Sometimes inconsistent Internet access and other factors prevent us from receiving a post from the field. Here’s one that didn’t make it to us when it was intended, but it’s definitely worth posting now! Thanks Toni:
Today’s report is late due to our full day until after 11pm yesterday.
We began the day at 8am with a good devotional led by Steve Curran, breakfast at 8:30 and the team hi-ho’d straight to work per our usual schedule.
At the beginning of the day, 11 log beds had been completed; by the end of the day, there were 22. Two of those were stained and ready to put into a room for use. Several team members hoisted each bed to the upper dorm by a rope to team members above who guided and pulled the bed over the rail and into a window, then placed each log bed into a pre-cleared room! Yea team!!! And, thank the Lord, there were no (known) injuries!!!
The Holocaust survivors enjoyed a partial day of yachting locally and some of the team took a much-needed break and joined with them.
Upon their return, we offered a craft event–a bracelet using the colors of the 12 stones of the Ephod (Exodus 28) which correlate with those in the gates of the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21) representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Most of the survivors–both men and women–exuberantly took part as 3 interpreters translated (Hebrew, Polish & Russian). Each one was also given a hand-made heart on a ribbon and reminded that this heart was to remind them of our love.
Afterward, one man who spoke English said he was deeply touched and impressed with our sincere demonstration which truly showed them the love of Christ! He was thanked for sharing how he felt and assured that we were very blessed to know our prayers, and the prayers of our praying partners, were being answered. He was told that we, and many others, have been specifically praying that our mouths, our eyes, our hands and our feet will reveal the embodiment of our living Messiah in every thing we do to honor them and the Lord while serving them! His eyes welled with tears as he replied that we had accomplished our goal! Later in their chapel service, they were shown the universal deaf sign for love! What a joy to see them raise their hands toward us using the sign that says “I love you”!
After our joint evening meeting, one of the Holocaust survivors shared his story. This was definitely a hi-light of our trip! Although joints were aching and weary, we sat on the edge of our seats listening to this Messianic Jewish man’s life experience. Perhaps a once-one-a-lifetime gift!
Please pray for endurance, patience, strength and protection from any lack of unity or harm as we strive through several obstacles to complete 40 beds!
Thank you!
Toni Hendrix for the Team
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