ISRAEL FREEDOM OF RELIGION

King Solomon's 3,000-Year-Old Copper Mine Discovered?

The wise Solomon was Israel's 3rd king from 965 BC to 925 BC, the son of King David (from the story of David and Goliath), and the owner of an enormous harem and incommensurate wealth gathered by means of mining and trading. H. Rider Haggard's best-selling novel, King Solomon's Mines, fueled the imagination of hundreds of treasure hunters searching for the hidden wealth of gold and diamonds described to have been contained in the depths of the mining shafts.During the 1970s and the 1980s, some digs in the region of the Jordan Valley known as Khirbat en-Nahas, (Arabic for ruins of copper) uncovered an ancient giant copper mine. The research performed at the time indicated that the metalworking activities took place on the site sometimes during the 7th century BC, ruling out the possibility of King Solomon's involvement in any way. Still, based on recent findings and technology, Dr. Thomas Levy from the University of California in San Diego, together with Mohammed Najjar from Jordan's Friends of Archeology, has managed to date the mine to the 10th century BC, in the time of Solomon's rule.The site is comprised of about 100 buildings and a fortress amidst a 24-acre (0.0375 square miles, or 0.097 square kilometers) area, all covered in black slag and large enough to be spotted by satellite. The dating was also backed up by the discovery of an Egyptian scarab and amulet from the same period. We have evidence that complex societies were indeed active in the 10th and 9th centuries BC, and that brings us back to the debate about the historicity of the Bible narratives related to this period, Dr. Levy explains.

The finding will shed new light on the old topic of the Old Testament's historical validity and accuracy, since it provides some interesting data that coincides both with Bible writings and with historical records. We can't believe everything ancient writings tell us. But this research represents a confluence between the archaeological and scientific data and the Bible, states Levy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE----PRESS RELEASE----FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Moshe Feiglin Co-Founder & President Contact: Rob Muchnick, US Director
(516) 779-7420 (cell phone)rmuchnick@manhigut.org Shmuel Sackett Co-Founder & International Director

Israel Provides Freedom of Religion For All - Except Jews
October 29, 2008.

The Israeli Declaration of Independence guarantees freedom of religion in Israel for all peoples. Or does it? Last week, during the festival of Sukkot, the democratic and enlightened rulers of Israel arrested Rabbi Yehuda Glick, head of the Temple Mount Institute. His crime was simply that the police thought that he was going to pray on the Temple Mount - Judaism's holiest site. When the Israeli Defense Forces liberated Jerusalem from the Arab enemy in 1967, Moshe Dayan immediately ordered the Israeli flag taken down from the Mount. As he stated, it was not his dream for the Israelis to become attached to their Jewish roots. Dayan and the secular Israeli leadership wanted nothing to interfere with the new Jew that they had created in the state of Israel. They figured that if Israelis became attached to their biblical heritage, then they would be less inclined to vote for the ultra-secular, socialist Labor party and he therefore gave control over the site of G-d's house to the Islamic Wakf. Shockingly, none of the Prime Ministers since then have taken back the Mount, and to this day, a Jew will be immediately arrested by Israeli police if he dares to pray on the Temple Mount.Just as Rabbi Glick was waiting on line to ascend to the Temple Mount when he was arrested, Jews faithful to the Land of Israel, to G-d and to Am Yisrael are waiting in line for leadership that uses Jewish values to guide its actions.

Rob Muchnick, US Director(516) 779-7420 (cell phone)rmuchnick@manhigut.org
The Manhigut Yehudit website is www.jewishisrael.org

SPEECH BY SOLANA
http://www.girodivite.it/IMG/pdf/103646.pdf

Nato: speech by NATO Secretary General at the University of Chisinau Chisinau, Moldova - 30 October 2008 Chisinau, Moldova – 30 October 2008 Thursday 30 October 2008, by Emanuele G. - 78 letture

Ambassadors,Ladies and Gentlemen,Dear Students,

I am pleased to be back in Chisinau today. I was here relatively early on during my tenure as NATO Secretary General, and I have been looking forward to coming back. Thank you, Dr. Ciocanu, for welcoming me to Chisinau University, and thank you all for attending.The NATO Alliance that I have the privilege to represent will turn 60 next year. Most people will try to slow down a bit when they approach that age. But NATO is busier than ever. As many as 50,000 of our soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan alone, to provide security so that development and democracy can flourish. But we are also keeping the peace in Kosovo. NATO ships are patrolling the Mediterranean in an naval anti-terrorist mission. And, off the coast of Somalia, we have just recently started to escort World Food Program vessels and to help protect international shipping against acts of piracy.At the same time, the Alliance is also making its unique capabilities and experience available in other areas. We are assisting defence reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are training Iraqi and Afghan security forces. We are assisting the African Union, including with airlifts to Somalia and AU forces in and out of Darfur. And we have played a role in some major disaster response and humanitarian relief operations, including after the floods which hit Moldova this summer.But even as NATO focuses on challenges far away from our own borders, we are not forgetting that there are unresolved issues closer to home.It has been and remains a longstanding objective of the Alliance to help create a European continent that is whole, free and at peace – by reaching out to countries all across our continent, offering them assistance and encouragement, and helping them to find their own place in a peaceful, democratic Europe. Moldova deserves its place in a peaceful and democratic Europe. Moldova has a clear european vocation.

In the Balkans, that commitment is clearly bearing fruit. With NATO’s help, all the countries in the region are now finding their rightful place among the European family of nations. Several have joined the Alliance and the European Union already, while others have made good progress in that direction.Elsewhere in Europe, however, several countries find it harder to break with the past and to chart their own future – not least because others try to decide that future for them. Georgia is a case in point. NATO has stood by Georgia through the crisis in August. We have supported the settlement negotiated by the European Union Presidency - I commend the French European Presidency for that - with the Georgian and Russian Presidents and will continue to urge its full implementation. We will continue to urge respect for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. And we will continue to support Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.Like Georgia, your neighbour Ukraine has strong Euro-Atlantic aspirations as well, which NATO also supports. That is why we continue to engage in political dialogue with Ukraine, and to assist the implementation of difficult reforms, in particular the modernisation of its defence structures.Having said this, NATO is keen to assist and cooperate with all countries in Europe, and to pursue an active political dialogue with each, regardless of whether they wish or do not wish to join the Alliance. And this very much applies to the Republic of Moldova as well.We understand, of course, and respect, of course, the importance of Moldova’s constitutional neutrality. As a matter of fact, NATO has several neutral countries among its most active Partner nations – including Switzerland and Sweden.

And I am very glad that our political dialogue and practical cooperation with Moldova has increased as well these last few years, especially since your country concluded a first Individual Partnership Action Plan – or IPAP – with NATO back in 2006.Much of our cooperation is focused on the reform of Moldova’s defence establishment – to make it more effective, accountable and relevant to 21st century requirements. The adoption of a National Security Concept earlier this year was a major step forward. We hope that it will be followed soon by several additional documents to guide the reform process further, such as a Strategic Defence Review and a National Military Strategy.It will be important to keep the reform process going, to continue with the elaboration of these documents, to work on a new IPAP, and to build on the progress that has already been achieved – including in reforming your Military Institute and strengthening the Peacekeeping Training Centre. And so I sincerely hope for continued political support – before and after next year’s elections – to drive the process forward.Let me add that this will not only be in your own national interest, but also help to boost security more broadly. Moldova’s commitment of five helicopters to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan shows that even relatively small nations can help to provide security well beyond their own region. And Moldova is to be commended for that contribution.

NATO’s expertise is not limited to hard, military matters, and neither is our cooperation with Moldova. For example, we helped to coordinate assistance from a number of Allied and Partner nations following the floods which struck your country this past summer. Several NATO nations and agencies work together with the OSCE to repackage and destroy stocks of hazardous chemicals and fertilizers, so they do not harm your environment. And we have cooperated on the establishment of the NATO Information Centre here at the University of Chisinau, to promote the dissemination of information and improve understanding about NATO and what it does.In addition to our practical cooperation, NATO and Moldova have also engaged in closer political dialogue. President Voronin and Moldovan Government Ministers have come to NATO meetings and our Headquarters in Brussels several times. My Special Representative, Ambassador Simmons, has also maintained a continuous and active dialogue, that I was able to build upon in my own talks here today with the President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence. And I hope that political engagement will continue after the elections next year, because it is vital to a further deepening and broadening of our partnership.Regrettably, the unresolved issue of Transnistria continues to cast a shadow over the future of your country. And it is on that issue, as well, that continued high-level political engagement will be vital, by all the different parties concerned.The NATO Allies have always expressed their support for the territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova on a number of occasions. But the mandate and expertise to try and resolve the Transnistria issue rests with the OSCE and those involved in the 5+2 negotiation process, not with NATO. I will say that the Government of Moldova is to be commended for its strong commitment to a peaceful resolution of the issue, and its pragmatic attempts to put new ideas on the table. And we also appreciate its consistent position regarding the Adapted Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe, which is crucial to maintaining military transparency and predictability throughout our continent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

The NATO Alliance that I represent is changing fast. We are responding to a range of new security challenges. And we are reaching out to engage other nations and institutions in a comprehensive approach to those challenges.At the same time, we are not losing sight of challenges closer to home. We remain determined to contribute to the creation of a Europe that is whole, free and at peace. And we want Moldova to find its rightful place right at the heart of that Europe.You are the future of Moldova. You students, the younger generation, are the future of Moldova. Your generation has most to gain from the path of democracy, reform and integration. And so I hope that you – as well – will play your full part in keeping your country on that path, and heading towards a better future.I would like to answer your questions and engage in a debate with you, students, here today.Thank you.Nato

Saturday, 1st November 2008 Muslim scholars to meet Pope Benedict next week
Tom Heneghan, Reuters

Muslim scholars make a rare visit to the Vatican next week to discuss with Pope Benedict and Roman Catholic experts how to overcome mutual suspicion and ignorance between Christianity and Islam.Twenty-four signatories of A Common Word, a Muslim call to dialogue with Christianity issued last year, will assemble in Rome from around the Islamic world for talks between Tuesday and Thursday, the first annual meeting of a new Catholic-Muslim Forum.The meeting, following talks with US Protestants in July and Anglicans earlier last month, will take place one week before Saudi King Abdullah visits the UN to promote a parallel interfaith dialogue he launched last summer.These meetings reflect a new urgency Muslim leaders have felt in recent years after the September 11 attacks, the clash of civilisations theory and Pope Benedict's Regensburg speech showed a widening gap between the world's two largest faiths.Common Word signatories say their meetings have forged new bonds with Christians, including US evangelicals wary about Islam, and helped both sides shed stereotypes to see shared teaching about the need to love God and neighbour.We go to Rome with an open heart and good spirit and hope to achieve more and more in the months to come, said Libyan theologian Aref Ali Nayed, senior adviser to the Cambridge Interfaith Programme.

SAYS MILF LEADER Moro agency gets World Bank funds By Jeoffrey Maitem, Edwin Fernandez Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 07:57:00 11/01/2008

COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines -- (UPDATE) A non-government organization identified with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has received P21-million from the World Bank, an MILF leader said Saturday.The release of the fund came in the wake of claims by unidentified sources, which some newspapers except the Inquirer have reported on, that the Bangsamoro Development Agency has been buying firearms on behalf of the Moro rebel group.North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol said the World Bank assistance to the BDA, despite reports it was engaged in weapons procurement for the rebel group, was questionable.Why would the World Bank give funding to a rebel organization that we even wanted tagged as terrorist? I don't know what the WB intention is, Piñol told the Inquirer by phone.But Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, told the Inquirer that the money will be used for the rehabilitation of projects destroyed by the renewed armed conflict in Maguindanao and other areas.He said it was impossible for the BDA, headed by Danda Juanday, to divert the money to arms procurement as the development NGO does not even handle funds in the first place.Besides, Iqbal said the BDA was not put up to beef up the MILF's armory.He said the BDA, which was put up in connection with the peace process, only coordinates with other people's organizations for the implementation of development projects in conflict areas.We and the WB will also closely monitor the implementation of the projects. The BDA will not handle the money, he said.The WB also dismissed reports that the BDA uses World Bank and other funds to buy firearms for the MILF.A similar denial was also issued by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), which also assists the BDA in the implementation of social projects in conflict-affected areas.It's up to them. The WB is in a better position to assess their projects, Piñol said.

As this developed, the military said sporadic firefights continued in Maguindanao and the latest took place while Armed Forces chief General Alexander Yano was visiting the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division in Shariff Kabunsuan on Friday.Colonel Julieto Ando, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said three soldiers were wounded while 19 MILF rebels were killed in the clashes that occurred in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town starting at mid-afternoon on Friday.Ando said the clashes, which lasted until late in the night, started when Moro rebels attacked an outpost of the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion near the village of Tee around 2 p.m.

With more MILF rebels reinforcing, he said the military called in air support to push back the advancing rebels.Ando said the military also used artillery against the rebels.Colonel Marlou Salazar, commander of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, said MILF forces under Ameril Ombra Kato have shifted to hit-and-run tactics because their supply of ammunition was running low.Since August, the military has been pounding rebel positions in the marshy areas of Maguindanao following MILF attacks that killed nearly a dozen civilians in Aleosan and Pikit towns in North Cotabato.

A similar operation is also being conducted in the Lanao areas against MILF leader Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo for allegedly attacking several towns in Lanao Del Norte, also in August.More than 60 civilians have been killed since the renewed fighting erupted, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council. The new wave of violence was triggered by the cancellation of signing ceremonies for the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain between the government and the MILF last August 5.About 600,000 individuals were also displaced in the affected provinces.The International Committee of the Red Cross said the number of evacuees continues to swell as punitive government actions against Kato and Bravo continue.

IMF,WB should be reformed to reflect contemporary realities'
1 Nov, 2008, 2025 hrs IST, PTI

TEHRAN: Citing the global economic crisis, India today said the approach of international financial institutions like IMF and World Bank was no more
relevant and these bodies should be reformed to reflect the contemporary realities.

Addressing the India-Iran Joint Business Council meeting here, External Affairs Minister Pranab Muikherjee said the financial crisis that has gripped the world threatens to be worse than that witnessed in the 1930s. We are meeting at a time when there is crisis worldover in the financial sector, he told the gathering of senior executives of top business establishments of the two countries here. Noting that the crisis had particularly hit the banking sector and stock markets, Mukherjee said if remedies had to found in real terms, there should be relook at the international financial and economic structures. He pointed out that the UN financial bodies like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank had been established in 1945 in the post-World War II era to provide help in reconstruction activities across the globe. Their approaches have lost their relevance in the contemporary situation, the External Affairs Minister said and stressed these should be reformed so that they are in tune with today's realities. Iranian Economic and Finance Minister Shamseddin Hossain, while referring to the financial crisis, said Iran and India had been left untouched by the meltdown because of their correct policies. He underlined the need for closer cooperation between the two countries to meet the situation and ensure their economic stability.

Russia, Libya ready to discuss major joint projects - Putin 01.11.2008, 19.52

MOSCOW, November 1 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia and Libya are prepared to discuss major joint projects and initiatives, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with Libyan Revolution leader Muammar al-Gaddafi on Saturday. All of us present here today will discuss major projects and initiatives. I am confident that your visit will be a good stimulus for the development of relations in all areas, primarily trade, economic, scientific and technological fields, Putin said. Much has been done to not only restore but create the basis for progressive development of Russian-Libyan relations in the future, he said, adding that al-Gaddafi and he had discussed in a narrow format a number of strategic issues regarding the development of bilateral relations. These are not just talks. These are talks between strategic partners, the Libyan leader said. We express satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations and believe they need to be developed further, including in terms of actions on the African continent, he said. Al-Gaddafi said he talks with Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev inspired big interest.

* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * * UNCONFIRMED: WAS EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN A NUCLEAR TEST? Plus: Israeli elections coming soon. By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., October 31, 2008) -- Let me begin by saying I am hesitant to send this to you because it is an unconfirmed report, and I hope it is wrong. But I wanted you to at least be aware and we'll track the story together in the coming days. An Israeli news service is reporting this morning that an earthquake in Iran last weekend may have been triggered by an Iranian nuclear weapons test, citing an Iranian nuclear scientist working on the project as its source. This past Saturday night, southern Iran experienced what was reported as a significant earthquake - a seismic event measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale, reports Arutz Sheva/Israel National News, attributing the story first to the Israel Insider website. Its epicenter was just north of the strategic Straits of Hormuz, which separates Iran from Abu Dhabi and Oman and which is the gateway to the Persian Gulf. The report quotes an Iranian nuclear scientist who claims to be working in uranium enrichment for the project, and who said that the 'quake' was acutally an undergound nuclear bomb test. Israel Insider adds that the test/quake was actually the second in a series. Nine days ago, a 4.8 Richter scale event occurred, with its epicenter only five kilometers away from the weekend tremor. The Israel Insider source reports that two nuclear rockets are currently ready - and are intended for use against Israel in the coming months. If the report is correct, it would belie previous speculation that Iran would not begin nuclear testing until it had more nuclear-bomb production capability.

Let me stress again that this is an unconfirmed report. While the Associated Press did report a 5.0 earthquake in Iran this past weekend, as of 7:30am eastern on Friday the allegation that the quake was connected to Iranian nuclear testing has not been picked up by other major Israeli news services such as the Jerusalem Post, Ynet, or Haaretz. At the very least, let's keep praying for the peace of Jerusalem, and preparing to care for those in the epicenter who would be severely affected if war is coming soon. Meanwhile, Israelis will soon head to the polls to choose a new prime minister and a new parliament (Knesset). Kadima leader Tzipi Livni was unable to put together a governing coalition to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. So Israel will hold national elections on February 10th. Livni, who is currently the country's Foreign Minister, will square off against former Prime Minister Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu. Please be praying that the Lord's will would be done in Israel as well as here in the U.S. with our own critically important elections coming next Tuesday. Americans and Israelis desperately need leaders like the men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. (I Chronicles 12:32) [By the way, on was on CBN's 700 Club yesterday to discuss the Iranian nuclear threat to Israel. I will post a transcript on the weblog when that is available.]

Iranian Nuke Scientist: Weekend Quake was a Nuclear Test

A weekend 5.0 Richter earthquake in Iran was actually a nuclear bomb test, says an Iranian nuclear scientist claiming to be working on the project.This past Saturday night, southern Iran experienced what was reported as a significant earthquake - a seismic event measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was just north of the strategic Straits of Hormuz, which separates Iran from Abu Dhabi and Oman and which is the gateway to the Persian Gulf.The report quotes an Iranian nuclear scientist who claims to be working in uranium enrichment for the project, and who said that the quake was actually an underground nuclear bomb test. Israel Insider adds that the test/quake was actually the second in a series. Nine days ago, a 4.8 Richter scale event occurred, with its epicenter only five kilometers away from the weekend tremor.The Israel Insider source reports that two nuclear rockets are currently ready - and are intended for use against Israel in the coming months.

If the report is correct, it would belie previous speculation that Iran would not begin nuclear testing until it had more nuclear-bomb production capability. The geographical location of the test has several advantages. It is exposed to significant seismic activity, which could serve to mask nuclear tests; it is believed to be close to Iran's nuclear development facility; delivery and transport of material and personnel can be effected easily through the Hormuz Strait; and Iranian enemies would hesitate to bomb the area because that would threaten the flow of a substantial percentage of the world's oil.Reuters reports Thursday morning that Iran has begun building a line of naval bases along its southern coast and up to the Straits of Hormuz.

Muslims behead Christian convert from Islam in Somalia

Among at least 24 aid workers killed in Somalia this year was one who was beheaded last month specifically for converting from Islam to Christianity, among other charges, according to an eyewitness.Muslim extremists from the al Shabab group fighting the transitional government on Sept. 23 sliced the head off of Mansuur Mohammed, 25, a World Food Program (WFP) worker, before horrified onlookers of Manyafulka village, 10 kilometers (six miles) from Baidoa.The militants had intercepted Mohammed and a WFP driver, who managed to escape, earlier in the morning. Sources close to Mohammed’s family said he converted from Islam to Christianity in 2005.The eyewitness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the militants that afternoon gathered the villagers of Manyafulka, telling them that they would prepare a feast for them. The people gathered anticipating the slaughter of a sheep, goat or camel according to local custom.Five masked men emerged carrying guns, wielding Somali swords and dragging the handcuffed Mohammed. One pulled back Mohammed’s head, exposing his face as he scraped his sword against his short hair as if to sharpen it. Another recited the Quran as he proclaimed that Mohammed was a murtid, an Arabic term for one who converts from Islam to Christianity.The Muslim militant announced that Mohammed was an infidel and a spy for occupying Ethiopian soldiers.

Mohammed remained calm with an expressionless face, never uttering a word, said the eyewitness. As the chanting of “Allah Akubar [God is greater]” rose to a crescendo, one of the militiamen twisted his head, allowing the other to slit his neck. When the head was finally severed from the torso, the killers cheered as they displayed it to the petrified crowd.The militants allowed one of their accomplices to take a video of the slaughter using a mobile phone. The video was later circulated secretly and sold in Somalia and in neighboring countries in what many see as a strategy to instill fear among those contemplating conversion from Islam to Christianity.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that a similar incident took place in Lower Juba province of Somalia in July, when Christians found with Bibles were publicly executed. Their families fled to Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, and such killings are forcing other Christians to flee to neighboring Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The CARMEL ALERT Oct 31st 2008 A compilation of news reports from the past week for the information of those committed to praying for Israel and the salvation of the Jewish people.

Guest Comment: How Great is Our God ? Rolf Piller - Germany
Ezekiel 37:14 (a) I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, (b) and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it, says the LORD.(NKJV)

A partial fulfillment of this verse (b) is already taking place. How soon can we anticipate (a) to be fulfilled and the blindness as to Yeshua Messiah to be lifted? I don't know, but I guess it will go according to His plan and not to our limited expectations, because we are either too timid or rushing too far ahead, in any case we bring it not in line with His Word. I fully agree with what Errol Francis wrote in last weeks comment, the rapture, whenever it is going to take place is not a event exclusively for the Church, but for the whole body of the Messiah. Pre-tribulation seems to be a popular escape route amongst Christians, that is anti-semitic at its heart, amidst many scriptures that indicate that it is the very challenge for the believing Church to go through a terrible tribulation (see Matthew 24:4-12; Mark 13:10-26; Luke 21:8-28; John 15:18-20) and in doing so we will see His greatness revealed in and through us. I have come to believe that Ezekiel 36: 22-28 is at the core of His plan for the salvation of the Jewish people. v22 Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the LORD, says the Lord GOD, when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. We as the body need to understand that God's reason for doing this is based on His COVENANT, that will not be broken. He does it for His holy name's sake and in doing so it will have a dramatic effect on the gentiles, they will realize that God keeps His promises and they will turn to Him. v24 For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land.

Bringing every Jewish person back to His land, the land of the forefathers, will be a great testimony to the nations. Now, some will think I am crazy but I am convinced this means all the tribes in full number and not just a represention of it. Where does my claim come from? Let us look at Ez 39:28, (Ez 39:28) then they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who sent them into captivity among the nations, but also brought them back to their land, and left none of them captive any longer. Now, none is none, or do I misunderstand something? That menas that every Jewish person on this planet will return to Israel. You will perhaps ask, Rolf, are you aware of the size of the present day country and all the problems with water, etc.? Yes, I am and I know that God has the answer to all this questions, so we don't need to worry about them. Look with me to Genesis 15:18: On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates ­ This makes roughly 2.5 million square kilometre, plenty of room for those living there and those joining them from across the globe! How God is going to do that? I don't know and I don't care,because that is His reponsibilty and I am not going to interfere with Him. You are still worrying, will that not creat a water problem? Yes, it would, but have you read that HE said, I will make rivers in the desert. My friend, when God plans somrthing HE takes care even for the smallest item, so rest in peace and enjoy what He is going to do with His chosen people. v25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Then indicates a sequence, first coming and that is then followed by the cleansing from sin, a new heart and a new spirit. God, how great thou art ! v26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. v27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. v28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

So, to me that will be the time when Romans 11:25-26 will be fulfilled, and so all Israel shall be saved. And that their salvation would bring in the greatest soul harvest ever. The revival I anticipate is in line with the prophecy Yeshua did in Matthew 23:39 and Psalm 118.26, blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. They Messianic community will then already be accepting that Yeshua is the Messiah, before His coming. In anticipation they will be calling, well before that occasion, It will not be for them; that Israel will be in such a desperate position under antichrist, with Armageddon's armies gathering, that they have to make this call or perish. (Matthew 24:21-22)There will be still people from all nations that continue to resist the Lord (Rev 22:11) in the day of decision (Joel 3:14). But those that turn to Him now, will not be astonished when they view Him standing of the Mt. of Olives and acknowledge it is Him who their forefathers pierced. (John 19:37 & Zech12:9-13). And that the Christian Saviour is the Messiah of Israel as well! I am convinced that is the message a Rabbi friend tried to pass on, as he asked, Would it not be wonderful if we both could watch the Messiah coming in Jerusalem? In the meantime we should not grow tired to pray for the Jewish people who still have a blindness to Yeshua. This will be removed when the fullness of the gentiles comes in (Rom 11:25) and all His people are back to the land. The present shaking in the finacial world is a picture of what God could allow to happen to shaken the Jews in the West from flesh pots of Egypt. It could mean that the American nation will turn totally against the Jewish people, driving them out of the land, for they will serve as a scapegoat for the economic development.It is convincing that in Daniel 12:1 that when the end time deliverance comes to the children of thy people, (Israel) every one that shall be found written in the book. This confirms that they will have acknowledged Yeshua as their Messiah, just like Gentile Christians had to do. Their names will be in the Book of Life! There will be one redeemed body of God's people (Isa 65:9, Gal 3:28 & Col 3:11).The Lord bless you as you bless Israel by standing in defense of her right to exist on the land given to th Jewish people by the God of Israel Lets pray that Israel will turn back to their God. Do not be silent, but share this with your fellow Christians, share it with your pastors, and with anyone you have a chance to speak to. Lets also pray for that breakthrough to the Muslims, and please remember to pray for our son Jordan, and all of his fellow soldiers in the IDF. Shabbat Shalom .... David & Josie.

Anti-Israel Sentiment Grows in Germany

Israeli Foreign Ministry officials are concerned about increasing anti-Israel sentiment in Germany.While German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her country's strong support for the Jewish state, public opinion against Israel is beginning to sway government officials.Israeli officials fear that the public's anti-Israel mood will take its toll on Germany's willingness to stand behind Israel, especially with the increasing threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.The Germans are filled with prejudice against Israel. Our public relations delegates are pulling their hair out in frustration when they meet young and old people there, a senior official told YNet news.More than once, they hear remarks like,That's not your country,It's a shame that a Jewish country was established on stolen land,Israel is treating the Palestinians like the Nazis treated the Jews, We are equally responsible for the Palestinians as we are for the Jews, he said.During a recent meeting of the Israel-Germany Friendship Youth Forum, a number of participants disagreed with isolating Iran despite the Islamic Republic's nuclear arms program, reported a staff member at the Israeli Embassy in Berlin.Germany does more business with Iran than any other European country, with projected exports of 4 billion euros in 2008.

Russia blasted at NATO conference - Summary Posted : Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:15:00 GMT Author : DPA

Riga - The foreign and domestic policies of the Russian government continued to receive a mauling in the Latvian capital, Riga, Saturday with a trio of presidents joining other political figures in criticism of the Kremlin at a NATO-sponsored conference. President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia claimed former Russian President Vladimir Putin had told him he would make us Northern Cyprus long before territorial disputes in South Ossetia turned into armed conflict in August.

Saakshvili reiterated that he was in no way to blame for his country's August war with Russia, calling accusations that he had acted first a total lie.He said that the consequences of the conflict were far from over. If Georgia was to fall, by 2013 Russia would control 60 per cent more oil and gas than they do now, Saakashvili predicted. Once they feel that they are through it, that they have digested it, that's when we'll have trouble.The Georgian president also warned his Latvian and Estonian counterparts, Valdis Zatlers and Toomas Hendrik Ilves, that the insurance policy of their NATO membership remains untested. I hope that it works, he said.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Boris Nemtsov, a one-time deputy prime minister of Russia under Vladimir Putin and now a leading opponent of his former boss, said: Putinism means monopoly. Monopoly means corruption, no competition and no transparency. The only way to improve relations with Russia is to democratize Russia, Nemtsov said, adding that television was the most important of the Russian government's monopolies to such an extent that even his own mother had been persuaded to back Dmitry Medvedev as president. He also claimed the Kremlin seriously intends the rouble to overtake the dollar and euro as the main world currency with Moscow as the financial centre of the world. Five presidents were originally slated to appear at the Riga conference but President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania and President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine both cancelled to deal with pressing domestic matters, leaving presidents Zatlers of Latvia, Ilves of Estonia and Saakashvili of Georgia as the most prominent attendees. respective author or news agency

A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR. JACK VAN IMPE NOV 2,08

In the last two newsletters we have covered what the New Birth is, and have showed that God demands the New Birth for us. Starting this week we want to look as the results of the New Birth.John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, repeatedly preached on the subject, Ye must be born again. On one occasion a listener approached this servant of God and said, Don't you know anything else except, Ye must be born again? Wesley smiled and replied, Certainly, but the reason I preached on John 3:7, Ye must be born again, so often is because Jesus said, Ye must be born again.

Results of The New Birth

One can only be born again or from above if his theological concept of Christ is accurate. First John 5:1 states, Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.... What a power-filled statement.Why? you ask.

Because Jesus means Saviour (see Matthew 1:21) and Christ means Sent One. Therefore, one must believe that the Saviour is the Sent One or a born again experience becomes impossible. Involved in the terminology, Sent One, is the eternal deity of Christ. One must believe that He always existed, yea was the preexistent God, the second member of the Trinity. One must believe that He was...from everlasting (Micah 5:2) and was sent to earth to inhabit a blood-filled body to die for sinners. That's why Galatians 4:4 states, But when the fullness of time was come [the time for God's plan to be enacted, see Revelation 13:81, God SENT [not created, but SENT] forth his Son.... If He sent Him, Christ preexisted, for one cannot be sent if he is nonexistent.Now this Sent One came to Bethlehem's manger to die upon Calvary's tree. Yes, He took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7, 8). No other Christ suffices. He must be the virgin born, blood covered; resurrected God-man or salvation is impossible. Believing this and receiving Him makes one born of God. This in turn produces three results.

Holiness

First, the birth by the Spirit produces holiness. First John 3:9 declares, Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Greek scholars teach that the word commit should be translated practice.This is so because a Christian may still slip or do wrong. Believers still have fleshly natures until the day of redemption. Then Christ raptures our old vile bodies into His presence (see Philippians 3:20).Presently, this old nature is constantly at war with the newly produced nature received at salvation. Paul described the battle in Romans 7 and also in Galatians 5:17. He says . . . the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that [you] cannot do the thing that [you] would. However, victory through the indwelling Spirit is possible for verse 16 states, Walk in the Spirit, and [you] shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.It must be obvious to all Christians that there is a constant battle to be fought. Paul wasn't whistling in the wind when he said, I have fought a good fight... (2 Timothy 4:71. He knew the danger of egotistically shouting, I could never do wrong. for he again declared in 1 Corinthians 10:12. ...let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.We see, then, that it is possible for any child of God to commit sin but impossible for the genuine believer to live a life of sin. This is true because his seed [the Holy Spirit] remaineth in him: and he cannot [practice] sin, because he is BORN OF GOD (1 John 3:9). When one is truly saved, Christ and the Holy Spirit enter one's heart and life simultaneously. That's right ... if any man have not the Spirit of Christ; he is none of [Christ's] (Romans 8:9). This blessed Spirit, living within the believer, becomes grieved (see Ephesians 4:30) and quenched (see 1 Thessalonians 5:19) when the smallest infraction of God's commands occurs. The Spirit's grief, in turn, becomes the believer's heartache as he feels what the internally dwelling Spirit experiences. This elucidates our previously discussed text which says, Whosoever is BORN OF GOD doth not commit sin; for his seed [the Holy Spirit] remaineth in him: and he cannot [practice] sin, because he is born of God (1 John 3:9).Let's go a step farther. If one is miserable over sin but continues to walk in disobedience to God, the offender gets a spiritual spanking. Hebrews 12:5-8 declares, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth EVERY SON whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof ALL are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

This spiritual spanking, administered to every son (verse 6), yea all disobedient children (verse 8), is for one purpose and one purpose only. ...that we might be partakers of his HOLINESS (verse 10). We see, then, that it is God's supreme desire that His children live holy lives. This is in accordance with their new birth experience. Salvation produces holiness. Second Timothy 1:9 states, [God] hath SAVED us, and CALLED us with an HOLY calling.... Again, .. .God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto HOLINESS (1 Thessalonians 4:7).That's why Romans 6:4 states that we have been raised unto ...NEWNESS of life, and why 2 Corinthians 5:17 adds ... if ANY MAN be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS are become NEW. This is a direct result of receiving Christ. Let me explain this truth with an analogy of the physical birth. When one is born, he receives the nature of each parent. The mixture of the genes means that both parents' traits are combined in their co-mingled product. The mean, grumpy nature comes from dad, and the sugar and spice and everything nice traits from mom-to hear some ladies tell it! Ha! The combining of the two natures within the finished product results from human generation.Likewise, when one is 'born from above, or born of the Spirit, he receives God's nature through REGENERATION (see Titus 3:5). As the child received the nature of his parents through generation, the believer receives the nature of God through regeneration. This is what makes holiness possible. Since one has become a partaker of the divine nature (see 2 Peter 1:4) and since God is holy (see 2 Peter 1:16), the nature of God within the newly formed babe in Christ is divine and holy.It certainly does not take any ingenuity to see that God within produces holy living. HIS HOLINESS rubs off and must be reflected in His children. The Bible commands this holiness of life through conversion. ...[you] shall be holy, for l am holy... (Leviticus 1:44).... thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God... (Deuteronomy 7:6). They shall be called Thy holy people, The redeemed of the Lord... (Isaiah 62:12). Paul pleads with the people of God to walk according to their standing, saying, . . .yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness (Romans 6:19).The Apostle was concerned because he wanted all of God's people to share the joyous hour when Christ presents us holy and unblamable (see Colossians 1:22). Colossians 3:12 informs believers that they, as the election of God, are holy and beloved. They are ...holy brethren... (Hebrews 3:1). Elected to such a high calling, we are to, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). One's holy walk and talk proves that genuine salvation has occurred.

Strange, is it not, that denominations who push election the hardest are usually the cocktail-sipping, tobacco-sucking crowd. Beloved, election is unto holiness! He chose us ...in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be HOLY... (Ephesians 1:4). Preaching and teaching about predestination and election is naught but empty platitudes and vain repetition if the life of holiness is missing. In other words-pardon my grammatical error-you ain't got it! Why? Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.Now back to the original premise. Genuine believers may slip and fall, but they do not remain in the mud of sin for months and years. The apostle John harmoniously ties the two teachings, already considered, together by saying, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. However, He that [practices] sin is of the devil... (1 John 1:8 and 3:8). Make the distinction God does, and the pieces of the puzzle fit the picture.In the light of what has just been discussed, let's consider the outcome of practicing sin. Multitudes think that walking an aisle, signing a card, and sending one's photograph for baptism constitutes a salvation experience. Soothed and salved by such religious pilgrimages to the altar or prayer room, they continue the practice of every abominable degradation known.Regardless of their decadent lifestyle, all is well because once-upon-a time they made a beeline to the altar. Unfortunately, all they gained by it was exercise, not an experience. The move made, the practicing sinners rest in an unexperienced experience and they will die as unconverted converts. How deceived they are! How sad they will be at the judgment when Christ cries, I NEVER knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (Matthew 7:23).As I preach such convicting truth I realize that some sin-laden worldlings are angry. They are crying, Christian liberty, Christian liberty. Ah, but Christian liberty is never a driver's license to steer one's life into the pathways of sin! Others lament, We are under grace and thus are able to do anything and everything. Ah, but grace does not allow for a lifetime of disgrace! The Apostle of grace dogmatically teaches this.

Strange as it may seem to some, Paul's grace message concerning sin is identical to John's legalistic discourse about iniquity. Why not? God wrote all of the Bible. He used Paul, John, and others-even their personalities and vocabularies-but He guided every word into place (2 Peter 1:2 1). As a result, Paul, as well as John, makes it clear that one cannot love sin, desire sin chase sin, live in sin, and check into a sinless heaven. Though any Christian can commit any sin at any time, Paul nevertheless concludes that there must be evidence of a new nature constantly battling against an old nature if one has been born again. No evidence-no experience with God! It's that simple.This is so because the Spirit of God becomes grieved (see Ephesians 4:30) and quenched (see 1 Thessalonians 5:19) when believers sin. The believer, in turn, shares the grief produced by the indwelling Spirit. Then, if he continues in sin, he is spanked spiritually (see Hebrews 12:5) and may die prematurely (see 1 John 5:16), going home ashamed (see 1 John 2:28) and suffering the loss of all rewards-being saved ...as by fire (1 Corinthians 3:15). It is foolish, therefore, to teach that Paul's grace proclamation allows one to live in sin.If, at this point, one is still unconvinced, Paul's following warnings should settle it once, for all, and forever. Hear him in 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not [SHALL NOT. That's right, shall not!] inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators [premarital sex experimenters and trial marriage proponents] nor idolators. nor adulterers [extramarital flingers and swingers] nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind [homosexuals], Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards [social tipplers who tipple one too many], nor revilers. nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.Paul again warns in Ephesians 5:3-7, But fornication [premarital sex], and all uncleanness, or covetousness [love of materialism and filthy lucre], let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints: Neither filthiness. Nor foolish talking. nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this [you] KNOW, that no whore monger [immoral sex practitioner], nor unclean person [smutty jokester] nor the covetous man, who is an idolater [money lover], hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [None? None!] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things [sins] cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. No doubt about it. Depraved, debauched, decadent practitioners of sin inhabit the lake of fire for all eternity (see Revelation 21:8).

One more judgmental alarm is sounded by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21. He says, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past. that they which do such things SHALL NOT [What? SHALL NOT!] inherit the kingdom of God. Such grammar is so simplistic and understandable that further comment is unnecessary. It all convincingly says, He that practiceth sin is of the devil.Does all this mean, then, that practicing sinners have no hope? Perish the thought! God loves sinners and sent His Son to Calvary's cross to shed His blood for a world of wicked inhabitants. This blood, which flowed so freely from a love-filled Saviour, cleanseth from ALL sin (see 1 John 1:7). Because of it, a great number of Corinthians described in 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 as fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners were eternally forgiven as verse 11 proves. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus , and by the Spirit of our God. This is what the second birth did for them and will do for you today if you receive Christ. Remember, ...whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM THE HEART OF DR. REXELLA VAN IMPE
LET THE DOVES SPEAK

I had the great privilege while I was growing up to sit under the ministry of a great teacher, Dr. H. H. Savage. He was the only pastor I ever had, a brilliant man with a great passion for souls and a far-reaching vision for missions. He was an articulate speaker who could reach out and touch one’s heart each time he entered the pulpit.He was one of the first ministers to start a Christian radio program in the state of Michigan, along with the Radio Bible Class in Grand Rapids. On the air or in person, he was able to make Christianity a dramatic and exciting adventure. For example, out of the 103 young people in my teenage class, more than twenty of us felt a call to enter the ministry and ultimately went into full-time Christian work.

Because my brothers and I were musically talented and began singing at a very young age, I had the privilege of singing in the church and on Dr. Savage’s radio program from the time I was five years old. He was such an encouragement and blessing to me. Yes, he gave me the vision of being part of God’s work.I have been so privileged and blessed from the beginning of my walk with Christ to be associated with people of excellence and having pure and godly motives. I was married very young, and when I left Dr. Savage’s church, I entered into the ministry with Jack Van Impe, who was already a marvelous preacher and well established in his evangelistic work. So I have been under some of the greatest preachers in the world with both my pastor and with Jack, my husband and ministry partner.For as long as I have known him, Jack has been a great student of the Word, and it has blessed my heart to see him develop into one of the greatest prophetical teachers and preachers in the world today. Truly I believe that God chose Jack to be born for this day and age, and I certainly know that I was born to serve with him. How wonderful that is!Recently in my personal devotional time, I read and reflected upon Matthew 5:3-11, the part of Jesus’ monumental Sermon on the Mount known as the Beatitudes. It had been some time since I’d read this passage, and it struck me that no one else could have given such a compelling sermon as this-not even Dr. H. H. Savage or Dr. Jack Van Impe.This powerful message is not legalistic or impractical idealism. Instead, it is a call for a new way of life. Our Lord would not have given it to us if it were not attainable and workable. If He has called us to do it-and unquestionably He has-then He also has provided the grace and the help of the Holy Spirit to enable us to achieve it in our daily practical living.Let’s take a look at these eight simple but profound statements-the Beatitudes. We will look at the first three this week and then conclude next week:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).

Each of the beatitudes begins with the word blessed, which means to be highly favored, honored, or set aside. It speaks of the deep soul contentment that comes not from what we experience as much as who we are. I want to be blessed, don’t you?

In this first Beatitude, I believe poor in spirit refers to humility, the authentic attitude of the heart that recognizes it is absolutely nothing-poor-without the Lord. It is the kind of spiritual poverty that is overcome only by total dependence upon Christ. At the same time, the person who is truly poor in spirit also recognizes that everything is his because of God’s great gifts.Jesus demonstrated true humility when He knelt down and washed the feet of His disciples (see John 13:3-9). I can hardly imagine the God of this universe kneeling to wash the feet of these men, including Judas; the man Jesus knew would betray Him. This kind of humility comes only from the Lord.The gospel account says that Peter’s initial reaction to the humility of Jesus was to refuse to allow his feet to be washed. But Jesus said, If I don’t wash you then you have no part with me. So impulsive, reactionary Peter then pleaded, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.Maybe the essential point of this whole exchange was the Lord’s declaration that experiencing His humility is essential to relationship with Him. If we don’t have that kind of humility, we have nothing. But if we experience it, we are blessed...and the kingdom of heaven is ours! What an amazing promise.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they
shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4).

How can mourning be blessed? When it is for the needs and hurts of others! Our mourning is blessed when we are moved with a tender heart and compassionate spirit for the lost and those who suffer. Bob Pierce, the wonderful missionary who founded both World Vision and Samaritan’s Purse, once prayed, Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God! That’s the kind of mourning about which this verse is speaking. And without it, it is almost impossible for us to give comfort-or to receive it.Do you remember Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 30-35)? A traveler was attacked by thieves who robbed him, beat him, and left him for dead by the side of the road. A priest came by and then a Levite, but they passed by without helping him. Then a Samaritan saw him and had great compassion on him. He gave the man first aid, put him on his donkey, and carried him to an inn. There he paid for the man’s care.Perhaps the priest and the Levite felt pity for the unfortunate man, but they passed by. Pity says, Oh, that’s terrible. I’m so sorry. But the Bible says the Samaritan had compassion, which mourns with one’s suffering and says, Here, let me help!

During His earthly ministry, Jesus certainly demonstrated compassion to people everywhere He went. He once ministered to a crowd of 5,000, and when they became hungry, He fed them all. When He saw sick people, He healed them. When He saw lost sinners, He loved them. Do you see the pattern? Pity costs nothing. But compassion feeds, heals, and loves!Have you ever needed to be comforted? Is there a chance you will ever need it again? That blessing comes only to those who weep and mourn for the suffering of others...and give until it helps.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth
(Matthew 5:5).

Blessing comes to those with a gentle spirit and a calm attitude. Meekness is not weakness-it is the kind of strength that remains calm in the face of calamity. It is the person who can confront someone who has done wrong and keep his emotions under control, reaching out as a gentle servant of the Lord to lift up and restore the fallen.Jesus sent His disciples out to minister, telling them to be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Have you ever heard the voice of a dove? Their singing may be soft and soothing, but it is persistent. The voices of doves will not be hushed. The wisdom of the Lord enables us to deal with problems, with opposition, with the pressures of the world in meekness-not with anger and violence, but with gentle strength.During one of the huge crusade rallies Jack and I conducted several years ago, a crisis situation arose. Jack was still speaking to people in the auditorium after some had already gone to the prayer room for counseling. Someone came to me and said, Several motorcycle gang members are causing trouble in the counseling room-can you come do something? As I entered the room I saw seven or eight big tough-looking guys, mocking and laughing at what had happened as another counselor spoke with them. I said, I’m Mrs. Van Impe, and in this room we ask everybody to stay in an attitude of prayer. One of them replied, Aww, your husband spoke on hell tonight, and there’s no such place-it’s just a joke!

With that, the Holy Spirit came on me, and I leaned close to the young man, looked him straight in the face, and said, You may not believe it, but one day you will feel it. Every word Jack spoke tonight is backed up by the Bible, God’s Word, whether you believe it or not.The biker and the rest of his friends looked startled - almost shocked. They didn’t know what to do with gentle strength. However, the Holy Spirit did His work and before they left the prayer room I led them all to the Lord. Praise the Lord! God blesses when we stand upon the Word and show gentle strength.

I believe we need to be different from the world. In the midst of the rush, let’s not forget to be gentle and have time for people. I believe once more we can experience what Solomon described-The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land (Song of Solomon 2:12 NKJV). Walking in the gentle strength of meekness, we shall inherit the earth.