GO israel!

sometimes when i go to write one of these blogs.. it just won't come out...

maybe it is because i don't have anything to say..

or because nothing i say seems to be new.. or interesting...

or if i write something that i don't even wanna read.. i guess i can't expect anyone else to want to...

things have been happening.

being Christmas and all.. i suppose it makes perfect sense. but besides that, each day passes with new activities that may never be remembered, or repeated.

haha, it looks that way sometimes, but i know that God uses everything for good!

not only that, but He blesses me with some random unpredictable things. in times of need.. not just financial or possessional (i hope we all know by now that those are petty and quite temporary "needs") but when life is taking a toll, or when things seem tainted with blood, and the scars are only reminders of failures.. it makes me so peaceful and runs warm joy through my blood when i recall things, ways He has reached me.. just to tell me that He is still there.. that He never left, and that He loves me regardless of how much of a failure i may feel like.

thank you all for your prayers. to say i am blessed would skim surface truth of how much grace has been shown me over the past years.. every sense my life was turned over to Him.

Christmas, though good time with my mom, was difficult. that wednesday evening, i got super sick. i am pretty sure any and all food that i had eaten in the past seven years was returned to porcelain and i was filled with so much pain that my sleeping was disturbed frequently. over the following days i hardly ate, and though we had fish on Christmas, i will gladly do without until next year.

today, however, was good. i body is finally returning to normal. and for some reason, beyond what i may ever understand, i think that getting sick when i did may have been more of a blessing than a cursing.

through the time of resting and recovering, i didn't read much.. or spend lots of time in prayer. and i think it is evident that i need that valuable time with Him. by no means was He far from me... in fact, sometimes after i got sick in the middle of the night, upon returning to my room, i would get on my knees and just feel Him.. His love.. and His peace.. then i would sleep. (and it would repeat again). but that fact that i wouldn't be reading His love letters to us, or concentrate on His words, i would be left with...... space.

but last night and today was filled with little reminders that He keeps whispering His love into my ears.

so...

God, i give it all to You. worry, concern, immediate safety... i know that it is all in Your hands.. and it's wonderful!

what a majestic yet thoughtful Shepherd we have.

Der HERR ist mein Hirte. Ich habe alles, was ich brauche.

The LORD is my shepherd. I have all I need.

... and even more than that!

so today was filled with fun times and i thank God for Him being with me.

*YWAM

i would like to thank everyone again for the prayers and encouragement to pursue the dreams God placed on my heart. thank you all who have supported me financially and who continually do. and for all those who have spent time speaking truth into my life, even if it's a memo that reads, GO israel!

these things have kept me going when i was willing to settle. they are like refreshing eye drops that make things clear again. thank you!

i am so excited for the things that God is doing. i may not fully understand them, but i know it's good, and huge and AWESOME! alles was Er tut, ist gewaltig!

it brings me such joy when i hear about things that He is doing through people.. people just like you and me... people with a fire that is shaking their bones.. people who wanna do what really matters. sharing His love in real ways!

-i got an update on the time in india recently. it sounds that their Christmas was amazing and spend with those they love.. complete strangers who are hungry.. hungry for more than food.. but for the very thing they were created for... His love!

i look forward to joining them soon if the Lord permits it.

i am still a large chunk off from even affording the plane tickets... :)

i have about $400, and need $1100-1300. haha.. He is soooo good!

and so i say once again, please don't stop praying. He hears our prayers.

Father... please send Your support in Your timing and in Your way. please make me part of Your plan. thank You Papa!

oh, and the Lord opened up a door for me to get back to spokane. possibly leaving around the 2nd of january.

upon returning there, i will seek more support (friend raising) and fly to india between

18th-22nd. then, february 12th, fly back to germany and Lord willing stay there and work for awhile.

i have around 3 weeks to raise the remainder funds. if you would like to support me, please send it to my moms address below. thank you.

bei Gott ist nichts unmöglich.

i am, again, excited to see what He does next. unknown, but not unexpected.

thank you all for keeping up with me, and fighting along side of me for the Kingdom to reach the ends of the world.

well, i think enough is said for now...

may He bless you with His highest good!

Moms address (where support goes to..)

israel boyce

c/o Kim Boyce

3741 canyon lake dr. 2-307

rapid city, S.D. 57702

USA

to all those in rapid and nebraska, i hope our time together has blessed you as it has blessed me. sorry if we didn't get to connect...(i'm hear til the end of the week... call me. 541-731-9468)

to all those in spokane... i look forward to seeing you soon.. and may our time together be sweet and represent Him well. (you call me too!)

to all those germany... Gottes Willes, bis bald!

tschüssie!

israel

bleeding thoughts

hope...

sometimes... maybe more often than i realize at the moment... i get caught up in things that just don't matter in the long run.

it is soooo good how paul puts it in philippians.. 'i want you to know what really matters...'

what really matters.

what really matters?

does it matter if the internet is slow or doesn't connect as we wish all the time...

does it matter if the dryer worked...

does it matter if we need to walk some distance to help someone else...

gosh, really... what about our comfort?

is our comfort now.. in these worldly ways really matter compared to the eternal...

does that really register in our minds.. our hearts?

is our keeping quiet, rather than striking up a conversation centered around Christ really worth someones eternity?

are we on this earth for any other reason than to spread the love of Christ?

and if not, how do we effectively share this love without just coming out and speaking it?

why is it so hard to just speak up and say, "hey... Christ died for you.. whether you believe it or not... and, He loves you with an eternal love with no conditions, no strings, no catches... just real love."

i want so badly for everyone i come in contact with... it doesn't matter where, to know this great love that i can hardly even explain... this love that saves us from ourselves.. from the mess that we got ourselves in. but how do you feed those who are not hungry?

how do we share the one true thing we need... with those who have everything they could ever want?

how can heal those who don't believe they are sick?

oh God.. what a world You love...

i want these others to share in Your salvation.. but what do we do when they could care less about what we have to offer... how do we reach this dying world that thinks it has never been more alive?

i want to represent You well... but how can i when i can't even say straight forward that You love them! i mean.. i can, when i know them.. but those who i have never met.... i want the world to know.. that You love them! that every knee would bow and every heart raised to You in praise!

please.. show me... make me part of Your plan... break through my heart.. my discomfort.. my walls and attitudes. without You, we are not living, we are just existing. i don't wanna exist if it is any less than 'ON FIRE' for You!

i need You. this world needs You. we need You.

but i will forever praise Your name! You are the hope of this cutthroat world.

raise the dead! wake up you dead.. rise up, for Your bones have been given life once again for evermore! rise up and take a stand for what is true! for the truth that is higher than our wisdom, that is more righteous than our justice... take a stand and claim the strength. claim the strength.

it is truly not about me, or you, or any of us.

when it really comes down to it, what really matters?

please show us what really matters....

thank You for bringing us back to You.. for wanting to be with us despite what we have done.

ich liebe dich sehr.. und ohne Dich will nicht zuleben. benütze uns... benütze mich.

so sei es.

*use us!

gesegnet, israel

hi i am israel... too

the day has come... well, one of them.

i am at the moment at my dads.
through a series of events, God confirmed that today was the day to head here.

a quick update of how good He is!...

i had no idea how i was to get down here... even as i awoke.. it didn't seem that i was going to be headed out..
i had asked my mom to drop me off at the edge of town.. but instead, she insisted on taking me half the way, which was a huge unexpected blessing.
we enjoyed a fun little road trip to nebraska, and she dropped me off south of chadron. as i was walking, i felt encouraged to just asked for what i needed by the verses in matthew 7.. where it states something along this... if you sinners know how to give your children good gifts, how much more does Your heavenly Father know how to give to those who ask..
so i asked.
God, may i please have a ride straight to my dads place...
it was a pretty day, and temperatures were around the 40s, so i enjoyed a walk while i waited for Daddy to hook it up.
well, a van pulled over, he said that he didn't have any seats (literally) but i was welcome to ride along. so i asked where he was headed as i climbed in, and he said alliance.. then scottsbluff. i mentioned that i was headed to gering/scottsbluff, so we agreed to a destination.
there was the answer! ha! danke Vater!
then.. as if that wasn't enough.. i introduced myself... my name is israel...
and he replied.. mine too!
i laughed and we chatted for a couple hours.

"have a good day israel.."
"haha, yeah, you too, israel!"

thank You Papa that You care! may i represent You well!
and may this time here be huge for the things that You want to do.
i believe You are doing something so much bigger. may Your will be done!
and most of all, thank You for reconciling sinner with Yourself! HEHEHE.. how loved and blessed we are!

i have much more to say, with no more time to do it...
many blessings to all of you.

should be here until monday, then back in rapid til the end of dec.
then.. spokane... and the ends of the earth!

thank you all for your prayers.
still seeking support.. but believing it's gonna snow!

praise the Lord my soul..
lobe den Herrn meine Seele!

viel liebe, israel

shoe heads and hidden snow banks

i was called a movie star today by a little girl...

another little boy called me many names, all with "head" at the end...

...including "farthead" and "shoehead."

but i think what i like the most about today is the snow...

*all snow haters can skip to the end from here.

it's beautiful, the way it falls from the sky... no one could stop it if they wanted...

then it covers everything...

trees...

roads...

people, if they're out long enough.

sometimes it falls so thick, i can't see past the houses across the street... everything else...

is white.

i'm thankful for this weather.

the cold crisp air as i breath in, and the ice that gathers on my mustache from breathing out.

yeah, i'm thankful for this weather...

the extra precaution needed to transport... even if it's just down the road....

or unexpected slick spots that leave me either hitting the ground of feeling clever for escaping the impact...

though sometimes i like to fall.

it may hurt.. but it gets me in the snow.

it leaves marks as evidence that i fell...

that i had a run-in with a miracle...

that i got back up to brave the unknown slick spots that await me.

yeah, i like this weather...

reminding me of both days, young and old...

about the last time i hiked a mountain with my brother.

how we almost froze at the top as we huddled together eating the only food we had with numb hands.

or how my friend and i use to ride our bikes in the snow until it was too deep...

so we got off and walked...

and how we would build hidden caves in the snow banks of jackson boulevard.

it reminds me of time spend with 'ol loved ones..

and the possibility of future times spend with new ones.

oh yeah... i enjoy this weather...

...and i think... ...He must have known that...

He did know!

i am loved!

viel liebe, israel

thank you for your prayers!

a lil ol lady

it's humorous how encouragement comes...

yesterday it came from two sources.

first, it came from God providing for a friend of mine in ywam. she and a couple others needed a total of $2800 in about 12 hours. i was broken because i wanted to give all i had to see it happen for them. i prayed for them, as i am sure many were.. and later i was informed that God had done it! He provided it all, and now they will be going on outreach with there team. Halleluja!

it makes me think of my situation... i am in need of only about $1200 for the flights and some travel insurance.. i still have about a month, but it is ticking down. however, i have a peace that this is so small to be done. where He calls, He provides. if we are willing, He will and does do amazing things through us for people everywhere!

the next one came from a little ol lady named Leona. i have been spending most of my free time at a nursing home here in rapid. i had just gotten there yesterday and was chatting with her. she was explaining about here asthma. it was heart breaking not being able to do something right there to help her..

but out of no where... so it seemed.. she said,

"it really means a lot to me that you are here."

i may never realize how much it means... but i am so blessed.. blessed to spend time with such amazing people as them.. so blessed to know that He loves me... and so blessed to know that He cares!

thank You Father for blessing me.. and for being with them at the nursing home. they are so sweet and i can only imagine how much You must love them! thank You for Your heart for them.. may i represent You well!

at the moment, i am again at a café just typing away... probably could til my fingers are numb...

i still very much want to visit my father and my brothers and sister in Christ down in Neb. i am unclear of when or how just now.. but am convinced that it is soon.

i am still seeking supporters for going to india and back to germany. a monthly cost of living there is about $1200, 700€, and the flights also come to a total of $1200, 700€.

if you are interested, no matter how big or small.. please let me know.

this.is.a.real.fake.email@gmail.com

i leave back for washington after Christmas.. then fly out of spokane around the 18 of January.

it is yet another opportunity to see Him blow my mind from any boxes i attempt to keep Him in.

may they all be shattered and unable to be rebuilt!

the itinerary is not in stone for what is happening in india.. but if you would like to know more, i'll gladly tell you... and the time in germany will consist of visiting ywam bases and being in berlin again to continue love the people of boxi in practical ways.. as well as hanging out with the tragwerk kinder whom i love so much!

other than all the official stuff.. haha... i look forward to spending this Christmas again with family.

how great is His love for us!?

psalm 23

one verse at a time...

think about it!

viel liebe, israel

india

it was about two weeks ago that the opportunity was first spoken of.

i was with the school director from the YWAM base in idaho. the dts team was headed to India in a little more than a week away, and he planned on meeting up with them later in January.

the invite came at a refreshing thought, but more of a thought than a possibility. i was invited to join him in visiting the team in india and taking part in ministry there.

even now when i think about joining him to visit the team and help with ministry, encouraging the Church there, and being the hands and feet of Christ to the Indian people, it still feels more of a joyful thought that something that can ever be.. but when confronted about whether or not this is right, the argument in my mind is always won over by peace from my heart.

so i pray, God, You have a plan. please make me part of that. if You don't go with me, then take me not from this place. and wherever You take me.. at anytime, my i represent You well! ich liebe dich sehr.. hilf mir deine Liebe zu verstehen.

please help us understand more of Your love!.. we need it!

and more than anything, thank You for bringing us back to You! oh the Joy!

danke Papa!

so, Lord willing i will be headed out of rapid towards spokane after Christmas. around the 20th of January, i will head to india to meet up with the others and be His hands and feet.

that will go until february 12th, and i will fly to germany. there, Lord willing, and full of anticipation (because with God, nothing is impossible) i will continue with ministry there.

as for working with YWAM there at first, i am not sure. it may come to finding a job and diving into the culture, then on free time (days off) doing ministry at the beautiful boxi (if you haven't heard about boxi yet, please ask me).

please keep in mind, this is all Lord willing.

things to keep in prayer:

i think most of all, please pray that we (me, and the other workers around the world) will represent Him well! "oh that my life would consistently reflect Your decrees" psalm 119.5

(this includes those in india right now, those in berlin, and the others around the world suffering for Christ love, and your salvation!)

please pray also for the time here, that it would be spent well.. that the time with the family would not be taken lightly, but that we would enjoy every moment of this blessing of being together again! i have a strong desire to visit my father along with my dear brothers and sisters (in the Lord) in nebraska.. i am not sure just yet of how or when i will get there.. but that's ok!

then, please remember me with finances. i have felt a peace about pursuing His will in this, so, if it is His will, i know He will provide. monthly cost of living in berlin will be around €700/$1200. for monthly, it would start in january, but please let me know if you are interested in giving any amount. it will all help. as for me, i will live as a bird, a bird with purpose!

my email: this.is.a.real.fake.email@gmail.com

number: 541-731-9468 or 605-341-3214

address: (moms address)

israel boyce

3741 canyon lake dr. 2-307

rapid city, SD 57702

take everyday as it comes, and know that He has you in His hands! crap happens, but it is how we respond that determines who's victory it is!

may we with God have all the victory, for we are loved!

thank you all so much for the prayers and thoughts. and thank you all for reading this blog...

it means a lot to know that we are all in this together, with one purpose and keeping in focus what really matters!

He loves us, whoa how He loves us, whoa how He loves us, whoa how He loves.......!

Father, please help us see...

how impossible.. how glorious!

windig, originally uploaded by israelboyce.

we are sooooo blessed. my feet hurt a little, but now i am sitting. i had a pretty good hunch that i would be on my way to seeing my dad, in nebraska this evening... but it didn't go like that. i am, however, not complaining. i'll see them down south in His timing.

today was spent on my feet. some would say lounging, but it was no less work than those i spent it with. for several hours, i was with the people at sam's club, visiting, laughing and filling the gaps of where He has taken me and what's next.
it was a blessed day though, not because of anything that sets it apart, but because i was reminded of God. i wish i.. we could be reminded of Him more often. Father, please help our eyes not be on us.. not be on schedule.. but be on You. on the things that You are doing. on who You are! it's not bad being busy, but how much better will it be when we are consumed by Your love or glory while we are?! i want to bring You praise always... especially when things are going going going. help me, and all who want this, to slow down several times a day to just focus on You! danke Vater für heute. und dass wir mit dich sein können. Macht deine Wille bei uns.
Jesus,
thank You for bringing us back to God!
to You!

the past couple days are just a build up to the glory that is due His name! with things being stressful, my mind over thinking, and the desire to just hide in the woods, today, just by reading a chapter in exodus, i am filled with Him.. the remembrance that He brings water from rocks.... not trickling water, but gushed!

how impossible.. how glorious!

may we be reminded of who this God... this Saviour is.. and really examine what we believe.... can He do the impossible... is He the same God we read about... is He the same Father who will stop at nothing to bring us back to Him...?

i say YES!

i am at the moment visiting friends and family.. on top of preparing for this next season.

Lord willing i'll be headed back to germany early this next year with a little detour on the way. oh my brothers and sister in germany, i miss you!

as for funds, i don't have enough for plane tickets, but that's ok. i am thirsty, but not for water!

thank you all... so much... for the prayers and words spoken into my life. my cup is running over with blessings. i look forward to more visiting with people here in s.dakota, as well as those after i leave here. one more note, i have ended my texting.. just as a heads up!

Oh Lord, You are soooooo good. thank You for today. thank You for my family, and my family that go beyond blood... i love you all... and pray our paths cross again! keep in mind what really matters in this world (phil.). thank you again for reading this blog.. for caring, and for all the prayers. right back at you!

viel liebe, israel

not pretending!

my feet are starting to be numb. with them on a hard wooden chair, as well as sitting on one of these same chairs, i am just so ready to be with God.

opposition is evident and possibly a way of proofing desires.

as i have been pursuing this opportunity with purpose, i have already been hit with things left and right. but during all this garbage coming at me, it don't feel that i am suppose to abandon all and flee.

yesterday was a big day for pursuing the possible next step, and maybe it shouldn't be a surprise when i felt the joy stripped from me. many many good things happened yesterday, but in the midst of it all, i was left feeling... alone... or at least wanting to be left alone.

today was a different kind of blow...

i had a very good day. i will not fail to recognize that! i was even blessed in a couple unexpected ways.. but later in the evening, i was informed that i have been summoned to jury duty.

WHAT?!

jury duty, for pennington county... i don't even live there. it is where i grew up, but i have since then moved many places and hold a drivers license in Oregon.

it is dated for the month of feb. i do understand that i am suppose to uphold this right and privilege.. if i at least lived in that county. however, i don't. and if it weren't for visiting my family right now, i wouldn't even be in s.dakota.

please forgive any hint of complaining.. i do, however, desire to keep you updated, and muchly require pray and continual guidance over all this.

Father, may Your hand continue to lead us. help me take the necessary steps of faith, but stop when i am not longer sensing Your hand. i know that You will make the path clear for where You do desire me to go... and that You will never forsake. please make us part of Your plan! it is indeed the best! i love You, and truly thank You for sending Jesus in my spot. thank You for bringing me back to You!

in His victory we pray, so be it! let it be!

i am stoked to say i sent in my app. for a visa, and got some support letters out.

i believe truly the next step is to continue seek Him and lift this all to His hands. Vater, Ich vertraue auf Dich! please give me a heart for Your people!

thank you all so much for the prayers.. the continual support... for reading my blog.. and allowing God's love to flow through you to my heart as encouragement.

this may be true for some of you... you know that thing that you've pushed back in priorities because things just kept piling on...

is anything impossible for God?

steps of faith!

viel liebe, israel

opportunities with purpose

yesterday basically the whole base left. parting their own ways for thanksgiving, i know i will miss them. this base has become a part of me and i have faith that we will be again together in the near future.

i expect very great things to be happening with them over the time they are home.

God continues to answer prayers showing His real care and concern for us.

if He will answer a prayer asking for headphones because mine were lost, how could He keep a silent ear to the things that have real meaning? why would He ignore the things that shape our lives?

i encourage you to keep praying and keep believing. for God, nothing is impossible!

well, yesterday a real unexpected invite came but i believe with a reason. it fits well with my heart and if it is suppose to happen, it will!

it reminds me of the time i was hitchin last year and a friend and i stopped at the base in nashville. they invited me to help pioneer the berlin base coming not even two month from then. i had said that if He provides, i will go.

at the time being, i will only say this much, it's going to be wild! please keep it in your prayers!

it does include going back to germany this january. i believe i am suppose to continue to work towards this. i am so excited to see Him lead and provide!

one other thing on my heart...

last night my mother told me that there are a three hikers imprisoned in iran right now. it hits deep in my heart. what if we knew them, or was one of us.. you or me...? would we not pray day and night for them?

even if it is only for the next 30 sec, please pray for them....

Father, please do the impossible. bring them home safely that it could be a witness to You. what a perfect opportunity for Your glory to me shown. i pray because i believe! thank You for Your guardian angels around them and Your constant protection.

2 Cor. 1.8-11

and many people will thank You that You heard our prayers for them!

thank You thank You thank You! we also lift up those who are in hostile areas spreading Your truth and love! we pray for them.. for protection, for Your hand of intervention. may it be Your words spoken! make us part of Your plan! please! Bitte!

i praise You! Du bist sehr gut!

danke für Jesus!

in His name, amen! so be it!

thank you!

those in s.dakota, Lord willing we'll see each other soon.

those in ywam idaho, i love you, and look forward to how He crosses our paths in the near future!

those i haven't seen yet, or may not for sometime, thank you for your continue dedication of prayer for me. honestly, you are right here with me!

those in germany, bis bald und ich vermisse euch sehr! Gott ist gut, weiter bete, weiter preise, und weiter glaube!

those living for Him, don't fear! He has a plan... may we continue to be part of it! you are not alone!

Lord willing, headed to boise today, then s.dakota tomorrow!

with the comfort He freely gives us, freely give!

viel liebe, israel

paare Fotos und mehr!

bario berlin, originally uploaded by israelboyce.

the other day... i was able to get a couple rolls of film developed from YWAM. you can check out more at my flickr address.

enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/translatelove/


on other notes, i am at the base in idaho. it is so good to be here with everyone. i should be leaving here on sunday towards the dakota!

it's been really difficult lately. prayers would be muchly appreciated. i'll be headed back to the family, which will be really good. and i feel that i may be headed back to berlin soon... and am praying about january. but.. if this be the case, if this is from God, i think we can all expect seeing Him do some really good things.
direction and faith is really needed.

as of now, i will be working towards going in january, but if things change, be sure you will know about it!

may you and i come to know... in our hearts.. that God loves us. no more of that silly mind stuff. but good genuine truth!

i pray that we will be aware of the things going on around us.. that our actions and thoughts would be of selflessness and our actions prove it.

God, i can't imagine how much You must love us. please make us part of Your plan. help us represent You will.
i love You so much... thoughts of You.. of Your love... of Jesus.. overwhelm me to tears. please please help me represent You well. You are all that matters. i trust You.... thank You Jesus...

viel liebe, israel

blindfolded by reason but leaping with Hope!

tomorrow... Lord willing i will be headed towards idaho. i am so looking forward to seeing sam and all the people at the idaho YWAM base. it's been a month, but too long. :)

but at the same time, i feel as if i just got to spokane. sometimes its as if i can't spend enough time here. on top of that, God keeps bringing new people into my life.

of all the places i have been, all the people i have met, all the introductions that have been made, it still breaks my heart when i have to say goodbye, or until our paths cross again.

i would say this is by far more of a blessing than a curse.

i remember about a year ago.. i was getting ready to go on the hitchin trip to tennessee and the southeast area. the real question that keep coming to my mind was: why am i going there? of all the places... there?

then during some time just asking God... i felt the answer so clear.

of course i had never wanted to go because it had the opposite of what i wanted to see... in land features. i wanted mountains.. snow... volcanoes... elevation changes... and it had... the boondocks?

i had never wanted to go, because traveling was more about the sights.. the smells.. the new adventures i was craving. but when His answer came, it changed the whole meaning behind traveling and has shaped my motives for being on the road.

the people.

it was for the people.

to share His love with them,

to share His sorrows with them,

to share life with them.

since i have been back from Berlin, i have found myself on the road again. my main goal while being back was to work. to pay of debt. and to return. what i have found myself doing has been visiting friends. making new friends. and feeling more and more a tug on my heart for those i have been sharing life with.

i want so badly to get those loans paid off... to be released from financial debt. to be able to pick up and go when He says, and not have those questions of... oh, well how will i make payments if i don't have a form of income?...

i feel the calling right now to be back with my family in south dakota (rapid city) for the holidays. i don't know if that means God will hook up a job while i am there... but i can only trust His love is real.. He is faithful.. and He provides where He calls.

on top of that, i have felt a peace in my heart about going back to Berlin soon. my heart cries for the people there. and i have no idea how this will work out. :)

but that's the suspense of putting your trust in something higher than logic and reason.

when i was with sams family in salem over the last few weeks, i got to spend much time with his younger brother and sisters. we would enjoy creative conversations about the board game 'candy land' and how we would defeat the evil mrs nut.. and jack peppermint. but more than that, i can look back and enjoy how they would do what their parents told them to do and never worry about there needs.

sam has a family that i haven't seen too much of. one that really shows a relationship much in likeness to how ours with God should look. acting when told to, and resting in assurance that things are under control...

children of God.

having faith like children... of God.

there are many of you who are in the same place as myself. but we are not just putting our faith into things we can see, smell.. or touch. we are taking steps of obedience under the grace of the Creator of life, and our Daddy whom loves us soooo much!

people of spokane, i will truly miss you. but we will again meet in His timing!

viel liebe, israel

Spokane und viel Segen

alrighty.... well.. as the title reveals, i am in spokane, and the story it quite proof of God's blessings!

over the past weeks, i have been in oregon.. mostly salem staying with sams (the best roommate ever) parents. there was a couple trips made to eugene.. and much waiting and seeking God on where and what to do next.

there have been two things on my heart since i got back from eugene the second time.. and very important things to say the least!

family...

and

Berlin.

i had the recent desire to be back with my family for the holidays. however, being in oregon and not having a job made it look pretty week on seeing it happen.

here is where it gets better...

ready?

i have been praying and looking online for possible ways of getting back.. or at least spokane...

rideshare, greyhound, flights, hitchin... finding not so good deals... and my heart unrestful forced me to continue to pray and ask what's next...?

then yesterday i felt Him tell me to pack my stuff. it was one of those moments of...

what? why? i don't have a ride anywhere....

but i did pack. then after questioning Him, i felt an assurance that I would be leaving, and it won't be how i expect..

thus.. i started looking online for more tickets and rideshares...

of course nothing was working... in fact, the prices had gone up.

but sure enough, that night something happened. and the next morning i am driving up to spokane in sams sisters car.

so, all Lord willing, i will be leaving here mid next week for cascade Idaho again to visit sam and the dts. there i will drop of the car, which sam and some others will use to get home for thanksgiving, and i will meet up with a rideshare in boise at the end of next week for a ride straight to rapid city!

please keep in mind, life plans are subject to change!

i can't explain logistically to you how God blows my mind.... how He continually blows my mind!

it's like reading a book you can't put down.... it ends, but then another sequel comes out.. and it's even better! this keeps happening, until one day when it is all wrapped up and the memories fade into the sun with the events making the stars.

God has been so good to me.. to us! we screw up, and He comes running to us.. not away. He grabs our hand firmly, looking us straight into the eyes, tears matching ours, and we feel His warm embrace.

i can honestly say that He has never once abandoned me! and i pray that His truth will reign deeper and deeper in my heart!

less of us...

more of Him.

i pray this for you! i pray that you could see and be reminded of all He has done in your lives.

may this thanksgiving be about honest thanks... but also about real hope too!

Wir haben Hoffnung!

We have hope!

thank you all for your prayers and blessings! for reading as i chew on my thoughts...

i hope you all know that you are a part of me. if we have met by accident.. then my heart had an accidental spot just waiting for you!

i am not sure what the next weeks are to look like, but i know they will be good, because He is good, and that is where my hope will be!

i am still seeking support as i prepare to go back to Berlin.. and also seeking about work to pay towards school loans.

i feel something good is coming up... that same feeling before i knew what was going on yesterday... that same feeling when He took me on that hitchin trip last year...

thank You God for making me part of Your plans...

thank You God for the hugs!

viel viel liebe, and may His blessing wipe away sorrow and remind you of who He has been and will always be!

tschüssie, israel

eugene again....?

eugene, eugene...

as i left eugene the first time last week, realization sunk in that i didn't visit a couple people i wanted to. so a couple days ago, i felt the need to come back again. it was one of those, ok God, will You hook it up if this is Your will?...

of course He did!

i was graciously lent an auto to come down with. Lord willing i will be leaving back up to salem this afternoon, but already last night was a blessings.

i love you seth and pappas! i know that God loves you so much more and that He has good stuff in store for you!

i think we will see soon if i am headed north, or how far north i am headed...

but over all of it, i completely know that He has a plan. He loves us!

the way things are looking, spontaneous and unpredictable, to those who are reading this, i may be seeing you soon. but know that i love you and thank you for your prayers.

'i pray to You because i know that You hear listen. bend down and hear my prayer. show me Your grace in wonderful ways. You rescue with power those who seek shelter from their enemies. protect me like the apple of Your eye and give me safety under the shadow of Your wing!' Die Psalm 17.6-8 translated from german (excuse all horrible mistakes )

viel liebe!!!

israel

grüße von eugene....

ich freue mich...

last tuesday i met a guy named kory. he was headed to eugene, as was i, thus he picked me up from the on ramp. immediatly i took a liking to him. he has been on the road since june and was headed to eugene to find some open mics to jam at to finance more living on the road. things were perfect in confirming timing for visiting eugene. we were both leaving back north on friday, so as things arranged, we enjoyed another ride together to salem friday.
-kory, you are a blessing and i am stoked to have met you. may God continue to provide for you and care for you in the variety He has been. you are loved and needed in this world!
until we meet again! :)

it was confirmed last sunday that i needed to visit eugene. so i left tuesday with no real plans. after some texts, things feel into place with grace.
-aj and rachel, you two have a blessed marriage and future. God has visibly shown you both His favor in your marriage and lives! please never forget how much you are both loved. may His voice be clearly in your hearts and minds and His passion burning from a depth so great, the roots define who you both are! and thank you for the time you spend with me. listening, encouraging, and blessing. you are truly a brother and sister in Christ to me! Vielen Dank!
-galassini, it was so good to see you again. i am so happy for you with your new family and joy that He has given you. in everything that you have gone through, give Him the glory for the new hope that is always there! don't neglect the things you know need to be done, but know that you are not alone. He is with you and will shower you in grace as you take steps! i pray that our friendship is not allowed to be snuffed out but that it will burn with love and truth! amanda, it was a pleasure to meet you and thank you so much for your hospitality. chris, thank you for your quick acceptance. i pray that you sink in His love! it is wonderful!
-poets, you are always such an encouragement to be with. i am so thankful for all of you. thank you for the birthday blessings and time spend listening and pouring into my life. i hope we can see each other again soon. i am praying for all of you, and sooooo glad that you are still standing firm in His truth, strength and loving grace! kaley, thank you for the card!
-redneck, dude, i hope you read this! :) i love you man. you have been such a joy in my life. it was so good to see you again and i know that God will hook it all up for you. He has never left you thus far... every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights, who doesn't change like shifting shadows! passion comes and goes, but He will always be there for you!

-everyone in berlin, you can't imagine how much i love and miss you all! i look forward to the day that we can be together again. until then, i know that God has me here for a reason, and that the hardships are totally worth it.
~zu alle in Berlin! ihr wisst nicht wie viel liebt ich fuer euch habe. ich vermisse euch sehr! ich freue mich euch wiederzusehen. bis dann, ich bin hier weil Gott ein sehr gut Plan hat. es ist sich lohnen!

i am now back in salem waiting for some mail about the school loans i need to repay. the last weeks have been soooo good. heres a short list...
jumped on a trampoline with a billion leaves.
went through a corn maze.
went on a bike ride.
found a hazelnut grove.
ate some hazelnuts.
played soccer.
sanded a car.
drove a car without a windshield.
the list goes on..
Lord willing, soon i should be headed up to seattle to work and pay toward the loans as i continue to prepare for returning to berlin. i am not sure the date, but i have some hunches and peace in my heart. just waiting for confirmation.

i have made a picture card about going back to berlin, and just finished a support letter...(hot off the press)!
i, however, left all my addresses in south dakota... it will work out! :)

soon, i will post the letter with the card for all of you to see. so, you may get one in your mail too! lucky you! :)

thank you all so much for reading these blogs and keeping up with my life. i pray that you love others despite whether or not they deserve it. that you take time to just soak in Him. and that you are all blessed with God's highest! He loves you all sooooo much. a death was paid that you could be with Him. that you could enjoy His presence!
All praise and honor to Your name Lord! thank You for Jesus!
by His blood, AMEN!!!

viel liebe, israel

thank You Daddy for today!

this is hope

what a blessing this last week was!
there was a lot of opportunity for growth and for His love to be shared with others who have a broken heart for the nations...

at the time being, i am in salem, oregon, and am not completely sure about which way to go.
i am, however, growing more sure of God's heart for germany. i had the opportunity to meet with someone from the berlin base on my first day here in salem. it was super good and encouraging. i cannot understand or comprehend when or how i will be getting back there. i do have a confirming peace in my heart that it is soon.

i am stoked for the people of ywam idaho! i instantly gained a heart for them and cannot imagine how much more our God must love them. i pray that He would continue to bring them closer in unity and love. that differences would bring them together. that hopelessness would show them His hope and grace. oh what a wonderful God we have. i love you ywam idaho and look forward to the day that our hearts can be full of joy together again!

today is my fathers birthday. i love him so much. i am so blessed with the family that God surrounded me with. they have been a huge part of joy and encouragement in my life over the past year.
my father was in a car accident last friday which left him with stitches and no auto. please keep him in prayer. God must love him soooo much! thank You Daddy for my dad! i know that You have blessings at his doorstep!

i am not sure if i will headed south or north in the next couple days. the thing that fills my mind the most is getting ready for heading back to berlin. within the next fews days i will be writing a support letter seeking monthly support for the time i will be stationed there long term, and also seeking support for the trip back. i am so excited about His heart for germany. may my life be an offering for His love to reach their hearts!
i may be headed up north for work soon. there are a couple places that i may end up visiting first. nothing is official yet. open for changes. wir werden sehen was passiert. Er ist gut und ich moechte seinen Weg zusehen.

i am not sure if most of you really know what the title of this blog is... Fortschritt und Vertrauen.
it means progress and trust. progress for His kingdom.. and trust that He is enough. i am far from fully understanding His amazing plans, His awesome deeds, and His endless love. but i am laying all my eggs in His basket. He is trustworthy. He is faithful.
i know that He has called me to germany for this time, maybe forever. and as i continue to seek Him with my whole heart, i am seeing more and more His broken heart for the whole world! thank you all so much for your time and prayers you offer so freeingly. please don't believe any lies that your prayers are not important or unnecessary. He hears and He answers.. even before we ask! He knows what we need and how to truly care for us.
thank you for praying for me, and for praying for the germans. i look forward to the day when we all see the Lord sending people out from germany in the numberless, spreading His word, His truth and light over the whole earth.

may you be left with this verse...

Gott, der euch berufen hat, ist treu; Er wird halten, was er versprochen hat.
God will make this happen, for He who calls you is faithful.
1 thes. 5.24

Das ist Hoffnung.
this is hope!

Father, You have given us hope freely. may is radiate from You in us. thank You for hearing our prayers and being true to Your promises. may my life be Yours for the making. make me part of Your plan. we pray this for all who read this blog and for those whom You love! for the U.S., for Germany.. for eastern Europe.. for those You have called Your own! through Jesus, we are all Yours!
in His name, Amen!

i hope that you know how important you are. you are not alone.

much love, israel

sam and ywam

well... it's enjoyable to see God pull something out of His sleeve. a real blessing too!

i am in idaho right now at the cascade YWAM base. for reasons i have yet to find out... i have felt a calling to visit my friend sam. i know the feeling is mutual and not so random. with plans to go to seattle, i felt God saying that i should wait for contact from sam. i did. sunday morning he called me and we chatted with much enthusiasm. we decided that i was to visit him and the base. later that night, he and a friend arrived in spokane, and we set forth to cascade idaho. we arrived and was in bed around 3 am.

so, i am at the ywam base in cascade, Idaho. there are a couple possiblities that i didn't think was anywhere in the near future such as visiting people in oregon. so we will see if that is His plan and take it day by day. no promises and no plans set in stone.

i am excited to see or understand.. if it is possible.. why i am here.

i do have the priviledge of hearing lectures.. so it's like lecture phase all over again!

i do say though... thank You God for this time here. i believe You have called me here and have an absolutely wunderbar plan. how are we to know Your thoughts... but to just keep seeking and following You. may we do that... all of us here and everyone who reads this blog. that we may continually seek You for the things You have. oh we praise You Lord! there is none like You... there is none that saves like You do. may our lives be poured out as an offering for Your glory alone!

and thank You that Jesus did what no other could do... saved us from death.. from a life.... eternity seperated from You. we praise You! Danke Vater!

in Jesus name.. by His blood we pray these things and claim You... amen!

over the past couple days i have been discouraged.. or under attack. i have felt that my efforts at german are useless... that my desires and the calling that i have on my heart are questioned.. and maybe i am completely wrong in the way of going about all of this....

then i had some prayer time.. time with sam... time seeking God and reading His word.. and though i may not feel that there is progress... or that i have everyones support.. i do know that the spirit inside me confirms where He has called me... and in the things that He has lead me in.

thank you for all your prayers and continual prayers. without a constant communication with Him how can we fully live.

pray. for your country.. for the Church.. for more workers to gather the harvest, and that we can understand more fully His grace!

i love you all and again thank you for your support!

what are five things today that had His love written all over it?

nächste...

i am in spokane now! thank you for the prayers. haha, the last time i had a 19 hour layover in montana. this time is was barely 1 hour. so thanks again.

at the current time, i am considering a few possiblities for the future that could be kept in prayer. in all my preferences... i would like to get these loans payed off as soon as possible, and head back to berlin. i was blessed with hearing about some really cheap fares for returning... but there has to be things done before i just go hopping on a plane to another country to work for the Lord. again.. the main one being getting rid of them loans... gaining freedom, and i am excited to see it and be involved with it happening.
there are a couple possibilities right now... i can stay in spokane, look for a job, work.... so on...
i can head back west... same thing... or i can head over to seattle. a friend knows a ywamer (someone who is the past has completed a DTS, discipleship training school, with youth with a mission)(once a ywamer, always a ywamer. -tobi) who ownes a buisness. it is a possibility to go there and work for him.
as for other possibilities... nothing set in stone... but with God nothing is impossible.

this is the main decision that needs to be made. my main concern is just following the Lord on this one. not jumping into anything without Him. that would be a drastic mistake....!

as for support.......

i honestly can't thank you enough for the prayers, words and finances sown into my life over the last year. it's through you that the gospel is being preached all over the world. it is sooo amazing to see God provide for people, including myself, and He is using His people to do it. thank you! Vielen Dank! echt!

Thank You Father for our hands to work with. thank You that You are forever with us... wherever we are. thank You for leading us and helping us to grow. i believe You will continue to show Your path for me to follow.... i also pray for those reading this. that they may grow with You. lead them down Your path and show them Your mighty hand! with You, nothing is impossible! thank You for healing our bodies, for encouraging our hearts and saving our souls! may Your words pour out of us and Your blessings flow from our hands! Danke Vater!
we also pray for Berlin, for the spiritual walls to come down! In JESUS NAME! thank You for Your heart for Deutschland, and the blessing that the people are to the world. thank You for loving the world, and for dying for all people from all over! Du bist gut! we can't praise You enough.. but help us never forget what You continually do in our lives!
Vielen Dank Vater, in Jesus name, amen! so be it!

i will keep you updated... posted... in the web of information.... and in my prayers.

ich muss weiter deutsch lernen.... können sie deutsch reden?

blood is thick... don't allow grudges to thin it out.

tschüssie und viel liebe, israel

every prayer matters

good evening, or what ever time of day it is where you are!

i would prefer to keep this short for sleep will soon come.

i understand that many people lately are getting sick and would like to take time to lift them up in prayer.

Vater, thank You for hearing our cries. thank You for medicine.. for doctors... for Your healing! we pray and ask in Jesus name.. for all those in our lives that are sick.. with anything... that You would please heal them. that they could see Your power... and experience Your grace through this. thank You for hearing us and wanting the best for us! In Jesus name, so be it!

take steps of faith knowing that He has the power to heal and do anything that He desires.
Bei Gott ist nichts unmöglich! matt. 19.26

tomorrow i ride the bus to spokane, wa. i am not sure what will happen there.. whether work to pay towards the school loans.. or just a transition before i am lead somewhere else. i do know though.. despite what my mind may want to think, that i will be lead. HE IS FAITHFUL!
ER IST TREU! IMMER!

the time here has been amazing and hope that i will see everyone again soon. at least before heading back to Deutschland. thank you all for the time and prayers that you have sown into me. what blessings you are! Vielen dank!

as a reminder.. while in the states... loans need to be paid off and montly support raise for when i return to berlin for long term ministry. the overall montly price is about $1200, €700. always grateful for prayers in this area.


also.. please continue to pray for berlin, for the spiritual walls to come down. God is doing something and no power on earth or heaven can stop Him! as prayers served the main weapon in bringing down the concrete boundaries... so will it also play the greatest role in breaking these children free from the plans of the enemy! they are important to Him... and He hears our prayers... every prayer matters!

every prayer matters...

thank You Father...

viel liebe, israel
(much love)

(foto. dancing with muslems, 1st May)

mehr von Dir

i am truly amazed at how many people read these things... thank you all so much for caring and following me in this journey!

for the first days at my mothers and here at my fathers, my heart ached for berlin... for my friends there.. for the entire place. i would cry in the bathroom or in my room when i first woke up. it was extremely difficult.   but God confronted me on it.. i was shown that i was being selfish with wanting to go back RIGHT NOW and now waiting for God's timing. it was a hard thing to face and still is not always easy.. but i am trusting God. 

after that day.. i told God that i need help... i need someone i can speak german with... to find support... and to work and pay off loans.

later that day..... yes, THAT DAY, my dad and i went to a church picnic and it was amazing. i met a german exchange student... he said i had perfect grammar... a couple people said that they would like to support me when i go back to germany if God provides...  then i was asked if i wanted to make some money roofing a house the next day!

HA!   all three answered, just like that!

so... yesterday i had lunch with an amazing man with wisdom and love. he confronted me asking if i was praying for what i needed. i realized that i was praying in a general sort of way... but not naming specifics. so....

Father, thank You for all You have done in my life. for blessing me so much. i pray that these school loans would be paid off soon! that support would be raised to return home to berlin, and i would continue to learn german and about the history. and in all of this... may my heart become more like Yours, and may i become more of the person You created me to be. thank You that i don't need to do this alone.. and help me not to. and all those who are in the same situation as me.. that You for being with them too! You are amazing. thank You for providing all i need... all the time! in Jesus name, Amen!

tomorrow... by His grace, i am getting a ride up to rapid to be with my mom, friends and family for a week before heading back to washington. 

honestly i have no idea what to expect or how it will all work out... but please keep praying that i can keep Him and His people first... above myself and my needs. He truly loves us and i want to love others that way!

that 'plan' is to continue to learn german.. study.. maybe work... and build relationships and support. 

but we'll see what He has in mind. :)

Achso, 

another thing to be praying for is to be more radical for Christ... that i could speak boldly and trust in Him completely. that others could see Him in me.     less of me, more of Him!

over the past days that i have been visiting my father, we have gone to church or some ministry each day. i had the honor of sharing about ywam at the last two and tonight as well. the slide show is finished.. but i look to redo it... some of the slide are too fast...  you can check it out at  Berlin dts 09

thank you again for your prayers and i pray that God would show you His heart. that you could be encouraged by all that is around you. that He would continue to surround you with His people and that they will show an accurate representation of Him. He is soooo good and oh that we could know Him more. that we could trust Him more. that we could see others as He sees them.. or believe with the faith of a mustard seed. may we act in faith... doing things that can only be explained by His great glory and faithfulness. He loves us and i am being convinced more and more that does have the best for us! Er ist treu!

i pray all of this in His Sons name, Jesus Christ our redeemer!

blessings to all of you and if i can be praying for you too.... let me know.

He hears our prayers!

viel liebe, israel

a heavy heart

i am currently in the midwest visiting family. it is usually amazing being with my family because i don't get to see them often. i love them and thank You God for them!

upon my return to the states.. i had but goals... and i still believe they are right. but i am in question of what i am suppose to do at the moment. i have a job offer in seattle.. i think... its not forsure anything... i could always look around in other places i have lived... but what it comes down to is following His voice.

please keep me in your prayers.. i miss germany so badly. my heart is there and it is so difficult not being there. i need to get these loans paid off for freedom and believe that it is God's will for that freedom.

please excuse my compaining... i don't feel the contentment being here that maybe should be there. is it for a reason? am i suppose to be here? am i suppose to go back sooner.. later... Oh God show me which path to take!

other than getting loans paid off... i need to locate supporters who are willing to give on a monthly basis to cover rent, bills.. living expenses when i move back to berlin. please consider this and let me know if you desire for this. the total amount a month that needs to be raised is about $1200. One time gifts are more than needed too... for the flight there or for any unsuspected suprises. again, please consider and pray about being a regular or one time supporter of me and His plan for my life.

thank you all for continually praying. i will do my best to keep all of you updated in these next few weeks as this are unrevealed and direction is shown. God is sooooo good.. as in He has never let me fall when i have trusted in Him.. His salvation is forever... His grace is a gift that we don't deserve and He has done too much for me not to believe that He has a good plan for this time in usa.. for my life.. and for yours!
I pray that He shows us His plan.. that He makes us part of that plan.. that our lives be poured out as a sacrifice and we truly trust in Him. Father, please bless my family.. heal hearts, help us be in You! rest in You. and know You more!
please Father help me... and please don't give up on me. also please reveal Yourself to those who seek You and heal our wounds.. our doubt.. our disbelief. Wir gross bist du! thank You for all You have done, and i believe You are far from done!

i also pray for berlin! for deutschland. oh how You love that place. i can only imagine how much more You love those people than i do... please protect them and continue to destroy the plans of the enemy against them. You are bigger! stronger! and forever our God! our Father. may Your will be done! danke Vater!
we pray this in Jesus name, Amen!

please continue to pray.. not only for me, but for Germany, Berlin, the World. We need more of Him.. the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. Send more workers!

thank you all for your time and may Your hearts be open to see how loved You are!


tomorrow i should be headed south to see my dad until the following wednesday. i look forward to seeing Him and visiting the rest of the church there. I love them! and so does our Father.
i will also be working on a slide show about the last months. you'll know when it's done.

Gott segne euch!
und bis bald!

viel liebe, israel

541-731-9468

ich bin da!

i am back in spokane washington.

i am not quite sure of where i am going... but i do know that God has a plan and that He is divine.
nothing is impossible for Him.

the next step is to find a good job to pay off school loans...
along with visiting family and friends.. and resting.

the trip was fun.

the plane from berlin was an hour late.. so in london i had to run through the airport. God hooked it up and neither i nor my luggage was late.
on the plane from london the "personal enterainment thing.." was not working.. so i spoke a bunch with a lady from london, a couple from livingston read.
the plane to spokane war super schnell! was very fast.
i think i slept the whole time... 50mins...
then was picked up by my tim and sal.

this morning was very difficult. i miss germany so much already.
looking over school loans.. realizing i don't even have a job yet... just overwhelming.
but His grace is enough. though i don't deserve any good thing.. He has given me so much and i will be thankful for what He has done.. knowing that He is far from done with me yet.

amongst things to do is preparing to go back to berlin.
learning more german.
researching the history of berlin and germany.
and visiting, thanking and seeking supporters.

i am not just seeking one time givers.. but those who can continually sow into me and being in berlin. though loans need to be paid off before i go back.. all support is more than appreciated. and i look forward to hearing from all of you of how life has been and sharing with you the adventures God has brought us through.

israel boyce
3741 canyon lake dr. 2-307
rapid city, S.D. 57702.

i will keep updating my blog to share the progress with you along with prayer requests.

Father, bei dir ist alles moeglich.
with You all is possible. thank You for that hope. and i pray for the nations. those who have not heard Your name. those who have given up hope. those who are lost...
may Your hope... Your Son shine!
thank You for all who have prayed and support me though this time. and as we enter into this new season.. may we do so with hope of Your grace and love.
Ich glaube du bist gut!
i believe You are good!
in Jesus... and by His blood.. amen!

please keep in touch and don't lose hope for His promises...

die letzten Tage

i am officially... finished with dts!
it is weird to think that i spent the last 6 months with everyone here.. but i wish i could spend a whole lot longer.
the last two students leave back home tomorrow. thus i will be chillin here... staff and many friends... but forsure missing my close friends whom i have grown so close to and love so much.
May God bless them with His highest good.

i wish i could say so much more but due to jet lag and lots of walking... i'll make it short...
meine Beine schermzen.

God is good!
i leave the 16th, next wednesday, for the States.
i feel called to come back to Berlin.. so i will go back to visit my family, friends, pay off debt from school (college), weiter deutsch lernen, study the history of berlin and germany and seek long term supporters to continue missions with.

i have seen God provide in so many ways and look forward to seeing more. He is faithful!

thank you for all of the prayers and i ask that you would continue.
as i enter into this new season with God and all of you... i don't doubt that it will be filled with new faith stretchers.. and prayer is a must, from both ends.

Father, thank You for taking care of us. thank You for this beautiful time in my life, and all You have started in us. please don't give up on me. keep taking me further with You and teach me Your ways. Du bist gut.. und ich vertraue dir!
i believe You have awesome plans for berlin and deutschland. plans for good... and to bring europe to You. please make us part of Your plan. show us things that may be keeping us from going further and shine Your light in us... darkness be gone in Jesus name! Ich bete für Wahrheit und Licht. Komm mit deiner Liebe nach Berlin. Wie groß bist du... nix ist größer. Schein mit deinem Licht über Berlin. Danke Vater für dein Opfer. Danke für Jesus!
In His mighty name, Amen!

i look forward to seeing all of you... and may He bless You.. continually and forever.

remember to change your contact lenses.


viel Liebe, israel

fertig... und ich glaube!

i am back in an internet café where i have written past blogs at the start of this outreach.
i can´t say i expected this outreach to be the way it was.. or to end so quickly... but i can say that i would like more. more out of comfort living. more building relationships with strangers through Christ. more laughs with friends from around the world. More God!

the school fees are now officially paid off. it happened about a week ago. i was informed that glorious news and have seen God´s faithfullness in countless ways.

i believe many blogs ago i wrote about an adorable lady named Dorothy. she had mentioned that she loves God and knows He is good... and then she said, "I´ve seen Him answer too many prayers for me now to believe."

....i have seen Him answer too many prayers for me not to believe that He is good!

God is good.

we fly out tomorrow back to berlin.

thank you all so much for the prayers. they are restoring strength to my heart and soul and always needed.
i hope that you all join me in this next season of my life as i return to pay off school loans.
and i encourage you to continue to seek Christ in your life... He has a plan for all of us. Jer. 29:11

Father... oh You are so good. please strengthen those who read this. shine bright in their lives and may Your love forever reign in their choices.
thank You for being... You.
You are more than enough. and may i live this truth out everyday.
Nicaragua and Costa Rica are Yours and thank You for making us part of Your plan.
thank You Jesus.
it´s with the authority of His blood that we claim these things. so be it!

much love to all... and i look forward to seeing and hearing about what God has been doing in Your lives too.

i have enjoyed not wearing socks lately..(random joy)

much love, israel

warum haben wir vergessen?

it's funny how last week we were teaching kids about some characteristics of God... including being stronger than lions... faithful to save... and loving enough to give it all.
well it should be of no suprise that over the last days i have been questioning His faithfulness and love.... WARUM? WHY?

is it so easy to forget what He has done for me... for my family... for all those around me???
i have been reading about moses leading out the israelites from slavery and everytime they start complaining i think to myself... what are you forgetting what God has done.. or who He is? just the chapter before He saves your butts from the egyptians and now your are wishing you could be back under their cruel power...

but look at me... look at me.
i am finishing up the end of outreach.. that i had no money for, from a city i technically never would have been able to go to... speaking a language that i thought i could never learn... i can talk to a mom that i never expected i could ever have a relationship with again.. wake up everyday with breath in my lungs and grace in my soul.... and none of it is from me. none of it is because of me.

i can and will proclaim.. WE SERVE A GOOD GOD! und wir haben ein super toll Gott!
es ist Wahr. Doch! ich hatte schwierig zeiten... und werde nochmal. und ihr wirt auch... aber Gott ist immer gut! immer.

Father.. all the places that i have been questioning.. the times when i don't understand and complain or fight Your will... i am sorry! help us to see Your everyday goodness. the small things. may everywhere we look, we see Your Face! Oh You are soooooooo good! Danke Herr!
help us understand the Love You have given us!
in His name, Amen!

Er ist super!

i smile because i know He is good... and laugh because His goodness is in me!

blessings.. and thank you all for the prayers.

much love and covered with grace, israel

well... should i hitchhike?

there are now officially less than two weeks left.
we finished up the week yesterday with laughs.

i wrestled with the kids for a while which ended with me being covered in sweat and dirt. as we waited for the bus, crossed the street to buy a water from the small store. our contact was with his children getting icecream and we were talking. a large truck blocked me from the the rest of my group across the street, and i figured i should head back to them...
walking around the truck gave me a shock, for when i searched my teammates, they were missing... gone..
the first words were,
"you've got to be kidding me."
i walked halfway across the street.. and stopped. they were no where in sight.
i crossed back and told the contact... we discussed whether they had gotten on a bus or not.. and i didn't see one while i was getting my water...
completely.. wacko!
throughout this whole time, i had a complete peace and my heart leaped as i scrolled through the possibilities how i could get back...
"now.. do i hitchhike and get in trouble because we were told we are not allowed to... or do i....wait?"
my mind now reacted as if i were a child in a toy store with a sense of adventure.. the contact told me he would give me a ride..

just then i hear a "hey israel!" from across the street. it was my small group leader. my first thought was maybe he was also left behind.. but it was then clear to me as i saw the rest of the team file out from behind a house...
again i say, "you've got to be kidding me." and sure enough..

"i didn't think that you would go through so much trouble to play a joke on me.. but that was amazing."

we discussed for a little while about how funny it was and that i loved them for doing it!

i would gratefully say that i have the best team that i could possibly have!

Thank You God!

today is free, and tomorrow we travel to the orphanage. however, as in latin culture and ywam.. we are now traveling to a different orphanage.. just north of managua, the capital city. the weather will be hotter, and the location is not as scenic.. but if this is God's will..... it's for a reason.

still hard to believe that outreach is close to being over.

may God do all that He wants to in these lasts two weeks. thank You Lord for all that You have done and are continually doing.

with the finances.. i now owe 359 euros, $511. it is a miracle how He has brought in support.. and thank you all for your blessings of giving and prayer.
still a little to go.. and about two weeks for it. don't stop praying now!

much love, israel

not much left!

i apologize for the lack of blog... but here it is!

in an hour, we will have a team meeting and get feedback on yesterday as well as chill with God and talk about today's activities.

this week we have been doing programs at a church for the community.
half of us are doing a vacation Bible school... and the other group are talking with the adults about discipleship.. a much needed topic and tool here!

our topic in the VBS has been.. God is...
it really is a good question.. and today...
we talk about "God is...

Love!"

if only we knew how much He loved us...

that would change everything.

last weekend i spoke at a youth camp... about God's love.
It was so good!

thank you for all the prayers.
we have two more days at this church.. and on sunday we travel to Jinotega!
there we will be working and staying at an orphanage until friday. after that, saturday is packing and sunday is traveling.
we will finish up our outreach over the following couple days and fly back to Berlin on the 4th arriving on the 5th at Tegel.. (8:00ish in the morning).

it's crazy to think that the outreach is almost finished... or.. our time in nicaragua is coming to an end. as much as i wanted it in the beginning.. it brings a sadness knowing i may never see any of these people again. all the kids we have worked with... or the hugs shared with strangers... the families that freely invited us in their homes for prayer... the kids at this school on the ywam base... i may very well never see them again in my life...
but as one worker sows.. another waters and yet another reaps... God is the ONE who makes it grow... so i believe that He will continue to do His work in this place.. that it is not hopeless. He has a plan and i have been blessed to be part of it!

thank you for all the prayers and following me on this journey...

it has truly just began...

as for other things..
i am not sick anymore.. i spent 4 days miserable in bed and walking around.. then on the fifth, we finally went to the lab... which in itself was an experience and the cheapest place i have gone to for help!
no time to explain it now though...
(i'll update)

God has provided in miraculous ways in the finances.. so thank you for the prayers.
i still owe about 400 euros... 550 USD...
please continue to pray...
i'm excited to see how God provides the rest!

thank you again for following and praying!

ich muss gehen!
Father thank You for providing and blessing us in so many ways!
Thank You Jesus!
please bless all who are reading these blogs and have sown into my life.
Du bist gut! we pray in Jesus Name, Amen!

we shall talk soon!

much love, israel
bakerys are great!

krank

ja... achso... ich bin krank.

due to some celebration pizza (to celebrate our last day with toby before he left) a few of us got sick. yesterday... our freeday... was spend in bed and in the bathroom. i think i can go without eating pizza for a few forevers!

today, my stomache is feeling better but still sensative. not too much of an appetite except for water and crackers... sometimes.

thank you all for your prayers.

we finished up our ministry at the nehemia school in santa teresa friday.. and again.. i will miss the children there. i can only guess how much more God loves those kids...

this coming week we will be working with the church doing something like "vacation Bible school".. but for the adults.
a major problem in nicaragua is the lack of discipleship. so we will be teaching them about it.

i don't remember the full plans for the next four weeks we are in central america... but in two weeks we will be headed to an orphanage in the mountains of north nicaragua to spend a week with the children...
i look forward to that!
we all look forward to that!

as for other things...

i look forward to being back in germany and eventually back in the states too!
i look to continue studying german.. and paying off school loans and building support to move back to berlin to staff in ywam.

we have less than four weeks left on outreach. the time started so slow.. and i admit, i wanted it to be over.
i did not like costa rica.
it was way to westernized and... ugh... hot.
but since we have been in nicaragua, i can really sense that God wants to do something big here. He loves these people... and i can see why...

thank you again for all your prayers.. and i will do my best to keep you all updated frequently.

Father.. thank You for healing our bodies, and giving us rest. also, thank You for showing us Your heart for Nicaragua. may Your AWESOME will be done here. please keep us strong in You as we finish out this outreach and lead us in Your path to reach those around us.
thank You for this team... and may we be build in Your unity!

thank You most of all for sending Jesus.. and helping us proclaim His glory here and everywhere.
i love You.
In Your son's name, amen!

ich muss gehen....
Your prayers have kept me going.. please don't cease.
thank you for joining me on this life!

God bless you all with His highest good!

-i look forward to Christmas!... hehehe... snow!


much love, israel

zurueck zu berlin... nicaragua

our time ended in boaco... and as normal i did not want to leave. too many kids have taken my heart. i have never had so many hugs in my life.. they are both wonderful and a blessing.

we are now back in berlin(g) in diramba, nicaragua.
a few night back we had a short summary about nicaragua and the reasons why it is covered in poverty. i am encouraged, however, to see God work in this place.

this week we have been working with a german/nicaraguan school. today we shared devotions with the teachers and over the past days we have painted, made dramas and shared testimonies.
of course the days are filled with much conversations sometimes lost in translation.. but blessed nontheless..... and mucho hugs!

prayer requests:

• the team has been getting sick often and so health could be a huge blessing.

• there has also been some tension between some of us occasionally. i believe God is doing some awesome things and the enemy will do whatever he can to destroy us and anything good.
• 
  

• i would like to spend more time.. or at least have more concentration while i pray. i have been having hard time really understanding prayer... i know it is communicating with God.. but it seems silly that we ask Him for so much then... say amen. i would like to go deeper with Him.. on a relational level.

• family. that they would be living for the Lord...
  

• finances. i am still short on funds for the outreach. please keep praying. God has a plan.

• and then that our team would continue to seek His face in all we do...!

Father, may our time here be about what You want to do. take us deeper with You and may we keep You first.. above all!
thank You for all You have done. You are good!
Du bist gut!
and may Your message be spoken boldy and with love.
You have showered us with blessings.. may we return the praise!
all glory and honor is Yours!
In Jesus name, amen!

random beauty... watch the sunset tonight!

much love, israel

Boaco

blogs can be fun sometimes... and at others, they can be a forced need.
however, God is so good and i have been blessed to experience these last few days.

we are in that town i was talking about.... but now it has a name... Boaco.
it is referred to as the cowboy town of nicaragua. haha... but with reasons i suppose.
nothing that really makes it amazingly obvious.. but they do ride around town on horses and we drove by a rodeo a couple times on the way to a kids camp.

it is a mountain town though. i still haven´t found a super market...
we are staying in a home with dorms... i believe our hosts are the pastor and his wife of the church on the hill behind the house. the stairs are steep and there are many of them... but the view is more than breath taking.. it takes it.. them refuses to give it back for a few minutes.
the thing that has been happening the most lately is more of a personal thing between God and i. not so much as a.. go out and preach or do dramas.. but a simple and yet difficult realization that i am loved by God!

did i hear that...

i am loved..
by..

God!

sometimes it is better to just step back from duties or responsibilities and just think..
to think about His glorious creation...
to think about all He has done...
about who i am...
about what He has brought me through.. and why...
and to think... to try to know... that He loves me.

i have realized that dts outreach is not just about helping others.. helping them grow... making dramas.. or doing programs... it is about growing. about growing deeper with Him!
i suppose i have taken the motto.. to know God and make God known.. and put the first part only in the lecture phase.. meaing the outreach has to fulfill the latter of them.. but what i am finally realizing is that both are about both... it is a constant grow cycle...
in order to make Him known.. He must be known.. and that must grow for the other to grow!
so here i am... learning and growing.. and i can only hope that that will be what takes His message to the world. as my heart gains His blessings of growth.. of love and is taken to new levels of intimacy with Him.. then so can those around me.
oh God, take me deep with You. i want to know You!
thank You for everything so far... help me see You for who You really are.
no more standards, or silly preceptions..
ich liebe dich!
Danke Vater!
In Jesu Name, amen!

our base leader flies out of berlin tomorrow and we will meet with him in a couple days. please pray for him. also... my finances are still under the cost.. but God is encouraging me. hehe...
i am filled with His joy and know that His plans are good!
Amen and amen!

as for events.. we joined a kids camp the last two days..
today was our free day and tanja and i went hiking... oh how i have missed it!
we met some people out and about and their smiles were a blessing... along with the stunning scenery.. i will someday put the photos up... don´t you worry!
as far as i know.. we are doing a program for kids tomorrow night.
there are questions among the team as to why we are here.. so please also pray for the team.

God is good and thank you all for the prayers!

blessings and much love, israel

Belin zu Berling

wir sind in Nicaragua.. in Berling...
aber ist es nicht gleich.

we are now in Nicaragua in town called Berling.
how is it that God brought us from germany, from berlin, across the world to another town called berlin. it is obvious that He loves this place just as He loves Deutschland.

i am very glad to be here. costa rica was... hard.
ich bin gluecklich zu hier sein... costa rica war... schwierig, und mag ich es nicht.

it was very westernized mixed with poverty and pollution. there were times it was more than enjoyable but most of the time i found myself wondering why i was on outreach.

God has been so good though..
Gott ist immer gut!
He was preparing me for this place. though my spanisch is still minimum to none, there are ways of communicating with the locals and we have had some amazing opportunities to speak and pray with some.

the first day here, we walked around Berling and took it all in. this is my first time in a district that is considered third world poverty. a dog tried to bite a couple of us, lack of cement... i don't need to go into detail. however, as we approached one ladies home, she invited us to pray with her. we prayed for her son, pedro (peter).. and it was incredible to see her heart about her family and God. as soon as we started she started crying and speaking in tongues... but as she was praying, she was speaking german words.. meine kinder, danke... it was crazy good. es war toll! as we left her home, we stopped and talked to her neighbor... he was poorly bandaged on his right foot.. and after we inquired, we found out he had cut himself with machete a few days back, possibly when he was drunk.
we prayed with him, and after we left, i looked back a few times to see him with his face in his hands.. sitting.. some of our team saw him the next day and he had gone back to the hospital (the first time he was turned away... possibly because he was... drunk...) and they bandaged him up and was gonna give him some more supplies to take care of his wound.

i wish i could tell of all the experiences here.. but to sum it up, it has been far past blessed being here.

thank you for all your prayers.

heute und gestern haben wir viel drama gemacht.
we have done many dramas and interacting with kids and people lately.. which is a change from the practical work we mostly did in costa rica.
it is so good to see all the children smile and laugh.. or the teachers singing along with the songs. hallelujah!

the other night we held a prayer meeting at a local church.. and encouraged the people to strengthen each other.. their families, neighbors... strangers in the community... and to act out their faith...
much to do with the paint vision in the last blog.

we are staying at the ywam base here since sunday evening and leaving for another location tomorrow for a week.

the food here is super good... even though there are onions.. hehe..
and the temperature is much cooler than costa rica.
the people are very friendly too.. but almost all of them don't speak a common language with us... Thank God for translators!!!

as for finances... i am still missing the needed funds to be here. please continue to pray for this. God is better than what we can imagine... but i know that He is faithful... i believe He called me here.. so it comes to praying and waiting on the Lord.

it has been 4 weeks today. 6 more, and i know they will be good ones!

ich muss gehen..

Father, thank You for bringing us here and all that You are doing. please keep our eyes on You and hearts after Your own!
we love You.. use us for Your glory.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

much love, israel

hungry for Him

i always thought internet cafés were more of a coffee shop setting with computers available...
they are more like a computer lab at a school or university... usually small and full of one loud conversation. but for sure a blessing to have around.

thank you all for your prayers. as i have felt opposition from the enemy i have had discouragement and no motivation at parts.. but with God´s grace i am being shown daily love and encouragement... along with gentle correction and patience.

we got back to san josé thursday evening and have been staying at the ywam base here. our last day in our caribbean town had us helping pour cement to get ready for a roof to be build on a pastors house. the other days we spend either at a Christian café or wandering around our hostel/beach.
i was blessed to play bocca ball with some kids... they catch on quick...
i was also encouraged by the coffee shop owner that my tattoo... God and me walking on the beach...is a very none threatening way to talk about God... so to take advantage of that blessing.

yesterday was a free day to do what we needed and was ended by a gorgeous sundset on the san josé skyline. on the way home from the store, we meet a man and his children from florida who are attending a spanisch school for missionaries. allen, ian, sophie, josephine. possible longterm missionaries in the future. we prayed with them after some chatting.

after all was said and done, i enjoyed several bowls of cereal and some reading time.

tomorrow we are to leave for nicaragua and as for definite plans for what we will be doing there, please pray that we can hear clearly from God and make the most of every opportunity to share Him with others.

Nicaragua is much more poor that costa rica. the wages are lower, the work is more, and poverty higher...

but...

they are children of hope because God reigns!
please pray that His will can be accomplished and many will come to know Him personally.
before we left germany, a friend told me he had a vision from God. he saw us as a team going into nicaragua with buckets of royal purple paint. and when the locals noticed us, they took the paint and started covering everything with it!

i believe they are hungry for Him, for His righteousness...

thank You Daddy for the opportunity to grow in You and to make You known among the nations.
may we become less and less that You can be more and more!
we declare war against the enemy for nicaragua!
In Jesus Name!
so be it...

please pray.

much love, israel

no pirates yet...

ok there... now isnt that just dandy!

sometimes i don't know how to start these blogs... just trying something new.

we are in puerto viejo, which is on the caribbean coast of coasta rica...

we left jaco thursday to san jose. stayed there for a couple hours before heading to our next location called guapiles where we participated in a youth camp.... which i would classify more as intense church! on sunday the service was from 10-4ish... it was rad though. groups from all over did different performances.. and i imagine heaven to look kinda like those days! people dancing, singing at the top of their lungs, and higher! just fun!

i think the kids helped take me out of a shell that i have been in keeping me from getting to close to anyone outside of a select few. with much laughter, i fell the blessing of being here.

i would ask for prayer that i will live right here, right now!
to be here 100%!
as a friend said... God has me here.. so be here 100%...
so thank you for the prayers.

we left this morning for a 4 hour drive here... and it was worth the drive!
we are staying the night at a hostel in hammocks and for our extent of our stay here.. we will be doing friendship ministries... MY FAVORITE!

this place is a big backpackers stop which create the opportunities to meet people who are looking for something... what better time to introduce them to something worth searching for... living for... dying for!?

keep all of us in your prayers that we really reach out to these guys!

i am not sure of all the events that will take place in the next few days... but something with handing out flyers for small events at night... like chess tournaments... or bon fire...

we are also staying next to a skatepark... so... hehehehe...

may you all be blessed... thank you all for the support, blessings and prayers!

as for the money... still needing.. but am blessed to say that God has done a lot!
thank you to all who has supported me in this!

Father, please make us part of your plan in this outreach. we trust You for divine appointments and Your grace in our conversations with others. thank You for providing so much. please help us know You more and make You known!
You are soooooo good!
Du bist super toll!
danke Herr fuer alle!
in Jesus Name, Amen!

much love to all! and i you all!

israel