Norm & Fay Boulton

We have been in Israel since March 3rd and will arrive back in the States May 25th. We both fell in love with Israel and the Jewish people when we came on a tour with Pastor Jim Henry in 2006. We come to stand with Israel. Without the Jewish people we would not have a Bible and possibility salvation. The Bible was written by all Jews except maybe Luke and our Lord and Savior was also born a Jew, died and  rose again as a Jew and will return as a Jew. We have been volunteering with Christian Friends of Israel and a Messianic / Christian Church called Jerusalem Assembly. We are told to stand in the gap, be intercessors and "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem may they prosper who love you" Psalm 122:6

Christian Friends of Israel is a helping organization, they are helping to settle all the new immigrants returning to Israel from other countries. We give support, food, clothes, and are always there for those who just walk into the office. When asked about our faith we can answer freely. I was surprised at how many each day walk into the office to have their needs met. CFI is supported by 26 countries around the world. Countries like Zimbabwe, Uganda, Slovakia send sacrifical support even though they are very poor countries themselves. 

The Lord has blessed with an apartment that is a 5 minute walk to a park area that has a beautiful view of the Old City. We go there often to sit and spend time looking over the very place God calls "My People" and "My Land" (Ezekiel 38:16 and Joel 3:2) 1st Kings 9:3 says the Lord has put "...My Name there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually." Amazing to be blessed to look over the Old City, City of David, Mt. Moriah, the Kidron Valley, Mt. of Olives and the Garden area where Jesus spent so much time in prayer. We try to visualize all that has happened here (the best is soon to come). We enjoy mentally removing the "modern stuff" and thinking of people on the hill sides, in the Kidron and Hinnon valleys coming to the feasts or to offer sacrifice's unto the Lord, or just coming to "the city." 

While walking through the park on our way to the Old City to take in the spirit of Passover, we happened across a herd of goats, the man (shepherd) with them made some strange sounds and they all turned and followed him. We should be so obedient to our Shepherd. Our visits to Israel have deepened our understanding of how much God loves this land and His people. 

We need to continue to pray that the people and nation of Israel will truly look for and find the Prince of Peace. We are hearing and seeing that the hearts of the Jews are softening and many are coming to Christ. There are a number of Messianic and Christian groups reaching out to the people here. They earnestly need our prayer and support. All that happens here will be for His glory. IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM.

The seeds of the poppy take the shape of the cross during the time of the Passover.

Lynn Kennedy, missionary to Burkina Faso, West Africa

Thank you so very much for taking our request and need seriously! National curfew has been lifted. Planes are now permitted to land. Students have returned to school. (The school year will be extended, allowing all to get credit for this school year.) The military has also been calmed and the rioting and looting stopped. Thank you again for your prayers.