In This Issue
Letter from Sondra
The Golden Agers of Yakir
Support CFOIC
Visit Judea and Samaria
What Can I Do to Help Israel?
Join Email List...
If you would like to support the brave men and women who have made their home in Biblical Israel; you can make a contribution to the ongoing work of CFOIC...
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May 23 - June 2, 2011 Israel Tour
With Pastor Gary Cristofaro,
First Assembly of God, Melbourne, FL
May 23rd - June 2nd, 2011
Eilat Extension
June 3rd- June 6th
Israel Host for the Tour: Sondra Oster Baras, Director,
CFOIC Heartland - Israel
Only CFOIC Heartland gives you the inside story of Israel!
Meet the people who are settling the Land of Israel. Listen to stories of faith and courage. Experience the Heartland of Biblical Israel like never before!
Click here for details!
Request your brochure today!
Let's Plant a Tree in Samaria!
You generously answered the call to help plant and maintain trees in Efrat.
Today we have been asked by various communities in Samaria to help them plant new trees in this incredible area.
You will receive a certificate for every $20.00 tree that you purchase stating that you have planted a tree in a community in Samaria.
You will be taking part in the greening of the Land of Israel as we plant trees on the mountains of Israel, the Hills of Samaria.
You will be fulfilling prophecy:"And I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant." Ezekiel 36:30
Plant a tree today!
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From the Desk of Sondra Oster Baras
G-d Can Speak To Us Through Fire...
 What a week! Today it is raining in Israel, for the first time in months. Indeed, since March, it has rained maybe two or three times, and each time not very heavily. I have no idea how long the rain today will last and whether it will mark the beginning, finally, of the winter season in Israel, but it is a great day in any case. A day worthy of praise to G-d who has seen to our needs and opened up the heavens.
But today's rain is especially meaningful coming as it did on the heels of the worst fire tragedy in Israel's history. On Thursday morning fire broke out in the Carmel Forest, near Haifa. Very soon, it became clear that the fire was raging out of control. Initial efforts to douse the fire with fire engines and hoses were totally ineffective. Complicating matters and actually responsible for the disaster that this fire became was the extreme dryness of the area. Even though it is already December, there has been virtually no rain in Israel this fall. The trees and ground were totally dry. And while we have had dry winters before, this one has been unprecedented in its high temperatures and dry winds. We were still wearing summer clothes, the temperatures were averaging in the mid-20's (centigrade) during the day, and on Thursday, dry desert winds were raging throughout the country, fanning the flames and carrying the sparks for kilometers.
The result was a fire that quickly swept thousands of acres of forested area, including several villages and communities in the Haifa area. The communities of Ein Hod, Ein Hud, Nir Etzion, and Bet Oren were evacuated. One of Haifa's neighborhoods was evacuated, as well as neighborhoods in Tirat HaCarmel and Usefiya, a Druze village nearby. Some 15,000 people fled their homes from the fire, some of them returning after 4 days to discover that nothing remained. Some 100 homes were burned to the ground, others damaged by fire and smoke and requiring substantial repairs. The Yemin Orde Youth Village, a religious village which provides a home and schooling for children from dysfunctional families, particularly Ethiopian immigrants, and gives them a real chance, has been totally destroyed. And of course, what made this tragedy more horrific than anything else was the death of 42 people, most of whom were trapped in or near a bus which caught fire as it transported police and rescue workers to their destination.
There was something supernatural about this fire, as much as its immediate causes were natural in the extreme. It is not yet clear who or what caused the fire, but suspicion is focused on some derelict youths who were careless in disposing of smoking objects. But while most fires caused by such negligence are easily put out, the extreme dryness of the area created a catastrophe. For months, we have looked to the sky and wondered when we would see rain. We added the traditional prayers for rain as the fall holidays ended but a few weeks ago, an additional prayer was added, one that expressed the extreme need for rain. Some people fasted and prayed with special intensity for rain.
To finish this article... |
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Community of the Month
This Month CFOIC is Focusing on Yakir...
" As I read about the project in Yakir, I was affected by how much Jews value human life. So often in today's society, the elderly are scorned. But the Jews know how much value there is in a human life, so they honor their elderly, they revere their wisdom and do all that they can to bring purpose and meaning to their lives. As Christians we too share the Judeo-Christian value system that is based on the concept that all people are created in God's image and, therefore, are valuable members of society.
During this time of giving we have an opportunity to give to the people of Yakir. To send a gift that will bring honor to the pioneers of Yakir, the ones who have lived their entire lives supporting the Jewish right to live in all the land of Israel. Please join me today in honoring our elders and sending a blessing to the people of Yakir."
Go to our website and read more in PDF about the impact that this community has on Israel.
Your donation will help provide renovations and refurbishing for the 50+ Clubhouse in Yakir.
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| |  Support the Work of CFOIC Heartland
We Depend on You...
Biblical Israel is in danger like never before. You can partner with the people of Judea and Samaria as they hold on to their land, despite negative world opinion, despite terrorism, despite "disengagements." When you support CFOIC Heartland, you support Biblical Israel.
We are counting on your support!
You may donate to CFOIC Heartland by calling 1-800-551-3207, emailing info@cfoic.com, or mailing a check made out to CFOIC to:
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities
PO Box 50833
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-0833
USA
...For donations in the US and Canada, or
Christian Friends of Israeli Communities
5 Ha Alon Street
PO Box 752
Ginot Shomron
ISRAEL
...For donations outside of the US and Canada.
To Donate Online...
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Visit Judea and Samaria on Your Next Tour
Make 2011 an Unforgettable Year...
If you're headed to Israel, or are considering a trip within the year, do contact us! We'd like to help you plan a visit to one or more communities (always taking security into consideration) so you can meet with residents and see what your support is helping to accomplish. As Christians, let's commit to continue to stand with Israel.
To Contact Someone About Your Trip...
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