‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders”‘ - Isaiah 49:22

In his very moving book ‘The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected’ Nik Ripken writes about his discovery regarding the title of my article. Nik’s story outlines his walk with followers of Christ from the hills of Kentucky to war-torn Somalia. Faced with suffering in his own family, the realities of war around him and the systemic destruction of the work he felt called to do, the evil was at times overwhelming. How could God be good, when life was so dark? How could Christ reign victorious on a day when the number of martyrs included some of Nik’s best friends? How does faith survive, let alone flourish in the places of life that are overcome with the darkness of sin, despair and hopelessness? Gradually as Nik and his wife’s pilgrimage through persecution progressed, he began to understand that God is not helpless without us. “Even though He wants our help, values our help, and calls for our help in changing the world, our all-powerful God is not helpless - even without us” writes Nik.  I personally continue to be awed that whilst God does not necessarily need us and is certainly not helpless without us, He invites us to work with Him. Isaiah 49:22 is our invitation and what an invitation it is!! Why would He trust us with such a precious assignment as He calls Israel home, as He said He would? God is looking for hearts that completely belong to Him, willing hearts that humbly and sincerely carry love and comfort to His suffering people. He promises to strengthen those willing to carry out His purposes (2 Chronicles 16:9a). 

Even though He calls for our help in changing the world, our all-powerful God is not helpless 

When I read God’s beautiful love letter in Jeremiah 31, regarding His restoration of Israel, my heart breaks each time. I read, I weep and then I lift up my arms in praise and adoration to my Father God who has invited me to take part in His breathtaking promise to return His beloved people home to Israel, forever. Why do some of us see this so clearly and others do not? Beware, God’s enemy will do all he can to discourage us and persuade us against responding to the Father’s call. He takes many guises. Last month Sondra Baras, from Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, was our speaker at the monthly Forum which I coordinate in Sydney’s NSW Parliament House, hosted by Rev Hon Fred Nile MLC. I worked in the parliament for over 20 years with Rev Nile and witnessed the Greens obstructive abhorrence for Israel and for Christianity. Just prior to Sondra’s visit a Member of the NSW Greens sought to have this meeting cancelled, endeavouring to raise a Motion in the Legislative Council condemning the function as anti-Palestinian! It failed. Rev Nile said in response; 

“It seems the disdain that the Greens have for the state of Israel is insatiable. First we see the boycott campaigns pushed on a local council level, and now we witness parliamentary motions that effectively condemn an organisation that supports the right of Israeli communities to determine their own destiny in their own lands.” Rev Nile continued; “Instead, the Greens appeal to declarations of the UN, which is perhaps one of the least democratic, transparent and credible institutions on the planet. We appeal to the natural law, the right of nations to exist and to take whatever steps are necessary to protect their borders and citizenry.”

We of course are not daunted and will continue to stand beside our Jewish brethren in Israel, and in Australia. The following month  I invited the Director of ZAHAL Disabled Veterans Organisation (ZDVO) Australia, Michael Balkin, to speak at our Forum. Those present were moved by the personal stories of soldiers fighting to overcome so many losses in war, including their fellow soldiers. Many are left with overwhelming disabilities: loss of sight, limbs, mobility and ongoing psychological problems. Today in Israel there are over 50,000 disabled veterans and victims of terror who have sacrificed their bodies defending Israel (from 1948 to the present day).  The community of disabled soldiers at ZDVO Beit Halochem (House of Warriors) is a strong one as they each help the other adjust to the complex world of disability. As I listened to Michael I was reminded that today’s IDF are the descendants of Joshua’s army. They are still fighting for the land that God gave them. In my upcoming tour I intend including a visit to the House of Warriors; warriors fighting to get their lives back. Why not visit www.zdvo.com and show your support? 

Would you like to join me in February/March 2019 to Poland, Ukraine and Israel?

A “Jewish Interest Tour to Krakow” will include a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. In addition to these solemn areas we shall be visiting Jewish cultural centres, Museums and Oskar Schindler’s factory. We shall drink coffee in Jewish cafes and eat in Jewish restaurants enjoying klezmer music, of all which helps to bless and encourage our Jewish brethren in these historically significant areas.  I then intend to take a group to Ukraine to work with the Christians for Israel (C4I) team for a week. The work is becoming urgent in this country with their Aliyah work expanding and becoming very demanding. We shall assist the wonderful C4I team packing food parcels and then distributing them to impoverished Jewish folk in towns and villages. We will have the opportunity to hear the stories of many of these now elderly people who, as children, lived through horrific times during the holocaust in the Ukraine. We shall then fly to Israel for a tour of this wonderful land visiting many of the C4I projects.  Thank you from Ukraine! Food parcel distribution.  As I can only take 20 people to Ukraine at a time, please pray about your inclusion and then act quickly. For more information please contact Trish Cortizo at Olive Tree Travel: Phone: 1300 550 830 or 0421 638 453. Email: trish@olivetreetravel.com.au