God's Grace International

Shalom! May 2010 bring you great peace despite the daily unrest, uncertainty and upset that is all around us. The Living Bible paraphrase delivers the truth of Philippians 4:6-7 in a very colloquial and conversational, yet powerful way: “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.” (TLB) Be encouraged in the New Year.

Month after month, I come to you with a bit of information about what is happening with God’s Grace International and our ministry to God’s chosen people, the Jews. Each letter includes the inevitable request for your continued financial and prayer support. At times, I wish that I did not have to mention money. This month, as I sat down to write this letter, I began to consider what happens when someone gives to support the Lord’s ministry through God’s Grace International. Some questions came to my mind:

1. “Is it necessary to give to God’s work?”

No, it is not necessary. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV)

Giving is a vital and necessary part of Judaism. To be a good and devout Jewish person, one must do the mitzvah (commandment or good deed) of Tzedakah, giving to the poor. This practice is one part of the Judaic requirements of giving. The Old Testament meant for Tzedakah offerings to be used to help the poor. The tithe usually referred to the practice of giving anywhere from 10% to 20% of an agricultural crop to the Temple, a separate obligation from Tzedakah. Rabbinic tradition advised against giving more than 20% as a tithe because it could lead to poverty. Christ condemned the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 for their legalistic attitude toward the tithe (giving) as they would sit and actually count out individual seeds of anise, or mint to meet the letter of the tithing laws. The attitude of their hearts was a not that of a cheerful, generous giver.

2. “When I give to God’s Grace International, how do I know the money is being used wisely and correctly?”

As stewards of the finances God puts into our hands, we must be very careful about choosing where to give. The dictionary defines a steward as a person who manages another's property or financial affairs; one who administers anything as the agent of another or others. The wise steward is praised in Luke 12:42-44: “And the Lord said, 'Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.'” (NKJV) This scripture applies to you as a donor and to us as administrators of your gifts to God’s ministry through us.

We are scrutinized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 charity and by the Evangelical Counsel on Financial Accountability by our peers. Most importantly, we stand or fall before our own master, Yeshua. We hold our relationship with you as a donor and supporter as a sacred trust in which we are accountable, not only to you, but most importantly to Yeshua, our Messiah.

3. “Is my donation making a difference?”

My recent trip to Israel and Russia allowed me to see with my own eyes, once again, the effect your contributions are having on the lives of Holocaust survivors in Israel and Russia. I was thrilled to see the opening of the new coffee house ministry in Tel Aviv. Now, we can reach out to young and old people with music, one-on-one ministry in a casual and non-threatening way, and extend a hand of love and friendship to people who have no one to care for them. We can communicate God’s love through the medium of music and share His word over a cup of hot coffee or tea. Our soup kitchens continue their daily ministry of feeding hungry and needy people. Thousands of men, women and children will eat a hot meal in a caring atmosphere that you made possible. Volunteers are going into the homes of the lonely and forgotten on a daily basis, helping them with basic things such as feeding, giving of food packages, providing clothing, toys and educational supplies for children, giving medicine, helping with medical conditions, and so much more.

Last year, an entire family, the Fines - Jay, a psychologist, his wife Nell, their teenage daughter Meghan, and their young son Joseph went to Israel to minister with God’s Grace International. They experienced, first hand, what God’s Grace makes possible on a daily basis. Their lives have been changed forever because of what they saw and did in the name of Yeshua for hurting and helpless people. The Fines paid their own expenses, yet, your stewardship with us helped to provide the organization supporting their efforts.

There are many more questions that can be considered about giving, tithing, and supporting God’s Grace International. I am always willing to answer any specific questions from donors. I appreciate each and every person who donates or prays for us. 2009 has been a challenging year, but praise God, we have been able to continue ministering and meeting the needs of thousands of people with humanitarian aid in the name of Yeshua, as well as sharing the Gospel of His saving grace to any and all who ask to know more. Only God knows what 2010 has in store, but to know that faithful friends such as you are upholding us in prayer and giving is an encouragement beyond what words can express.

Malachi 3:10 continues to hold the promise, that as we are faithful in our giving, we can “test” God to see if He will pour out an uncontainable blessing upon us. My experience and God’s promise is yes, yes, and yes! “…Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10, NIV) May God’s grace super abound for you and your family in 2010. As you support us, we in turn, will pray that God’s provision, protection, and plenty be poured out on you.