well.. its mostly the same...

i really like it when people ask for prayers that really challenge us.. me..

as another friend put it... kinda like what paul said.. that in our weaknesses or hardships.. or times of not knowing, that is when it is the best. that is when we stop looking at our own ability to pull through, or what we can do for someone or something. we look to our maker. the one who shines a beacon of whispers.. and when we quiet our own thoughts and words long enough.....

we hear the soft unspoken voice of peace... peace that we don't have it all together. peace that shows we don't need to have it all together either...

may the prayers of your heart, the ones that you may be afraid to pray due to doubt that they are either worthy enough or can even be answered, may those be the ones you pray today. right now. and may we be challenged beyond what we can understand. that our hearts have to come out of the controlled places we put it... but would come more and more to life, to love wildly and to trust deeper than what our senses may want to believe.

i say all of this because i am thankful for all of you who read this and pray for kathy and i.

and i believe that a deeper... (due to a lack of words to explain the expressions of the heart, please fill in the blank...) will show us that we can and should trust Him.

so.. now to the update...

the weather is beginning to bite. my fingertips this morning at work reminded me of the pain while waiting for christoph to climb the frozen ice runoff at the north face of harney peak. always having to remove one glove and stick my hand in my coat while the other held the rope that flowed through the belay device and up to christoph as he places the next screw in the ice.

i am filled with such memories as in the moment here all i do is work and sleep. ok, maybe it is not completely true... i like eating too. :)

i am still praying and trusting God for friends here in south germany as well as more opportunities to get outside and climb things.

i have noticed a lot about germany since i have been here over the last months now... almost 3, and though i won't list them now, i am encouraged and reminded that God loves this place... even when it is super hard for me. what a blessing, when one really decides to think on it this way, to be here, to trust God yet again for such simple things. thank You God.

as for ministry or opportunities, God has been giving us more time to get more interactive with the church.. for example, saturday i get to speak about things i have lived with God. oh man.. that is an invitation for conversation! i hope and know that more is yet to come.

my job ends sometime in the next month due to cold weather and snow... (landscape gardeners don't have work in the winter months), and that is going to be neat to see what is next.

and.... i got my visa. it is good for one year and before i can lengthen it or get one without a time limit, i have to take and finish a D1-german course as well as 45 hours of an integrations course. it frustrated us at first but with open months in the winter, it should work out somehow.

i am praying about next year and what work will look like too.

the loans are being paid.. but i really have until next month and jan before the interest starts hitting hard. ugh.. Lord, please help.

so. read the first part of the blog again and i wish you all many blessings and thank you for your prayers and reading this... again and again and yet continue to...

please pray for sam who needs his visa to get married in jan. pretty neat... way to go sam and beth!

and... please pray that my mom gets a job.. one that she likes and is good for her.

much love, israel

visitors

I have the privilege of announcing that on the 15 of October, 2011 in the Frauenkirche of Memmingen, Germany, Katharina and Israel were, before the council of our friends and family (here in germany), married.

though being a male, i could have never imagined a more beautiful wedding. it was fully blessed.

what gave it the added touch was the dear ones who travelled to join us. from norway, switzerland or berlin... thank you all!

we praise God that the stress if finished and for such a payoff!

the following wednesday, my brother and his finacée came for a week to visit us.

it was really touching to have them here. i am very thankful for the family God has blessed me with. that fact that my brother would come across the world to see me... it means a lot.

with them we hit up some tourist spots.. castles, mountains, cities... and they got to know their new germany family as well as them getting to know their american family. :) God is neat how He brings the world together to praise Him.

other news....

i sent my passport and am waiting for my residence visa. PRAISE GOD.

we are officially moved in to our own place since two weeks ago.

my birthday in on monday... :)

lately my heart has been aching for God.. for india.. for time to worship Him and fellowship with others who want more of Him.

prayer points:

-for our marriage, that we get to know each other and to function as a team.

-that someday more of my family can come here.

-for financial freedom from debt. due to God's help, they are being paid off.. but it is taking some time and i desire complete freedom from it.

-that are hunger of fellowship and God would be satisfied.

-for friends to go rock/ice climbing, trekking and other weird crazy outdoor things together with.

-and for this time working, growing and listening...

-and for all those (sam, kamal, narender, niklas, josiah... etc..) who have and continually give up their own for others. for strangers. for enemies. for brothers to reach the prisoners of this world.

i think so often on the time that i had recently in rapid, building new friendships, enjoying old ones and getting to know my own heart more. i miss you all.

i pray that you understand how precious you really are, how loved and how much of a blessing you are to those around you. be richly blessed because of Jesus.

time for schluß...

much love and thank you for your prayers,

israel and kathy

beginnings

last week, we finished our farewells, see yahs and boarded our plane to far off places.

our first flight was about an hour late. ok.

our flight from chicago was late too.. at least we made it on time then.

after a morning of crummy weather there, more than likely everyone was getting out of there a little later than wanted.

our plane had some troubles and we were told we would have to water to wash up with after toilet usage.

we boarded, waited.. and over the intercom we heard a message from our captain:

ah.. ladies and gentlemen, sorry for the delay, it looks like the weather that was in chicago earlier today has moved east and is now directly on our path we need to get to toronto. we were told to go to the end of the runway and wait.. this should about 40-45 mins. sorry again for the delay. we'll getchya outta here as soon as possible.

well, things worked out that we got a new route and were on our way.

however, as we landed in toronto, we knew not of the 36 hours we would spend there battling for vouchers, rescheduled flights and so on. the first night was spend running around the airport until we finally got the help we needed and just after midnight we got into our hotel room.

the next day at our scheduled departure time, we sat with many others watching the lightening outside and listening to how our flight would now be an hour late. ok.

that hour turned into several hours and eventually 2am. when we got to that, it switched to 830 the next day and we went through yet painstaking processes to get rescheduled with 1400 other people who would not be flying out that night.

what could be bad, was an amazing adventure and opportunity to bless and be blessed.

though we only had starbucks and tim hortons to eat (sweets and coffee), we and our little group of 8, made our way to the necessary check points and back to the terminal where our flight was not another hour and a half delayed. we laid our sleeping bags, scrunched into chair with armrests, and slept what we could of about 2-3 hours.

the endless wait did indeed end and we boarded, took off and landed.. half a day shy of 2 days late in münchen.

the flight was an adventure and the time already here is nothing less than that too.

with stress, appointments and no money, God has been blessing and teaching us to trust Him in this marriage and new life together here in unterallgäu.

thank you for your prayers and i am glad to report that in less than a week, God has given me a job as a landscape gardener. we have a place to move into as well.. however we need to wait for a few things before i start working and have no money for a kitchen for the apartment.

so we are at a slight stand still and a perfect opportunity to trust and pray.

please keep praying that we would fully rely on Him through prayer, worship and patience.

greetings to all from our new home here in south germany.

i know God has much in store for the new future.

Praise is befitting to the one who set us free from hopelessness.

much love, israel

but this is no goodbye.

the time since my last entry has flown by with a speed which still seems to stand still.

It has been a couple months since then..

Kathy arrived safely..

our wedding happened with a boom of joy..

i started work again..

and now in three days we leave again for germany.

the details that are not written above are only due to the forgetfulness that time brings in it's basket of surprises.

the biggest event is of course the wedding.

a marriage...

i know i will not be able to comprehend the intensity of this relationship, and the steps we have taken until my heart truly opens and i die to myself..

as these days get shorter and shorter.. the reality of moving back to germany is seeping into my heart.

i came back to the states with friends of course, but the relationships that have been built over the last months have truly blessed me and my life.. and now leaving once again dear ones for another land takes it's wrath on my heart.

as i have written before... the curse of loving is saying goodbye. a goodbye that is worth it's anguish.

to all here in rapid city, neb. and even the other locations i have been since being back..

i will miss you. but this no goodbye.

but, until He crosses our paths again.

thank you all for the prayers, for the support, for being by our sides as we agreed to come together as a team in front of our friends and family..

thank you for your friendships, your words of truth, your kind undeserved gestures...

and thank you for your love in it's many faces and styles.

a new adventure awaits... new relationships, new opportunities for sharing His love..

a choice... of courage, of joy, of hope and of life.

and i am thankful that we are not setting sail alone.

much love, israel

this is it... this is it!

the day is finally here.

through struggle, through worry.. through hardships, God has carried us to this new season and we enter joyfully stronger than when we entered that last with expectations of growth for the next.

thank you all for the prayers, for the encouragement, for the love.

Kathy steps on a plane soon to head this way.

here health stuff has come from a bacteria she got in india and her body will continue to fight it. the process is slow but sure.

please pray for a good flight, easy transfers and smooth entry here.

we are so blessed for the grace He has shown us continually through thick and thin.

He is building us for His work more and more.

may His will be done with us.

ein Ehe um Seines Names willen.

much love, israel

inspired time well spend

it has been so hard to write lately..

with time swimming through the hour glass that feels more like a second glass...

and things happening in all six lefts and rights, inspiration has finally caught my attention and with john mark mcmillan singing about His love, letters around me, and a beautiful sunset in middle earth, i need to sing out thoughts and praises of how He loves us!

in less than two weeks, we pray, the most wonderful and beautiful princess (and we are not just talking about outside here...) will may once again eye contact with he who loves her.

these last months.. about a million to be exact, have trickled by and some how have cheated friction through the tree tops to these last days.

i truly can hardly believe that time is finally traveling up to our reality.

we only know that we can trust Him.

as for border control, housing situations, a job, debt, fear, lies of our identity and family stuff, we leave it all to He who told us to follow Him.

we stand together for truth, for love and for good!

prayers:

the flight here is better than good!

kathys health situation (enquire more if desired).

housing here.

our families.

the details with moving, getting married and what-nots.

the guests.

the marriage!

thank you. really, thank you.

much love, israel

denn es gibt Hoffnung

also manchmal gibts etwas was man nicht erklären kann.

so ist es bei mir grad.

kanns nicht voll begreifen weder beschreiben.

wie ich mir sicher bin dass morgen die Sonne aufgeht.

oder wie ich halt weiß drin in meinem Herz, wir sind nicht allein.

es gibt darum was größeres zum Leben und es gibt Hoffnung für jede.

in der Dunkelheit oder sonst was, nix kann uns davon trennen, eine Liebe, die in uns wirkt.

ich hoffe.

when it rains, it pours.. and things grow.

yet a step of grace and faith early this morning.

katharina and i skyped early this morning, and after searching flights again and again, we found one we liked and felt to purchase. it costed a pretty penny but we know that God is with us and will continue to provide what we need now, and forever.

the invitations are also printed for the wedding here stateside. we still need to word it right with the best directions. we still some addresses. thank God progress is being made with it.

please keep praying for us..

it blows us away at how many are lifting us through this time, and it is much needed. God hears your prayers and is quick to help us through all things.. well.. quick to help focus us on Him through the tough spots. He is for sure with us!

join us in prayer:

-that everything works out right with kathy flight. when she flies, for protection, good connections and no problems at the border. (first time flying alone...)

-my flight. that i can get the same returning flight and the money for it. (first time flying together and married!)

-wisdom, regarding planning, jobs, paying off debt..

-health and continual protection from all the enemies plans.

-a deeper relationship with Him and each other.. walking on His paths together.

thank you all so so so much for the prayers and support and encouragement.

only 5 weeks now. because of God, we will get through this!

much love to all of you, and please continue to keep in touch.

israel (and katharina)

Wenn es regnet, es gießt... und es führt zum Wachsen.

Noch ein Stück der Gnade und des Glaubens ist heute morgen passiert.

Nach den lange Suche, fanden wir ein Flug was uns gefällt, und es möglich macht, zusammen zurück zu fliegen. Also, heute morgen skypten wir und kauften es. Zwar doch teuer, freuen jedoch wir uns und wissen dass Gott sich um uns sorgt jetzt und für immer.

Gedruckt sind jetzt die Einladungen unserer Hochzeit. Noch muss ich die Worten aufschreiben und die Anleitung richtig erklären oder malen. Wir brauchen auch noch Adressen. Dank sei Gott um den Fortschritt damit.

Bitte bete doch weiter um uns..

was für einen eindrück zu lesen wie viele beten um uns in dieser Zeit. Gott erhört jeder euer Gebet und helft uns gleich nach was passiert.. also.. begleitet unsern Anblick wieder auf Ihn. Er ist bestimmt bei uns.

Fürbitte:

-dass alles gut funktioniert wegen des Flug Katharinas. Als sie fliegt, um Schutz, ein gute Umsteigen und kein Problem an der Landesgrenze. (ihr erstesmal allein fliegen.)

-mein Flug noch. dass ich das gleiche Flugbindung nach Deutschland bekomme und das Geld dafür. (unser erstesmal zusammen fliegen und als ehepaar.. schön!)

-Weisheit wegen dem Planen, Arbeitsstellen und Schulden abzahlen..

-Gesundheit und anständig Schutz von jedem Plan des Teufels.

-Eine tiefere Beziehung mit Gott und einander.. auf Seine Wege zusammen.

Danke euch alle ganz sehr um die Gebete, Unterstützungen und Ermutigungen.

Nur noch 5 Wochen. Wegen Gott, schaffen wir das!

viel Liebe euch alle und bitte halte doch Kontakt mit uns.

israel (and katharina)

1 year, still 2 months

so,

fast unglaublich dass schon ein Jahr vorbei ist als wir zusammen in einer Beziehung kamen.

natürlich schwierig so weit von einander zu sein ist es, und mehr und mehr müssen wir von Gott unsere Stärke bekommen. Dank sei Gott, dass wir es nicht allein machen müssen. Danke auch euch, um eure Gebete und Unterstützung.

*so... it's so unbelievable that we have been together in a relationship for a year already. it is hard being so far away from each other and it is from God whom we get our strength. Thank God we don't have to do this alone. thank you all for your prayers and support.

Also, eingentlich zwei monate von heute ist unser Hochzeittermin. Vollkrass!

*so, in two months from today is our wedding date. Whoa!

Von letztmal ich schrieb, haben wir schon ein paar Dinge erfahren.

*since last time i wrote, we have experienced a couple things.

-Gott schenkte uns einer Hütte für unser Flitterwochen umsonst.

*God gave us a cabin for our honeymoon here in the near.

-Ich zog mich um zur Familie eines Freundes.

*I moved in with the family of a friend.

-Katharina und ich könnten oft skypen zum planen und halt genießen mit einander zu reden.

*Katharina and I have been able to skype often and plan.. and just enjoy time to chat.

-Mir ist geschreiben dass mein Freund, mit dem ich in indien gereist bin, kann nicht bei unsere Hochzeit kommen (er sollte auch der Pfarrer dafür).

*I was written that my friend I was in India with cannot come and do our wedding.

-Ein Freund von mir wird Hochzeitbilder machen.

*A friend will take our wedding pictures.

-Wir fanden billiger Flüge für Katharina.. noch nicht gekauft.

*We have found cheaper flights for Katharina.. but have not bought one yet.

Natürlich gibts noch viele was wir noch erfahren müssen, und jeder Schritt zeigt sich als Fortschritt aber kommt nicht immer einfach zu.

*We still need see a lot happen yet, but every step is progress and not always come easily.

Da bitten wir euch um Gebete wegen:

*Please pray with us about these:

-die richtige Datum zum Fliegen für Katharina und ich und auch Geld dafür.

*the right date for the flights and also money for them.

-Weisheit und Zeit zum Planen um die Hochzeit, Einladungen machen, und einen Pfarrer rausfinden.

*wisdom and time to plan for the wedding and invitation stuff and for a pastor to do our wedding.

-Transport zur Flitterwochenhütte.

*Transportation for our honeymoon.

-weiter Gnade und Stärke um die Trennung. auch Schütz gegen Angriffen und Wahrheit in jedem Situation.

*continual grace and strength for the time apart and protection against the enemy, and truth in every situation.

-halt Weisheit und Hilfe um die Hochzeit in Amerika und die Zeit bis und nach den Termin.

*simply wisdom and help for the wedding in america and the time before and after.

Schön euch zu schreiben und ich hoffe wirklich wir können alle besser Kontakt halten.

Gott macht jetzt so viel bei uns. Z.B. Wir lernen die 1. Stelle immer Gott zu geben. Niemand kann es sonst füllen.

*it's really good to write all of you and i really hope we can keep better contact. God is doing so much right now with us.. i.e. we are learning to give Him the first place in our lives. No one else can do it like Him.

Dass ihr wirklich mit Frieden erfüllt seid und vollerliebe zu jeden seid bete ich.

Danke unendlich um eure Gebete für uns. Wir haben bis um jetzt gekämpft und werden nicht aufgeben, denn Er ist an unsrer Seite. Amen!

*I pray that you are filled with peace and full of love to everyone. Thank you so much for your prayers for us. We have battled thus far and will not give up because He is on our side. amen!

Ganz viel Liebe, israel

season change

wow. i am back from the visit to katharina in germany. as i would greatly enjoy telling all about it in such a blog, i still need to process then entire thing and it would be best shared over a cup of coffee and a visit. give me a call or shoot me an email for more on that.

as for news!

the hardest part is now behind us, next is the praying, planning and seeing what He brings to be.

the wedding is set for 14th July in the states, rapid city (not rabbit city), S.D..

Katharina will come at the beginning of july, and until then we work, pay on debt, and pray for His grace with all the finances and planning.

after the wedding here, we will stay until the end of august, then move back to germany(memmingen) for about 2 years to work, and grow together and with the people there. the wedding there is set for the 15th October, in memmingen.

being involved with us in prayer:

-first off, for strength for both of us in this time of being apart again. for protection, opportunities to skype and email, and a deeper trust and faith in God as well as a deeper understanding of ourselves and each other.

-financial provision i.e. flight tickets for katharina and myself, funds for the wedding stateside as well as in germany (oct, 15, 2011) and the honeymoon.

-other provision and guidance i.e. a place to live while here in america as well as again in germany, a car for the honeymoon or some sort of transportation...

-and healing. katharina has had some issues with her teeth, and we both need other healing too.

thank you all so much... seriously!!!! for the prayers.

as david prays in ps 17, he does so with confidence.. i pray because i know you hear me!

i know this too!

so i also pray for you, for strength, provision, healing and blessings. i pray too for His peace and rest for all who are stressed or tired. for joy for those who are depressed or sad, and for freedom to all who are captive whether by ideas, thoughts or addictions, or hopelessness! we have all we need in Jesus, and Him alone can save us from all things!

much love, and please keep in contact.... though i understand if you are super busy. we are sailing similar boats.

israel

noch acht stunden

ja, genau.. nun noch acht stunden gibt es bis ich am flughafen bin und fliege los. so unglaublich ist das und die Zeit ist wirklich schnell geworden.. trotzdem gab es Zeite als es noch so fern war...
*so.. only eight hours left before i am at the airport gone... it is so unbelieveable and the time has really gone by quickly.. though sometimes it was still a distant dream...

endlich aber steht es vor der Tuer, und wir uns so bald wieder sehen.
obwohl wir nicht genau wissen, mit wem wir uns treffen oder um wann wir nach berlin fahren.. ich bin so dankbar wieder dahin zu kommen und die Leute wieder zu sehen.
sooo, nur Jesus gehoert unser Lob, dass wir echt leben duerfen und nicht um die Welt leben. genau wie kathy und ich jetzt lernen wie man in einer gute beziehung zusammen lebt... sollen wir auch mit Gott umgehen... (tatsaechlich ist es den gegenteil.. aber durch diesen Beispiel lernt man praktisch wie eine Beziehung aussieht, und kann auch dann verstehen, dass die Gott erschaffen hat, zum Beispiel dafuer.)
Und ihr maenner soll eure Frauen lieben wie Christus auch die Gemeinde geliebt hat.. Er gab sein Leben um sie... versteht ihr???
*finally it is so near, and we see each other again. we don't know who we will be able to meet up with or when we go to berlin, i am so thankful to be on the way and see everyone again. all our praise belongs to Jesus that we are able to live and not for the world. in the same way that kathy and i learn to be in a relationship together, it is the same with God.. a relationship. (it is really the opposite, but through this we learn how a relationship looks like, and can understand that God made it as an example to understand how one way we relate to Him.) and you men should love your wives as Christ has loved the church.. He gave His life for her... understand???

also.. koennte ja doch noch schreiben.. aber gerne moechte ich einbisschen Zeit nach zu denken und irgendwann auch noch schlafen.
*so.. i could keep writing, but desire some time to just think and eventually sleep.

Auf dies Abenteuer, das Leben heisst, freue ich mich zu gehen... stueck fuer stueck... zusammen!
*i am excited to go on this adventure known as life.. step by step...
together!

viel liebe, israel

childish and hopful

with just a small bit before my brother and i meet up, i know i need to write something.

first off, praise God for all that He is doing. just taking moments from a busy schedule to climb a tree and reflect is so important... just notice the birds singing their songs of life...

and in the midst of this, i am becoming more aware of something... a greater love, one that was spend fully for me and is still being poured out continually.

reading emails, chatting with those i work with or who come in for a drink...

considering the last years of intense but subtle growth and that which will still happen that it may be more poured out from myself too... it is coming down to one thing.

Jesus.

a love He carried for those that would hang Him in shame and humiliation. a source of deep passionate strength He lived from that forced the world to rethink their own motives and source.

a friend just wrote about struggles they have been going through... deep struggles that i dont believe i could start to comprehend.. and through it all, he was shown that he was fought for.

he wrote.. it doesnt matter whether i read my Bible and pray, or not because i have an occasion severely neglected them both.. He is with me because He wants to be.. because He fights for me.

paul writes in the first chapter of galatians.. He became the offering according to God, our Fathers will, and died for our sins to rescue us from this evil world in which we live.

i suppose it would be stupid of me to carry on more and more.. but i can say that it is becoming more and more real to me and my heart is undergoing some serious surgical reconstruction.. removing gunk and scum that have build up in its chambers to which the world belongs, that the world has filled up with several dogmas, religions, requirements of the law and opinions from those who misuse authority to oppress.

what child could fulfill such a life that the world asks of it..

what child could fulfill such a life that Jesus asks of it......

who are we trying to live up to...

each email i receive has given me joy and shared love because of the friendships that i have been blessed with in this life. i thank God for you all.

i am looking so forward to the time with kathy, her family and all who are so dear to me in germany. may His will be done in our meetings and time together.

and to all those in india, keep the courage to love and may His grace continue to fill all that He leads you in. He created such creative hearts in everyone.. but most dont know we are allowed to use them. become who He made you to be.

much love, His

12 days, warmer weather... and a dentist

as the temperature is starting to rise, a new season is obviously on the way. and as spring starts to show itself, so is it with the steps in what is to come regarding Katharina and myself.

He blows me away how He knows...

He knows everything.. before we knew.. even as we ran after other plans, goals... people.. He, the entire time, knew.

our wedding date is still set for July 14th, and though this is still not the formal invite, all of you are more than welcome to join us in rapid city, s.d., for the smaller celebration of becoming even more a team for Him!

the time has ticked down from some 30 weeks to less than two.. about 700 hours.. hehe

we can only hold close to Jesus and the hope and love that He has continually built inside of us over the last several months.

Lord willing, a week from saturday i will fly to switzerland. this marks the beginning of the next season for us. we are not sure of what will take place over the next couple months before she flies to america, but look to spend a lot of time just seeking God together and talking all of this over together. how great it is to be learning to function as a team. learning to trust Him together, learning to hope together.

He continues to reveal glimpses of a future that He has assured us. though the jist of it is still beyond what is visible from this point, each valley, each river and each step takes us closer to something much bigger and it is from Him that we gain strength.

please pray for us and with us for wisdom in these next steps, and a deeper knowledge of how great that power that lives inside of us, the same one that raise Jesus from the dead, removing our hopelessness and own self-righteousness from us, and giving us true life.

last week, shortly after getting my dental insurance, a filling fell out. ha!

talk about continual provision.

through a few visits to the dentist, things are getting worked out, and possibly prepared for another long stretch.. or adventure in which dental work would create a burden.

none the less, i am thankful to get the work down and see another way that He provides for us on a very practical level.

work, stressful for a few weeks, has been again a place of desired ministry and opportunity to bless those who come in through genuine interaction and a humor that carries through the drive-thru....

within the next couple weeks, my father will go in for back surgery. i just learned about this today, and have not had the chance to talk with him. thank you for every prayer for him, and i will update as i also learn about whats going on.

12 days... :)

Danke sehr Jesus um was Du mit uns machst.

after the three weeks with katharina, i start the parks dept. job again in hopes of paying a massive chunk of the loans gone. this will also mean that i will be working a lot. the schedule is not worked out yet, but i know it will be good.

it may be possibly that i move into what could be kathys and my first place together too when i get back. it has been a blessing spending so much time with my mother and staying at another friends place, but this step i look forward to.

thank you all for the prayers and support through encouragement finance. the months ahead, i believe, will be a very new adventure and i hope that the things He is doing through us will bless you too, or even encourage you to do something outside of any possible sanity that the world claims. lets live!

thank you really for the love and time to read what is happening in the life He blessed me with...

much much love, israel

unsichtbar

no one ever said this would be easy.

*niemand sagte uns, dass es einfach wird.

does it feel easy to you right now?

*fühlt es euch da so einfach?

i have felt under attack, and have witnessed since last weekend more and more dear ones undergoing similar heart blows....

*in der letze Woche, bezeugte ich viele Menschen, die schreckliche Angriffen erleben, genauso gleich wie ich auch erlebe...

whether we realize it, or choose to acknowledge it.. we are in a war. against our heart, our hope, our families, our relationships, our manhood... we are fighting for our lives and for those so close to us...

and yet, most do not know that this is not us... but what is against us, our unity.. our true identity.

*und ob wir es merken, oder es anerkennen wollen, wir sind im Krieg, der gegen unser Herzen, Hoffnung, Familie, Beziehungen, und unsre Männlichkeit steht... wir kämpfen um unsern Leben und des Lebens denen, die wir lieben und schätzen.

und was noch... die meisten Leute wissen nicht, dass wir nicht böse sind.. sondern das es gegen uns, unsre Einheit.. und unsre wahre Identität, ist.

no one ever said this would be easy.. but we are told we dont have to do this alone...

*niemand sagte uns, dass es einfach wird.. jedoch sagte Er, wir machen es nicht allein...

my dear brothers and sister... lets stand in unity of prayer and encouragement for another. where those are who have plenty, give to those who have none. those who are comforted, comfort those who are alone. and who can fight, fight for those who cant! fight for your heart! fight for hope!

*meine Liebe Schwestern und Brüdern... lasst uns durch Gebet und Ermutigung untereinander, zu einer Einheit führen. der, der viele besitzen, soll mit denen, der nichts hat, teilen. ebenso soll er, der Trost hat, denen auch trösten, wie auch er es erfahren hat. und der, der kämpft, soll um denen kämpfen, die selbst ihre Feld nicht halten können. kämpft um euer Herzen! kämpft um die Hoffnung!

i write this in truth that things have been hard lately... but in each thing, God was more than faithful to provide.. and in those things that are yet to come, or need still clarity, we can place all our hope in Jesus!!!

*in der Wahrheit schreibe ich euch das, denn es ist letztlich für mich schwierig worden... aber in jeder Ding, erscheinte Gott weit mehr als treu um uns zu trösten.. und was noch kommt, oder wozu wir klarheit brauchen, hoffen wir doch auf Jesu!!!

may you be filled with truth! with hope! and know that we are not alone.

*dass ihr mit der Wahrheit und der Hoffnung erfüllt seid, und wisst, dass ihr nicht allein seid, wünsche ich euch!

much love, israel

focusing opportunities

i must say again and again, how great is our God!

*ich muss es immer wieder sagen... wie groß ist unser Gott!

He has done too much for me not to believe!

*Er hat so viel getan, dass ich glauben muss!

i am filled with joy at the thought of what He has done, what He is doing and all that is yet to come. oh, so much more than we could ever imagine.. ask for.... even hope for!

*ich bin begeistert als ich denke darüber nach, was Er hat, tut und wird nocht tun. ach! so viel mehr als wir uns vorstellen können, Ihn darum bitten oder auch nur hoffen würden.

the ride down to neb. was touching to my heart. i had to pull over a couple times, get out and just stare... what a vast array!

*die Fahrt nach neb, war bewegendt. ein paar mal müßte ich anhalten, draußen stehen und halt anschauen... was für eine gewaltige Region.

the ride itself was filled with thoughts, prayers, joys, and renewed hope.

*unterwegs war von Gedanken, Gebete, Freude und erneuert Hoffnung erfüllt.

in the evening, my heart was greatly blessed to see so many come together over dinner, that i... merely blessed dust... could see them all again and share about what Jesus is doing over the last months.

*am abend hatte mein Herz sich gefreut, so viele zusammen kommen zu sehen um abendbrot. und dass ich.. nur gesegnete Staub... dürfe sie wieder sehen und berichte darüber, alles was Gott mir ein die letzt paar Monate tat.

Thank You Jesus for such an opportunity to brag about You.. Your goodness and Your love.

*Danke Du, Jesus! um eine solche schöne Möglichkeit, von Dir meinen Mund voll nehmen.

i met one lady, whos granddaughter did her dts at the base where sam is working. ach! wow!

*ich traf eine Frau, dessen Enkeltochter ihre dts tat, bei der gleiche Base, wo Sam mitarbeitet. ach, Wannsinn!

and as i sit here and write.. i am still so amazed at how much He loves us. how much time He takes for each one of us... ach.. He is outside of time, but even if He wasnt, He would take eternity for everyone. how truly amazing are we blessed!?

*als ich hier sitze und schreibe.. bin noch sehr erstaunt über wie sehr Er uns liebt.. wie viel Zeit Er um je uns ausgibt... ach.. Er ist außerhalb Zeit, aber sogar wenn Er damit Grenze hatte, würdet Er trotzdem eine Ewigkeit um je uns nützen.

thank you all for your prayers and teaming with us to praise Him, and share His message of forgiveness to the whole world!

*Danke euch alle fürs Beten und Teilhaben mit uns.. Ihn zu preisen, und allen Seine Botschaft der Vergebung, die in der Welt sind.

kathy and i see each other in 45 days! jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

*Kathy und ich sehen einander in nur 45 Tage! JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

after that, Lord willing i will start the job again at the parks dept. and search a place of residence, preparing for Kathy coming here. you are more than welcome to continue to keep that in your prayers.. we are believing for His leading and strength through anything and everything!

*danach, Gottes willes, fänge ich an mit der Stadtgärtnerarbeit, nach einer Wohnung suche, und bereite vor um Kathys Ankunft. ich lade euch ein, mit uns darüber weiter zu beten. wir glauben um Seine Führung und Stärke, damit wir durch alles gehen.

today, i meet with a man who picked me up hitching, when i was heading up to rapid to find a job.

we have kept in contact and look to join up, practice our german, and praise God!

*heute treffe ich mich noch mit einem man, der mich mitgenahmen hat, als ich nach Rapid ging, um eine Arbeit zufinden. wir halteten Kontakt und freuen wir uns auf den Termin, Deutscheübung, und zusammen Gott loben.

tomorrow i drive back to rapid early.

and tonight will be hanging out with my dad.

*morgen früh fahre ich wieder nach Rapid.

heute abend noch haben ich und mein Vater Zeit zusammen.

please also pray for sam and beth, as they are waiting for her visa.. and for josiah and binu.. who are waiting for similar needs to come back to the U.S..

*bitte glaube mit uns um ein Visum für Beth, als sie auch noch auf dem Warte dafür sind... und für eine ähnlicher Stelle, wo Josiah und Binu stehen.

with God, all things are possible!

*bei Gott ist alles möglich!

do you believe that?

much love, israel

starting in the garden, breaking the lie

i sit now at the gering publich library while my father works, a man searches childrens books, sophie goes to a doctor appointment, my mother possibly sits and ponders, others make coffee, lattes and cappuccinos, dear ones sleep on the other side of the world, sam enjoys his time with beth, kathy rests, and others go on with their days possibly not realizing the affect they have, the power that is at work within them, the underlying yet louder than life hope, that cries inside to be allowed a say.

i spent last wednesday learning more of what is inside of me.

i made my way to buzzards roost, stared off into the distance, searching a point to which i would wander.

maybe a week ago, a man came into starbucks, and through small talk, comments and unthoughtful deep statements, i mentioned to him... its about the journey somewhere, not about getting to the place, because we are never just there, but starting on yet another journey.

-enjoy the journey, because you will always be on one.

the trek i made was not about just getting to the place far off in the distance, the place that may have seen many a cold nights without foot travel, but about making the path to get there.

from climbing down buzzards roost, to trekking across the forest floor, pacing down steep hillsides, crossing a mostly frozen creek to finally huffing and puffing up the steepest incline, stopping multiple times to breath... reaching the top, laying in the snow... knowing... the journey i am now on, builds me for those that are ahead. it creates deep in me an understanding of something deeper, that one day i may share with those who will carry on after me.

it strengthens me for the battle.

it teaches me how to carry my sword.

and it awakes me heart to a deeper cause.

how intense is it that each experience we endure is a parallel to the unseen.

there are some moments when it just hits you. your mind is on something about something, your thoughts running full speed...

and then,

unexpectedly,

everything stops.

you step out of where you just were..

your eyes are open to the brightness of the sun.

your hands are bitten by the crisp wind.

...and His way is revealed.

i cant describe exactly how this is...

it is like climbing over a hill thinking.. was that it. was that all there was?

then, peeking over the crest you see a peak... followed by endless more.

its a beach, and every grain is a snow covered peak that reaches further in the sky than the last...

a vast array!

who told us to stop dreaming...

who told us that we need to settle....

who told us not knowing is bad....

who was it that lied to us...

no compromise

just finished reading and writing emails galore. for these, whom i am in close relationship with, am i very thankful. for those i have not spoken or written to in some time, please forgive me as my time is used for such things as one needs when many of his loved ones are in random familiar places. i have not forgotten you!

today was yet an attack from the enemy, as i am finding more and more of these more frequent.. or maybe just noticing more. may our eyes be open to what is really going on.

i have been reading a greatly encouraging book, wild at heart, and am finding the need for attention to specific things.. realizing these attacks being one of them.. to become the man.. the warrior i am created to be.

sam, a warrior and dear brother, is not in england. due to crazy flight delays and weather clouds that covered a third the united states, his were delayes, creating a necessary slumber party in chicago. his spirit, though, was far from being dampened, and caused me to look again at my own through difficult situations. i always prefer to be the one stuck somewhere than hearing of dear ones undergoing such an event.

only 50 more days until Kathy and i are again together. for this meeting, we are both more than blessed and excited. can you hear my heart beating faster???

thank you all for the prayers.

dominik, he who visited over thanksgiving, is now in nicaragua for a internship. we are hoping of meeting up again over easter and celebrating what God has completed in our lives over the past couple years..(this including meeting with markus and his wife, luiza-domis fiancée, and kathy-my prinzess!).

just over 2000$ has been put towards the loans thus far. the progress seems small yet ginormous! and i must thank God for a wonderful workplace, a place to live, and providing all that i have needed since being here. in all, i have yet 10000$ to be paid.. it shall be done!

next thursday, Lord willing, watch out people of scottsbluff. praise the Lord for the opportunity to drive to you and spend a day and half there with you. i truly look forward to seeing you all again!

was noch....

for now, that be it.

the world needs prayer! dont stop.. He hears you!

thank you for the prayers already for me, kathy and our families. may we continue to follow Him with no compromise! He is worth it!

much love! israel

what a God

the last day since being back from wisconsin have been fast paced. i am thankful for the work, and thank God for the ability to pay towards the school loans to freedom from debt. each penny counts, and He is faithful. it is good to learn this responsibility and lesson of good steward.

the time in wisconsin with luke was a huge resting blessing, but yet woke my heart yet again for something bigger. i am not entirely sure what exactly, and as kathy and i pray about it, we are reminded that we still have much that needs to be done before following some calling on our hearts, such as for a family, returning to india, and even helping start a base for a certain ministry. we have steps to take now, such as prayer, working and studying.. and we know that He will continue to lead us. Sein Name sei geehrt für immer und ewig!

i have been longer for more fellowship with many lately. the time with, once again, was a huge confirmation of my heart, and Lord willing, the best roomie in life, Sam, will be visiting in a couple days.

i try to keep close contact too, with those in india, germany and all over where God has blessed me with relationship. time has proven difficult because of work and a go go schedule of things to do. but i pray that He will continue to lead each step and keep our hearts focused on what is most important.

i desire to get down to nebraska soon, but it looks that it may not be on a sunday but instead mid week. Lord willing we can all still get together and see each other once again. i trust God, He has a super good plan!

officially kathy and i have less than two months yet to wait before again together. praise God!

thank you all for the prayers, so much! God has truly blessed us beyond expectations, even now while being apart. and we both look eagerly forward to what He has for us, while being thankful for the time now to continue to grow and deepen our roots in faith and hope.

and as for all those i have not been able to keep closer contact to, sorry. please send me an email and let me know how things are.

know that i am more than thankful for all of you and the prayers and support over the years. i know He hears our prayers. this must be true!

work has been good to. i believe that it is completely on purpose that i am there and it will be interesting to see things unravel.

one more note, last year this time i was in india.

that may have something to do with the deep longing on my heart for being there.

oh so exciting! (i felt the want to look at my passport as i was flying back on the 25 from luke.. there stamped in red ink from an indian passport control agent was Jan. 25.. entry to india. what a God).

many prayers and infinite hope, keep it real my dear brothers and sisters.

keep focused on those things that are worthy of thought.

viel Liebe, israel

wir sind in Deiner Hand

through all things, take joy in the Lord. i will not tire from telling you this.. because it will make you even more stronger.

Father, thank You for Your presence and guidance, even when it seems so far away.. for taking us deeper with You through everything.

so it seems that there is usually at least two ways of looking at things such as struggles. a worldly way and an out of this world...ly way.

where lies our hope. within us, in this world.. or out of this world????

the joy of the Lord will be our strength.. and our choosing to trust Him in all things will teach us much.

though there has been some stress over the last couple of weeks, God is in control.. i know this!

i know this!!

really!

thank you all for the prayers.. God is so faithful.

please pray for katharina, and a friend of hers. there has been a death and we pray for comfort and His will out of this. also for protection of thoughts.

also, please continue to pray for the finances of her school.

we are trusting God and asking you to join us in this step of faith for the finances of the school.

Lord willing, i am flying to spend time with a friend from wisconsin to seek God on some possible future ministry this thursday. it will be a good vacation from word too. i think its needed.

thank God for that.

and there are also some pray needs for some health things for a couple friends. He knows what they are.. please lift them up with us.

thank you all for the prayers and joining us on this journey.

much much love, and may you be blessed with His greatest.. just because He loves you!

der israel

much yet to come

sometimes i am filled with such a joy and have a hard time expressing it into bunches of letters to make sense to those whom i am not able to hug or cry with right now.

more and more i am being convinced, though going through so many miracles and showers of His grace already, i am convinced that He loves us.. and not just us who know our forgiveness.. but those who really are lost.

what is the point to love others except to share the love, acceptance, forgiveness and mercy that we too have received with those whom we may call unworthy, or undeserving.

thank You Father that even though You know me, You still love me.

over the last weeks... well, possibly the last matter of days, much has happened and i expect much yet to come.

through working at starbucks, i have been privileged in meeting many new people and spending time with some of them.. whether it be climbing frozen waterfalls with them, or speaking about the differences of muslim beliefs and believing in Jesus... God has for sure been giving me opportunities for growth as well as relationship building.. including my relationship with Him.. and Kathy and my relationship.

for the time being apart, we have truly been blessed with time to skype, write emails or letters.. and when we have spoken, God has continued to grow our love as well as trust and understanding of each other. if He can do that while we are so far apart, how much more can we expect when we are again together (und nie mehr trennen müßen.)

sunday, she will travel back to wiler, switzerland, to continue with the Bible school. it is soooo good that she is doing it. we are still trusting Him for the finances. i know He will provide!

through His grace, the love of dear friends, and trust, i will be, Lord willing, flying to switzerland over easter to spend three weeks with my fiancée. it is really a miracle how it came to be and i am still staring as one who was just revealed the treasure of site. thank You Jesus, and thank you my dear friends for acting on His Spirit that dwells and lives through you.

Lord willing also, in two weeks, i may be traveling up to wisconsin to spend time with a dear brother whom i spend time together with traveling around in india. He has a dear heart for those in northern india and offered to get me up there that we can talk face to face about some things... i.e. missions, business, and conquering the world (nice way of putting it luke!!)

shortly after, i am hoping that a dear friend, brother and the best roomie one could never expect, may be coming to visit for a short time before flying to england to be with his honey honey. during the time that he is there.. it may be possible to drive down to my loved friends and family in scottsbluff, neb.

all of this is Lord Willing, and i continue to pray that His will be completely done in these plans, but i truly look with joy at how He will lead us and cross paths again.

my computer, thank God, is working with no problems. after that incident i was wondering if it would hold out, but since then, there has been nothing of the slightest as a defect or problem. i believe it was your prayers! thank you! (it may sound funny that i would ask for prayer that my computer doesnt break.. but it has been a major tool in prayer, relationship building and keeping in contact with many throughout the world since i have been back. so thank you again.)

Prayer points:

-Kathy and i as we are still apart and cannot skype so often. please pray that we are clothed in the entire armor of God eph. 5.10-18. wir schaffen das!

-for financial support for the Bible School.

-continual health.

-our families.

-our family.

also that i can soon meet with those i have not had much time with since i have been here. and His will be done in each plan that we have made for the near future.

i am thankful for the blessing that God will reward each of you for the pray and help regarding us or every other He has placed on your hearts.

thank you all who have been able to take action on their faith and help those in need.

as i have been encouraged to do so..

love in mercy.

we have all been shown mercy when we did not deserve it.. even now.

it is our joy to share that love.

viel Liebe, israel