East River Ministries

Shema/Trinity/Essentials of Faith

2011-09-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

Hear O Israel, The LORD our God, the LORD is ONE!

It is so important that we are believing the right things about God. This is so foundational, I can hardly believe I'm posting it, but I will anyway. The TRINITY - We must believe that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal - Three in One - for our faith to be genuine. Anything less or different than that diminishes the work of Jesus on the cross and what He accomplished on our behalf. Jesus was not just a "good guy" or a prophet for us to follow His example. The Holy Spirit is a Person who comes to live inside of us when we believe in what Jesus did. Both Jesus and the Holy Spirit are equal and One with the Father.

On the doorpost of every Jewish home, is a little box called a Mezuzah. Inside the Mezuzah is a little scroll with the scripture from Deuteronomy 6:4-9 inscribed on it.

Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house; when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

They keep this important commandment front and center in their minds by having it right where they can't miss it, coming or going. In fact, the Mezuzah is kissed in reverence, and it makes sense because, as Jesus said, this is the greatest commandment. For this very reason, down through the ages, the Jewish people have not accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as LORD because to do so, to them, would mean worshipping more than one God.

However, if the very essence of God's "one-ness" consists of three - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then they are indeed "ONE". God has given us a picture of this in our own bodies. We live in a physical shell, but what we see is not all we get! We also have a soul and a spirit. The Trinity is complex but simple.

For those who already call themselves Christians, to not believe in the Trinity, is to not believe the right thing. If we don't believe that Jesus was perfect - that He was equal with the Father, willingly giving His life for us sinners, and that He sent Himself in the form of the Holy Spirit to seal us and dwell inside of us, then our "faith" is not saving faith. If we do, however, have this understanding, and this is what we believe, then we have absolutely everything we need to live an abundant life, resting in Him.

Fear and Trembling? Enter His REST!

2011-09-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

As I've been coming to a deeper understanding of the grace of God, I have been wondering about something. What does it mean to work out your salvation with "fear and trembling", for it is God at work in you...If I know God is working in me, taking everything, even my mistakes, and working them together for good,and knowing that He took everything upon Himself at the cross, then I shouldn't be "afraid" of Him...so it must mean something else.

At 3 a.m. one morning recently, I came to understand what this means. I was sitting here, praying, reading, listening, when SUDDENLY, SCRIPTURE INTERPRETED SCRIPTURE!! Before I tell you, let me say that something a friend said was hanging with me. He had said, "I think if we should fear anything we should fear falling from grace, from believing in His love for us!". I thought, "Yea, that sounds reasonable, but I would like something to back that up."

Anyway, I was just sitting there in the Lord's presence, and I recalled a scripture I had read the day before, but had not even thought of it this way! It is from Hebrews 4:1 - It says, "Therefore, let us FEAR if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it." Vs. 2 says, "For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed (the good news of the unmerited favor of God through Jesus Christ, or "grace") enter that rest, just as He has said, "As I swore in My wrath they shall not enter My rest," although His works were finished from the foundation of the world." It says we should FEAR not entering into His REST. In other words, if you think there is anything you can do to get God's approval, or earn your salvation, or DO anything, that is where the fear comes in, because that is not grace. That is not resting in His completed work. You cannot add anything to what He has already done. It is FINISHED! That's what Jesus said!

I began thinking: If the Israelites had believed God's word of grace through faith, and had entered into His rest, they would have entered into the promised land quickly...but it was not mixed with faith, so they came under the law and wandered in the wilderness for 40 years! Now that is something to fear! When we get under "works" instead of "grace", we wind up wandering in the wilderness too, because we get caught in the "perform/fail" cycle that goes on and on and on, until we understand that we are supposed to REST in what HE did. Then we get true deliverance and take our own promised land!

"Work out (not work for) your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God at work IN YOU, both to WILL and to DO His good pleasure! We must trust that He is at work in us, by His grace. Perhaps "working it out" means the battle that we have to go through to keep our mind fixed on the hope that we have that it istruly unconditional and paid for, no matter what!! Oh, I am so in love with Jesus!!

When it says in Heb. 4:3 "As I swore in my wrath they shall not enter My rest, although His works were finished from the foundation of the world..." I think that means that even back then, when the Hebrews were wandering, the word of Grace through Faith had already come down to them through Abraham, (Galatians 3:8 says that God had preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham) even before God gave the ten commandments.

In vs. 4 it says, "For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day (Shabbat Shalom!) And God rested on the seventh day from all His works; and again in this passage 'They shall not enter My rest', Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience (not believing the gospel of grace- my interpretation) He again fixes a certain day, 'Today' saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, 'today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.' For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that." (talking about Jesus dying on the cross and giving us rest). For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall (from grace - my interpretation) through following the same example of disobedience."

I always thought this passage was talking about "getting it right!" I always thought it meant I had to keep striving to stop sinning, or striving to be perfect. It actually says we are to BE DILIGENT to ENTER HIS REST! The disobedience comes when we don't believe that what He did was enough, and rest in that.

Wow!! I am blown away at what I have finally come to understand after all these years! People, its ok to struggle through something that is troubling you in God's word...He uses those struggles so He can reveal His amazing truth of grace and you will love Him more and more and more! I hope all of this makes as much sense to all of you as it is making to me right now! lol Love, Love, Love...perfect love casts out all fear! Be diligent to enter into His REST!!

Just love the Jewish people...

2011-06-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

I returned last week from Atlanta where I spent a week in a Summer Institute on the Holocaust. What an incredible experience that was. It was a different experience than being in church, or at a Christian event. I was in a room full of (mostly) Jewish teachers, sitting at tables, classroom-style. We watched and listened to day after day of lectures on what happened in the Holocaust. I thought I knew enough before I went. I found out I did not.

Things that moved me the most were listening to personal stories of Holocaust survivors and clips from memoirs and journals. It was profoundly insightful to get into the hearts and heads of the people who actually experienced it and lived to tell about it. The depths of despair and hopelessness these poor people felt made me so sad.

As a Christian, I felt some sort of shame for our religion when I saw pictures of an SS officer in one clip, shooting down a bunch of Jewish people, and watching them fall into a ditch, and in the next picture, seeing that same SS officer lighting the candles on a Christmas tree. What kind of picture is that for Jewish people? It is a picture of what they know of Christianity. Those who bore the name "Christian", killing their loved ones, and then celebrating the birth of their Savior. It's no wonder that there are walls between Christianity and Judaism.

We can be different though. We don't have to let the past remain the norm in our relationships with Jewish people. We can reach out to them in love. Simple things, like a hug, or a little gift. Even a smile can go a long way. Kindness is received when it is genuine and sincere on our part. This is what I discovered in my week with these precious Chosen People of God.

Easy things/Difficult things

2011-02-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

My goodness, it's been a while since I've written an East River blog! Not sure why that is, except that I've been busy doing other things. I haven't taken the time to discipline myself to do this, but really, it's not discipline. I love writing. Its one of the things that comes easy to me. Things that are difficult for me are things others of you might find easy. Doing the dishes. Doing the laundry. Balancing a checkbook. The starting of anything. Once I start, I am fine...but it's the starting that is tough. I'm looking at a blank canvas right this minute, standing on an easel in my living room. I know what is going to go on it. But it is blankly staring at me, begging for some color, and some Jewish symbolism.

Yesterday, I felt like I was in my element. I spoke to a group of about 30 United Methodist Women about why I believe the Methodist Church's stand about Israel is incorrect. I only had 35 minutes to get everything spoken, but those were some exhilarating 35 minutes for me. Living in the purpose that God created you for is an incredible feeling. For the last several years, I have been focused, focused, focused, as I've been researching, writing, praying, thinking, reading, traveling, and well, agonizing. (Yes, there is agony in this call to embrace Israel). The world does not understand it. The world is against it. And sometimes, as I've thrown myself on the floor in a fit, I've had to ask myself, "Why do you need to do this, Hannah? It would be easier to go out and do something normal. Doing the dishes would be easier than answering this call on your life from Israel." I guess you could compare it to a pull of gravity or some kind of force of nature, like maybe a magnet that has to go to some metal.

My work with the Methodist Church concerning Israel really began in secret. I didn't intend it to be that way, but it was just something that happened as I wandered into the church library and discovered the Book of Resolutions, and happened to turn to the page that described my denomination's beliefs about Israel. I knew instantly and instinctively that I was on another pole away from where they were. I will not say who was on the South Pole or who was on the North Pole, so as not to cause anyone to make any prophetic assumptions. Whether the UMC is on the South Pole, and I am on the North, or visa/versa is irrelevent.. Anyway, that discovery in the library that day took me around the world, to Jerusalem and back. Now, three years later, I have gone back full circle to the same church where it began, and shared with some ladies what I have discovered. I shared, they graciously listened, and now, we all continue listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit inside of us to know the next step.

I believe that God opened that door for me yesterday, and I shared my heart with joy. Something wonderful about the Methodist church is their "Open Door" policy. I know...that can be bad too. Who knows what might come in if you open the door? But the good part is that they are at least willing to listen and let people have a say-so. When people can have a say-so, things can change. It's called the power of persuasion. However, I certainly don't want to be persuasive if I don't have the power of the Holy Spirit behind that persuasion. Does that mean that I'm always right about everything? No! And neither is anyone else. It just means that I pray a whole lot more than I used to. The bottom line is that there are many innocent people out there who have developed a mindset that they were either born into, or fell into blindly.

I try not to hammer people with my beliefs, but simply share them. I can remember when I was newly beginning my walk with God, and went to a Methodist church because it seemed right to me at that time in my life. My relationship with God really began there, and He met me right where I was. Now, what if someone who thought they had more insight had been belligerent with me because they assumed that I was on the wrong pole? I would have been alienated from them.

That is why it is such a difficult calling. It has to be saturated in GRACE. Grace to meet people where they are, and to love them, and respect their beliefs, even if we disagree with them. It is possible to present your viewpoints passionately, and yet not beat someone over the head with them. Maybe I should have worded that as a question. Is that possible to do? Only as I stand in the mercy and grace already extended to me through Jesus. The further I go in standing with Israel, the more I know He loves us all. Jew, Gentile, Christian, Palestinian. He has a plan, which involves His chosen people, the ones He made a covenant with long ago. I want to help that plan, and not hinder it. However, I do know that He loves all of His creation. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greeks. Romans 1:16

Knowing this, do I quit? I would be so much easier if I didn't have to think about this. I could just be Scarlett O'Hara and say, "I'll think about that tomorrow". No, it's HARD to move forward. It is fighting a resistant force every single day that tries to keep me from doing what I know God has shown me about my particular calling. There may come a day when the circumstances around which I fulfill my calling changes, but the calling itself will remain intact. Here is my calling in a nutshell, which I believe to some degree applies to all of us: Isaiah 49:6-7 says, "Is it too small a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make you a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth. The calling covers it all. I am making disciples of all nations, knowing that Israel (the tribes of Jacob) are being raised up and restored for a purpose...we are to be a light to the nations. Jesus, reveal yourself to your chosen people!!

A View of Israel from St. Kitts and Nevis

2010-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

I just returned from a trip to St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean. I was so blessed to be able to share my love for Israel and the Jewish people on this Island. The interesting thing is that there are really no Jewish people on the Island. The only trace of them is in a Jewish cemetery that dated back to the 1600's on Nevis. It was here that a group of Jews fled from the fires of the Inquisition of Spain and the persection in Portugal a little later. In 1492, on the 9th of Av, Christopher Colombus set sail to discover "India" by heading west across the Atlantic. When he reached the islands, he thought he had found what he was looking for. He had actually reached the continent of North America, so the Islands became known as the "West Indies". He claimed the Island of "St. Kitts, also known as St. Christopher" for Queen Isabella.

The 9th of Av was famous in Jewish history for being the date that both temples in Jerusalem had been destroyed at two different times, by conquering enemies. It also became known as the date of the Inquisition, when Queen Isabellla forceably removed the Jews from Spain or forced them to convert. The fact that Christoper Colombus dedicated the Island of St. Kitts to her causes us to realize a root of anti-Semitism that goes all the way back to that time.

For a period of time, however, Nevis was used as a place of refuge for the Jewish people, and there ewas a small but thriving Jewish Community there. It was later abandoned and the Jews moved to another island. All that is left as a reminder of their presence is a very old Jewish cemetery, and remnants of a synagogue and school. Alexander Hamilton was actually educated in the Jewish school there because the church school would not accept him since he was illegitamate.

As we were going to the Jewish cemetery, we had come across the channel from St. Kitts to Nevis in a ferry. I had found myself feeling a bit seasick and had taken some medicine. The medicine was making me very sleepy as we were driving around in our taxi all over the windy roads of the Island. We made a stop for someone to go pay a visit to a friend in the hospital there, so I got out of the van, feeling sick and weak. I sat on the grass in the warm sun to try to recover before going on to the Jewish cemetery. I felt terrible, and began to cry quietly. I was saying, "I want to go home". I was really feeling a longing to be at home with my family at that moment.

I was able to ride in the front seat of the van from that point on, and it helped my sick feeling. As we got closer to the cemetery, I was asked, "Hannah, are you sure you want to go to the Jewish cemetery?" I replied, "Of course! I didn't come this far to not go to the cemetery!"

When we got out, I placed my hands on the gates. As soon as I did, it was as if torrents of pain and sadness went through my being. I began to weep, as I was interceding for all that had happened to these precious people. I thought about all the persecution and pain they had endured. I thought about how I had felt a few minutes earlier, feeling seasick, and longing for home, and realizing how much they must have felt the same way on their journey across the ocean.

I also realzied that there are so many Jewish people even now who have a yearning and longing in their hearts to go "home", to make Aliyah to the land of Israel. My friends and I walked around from grave to grave, praying for the generations of people in the family lines of those who were buried there. I prayed that they would be released to go up to live in the land of Israel, and also that they would know their Messiah. It was quite a moving and emotional experience for me. When we finished praying, my tears suddenly stopped, and my sickness was completely gone, and I felt fine. I had a very pleasant ferry ride back across to St. Kitts in the cool of the evening.

I also had opportunities to speak to the churches on the Island concerning standing with Israel and the Jewish people. At one point, I asked them if any of them knew any Jewish people. Out of about 200 in the church that day, only one person raised their hand. Except for that person who raised her hand, most of the congregation had never known a single Jew. I was rather surprised at this.

How do you impart a vision and a love for Israel when there is no Jewish presence in an entire nation? All I could do was share from my heart and my own experiences. I shared Bible verses from Romans 9-11, which explains how God is not finished with Israel, and that He has a plan and a purpose for them. I explained how it is our job as Christians to pray for them, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and to realize that we have a part to play in being watchmen on the walls for Israel.

I played my violin throughout the presentations. One of the songs I played was "You Raise Me Up". I talked about coming up higher, spiritually, when we pray for Israel. I explained the concept of Aliyah, to go up, which is about the Jewish people immigrating to Israel. I called them to come up, to get a vision for Israel and what God is doing with them and how it relates to us as believers. We are playing a part in end-time prophetic things when we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The Messiah Yeshua will not come back until he finishes his dealings with His chosen people, Israel, and fulfills His covenant with them.

I shared with the congregation Hebrew words, phrases, stories, songs, etc. I placed a Jewish flag over the altar rail, to cast the vision. I reminded them that Israel is the apple, or the pupil, of God's eye. I believe that now, even though there is not a thing Jewish on these Islands except a cemetery, these people now have a view of Israel from their tiny little Island. I believe that they will now be facing east and praying for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done as it relates to Israel, which will culminate in the return of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The True Road Map to Peace

2010-04-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

A little painting based on my dream.

I just woke from a beautiful prophetic dream. We happen to be in the season leading up to Pentecost/Shavuot on the Christian/Jewish calendars. I think this may be significant so I am going try and remember every detail. I was with a group of modern-day old-time Pentecostal people in what seemed like a church fellowship hall. There were some women in the kichen (there was a big window opening in the wall for people to pass by and get their food). We circled up for prayer.

For some reason, I felt a little afraid of feeling trapped in some type of "religious" stuff. But on the other hand, I knew they were genuine Christian people, so I joined hands with them. Just as we started to pray, suddenly up over our head appeared a white dove with an olive branch in it's mouth. It came down and hovered with it's full wing-expanse over us. Someone said, "Does anyone have a word from the Lord about this?" Someone spoke up and quoted a bible verse..."And it shall come to pass that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (which was Acts 2:21 from the story of Pentecost). I fell to my knees and bent over on the floor crying, and sobbing...it was tears of relief and joy. In my heart, I knew the Lord was affirming me in my thoughts that salvation is a free gift, given from Him, and not of our works. It was plain to me that it was very simple to receive His gift.

Then the next scene, we were moving through the line to get our food. I could see the ladies in the kitchen stirring a pot of soup. I asked what kind of soup it was. They said, "Olive Soup". I thought that was very unusual.

When I woke up, the first thing I thought of was how doves with olive branches usually represent peace. Olive branches represent Israel. But then the scripture said "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." I looked up the word "saved". It is a verb and it is "Sozo". The noun form of that word is "Soterio" The word means completely whole...physically, emotionally, spiritually, and eternally. I thought how similar it was to what I have learned about the Hebrew word "Shalom" for Peace. It means virtually the same thing. I looked it up again....and saw that the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible, interprets Shalom as "Eirene" (one form of Peace), and also "Soterio". So, the word salvation, as well as peace, are really the same. It's what we are all looking for in the end. Salvation/Peace. We all want everything to come out alright.

I believe this dream is symbolic of the one new man...Jew and Gentile, one in the Messiah Yeshua. The answer to peace is found in the "Whosoevers", Jew or Gentile, who call upon the name of of the Lord, Messiah Yeshua, the Prince of Peace. They are given the kind of salvation that brings true peace. This is the Lord's real road map to true peace.

I think that the picture of the Gentile Christians eating the Olive Soup, shows unity...becoming one. I found out when I woke up and googled Olive Soup, that the Urban Dictionary equates "Olive Soup" with "I love you", because if you mouth the words, they look the same. So, it's a good visual for me to think about LOVE being the key component in the UNITY of the Spirit that will bring PEACE and SALVATION.

Esther's Mexican Jewish Serape and Sombrero - The follow-up

2009-11-15T19:39:00.000-08:00

If you have not read the blog below this one about the Jewish Mexican Sombrero, please read it! Then know that this response from Esther was written after the fact! She already HAD, not only her OWN Mexican Jewish Sombrero, but her own Mexican Jewish Serape as well. (Of course, she didn't know there was anything Jewish about them when she got them. It was about her Mexican/Navaho Indian heritage.) But now we know she has two Jewish last names in her family..her Mom's maiden name, as well as her Dad's name. God is doing a work here that we can't even begin to fathom!

Hi Hannah,

I read the post from Dr. Sanchez first and was blown away not only about the Operation Serape but also about the sombrerro and the Star of David, then I read your blog and WOW now I'm really blow away. God has put us together and I'm blown away with that and what the wants to do with this ministry.

I took these photos of the serape I have and have had it for 10 years now and the sombrerro.

Love

Esther

The Jewish Mexican Sombrero

2009-11-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

About two weeks ago, I was with my mother-in-law in the Historic St. Andrew District, just shopping and spending some time together. We went into a little consignment and second hand clothing shop (Juli's) and were looking around. We were about to leave when I noticed up on a shelf a Mexican Sombrero. I knew immediately that's what it was but had never seen a real one. What got my attention was the very colorful Magen David (Star of David) design that was embroderied onto it.

I went over to look at it, and was explaining to my mother-in-law that I was drawn to it because I had learned about the Sephardic (Hispanic) Jews who are making Aliyah (immigrating to Israel). They are coming from different places, as they are uncovering their formerly hidden Sephardic destiny, as talked about in Obadiah 1:20. They were dispersed all over the world during the Babylonian conquests. They are called the "Diaspora", along with other Jews who went to other parts of the world. They are now returning to the land of Israel, to the Negev, in fulfillment of this ancient Bible prophecy. The Negev is their inheritance.

The Sephardic Jews origninally went to Spain (Sepharad or Iberian Peninsula). During the Spanish Inquisition, and much persecution, they were forced to convert or be killed. Then, they were expelled from Spain on the 9th of Av, (the day both Jewish temples were destroyed) and sent to South America and North America, beginning with Colombus, who by the way, many believe was a Jewish believer in Yeshua/Jesus. August 3, 1492 was the 9th of Av, and Colombus made sure everyone was on board on August 2. He had Jews and Christians sailing with him.

Naturally, some Jewish people wound up in Mexico, so when I saw the sombrero with the Magen David, I felt this was a confirmation to the above facts. I didn't buy it that day, but planned to come back and get it as a gift for my friend Esther. Esther is a native Navaho Indian from Mexico whom we recently discovered that both of her family names, her Mom's and her Dad's, were Jewish! Both names were listed in one of Dell Sanchez' books of Sephardic Jewish names. So, I felt she would like to have this hat.

Esther and Hannah at the AIPAC banquet.

Also, I have recently started doing the "Israel Matters" video blogs. So, I thought I might use the hat in one of the videos as an object lesson, and had even thought of asking Esther to be in this video. So, I went back within a couple of days and bought the hat. I had not told her about it yet.

Yesterday, I was having one of those days where I felt a little displaced....like maybe I was out in the "diaspora" somewhere, wandering around, doubting all of the promises God had made to me concerning this ministry. I guess this phenomenon happens sometime to everyone who is called to some form of ministry. Anyway, the rain from a tropical storm was coming down, so I stayed hunkered in my house, and was feeling a little weepy.

About 9 p.m. last night, God did one of his surprises that He does...to encourage me. I received a newsletter that I get, quarterly I think, from Dell Sanchez and the Sephardic Anusim Center in the Negev. This is where they are absorbing all the Sephardic Jews that are coming in. I began to read his newsletter, when God grabbed me. It was titled, "Operation Serape!". It explained that another group of Jewish people are expected to make Aliyah to the Negev soon. He noted that these are not from South America or a Latin American country or island, but that this group of Anusim of Hispanic background are 4th and 5th generation citizens of the U.S.A! They had previously thought they were gentiles (goyim), but have recently discovered through "geneaologies, history and now through DNA that they're bona fide descendants of Spanish Jews."The article told how in 1949-50, 49,000 Yemini Jews were airlifted because of anti-semitism, to Israel. This was right after Israel became a nation again in 1948, and the operative was called, "Operation Magic Carpet". (This information was taken from Dell Sanchez' November newsletter). The comparison was being made that the new Hispanic Sephardic Aliayh could similarly be called, "Operation Serape". The newsletter explained that the "serape was used as a secret prayer shawl", (a Jewish talit).

Then, what Dell Sanchez said next blew me away! He said "The next time you get a chance, check the TOP OF A MEXICAN SOMBRERO. Chances are that you'll find a STAR OF DAVID weaved on the top of it."!!! WOW! Thank you LORD! for your faithfulness in confirming to your daughter her calling, and also helping many of us to see a bigger picture through the use of a beautiful Mexican/Jewish sombrero.

Let's pray for the safe return of these precious Sephardic Jews as they return to the Land of Israel. "No weapon formed against them shall prosper"...(as per Dell Sanchez's prayer request for them). Also, if anyone wants to contribute to help these people, you can e-mail me at yngsmsmm@aol.com for more info.

Twelve Tribes Small Groups

2009-10-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

East River Ministries is looking for (at least) 12 hosts/hostesses who will begin a small group in their home, and invite (at least) 12 people to become part of that group. These small groups can be anywhere in the country or even the world! Each small group will meet every month (12 times per year).

The purpose of these 12 small groups will be:

1. To pray for the salvation and restoration of each of the 12 tribes of Israel.

2. To pray for their release from the four corners of the earth as they make Aliyah (immigrate) to Israel, fulfilling bible prophecy.

3. To form cohesiveness and bring focus and unity within East River Ministries.

4. To enjoy a monthly fellowship within a small group.

5. To develop and strengthen a love for the land and people of Israel and to increase in knowledge and understanding of why Israel matters to God and us.

6. To love, pray for and encourage each other for healing and restoration as individual needs may arise.

How the Small Groups (Tribes) Work

Each of the twelve small groups will be designated a name of one of the twelve tribes with which they will be identified.
Each of the twelve small groups, when they gather each month, will focus their discussion and prayers on one of the twelve tribes, until at the end of the year they will have covered all twelve tribes. Each month will be designated for a particular tribe, that all of the groups will be focused on. A general outline will be provided by East River Ministries to facilitate the discussion and prayer.
The twelve tribes are:
Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher.

Leader/Facilitator

There should be a person who will lead or facilitate the discussion and prayer each month. This can be the same person each time, or a different person who will be decided upon at each meeting for the next month.

Scribes and Praise Reports

Within the groups, someone will be designated for that month, or ongoing, as “scribe” who will write a praise report of that particular meeting and e-mail it to East River Ministries at yngsmsmm@aol.com. This should be done immediately, while it is still fresh in mind of that scribe. These monthly praise reports will be invaluable as we come together at the end of the year to share what God has done within each group.

Freedom within the groups

There is freedom for individuals to visit or switch to various groups as they feel comfortable. The host/hostess is encouraged to invite others along the way. These are not closed groups, but open and welcoming any who would want to participate at any time. Individual prayer is encouraged if someone needs it. There should be freedom within the groups to be led by the Holy Spirit because sometimes His plans are not our plans. Since the true theme of these gatherings is “restoration”, it is important to pray, not only for the Tribes of Israel in a literal sense, but also for all those who want prayer. We suggest that you do not take time to take prayer requests, but simply if someone brings up a prayer need, if they Holy Spirit is moving right then, just stop and pray for them. We are believing God to do great and mighty things, and for His blessings to flow within Israel, as well as within the lives of those who participate.

Love Offerings

Those who attend may want to bring a $12 per month offering as part of the 144,000 campaign, but not required. A love offering for East River Ministries may be taken by passing an offering basket.

Menus and Gathering Arrangements

Each host/hostess will decide concerning their own menus each month, whether it will be covered dish, everyone bringing a particular food item, or they may want to prepare it themselves. They may decide within that group to meet in the home of the host/hostess each month, or in various homes of the small group members. It is up to each group to decide how they want to do it. The important thing is that they meet together each month. Each group can decide the day and time of their meeting. It would help to keep this as consistent as possible, allowing of course for re-scheduling if necessary.

Schedule and Hanukkah Party

The small groups will begin in January, and end in December, all coming together for a Hanukkah party at a designated location. The theme of Hanukkah is about “restoration”, because it is a celebration of the temple being restored. Each of the “Tribes” will be responsible for decorating a table for their tribe, and will share insights and experiences from their twelve months of meetings. If a particular “tribe” from another area of the country is too far away that they cannot all attend, perhaps a representative(s) could be sent, or they could have their own Hanukkah party with the Twelve Tribes theme.

In Memory
This program is in memory of Sherri Bomback and family.

Light

2009-03-13T00:08:00.001-07:00

The Princess :-)

Making Hamentaschen - "Haman's Ears"

This week was Purim, the Jewish feast day when the story of Esther is remembered because she saved her people from annihilation. The "pur" (lot) was cast on a certain day, which was to be the day of "gloom and doom" for the Jews of Persia. Instead the day became for them "light and gladness and joy and honor." (Esther 8:16) This was due to the courage of Esther and Mordecai.

My little (soon-to-be) granddaughter Ella helped me this week with a Mordecai/Esther party. In the midst of the preparations, we just happened to find out that her name "Ella" means "light"! Brianna, her mom, realized there was something God was showing us about her name, that it related somehow to the story of Esther. She was right!

We dressed her like a princess, and she enjoyed screaming "BOO HAMAN!" whenever the enemy's name was mentioned. How prophetic this is, in this day we live in, when there is still an enemy, set on the annhilation of the Jewish people.

God is calling us to be modern-day Esther's and Mordecai's, who will stand, through prayers and maybe in other ways, to be light in the midst of darkness. Of course there are many levels of revelation here, not just for the Jewish people, but for us as a nation, as Christians and individuals. Yes, light has come into the world! Jesus is our light and our salvation...whom shall we fear?

One New Man Art - Straight from My Heart!

2009-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Click on picture for a closer look...

I am living proof that it's never too late for the Lord to surprise you with something new. All my life, I wished I could paint, but knew I couldn't. And I still can't draw from my head. But once the door was unlocked when a friend told me to just look at something to get a model, it's been a whole new world. It gave me the jumpstart I needed to get going. Since then, I've used up a whole tray of watercolors, and about a dozen bottles of acrylic paint. I just love color!

The best part is that it is a way for me to express in few words the things that are in my heart. I am just getting started on the Israel themed paintings, but know there are more in me. So, I will start with this painting that I am entering in an amaetur art exhibit on Feb. 14 called "Here's is My Heart".

The older lady in the painting was a lady who played the violin in Jerusalem when I was there...My friend Sherri had given me a picture of the same lady from trip she went on. She would sit and play her violin and people would drop money in her violin case. Anyway, in the painting, she and I are playing a "duet". The notes written are melody and harmony. (Would you believe I actually went to the piano and played the notes to figure out the harmony, and then wrote them down?? Ha!!) The idea here is that the Messianic Jews and Messianic Gentiles are playing in perfect harmony.

If you look closely, (yes, that's supposed to be me at the bottom of the picture) I am wearing a fish necklace for my Christian faith, and she is wearing the star of David. At the top is the menorah. This is the exact order of the One New Man symbol that we see everywhere (also known as the Messianic Seal), only in this picture the elements of it are separate.

The song we are playing together is the Shema..."Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One..." (Yes, He IS One!! The Jewish people have been singing this song for ages. For all believers in Yeshua, the Shema is truly about His ONEness, Father/Son/Holy Spirit. The Shema is a picture of the One New Man and suggests that we are all one in Him.

The colors flowing around are to represent praise and worship, and also the Quantum Physics of sound and color. When I was in Israel playing my violin going through the desert on the bus, someone told me they saw the color RED coming off my bow. I don't know the science behind all of that, but it's a fun thought.

Hannah

Ruth and Naomi - Gentile and Jew

2009-01-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

The following is an excellent letter written by my friend Shirley in response to a blog post from David who doesn't understand why we choose to use tallits or shofars in church. If you want to read my explanation of the One New Man from Eph. 2:15, and my response to David, scroll down past Shirley's letter. I appreciate Shirley's humility and candidness about her feelings on the subject.

Dear David,
I would ask you to please not judge me to harshly because I wear a talit or blow a shofar. This is one small way I have chosen to honor Abba in my worship. I wear the prayer shawl because I am an intercessor and I use it as a prayer closet. I blow the shofar because it will run away all demonic force from around me and defeat him when I pray or when I worship Abba. These are just a few things I use to honor my Abba. I am just building a relationship with Him. I have received Yeshua as Messiah and the Word tell us to be Christ like. Well I believe that is why we are called Christians. Please do not wrap all Christians in one lump and see us all the same because we are not. Now I can’t be like Him unless I know how He is. Remember like kind produces like kind. I just love Him so and He loves me as well. He walks in such love and that is the way I want to walk in this life is with the Love of God. I can only learn that from Him because He is love. So anyway I am studying Hebraic-Christian studies, learning about Jewish roots for that reason. To build relationship and to honor Him and to understand why Yeshua did the things He did.
Now the second thing is offense. Please I do ask for your forgiveness if I (the Christian community) have offended you in any way. I am a lot like Ruth (a gentile). Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth said to Naomi

Entreat me not to leave you
Or to turn back from following you
For where ever you go I will go
And where ever you lodge I will lodge
Your people shall be my people
And your God my God
Where you die, I will die
And there will I be buried
The Lord do so to me and more also
If anything but death parts you and me.

When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined she never spoke to her again about leaving her and they both went to Bethlehem. So I ask you please do not be offended at me because I am a gentile. Please do not be offended at me for the love I have for the Jews. I just want to be a part of something I love so dearly which are the Jews, Israel and Jerusalem. I pray for them daily because they are in my heart. Even though I may not be Jewish I am still the apple of Abba’s eye because I have been grafted in by receiving Yeshua as Messiah. Please allow us to come together in the Love of God and let’s see what Abba wants us to do together. O.k. It is possible to disagree and still walk in the Love of God. Let’s try.
By His Grace
Shirley Hare

Messianic Christians/Messianic Jews/One New Man

2009-01-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hannah May - Executive Director (L) Perry Dalton two gentile Christians with a Messianic Jewish Rabbi (center) in NYC - this is a "prophetic picture" (for me at least) of the one new man coming together...

The tallit...an old and a new symbol...

"The Messianic Seal" also known as the "One New Man" symbol, and a cross from Israel with "Jerusalem" on it...symbols of the blending of the two into one...

If East River Ministries is being labeled by people out there, then the label "Messianic Christian" would fit better. There is really a distinction, though, than the more formal Messianic Jews, who really do everything the Jewish way,
only with a personal freedom of Jesus in their hearts.

Here's what I really see happening...We are becoming the "One New Man"
of Ephesians 2:14-16. Messianic Jewish congregations and Christian
churches are coming more and more toward some sort of center line,
which I believe is the freedom that we have in Christ. We are
blending and beginning to look more and more like each other. Now,
outwardly, in some churches, that is not seen...yet...but I believe it
is coming. I think that the "visuals" of things like tallits and
shofars and messianic seal key chains are tools that the Holy Spirit
is using right now bring this blending.

One example of this is that "messianic seal" symbol. The base of the menorah meeting with the tail of the fish, and forming the star of David. That symbol was discovered only in the 1960's on some pottery found in the area of the upper room. It was discovered by a monk living in the area. But the pottery dated back
to the time right after the time of Jesus. They believe this was the
symbol being used by the early church, which shows the Jewishness of
the church at the time. It's interesting that the star of David is
only a secondary symbol that emerged after the joining of the other
two symbols, the Jewish Menorah and the Christian fish.

My "theory" on why that symbol has now become so popular is that God,
in His sovereignty, allowed it to be uncovered only in our generation,
and has become more prominent as we move toward the restoration of the
"tabernacle of David". (Amos 9:11-12, Acts 15:16-18). (Hence, the prominent feature on the symbol now being the star of DAVID...God's little reminder?) I guess there are probably different interpretations as to what the restoration of the tabernacle would
mean. But I go back to the "one new man", where we understand that we
are all one in Yeshua/Jesus, and we have worship for the Lord 24/7 in our
hearts. More of an understanding that our worship is not just a few
hours on a Saturday OR a Sunday, but that every thought and action of
our hearts are about Him.

So, that's just a little of the thoughts that are in my head
about it, and this is what I would like people to understand. God is
unfolding His plans and His purposes and He uses everything, even
Christian or Jewish symbolism...I guess it's kind of like I was told once about some banners that I had made for the church. The banners depicted things from the tabernacle and explained a spiritual truth about Jesus.

Outward symbols prophesy things...whether good or bad. People's ideas are formed by what they see and hear. That's because God is a visual and auditory God. Just
as the tabernacle system was a "visual aid" of the reality in heaven,
so are these symbols...they have definately done their job to bring
more of an awareness to the church's understanding of how our two
faiths, Christian and Jewish blend together. As we grow together in Him, we realize our dual mission to the nations...to be a light, a city set upon a hill, drawing all men to God.

Hannah's Hanukkah!

2008-12-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

Who would have ever thought that the mall would be the place where you could share the love of Yeshua with Israel? Thank God for the creative genius of Kiosks! This is the place where young people from Israel come every year to earn some money. For the Christian lover of Israel, it is the perfect opportunity to make God's love known to those who have come from across the ocean. Israel is at war today. Israel is striking Gaza as we speak. Many of these young people have someone in the military who is in harm's way.
It seems to me that when the Holy Spirit is in something, that things just "click". That is what happened today when the thought came this afternoon that it is the last night of Hanukkah, and at the mall were some young people who were away from their families. I prayed as I drove down the road..."Lord, put Your thoughts in my mind...what do you want me to do to bless them?" I had a small amount of East River Funds to work with, so as I was pondering this question, the thought came, "Starbucks Gift Cards". Ok...sounds good...is there more? "Stop at Hallmark". Ok...I turned in. Walked around like I knew what I was looking for. I never make decisions this quick. But as soon as I spotted the magnetic bookmarks with the dove and olive branch I knew that was it. "But, it has a New Testament scripture," I thought to myself. But I felt, "Ok...let them know that a Christian is loving and blessing them. You won't offend them. They will just like to know you love them." Was I done? No. "Stop at CVS". Ok. I found Lindor Truffles, wrapped in blue paper. It all got taped together with an East River Ministries card. Then off to the mall I went.

As I approached the first girls, I explained that I am a Christian who loves Israel, and wanted to wish them a Happy Hanukkah. I told them about East River, and how we loved and blessed them, and prayed for them, especially now with the war. I did this to 3 different Kiosks. I love their names....I asked them all about their name meanings. They hugged and kissed me, and thanked me, and exclaimed over my key necklace with the Hebrew writing from Israel. I let them know that we were there for them, and to call if they need prayer or anything.

One interesting thing that happened. The girls called one of the other guys over to take our picture. He was not Jewish, but had a dark complexion...obviously from the Middle East. Anyway, as we were standing there, and I was telling the girls that I hoped so much that our government would not put pressure on them to give up more land or divide Jerusalem, the young man had a comment...."It will never happen". I said, "How do you know?" He said, "It's in the Bible...you bless Israel, you are blessed, you curse Israel, you are cursed." "Simple". I said, "You're not Jewish, are you?" He said, "I am Christian...my family is Christian. But we are from "another faith" background. Wow. Having Yeshua in your heart opens eyes to the truth, no matter where you are from.

I am so thankful to the Holy Spirit for the timing...the opportunity to find everything needed to bless these Israeli's. I believe they are all over the country. There are Israeli young people in many malls in America. It's a great opportuninty to form relationships, and to bless God's chosen people.

Michael & Mimi Finesilver - a Couple with a Mission to Florida's Jewish Community

2008-10-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

Michael & Mimi - Sharing with the Congregation at Springfield UMC

I first met Michael and Mimi when I worked at First United Methodist Church in Panama City. I was at work in my office, when Eric, the Associate Pastor, asked me if was interested in joining in a meeting he was going to be having with a Christian Jewish Couple. Of course I was interested! It was an instant friendship. Michael and Mimi shared that they were from Frazier United Methodist Church in Montgomery, and were going to be moving to the "mission field", South Florida. This is one of the largest Jewish communities in the world. My heart really went out to them, in all their hard work. They had begun a non-profit organization called "Everlasting Life Outreach".

Pastor Alan Ferguson, Michael and Mimi

Michael and Mimi live in a huge condominium complex in South Florida where they minister to whomever the Lord sends their way. They are always "fishing" for those in the Jewish Community who might be hungry and thirsty to know more about the Lord. Every week, they open their home to any who will come. They post notices on the bulletin board for studies of the "Hebrew Bible". These notices have brought believing as well as non-believing Jewish people to their home.

Mimi and Hannah

They also reach out wherever they go...anything is an opportunity to win their own people to the Lord. They have had fruitful ministry at the kiosks in the Mall, and even with their plummer. Anywhere they can find someone to minister to, they do not miss an opportunity. They are "always ready to give an account for the hope that is within them."

They are a willing and loving couple. I even took them to meet Alice, my Jewish friend who is 91 in the nursing home here in Panama City. They ministered to her, and loved on her. She really responded to their love and affirmation. They have also begun a nursing home ministry in their city. They roam the halls, looking for those who are in their last days, who may be able to understand and receive Yeshua as their Jewish Messiah.

A Very Committed and Faithful Couple

They are working with their present church, Calvary Chapel, doing Jewish outreach. They were asked to do a huge event for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. They are always willing to do whatever the Lord leads.

They came to Springfield recently, to share with our church what the Lord had put on their hearts. They were very inspiring, and helped our congregation to understand how passionate they are to reach the lost, particularly the Chosen people from their Jewish Community.

I am so honored to know Michael and Mimi. If you would like to make a tax-deductable donation, you may send a check either to East River Minsitries 701 School Ave. Panama City, FL 32444 and we will forward it. Please note that it is for the Finesilvers. Or you can send it directly to them at Everlasting Life Outreach
7542 Fairfax Drive #208 Tamarac, FL 33321

Avner Boskey - Old and New

2008-08-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Avner, Hannah, Billy and Verna

Avner teaching at Carabbas

Mark (Right) the "New" Connection

Sometimes, I think I should stop talking about Sherri, my friend who was the "Bittersweet Seed" for East River Ministries. But, it seems like the things that keep happening that are significant to the future of this ministry continue to have a link to the past. Let me explain.

When Sherri died, it was on the morning of the eve of Rosh Hashanah. It just so happened that on that morning of Sept. 15, 2004, not realizing that her plane had already crashed, I woke up, asking the Lord for a special word from Him for Rosh Hashanah.
I turned in my Smith Wigglesworth devotional, and the word was, "A New Day". It gave the verse from Is. 43 about "Behold, I will do a new thing..." and it also mentioned Rev. 21, "Behold, I make all things new." At the time, I thought how awesome it was of God to give me such a specific word...(by the way, Hurrican Ivan was on it's way into town that morning...somehow it just all seemed like the old was about to get cleansed so the new could come). I also realized that when Smith Wigglesworth wrote those words, he was not writing about Rosh Hashanah…he probably had no clue about any of that. But in God’s sovereignty and karios timing, He had given it to me at that strategic time.

But anyway, the message of the old leaving so the new could come later became very plain to me...She died on the last morning of the old year...and Rosh Hashanah began at sundown the same day...the beginning of the new day He had spoken about.

It was not until 10 days later, on the eve of Yom Kippur that I even found out they were missing, and more than a week later that it was confirmed that they had actually crashed.

What was to be "East River Ministries" was birthed on the eve of Yom Kippur, when I did the 24 hour fast that the Jewish people do. It just seemed to be the right thing to me to do at the time. I sensed the Lord was going to speak to me, as I was seeking Him for direction. The Lord let me know that they were safely with Him, and that I was to carry on this ministry. The name "East River" didn't come until later, but I knew I was headed down a river, for sure! The RIVER OF LIFE from Ezekiel 47!

I also knew that the message was to leave the old behind, and embrace the new. Even now, that has not changed...the Lord is always about doing something new.

But anyway, during this transition period, I was looking at the display case she had made in the narthex of our church. It held many items from Israel. Then, I noticed something I had never seen before. It was a CD, and the title of it caught my attention. It said, OLD AND NEW. It was the title of a CD by Avner and Rachel Boskey. I knew I had to listen to this music. The Lord was going to use it somehow with moving from the old to the new.

Through this beautiful, Israeli, prophetic music, I was introduced to the ministry of Avner and Rachel, apostolic pioneers in Israel. I have since put more of their music into my I-pod and it has become a staple of my worship music collection. Also, among the items given to me by Sherri's family, I found books by Avner...One was, "A Perspective of Islam", and another was, "Israel, the Key to World Revival." I was in the process of reading that book when I received the call from my friend Billy Morgan with an invitation from his friend Mark K. to hear Avner speak at the beach. He was being hosted by the Vineyard church on the beach and was going to be speaking about a Biblical perspective of Islam.

(I will skip over now, to the drive home after the meeting on the beach with Avner and the Vineyard church…)

"In praying for our enemies and blessing them, according to Jesus' words, we are actually praying a blessing upon Israel". These were the words of my friend Verna, as we drove home from listening to Avner Boskey speak on "A Biblical Perspective of Islam".

We were discussing the very interesting facts that Avner had given us concerning Islam. One interesting fact that I found out was that only 20% of Muslims are actually Arab. Most of those are Egyptians. The rest of the 80% are from all different countries in the Middle East or Africa, and are not Arabic. The largest group of Muslims are Indonesian, Indian, Pakistani, and others.

Avner spoke about how "God loves and has compassion for all people...BUT...when God states something, He doesn't take it back." God told Abraham that he would bless Ishmael, but "My covenant I will establish with Isaac." Acceptance of this fact, that God chose Isaac, is a key to the correct perspective of the Bible.

Even after Sarah died and Abraham married Keturah and had more sons, he sent them East, but to Isaac, he gave the land which was to become “Eretz Israel” (The Land of Israel).

Then God gave Rebecca a prophetic word when she was pregnant with twins, Esau and Jacob, that "the older will serve the younger." That means the family line was carried on through Jacob, not Esau. Esau's root of rejection from not being chosen, even though he was the firstborn, has caused bitterness to be passed on to his descendants. This continues to this day. But this was God’s sovereign choice. Nothing can be done to change this.

So, anyway, the story I told in the beginning about the OLD vs/ the NEW, has led to this. I needed to hear what Avner had to say about Islam. I probably wouldn’t have even known about it or gone to hear him, if God Himself had not made that connection for me. Just like He did with the Mayor of Samaria (in the story I wrote just prior to this one).

I don’t know where He is leading East River, but this much I do know…He is telling me not to even “consider the old or ponder the things of the past”, because He is doing a new thing. He is doing a new thing in this whole world…He is creating a new heaven and a new earth…the old is passing away.

We may look at the rise of Islam and the things that are going on in the earth today, but we can rest assured that He has the whole thing in control. We cannot be moved or shaken by what we see with our eyes in the days to come. Ps. 145:13 says that His “kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and (His) dominion endures throughout all generations”!! Yeshua (Jesus) our Messiah is the King of Kings and Lord of Lord, who will take up His throne (Jerusalem) – Jer. 3:17 – SOON AND VERY SOON! Amein and Amein! (As the Jewish people say it.)

Feed My Sheep (with Blue M & M's?)

2008-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago, I was introduced to the idea of personalized colored M & M's. I found out that you can order them in custom colors with custom words on them. So, as I was beginning to celebrate with Israel their 60th anniversary, 1948-2008, I thought, "What can I do with Blue and White Israel M & M's?" I was thinking they might be a good tool for making the church aware of the celebration. I had it in my mind to order them, but hadn't done it yet.

I went to visit Alice, my 91 year old Jewish friend in the nursing home. I've been visiting her for about 8 years. We met one day, when the Lord led me to ask if there was anyone Jewish in this nursing home when I was there to play hymns on my violin for the Christian residents. I was taken to meet Alice, who looked up, saw my Star of David necklace, and asked if I was Jewish. I said, "No, but..." and for the next two hours, the Lord led me in conversation to share her Jewish Messiah with her. At the end of that time, she received Him as her Messiah! We have been friends ever since. I was so blessed last time I went when she introduced me to her dinner table companions as her "best friend". Lord, it doesn't get any better than this! Thank You!!

I was in her room, visiting, when I looked over at her bedside table. I was SHOCKED when I saw a big blue stuffed M & M! What are the chances of that to happen?? I mean, it could have even been any color...but it was blue and white!

It just so happened to be Alice's birthday...which also happened to be the 4th of July, the birthday of our nation. So, I thought about the blue and white M & M's I had thought of that had to do with the birthday of the nation of Israel. Now, here I am with this little Jewish lady, on her birthday on the birthday of the USA. Anyone who knows me knows that I feel strongly that the USA and Israel go together. After all, isn't the USA right in the middle of JerUSAlem?

So, again, I began to think that there was more to this picture than meets the eye. And more to this unfolding saga than I yet understood.

As I went home and pondered on what God was saying, and what He would want me to do, an idea began to form. I know that Alice doesn't have much money, and sometimes East River helps Alice out by blessing her with some funds. I hadn't done this in a while, so decided to use this blue M & M to do something for myself and her too. I know she likes to go to the vending machines, and that is one of the things she can look forward to if she has money. So, I felt the Lord leading me to give her $60.00 for the 60th anniversary of Israel. Also, I had opened a big bag of M & M's (which I didn't even THINK about when I bought them), and had pulled out all the blue M & M's and then meticulously counted out 60 of them. I bagged them up too, and put them with the $60, along with a little Israel flag.

Shabbat eve came...Fri. night. I had an idea. To buy Alice's big blue M & M for $60! I took some Challah and grape juice, and went into her room. I told her we were going to celebrate Shabbat. This brought back a memory for her from long ago of her Bubbe (grandmother) making Challah for Shabbat. As she munched on her Challah, I explained to her that she had something I needed to buy...she said, "What?" I said, "Your stuffed Blue M & M". She laughed..."Your Crazy!" She said, "Honey, I'll just give it to you." I said, "No, Alice, I need to buy it for $60." She couldn't believe it, but she gladly sold it to me.

Then, when I got home, I sat it on my bedside table. The next morning, I realized for the first time that he had a "thumbs up". I felt the Lord giving me His approval.

Then, the next morning, I was reading in the Word and came to the understanding that it's not by my works, but by what He has already accomplished on the cross that I am approved of. I already knew this...but He wanted to remind me. Now, the "thumbs up" on the M & M was saying to me, "I approve of you because of Jesus...that's it."

Then, I read the entire book of Hebrews. Wow. Life changing. Radical. I read it in a different way than ever before. He is the Great High Priest who has perfectly fulfilled the commandments of God for me. I knew that any real healing or deliverance that any of us can realize in this world will only be because we receive His already finished work. It's that simple.

This afternoon, I felt the Lord using the Blue M & M and it's thumbs up to say to me, "I have to be first, second and third in your life...I love you and want to be with you as your first priority every day and all your life. And you can love doing what I have called you to do!" Now, I felt that the "thumbs up" meant from the Lord, "You are free to follow me, and I am taking you into the places that your heart desires, because these are actually my desires for you, but you have to have your priorities right. Do you understand?" "Yes, Lord, I understand." A month ago, He had asked me, like Peter, "Do you love me? Feed my sheep."

Speak to me, Lord, through whatever creative ways you want to, even blue M & M's.

The Significance of the Train Whistle for East River

2008-07-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

I need to mention here why trains are significant to me. When I hear a train whistle blow, I think of Sherri, my friend who loved Israel and died in a plane crash with her whole family on the eve of Rosh Hashanah during Hurricane Ivan in
2004. She always saw the trains as a symbol of how we as a church would be used to help Israel in the last days. Just as the trains were used to help take Jews to the concentration camps, while the church sat silently by and watched them pass, her goal in life was to help the church to become a change agent...a train that would now be used for good, to help bring the Jews back to Israel, and/or to their destiny in God, to know Him. THIS IS NOW MY GOAL.

Since her death, train whistles have blown at the most strategic and significant moments in the birth of East River Ministry. The most significant was Nov. 22, 2005 when Perry, my spiritual father, prayed an apostolic blessing over me. In his prayer, the VERY MOMENT he prayed, "Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem", a train whistle blew! At other times later, the train whistle has blown when it seems that God is trying to underline a particular message or sign that I'm headed in the right direction.

I was in the East River Office yesterday, where many of Sherri's books and things live. I always seem to find something there that I've never seen before that the Lord uses in the proper time. I have recently become connected to Robert Stearn's ministry since going to the Jerusalem Prayer Banquet for the 60th Anniversary of the Nation of Israel. So, I found it interesting that I found a 2002 copy of his Karios magazine in my office that had come from Sherri's interest in that ministry. I found the words on the pages to be just as timely today as they were six years ago. In fact, as I was flipping through this April-June 2002 edition, my eye caught a story by Lou Engle called, "The Haunting". It is about how inactivity and tolerance of sin in the church has allowed for a perpetuation of evil in our nation. He relates it to the sin of abortion in the nation and the church being called to break these evil strongholds.

In this article, he tells a story that I have heard before, and have actually been looking for. Sherri had told me this story, and that this was why she adopted the trains as a symbol for ministry to the Jewish people. Here is the quote and the story from the article...

"SINGING A LITTLE BIT LOUDER"

"In a small church on the East Coast a pastor delivered a sermon. Afterward a German man who lived through the Holocaust told his experience.

'I lived in Germany during the Nazi Holocaust. I considered myself a Christian. We heard stories of what was happening to the Jews, but we tried to distance ourselves from it, because, what could anyone do to stop it?

A railroad track ran behind our small church and each Sunday morning we could hear the whistle in the distance and then the wheels coming over the tracks. We became disturbed when we heard the cries coming from the train as it passed by. We realized that it was carrying Jews like cattle in the cars!

Week after week the whistle would blow. We dreaded to hear the sound of those wheels because we knew that we would hear the cries of the Jews en route to a death camp. Their screams tormented us.

We knew the time the train was coming and when we heard the whistle blow we began singing hymns. By the time the train came past our church we were singing at the top of our voices. If we heard the screams, we sang more loudly and soon we heard them no more.

Years have passed and no one talks about it anymore. But I still hear that train whistle in my sleep. God forgive me; forgive all of us who called ourselves Christians yet did nothing to intervene.'"

Lou applies this to hearing the silent screams of the unborn, and the willingness of the church to actively help in this fight against this injustice. I wholeheartedly agree with Lou and must admit that I haven't done enough in this regard to help in this cause of the unborn.

I also know that this applies to the church and our stand with Israel. There is a rising tide of anti-semitism in the world today against God's chosen people, the Jews, as well as a growing anti-Christ spirit against the church. Christians and Jews are the two most hated groups of people. We must stand together. Christians who are intimate with the Father through Yeshua the Messiah must be willing to do whatever we can to be a train that is going in the opposite direction....we are linked together in unity to support and help the Jewish people. Many of them need to get out of the countries they are living in to go to live in Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). We must help them, and pray for opportunities to be a witness of the love of our Messiah and theirs.

The Supernatural Lowering of Gas Prices - the Jesus Way!

2008-06-11T08:19:00.001-07:00

As promised, I am blogging about the "Gas Prices Chain E-mail" I sent out on June 11, 2008. If you see anything change as a result of the prayers, or have any supernatural encounters at the gas pumps :-), please leave your comments here. There could be some pretty funny things that happen as a result of people observing us speaking to the gas pumps! But there could also be some incredible testimonies that come from this. Can't wait to hear from you! Below is the e-mail, incase you didn't happen to get one:

Hey Everyone,

I, Hannah May, from Panama City Florida, am creating my first-ever chain e-mail! (I wrote that introduction, so you won't just blow this off as being from some unknown source and hit the delete button right off the bat!) Now, this is really a challenge for me, because I HATE chain e-mails! But the Lord has put something on my heart, and I haven't been able to shake it. So, I'm going to step out in obedience and send it, to see what He will do with it. So here goes....

Ok....you know how everyone has sent all these ideas around to get the gas prices lowered by various means...like boycotting this gas station or that gas company, or writing letters to different political leaders, etc...thinking we can strong-arm our way to get something accomplished....(I haven't seen any of that work, by the way, have you?)

Well, one day recently, I was pumping gas. As i was pumping, I was thinking about the sad situation of the gas prices. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit spoke quietly to my heart, and said, "Why don't you just lay your hands on this pump and pray while you are pumping?" I thought, "Hmmm...now there's a novel idea". So, I began praying...in the Spirit....and also taking my kingdom authority (through the blood of Jesus and His finished work on the cross) and began to SPEAK to the gas prices, telling them that they must come down, in the name of Jesus!

Then the Lord spoke further...."I want you to send a chain e-mail and start a grassroots spiritual movement and watch and see what I will do."

I realized that if we don't pray about this, things will just keep getting worse. But what if we unleash the power that we have available to us, and do it corporately? What do you think could happen? Only heaven knows!

So, as we should do when we pray, I began to watch the signs on the gas prices. Do you know that for about a week, I saw about a 5-10 cent lowering on the signs? I'm not saying that my one little prayer did that, although who knows...because as we all know the gas prices are higher than ever now...$4.00 per gallon in Florida. But, the thing is, I believe God let me see those lower signs for a while as confirmation to me that prayer WILL work and that we WILL see something significant and supernatural if we all jump in and begin to storm heaven about this.

God's word is POWERFUL, and will not come back void without accomplishing what He sent it to do. He is in control of all things. If we believe Him for other supernatural things, like healings, jobs, relationships, money, etc...WHY NOT GAS PRICES???

The proposal is this. Anytime and everytime you go to the gas pump, place let's place our hands on the pumps, praying in the Spirit and believing God to CHANGE things and move the heavens on behalf of the prayers of His children. I think this will please Him a lot, and I believe if this becomes widespread, we will begin to see something that the world does not expect! Oh, and don't forget to BLESS the gas prices while you are there. Be sure not to speak out any CURSES while pumping....words are POWERFUL. So we BLESS THE GAS PRICES IN THE NAME OF JESUS. We thank God that they ARE coming down, and that soon we WILL see a rapid decrease, to the glory of God! Hallelujah!

Oh, and if anyone SEES you and asks what you are doing...tell them! That could be an open door for ministry at the gas pumps! God is interested in seeing the people getting ministered to as well!

Let's begin to act like the kings and priests of the kingdom of God that the Bible says we are. God is the one doing this, but He uses us, these vessels of clay on the earth to bring about His purposes. He wants to show the world His love. We may wonder if these gas prices are part of our judgment for things we've done wrong as a nation. They probably are...but God's reason for bringing judgment and warnings of judgment are because He so much wants His people to turn back to Him! He DELIGHTS in answering prayers and turning things around. He has been known to relent as His people interceed and pray.

I am going to blog about this from time to time, to keep updates on what we see in the news, and what God is doing with us individually. If you have any results in your area, or see anything change in the news, please log in to eastriverministries.blogspot.com and leave your comments. Or write me an e-mail and let me know what your thoughts are.

This is exciting! So, in keeping with all TRUE CHAIN LETTERS...

Please forward this to everyone on all of your lists so we can get maximum "coverage". (I apologize if you get this more than once...I am sending it to several lists with names that may cross over.)

I really think this is a God-thing.

EXPECTING CHANGE BECAUSE OF HIM,
Hannah

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2008-06-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Israel Trip Oct. 2007

2008-06-09T10:48:00.001-07:00

Ok...this is not in chronological order...I have posted more recent things lately, but I am just now getting around to getting my Israel pics in order! If you want to read some things I wrote about the trip, go to some of my posts from Nov. 2007.

Israel - God's plan for the Fruit of the Nations

2008-06-09T07:51:00.001-07:00

Everyone has an opinion about something. We are diverse individuals and our thinking has been influenced by many different factors. If we are bible-believing Christians, our thinking should be influenced by the word of God. We shouldn’t pick and choose scriptures here and there that conform to our ideals. The context of the whole of scripture should shape our ideologies. This way of thinking is applying the Logos – the whole and complete word of God, and allowing it to transform us into the image of Jesus the Messiah.
I have been a member of the Methodist Church for twenty-three years. During that time, I have met many wonderful people who have influenced my life. The most significant people in my life are United Methodists. However, as much as I love these people, God’s word has been my biggest influence. I began to study the scriptures early in my Christian walk. My theologies were formed based on what I was seeing in scripture, and not necessarily always what I was being taught by a denomination.
One of the first concepts that I began to learn as I was studying scripture was God’s dealings with the nation of Israel and the Jewish people.
It all began with Abram, later know as Abraham. God told him in Genesis 12:1-3, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curse you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
The promise was repeated to his son Isaac in Gen. 17:19. “But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” Verse 20-21 makes it clear that the promise that was given to Abraham and Isaac was not the promise that was given to Ishmael, Abraham’s son by Hagar. He said, “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.
To take it one step further, the promise was given to Isaac’s son Jacob, who’s name God changed to Israel in Gen. 35:10-12. God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” Thus He called him Israel. God also said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come forth from you. The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you.’
In my bible, Ps. 105:6-15 is titled, “THE LORD’S WONDERFUL WORKS IN BEHALF OF ISRAEL.” It reads as follows: “O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones! He is the LORD our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations. The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac. Then He confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, “To you I will give the land of Caanan as the portion of your inheritance,” when they were only a few in number, very few, and strangers in it. And they wandered about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people. He permitted no man to oppress them, and He reproved kings for their sakes; “do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm”.
This is the foundation upon which rests the establishment of the nation of Israel and the chosen people of God, the Jews. If a country, a church or an individual takes the bible seriously, and seeks to live according to God’s word, there can be no denying from these scriptures alone that God has established forever His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (or Israel). The land belongs to them and through God’s plan of the land belonging to Israel, all the nations of the world will be blessed. God’s plan is big enough for all nations and all people.
But there is a kingdom order of priority that must be followed in order for this plan to be fulfilled. It is the “Jew First” principle that is found throughout scripture. One of the first scriptures I ever learned as a young believer in Messiah Jesus was Romans 1:16. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” I believe this means several things. The Jews were indeed the first to receive the gospel through Jesus when He was on the earth. In fact, Jesus said that He had come only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel. However, I also believe that God is establishing a principal that all of us are to follow. Salvation is for the Jew first, because of His promises and covenants with them that He will fulfill. He has a plan and a purpose for His people. All the nations of the world will be blessed through them. We are to keep them first in prayers, always lifting them up first and as a priority, to the Father. In doing this, we will reap the fruit of the nations.
And yet, there are many countries, churches and individuals who seem to be blind to these scriptures, and the truth about the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. How can this be, when it is so plain? This is not a covenant that ended with a generation. This is a perpetual, everlasting covenant that goes on forever. What God said to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, He says today, to their descendants, and to all of us who will listen.
We have no control over whom God chooses. All we can do is accept it. If something is plainly revealed in scripture, why would we fight against it? He has chosen Israel and that’s it. He loves His people, and it says in Jer. 3:17 that Jerusalem is the throne of the Lord. Out of all the places in the world He could have chosen, He chose Israel, with Jerusalem as it’s capital as a place for His promises to be fulfilled.
So, since He is God, the question we must ask ourselves is this: Do we get with God’s program and be on His side? If not, we may be found fighting with God Himself.

"Where the wind and the river meet a wave will come, and the voice will be heard throughout the land..."

2008-06-08T14:27:00.001-07:00

"All I can see is Wind and Water when I look at this photo! Notice the white wispy strokes among the clouds, they are wind! The waves are building! Is Logan looking through a window of time?" Marylin Smith Funchess, Grandmother of Logan

Yes, I see the prophetic in the picture of Logan...I see East River all over it..."Where the wind and the river meet a wave will come, and the voice will be heard throughout the land." (For me, the wind and the river met when Sherri died in the hurricane, and East River was formed. Also, of course, both the wind and the river are the Holy Spirit). The "voice" is the prophetic voice that has been spoken and is being spoken...first through Sherri, and now through those who follow in her footsteps. In Logan, I see the prophetic vision and voice being carried into the next generation...an impartation took place this weekend. This picture is the confirmation from the Lord that this took place. Logan received something that he will carry ahead, even if he doesn't understand that yet.

Also, I have to share one line from Bishop Larry Goodpaster's book, "There's Power in the Connection", that blew me away....He said,

"There is an extremely vital role for the voice of the prophet who calls into question the practices and philosophies that stand in direct oppositon to the Reign of God. That vital message must be sounded in this century: hate evil, love good, and establish justice, which must roll down like waters (Amos 5:15, 24)..."

Well! I'm glad Bishop Goodpaster and I are in agreement!

This is a little bit of East River...

2008-06-07T15:40:00.001-07:00

New York Trip 2008

2008-06-07T13:22:00.001-07:00

East River Ministries Collage

2008-06-07T10:54:00.001-07:00

Highlights from Purim 2007 in NYC

2008-06-07T10:12:00.001-07:00

The Pink Shirt

2008-05-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

There was this cute little pink shirt that I loved at Target. I was just walking through there, saw it, tried it on, it fit perfect, I loved it, and I did not have the $25 to buy it.

You know how it is...when you have money to buy something, it's never there...you search all over town, and finally have to settle. But when you don't have any money, there it is. You don't have to try on 50 things. In fact, when I walked into the dressing room, the lady said, "How many?" I said, "One". She said, "Are you kidding me? One? That is WEIRD!" I wasn't on a shopping trip that day. I was there with my son, passing by and just wanted to know if that one shirt fit and if I would like it on, as much as I liked it hanging on the rack. It did, and I did.

I prayed, "Lord, I know it's just a shirt that I like...but if it's your will, can I have it?" I figured if it meant anything to Him for me to have it, He would provide. Otherwise, it would be fine, and I would go on my way, moving on to more "important" matters. Guess what? It's hanging in my closet now!!

LOL!!!! Isn't God fun?

And isn't my husband sweet??? Last night, when he came home from working at Lowes on the beach, he gave me a little surprise. He handed me a Target bag with the pink shirt in it!! Isn't that cool???

See, I had put it on "hold" yesterday...just so I could know it was a possiblity for 24 hours. Knowing I didn't have $25 to buy it. But also knowing God could do something if He wanted to.

Well, yesterday, just before I left the house to go grocery shopping, and before Greg left for work, I said to him, "Do we have any extra money for anything?" His brow knitted...and he said, "We really don't need to be spending money. We have had to spend this money and that money...etc. etc..." Then he said, "what do you need money for...?" I said, "It was just a cute little pink shirt that I saw at Target out at Pier Park...I put it on hold, but it's ok...I understand." (And I MEANT it! I was wishing I hadn't said anything. He works so hard...why should I ask for a shirt?) He continued, "That's ALL THE WAY out at the beach! It would cost too much gas money to go back out there! Then I hugged him and left...NEVER thinking another thing about it, (as it related to Greg...I put the whole thing out of my mind, knowing we really didn't have the money, and I wasn't about to push it. After all, it was JUST a shirt!)

BUT...just the thought, that he would go early to work and go straight into Target, to customer service and ask about a shirt that was on hold for Hannah May...Isn't that sweet??? Boy, did he ever bless me! Not only do I love the shirt, but I love the man who went out of his way to get that shirt for me...for going out of his way to show me he loves me.

Now, having said all of that...I need you to understand....this is how God is!!! What do we need? What do we want? Is it even just a frivilous desire? I think He delights in loving on us in small but extravagant ways.

I think the world needs to hear that pink shirts are important to God.

P.S. After writing this post about the Pink Shirt, I was out in the garage, looking for a pink sweater I used to have that I thought would go really good with the pink shirt. While digging around in boxes, suddenly the thought came into my head..."Why don't you pray for God to give you back your diamond engagement ring that you've lost?" So, I thought, "Ok, Lord, if you can give me a pink shirt, you can give me my engagement ring...so, I'm asking, 'Lord, please help me find my engagement ring!" Would you believe...while digging in the boxes (there are tons of them ...What are the chances?
Unless, of course, we have a good God who is just waiting for us to ask, so He can release, bless and give to us!"

The Essence

2008-04-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Essence: the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing ...

I was listening on-line today to my brother's 13 year-old violin student playing in a very prestigious competition on the other side of the world, which he won, by the way. (If you want to watch, click here: http://menuhin.rwcmd.ac.uk/watch_again/play.asp?movie=18042008A&competitor=7As he was playing, I was transported back to the school of music I attended as a teenager, while trying to make a recovery after my arm had been broken.

I remember sitting there that night, a young, aspiring violinist, listening to other young aspiring violinists. All of them were much further advanced than I was, and I was in awe, listening to them play these incredibly haunting melodies. As I listened to them, it was touching a place deep inside of me. I so longed to be able to make my fingers, my arms, my heart and my soul to be able to connect with that particular piece of music in the same way.

But, not having the skill or ability to do that, I could only be content to listen. I had hope that one day, I would be able to taste the "essence" of that piece of music. To consume it within myself...to make it my own.

Unfortunately, I was never able to do that. The break of my left arm proved to place limitations on me that could not be overcome to allow me to play some of those pieces. So, I moved on with my life, and went in other directions. God is sovereign. He knows what He is doing. I found Him during those years of not playing my violin. Or rather, He found me.

And then He gave it back. And I play for Him now. And besides that, I do other things for Him. Sometimes, when I am caught up in the "doing" for Him, I have to go back to "being" in Him.

Today, as I was listening to this young violinst, a prodigy, play a familiar piece, Sarasate Zigeunerweisen, I began to weep...not just cry, but weep...(there's a difference). This was from deep inside of me. I felt a longing for something that I had felt before. I felt that familiar longing to connect with the essence of that piece of music. And I was weeping, partly because of this young man's brilliance in playing this piece, but also because it had been unfulfilled in me.

And yet, if I had been able to achieve that level of playing, what would my life be now? I always have to wonder. Would I have become more interested in how I "performed" than playing the music just for the sheer joy of connecting with the "essence" of the piece? I could tell that this has not happened to this young guy who was playing...he connected with every note. He could feel the essence of the music and was passionate with it. And even though in this particular round of the competition, he had a "fauble", a momentary memory lapse that could have cost him the competition, he still won. Why? Because his oneness with the essence of the music overshadowed any mistake he made.

How does a violinst get to the essence of the music? Part of it is an inborn talent, no doubt...something they are born with, that they had nothing to do with. The other part of it is on the part of the student...how do they cultivate what they have been given? They spend many unseen, lonely hours, with nothing but them, their violin, and the notes on the page. Much has been laid aside in their personal lives to achieve this level of intimacy with the music. It's as if, during those long hours of practice, there is no one to applaud their efforts, no pats on the back, no encouragement. They do it for the sheer joy of becoming one with the music, and experiencing what the writer had intended.

I thought about how, as believers in the atonement and saving blood of Yeshua, Jesus, it is like this. When we think of our first love experience with the Lord, we have experienced the very essence of who He is. We have eaten His flesh, and we have drunk His blood. This is the essence, "the basic, real and invariable nature of a thing..."

Deep still calls unto deep. He still wants us to drink of Him, daily. He has given us our "talent" (as in the parable of the talents). Now, how will we cultivate it? We can never cultivate it by being social butterflies, or doing things for man's approval. Our goal must be HIM, and Him alone. His words are our life. We must eat them. Only for the experience of knowing Him.

We must never get caught in the trap of our agendas and our work for Him, that we forget about Him, or rather His essence. It's the essence that is our driving force. It's what should be motivating us to do anything. These are the works that will last, that will not burn up. And He will look at our heart, our passion for Him, not how perfectly we did everything. It broke my heart to see the countenance on the young man playing, when he came to the end of the piece. Although the entire piece was amazing, with the exception of that one little mess-up, when he took his his bow at then end, he looked like one cast-down...unworthy. And yet, from the perspective of the viewing audience, his performance was magnificent. In his final performance, he brought even the judges to tears, and they gave him what he deserved...the first-place prize. If you want to watch him play the Vivaldi Four Seasons, it is here: http://menuhin.rwcmd.ac.uk/watch_again/play.asp?movie=18042008B&competitor=7

When you see how it winds up, and how radiant his countenance is, you realize that in the end of the day, our faces will be radiant with His Glory, because we have known His essence...the thing that REALLY matters.

Whining or Watching?

2008-03-25T08:11:00.001-07:00

Last week, I was taken to task by someone that I consider to be a close friend, mentor and encourager. Never before had this person taken quite this approach with me. In the past, when I had felt hurt, down, melancholy, or under attack of the enemy, my mentor had been able to say only a few encouraging words, and I was up on my feet and running again. Why was this time different? Why, instead of an uplifting word, did I receive a stinging rebuke?

As hard as it is to admit, I know that God Himself had used a person that I respect and admire to get my attention. This was, as it has been so many times, an act of His grace. He broke me out of a viscious cycle that I had been in for many years, and didn't even realize it. The cycle of whining. What I discovered is that you can't be a whiner, and a watchman at the same time.

The word "watchman" is a buzzword these days of Christians who know they have a calling from the Lord to watch over something through prayers and intercessions. My particular area of "watching", as it is for many others, is for the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. Over a growing period of time, I have come more and more into an understanding of what I believe the Bible is teaching us about this very special place and people. As I have studied and begun to understand Israel's place in history, I have begun to read about it, talk about it, teach about it and pray about it with a growing fervency.

However, as good as all these things are, reading, talking, teaching, and praying, none of them mean anything unless we are willing to put action to our lofty ideals. This is the season I now find myself in. More and more, there are opportunities to get out of my comfort zone and actually stand up, and do something about those issues that I believe so fervently about.

I have been reading the biography of William Wilberforce, the English Gentleman who, after more than 20 years, was finally able to pass legislation that abolished the slave trade in England. During the time of his life that he was going through his conversion to Christ, within himself, he had to go the extra mile and make the choice to live out his convictions. During the time of Wilberforce's soul searching, A letter from his friend, John Newton, the author of the song "Amazing Grace", put it this way: "It is hoped and believed that the Lord has raised you up for the good of His church and for the good of the nation." His other friend in Parliment, William Pitt said, "Surely the principals as well as the practice of Christianity are simple and lead not to meditation only, but to action."

Also, this morning, I read a modern day story in the Jerusalem Post, about a young man, age 23, who has taken an active stand concerning the land of Israel, not only on a personal level, but on a national level, and other young people are following in his footsteps. When Arab maruders continued to sneak onto his father's farm property, land which had belonged to his grandfather, and try to steal it away, something tangible had to be done. This young man, a member of the IDF, did what the local police had turned a deaf ear to. He set himself up a little "watchtower" of sorts...a storage shed, and filled it with a sofa, a bookshelf with with pertinent books, and canned food. When he was on furlough, he would move in and set up his watch station. Instead of hanging out with his friends, he began to stand guard. According to the report, "he confronted every Arab he caught infiltrating the moshav's fields, and both filed complaints with the police and chased them away."

This young man has taken action in a hopeless situation. He has a cause, and many of his peers have taken up this cause. He now has more than 100 volunteers, and theft has been reduced by 80 percent. He says, "If it were just about me and my family, my brother and I could take care of the thieves. They'd leave us alone. But then they'd just move on to our neighbors. It isn't about one family. This is a question of control over the land of Israel. The state is weak. We need to be strong if we want to remain here." He has now registered "The Guardsmen" as a non-profit organization, and has a huge vision for the future. He is on a mission, and now wants to raise money for night vision goggles, and all-terrain vehicles to do proper patrols. To read more about this story, click here:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1205420766461&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Now, getting back to the "whining" part, let's contrast the above, with a statement made in 2005 by Israel's then vice premier, Ehud Olmert, claiming to speak for the Israeli people. "We are tired of fighting, we are tired of being courageous, we are tired of winning, we are tired of defeating our enemies," he whined. "

When I read these words, I was struck in a profound way. Even after the pain of last weeks personal confrontation with my mentor had begun to subside, and I had written a letter back, accepting full responsibility for my actions, only this morning, I still found myself complaining to the Lord. "But Lord, if I could only have a chance to explain why I said the things I said, then I might be understood." Even as I said these words to the Lord, I still felt that, in His sovereignty, and for my good, he had not allowed me the luxury of a rebuttal, but only acceptance that there was more I had needed to learn.

The problem was, I had run into a little turbulence lately, and I had felt like quitting...like giving up. I was giving in to the lies of the enemy who was telling me that I was deceived, or arrogant, to think that I needed to continue to accomplish something for the Kingdom of God. Also, being the type of person who wants to be liked by everyone, and a real pleaser at heart, I had decided that it would be better to remain quietly within the confines of my comfort zone than to forge ahead with what might be something of my own making. Why do I feel compelled to stand and speak for Israel, when at times this can make me hugely unpopular? Anyway, my letter was full of whining statements and a martyr-like attitude, feeling sorry for myself for all that I feel I have to endure.

Part of the rebuke I had received from my friend was in these words, "You mentioned several times in your email that you were tired of this and tired of that. Sounds a lot like a nagging wife!"

This morning, when I saw the words of Olmert, and compared them with my own, I was cut to the quick! I was ashamed at how much I sounded like a quitter! No more than I think Olmert should lead his country into giving up land for peace, do I think that I should trade being a watchman for a whiner! God has called me to take a stand, like Wilburforce, and like the young Israeli guardsman. The time has come for me not to just talk about it, or hope for the best, or to cower in fear of my enemy satan, but to be like Esther. I have to take action, and risk everything for what I believe, saying, "If I perish, I perish".

I believe we have all been given an assignment for these last days. This assignment will require faith and action. What shall we be? Watchmen or Whiners?

Israel's 60th Birthday! Going to NYC again!

2008-03-22T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have never felt such excitement over a birthday in my life!! The Lord is so good. He is truly gracious to allow me another opportunity of a lifetime. Today, at His gracious invitation, I made my plane reservations and ordered my tickets for a banquet at the U.N. for Israel's 60th birthday party.

Yesterday and today was PURIM, the feast of Esther, where the victory over evil Haman is celebrated. Last year, at exactly this time, a team of nine of us were in NYC at the U.N. to pray for the nation of Israel. I remember having that Jerusalem stone in my hand, dropping it at the gate, and proclaiming, "Jerusalem is the Throne of the Lord"! How could I have ever imagined that exactly one year later, on Purim, I would be making reservations to go there again. This time for an opportunity to stand openly with Israel. Jews and Christians will gather with Robert Stearn's ministry for the Jerusalem Prayer Banquet to celebrate the signing of the U.N. Resolution to give Israel their homeland in 1948.

It's a little different to go quietly with a totally unknown team of nine to pray in a very unobserved way, than to go to a banquet in the U.N. to take a public stand with the nation of Israel. We will apparently be allowed to openly re-affirm Israel's right to exist. Now is the time to put my money where my mouth has been and do something very tangible to stand with those on God's heart, the apple of His eye, Israel.

We are living in such a time that is unprecedented. The Kingdom of God is truly getting brighter, even in the midst of darkness that is covering the land. He is coming soon. We must all get our hearts ready to see Him. He is looking for a bride that is ready for Him and looking for His return. This bride will be made up of Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua Jesus. One New Man. Whether you are male or female, you are a bride and a new man in Him. It is the bride's job to pray the beloved Israel, as well as all the nations of the world, into the Kingdom. For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not hold my peace, until her righteousness shines forth...Is. 62

Expect something good...you will get it

2008-01-28T07:41:00.000-08:00

Why is it that so many times, as Christians, we think we just can't get it right? When the truth is, that Jesus has already made it possible for us to receive every good thing that He died for. Many times, sometimes daily, I beat myself up. I go by my feelings that say, "You're not worthy", or "You will never get it right". These are the very times we need to go on faith, and know that Jesus has already done it. He wants us to have faith in Him, and put our trust in the finished work that He did for us on the cross. Joel Osteen says, "God meets us at the level of our expectation."

I have been in a bad mood lately. Why? Because I FEEL like I'm not good enough. But the truth is, God LOVES ME. Sometimes, when I am in this kind of mood, even the Bible beats me up. I read the prophets and feel like God is talking to me. But this morning, I decided to try something. I'm going to expect to hear something good when I read my bible today. Guess what? It worked. I opened it up, and had expectancy that God would speak something good to me. This is what I read...
"But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exacty as the women also had said; but Him they did not see. And He said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?"

Here were some women who had a GOOD report...and Jesus said the men should not be surprised. The prophets didn't just prophesy gloom and doom, but they also prophesied that the Messiah would enter into His glory! Jesus has completed the whole picture...yes, there was suffering, but it was all for a purpose. So we could have peace, hope, and eternal life. Learn to look for the good and expect that God is for you.

"Beloved"

2008-01-22T13:55:00.001-08:00

22 Jan
1 Thess. 1:4 says: “…knowing brethern, beloved by God, His choice of you.
What beautiful words. Beloved. Chosen. Don’t we need to remember that, especially when we feel we have really messed up, or when we just can’t feel His presence? Just knowing these words reminds us that He loves us no matter what. I have been reading Henry Nouwen’s book “Life of the Beloved.” So much treasure there. He says that “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us ‘the Beloved’. Being the beloved expresses the core truth of our existence.” “Though the experience of being the Beloved has never been completely absent from my life, I never claimed it as my core truth. I kept running around in it in large or small circles, always looking for someone or something able to convice me of my ‘belovedness’.” How true these words are for me.
Song of Sol. 2:10 says, “My beloved responded and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along. For the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. The flowers have already appeared in the land. The time has arrived for pruning the vines, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The fig tree has ripened its figs and the vines in blossoms have given foth their fragrance.”
Not only are we His beloved, but He is our beloved. The word “beloved” has quite an intimate ring to it. “Listen! My Beloved! Behold, He is coming, climbing on the mountains, leaping on the hills.” (vs. 8) The Lord’s coming is near and only those who call Him beloved can hear. This verse applies to the nation of Israel, literally, but also me. I am in the beginning stages of pressing in and going deeper, but I think with just a slight turning of my head toward Him, I might be picking up the sound in my spirit, of my Beloved, coming to me.
Here is a touching scene in the bible…Song of sol. 2:9 says, “My Beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, He is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the windows. He is peering through the lattice.” He is right outside, tenderly waiting for me. But because I have finally settled down, He has tenderly and slowly and quietly gotten closer. He is peering at me through the lattice and window but there is still a wall between us. If I were to get up out of this place and go anywhere (spiritually), He would probably bolt like a dear who was startled. If I went to Him to draw even closer, I must be willing to sit still. He is wooing me gently to a place He want to take me. A place where I am afraid to go, but I want to go because I know I will find Him there.
Again, Henry Nouwen says, “I have been doing a lot of digging lately, and I know that I’m just beginning to see a little stream bubbling up through the dry sand. I have to keep digging because that little stream comes from a huge reservior beneath the desert of my life. The word “digging” might not be the best word, since it suggests hard and painful work that finally leads me to the place where I can quench my thirst. Perhaps all we need to do is remove the dry sand that covers the well. There may be quite a pile of dry sand in our lives, but the One who so desires to quench our thirst will help us to remove it. All we really need is a great desire to find the water and drink from it. ”
”Listen! My Beloved! Behold, He is coming!”

Old and New - 40 days of prayer and fasting

2008-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it. I was rebellious. I didn't want to do the 21 day Daniel fast that my church in Panama City was doing. I fought hard. I had done a few fasts before, but they were all led by the Spirit. This felt like "work" to me, although I could see that everyone else was fired up about it, and had no problem. This corporate fast had gotten me in a bad frame of mind. And I really didn't understand why. My heart really wanted to participate with the others who were so excited in pursuing the Lord in this way. So why did I feel so hostile towards it?

All I could think of was the Little Red Hen story that Steve Hill told at Brownsville a couple of weeks ago. I didn't want to participate, but I sure wanted to eat the "fresh baked bread" when it was out of the oven. So, I let a whole week go by...until Sunday morning. I was struggling with some personal issues, when I was invited by the Lord to fast to get a breakthrough. This time, I said, "OK". I really felt it would help. So, I said "yes", not knowing how long it would be. By later that afternoon, I was feeling like maybe it would be for the remaining 14 days.

Monday morning comes...and I receive an e-mail from a friend in Pensacola, reminding me that the 40 days of prayer and fasting for Pensacola begins that day. Uh oh, I'm beginning to feel a pull. I went to their website, and right away, what had looked so ominous before, is now inviting me. Suddenly, I want to sign up.

Pensacola is my hometown. I still feel a natural love for this city, and also, my spirit is stirred whenever I think about all the awesome, incredible things God did here...not just for the city, but for me personally. Here, in this city, my life was changed. Every encounter that I had with the Lord in the first half of my life happened here. Every time I drive into the City of Pensacola, over the three-mile bridge, something happens to me. I cry and sometimes break into full-blown intercession. Back in "the day", I had such a burden to see revival. And then, when I moved to Panama City eight years ago, I prayed that revival would come there too. I could see the whole Emerald Coast, blazing with His glory. I was beginning to wonder if I had lost the vision. I was getting worried about myself.

So, gently, He invites me to join. To fast and pray not just for 14 days...not just for my personal stuff, not just for Panama City....but 40 days, joining the Panama City prayer with the Pensacola prayer. I am like a bridge, connecting old and new. Pensacola, for me is the old, and Panama City, the new. Or is it the other way around? God is doing a new thing in Pensacola...but then He's doing a new thing in Panama City too. Anyway, this time, I said "yes"...and already His sweet presence is filling me. He is speaking. I am listening. He is showing me things first in my own personal life that need to be brought to Him so He can change me. But it's all good. And I am excited about where this is going.

What is East River Ministries About?

2008-01-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

East River Ministries began in Sept. 2004 at Springfield United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Hannah May. This is a ministry about, first of all, loving Yeshua (Jesus), the Jewish and Gentile Messiah, and loving and blessing His people, Israel.

East River is expanding and growing. First of all, Hannah is blessed to have her husband Greg and three boys, Ben, Ryan and Nick, to encourage and support her in her vision. Also, when Hannah’s pastor of 15 years, Rev. Perry Dalton retired in 2006, she wasn’t sure what would happen next. Pastor Perry had been instrumental in encouraging her to start the ministry that was placed into her heart by God. He had helped her establish an East River office, and had spoken the Father’s blessing over her, helping her to lay the foundation she would need for future ministry.

She wasn’t sure what it would mean for East River if another pastor wasn’t as open to the ideas about blessing Israel. However, God already had a plan, and within a short time, sent Pastor Alan Ferguson, who also embraced the Israel message, and encouraged Hannah to continue. A prayer room was constructed from the attic above the East River Ministry office, which was given the name, “The Portal”. This was due to some prophetic words and visions, establishing this place as a “Bethel” and an open heaven to pray for Israel.

Also, while the ministry is still based at Springfield, this “river” has life outside the walls of the Methodist church. River House Ministries was begun by Pastor Perry in Pensacola Florida. East River has become an integral part of this once-a-month gathering of apostolic and prophetically-minded people. This group is discovering the Jewish roots of their faith, and is operating under Pastor Perry’s capable leadership.

Billy Morgan, Verna Connor, Shirley Hare, Dalia Taylor and Iris Lloyd are others who have become invaluable to East River. They are gifted in their leadership, teaching, prophetic and intercessory roles. God continues to network and connect us with other groups and people to fulfill His purposes

East River Ministries tries to do things that are practical to bless Israel, but also that are affecting the spiritual realm. One thing that was very special and meaningful was collecting $5,000 from church members, and surprising the local Refoaarm Rabbi and his wife to be able to make their first-ever trip to Israel. They are in their 70’s and felt the time was passing them by, and they would never be able to go. Many tears were shed as their temple congregation came to Springfield for an Israel night, and witnessed the surprise. This formed a relationship between the church and the temple that will hopefully continue to bear fruit.

One of the main concerns of East River Ministries is how Israel is treated by the government and the church. We believe that prophetic intercession is a means of combating the powers and principalities that want to destroy Israel.

In early March, 2007, an East River Ministry team went to New York City during the Jewish feast of Purim, to pray against the spirit of Haman (as in the book of Esther) that is still operating today. This spirit wants to destroy and annihilate the Nation of Israel. Hannah felt that they were to stand on the banks of the East River and blow the shofar toward the UN. As their feet stood on international soil of world government, they proclaimed that Jerusalem is the true throne of the Lord. An interesting story was later made public that the UN had apologized for their unfair treatment of Israel. This was just a sign to us of encouragement that we had heard the Lord.

Iris went to Washington, DC and NYC at the end of 2007 to proclaim and declare God’s righteous judgments over our nation. East River has several “arms” that are reaching out and doing God’s work for the Kingdom.

“Aliyah” means, “to go up”, and is the word used by Jewish people who are returning to live in their homeland, Israel. East River believes in helping with the Aliyah financially. However, the body of Messiah can also make a spiritual “Aliyah” by gaining an understanding that God’s heart beats with Israel. The gospel is for the Jew first, and then the nations. (Rom. 1:16). Hannah believes that if we get our hearts lined up with God’s heart and put the Jew first, then we will have the “fruit of the nations” as our inheritance that we can lay at the feet of Jesus.

East River also hosted the “South Gate” Aliyah Conference at Springfield in September. Rev. Deborah Kellogg, Dr. Richard Booker, Cynthia Hillson and Perry Dalton were the speakers. This conference raised awareness of the Jewish Roots, as well as intercession for the North American Jews to be released to make Aliyah.

Right behind this was Hannah’s first trip to Israel. She went with Deborah Kellogg, and was able to be part of a prophetic team who prayed and prophesied all over the land of Israel. The team focused the prayers on the upcoming threats of Israel having to give up land and divide Jerusalem. East River continues to pray that this will never occur, while believing for God’s perfect will to be accomplished.

East River is also linking up with Dr. Richard Booker’s Sounds of the Trumpet Ministry, and IHCS (Institute of Hebraic-Christian Studies), to bring seminars and teaching to the Florida Panhandle. In 2008, they feel that they will be having more and more opportunities to connect with these vital ministries and draw from Dr. Booker’s expertise, possibly offering an extension of IHCS at Springfield.

Hannah is a part of the Methodist church, who’s Resolution on Middle East Peace is not favorable toward the Jewish people. So, she has spent much of this year re-writing this resolution according to what she believes the Bible is actually teaching about the land of Israel. It was submitted first to the Alabama West Florida Conference, where it did not pass. It has now been submitted to the General Conference for 2008 where the decisions are actually made about where the United Methodists stand on the issues. She would really appreciate prayers for this resolution, believing that God will bless the church that blesses Israel.

This is just some of what is happening with East River. The ministry is about establishing God’s righteous judgment for Israel, the United States, the Church and the Nations, in places where it does not exist. This is accomplished through prophetic intercessory prayer, and action.

“But let Justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” Amos 6:24

Why I Play the Violin

2008-01-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

“…All these were under the direction of their father to sing in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, harps and lyres, for the service of the house of God.” 1 Chronicles 25:6

It is my belief that the violin is well-suited to be used in the praise and worship of God, and that we were created to praise Him. The “harps and lyres” of Biblical days’ are today’s violins. They are all same Hebrew word, “kinnor”. Lake Kinneret, or the Sea of Galilee is named because it is shaped like a harp.

It has been my delight and joy to be able to use my violin for many years in worship of my Creator. Sometimes this happens in an environment of a worship service, and other times, it is just in an intimate moment alone with God.

I also believe that God can use a worship violinist in creative ways, to prophesy, or bring healing. One great joy I had was playing as I toured the land of Israel, leading the group in praise and worship. In my heart, my notes were prayers to God for the land and people of Israel.

Spiritual warfare is done through the strings, according to Is. 30:32 which says, “And every blow of the rod of punishment which the Lord will lay on him (the enemy), will be with the music of tambourines and lyres…” In other words, as every note of music is played in worship to God, He deals with the spirits that are coming against God’s people!

I was trained as a young person many years ago as a classical violinist. I was blessed to be able to learn from one of the best teachers possible, Mrs. Anna Tringas in Pensacola, Florida. However, my ideas at age 12, of having a career as a violinst soon came to a halt when I had an accident that broke my left elbow. I tried for a few years to make a recovery of my violin skills, but due to limitations because of the break, I eventually gave up and sold my violin. I did not play for the next 18 years, and believed that the desire of my heart to play the violin was over.

However, God, in His goodness, gave it back to me. During those 18 years, I became a believer in Jesus, Whom I found out was Jewish. I began to discover the Jewish Roots of Christianity, and took a very deep interest in everything about this subject. Naturally, I began to develop a love for Jewish Music in this process, particularly the growing realm of Jewish/Christian music.

One day, in 1995, I heard an incredible violinist playing Christian music with a Jewish sound. I was immediately hooked, and knew that I must play the violin again. However, the problem was, I had sold my violin!

While in a church service one night, I was flipping through my Bible when I saw a scripture that captured my attention. Ps. 149:4 said, “Praise Him with stringed instruments…” (dated Nov. 2, 1995)

I immediately put in my request to God for a violin, knowing that if He had put this strong desire in me to play for Him, that He would not only override my limitations, but also provide a violin. I only had to wait until Christmas that year to receive what I had hoped for. My husband surprised me with a new violin! It was the best Christmas I can ever remember, because I knew how much he had sacrificed to get it for me. As I took it out of the case and picked up the bow to play, it was as if 18 years had not even passed.

However, this time, it was not classical music I was playing, but praise music that was coming up out of my spirit for the Lord that was coming through the strings. There was no music in front of me. I was just playing what was in my heart. I couldn’t really explain how it was happening, but it was happening! I have been playing His praises ever since.

I have come to a richness of understanding about Him, as I’ve combined uncovering my Jewish Roots as a believer in Yeshua (Jesus). I believe that music is where dividing walls are torn down. I believe that the Jew and the Christian have much in common through the God of our common fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

For me, when I play the violin, I am claiming a spiritual inheritance, and proclaiming God’s truth. I am simply stepping into the Kingdom of God that Jesus gave us access to. Pulling the bow across the strings is a prophetic act of “taking the land” that has been given to us. This is a way of praying, as we come into His presence through the music, and strongholds and bondages are broken down.

We can do nothing that God has not given us. I simply want to worship Him, and also to impart to others the gift that God has blessed me with, whether that be through playing or teaching others.

Roots and Branches Seminar

2008-01-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

East River Ministries Presents:

Dr. Richard Booker

Founder and Director of IHCS (Institute of Hebraic-Christian Studies)

and author of many best-selling books including,

The Miracle of the Scarlet Thread

will be at Springfield United Methodist Church in Panama City

to conduct a

Roots and Branches Seminar

Feb. 8 & 9, 2008

This will give a basic overview of our Hebraic Roots through Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah

Cost of the Seminar is $35.00 per person

Springfield United Methodist Church

701 School AvenuePanama City, FL 32401

850-769-0380

Hannah May will be taking registrations.

If you would like us to mail you further information, along with a registration form, please reply at yngsmsmm@aol.com with your address. We will be happy to get it in the mail to you. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please forward this info to them.

The time is approaching soon, and we need to get everyone registered as soon as possible.

This is an awesome opportunity for us,

to have Dr. Booker come and teach us this valuable information!

Don't miss it!

They are Getting the Horses Ready

2007-11-26T11:04:00.000-08:00

When I was in Israel recently, on the last day I was there, we were in Jerusalem shopping. It was a Sunday, which for the Jewish people and also the Arabs, it is the first day of the week. So, it felt like a Monday, as there was much business activity in the streets. Things are different there, than here, in many ways. One of the things that was different was the horses. As I stood in one of the stores, which was open right into the street, I heard the clop of horses’ hooves. I looked out and saw right in front of me, the Israeli Police riding by. I thought how different that was from what I am used to. I know there are cities in America where the police ride horses. But this was different. Somehow, as I stood there and watched them go by, I felt like I was seeing the bible being fulfilled. I thought to myself, “Aren’t there places in the Bible that talk about the last days, and the horses?” I couldn’t quite gather my thoughts about it, and I was focused on shopping anyway, so I didn’t think much more about it, until this morning.

My heart has been stirred tremendously over the last month, leading up to tomorrow’s date of Nov. 27, 2007, the date of the Annapolis Summit in Maryland. I have felt absolutely helpless over what to do about any of it, knowing that we as a Christian nation are about to put heavy pressure on Israel to give up their land in Samaria, Judea and also to divide Jerusalem. Based on reports that I have read, this will mean the uprooting of about 200,000 Jewish settlers. God help us. After being there and seeing it all with my own eyes, and walking and riding all over Israel, particularly in Judea and Samaria and Jerusalem, I can’t even tell you what this does to my heart.

Over the last few days, the intercessory burden has grown stronger. As I was with my friend Dalia shopping this past Sat., the Lord gave us some sudden, prophetic revelation on how we are to pray. It has continued to unfold this morning, and I believe I am supposed to share this with those who I think would have an interest in this.

For many years now, the Lord has used the symbolism of trains to get my attention. Trains represent for me many things concerning the Jewish people. For example, the trains were used to carry the Jewish people to the concentration camps. So, reversing that, I like to think of the trains as symbolic of the church, linked together in unity, undoing our sins of the past. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Paper Clips”, you will understand exactly what I’m saying. We need to be blessing the Jewish people and the nation of Israel, rather than hurting them by closing our eyes and ears to what is happening today.

There is much more I could say about the subject of trains, but for now, let’s just say that they always get my attention. So, when Dalia told me just in conversation that she saw on the news that morning that a train had de-railed in Maryland, my ears perked up. Suddenly, we were grabbing hold of the possibility that God was giving a strategy for prayer concerning the Annapolis summit. Since that day, I have been praying that the plans of the enemy to come against Jerusalem and Israel would “de-rail”.

Then, in doing a search on the internet, I put in “Annapolis Summit de-railed.” Don’t ask me why I did this. I have no idea, except that it had to be the Holy Spirit guiding me. Believe it or not, something with those words did pop up. I went to look at the article that had been written, and the way that phrase was used was something like this: They were worried that terrorists would put bombs into tunnels in Israel to de-rail the Annapolis Summit. So, that gave a slightly different slant on things. I realized that we also needed to pray for protection for Israel because of these plans of their enemies to “de-rail” the Annapolis Summit by causing destruction. I believe God gives us revelation about things in advance so that we can pray against things like this.

Then, this morning, the Lord led me to a passage of scripture in Zech. 12. I have read this passage many times before, but now it made more sense than ever. It was scary and exciting all at the same time. I received quite a bit of peace about this whole thing…that God is truly in control.

I just have to share with you what I feel He is speaking here…My “commentaries” are in the parenthesis. This was my “Rhema Word” this morning:

Zech. 12:1-10

“The burden of the word of the Lord concerning Israel” (yep, those are my sentiments exactly! I can relate to that burden right now)
“Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him,” (talk about the sovereignty of God!)
“Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around, and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. (This is exactly the way it is in the Annapolis Summit. They want to divide Jerusalem and uproot Judah.)
“And it will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. (this should be our warning!)
“And all the nations will be gathered against it” (this is an International Summit – many nations (maybe not all) gathered together AGAINST Jerusalem).
“In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will strike every horse with bewilderment, and his rider with madness. (there they are…the horses…)
“…But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.” (I remember when the Israeli police, at the orders of their government, and at the strong persuasion of the United States Government, were pulling people out of their homes and synagogues in Gaza…it appears to me that God may not allow this where Jerusalem is concerned. These horses may not be necessarily representing Israeli Police. It could also be horses from the enemy.)
NOW WATCH WHAT HAPPENS IN VS. 5
“In that day, I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem. (even if this Summit or any other future Summit is “successful” in man’s eyes, the reality is, that everything will backfire on the enemy…as they come against God’s people, they are walking right into a trap!)
“The Lord also will save the tents of Judah first in order that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be magnified above Judah.
In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David, (Wow!) and the house of David will be like GOD, (BIG WOW!) like the angel of the Lord before them.
“And it will come about in that day that I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (PRAY FOR AMERICA!)
“And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him, like the bitter weeping over a firstborn…

There is more…I could go on and on through the end of Zechariah. But the point is this…all that is happening right now with the Summit, and other events in the world that is causing the whole world to come against Jerusalem is leading to something very near and very exciting. The Jewish people will acknowledge their Messiah. It is going to be a beautiful thing to see.

We do need to pray for mercy for this country, and I believe we should pray that God will turn the heart of our President and those in the White House back toward truly blessing Israel. They believe that they are blessing Israel by trying to bring peace in this way, but we all know that will only happen as Messiah reveals Himself to the Jewish people and they open their hearts to Him and welcome Him.

In fact, I believe we need to pray EXTRA HARD today on this eve of the Annapolis Summit. We are sitting on one of those “hinges of history”. Let’s exert ourselves with all our might and pray for God’s perfect will to be done. Our prayers and our faith in God can move mountains.

Annapolis Summit

2007-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

We must pray with all our might for the nation of Israel right now, because next week, in Annapolis, Maryland, there is going to be much pressure from the United States and others for Israel to give up more land for peace. They are even talking about dividing up Jerusalem, and Israel seems willing to sign the papers. This can't happen. I believe there will be dire consequences if this happens. God does bless those who bless Israel, but the same scripture says the He also curses those who curse Israel. America cannot afford to curse Israel. Hurricane Katrina hit only one week after Israel gave up Gaza for the sake of "peace" at the arm-twisting of the American government. How much more will happen if we uproot 100,000 or more settlers, including Jerusalem???

"I WILL See Another Butterfly"

2007-10-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Butterfly

When I was in Israel in late October, we had the sweetest little girl with us, named Marie. She was 10 years old and such a blessing. She was very anointed, and sang praise songs with us and prayed and worshipped. She never complained and was very loving and would come up and hug people randomly once she got to know us.

One day, when we were in Arad, we went to the home of a man who had made an incredible piece of art. It was in his back yard, and it had been said that it was possible this piece of art could get into the Holocaust Museum somehow. It was a huge stone sculpture, in 7 parts of the 7 last sayings of Messiah on the cross. In front of each depiction of Jesus hanging there was a holocaust victim standing in front of it, with a pose or look that responded to Jesus’ words. It was incredible. Also, there was
Another sculpture that went with those that was a crematorium door with a child curled up in a fetal position on one side and on the other a hand coming through the door, grabbing a mound of land covered in olive leaves (a depiction of Israel) and a butterfly near it. This was to represent a poem that was written by a Jewish child in a concentration camp entitled, “I’ll never see another butterfly”. This was an extremely moving moment for all of us who saw it. Little Marie was also moved by it and cried when she saw it.
Later, we went to the desert home of David Ben Gurion, who was the first Prime Minister of Israel. He had been so committed to the land of Israel, and his belief that Israel would fulfill bible prophecy to inhabit the desert and make it bloom, that he moved there himself with his wife, and was a true pioneer toward the beginnings of claiming the land of Israel as a place where Jewish people would return and live.
As we were on our way there, I happened to glance at Marie. I looked at what she was wearing, because I hadn’t noticed it before. On her shirt was a HUGE butterfly. It was not planned. She was simply obedient to wear what her mother wanted her to wear that day. We didn’t know we would see anything about a butterfly. God showed us that Marie was a prophetic symbol of the future generations of children who would come, and who WOULD see another butterfly, unlike those children who had died in the concentration camps.

South Gate Aliyah Conference

2007-09-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

This is my second post about the Conference...just some thoughts I have been having this morning. If you haven't read the first post, please do, because there is much in it concerning what God did during these incredible five days.

What I am going to share now is sort of a personal analogy, but I think you will get the point...when I knew the guest speakers were coming from Colorado, Texas, North Carolina and Alabama, I knew I had to be there! (especially since I had invited them and was organizing the event!) If they could get on planes, leave their families, come to a place they didn't know, etc., I certainly couldn't decide to "sleep in" or not show up for even one session.

I think God is a little the same way. When we set aside time just for Him, to worship and love on Him, of COURSE He is going to come! He wouldn't miss it! He has invited us to His party, and if we change our lives around to be with Him, He is definately going to be there!

Oh, and by the way, I have about decided that God likes small numbers, especially when the bigger numbers have dwindeled down and most everyone has gone home. It's like God wants to get more intimate when there are only a few there. We had nights of being so full of His rich presence late at night that we could have just brought pillows and stayed there all night. People are healed, delivered and set free when we soak up His presence. Another analogy...if you have a party, sometimes, AFTER the party, when it's just a few friends sitting around, it's the most enjoyable.

I want to write more later about the speakers, the musicians, and the people that helped. I have so many blessings to share. Keep checking back to read more.

Incredible Conference!

2007-09-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! Did God ever show up for the South Gate Aliyah Conference! This was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. It was a lot of work for many people to put this conference on, but sooo worth it, and I believe the fruit from it will continue on for a very long time. God had an agenda, and we just tried to hook in with what He was doing. I wish I could describe to you what actually occurred during this conference. I can write things down and try to give you details, but how can you describe a glory cloud? I actually saw the glory cloud twice in the sanctuary. I kept looking and looking at it, wondering if I was really seeing something heavenly, but when I heard Deborah Kellogg, one of the guest speakers say that she had seen the glory cloud, I knew right then that I actually HAD seen it. Yes, I saw a tangible, manifestation of the presence of the Lord, right under the roof of Springfield United Methodist Church! Why? I believe we found the heart of God, in praying for and blessing His chosen people Israel. As we worshipped Him, while loving on Israel, God dwelt among us. It was absolutely incredible.

Did everything go perfectly? Absolutely not! There were problems, and glitches, and things that were backwards, but did that matter? Absolutely not! He had a sovereign design for all of it. The first night, Wed. night, the night of the eve of Rosh Hashanah, we had to really push through during the praise and worship. Several of us felt a hinderance, which was to be expected. I think that usually happens in the beginning of something like this. God just wants us to be faithful and press on to seek Him and find Him. So, we just went with the flow, and toward the end of the service, Dr. Booker had us do a silent Jerico march around the sanctuary. Then we blew the shofars at four courners of the room and shouted down four spiritual walls that stand against the Jewish people....the walls of Islam, the walls of Replacement Theology, the walls of secularism in Israel, and the walls of Materialism on the Jewish people in America that would hinder them from Aliyah. It was POWERFUL! This opened the way for what would occur the rest of the week.

Thursday, I was able to share the vision of East River to those who were there in the morning session. It was a defining moment for me. Then, in the afternoon, Cynthia Hillson shared some incredible things about her ministry in the streets of Israel. She mentioned the bride dress that she would be taking to Israel to bless some Jewish bride with. She realized that it is going to be prophetic act as she takes this bridal gown into Israel. She was leaving immediately after the conference to go on this trip. Her talk that day was an inspiration. I looked over at my friend Angie, who was in tears, and I knew exactly what she was thinking. I could see it all over her. She was going to give Cynthia her beautiful bride gown as well to take with her. The one that she had worn recently as she and her husband Al rededicated themselves in marriage after 12 years. Her gown had these beautiful blue flowers all over it. Anyway, I found out later that I was right as Angie came and told me that she had indeed promised Cynthia the gown, and would be bringing it to her.

The dancers were another thing! Wow! Jeanette, Angie, Tyhisha and others did an incredible job coreographing and putting together a song for every session of the conference. They were so colorful and beautiful, and brought in such a manifest presence of the Lord!!! Each dance was prophetic and had incredible, significant meaning. The Watchman, Aliyah, and the song about Ruth and Naomi and their covenant love (represnting the church and Israel) was so powerful I couldn't get over it! Jeanette kicked into high gear and the dances took on such a powerful anointed prophetic message! One night, everything cut loose, and Jeanette was running around, doing things with veils and scarfs, prophesying as she went. I will tell you about one case...

Jack, the Jewish man in our congregation, had been prophesied over one time in his life, that he would not go home to be with the Lord until he had made Aliyah. Billy Morgan, my East River Ministry board member and ministry partner, said that he felt that East River would be helping Jack and Dee make Aliyah. During the service, when God was moving so powerfully, Billy asked me to go stand over Jack and play my violin. There was a blue veil in the floor and everyone was crossing over the "Jordan", while Alan was playing "Take the Land". Jack was too weak to get up, so Billy said I should "take the land" for him. Then Billy came and prayed over them, and so did Deborah Kellogg...concerning Aliyah. Then Jeanette, acting in the prophetic, brought the river to him! She leaned over the pew and ran the river under his feet!

Another thing that happened at Fri. night Shabbat was this...Dr. Booker did a presentation on a family Shabbat. He had Al, Angie and their children be the demonstration family. He did the blessings over the children, and the husband and wife, and the blessings over the lighting of the candles, but then he ended it. He said later that he had forgotten to bless the bread and the juice. He was beating himself up about not remembering to do it. However, God had an incredible plan! In a completely sovereign move of the Spirit, after we were praising and worshipping, and the table was still set for shabbat, my husband Greg, felt led that a particular couple needed to come up to the platform and sit at the shabbat table. He went to Pastor Alan, and asked if we could invite Jim and Gianna up. So, they came up, as well as Pastor Alan and Garilyn, and Dr. Booker. They all sat down to the shabbat table while the praise and worship was going on all around them. Dr. Booker said the blessings now, as they broke the bread, and ate it, and blessed the juice and drank it. The delight and joy on their faces was unreal. As I was playing my violin in the background and watching this whole scene, I realized that we had stepped into another realm. We were in the Kingdom. We were watching a picture of what it will really be like. Also, I realized, as I watched Jim and Gianna, something was being prophesied. Dr. Booker later told me that while they were sitting at the Shabbat table, he had a vision of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob sitting with them. Actually they were sitting with them. It was a connection of the books of Acts and the Messianic Kingdom when we will all sit with Abe, I, and J in the kingdom in the NJ. He could not explain it, but the Lord was letting him experience this as they were sitting at the table.

Moving on to the next paragraph, I will explain about Jim and Gianna, how they came to be in the picture. ....

Alan and Judy Mullilkin had been in Family Christian Store in Pensacola handing out flyers for the conference. The man at the counter said that they might want to talk to the lady "over there" who had just bought a bunch of Messianic music. Come to find out, her actual middle name was "Aliyah"!! So, it was her destiny to come to this conference. She and her husband came for the entire conference. They were SOOO blessed. God was all over them. They discovered that they had Sephardic Jewish roots. (that is Hispanic Jewish). There were so many incredible coincidences concerning them being there.

Recently, the Lord had spoken these words to her: "You have a Sephardic Anointing". She didn't know what that was. She thought it had something to do with a shepherd. But come to find out, she and her children had Sephardic Jewish roots! So, as they sat around this Shabbat table, glowing with the presence of the Lord, eating the bread and drinking the juice, they were a prophetic picture of the Sephardic Jews coming home to the Lord and feasting at His banquet table. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life!!

Another amazing thing that happened was this: During the conference, Friday, just happened to be my birthday. I was going, going, going, and no time to celebrate. But anyway, Fri. night, during the "Oneg" refreshment celebration, I was given a beautiful cake and they sang happy birthday to me. But the biggest blessing was that after the refreshments, we went upstairs...myself and some of my most important supporters for East River....we went up into the brand new addition to the East River Ministry office. It is an attic space that has been converted into a worship, warfare and intercession room for Israel. It has a vibrant rich blue carpet and white walls. It will have a beautiful stained glass with the one new man symbol and the stones of the twelve tribes of Israel. Anyway, what are the chances that anything could be timed like this...On my birthday, the room gets dedicated. It was also just within a couple of hours of the anniversary of Sherri's death. This ministry, East River, was birthed out of her death. Here we are, three years later, moving forward and carrying the message of the gospel to Israel out to His chosen people!! Only God could have orchestrated the timing of the dedication of that room. Jack and Shawn and others from Keaton House demonstrated the Love of God in working so hard to get that room done! God asked me that night, "So, do you like your birthday present?" HA HA HA! He is so good!!

I could write so much more....maybe I will tomorrow night. But my eyes are getting heavy so I will stop for now. He is AMAZING and we love Him soooo much.

Hannah

2007-07-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

Nancy Drew: another subject...When I was a little girl, every Saturday morning before piano lessons, my mom would take us to the library downtown (Pensacola). I would head straight to the section where the Nancy Drew books were.. I would debate over which one or two I would bring home that week. I could hardly wait to read them! I would get so caught up in the adventure of all of it. It always amazed me how those clues would materialize out of nowhere, and that would lead her to solve the mystery! Years later, when I discovered that God was speaking to me, as time went on, I realize that He operates much the same way. He would drop "clues", and one thing would lead to the next until I had the answers to what I was supposed to be doing next. This led me into the prophetic realm. I always felt like Nancy Drew's life was full of adventure, excitement and amazement. How much more so do I feel this way about my life with the Lord! Ha Ha...(I am laughing inside right now...) I just realized another layer to this deepening thought process...Every trip we made with Sherri, every trip I've made since then, every new adventure is like checking out the lastest ND book! Only now, it's ME living it. Let's see, what could I call them:

The Hidden Clues in Old Savannah
The Mystery at Moss Hill
The Secret of the Old Springfield Well
The Hidden Mystery at the UN
The Tybee Island Lighthouse Mystery

Well, you get the idea. This is probably all coming out because of something that happened last week. Another "clue" to what God is doing in my life. Wow, I am glad I'm writing this letter, because I'm getting revelation by the buckets as I write...(I guess I'm going to have to cut and paste this into my journals because I don't want to forget any of this!) Here's what happened...I was in Books-A-Million with my kids. I walked straight up to the bargain table in the front of the store, and there laying on the table, on sale for only $2.97 was a brand new copy of one of the old Nancy Drew books. It grabbed my attention for some reason. It was called, "The Spider Sapphire Mystery". I picked it up, and felt that same old drawing I used to feel as a child. The urge to buy it was very strong. My kids were laughing at me. (I say "kids". I'm referring to my now grown sons and their girlfriends.) I flipped through the pages and read a few lines. I could sense the adventure of the story line, but I was a little annoyed with myself that I was interested in reading this book. It was nonsense! I am grown, and into "real" adventures, not ones in fiction books. I carried it with me, just to think about whether I was going to buy it or not, as I went to other places in the store, looking at other books. Did I buy it? Of course I did. After all, it was a bargain! Only $2.97. , I can't explain it, but I know I was supposed to buy that book for some reason. I have been in a frenzy lately, trying to get a brochure made for the conference. I have spent probably 100 hours, trying to get it done so there is plenty of time for people to decide to come. It has just gone to the printer and I hope it is out next week. But anyway, I was feeling frazzeled. So, after it got sent to the printer, I decided that I would try to unwind and relax. Do something simple that wouldn't require a lot of thought. Enter Nancy Drew book.I spent part of the day yesterday, off and on, reading the Spider Sapphire Mystery. One thing that tickled me was this...Ned Nickerson, Nancy's boyfriend, was missing. Ned's friend, Burt, receives a strange phone call with a muffled voice that says, "Swahili Joe Pair 4182". Nancy, with her amazing ability, figures out that "Pair" was really "Pear" and 4182 was LATTITUDE AND LONGITUDE lines! They search the map coordinates of 41 and 82 and of course, that leads them right to a pear orchard, where they find Ned, bound and gagged in an old abandoned shack. Dont 'cha love it?? ha!

So what's the point of all of this? I think God is using this in a big way to lead me into something that I know I am supposed to be doing. Writing a book. I have been told by hints, clues, people, scriptures, signs, etc. that I'm supposed to write a series of small pamphlet-type books to explain the prophetic circumstances surrounding East River and the things God is doing. One of them will be about what happened with the United Methodist Church Resolution for Middle East Peace back in June. So, that's where I'm headed, I believe. Pray for me about this. I'm sure Sherri is going to turn up in many of these books.

OH my goodness! I just realized that the name of the town Nancy was from was even "RIVER HEIGHTS!" LOL!

2007-07-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

East River Ministries in Panama City, Florida along with Preparing the Way Ministries, is hosting an exciting event at Rosh Hashanah this year, September 12-16, 2007. It is called the “South Gate” Aliyah Conference and will be held at Springfield United Methodist Church, 701 School Avenue. Speakers will include:

Rev. Deborah Kellogg, Preparing the Way Ministries
Dr. Richard Booker, Sounds of the Trumpet, Inc.
Cynthia Hillson, Precious Oils Upon the Hill
Rev. Perry Dalton, East River and River House Ministries

This will be an incredible time with the Lord, where there will be a “Convergence of Faith and Destiny”! This conference will have a strong emphasis on praying for Israel, Aliyah for the Jewish people in the Americas, and understanding and experiencing our Jewish roots.

“Aliyah” is the Hebrew word meaning, “to go up”. When Jewish people go back to live in the land of Israel, they are making Aliyah. It can also refer to coming up higher spiritually. This is a call to pray for the release of the Jewish communities in the Americas to be able to make Aliyah, both spiritually and physically. This region is prophetically being called the “South Gate”.

All who feel drawn are invited to come and be a part of an incredible five days of:
Strategic prayer and intercession;
Exuberant Messianic praise and worship;
Experiencing the “River of God”;

Inspired and Anointed Teaching On:
The Jewish Feasts, Restoration of the Tabernacle of David, Blessing God’s Chosen People Israel, The Cost of Being a Change Agent, The One New Man in Yeshua, and much more…

Come and be a part of what God is doing here in the Southeast!!
Schedule of Events:

Wednesday Evening, September 12
7:00 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Celebration

Thursday, September 13
Two Daytime Sessions and
7:00 p.m. evening service

Friday, September 14
Two Daytime Sessions and
7:00 p.m. Shabbat evening service

Saturday, September 15
Two Daytime Sessions and
7:00 p.m. evening service

Sunday, September 16
9:00 a.m. Teaching and
10:30 Worship Service

Cost for Registration:
$40 per person or
$70 per couple
$10 day passes are also available

For more information, call 850-763-0646
or e-mail me at yngsmsmm@aol.com

Hotels with group rates are available
Registration begins July 17
Registration deadline is Sept. 1st

2007-06-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this website is to help everyone understand what East River Ministries is about.

2007-06-28T19:39:00.001-07:00