduating from high school must serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. Even after completing the required time, men must serve in the Reserves for an additional twenty years. Protecting Israel has come at a cost of 23,000 lives and with 100,000 disabled from wounds received.

How can we who love Israel help the Israeli Defense Forces? First, we can pray for God's daily protection and for His wisdom for their leaders. Secondly, we can provide financial support for the Israeli Defense Forces through an organization called Bridges For Peace. Starting military salaries are very low at $105.00 per month. Military families assist as they are capable but more than 5,000 soldiers have no family or are from needy families.

Isaiah 40:1 says "Comfort yes, comfort My people says your God." In addition to praying, if you are interested in supporting the Israel Defense Forces or other programs of support for Israel, log onto WWW.bridgesforpeace.com and click on "Blessing Israel." I personally have been supporting Bridges For Peace for twenty years.

May The Lord Bless You And Keep You This Day And Every Day,

Frank