auf Seinem Weg

a light in opportunity

2012-01-12T10:54:00.011+01:00

i suppose i never expected to see a sunny day in england... one where everything glows of

a sunny orange warmness and the occasion being, simple 'ol life.

that was, however, not the only thing to be unexpected... the main man was held up due to the opposition of the embassy.

his visa was not granted and his passport was never returned to him.

this, naturally, set a bit of a halt on things.

and as this week should have been gloomy and dark just as it should have been bright and full of joy with the wedding taking place, it was neither of these... but yet mixture of the both.

with the tension in the air of not knowing for so long, the answer that he is not going to make it was actually a relief, i think, for beth and her entire family. no one wanted to hear the news, nor

believe it was true but in this unexpected result, God will, is and has been lighting the situation with opportunity.

the largest being the opportunity to grow deeper in trust with Him. that one being of course the hardest too. as for the embassy

stuff, they are starting again from scratch and doing everything they can to show it is legit... the rest if literally up to God.

though this was the news no one wanted, the time was filled with laughter, english sarcasm, sunny and rainy days and unending memories and blessings.

it was a great joy to meet beths family as well as see sams family again. and then to top that, kathy was finally introduced too and we all shared some good experiences.

among these were the following:

scaling walls and fences to get over flooded roads.

seeing the ocean for the first time with kathy.

much walking.

seeing stan laurels home town.

laughing.

more english sarcasm.

having time at an english pub.

tea time.

praying.

trusting.

so, what this let down means for me is that i get to visit england again which is actually no let down. plus, we are believing that a greater victory will become of this.

i know that my trip there was filled with opposition and it would have been easy to be sour because of the flight delay, extremely bumpy

landing, missing of the train, overnight at the airport and so on... and i am sure if the devil had his way, this trip would have been a disaster for everyone...

but..

it wasn't.

It was refreshing and a blessing for all.

(at least i hope for all.)

whats next:

tomorrow i am spending the whole day taking a test (german B1)

in order that i may extend my visa. it just isn't as easy as it all seems with the visas and marrying.

(quick explanation: in order to get a permanent residence visa, though we are married, i have to have a certificate proving that i can speak, read and understand german as well as one from an integration course. this only means that i have to take a couple tests... it isn't really hard and comparing to what some must do, i am exceedingly grateful.)

in a couple weeks is the integrations test.

and Lord willing in a few days i will receive the material to start on the english course. (i have enrolled in an internet course to learn to teach english. it has been on my heart for some

time and who knows what will come of it.)

thank You God for leading and guiding us, for

blessing us in times of uncertainty with peace and providing for all our needs. we lay this entire pickle of events at Your feet and ask that You would help us in every decision.

thank You again for blessing us that last week so much and what is yet to come. and for all those reading this, may they too be filled with peace and rest and may they see what cannot be seen, hear what You hear do as You would do.

in Jesus name, amen!

for all those who emailed me, i do still plan on writing back... thought it appropriate to first write a blog of updates. thank you all for your prayers.

blessings and much love,

israel

ich bin mir sicher ich kann Dir vertrauen!

2012-01-03T09:35:00.002+01:00

only a few more hours yet and my flight takes off...

my arrival will be in faith as we all eagerly await to hear what the embassy decides...

my best friend sam is getting married. over the last month and weeks, i have had the privilege of joining him, his soon to be bride and others in his network of friends in praying for the appropriate paperwork to get him to his wedding in england.

his ticket bought,

family already there,

today the decision is to be made.

we are all waiting and trusting the only one who can give us the peace we really need...

God, please hear us in this plea for grace. and thank You for the strength, the hope and the peace that You continually given sam and beth during this time of trusting, believing and walking in faith. may Your name be completely praised through this!!!

You really are all we need.

in other news:

-I am enrolling in an online course to teach english. It has been something that has been stirring in my heart for the last year and the next step is to pay for it when we get back from sams wedding.

-Kathy is flying on thursday because she has to work. Please pray for her safety in arrival.

-God has been whispering to us about the future.. possibly near future and to pray about the direction of where He wants to take us. We both know that this time now is a time of transition and growing with each other and with God. A time of becoming a team. But we also know that this time is not forever... and that we should start praying about what is next as well as how we can be useful now where we are. Praise Him for His wisdom, grace and love.

-Christmas was a very good experience with the new in-laws :) and new years we spend with the youth group from our church.

-2011 is officially over, but the effects of it and all that has happened in that year will echo through our lives as God has really blessed us in the time apart as well as the time together.

This month we have been married for 6 months already and the time together has been the longest we have been literally together since we have entered the relationship together.

-One of the student loans is officially paid off! Praise God soooooo much!

Thank you all soooo much for the prayers and support through this time of repayment and in this entire life. The loans remaining are: two at about $2000 each. One at a time... little steps making big steps!

I wish you all back in the states the greatest joy this year. As 2011 was a huge year of change for us, 2012, without any clichés, will be even bigger as we trust in Him who saved us from death.

He is God, He is good, He is Jesus!

much much love and hope!

israel

(listening to: Will Reagan & United Pursuit)

well.. its mostly the same...

2011-11-17T18:55:00.002+01:00

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

2011-10-29T22:15:00.006+02:00

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

2011-08-31T17:02:00.002+02:00

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.

2011-08-20T23:44:00.003+02:00

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!

2011-06-29T05:20:00.000+02:00

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

2011-06-17T08:03:00.003+02:00

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

2011-06-10T07:45:00.003+02:00

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.

2011-05-24T19:50:00.003+02:00

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

2011-05-14T21:14:00.003+02:00

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

2011-04-22T04:54:00.002+02:00

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

2011-03-27T07:01:00.002+02:00

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

2011-03-22T18:31:00.003+01:00

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

2011-03-16T17:33:00.005+01:00

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

2011-02-23T00:50:00.003+01:00

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

2011-02-11T19:23:00.003+01:00

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

2011-02-11T18:31:00.003+01:00

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

2011-02-06T23:37:00.003+01:00

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

2011-01-29T20:44:00.002+01:00

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

2011-01-19T02:50:00.002+01:00

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

2011-01-09T05:15:00.004+01:00

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

philippi

2010-12-27T21:59:00.003+01:00

so i am determined to update and let all of you know what is happening.

it seems that every time i have desired to, it just has not happened and i apologize.

your prayers are huge, so first off, thank you!

i have mentioned last time that i was to shadow for the cna job again and see what God speaks to my heart about it.

last monday i called and cancelled the job shadow after much prayer and talking it over. i had mentioned that i want to help people, and not to do something just for the money in the interview. after i had said it, i felt a heavy push on me to keep to that. and i started checking in areas, especially this job possibility, to keep that real.

after the first shadow, and learning what the job included, it didnt line with my heart. i knew it would be done for the money and not for the work. i continued to pray about it, and was encouraged that if it is not something that i want to do, dont do it.

thus i called and explained my heart and what was up. she thanked me and said it is good that i know that much about me.

i believe that He is faithful, and that it is because of His grace that the loans will be paid off... not just mere human (my) effort. this creates a hope in me.

i remember talking last year with a guy from ywam as i was visiting my father in nebraska. we spoke about the debt and working. he told me that if God wanted to, He could pay off the loans with a flick of the wrist. and that indeed He does want to, but He wants more than just the loans gone. and the process that is taken to be financially free again will be something more of a huge blessing due to the journey and the relationships and the faith that is build.

so, not blindly, but with eyes fixed on Him, who i cannot directly see, but the effects of His glory and love can, and hopes to a goal i cannot yet see or imagine, i pray and work.

thank you for the prayers for katharina and i and our families. Kathys school starts up again around january 10th, (for those who dont know, she is doing a sbs in wiler in switzerland.) please pray for more supporters and financial help for the school. we both know that God called her to do this and me to be here and work. so we both put all our trust in Him!

i was reading pauls heart towards those in philippi, and how He thanks God all the time when He prays for them. i do the same for all of you. God has truly blessed me so much with the relationships with all of you, and the joy of fighting with you in battle for His truth.

the name of the blog right now is auf Seinem Weg which means, on His path. we crave this, that we can be the most effective for Him and with Him. but it is not just kathy and i who are on this path together but all of you who continually have prayed for us, supported us and remember us as we seek Him more and share His truth more boldly through His grace!

right now it is not so easy to see the victory, but surely as the sun rises every morning, so shines His victory in us!

i also pray for all those who are all over, whether it be in india, germany, nebraska and everywhere!!! and are working that His truth be shared to those who dont know it, for strength, love, energy, hope and more of Him!

for more workers for the field!

and for a unity that cannot be broken due to mere theological differences, minor offenses or death!

lets live for something higher than ourselves and our own needs!

calling the nations to the truth!

much love and thanks, israel

die mit deinen Füßen wirst du niedertreten

2010-12-16T20:30:00.005+01:00

the psalm will be in german.

its psalm 91...

this is truth. this is hope.

Wer im Schutz des Höchsten lebt, der findet Ruhe im Schatten des Allmächtigen.

Der spricht zu dem Herrn: Du bist meine Zuflucht und meine Burg, mein Gott, dem ich vertraue. Denn er wird dich vor allen Gefahren bewahren und dich in Todesnot beschützen. Er wird dich mit seinen Flügeln bedecken, und du findest bei ihm Zuflucht. Seine Treue schützt dich wie ein großer Schild. Fürchte dich nicht vor den Angriffen in der Nacht und habe keine Angst vor den Gefahren des Tages, vor der Pest, die im Dunkeln lauert, vor der Seuche, die dich am hellen Tag trifft. Wenn neben dir auch Tausende sterben, wenn um dich herum Zehntausende fallen, kann dir doch nichts geschehen. Du wirst es mit eigenen Augen sehen, du wirst sehen, wie Gott die Gottlosen bestraft.

Wenn der Herr deine Zuflucht ist, wenn du beim Höchsten Schutz suchst, dann wird das Böse dir nichts anhaben können, und kein Unglück wird dein Haus erreichen. Denn er befiehlt seinen Engeln, dich zu beschützen, wo immer du gehst. Auf Händen tragen sie dich, damit du deinen Fuß nicht an einen Stein stößt. Löwen und giftige Schlangen wirst du zertreten, wilde Löwen und Schlangen wirst du mit deinen Füßen niedertreten!

Der Herr spricht: Ich will den erretten, der mich liebt. Ich will den beschützen, der auf meinen Namen vertraut. Wenn er zu mir ruft, will ich antworten. Ich will ihm in der Not beistehen und ihn retten und zu Ehren bringen. Ich will ihm ein langes Leben schenken und ihm meine Hilfe erfahren lassen.

da steht es: Du bist meine Zuflucht und meine Burg, mein Gott, dem ich vertraue.

heute von dominik habe ich gehört und mit ganz viele Freude preise ich Gott. Er hat nochmal ein Wunder getan. Luiza, und schuldigung ihr beide wenn ich ihr name falsche bestabe, hat ein unmögliche Visum bekommen, das sie brauchte, in Amerika unterwegs nach costa rica umzusteigen.

wir sollen wirklich Ihm vertrauen. Er macht das Unmöglich möglich. das macht Er auch mit Freude, glaube ich, und das wir Ihm weiter noch glauben.

*it reads that He is our refuge, our fortress, our God whom we trust. today i heard from dominik and praise God with a great joy! He has done another miracle! Luiza.. sorry to both of you if i spelled her name wrong, has gotten the impossible visa needed to transfer in america on the way to costa rica to spend the time with dominik

we really should trust Him. He makes the impossible possible, and He does it with joy, that we trust Him even more!

wenn es bei dir etwas gibt, womit du Gott wirklich vertrauen mußt, macht so. hoffe auf Gott und keine andere.

lese Johannes 14 vor, und höre was Jesus zu den sagt, die nach Ihm folgten und auf Ihn hofften!

*when you have something that you really need to trust Him with, do it. put your hope in Him and no other.

read john 14 out loud and hear what Jesus tells those who have been following Him and placing their hope on Him.

kathy sollt jetzt daheim. danke sehr um Gebete für uns. sie vermisse ich ganz arg und freue mich auch sehr denn wenn wir dadurch gezogen sind, werden wir noch stärker in dem Herrn, und wissen durch alles mit Ihm zu gehen ist durchführbar.

*Kathy should be home now. thank you all so much for the prayers for us. i miss her so much but am also so excited when we get through this because we will be stronger in the Lord and have a knowledge.. or experience that with Him, getting through everything is possible!

ich spare noch um ein Flug, nach ihr am Ostern zu fliegen.

bezahle ich auch die Schulden und bete ob ich als Krakenpfleger arbeite. gestern hab ich es probiert und whoa.. nicht einfach ist es. ich bete noch und hoffe auf Ihn!

*i am saving now for the flight to see Kathy over easter. i am also paying a lot on the debt and am praying about whether or not a will take a job as a cna (certified nursing assistant). yesterday i shadowed someone for the job and whoa.. it is not easy but i am praying about it and hoping in Him!

also.. an den Gottesfürchtigen hab ich viele Freude und bete ich für euch, ihr den Herrn liebt.

höre niemals auf zu beten um alles, und dankt Ihm. Er ist groß! großartig ist unser Fels!

so.. on all those who fear the Lord, i have so much joy and am praying for you, who love the Lord.

dont ever stop praying for everything and thank Him. He is so big! so majestic is our Saviour!

viel Liebe und Hoffnung, israel

bpains

2010-12-11T20:31:00.003+01:00

december already.

the days go fast, but sometimes not fast enough.

i have been filled with joy in this time of preparation as well as filled with pain. though i consider far off, love is becoming more clear and i can understand bits more of how those felt, who wrote the churches in the earlier times, full of emotions and love for those who give it all for the sake of Christ.

how amazing it is to hear from others on how God has been leading them and blessing them with opportunities of growth and trust.

i only wish i could be with all those who are dear to my heart.

i dont doubt, however, that the day will come when i will have again time with each of you and we can praise our Father together.

i know that this time right now is a season, though necessary as it is, it is not easy.

katharina has Christmas break starting next thursday. she looks to work while she is home and Lord willing raise support for the rest of the school. please keep this in your prayers.

i look forward that she can be home with family and i only hope that they will speak truth into her, words that will build her up and give life. also that she can do the same for them! may she be protected from all lies and burden and leave it all with Him!

the seasonal job ended yesterday and now i am working at starbucks.

next tuesday i have an interview for a cna course. i am excited for it and we will see what happens.

we are at the time praying for an official date when we will marry next year. :) so incredible is our Father!

and Lord willing i will fly to her over easter.

thank You Papa for how You love us. i do believe that this time is really worth it and we thank You for the strength and grace to not only get through it, but to grow and learn much. please use us, all those who read this blog, and those who love You all over the world, for Your plans.

it is because of You that we have life in us. and may that life bring praise back to You.

let us not be useless with the knowledge we have of You, but shout it from the mountain tops to all the world.

to those in india, there is a hope that is falling and filling the air. of new pure life. i look forward with anticipation with you for your people!

zu allen in Deutschland, an euch habe ich große Freude und bin noch sicher das Gott etwas richtig schön bei euch macht. ich hab euch Lieb und denke an euch oft. vergisst nicht alles was Gott euch getan hat. ihr seid beruft! mit ein Beruft aber kommt auch Widerstand des Feindes.

wir haben aber schon gesehen wie größer Seine Macht ist als die Macht, die in der Welt ist.

ich freue mich euch wieder zu sehen und danke sehr um Gebete!

and to those here in the states, washington, oregon, nebraska tennessee and south dakota..

may His love fill your hearts as you live everyday. that your lives would be lived worthy of the calling He has placed on all of you. whether we see each other, and i hope we do soon, or whether it is still a long time between contact, know that my heart is with you as well, and my prayers for you is that love covers you. that unity lives among you and that each word spoken to each other is to build up. we are all part of one family, called together in one hope for one glory!

we can not thank all of you enough for all the prayers and love that we have been shown.

i hope that we can somehow repay all of you for the encouragement that you give us.

enjoy the Christmas season. the time when our Erlöser came to save us.

with much love,

israel

yokes

2010-12-04T23:54:00.002+01:00

so here i sit once again in starbucks after a shift, writing emails, talking with random people and skyping with Katharina.

for those who didnt know, she had some problems with her health this last week which almost sent her home early and possibly to the hospital for an operation. i send emails out for prayer and the next time i heard from her, i read about how God hooked it up and that she is now much much better and will stay the next week before their Christmas break begins. Praise be to GOD! in all seriousness, He answers our prayers.

so it looks that the seasonal job will be ending soon. that means that i may be earning less money but gaining more hours at starbucks. i had gotten a call back from the CNA job and am seriously considering it. the class wouldnt start until next january and then from there no job is promised. however, i know that when it is His will.. the job will be there at the perfect timing. or maybe just the training is what i am suppose to get for something else. i have been learning for years that what we may see as one thing is really quite another. step by step.

this Christmas may be the last one here for some time. all is Lord willing, but we will see. i would like to enjoy it to the fullest with friends and family. it seems that the time here so far has been both super good and super frustrating. sometimes i will go to bed praising the Lord and in the morning when i wake up i am full of discouragement. it has brought me to a point of being on my knees in praise regardless the circumstances. He is worthy, in every situation, of praise!

the loans are being paid on. i think the interest is finally up to par that i can start paying to the principle. it can be so frustrating sometimes as i look at the large numbers. my math takes me to getting these paid off much slower than i would desire. but my trust and hope is in God. as Kathy put it today: trust God!

i heard from dominik and would ask you to keep him and his love in prayer. they are suppose to meet in costa rica for Christmas and spend time in nicaragua helping, serving and loving. but she needs a transit visa for connecting in the u.s.. she comes from east europe and was already turned down for a similar visa that she could spend Christmas here in america with him. so plan b was in nicaragua and now this comes up. Dominik is a blessing and they really need prayer for this. please, even it is one time, lift this to our Father. He hears us!

katharina and i are still praying about if i can visit there for easter. i feel some prompts on my heart and have started saving money. yet another thing to trust Him with.

it is amazing that no matter how many things we come to Him with.. He is not overwhelmed. sometimes i automatically try and take family stuff along with katharina and i and my yearning for those all over whom are on my heart on and i am just thrown to the ground with all the intensity of how much we need Him.

yet!

our hope in Him never runs dry, He knows all that we need and He even tells us to throw all these heavy burdens on Him! matt.11.28-30

Katharina and i,

our families and friends,

all our needs,

Lord we look to You. Your grace alone is enough.

thank You Jesus for giving us hope to live for!

wir glauben Dir.

thank you all for the prayers and encouragement.

much love, israel

danke sehr

2010-11-28T20:54:00.006+01:00

the thanksgiving has just begun.

one thing that it says in the Bible is that if we want to experience His inheritance, it includes the amazing and the complete difficult.

i had to drop dominik off this morning at the bus station that he heads back to iowa before heading to nicaragua. i miss him though so much already. and as i keep in contact with those who i have had the great honour to meet whether it be in india, or hitchin, or in some other form...

my heart breaks. i would never trade the life that God gave me, but sometimes i wonder if some of that complete difficult we are destined to experience looks different than we could have imagined. that it is that longing and desire to heal the hearts of the broken all around.. to hold deep and close fellowship with those it seems that you never get enough time with.. or the tears that come from the hope that He continues to give us through everything.. for everyone.

die Freude am Herrn soll unsere Stärke sein. amen.

this thanksgiving was sooooo good. dominik spend almost the last week with my mom and i and we were so blessed with the food, fellowship and grace to be together and have so much fun.

we also spent a lot of time talking and catching up from the last year. how great is God that He would bless us so much.

i hope and expect much much more of Him in us as we continue through these forests, drinking just enough to get by.. but really deepening something inside of us that will forever hold to Him. let Your rivers of love and hope fill this world once again Lord!

work, at the moment, seems a bit hard. the mountain seems so big to cross. but God gives us what we need to make. this is yet a time of killing a lion!

God hooked up the bed just in time for dominik coming. i am blessed with two jobs still and have an opportunity to start another as the seasonal ends.

easter, if it is His will, i will head to where Katharina is. i believe this time is important and would be worth every extra bit of work done for it! sie lohnt sich!

katharina is not sick anymore. many others got sick too.. but i think the majority is getting better! thank You God and thank you all for the prayers!

loans are getting paid towards. and i am so excited to be free from debt! please keep praying too for katharina, for the school fees. and for health.

He has a perfect timing for all things.

i am more thankful for all of your prayers for katharina and i than you could ever know.

we will get through this with Him!

also, please continue to pray for my family.. and those who are around the world serving Him!

you are all in my prayers and i really thank God for all of you. i have been greatly blessed by the relationship with you and pray His highest good over you all.

i suppose i should go to work now....

thank you Father!

much love!

israel

thanks God

2010-11-21T20:18:00.003+01:00

for a quick catchup...

*um ein schnelle Update...

i have been at the starbucks job for two weeks now. i believe my training is officially over. :)

i really enjoy it here and consider it a blessing for sure!!!

*ich habe seit zwei wochen bei Starbucks gearbeitet. ich glaub meine Übung ist offiziell vorbei. da genieße ich es sehr und weiß, das es unbedingt ein Segen ist.

i am still at the parks dept too, but am not sure how much longer that will be. two checks are better than one.. but i am debating whether it is good to just keep one after the seasonal is done until next spring when they need people again.

*ich arbeite immer noch bei der Stadtgärtner aber bin nicht sicher wie lange noch. von zwei Arbeitsstelle zu verdienen ist besser als nur eins aber ich überlege ob, wenn diese Arbeite beendet hat, ich eine neue nehme. ich kann auch nur warten bis in Frühlings und noch mal bei der Stadtgärtner wieder arbeiten.

we have also been praying and considering whether it is possible that i fly back to germany for easter with Katharina. of course we both would like this, and we believe that it is also important. at that time we will have been apart for 6 months. i have been looking at flights and they went from 900 to 750 round trip. that is still a bit of money that could be used for loans (as one put it). so we are praying about it and trusting Him whichever decision He helps us to.

*Katharina und ich beten gerade ob es möglich ist das ich am Ostern bei ihr bin für 3 Wochen. natürlich wollen wir es beide und glauben das es sehr wichtig ist. dann sind wir seit 6 monate getrennt. ach... ich suche nach einem Flug und fand und merkte das das 900 war und jetzt ist 750. es ist ja noch teuer und ich könnte eigentlich das Geld benützen um die Schulden (als ein Man sagtet). wir beten und überlegen darüber und vetrauen das Er uns auf dem richtigen Weg hinführen wird. danke Gott!

Katharina and 6-7 others got sick from a virus that sneaked in there and so sore throats, coughing and fevers are going around but i pray and thank God right now for the healing for them all! that it would not affect the studying or overall joy and perseverance of the school, but instead strengthen them in God. i thank God also for personal healing for Kathy and her sister that we have been believing for! i thank Him now because i know that He hears our cries.

*mit 6-7 andere hat Katharina ein virus bekommen und haben sie halsschmerzen, Horchen und ein Fieber. ich bete aber und Gott danke jetzt um Heilung für denen, die Krank sind. und das es nicht die Stimmung von Lernen, Freude und Ausdauer raubt sondern stärkt die in Gottes Kraft. ich danke Gott auch um persönliche Heilung, darum wir glauben, für Katharina und ihre Familie. ich danke ihm jetzt denn Er hört unser Schreie!

dominik, from my dts in berlin, is coming tuesday for 4-5 days over thanksgiving. i am super excited.

*Dominik, der von meine Dts in Berlin, kommt dienstag um 4-5 Tage und feiern wir thanksgiving zusammen. ich freue mich schon.

the airmattress i have been blessed with stopped keeping its shape the other day. i have no problem with this, but am thankful instead for a roof and warmth... and a pillow. but i just learned today that God is hooking us up with a real bed. thank You God.

*die Luftmatratze, die jemand mir gegeben hat, ist kaputt geworden. es ist kein Problem und bin ich dankbar für eine Zimmerdecke und Hitze.. und einen Kopfkissen. ich hab aber heute gelernt das jemand uns ein richtige Bett gibt. Gott hat sich um uns gesorgt! danke Gott!

it is a blessing to see everyone here and i hope that we can connect more.

thank you all for the prayers and encouragement.

my wrists are at full working ability. i didnt realize how important wrists or knees and ankles are.. well.. how important our entire bodies are until a part is not working as normal.. or there is pain...

may we work as a body, helping and encouraging. i am part of the same body as you and you are part of the same one as me... we need each other to be at full working ability!

*es ist bestimmt ein Segen, die, die hier sind, zu sehen und ich hoffe wir können noch mehr Zeit zusammen haben. danke für die Gebete und Ermutigungen!

Meine Handegeleken fühlen sich ganz besser! ich merkte nicht wie wichtig die und andere vergleichebare Teile sind! also.. wie wichtig unser ganze Körper ist bis er nicht funktioniert wie normalerweise oder tut Weh.

lasst uns funktionieren wie ein einzige Körper, das wir einen anderen Hilfen und Ermutigen. ich bin ein Teil des gleiches Körper wie du, und du bist ebenso wie ich! wir sind nötig um ein ander um zu richtig funktionieren.

thank you!

for the prayers, encouragement, support and time.

thanks for caring!

be thankful!

*danke sehr!

für die Gebete, Ermutigung, Unterstützung und Zeit.

danke fürs Kummern!

sei dankbar!

much love, israel

almond sunset

2010-11-11T21:26:00.005+01:00

i wish words would just come to me when i want to write instead of sitting here with a butterfly net only finding mosquitoes...

*ich wünsche mir Worte wen ich schreibe. aber ich sitze mit einem Schmetterlingsnetz und finde nur Stechmücken.

i also wish that i could catch a glimpse long enough to hold on to, of what God is doing right now in this time.. in me, in kathy, in berlin, in india, around the world and in this time here in rapid city.

something that would not just die or fly away, but instead become a part of me. that i would become a part of it.

*ich wünsche mir auch das ich nur ein bisschen begreifen könnte und es auch halten, was Gott jetzt macht.. in mir und Katharina, in Berlin und Indien, über die ganze Welt und hier in Rapid City.

das ich es halte und es nicht wegfliegt oder sterbt. stattdessen es mich wird. das ich es werde.

i forget from who or in what i read this... and it is probably far from quoting.. but birds were made to fly. they were made to fly with the one hinderance of need to land. they are created with wing on purpose and when they fly, they are fulfilling there calling.

just like the bird, we are created to love our Father and be loved by Him.

*ich hab vergessen von wem oder worin ich das gelesen habe... und es ist wahrscheinlich weit von genau... Vögel sind erschaffen zu fliegen. ihre einzige Hindernis ist zu landen. geschaffen sind sie mit Flügeln mit absicht. und wenn sie fliegen erfüllen sie ihr Beruf.

genau wie ein Vogel sind wir geschaffen unser Vater zu lieben und von Ihm geliebt sein.

when we love..

*wenn wir lieben..

when we are loved..

*wenn wir geliebt sind..

we are fulfilling our purpose.

*wir erfüllen unser Beruf.

when we are loving God, whether it be through loving others or surrendering to His love, and just being.... loved, we are complete.

*ob es durch andere Leute lieben oder Ihm gehorchen, wenn wir Ihn lieben und wir einfach geliebt sind, wie sind vollständig.

though we can never be fully complete until we are with Him in His sanctuary, worshipping with all of His creation, free from distraction and comparing...

when we love here on earth, we are bringing more of that heaven here!

*wir können ja noch nicht ganz vollständig bis wir mit Ihm sind in Seiner Zuflucht sind, ihn preisen mit der ganzen Schöpfung, ohne Hindernis und Vergleicht...

wenn wir, die auf die Erde sind, ein ander lieben, dann bringen wir doch Sein Himmel hierher!

i have been working at the parks dept for about three weeks now. i suppose in some ways i could be called a gardner... may be a far stretch...

over the past week , roses have been the thing. cutting them back for new growth later, covering them with nutrients for the winter.. then leaves to keep them warm and finally wire to keep them safe. it is really intense how much it is in likeness to how God cares for us.

(take that where you will, i am sure we have all heard the comparison before, so i will save my opinion.)

as i enjoy working outside, this job is tough. my wrists are finally getting better that i can move them without deep pain. thank you for the prayers.

but i find myself thinking so often to the use of this job...

why do i work, why am i covering flowers or pulling them.. cutting plants or even hanging christmas decorations...?

why am i doing this job, how is it bringing Heaven to earth. how it is helping the people who do not have a bed at night or wake up without food in there stomaches only to add to that emptiness with more lack of daily needs that all should experience...?

like a dream playing, the time in india takes a bus to my heart. it sits down and each second it gets closer, it reminds me of the faces, the voices, the head nodding and the people who are there searching, being misled, stuck in cycles of destruction, and those who are faithfully there reaching out to those people... when i ride to work, i am riding closer to what God has for us (kathy and i). the seemingly wasteful but quick time at work is leading to freedom.

this time,

this time is preparation.

i just started a blessing of a job on the side to the other one at starbucks. learning about coffee and tea interests me and is a art of its own. the ethics of the company are what really strike me as hope. it is as if it is a ministry coffee business. besides being a big international corporation and not doing it all verbally for the name of Jesus... it gives a great!!! opportunity to build relationships with those who regularly come in.. and in fact, that is the starbucks experience! treating them as people and not walking wallets full of money.

i am super thankful for the time with family and seeing everyone here again. i really desire to get together with more people and share stories of what God is doing, as well as encourage and come to our saviour together.

God has a plan.

as the sunset marks off a glorious creation of a day, so can our lives mark the coming of His kingdom.

eternal His,

israel

maps of promises

2010-11-01T02:05:00.003+01:00

sometimes the title is the greatest fun in writing a blog. it sums up, in any way you desire, the entire entry or pouring out of heart.

can one really say to judge a blog by its title?

it is good to know how to sum up what you are trying to say.. keeping the main point always in mind. even when talking with people.. the get the point across and be able to express it in multiple ways but saying, in the heart of it, the exact same thing.

keeping the goal in mind is more than a complete sentence.

in this time of our lives, it is loaded.

what is our goal?

what are we living for?

why are we working, or saving, or why are we spending?

what are we living for... and why?

though i can not see the complete outcome of what kathy and i are doing right now.. it is because i can not fully comprehend, imagine, hope for or expect how wonderful His plans are and the end of His paths we walk on.

completely necessary is the need of paying off the debts.. gaining more freedom from this world.. and trusting.

i awoke yesterday morning with a song about Gods faithfulness on my heart.

it was completely contrary to how i felt about my own self.

He shows Himself faithful to those who are faithful.

does that shoot a boulder back?

taking the steps of coming back and pursuing freedom from debt has shown me glimpses of His faithfulness in comparison of how much He really is.

i do expect more miracles as katharina and i look past our needs and towards making His kingdom more and more important in our lives.

my wrists are in need of prayer from the work over the last week.. and possibly the work still to come.

saturday i got a nice phone call about being accepted on the team at starbucks.

God has forsure blessed me with such a fast opportunity for work though it does involve a lot of patience.

what a controversial blessing!

kathy is still studying hard and i thank you all for the prayers as she... well.. we continue to go deeper with our Saviour. this time is exciting as we both are expecting new birth of His talents and gifts Hes placed inside of us... especially her! and as we both grow in His love and grace while we are apart, yet growing together.

His faithfulness in response to all the prayers is what i am completely thankful for.

though we are not in india, or i am not in germany... we are still in need for a covering of His blood and protection.. especially in this time of preparing before we are sent out as a team.. as one.

thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!

i have appreciated the birthday wishes today from so many. this year, i desire, will be even better than the last. it will not be an easy year to top.. so i can only expect great grace.

oh we are so blessed!

needs:

prayer for kathy as the school is seriously intense.

for our relationship with Him to deepen as well as with each other.

health

grace with finances (for the SBS-kathy, and the school loans-me)

continual strength and grace to keep on His paths!

i am so thankful God for everything that You are!

i dont deserve all that You have done through me...

thank You for using us!

we trust You!

i pray His highest good over all of you. thank you for the prayers and reading about my life.

wow... thank You God!

eph.5.17

2010-10-23T22:44:00.005+02:00

ich liebe Dich, Herr, durch Dich bin ich stark!

i love You Lord, through you i am strong!

ps.18.2

all His ways are righteous and i am so stoked to be His.

things are of course not easy, but worth it.

*alle seine Wege sind gerecht und bin ich sehr gespannt ihm zu gehören.

natürlich sind manche Dinge nicht einfach aber lohnt sich doch.

earlier this week, my mom and i had some hard times but God brought it together.

it was a situation where God really did the impossible.

*früher diese Woche hat meine Mutter und ich ein paar schwierigkeiten, aber Gott hat es alles gut gemacht, sogar besser. es war ein Situation, in die Gott der unmöglich getan hat.

so thank you all for the prayers.

*also vielen dank um die Gebete.

also, with work....

*über Arbeit...

monday i start at the parks dept. after waiting for the background check to come through.

and in less than an hour, i have an interview with starbucks for a second job.

*Montag fänge ich an als Gärtner. es war ein lange Warte um die Hintergrundprüfung.

weniger als eine Stunde habe ich ein Interview bei Starbucks für eine zweite Arbeit.

we will trust Him and try with everything to stay on His paths.

*wir vertrauen ihm und versuchen mit alles auf seine Wegen zu bleiben.

last but not least...

we would like to ask for prayer from you about the next decision...

*last but not least

wir fragen euch um Gebete um unser nächste Bescheid.

the first part of the Bible school is over around january.

i will be here working and paying on school loans as planned.

we would like to do the second part together and are talking about kathy coming here after the first part. we would do a small wedding here and work together on paying off the loans.

during the time here, she can also learn more about my family/friends (you) and culture before we head back. after we head back, then have the larger wedding and do the second part of the school together.

*der erste Teil des Bibel Schules ist im Januar vorbei.

als geplant arbeite ich und bezahle die Uni Schulden.

Wie möchten der zweite Teil des Schules zusammen machen und darüber denken ob Kathy, nach der erste Teil, hierher kommt. wir würden eine kleine Hochzeit hier machen und beide arbeiten die Uni Schulden zuzurückzahlen. Während sie hier ist, kann sie auch meine Familie/Freunde (euch) und Kultur kennen lernen. wann wir zurück nach Deutschland/der Schweiz fliegen, werden wir die größer Hochzeit haben und der zweite Teil des Schules zusammen machen.

we have decided to take the next week and pray about it. next weekend, my birthday, we will come together again to talk about what God has laid on our hearts. super stoked!

*wir entschlossen uns über die nächste Woche darüber zu beten. an meiner Geburtstag, nächste Wochenende, reden wir darüber was Gott auf unser Herzen legte.

thank you all for the prayers with us and we will let you know what we do.

*vielen Dank um die Gebete mit uns. wir sagen euch wann wir wissen was wir machen werden.

we are more than stoked for what God has planned. we want to go with Him hand in hand!

*wir sind ganz begeistert um die Pläne, die Gott für uns hat. wir möchten mit ihn Hand in Hand gehen.

all honor and praise to You Papa.

i pray blessings over all who i have met, either hitching, or through closer relationship.

may our lives show that we follow Him by how we live.. not what we say.

*Alle Ehre und Preise zu dir Papa. ich bitte dich um Segen für die, die ich traf, als ich entweder trampte oder durch eine teifer Beziehung bauerte. lasst unser Leben zeigen, das wir seine Jünger sind.

much love to you all!

thank you all again for the prayers!

*viele Liebe zu euch! nochmal danke um die Gebete!

VL, israel

a shiny call

2010-10-18T19:17:00.005+02:00

over the last few weeks, much has happened.

from getting into the u.s... to the time in spokane, scottsbluff and now here in rapid city.

my heart still aches, obviously.

i have, however, been getting hit with little glimpses of reality.

here is an example.

i know this time is completely important.. that kathy gets rooted deeper in her faith and knowledge of His word and that i am here to work, be responsible and pay off school loans.

i know that this is important and necessary. does it make it any easier... well when it is only head knowledge, then no. it doesnt.

this morning, i was praying and claiming truth such as that He is with us in this time. that this time is needed. and that He has a plan.

i looked back through my day book from when i was in india and read a question.. why am i here in india God?

now i can see more reasons than i can understand of why i was there.

or, i was thinking about when Kathy comes here. we are praying about whether she comes after the 1st part of the Bible school, we marry and work and pay off the loans together. then go back and finish the 2nd half together. or whether she stays for the second part too and comes after.

i thought.. ach. how? it seems so complicated.

then i looked at the deposit slips of my account from support while i was away in india and in germany.

how humbling.

i always had what i needed.

i always had,

what,

needed.

even now. God gives us continual strength and motivation.

He blessed me with a job.

i am waiting for the phone call of when i can start.

He probably has the next job lined up already too!

as for transportation and somewhere to live, i know that HE will hook those up as i need them.

step by step. i have been lent a bike until i get one and am staying at my moms for now.

i am more than stoked that Kathy is growing and learning, that i get to work and pay off school loans, and that we are considered worthy to by put in a situation where we have to trust God with right now and our future.

i know that He has called us to be missionaries around the world.

it wont always be easy not knowing where our needs will come from one day from another.

but i know that this is the life He has called us to. that He has called our family to.

He has always used and provided for us as individuals. as a team, i can only imagine how much more He, even now, uses us and how He will take care of our needs too!

ok, i could write the rest of the day... haha.

thank You God! we are forever in service to You!

thank You for choosing us to be Your testimonies that You are God! and that there is none like YOU!

lead us on Your path.

and please bless all who read these blogs. they are so loved and so important for Your kingdom.

just to let everyone know...

in the time that i am here and paying off loans,

no one needs to send support.

but, if you do, i will use it to pay towards school loans.

i have about $13,000 now to pay off. lets watch it go down together.

this is a testimony.

thank you all for your prayers.

much love, israel

a job.. no.. a miracle

2010-10-13T20:46:00.003+02:00

funny what a walk after praying will lead to.

i had just finished skypen with kathy and was walking home. she had prayed with me over a job, and that i would get a job where i could learn something.. and not just a job.

at the moment, i thought about all the places i could work, the places where i already applied and the hopelessness i have felt about the working and paying of school loans. and immediately was convicted and convinced once again. with God, nothing is impossible.

naja.. then i walked home.

i walked pass the parks dept. building and felt it on my heart to at least go check it out. yeah.. what could it hurt. i went in, asked for an application and whether they were hiring. the one lady said that they are letting people go for the holidays.. but another lady said.. just fyi (for your information) one of our guys is looking for someone... actually as soon as possible, to do some work getting ready for winter. its all outdoor and hard work, does that interest you?

i smiled and said, actually thats exactly what i wanted.

called him later, he told me to come in today at 8. did that.. we spoke... and...

he said that i am hired. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!

how big is our Father in providing.

my mind has been completely swamped with thoughts over the last week and now.. ha!

tomorrow ill have been here one week and already i have been blessed with a job.

then, i got a call back from the cna position at the nursing home where i volunteer at. i went in today and signed up for the course and we will see if i get yet an interview for that.

this job in the parks is only for 6 weeks or so, that means i still need to get something for later... something solid.

around the time that this job is done, the course would start. haha..

i can just imagine that if this wasnt the way God is going to do it, then He has something even more wild! halleluja!

so, i have a job now.

my needs are:

transportation.. this means a bicycle, that i can get around easier than walking.

continue faith... trusting God with work, paying of loans and the relationship with Katharina.

a home... never to own one.. more of just somewhere to stay until kathy gets here next year. i cant really stay at my familys place. so looking for somewhere to stay, cheap, or better, trade rent for chores. hahaha

the next thing i may ask for prayer concerns Katharina.

for grace and strength with the school.

her body, that it will stay healthy and not have problems.

the funds for the school.

wisdom and peace about the near future as well as now in the school.

and for encouragement.

thank you all for the prayers.. seriously. you saw what happened with the job...

with already experiencing the grace, love and miracles that we have already lived,

this is normal.

living in His hands.

i will let you all know what is up as it happens or as we have prayer requests.

much much love and thankfulness!

israel

expressions of the other sheep

2010-10-09T23:35:00.003+02:00

i really want to tell all of you about the trip thursday from neb. to rapid, but in more details.

it will bring glory to our Father and Jesus Christ our Saviour!!!

my papa had to work shortly after six in the morning. not sure how it would work, but i asked if he would drop me off of the 26 shortly out of town. around 5 is when we left and at half past i was standing under a street lamp waiting for a sign of life from the city a few miles behind me.

nothing.

the occasion auto would drive by or turn just before where i was standing. but my thoughts of reality was leaning towards a long wait.

it was a little windy. though the weather would be later 80°F, now it was no more than cold. i tried to enjoy the coolness before i had to enjoy the heat later.

i little later my mind was made up with peace, i would lay in the field close by and see how warm my sleeping bag kept me as i tried to past the time with the sleep i missed by my early departure.

as i tried to get completely covered and situated, i felt the isomat deflat below me after a subtle pop. determined not to let it get to me, my eyes closed and my heart said a prayer of protection from whatever may bother someone laying in a field at early morning. sleep.

the first time my eyes opened, the sky was a brilliant orange. the sun had woken slightly and was spilling its glory out on nebraska saying, i am created by the Lord almighty. i awake every morning with the brightest of a shining heart in love with the world... and sleep every night with a peace knowing that you will be accompanied with the joy of a shining moon to light the path until i show you once again how much He cares for you.

i covered my head slightly and let my eyes close as i listened to all the cars driving by, unaware of the figure in the sleeping bag, enjoying the last minutes of sleep before a long but delicious day began again.

without too much concern, i looked at my watch which now read shortly after 7, i decided to still enjoy was i could but stayed fairly attentive of the present situation calling me to climb out of the bag, pack and with an outstretched arm, wait for ronald to pick me.

it was as if i was again in india by the color of the sun and the way it reflected light through the haze. i took advantage and closed my eyes, pretending to be back in the culture that never sleeps as we do.

i can not say how long i watched them drive by. only that when he pulled over, i was not expecting it. i had determined to pray for His highest blessings over the next 25 people that drove by. i got to 6.

to my greatest amazement and relief, he too had lived in germany which meant that our introductions would be spoken in german, as well as most of our conversation about God and each other.

we neared his destination, but were far from talking. after an invite for breakfast, we took our seats in a small family restaurant, ordered out toast and peanut butter and used our time to boast on what the Lord has done and how He loves us.

information exchange was in order and he let me out off of the 385 north, where i would wait, play with sugar beets, and decide that i was in no hurry.

the other man pulled over a quarter mile after me, then turned around and made room for my bags in the back and offered to take me to chadron. he has a child and is thankful for her. we spoke about both of our lives and shared laughs as well as hopes. i hope that the mother of his child will choose faithfulness.

he offered to take me to rapid then remembered that he had to work. amazed at the kindness of his heart, he deserves the best wife of all. and i know that God had maybe used me to remind him of His love. in john Jesus talks about his sheep knowing their shepherd. then He says that He has sheep on other hills too. and that they will come to Him when they hear His voice.

His children are everywhere. and they are searching for reality. something worth living for. and they are hearing His voice.

i sat on the side of the highway, amazed to find grass. my bags made for great lounging comfort and there i waited.

my mind could not so much as rest more than seconds before it would race again fueled by all the thoughts belonging to the assembly line of glory belonging to God. to the collection of praise that would make their way naturally to the King of peace.

it is weird that sometimes i will know which cars will stop and other times it is completely a surprise. i had expected the truck to, but unexpected by who was driving.

it was an older couple. they seemed to think nothing of it that they had someone they didnt know riding in their auto. we all ate peanut clusters and missions ruled the theme of conversation.

ölrichs is where i would enjoy the fruit they gave me and walk until my shoulders went slightly numb. dont just a person by their auto. dont just a person. cars and their worth determine nothing about the worth of those who drive them.

she was concerned about her bag and that i didnt step on it because it had glasses in it. she was also concerned more though with the way this nation is now ran. by our freedoms slowly being taken. she is determined to keep all of her guns.. pistols and rifles. i cant remember which one she has more of, but can remember that her heart also touched me as if God sung a tune from the words she didnt say and the concern she showed anyway. i am more and more amazed and humbled by who He may actually call His children.

i forget how cold it was in the morning because of the adjusting that needed to be done or the heat later. seated on a uncompleted light post, the heat took its toll. the mother in the cadillac took notice as i am sure many did. but acted in kindness by turning around and sharing an opportunity to bless someone.

she always wanted to go to india. enjoying the conversation, answering questions and using her handy to try and call my mother, our ride was accompanied by the theme of the day. He loves us. i told her i am praying for her and that God hears us. she agreed. then i hauled my bags out and stood in the parking lot of my mothers work.

through what Jesus has done for us, regardless of jew or gentile, we can all come to Him in one spirit. eph.2.18

i didnt earn this.

i dont deserve it.

i know He loves.

viel Liebe, israel

and it begins!

2010-10-08T20:11:00.002+02:00

the leaves are changing and covering the back streets i use to roam and will probably spend much future time in prayer as i cover them with foot prints once again.

it is good being back! i look forward to seeing everyone at destiny sunday and spending time with friends.

i believe God has huge things in this time that katharina and i take this time and do what God has placed on our hearts... her-doing this Bible school in switzerland, me-paying off school loans.

but please keep us in prayer with these goals and as we are apart.

this morning i was getting some of the loans stuff in order and the total of the loans comes in at around $13,000. which is not too bad and completely possible to pay off... with His grace.

if anyone knows of a job (preferably of a job that i can learn a trade from. i.e. carpentry, construction, and the such...), please let me know. and all prayers will help!

moms number: 605 341 3214

my email: zwael.boyce@googlemail.com....... (without periods on the end)

other than that info... Kathy still needs provision and prayer for the school. they are seriously intense with the school.. super good!

and i am on the job search and trying to consolidate the school loans.

i look forward to seeing everyone here!

thank you everyone for the prayers!

much love!

israel

the curse of loving people

2010-10-06T22:37:00.003+02:00

i think it is best when i write these things in english first. the whole native speaking role takes place. alrighty then....

the last couple days have been quite the roller coaster rides... not just from my dads driving :)

i had thought that i would be on the way to rapid today, but decided to stay one more day to visit another bible study group that my dad goes to. it is so cool how much he loves me and likes telling others about me or proudly says.. this is my son! i am thankful that God has rebuild our relationship.

so it is forsure worth waiting another day and being with my dad and the people here. i will miss them when i am away... ach.. the curse of loving people is the pain of be separated from them to be with other.

i will continue to trust God with job search and hunt. He laid on my heart to be in rapid.. and ive had to turn down a couple opportunities. so i am expecting something super and quick too.. either way i am excited to head up to rapid and see more family and get a job.

i am also missing Katharina.. a load! and trusting God with the things of emotions and worries or what not. i am thankful for the time we get to skype, but it is shrinking as we both have more responsibilities during this time of preparing for the future. so you would think that when we speak it would be.. hey.. so good that we are talking.. but it is more.. a sadness that we are apart and cant talk long.. and instead of cramming our conversation with this and that.. i find myself not wanting to speak but just enjoy. please pray again this sadness! that we could be filled with joy to talk.. whether it is 5 minutes.. or more... or even less. that we would be filled with the love and joy of God, knowing that He is with us and enjoy His presence with us together even when we are apart. thank you for the prayers!

in other news..

i have really enjoyed the time here already and am sorry for the ladies at church sunday that i wont see this time around. but know that it is not my last time here.. !!!

the groups i have see have been a blessing and thank you all here for the prayers! i know that He hears them and has given us an extra truck load full of grace and love.

my cold is getting better. simple tasks like breathing should not be taking for granted.

Katharina is learning a lot! the assignments are of course intense but super good (i would say). i am super stoked for her and am so proud of her for following through with steps of faith and patience. she is also able to concentrate better! Halleluja to God! and she is enjoying being there.

please pray for the funds for her school. and faith to not worry about it.. also for her body and health, that it would be complete sync with the way God designed it.

tomorrow i hitch to rapid. i pray for His grace. as far as i know, my dad will drop me off before sunrise because he works early, then i spend my time in prayer as i wait for a ride.

then.. the job hunt begins.

God has already blessed me muchly. but i know i will need continual strength to keep my eyes on Him in this time and work as hard as i can, not questioning or doubting what He has called me to.. and the same goes for kathy. that she would also press through with faith and we would use this time as best as we can.

thank you all for the prayers. and i honestly mean it when i say that He hears them. though sometimes things are hard, He is always with us. i know because even what i have been through in the hard times couldnt have brought me here without Him.

He is with us. this i know.

Papa, help us see You. i am sorry for the stupid things i do, or the attitude that i have. or the times that i am selfish or unconcerning. please lay these things aside once again and help me do that too, to just look upon Your greatness. i know that all my silly worries and ideas are nothing compared to Your love and grace. please fill us new with Your mercy and joy. help us give over this yoke that we carry and just concern ourselves with Your matters, Your heart and Your plans and desires. please take us further into Your presence and grow us. please take all doubt and stress away that we could once again just feel Your peace through it all.

You say that You will never leave us or forsake us. You say not to be scared, because You are always with us. and You say that You are on our side.

ok!

i believe You. please help us love You more than anything else in this entire world!

we hand it all over to You once again.

and thank You for everything!!!

... for hearing us.

... and being near to us through it all.

Your plans are soooo good! please do it all in Your timing.. and forgive us of our failures.

i love You God and want to do it right.

use us for Your plans.

thank You Daddy for hearing me.

please bless all those who read this. shower them with Your presence and strip away everything that hinders us from You.

Jesus, its because of Your death that we can come to the Father. i am forever in debt to Your grace! thank You!

may it be as my heart is prayed.

much love.... and thanks!

israel

washington to nebraska

2010-10-04T20:31:00.005+02:00

krass.. so bin jetzt wieder in nebraska bei meinem Vater. es ist bestimmt schön ihn wieder zu sehen. wahrscheinlich nur für ein paar Tage bin ich hier dann ich nach rapid city trampe. es ist wirklich ein Wunder dass ich jetzt hier bin. danke Gott.

*wow.. i am now in nebraska again at my dads. its good to see him again. i will probably be here only for a couple days then up to south dakota. its a miracle that it worked out to come here first. thank You God!

als ich in spokane war, könnte ich mit einige Leute begegnen und wollte ich sofort eine Mitfahrgelegenheit nach rapid city finden. es war aber ein bisschen anstrengend.

ich muss aber sagen.. ich glaube Gott arbeitet jetzt an mich wegen Geduld und Friede zu haben. ich habe heute nachgedacht über die Zeit in indien.. und merkte ich viele Situationen wann ich so hart an mir selbst war oder hatte keine Geduld mit andere...

*my expectations in spokane for a rideshare were rather high and the time waiting was spend with meetings and prayer. at times i was a bit restless. but it is clear that God is working on me in areas of patience and peacefulness. i was thinking over the time in india today and noticed many situations when i was either hard on myself or had a complete lack of patience with others.

Gott, aber tut immer etwas großer als unsere Pläne. Donnerstag hat Gott mir gesagt zu packen. dann habe ich gesprochen das wenn ich keine Mitfahrgelegenheit kriege bevor samstag, dann trampe ich doch. dann hab ich eins gekriegt und wir haben geplant das ich mitfahre nach sheridan, wy. (sie fahren aber nach denver Colo.) samstag mittag. das ist noch 4std. weit von rapid city aber ich dachte besser als die ganze streck.

ich habe samstag mit meinem Vater telefoniert und dachten wir das ich zuerst vorbei nebraska kommen kann ihn und die andere zu besuchen bevor ich in rapid city eine Arbeit anfange und keine Zeit dafür.

*but God does things that are always bigger than our plans. thursday God told me to pack. then i came to the decision that if i didnt find a ride before saturday, i was going to hitch. i found one and they were going to take me to sheridan wy, (and they drive to denver) where i would hitch. Better than the whole stretch to hitch. the ride would leave saturday afternoon. i telephoned with my dad before and we both considered whether i could stop by there before rapid, where i would work and maybe not have time to visit him and the others in neb.

so die habe ich angerufen und fragte ob ich doch mitfahren nach irgendwo näher zu meinem Vater und ja, natürlich haben sie gesagt. samstag waren sie 9std. zu spät aber das macht nichts. am abend aber fühlte ich mich ganz schlecht (krank). so ich könnte schlafen als ich gewartet habe. ich bin um 1uhr abgeholt und wir sind bis um 1uhr die nächste Tag gefahren... wannsinn!

mein Vater traft uns in eine kleiner Stadt und habe ich von meiner Mitfahrgelegenheit getrennt. und jetzt.. bin ich in neb. aber nur bis wahrscheinlich mittwoch, wann ich nach rapid trampen möchte (wegen Arbeit).

*i called and asked if i could ride with them further to close where my dad lives and they were completely down with that! saturday they were 9 hours late.. but it turned out to be more of a good thing. in the afternoon and evening as i waited, i started getting more sick (flu) and was able to lay down. they picked me up at 1 in the morning and we drove until 1 the next morning. my dad met us in a small town and my friends and i split ways.

so now i am in neb. but i hope to hitch to rapid on wednesday (because of work).

also.. ich möchte sagen.. sorry zu allem die in spokane, die ich nicht gesehen habe. ich hoffte viel mehr zu sehen als ich eigentlich habe. so, es tut mir leid. es ist aber nicht die letztmal die ich in spokane bin. und nächste mal Gottes Wille mit meiner Katharina. hihihi!

danke für die Gebete und Freundschaft. wir sehen uns doch bald.

*so, to all those in spokane that i didnt get to see, sorry. really. i hoped to see much more than i actually did. sorry. but it is for sure not the last time i am in spokane.. and Lord willing next time it will be with my Katharina.

thank you for the prayers and friendships. we will see each other soon.

für die, die in nebraska sind, ich bin beim Missions Gruppe und Singles Gruppe. ich hoffe wir sehen uns. es wird mich total freuen! aber Sonntag kann ich nicht kommen, sorry. ich muss früher als später nach rapid gehen das ich eine Arbeit suche. weiss aber mein Herz ist bei euch!

*and for those in nebraska, i will be at the missions group and singles group (even though i am not single anymore). i hope that we see each other. it would be rad!!! i cant come sunday.. sorry. i need to get to rapid sooner than later to search for a job. but know that my heart is with you all!

also.. ich soll aufhören zu schreiben. danke für die Gebete. deswegen bin ich jetzt in neb. und nicht auf der Autobahn. danke! sei gesegnet.. ich bete auch um euch!

*i should stop writing now.. thank you for the prayers. thats why im in neb. and not on the interstate. thank you! be blessed. i am praying for you!

viel Liebe, israel

unterwegs (english)

2010-09-29T08:52:00.005+02:00

here is the time to write.

sorry for the long delay in blogs. the last week i have been in transit and now i am finally in the us. i cant say that i am particularly thrilled to be. of course it is different here, but the hardest is that kathy and i are on complete different continents. but we both know that it is both right and important!

i read in phil. today something like this... was ever happens, delight yourself in the Lord. it will only make you stronger!

we claim this verse for us. was ever happens, be excited in the Lord!

i am thankful for His joy in this time. we will get through this!!!

He is with us (you).

the ride to wiler was good except when we all got a stomach ache because the curving and slanting tracks the train rode on.

as we got there, the base leader picked us up and took us to the base. the following couple days were so good getting to know the other stundents and staff and enjoying the last days with Kathy before coming back for some time.

i am excited and know that it was completely important that i got to know the other students and staff at the base.

after i left, the others told Kathy that its a bummer that i had to leave and couldnt stay. it was as if i had already become a part of the group/base. i really wish i could have stayed!

I am so blessed! i know that God is taking care of kathy and my self. :)

i said tschüss to everyone and then kathy helped bring me to the train station. we said a difficult "see you later" and then i stepped into the train and was on the way to zürich.

i stayed the night at a friend from regines place. and early the next morning was on the way to the airport.

the flight was slow and i had a lot of time to pray and think. in düsseldorf i had to give the police a paper proving that i was leaving germany.. to prevent problems when i return next year. it went as smooth as peanut butter! yummy!

i also had the opportunity to speak a little be with kathy over telephone. thank You God!

when i got into vancouver, i converted some money and needed to call the oma from a friend. i only had .40 loose change.. then a man came up to me and handed me .50 cents!

ha! wow!

later i was picked up and enjoyed a fast and relaxed afternoon and evening after being awake for too long and missing what i now call home and the one whom i miss the most.

the next morning, the oma dropped me of at the border of the U.S.. i was sure it would be a long process because i would be walking across, and they would want to check my stuff and so on... so i prayed that it would go good and gave it up to Him. i had a 2 min. conversation with the man behind the counter, and was again walking... totally a blessing! ha!

the first ride was an atheist. we spoke a bit about it and as i got out, i said... i know you dont believe in God, but i will still be praying for you! then he said thank you!

the next ride, i spoke a lot about mountains and missions with. he likes the mountains too! and his name is sam! (good name!)

both of the first rides spoke a little bit about route 20 and so i decided i would try for this route to spokane.

the next one told me about how God changed his life. and that marriage is so beautiful when it is with the right person. (i am already completely excited!)

the next ride spoke with me a lot about cars, burgers and horses. he told me about a wound that he has from a job.. and how its still a problem. so at the end i told him that i would be praying for him. and i am still praying.

the next one was super cool! an older man. we talked about a lot. he reminded me a little bit of my papa. he invited me for some coffee at his house and of course i said ja! then i met his wife, used the bathroom and petted his dogs.

(i have now decided that in the u.s., i will not drink anymore coffee!

the next one... ja.. still one. we drove through the mountains together! WOW! it was unbelievable! he had told me that he almost didnt drive on the 20.. and it was the same with me. i thanked God and him!

we spoke almost the whole time about this and that... and more...

when we arrived to his destination, he kept driving and said.. i am going to take to the whole way to spokane (about an hour further than he needed to go.)

i was shocked but thankful!

he told me later that he doesnt like it when someone claims to be i.e. a christian.. but doesnt live like one should.

then i could tell about my life and that i now see no reason to live if it isnt truly for God. it was good!

thank You God. You take care of me.. always!

i pray for everyone i met on the way to spokane. WOW.. for healing, truth, blessings and the future that You have for them!

may we completely rejoice because You are God and You love us!

also.. in this time, please help us to keep growing.. with You and each other!

we pray for Your people around the world. for strength, grace and faith.

may our enemies not triumph over us. but instead teach us how to use our sword!

please bless all the people in my life. You have completely blessed me through them. and i cant thank You enough!

everyone in spokane.. it is amazing to see you!

the people in rapid and scottsbluff area, i look forward to the time we will have!

and the people in wiler and germany, i miss you and am excited to come back home!

and Kathy, i love you and am praying for you!

rejoice in the Lord!

we rejoice together!

much love, israel

Unterwegs!

2010-09-28T18:30:00.003+02:00

hier ist die Zeit zu schreiben.

schuldigung für ein lange nichts. über die letzt woche war ich unterwegs, und jetzt endlich bin ich in den usa. dagegen kann ich nicht so froh sein. natürlich ist es anders hier aber die schwierigste ist unbedingt dass kathy und ich getrennt sind. wir wissen beide das es richtig und wichtig ist..

ich habe heute in phili. gelesen. es steht etwas wie das.. was immer auch geschehen wird, freut euch im Herrn. denn es wird euch nur noch mehr stärken.

das ist bestimmt für uns und euch! egal was passiert, freut euch im Herrn.

ich bin dankbar für seine Freude in dieser Zeit. wir schaffen das!

Er ist immer bei uns (euch).

so, unterwegs nach wiler war gut. regine, kathy und ich alle hatten ein bisschen Bauchweh, aber nur einbisschen. als wir angekommen sind, hat der Baseleiter uns abgeholt, uns zum jmem base zu nehmen. der nächste paar Tage war so wunderschön alle die Leute kennen zu lernen, und die letzt Tage mit Katharina bevor ich nach den usa gehe.

ich bin froh und fühle es war total wichtig die leute und base kennen zu lernen. danach wenn ich gegangen bin, haben die andere kathy erzählt, es ist schade dass ich gehen musste, dass ich schon ein Teil des gruppe/base war.

ich bin so gesegnet. ich weiß Gott kummert sich um kathy.. und mich.

ich habe tschüss gesagt zu allem und kathy hat mich zum bahnhof mitgebracht. wir haben ein schwierig bis später gesagt und bin ich eingestiegen unterwegs nach zürich. ich bin übernacht bei einem Freund von regine, und früh die nächste Morgen bin ich zur Flughafen gefahren.

der Flug war langsam und ich habe viele Zeit benützt zu beten und denken. ich musste ein Papier abgeben in Düsseldorf das ich raus Deutschland fliege.. und hat es gut geklappt. ich hatte auch der Möglichkeit mit Kathy kurz telefonieren. das war komplett schön.

als ich in vancouver gekommen bin, habe ich einigegeld getauscht und wollte die oma eines freundin anrufen. ich hatte aber nur .40, dann ist ein man zu mir gekommen und mir .50 cent gegeben. ich war erstaunt!

ich war abgeholt und genoßte Zeit mit dem. die nächste Morgen hat die oma mich zum grenze des Vereinigte Staaten mitgenahmen und raus gelassen.

ich war sicher das es nicht einfach über die Grenze zu gehen würde.. so ich habe gebetet und es zum Herrn gegeben. ich hatte ein 2 min. Unterhaltung mit dem Polizist und war nochmal unterwegs. ganz einfach! ha!

der erste Mitfahrgelegheit war atheist. wir haben darüber geredet und am schluss habe ich gesagt.. also.. ich weiß du glaubst nicht an Gott.. aber ich werde immer noch für dich beten. und er danktet mir.

mit dem nächsten, könnte ich viel über Berge und missions reden. er magt auch die Berge!

er hießt sam... (ein gute name!)

mit beide, haben wir über route 20 geredet.. dann dachte ich das ich es probieren würde nach spokane zu ankommen.

der nächste hat mir erzählt das Gott sein leben geändert hat. und das Ehe ist ganz total schön wenn es die richtige Frau ist. (ich freue mich schon)

mit dem nächsten, haben wir über Autos, Burgers und Pferde geredet. er erzähltet mir über seine Wunden und am ende sagte ich, dass ich für Heilung beten würde. ich bete doch!

der nächste war auch super cool! ein älter Man, wir haben über viel geredet. er hat mich ein bisschen an mein Papa erinnert. er hat mich eingeladet für ein Kaffee zu Hause.. natürlich habe ich ja gesagt. und dann traf ich seine Frau, aufs Klo gegangen und streichelte seine Hunde.

(ich entschied, ich trinke jetzt keine Kaffee in den usa!)

der nächste.. ja. noch eine. mit ihm bin ich durch die Berge gefahren. Wannsinn! er hat mir erzählt dass er fast nicht auf diese Weg gefahren ist. es war ganz gleich bei mir!

wir haben fast die ganze Zeit geredet.. über alles!

am schluss, hat er gesagt.. das er mich nach spokane mitnehmen würde (eine Stunde weiter als sein Ziel.) er hat mir auch später erzählt das er nicht magt wenn jemand sagt z.b. dass er christlich ist.. aber lebt ganz anders. ich könnte mehr erzählen über mein leben und jetzt sehe ich kein Grund ohne Gott zu leben! es war auf jedenfall schön!

danke Gott.. Du sorgst um mich! immer...

ich bete auch für alle die ich Gestern traf. Wannsinn.. ...für Heilung, Wahrheit, Segen und Deine Zukunft.

ich danke Dir auch für deine Pläne in unserer Leben. es ist ja schwierig.. aber wir stehen mit Dir und vertrauen Dir. lasst uns freuen denn Du bist Gott und uns liebst.

in dieser Zeit, hilfe uns auch weiter wachsen.. mit Dir und einander.

wir beten auch für Deine Leute über die ganzen Welt! für Stärke, Gnade und Glaube!

lasst unsere Feinde nicht über uns triumphieren... sondern lehre uns unsere Schwert zu benützen!

bitte segne alle die Leute in mein Leben. Du hast mich komplett gesegnet durch die.. und ich kann Dir nicht genügt danken!

alle die Leute in spokane.. ich freue mich euch zu sehen.

die Leute in Rapid, ihr kommt bald! :)

und die Leute in Deutschland und Wiler, ich vermisse euch ganz und freue mich schon wenn ich wieder nach Hause komme.

Kathy, ich liebe dich! ich bete fest für dich!

freut euch im Herrn!

wir freuen uns zusammen!

viel Liebe, israel

tomorrow... switzerland.

2010-09-22T23:25:00.003+02:00

whew!
so. morgen fahren wir (das heißt, katharina, ich und die freundin von katharina) in der Schweiz nach Wiler. dort werden kathy und regine, unter veile andere, ihre Bibel Schule machen, die dauert 9 monate. ich übernachte beim Jmem zwei nachte, und fahre nach Zürich, bleibe eine Nacht und fliege Sonntag nach Vancouver. dort werde ich eine Nacht bleiben und Montag nach Spokane trämpen.
Gott ist komplet treu!
wir hatten schwierigkeiten über die letzt paar Tage, weil wir immer unterwegs waren, jemand zu besuchen und abschied machen. aber dadurch gehen wir mit Gott! und ich kann ehrlich sagen dass ich weiß Gott ist bei uns!
bitte bete noch für Kathy, und auch die Regine... für das Geld die Schule zu machen. Gott hat schon so viel getan! so danke für alle eure Gebete. aber hört bitte nicht auf!
bitte bete auch für ein paar andere dinge...
z.b. dass ich eine Arbeit finde wenn ich wieder in usa bin.
die Familie von Katharina (Heilungen und Ünterstützungen)
und die Leute über die ganze Welt, die Gottes Wort und Hoffnung erzählen!

also... echt danke!

so.. tomorrow, katharina, me and her friend are going to wiler, switzerland, where they will do their SBS. i stay at the base a couple nights, then head to zürich and stay one night. sunday i fly to vancouver, and through God's tremendous grace, i have a place to stay there too!
(this is all Lord willing). then i will head to spokane (tramping!)
God is so faithful!
over the last fews days.. katharina and my time has been filled with appointments of saying goodbye and so on... and it really proved to be difficult. but God was and is with us as we go through it! i can honestly say, God is with us!
please keep praying for kathy and regine, for the money for the sbs (school of biblical studies).
God as already done so much.. but please don't stop praying.
please pray also for a few things...
that i will get a good job when i am back in the us.
for katharinas family (healings and that they would encourage).
and for all those who are about spreading God's word and hope around the world!

thank you all so much for the prayers and support! i look forward to seeing you all soon!

much much much love, der israel

abschied in berlin

2010-09-14T10:07:00.003+02:00

goodbye berlin.
i spend some time saying goodbyes and informing people of why i am heading back to the states.
it is amazing how faithful God is to those who are obedient. i enjoyed a small goodbye party at the ywam base and was completely blessed by the time with everyone there over the weekend. i will forsure miss them, but the time will come and i am blessed to know that we are working hand in hand for His kingdom!
i know that it is right to head back and pay off loans before entering into a marriage with katharina.
freedom from debt, financial responsibility and a change from poor mentality to rich (meaning having all i need and trusting Him to provide).

yesterday was spend coming down to memmingen. twas a difficult day indeed. though i was dropped off by tobys parents half the distance, my patience and faith took a beating as i waited all together for at least 4 hours.. and kathy still ended up coming and picking me up 100km from home before we got home around 11pm. at first i felt like God had just left me there... but after time and prayer... i realize that He didn't. in fact, He sent me the best ride i could have asked for!
i may not understand why things happen the way they do.. but i do believe that He is faithful and loves us! i was blessed that katharina came and got me and the drive home was long but peaceful...
a small revelation: every good and perfect gift comes from Him. but i think that means.. when someone brings you joy.. or you are blessed from something... or when you get ride from someone who you met a couple years before in a whole different country.... they are all gifts from God. that includes the possibility to return and do what needs to be done and grow in the mean time.. or somethings we may not consider good in the moment, but leads to a better future.
His creation reflexs Him! but is not Him!

this morning was rather joyful regardless of the complications of transferring money. thank God for grace.
i purchased a ticket form zürich to vancouver for the 26. sep.
details of arrival are still being worked out... hahaha. God will hook it up!
but the first stop will be spokane before heading back to south dakota in mad search for a job.
i am excited to see everyone back in spokane and look forward to our chances to tell each other of the things that God has been doing in our lives. let's boast in Him!

middle of next week, katharina and i will make our way into switzerland shortly before her school starts, and a couple days later my plane will leave.
please also be praying for her school fees (SBS). God called her to do the school at this base, so He will make a path and has already begun.

thank you all for the prayers! they have kept me encouraged and led me through difficult times into victorious solid truths.
be strong and brave. have no fear and don't doubt. because the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go!

see you all soon!
much love, israel

the vision... stepping forward

2010-08-31T23:17:00.004+02:00

so the time has come... so to say, and it is rather... well, exciting but a sadness is also here... one that is quickly drowned out by the hope and grace of our Father!

today, my heart was confirmed to follow a path... a difficult path but right nonetheless.

the Plan/Goal/Ziel!

katharina and my heart share the same direction of sharing God's word across the world and wherever He leads us. germany and india are forsure two of those places... and we have felt called to do so with ywam (youth with a mission). in order to do so and before we marry, the school loans need to be paid off. and with the situations here of finding a good job without the proper schooling being difficult, and with katharina in the Bible school for nine months, i know what i need to do.

i need to fly back to the states and pay off the school loans in a period of about 9months.
the visa i have now ends on the 13th of september (a little less than two weeks from now)... and i am not sure if i will be allowed to get an extention for the necessary time of raising funds for a flight back to the U.S..

please pray about all of this.
here's a run down of steps for the future (the vision)

-return to the u.s. and find a job (probably in rapid city)
-take the nine months while katharina is in her Bible school to pay off the school loans. i realize that nine months is a bit ridiculous to try and pay $12,000 of school loans but i know that when i am faithful with it and do what i can, God may just do a wonder. it wouldn't be a first.
-return to germany (may 2011) and, together with katharina, work with ywam and plan for the wedding. (how long we work in germany is not determined or how exactly but we are trusting God to show us more when we are taking those steps)... (... and we are looking to get married in july 2011).
-return as a team to india (also looking with expectation for guidance as we come to these steps.)

the biggest step right now is for these next nine months of preparation. getting things in order with finances... ministries... and our hearts. we both expect that God will be doing some surgery on our hearts, minds, thoughts and even in our relationship with Him and each other, in this time. but all of it is completely necessary to become the team that God has called us to be for His kingdom work here in this dark and lonely world!
OH i thank God that we don't have to do this alone.

there are some other things that i would ask pray for that i don't need to share details of... but please pray for an outpouring of His grace and mercy and that we could do His will in His timing and following Him with everything we are!

with about two weeks left, i am more than excited to see how God provides for the flight and for kathy's SBS (school of biblical studies). please be praying and thank you all for the prayers already... know that He hears every request and praise to Him.
OUR GOD IS NOT DEAF OR DUMB! but mercyful and with huge hope for us to share in His wonderful glory!

the flight runs from 500 € to 5x that much...
and the Bible school for katharina is 7000 €.

these are our needs. please pray for them and His provision.
i know that He is faithful where He calls.
1. because it states so in the Word: 1.thess. 5.24
2. because He has done it before!

thank you all so much for the prayers... i am filled with hope as we enter into this new season together and i look forward to seeing all my loved ones in the U.S., and sharing and hearing of how God has been working around the world!

(side not, my best bud sam is now in india leading a small team for God's kingdom. please keep them in your prayers too! your prayers are powerful and effective! the world and His workers need them!)

for support...
of course it must still go to my mom's address!
and here it is!

israel boyce
c/o kimberly boyce
3741 canyon lake dr. 2.307
rapid city, S.D. 57702
U.S.A.

be filled with the love of Jesus and share His hope fearlessly!
live using what He has given you to spread the Kingdom. today.
tomorrow comes to fast and leaves even quicker!
let's share His message of salvation in all that we do now!
because Jesus loves us all... especially the "rejected and looked-down-on."

real people in need of real hope.

with love and steps of faith,
israel

confirmation and patience

2010-08-26T09:31:00.002+02:00

i would like to apologize to all my friends back in the states for a lack of blogs in the past...
and especially thank those who have been so faithful reading these little windows into what God has been doing.. or the struggles we are facing.. or what is on my heart.
and... i really would like to thank all of you for the prayers. i can not say how much you all are worth! each with power behind your prayers and authority to overcome the enemy with one name! JESUS!
and i must say, God has been answering prayers... from day 1! He cares about us and takes joy in showing it! (this is what i believe).
and.. before i begin.. i would also like to give a special thanks to my dear ones in missions group, singles, and the ladies group at MBC. you know who you are, thank you for walking this path with me. it is a joy to know that we are in this together!

so.. God answers our prayers! i kid not!
a few weeks ago some of you know that katharina was in the hospital for some problems with her intestines. the doctors said that probably came from her time in india. this brought conflict with her family and her and i had to really lay down our rights and desires about whether we would be going back to india or not.
then, she underwent a procedure and the doctors said that it was probably not from india... but had no idea exactly what it was. a week later, she went in again for an appointment to hear if they have found anything out.. and all they could say is that it was gone.. and they don't know where it is!
our prayers are answered and God is bringing more healing than we can ask for!
thank you! and praise to God!

the next exciting news is a blessing in disguise.. and it wasn't until lately that i realized what it is.
very often, i am in transit from berlin to memmingen and back. i think some have looked at it as a hassle and cannot understand why i would keep doing it (besides for the time with katharina and building our relationship). clearly is this so.. but after discussing the things that have happened during the times hitching from one end of germany to the other, i have realized that these time with strangers have been completely blessed. katharina put it something like this...
>>all those people who are traveling and pick you up hear about jesus.. and as much as you do it, soon everyone traveling in germany will be evangelized.<<
i had for a while frustration because i wasn't in one fixed place so long and keep going from one place to the next.. and in this, it is difficult to do ministries or to build on a ministry. but that is exactly what has been happening.
God has completely used and blessed the situation of me being in berlin and katharina being in memmingen. each time i travel to her or back to berlin, at least one person has to hear about the things God has been doing! (just being able to talk with them in german is a miracle and is almost always talked about... no one has been able to really explain it as anything else!)

in these times with these loved strangers, i have been stretched in really explaining what i believe, why i believe it. the german mentality is not easy to accept things they don't know.. or haven't experienced. and when i explain that Jesus died for them... one man asked why? as i explained more.. i could understand why it could be so hard to understand. trying to explain to someone that sin separated us from Him and that's why He came as Jesus to pay for all our sins is not so easy without proof. he looked back at me with unbelieving expressions.. then i was able to share testimony after testimony of things God has done in my life.
he asked if i really believe that God did all of it.. i had to honestly reply, "Yes. i do."
he did agree that going places to help them and show them practical love (God's love) is the better way of life, but going without money or not knowing what will happen or what's next is not something that he could do. and to call it serving God is hard for him to accept. there was even one point when we spoke on buddhism and hinduism and how they are different from christianity.
all in all, after we arrived in berlin, i got his number and he said, "well, i heard something new today." a seed was forsure planted.

it is things like this that has encouraged me in so many ways and helped confirm what i believe God has called me to.
i am excited to do this more with katharina.

things to pray about:
-finances for katharina to do this SBS (school of Biblical studies - YWAM)
-funds for the things i need to pay for... i.e. insurance, work permit/or flight back to the U.S..
-further direction for the next nine months.
-strength, perseverence and grace in the struggles of learning more about each other with the arising cultural difference and preconcieved ideas.
-acceptance from katharina's family for us and the way of life God has called us to.
-and more boldness and God's spirit when sharing His salvation and miracles with others.

we are both greatly encouraged by all of your prayers. thank you all so much!

know that we are praying for you too.. for more of His spirit.. leading.. and strength to live a life worthy of His calling.. for healing (miriam and daniel-dresden).. strength.. provision and trust.. and thanking Him for each of you and all He has already done!
all praise and honor to our KING!

much much love, israel

erwarte mehr

2010-08-24T12:05:00.003+02:00

i just wanna throw a shout out there for prayer.

there has been many things coming up for both katharina and i over the last weeks that have been taking us deeper but also really putting stress on us. today is one of our prayers answered.. but we are expecting much more.... needing much more.

katharina is accepted for the Bible school (9 months) in switzerland. so how we are waiting on God for the provision. and it will be a great testimony for her family when He provides it all!

i am waiting on the work permit.. but am praying between staying in germany (whether it is in the north or south) and going back to the U.S. for the time that katharina is in the Bible school to work and pay towards school loans. which ever way it does go.. God's hand will have to lead me in faith.

i am super blessed to be here and to have been here for this time. and thank you all for the prayers.

but please keep praying. and let me know what i can be praying for from your end. it goes both ways!

i am in memmingen for the week and then back to berlin. katharina desires to head to herrnhut for be sent out from the ywam base there for the Bible school.. and i hope i can join her.

Papa.. we are so tired. so weary. we lay all these things before You. all we need is You. bless all who read this blog and thank You for their prayers. may all their needs be provided for and that they truly live with You.

God is faithful. i trust Him.

ok... wohin...

2010-08-17T22:00:00.004+02:00

so..

been doing some serious praying....

the work permit i have been waiting 2 1/2 months for... has a different glow to it now.

if i get it, that means i can stay in berlin... well... germany... and work. however, accepting it may not be so helpful in the process of building a foundation to have a family. and it doesn't look that i will be learning anything for the future.

katharina and my church and where we want to marry is in memmingen (south germany). so it is also an option to try and find a job there while i wait for an answer about the work permit from berlin. then i(we) can continue to build a relationship with the people there and with her family.

and the other option is to head back to the states. to be completely honest, i would rather stay in germany, but it may be best to head back and get somethings in order (loans,license,church,family,support,work,and so on..). the next question would be when...
in this moment i have 60€ to my name.. meaning that i would need to work that i could afford a plane ticket to the states. thus... needing to wait for the permit... or if friend have work for me then no permit is needed. and if i get the permit.. how long should i work...

so.. these are the options to be praying about and discussing.

so yeah...

been really doing some serious praying...

i can taste the familiar road i have walked before...

the taste of trust without any surety of the near future.

only a vision and hope light what i hope to be the correct path for this time.

i am preparing to head back south and look for a job and build relationships.
i will still be waiting on the answer from the foreignors office and using best judgement about decisions in whatever case (yes or no).

if i don't achieve in getting a job in the small amount of time left...
then it leaves yet another road to travel...
but the direction yet to be seen.

now...

praying and taking each step full of faith..

here
we
go.

please pray with more for the right path, the right doors to be open, more finances, continual grace in katharina and my relationship, strength to keep going with faith, and truly some miracles.

nothing can separate us from His love!

stück für stück... ach!
es lohnt sich.

thank You God that we are not alone. that You guide our paths. please lead me in this. help me do what You have planned for this time.. that i can learn some foundations for the future, pay off loans... and take responsibility. please open the door for a job in the right location.. whether that is berlin, memmingen, or even in the states. we trust You. and will take each step with full faith in You!
please bless all who read this.. that they too would continue to take these uncomfortable steps of faith(fulness) in the direction where You lead. and that they grow a deeper faith with foundations deep in Your grace and faithfulness!
may Your will be done!

i (we) am Yours for the making!

if anyone would like to support...

please send to my mama!

kimberly boyce
3741 canyon lake dr. 2-307
rapid city, sd 57702
u.s.a.

thank you!

much love... israel

hehehe.. still stoked on what God has for this time! He preparing something big...

verlobt / engaged

2010-08-09T12:28:00.003+02:00

i am more than excited to inform all of you across the world of some wonderful news that took place on a mountain between a bearded man and the sweetest little woman with deep brown eyes and a heart to change the nations.

on august 7, 2010, katharina, myself and two of our friends decided to make a small mountain tour. praying the whole time, and for weeks before, i had the rings in my pocket and was waiting for God to show me the perfect moment to speak with her alone.
God absolutely showed us wonders.
i asked her...
and..

she said, ja!

Father....
what can i say... what can i say or how can i truly express how blessed you have made me, and give You the thanks You deserve?....
please make us a part of Your plan. use us for Your desires. we want to be Yours.
thank You Papa! with a heavy heart of joy and surrender, thank You!
lass uns in Deine Liebe verwurzelt und gegründet sein. mit Dir werden wir nie aufgeben. wir sind zusammen mit absicht und um Deines namens willen.
hilf uns stück für stück. DANKE DANKE DANKE HERR!
so sei es!

thank you all for the prayers and being with me in this life!
greatly blessed, israel

struggles of letting go and holding on!

2010-08-04T12:26:00.002+02:00

Father, lately it's been hard to trust in You, but please help me not to give up.
also, i pray for all who are struggling with trust.
may we look past our losses and be willing to give it all.
our time.
our comfort.
our all.
You are so good. GO GOD!
amen.

with previous pains,
unhealed wounds,
and an underlying selfishness..
i am learning to get past myself with these false thoughts and to really believe:
HE IS WITH US.
with more than much to learn,
i know the day will come when our old selves will die
and
we will know our freedom in Christ!

you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
so sei es.

love love love...
israel

between pride and love

2010-07-30T12:34:00.005+02:00

my hands and feet are still a bit cold, but i have switched into dry clothing and am waiting for my hot tea to become lukewarm that i can drink it.
katharina is at work, her parents are at work, her sister is at work... and i am here typing to you, telling you of the things that God is doing... so i suppose that is also a bit of work.

i spend some of the morning sleeping and the other reading in john about how God has chosen us, not the other way around. Jesus also talked about Him being a weinstock, and we are the branches. we are made to bare fruit. and the other point is that Jesus is the only way to the Father.

it would be hard not to understand this one.
Jesus is the only way to the Father (God).

last friday Katharina was blessed with a ride up to berlin, then we spend the weekend there at flea markets and with the family i live with. monday, we hitchedhiked together for the first time back to memmingen. i can honestly say, it was one of the best experiences i have had in germany hitching. and it was even better because we worked as a team and spoke with the drivers about where God is leading us in our lives, and what He has already done.
God completely blessed us with safety and amazing people to speak with.

the second person dropped us off right in front of Katharinas house. and as we drove into benningen, he mentioned that He doesn't think that it is right to tell others that their faith is wrong. and that all are for one God.

i think this is where i sometimes get mixed up. it seems so beautiful to say... oh, it doesn't matter what you believe, muslim, jew, christian, hindu... we are all seeking and following the same God.

BUT that's not true!

Jesus even said it in john 15.21
the people of the world will be against you because you belong to me. they don't know God who sent me. and in john 15.18-19 says something like this...
when the world hates you, then remember that they first hated me. the world would love you if you belonged to the world, but that is not so. i have chosen you to step out of the world, that's why they hate you. (my translation from my german Bible.. look it up yourself if it sounds a bit off!)
i take that as... when we are trying to please everyone and say that all is for one, then we are saying that Jesus is not the only way to the Father... and we are calling Him a liar. and if He is (and He is most definitely NOT a liar), then everything we believe is questionable and it is all a hoax (and it is NOT a hoax!) i believe He is real, hears our prayers, and died for us that we could be back with Him, as we were made to be!

for example... i wanted to get a skateboard last week, or at least start pursuing skating again.. but as i looked at everything, thought about it, and realized the money i don't have to put into it, i was frustrated and decided to forget about it. but Katharina kept praying with me that God would hook it up. that He would give me a skateboard and what i needed to skate.
yesterday i was riding a bike in memmingen and rode past a skateshop. i wanted to go in, though completely broke (no money in my pocket or account), so i did. i looked around and chatted with the people (trying to understand the german skateboard terms that i have yet to learn) then as i was walking out, the main dude asked where i was from. we started talking and he said for the time that i am in memmingen, that i could use a board from him and skate with them....
He hears our prayers... and answers them. and if that example is not blunt enough... then read some blogs that i have written over the last year...

it is always more pleasant when we make everyone happy.. and everyone thinks that they are on the right path, what they believe is true.. and so on...
but we mustn't let this slip by unnoticed. Jesus is the way, truth and the light. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Him. through what He did. do we want to acknowledge Jesus, or make people comfortable? i pray for the strength to always speak the truth that is revealed in Jesus, to speak it with boldness and love!

tonight, Katharina and i speak at our church infront of the youth about what we have lived with God over the last years. i am completely excited for it and can only expect that God wants to stir something in the hearts of the youth here.. or has already begun and wants to use us for His glory! HALLELUJA! and, it will all be in german. hehehe. (danke Herr dass Du mich Deutsch gelehrt hast! was für ein Wunder!)

i am still waiting for the work permit to come through. i will let you all know when i know.

thank you all, really, for the prayers and support. i am not doing this alone, and really couldn't do this if it weren't for all of you who pray for me... even if it is only one time... thank you!
i am also super excited that i don't have to do this all alone, but have Katharina, and that we can serve Him together as a team... wir stehen zusammen!

so, thank you.

my hands are warm again and it stopped raining, maybe i'll go for a walk!

much love, israel

faithfulness forever

2010-07-20T01:11:00.003+02:00

i was speaking with katharina about faithfulness.

we want to be completely faithful to God and to each other!

then God told me that we should read a psalm together, and He told her psalm 91.

and this we pray...

those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

this i declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

He is my God, and i trust in Him.

for He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with His feathers.

He will shelter you with His wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.

do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.

just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

if you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you, no plague will come near your home.

for He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.

they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.

you will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

the Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in My name.

when they call on Me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

I will reward them with a long life and give them My salvation."

psalm 91

Wer im Schutz des Höchsten lebt, der findet Ruhe im Schatten des Allmächtigen.

Der spricht zu dem Herrn: Du bist meine Zuflucht und meine Burg, mein Gott, dem ich vertraue.

Denn Er wird dich vor allen Gefahren bewahren und dich in Todesnot beschützen.

Er wird dich mit Seinen Flügeln bedecken, und du findest bei Ihm Zuflucht.

Seine Treue schützt dich wie ein großer Schild.

Fürchte dich nicht vor den Angriffen in der Nacht und habe keine Angst vor den Gefahren des Tages, vor der Pest, die im Dunkeln lauert, vor der Seuche, die dich am hellen Tag trifft.

Wenn neben dir auch Tausende sterben, wenn um dich herum Zehntausende fallen, kann dir doch nichts geschehen.

Du wirst es mit eigenen Augen sehen, du wirst sehen, wie Gott die Gottlosen bestraft.

Wenn der Herr deine Zuflucht ist, wenn du beim Höchsten Schutz suchst, dann wird das Böse dir nichts anhaben können, und kein Unglück wird dein Haus erreichen.

Denn Er befiehlt Seinen Engeln, dich zu beschützen, wo immer du gehst.

Auf Händen tragen sie dich, damit du deinen Fuß nicht an einen Stein stößt.

Löwen und giftige Schlangen wirst du mit deinen Füßen niedertreten!

Der Herr spricht: "Ich will den erretten, der mich liebt.

Ich will den beschützen, der auf meinen Namen vertraut.

Wenn er zu Mir ruft, will Ich antworten.

Ich will ihm in der Not beistehen und ihn retten und zu Ehren bringen.

Ich will ihm ein langes Leben schenken und ihn Meine Hilfe erfahren lassen."

psalm 91

please pray this together with us and that we can be a team for Him in everything we do!

thank you all for the prayers already.. for the support and for the encouragement.

He hears us and responds!

in His love, israel

polish truck drivers and mosquitoes

2010-07-14T19:12:00.007+02:00

a sure ride somewhere, especially across a country is always reaffirming but not nearly as fullfilling as stepping out with a thumb to the sky and hopes higher than the temperature. it this case, my thumb was very high...

after katharina dropped me off monday morning.. and we had our long goodbyes... i walked not so confident to the onramp for the autobahn. it was rather heavy to have some time with God before i waited for a ride. so i did just that.

i am always amazed at how much He loves us. we do stupid things.. are impatient... look to ourselves... and yet He desires us more than we desire our greatest wants.

i looked at my watch... 08.27... then stuck my thumb out for every auto that droved by me. maybe 7 minutes later a car pulled over and stated that he was driving to augsburg and i could come with when i wanted. i responded.. das geht... and climbed in with my backpack full of clothes and things for a two weeks of living comfortable.

we spoke and then had a drive through our destination and he dropped me off at a gas station on a sketchy street on the way to the autobahn, direction münchen.

the street is know for the rvs on the side and prostitutes.

so as i made my way a couple kilometers to the autobahn along this road of empty feelings.. i prayed. i prayed for the people seeking and the people handing out. i prayed for the families and for the hope and faithfulness that they all needed. i prayed because i know that God hears us.

i approached the onramp and decided that this would not be the greatest place to hitch... but stuck the thumb out and hoped for His will.

maybe 13 minutes... or less, a car with to younger guys picked me up. they were on the way to münchen and were thrilled to take me with. we spoke the whole time and really enjoyed the ride. after maybe an hour, the driver left me and the other passenger in münchen near public transport. the lad and myself took a bus to the s-bahn then he left me in the direction for the main train station. i searched the possibilities and found a spot where i could stand on an onramp and thrill more onlookers waiting for the person God had planned.

these two blessed me extremely and i pray that God will bless them with a thousand and ten times the amount they blessed me. thank You God for hearing plea.

as i rode the u-bahn, i ended up speaking with a man from bangledesh. i asked if he came out of india and he corrected me. then asked where i was from... after telling him usa.. he switched to english and seemed rather excited. i told him what i was doing in india and he asked if i was a christian. i said yes.. then he asked with a slight smile and a bit of pride what i believed and told people... i told him that i believe that Jesus died for our sins that we come have a relationship with God and be with Him... and that i desire to show them Him in real ways and love them that they could see who Jesus is.

he said.. the second one is right.. but not the first.

then went on telling be about how he cannot and will not believe in anything without proof.

as he told me all this, there was a dark skin woman standing close by with a baby. and as i told him that our relationship with God is based from faith and belief. that though we can't see Him.. it is evident that He is real... and i said... looking around... how could all this be without God. how is this not proof.... the lady shook her head as to say like a southern black woman... MmmHmmm. that's right. preach it brother. (she didn't say anything.. but i could imagine it very clearly)

he refused to listen and continued on about how without proof.. it cannot exist. he was convinced that without proof... it is completely foolish to believe.

we walked away after out stop and i could tell that a response or any truth at all was not what He was seeking.. merely to speak out why he didn't believe as if to say that he was in a stuggle, knew the truth.. and didn't want to be wrong just yet.

may he know the truth and be set free!

i walked to the autobahn and can truthfully say that it was hot. the distance was not so bad.. but as i waited for the ride... i could have gotten a sunburn through my clothes. thankfully i didn't.

a man picked me up and we chatted. he was a blessing of a man. we spoke about a few cities and he eventually left me at a rest area by a burgerking. i sat on a stone, ate some bread i had with then spent more time with God. shortly after, a car pulled in front of me and the door opened. it was the same man that had dropped me off. he told me that he didn't like at all where he had left me and wanted to take me further.

what for a blessing. his heart was shown for what it really is. compassionate, merciful and full of love. he told me that he had some boys of his own and couldn't imagine leaving them at the last stop... it wasn't what he had thought it was. so he took me further to the next reststop and left me with a handshake and blessings.

part 2

this was the reststop that shaped the next several hours of this trip back to berlin.

i met a couple young guys from poland and spoke with them for some time. they spoke about how people don't need money but relationships.... how friend back in poland thought they were crazy for hitching and that they were glad that they still meet people like me.. out on the road living and not just saving.

we walked towards the onramp together then saw two more people with a sign for berlin. i thought... great. how well we both get rides to berlin.

the polanders went back to the gas station and continued their strategy of asking people versus waiting with a thumb. i walked to the onramp and used the way i favored for asking people i don't know to trust me and take me with....

eventually i got bored of waiting and walked back too. after asking a couple of people and not finding anyone more, i walked to a table and sat in the sun light. i had the feeling that i should speak with the two hitchers wanting to go to berlin... but had no desire to. however, i did eventually.

i stated the obvious at first in german that they were going to berlin. they asked if i spoke english and asked where i was going. then we asked each other where we came from. they told me lithuania and i told them america.. then we told each other good luck and maybe we'll see each other later.

i waited a stones throw away in curiosity whether they would get a ride or not... judging that if they didn't... i would probably not either. after some time, they grabbed their bags and walked across the parking lot with a hustle. it was obvious that they were not staying any longer but instead would enjoy a ride to another location. it gave me joy and i knew that God would take care of me too.

as a few cars drove pass, i took note of whether or not i would see my lithuanian companions and eventually when i did, the car pulled towards me and the one of the hitchers said that i could ride with if i wanted to go to dresden.

my reply was casual but with hidden joy.. joy that i was going to be much further to berlin and would maybe make it there that evening. ha.

when we arrived at the next restarea, we decided to split, thinking it would be a better idea. after and hour and a half of standing by the onramp... i noticed the only lithuanians i knew in the whole world walking with a lack of stamina towards me. we decided to try together.

me, the young man and young woman enjoyed waiting together as we tried different ideas to getting a ride at least to dresden thinking that we could get a ride to berlin easier from there. we tried it all... signs... dancing... smoke grenades... (actually no smoke grenades... and we probably didn't really try it all either.. but it sure felt that way.)

we decided to walk back to the gas station and ask people. here is where i was completely stoked on deutsch.

it is not the first time, but seemingly the most important or useful time i translated.. or asked on behalf of us all for rides. it is weird speaking a language that others don't understand. in one way it is neat and i like it... but in the other.. i wish that they could enjoy knowing what is being said too.... thankfully we all spoke english when speaking with each other.

after some time... and trust me, it was some time... we found two gentlemen who said they were could drop us off in dresden. they had two cars and i rode with the second. he comes from poland and is named andreas (andrew). we spoke about quite a bit in the amount of time we had.

i told him why i am in germany and live in berlin and going now to berlin... about katharina in south germany and how we met. about my day and how we were both in münchen in the morning. then he told me that he sells cars, can't speak german, had a family and that they are the most important thing in his life. then i showed him a picture of my katharina and he showed me pictures of his family. the ride with him was greatly enjoyable...

then we both noticed that the car with the others seemed to miss the turn for dresden. we questioned each other how it could have happened then he called his friend.

after a confusing conversation in polish, we pulled into the next restarea with the others and i thought....

na toll.

part 3

it was already dark by now.. and this reststop had semis and toilets.

that's it.

we said thanks and thought over our situation.

dark. nobody driving. totally wrong direction. no food.

we found a way to a bridge and crossed the autobahn then asked three different people for a ride. the first one didn't want to take us, the second was scared and drove off before he really knew what was going on.. and the last was a small car with already three people.
we were left with a bunch of polish truck drivers and mosquitoes.

so we decided to walk to seemingly civilized area across a field. we walked through an industrial area to a smaller dorf like setting.. then started talking about where we were going to sleep. we were all tired, hungry and wanting some sort of something that would shine a bit of light and hope into our situation.

what turned out to be really good though, was the conversations during this time. in fact, the conversations with every ride that i had had. all of them wanted to know why my german was so good... what i was doing in germany and why i was hitchen. with these two, they wanted to know what i do with ywam, what i believe exactly and so on...

later, they pointed out two people outside a house and asked me to talk with them.. asking where a döner is or maybe some civilization. (german blessing to the rescue).
these two people ended up taking us back to the reststop with the gas station was. it was such a blessing. there we had water, food and people.

we ate a little food, i drank water, and then we searched the field where we spend the night.

i wore my jacket, used my backpack for a pillow and a t-shirt for a blanket and surprisingly enjoyed a good 6-7 hours of sleep. i was most of all thankful that i wasn't alone.

the next morning... after realizing that i just slept in a field and am still on the way to berlin, i enjoyed to time with God, brushed my teeth and suggested to the others that we start off soon and maybe we can get a ride with the poeple leaving the hotel.

we waited but went back to the gas station instead. after a short time, we were blessed with a couple who took us to dresden. there we found the main train station, an asian market and an internet café.. all which played important roles in getting us somewhere.

at the asian market, we bought a little food to fill in for a lack of breakfast. at the internet café, we found where we would wait for a ride. and at the train station, we accidentally found the exact tram that took us to the location we previously found on the internet.

as we arrived, we took advantage of the lidl market and bought bread, water and chocolate. then asked someone where the onramp is. he gave the directions for someone who was driving and we decided to try for a short cut.

as we walked, the girl kept asking about the directions and if this shortcut would really work out. then she admitted that it is extremely hard for her to just walk and not know where and how things will work out. i thought over it and realized that i am wearing completely different shoes then her and that i rather enjoyed finding out how God would work things out. (He does deserve all the glory for the grace that has been given to me throughout my life). then we talked a little about the differences between catholics and christians. the girl broke in and asked how it was even important whether mary was holy or Jesus was and that it didn't apply to our lives now.

pretty heavy.

unfortunately i didn't know how to respond in the moment and we quickly changed the subject to the joy that we were on the right path for the autobahn.

Lord, please show here the truth and importance of Jesus!

we got to the heated onramp and waited. it is crazy how God gave me joy and hope even though the others seemed rather indifferent and talked as if they didn't believe we would ever get to berlin. after telling them they should cover their waters from the sun.. we decided split again.

within a few minutes... a car stopped and the others got in with total excitment. at this time i was unsure if they had anymore room.. but then they drove towards me (like last time) and i saw the empty seat waiting for me. (thank You God)!
it was our ride to berlin. the ride we had waited for for 24 hours. and everything that we had gone through was completely worth it in my book.

as we sat in the car to berlin, the couple we were riding with asked us if we wanted to go swimming on the way. so, was stopped in spreewald and enjoyed a dip in the lake where i discovered that the chocolate i bought was now soup.

after, we enjoyed a pleasant but warm ride the rest of the way to berlin. afterwards, i walked with my two new friends to where they would meet their friend.. but not without buying some icecream in celebration of the accomplishment God had blessed us with. we were in berlin.

Father, this was quite the two days and full of blessings. all of the people you brought along my path.. the grace you showed me through them.. and allowing me to be able to bless them...
i can't thank You enough. may all You desire to accomplish through this be done. for the people i met, and for those who read this.
may we represent You well. with boldness. love. and truth.

thank You Jesus that it does matter.

You matter. they matter.

VL
israel

standing on moving mountains

2010-07-09T09:29:00.003+02:00

one year ago, i could not have hoped for everything that God has done in that short of time.

today last year, i was with my dts in costa rica... my german was still minimum to none... katharina was in nepal with her dts... there was no india visa in my passport... i didn't share memories with sam and others in ywam idaho...... and i didn't know a lot of you that i am writing to now!

but this last year has been fast and full of memorable experiences that has influenced the next year to come.
currently i am sitting in south germany considering, praying and seeing reflections of something so much bigger. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His ways are not our ways. the heavens are so much higher than the earth and His ways are so much higher than ours.. and His thoughts are so much higher than ours. (isaiah 55)
what is one to do with anxious feet and a heavy heart... with willing boots and sweating hands... with the need for patience and perseverence?
i want my entire life to relect His decrees. (ps 119)
if someone has enough faith, he can move mountains... but what about those who wanna be on that mountain when it moves!
God is doing endless miracles in this world.. and yet it still looks so... it's a mess. but His body.. you and me... will continue to be sent out. trained and sent. and His armies will never withdrawal. His grace will not cease. and His river, His waters, will never run dry. and what comes from Him bares fruit!

i have not spend a load of time in berlin lately and have not been part of any specific ministries. as first it bugged me and i began to wonder my roll and why i am here.. now.. i realize that He has begun work inside of me. building a man of God and warrior for His love and truth. i am not sure what this will look like in the months and year to come... only that He will stay by my side through it all....
in berlin: my time with the peschels of almost three months have come to an end and i can only hope that they have been blessed in the mulititudes that i have by living with them. i am now living with a family just outside of berlin... more of a village setting... and am not certain of how long or what God will do with the time.
my email still sits empty of the appointment from the foreign office for a work permit.
to be honest, i am not sure which is better... whether i get it or not. but i am sure that God will continue to lead and i pray for the strength and grace to follow!
the last week in south germany with my katharina has been amazing and a huge blessing. next monday, Lord willing, i will head back to berlin.
it still hits with a surprise of how my Papa keeps blessing us.
thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.
my pennies are becoming fewer... i extended a month on my insurance... and everyday is full of His grace.

again, thank you all for the prayers.
some points:
continue financial support
an answer about the work permit.. either yes or no.. soon.
continue growth with God, both in my personal life and in my relationship with katharina.
for all those who are doing His work.. around the entire world!

to all those who read this... thank you. you make it worth writing.

i pray that our eyes would be open to the worth He has given us. to the miracles He does everyday in our lives. and to the many ways that His spirit shines through. and i pray that they would all increase... !!!!!

many greetings and much love, israel

grace grows on trees too

2010-06-23T15:27:00.002+02:00

i sit in the present with a heavy heart but a stronger hope.

i am faced with a pickle and need wisdom and clear guidance.

you have all heard my heart in the first place to come back to germany. God has given me a heart for the people, but i have school loans. sooooo... i felt a peace to come back and work among the germans and pay off the loans. thank you all for the prayers for this. i am, however faced with a difficulty that i cannot yet the light in the dark of the night. maybe hidden by a single tree that stands in the way of freedom from these financial burdens.. or a forest... or maybe many mountains are between what i hope for and where i currently am.

i haven't the slightest idea of what to do except pray. and thus forth, i ask for your prayers too!

i don't expect these loans to just disappear. and i am willing to work towards the paying back of them... gladly! i am not sure which way to go with all of this.

i have been offered a job here. and i have been seeking and trying for the work permit that i am able to stay and work. Halleluja and praise to God for the blessings of provision He has already showered on me. if i accept this job, however, the money i will be earning is soooooo little, that i would not be able to live off of it here. it would be around 320€ a month. that gives no option to pay on the loans... at all! and that makes my heart shake a bit. i do believe that this is a major priority in my life at the moment. and i will not neglect it. but God needs to be where my faith and heart stands strong, and where my hope lies.

it has come to the point of this... wherever He says to go or stay... and whatever He says must be done.... i say yes Lord.

please pray for His wisdom, guidance and grace in all of this. it is time to be debt free. and i desire to walk His path to get there!

current prayer points....

a miracle. :)

He is faithful and i... and wanna be just like Him!

Father, lead our hearts on Your path and into a deeper walk with You. blow past our expectations and give us faith in Your works. i praise You now for hearing our prayers and taking care of us sooooo well! i also pray for this world. that Your Spirit will fill every country, every heart... and freedom would break out from oppression! thank You for all that You have already done and all that You continually do, from now until forever! You are our Daddy.. and the only Holy Lord! use us for Your glory! thank You Jesus for bringing us back to Your. may we never forget it!!!

amen!

viel Liebe, israel

oh hallo.. i should have expected. i could never have expected.

2010-06-14T11:29:00.004+02:00

more than not.. i am blown away at His faithfulness.

i am sure that He not only hears us when we pray, but has begun to fulfill His will in us before we have spoken our needs and desires.

last thursday during prayer, i felt it appropriate to visit katharina that we could have time to pray together over everything that is coming up in our lives.. i.e. me staying in germany and how the school debt will be payed off, her preparation for the Bible school in sept., His will in our relationship and our future together.

but.. i didn't have enough money for a ride there (south germany). so i decided on tramping.

it is not easy to tramp out of berlin. to.. easier, but from.. it takes time and prayer. so, that is exactly what i took. thursday, i spend the day about praying and searching a good place to stand and tramp. i found one place.. and felt a peace but excitement.

the next day, i was up early and packed before breakfast. i got to the autobahn.. and held my sign. an hour swept quickly by before i changed to the other entrance. the sun beat down, my body told me that i needed to use the bathroom.. and i prayed that when God gives me a ride.. that it would be obvious that it was from Him!

around 10.30 someone finally pulled over and let me hop in. as we discussed where exactely he was going and how much further i needed.. i was confident that we had met before.

in 2008, i stayed with the burnisons in blackhawk south dakota. it was during the time i was trying to teach myself german and before the time i heard about the dts in berlin. one day, a guy.. my age.. came by and spend time with the family.. he was from germany and was part of a program going to highschool in sturgis, then an outreach in mexico.

when my ride asked where i was from.. i said south dakota. he told me that he also spend some time there... as sure enough it was him. klemens. of all the people in germany.. 82+ million... God brought our paths together in this particular moment and showed me how wonderful His works are.. and that He hears and responds.

i was face to face with katharina before 5.30!

it was, to say the least, a beautiful weekend and i am so thankful for how God has been blessing us so from day one! yesterday, we have been together for one month already. krass, oder?

as we prayed, and even now, i am believing fest that He will provide all we need and is opening doors that He only can and leading us on His path.. in closer communion with Him and each other!

today i was in the office for foreignors wanting to stay in germany... ausländersbehörde.

they took my info.. papers.. and passport.. then told me that they will give me an extention of visa that we can get everything worked out with the working permit. this means, the ball is rolling and whatever God wants to do.. i will trust Him!

i am rather surprised... as katharina and i prayed about the school loans.. God told us that He already has the money for paying them off and is taking care of it. later i realized, if i get this permit and work as a kitchen lady.. there is no way i will be able to pay on these loans.... not enough money earned. and then i thought on how i keep getting into these situations where i have no choice but to trust Him because of where He has led me.

well.. here i am! and i known that miracle is coming.. more than one! because we live for a God who does miracles.. a God of the impossible. a God who loves us...

may our hearts be once again softened to recieve the goodness of His grace and realization of why we are here.. and who He really is.

if we can catch a glimpse of who He is.. maybe we can see who we really are.

help us see... and help us believe! oh Lord, You are greater than i knew. less us.. more reality!

viel Liebe, israel

"(from my sam in idaho... thank you sam. i love you.)

He is the reason we are, live, worship, work, everything. Its all created so we bless Him and bring Him glory. So lets do this! Lets live! Lets do what we were created for! I love you Israel. I am praying for you and the life travel He has you in. Calling the nations to worship Jesus!"

a reflection

2010-06-07T12:44:00.005+02:00

trust comes in steps.
in january of 2009 God led me on an adventure across america with just the belongings in my backpack. the night before, the morning of and after i was dropped off and started walking.. my mind was running with fantacies of what could happen, might happen.. but never of what will happen... of how God would provide for me daily what i needed. how in every moment of distress, He would take me by the hand and lead me. how He would lead me on the path of a life full of trusting and growing. i didn't know it then, that the steps i was taking would be ones that would pave a future of continual growth, pain, fruit, uncomfort and blessings.

some days are easier than others...
sometimes it doesn't make any sense.
but then some days.. even the way the wind blows seems in order.

i am thankful that He only gives us what we can handle.. that we won't die from an over load of blessings or sorrows.. i am thankful that He continues to take time over and over again to show us that He is faithful and can be trusted even though we forget or choose to look to logic or compare to others.. i am thankful that who we are, what we do or how we act could never.. NEVER.. earn His love and that it is a present, a gift.. a gift paid for with extreme selflessness... a choice that would forever carve out a new thinking and mentality of what real love is.. i am thankful for how He does things, that His order of events and seemingly planned out blessings take us further along the steep and tiring trail to a deeper trust, deeper love and more meaningful relationship with Him and others.. i am thankful that we are not alone.. i am thankful that i am not alone.

over the weekend i witnessed a new pair of hands unite to work for the kingdom. a man and woman who were made for each other devote their lives to loving the other in the same deepness as our Father has loved us. it was the most beautiful wedding i have witnessed.
probably the joy that hits the hardest is knowing that miriam and daniel will, for the rest of their lives, have their hands to a large plow that was forged together from two smaller plows. the work they do will be in the fullness of two children of God giving 100%... and when one set of hands is weak, the other is there to lift them back to the plow. what God brings together nothing can separate. their bond is Jesus. and His love is permanent!
thank You Father for such a gift as marriage. and though it has been such a sour taste in the mouths of so many.. the reflection of how You love us.. still.. brings new hope.

sunday i joyfully drove with katharina (meine Freundin!) and jonathan to a junction where i would hitch north as they drive south.. where she and i would be once again only seperated by a chunk of land until the time that God brings us together again.
after they dropped me off and i walked to where i would wait a selected amount of time for a ride from a complete stranger to berlin.. i decided to count the cars...
1... 2....

3....
4... 5... 6!
three guys coming back from austria picked me up and we spoke for the first 50 km about why i am here and what my life lived for God looks like. we shared a bit of food.. then 300 km later, i was dropped off in berlin. as i was walking to the ring bahn, i heard a couple speaking english and they sounded confused. after a short debate and a couple obvious looks of concern towards them, i asked them what they were looking for. i took them to the ring bahn and we spoke on the way about what each of us were doing here.. and as i mentioned youth with a mission, the man said, 'YWAM.' it turned out that they too are missionaries from oregon. ha! the man spoke in a confence and they are berlin for a couple days. i helped them get tickets, told them short directions and gave them my name and number. it was suprisingly so encouraging to speak with them though it was so short. i am not alone.

as for an official update... tomorrow is the last day of my german course.
over the last couple weeks, i have been looking to get involved in some sort of team ministries but have been deeply disappointed thus far. i do know, however, that He will lead me on His path.
i am still praying for a mentor.
last week i tried out for a job and they would like to hire me. it is at a christian school.. i am a kitchen lady! hehe.. we are now trying to get things sorted out for a visa and working permit. please pray that things will go smoothly.
finances at the present are low but i am so stoked on His provision.
and.. i am really wondering about these school loans.. and trusting God for the opportunity to pay them back.. soon and quickly!
He is leading me into some big steps which are leaving me in His hands for timing, wisdom and grace.
this sunday, katharina and i are together one month.. HEHEHEHE! God has already blessed us so much.. but with these blessings has come several opportunities for growth. i know that God is with us in these times and forever more. Er ist immer bei uns.

may it come to be that all He has planned is completed with the fullness of His glory in you.
and please pray for all those who are taking the steps of faith and trusting in Him.. that they will not give up. that they will never give up!

thank you for your prayers!
gesegnet, israel

accha hai

2010-05-17T13:57:00.003+02:00

to see God work in such ways as to bring together a team is remarkably more beautiful than i can describe!

i left for south germany last wednesday... and even how the ride worked out was a wunder from my Papa!

i visited meine Freundin, Katharina. we met last year at a ywam conference, each of us speaking only our mother tongues but trying to communicate anyway. through a series of amazing and quite special events, we kept intouch and now are in a relationship.

it was only expected that we would have 1 day together, and the others she would have to work. more than worth it, we grasped the opportunity for that 1 day and prayed that it would be very slow and long. by His hand only, that day turned into time together for 5 days!

over these days, i got to know more about a wonderful loving south german who loves the Lord and has a heart to tell others about Him! we spent quite a bit of time praying together, including for india, our families and our futures. amongst many unexpressibly joyful things, He showed us teamwork.

i pray that His will be done and that we walk in wisdom, truth and love as we seek Him over us and these lives we get to live. danke Papa. bitte zeigt uns weiter den richtigen weg um deines names willen. und vielen dank für deine Herz in unsere Zeit zusammen und für alles wie du uns gesegnet hast. wow! es ist immer noch unglaublich! aber wahr, wunderbar und echt! danke!

amongst other news..

i have an interview for a job this wednesday. please pray that if it is right, it will happen. also that i can get the proper visa to stay here and work and love the people all around me! jep!

the german course has a couple weeks left. please pray that i soak it in properly and with remarkable speed :)

i am now wearing my new glasses. thank the Lord.

india has been heavy on my heart recently. please keep that place in your prayers. varanasi particularly, as well as all those who are spreading the message of salvation. and please pray for a good friend of mine.. kamal and poonam +family and ankur +family.
i miss india, the people, culture and even hindi. accha hai! mujhe ke sath kathy india jana hai.
i am excited to see what God for the future!

thank you for all the prayers and support.
God is doing amazing things.. much more than i could ever hope or ask for!
all glory and honor belongs to Him!

may we represent Him well... Lord, make us part of Your plan!

bis glei!
israel

deutschland gehört dem Herrn!

2010-05-10T13:46:00.004+02:00

the time goes faster than an airplane.

for the last week i have wanted to write a blog.. so i am thankful that i have the opportunity to right now.

since that last time i updated... the days have been filled with much more than one can write and i have been graced more than i deserve.

the time last year here was spent more around boxi.. and though i am there often, my time is divided between people and wandering the streets of berlin.
the german course started almost two weeks ago. so monday through friday, i join about 12 others who desire to learn german as a lifestyle. i am sure God has me there.. mitabsicht! (on purpose)

one day last week i was speaking with some friends about heading to poland for a weekend. why not? as week thought through it, i mentioned we should do something useful with the time if we go.. such as play street worship. one of the others mentioned that we could take some polish Bibles. nothing was planned but the idea still lingers.
a day later, i ate lunch in a park with a polish man from my deutschkurs (german course). we spoke on God, religion.. rules and regulations of the church... so on. he mentioned that he was catholic.. then he told me about a friends fathers friends.. or something to that effect, is a preacher in germany, but has a polish Bible, and how he wanted to ask if he could borrow it.
immidiately i remembered the conversation i had with my other friends the day before. i offered to order one for him... super!

a couple days later as i was leaving, i was talking with a korean from the class. she asked what i did... or do for a job. i told her that i am a missionary. she seemed rather stoked and we agreed to meet the next day to chat about it. the next we spoke for sometime about christianity and buddhism. she mentioned that in buddhism, we are all alone. i then told her about how it is opposite in what i believe. that we are all part of one body.
it turned out to be a pretty neat conversation, but not an easy one..(how cool is it that though she didn't speak englisch, and i didn't speak korean, we were still able to communicate through german!?)

i think on the reason that i am here. ja klar, God loves this place.. germany, berlin... but at the beginning, i understood it that i am suppose to work here to pay off loans.... (trust me.. this is still a big thing on my heart). but due to many complications, foreigners aren't allowed to work unless they attend a university. so we looked into that... then the next thing was that i could enroll into a german course.. but that would mean i am not allowed to work for one year.
(see what i am saying about complications)
so i can try to get a visa through this course, but then i have to show proof that i have enough money to stay here and not live off the money of germany. this proof they speak of.. i don't have. the most i have is matthew 6.33
(sorry, i only have it in deutsch)
Wenn ihr für ihn lebt und das Reich Gottes zu eurem wichtigsten Anliegen macht, wird er euch jeden Tag geben, was ihr braucht.
this is more than enough for me.. but the deutsches bundesrepublik needs more of an account statement.

this is all ok. i thank God for all He has already done.. and it is A LOT!

a little over a week ago was erste mai! (1st may). if you remember last year i wrote about it days in advance asking for prayer. the outcome last year seemed to be good.. i thought.. but was said to be the worst one yet.
this year, i spend the day on the streets again with my friend kathi :)
during the time of the demonstrations, we joined others first to pray, then hit the streets and prayed more.
i remember the streets last year being filled with fear.. a sense of danger and as if the enemy was roaming freely against the barriers of the polizei and other christians... this year the streets seemed to be filled with more a joy with everyone partying. of course the streets had a darkness about them.. but as we prayed, i had such a joy about me and hope. we prayed for God's light to flow through the streets as well as every plan of the enemy to be ruined and stopped.. for stones thrown to be completely off target... and for the people, that they will know His love!
after all was done and thrown.. we heard updates that this year was not nearly as crazy as before. hamburg got hit much harder....

that saying... God heard and answered out prayers! He is taking back this city and nation!
Deutschland gehört dem Herrn!

thank you all for the prayers and i hope that this update can encourage you to continue to!
keep believing in God. hope in what we can't understand and strive for what is to come!

danke Papa dass du unseren Gebete gehört hast.
du liebst diese Leute.. darum werde ich weiter kämpfen.
ich bete für denen, die diesen blog lesen werden. dass du sie ermutigest.
lasst uns ihm einen neuen Lied singen.
Jesus ist König, für alle Zeit! Er ist für uns gestorben und auferstanden.

in other news, i have glasses on the way, and for other reasons, my heart is filled with joy. please pray for continue wisdom, selfless love and support.

Lord willing, on wednesday, i will go to süddeutschland to visit my friend. (more than ecstatic)
then we will see what happens afterwards.. hitchin back or first to austria... what ever happens, may His name be glorified and we be made part of His plan!!!!!!!!!!!

viel Liebe, israel

meerwasser

2010-04-24T14:11:00.002+02:00

hey everyone....!!!!
i am, ja, in berlin.. or home!
my friends surprised me at the airport.. one dressed as a homeless beggar.... another hid with german bread and nutella....
short version.. it was more of a heartfelt welcome that i could have asked for or expected.

since my arrival, i have been staying with a friend his family. we have gone climbing regularly (as much as one can in less than two weeks) and are learning to work as a team.

i had the priviledge of debreifing with the help of a couple super friends (another name for really good friends.. just sounded neat and kinda super hero isch). is wasn't until last saturday though, that my heart underwent the proper debreifing... and wouldn't you know.. God was right there.. healing and blessing my heart. since then.. i can say that i am officially home.

it breaks my heart that i haven't been able to speak so much with family since my arrival, so if they read this.. know that i love you and have been praying for you much.. and often! let speak soon... eh?!

i have.... natürlich... been to boxi and it has been getting better each time. i have also spend some time with kim and bre with either ring bahn worship or at their café. God has and i believe will continue to bless them with protection and favor in the eyes of God's beloved.

i am gonna delete that facebook real soon.. so if you are a friend and wanna keep connected then email me! (email on last post).

i also deleted my hair... meaning, i gave myself a hair cut... i am debating whether i like it or if the blister on my thumb is worth it.. but not much i can do about it now. ja, it's not bad...

important business!
haha..
i am now enrolled in a deutschkurs (german course) that will be everyday for the next 5 weeks. i am more than ecstatic about it. God provided the money and lined so much just perfectly for it... it begins next thursday.
i am looking, and not sure just yet how it will happen, to getting some sort of permit. it is so complicated here. i must prove that i can live here and not on the streets.. so proving that i have money or that another, who will vouche for me, has money.
the rules go something to this....
if i am studying german, then i am not allowed to work for a year (official work). but working for friends or what not... ja. it is also a possibility that i study here in the university. if i do i would like to study for being a translator. but we shall take it one step at a time... as large of steps as God desires.
as for support, it is of course needed mainly due to the fact that i have school loans and am now not so allowed to work... sooo... i won't be making bank here to send back there... that i can stay here.... make sense?
so.. please pray for wisdom from my end with this all. but, i am not worried.... more stoked than not!

ummmm...

i have gone skateboarding a couple times since here. it is great that i can still do it. my own board might help, as well as some designated skating shoes. egal! it has been fun and i hope that it will open a door to chat with the skaters here and build relationships!

my fingers are sore from climbing, body aching a bit from bad posture, the sun is shining and i would consider myself more that blessed!
danke Papa für alles was Du schon getan hast. danke dass ich zu hause bin. und für alle die menschen da. bleibt bitte in berlin und zeigt die leute deine Kraft, Hoffnung und Liebe!
bei Dir ist nichts unmöglich... dann wenn es deine Wille ist, kann ich hier bleiben, und die uni schulden ruckzahlen. ich vertraue Dir! danke danke danke!
und.. danke für JESUS! Du bist der Hammer!
in Deinen Namen, so sei es!

viel Liebe on all who read this and thank you for the prayers!

israel

honesty and an email

2010-04-07T12:58:00.003+02:00

next tuesday, Lord willing, i will be once again in berlin.

this is huge! but before i go into more of it, i would like to explain to you who read this where my heart stands with some things.

i have just spent the last week finishing my time with the base in dharamsala and then with my friend and his family in a small village near to palampur.

during my time in dharamsala, i was shown some of God's heart for me and reminded that He has a plan! i do know that there is still much to learn in serving God... practical as well as research into His word. so i am considering and praying about doing a School of Biblical Studies through ywam. i am not sure about where yet.

along with this, i also have a strong feeling on my heart that this is far from the last time i will spend in north india. whether it is sending teams here, or coming myself and serving, God has given me a heart for the people here and the work that is being done.

my time at my friend's family was hard but good. it is more than weird to think that i was the first westerner in their village and hardly had a time when eyes were not on me. i hope that the Gospel was shown through my relating with them and that God continues to sow into their lives!

they made me promise (or maybe it was me promising) that i would return again.. and they insisted that i bring my wife and children. ha! i look forward to it indeed! my heart was broken when my friends mom started crying because i was leaving. their love for me was genuine and stopped at nothing to show me. it was hard to leave, but i knew it was time. i will return Lord willing!

i am in kullu now with a friend and his family. it turns out that some people i wanted to see, but wasn't going to get to due to a conference, are all here! so today i made an appearance to them. it was so good! i will join them again tonight and tomorrow before they leave. then my remaining time here in kullu, i will visit the base and meet more of those who are here serving and discipling.

i am blessed to be in north india building networks and relationships with those here. i am confident that God has some future work for me here... just not sure when.

right now, i am so excited about going back to germany. i have truly been home sick for there since i left.

so i would like to be completely honest with you who read this.

i am convicted on my heart about my life. i feel that i have not fully taken trust in Him with my finances. He has provided.. but i think that i have had a poor man's mentality and would like to be set free from that. so i am sorry for hinting about needing support, or being scared to spend the money that has been sent to me.

the next thing is while i am back in germany. getting free from debt is heavy on my heart.. but serving God whole heartedly weighs more and so i am torn between what i am suppose to do. at this time i will look to try and find a job to start paying towards the loans from previous schooling and get a permit or visa to be able to stay in berlin for some time to do ministry. but most of my time will be spend reaching out to those i love in boxi, the youth group, possibly leading a small group and spreading His love and gospel to the people of germany and europe! there is also a possibility to help with a conference in zurich in may. so i am looking to see lead me in the time i am in berlin. and i pray that He will open the door for me to stay there long term, though any time there is fuel for my love!

so to all who read this, will you pray about supporting me on a montly basis. my heart is to be full time ministry. in that, i will not get a salary.

i am making my needs known. at the present, i only have about $200 coming in monthly, but to keep doing this it will take closer to $1000.

my next question and request is for all who would like to keep in the loop of where i am and what i am doing, please send me an email.

for those who don't i will no longer send updates to. the quantity of friends are not as important as the quality.

i want to go deeper with you, and to cut past shallow relationships. so here is my email.. and for those who will support me, i can email you the address.

israel.boyce@yahoo.de

to all those who have supported me in prayer and finances, my heart of thanksgiving goes out to you! you are a blessing for this nomadic servant of God!

may God fill you all with His passion and lead you deeper with Him!

viel Liebe, und ich sehe euch, die alle in Berlin sind, bald!

israel

God cares about our general needs too...

2010-03-24T16:52:00.003+01:00

oh man. i just noticed that this is my official 100th blog.
i must make it special...
happy post, blog.

i think i blew it....... poof.

i am, at the current, super blessed.
i am staying at the base in dharamsala. surrounded by swedes, eating porridge in the morning, and at the base of beautiful mountains.
wie bin ich so gesegnet?

it is cool learning of the different ministries that are taking place here, as well as other location in northern india. tomorrow i will join a couple indians in teaching young ones english. these kids are so bright. they well correct older ones who may make a mistake in english, ha! they'll probably correct me tomorrow.
friday i will join the other in going to the camps/slums to play with the children.
the following day i will again join them in returning to these camps, but with the joy of cleaning the kids, clipping finger nails... and other such appropiate hygenic work. how great is it that christians still do practical work as well as preach.. more so preaching through actions. and a pretty hefty message too. God cares about our general needs too!

the rest of the time here is not decided as of now, but april 1st i will head to palampur to meet up with my friend ankur. we met in january in delhi. he invited me to visit his family with him in april after his studies. well.. it seems like forever ago, but the date is coming and i am stoked.
i pray that his exams will go super good and our time together will be a witness to the greatness of God.

shortly after, i look to head back to kullu and visit kamal and learn more of the work they are doing there.. then shimla with the same heart/goal. then off to delhi and the BERLIN!

jmem berlin, if you read this, i miss you and love you guys. everyone in berlin, i am more than ecstatic to see you all again. may we again stand side by side worshipping together, and spreading the gospel over germany!

needs:
prayer for the workers here in india. there are so many great things going on, but so much opposition from the enemy too...
breakthrough.
bondages of caste to be demolished.
more supporters for those here.
and more workers here!
plenty of work, just needing the right hearts!

to all!
thank you for the prayers. i am swimming in grace from your prayers.
much love to everyone at mbc, destiny, new heights, christus gemeinde, tim and sal, schönstedts, my mom and dad, bro and sis, bev of mbc... and all those who have ever said a prayer for those abroad and in our backyards giving it all for Christ!

thank you.
may our hearts burn with a flame to consume all nations with His Holiness!

viel Liebe, israel

up on a mountain our Lord prayers for You!

2010-03-18T07:54:00.003+01:00

i think i completely understand why Jesus went up the mountain to pray. i am sure though, that He didn't hear horns honking and probably had a bit more concentration than i had.

thank you all beyond thanks for all the prayers lately. it had been so good being up north and connecting with the bases here. the entire trip from varanasi was long... but great.

my friend and i spend 28 hours on the first train, followed by 6+ hours on a toy train in the mountains to shimla. the town was amazing felt more like europe than india. i met just a bit with a friend there, then early the next morning we were off on a bus to kullu. it was about 8 hours in all. there we stayed a night with kamal and was more than blessed by his family's hospitality. we heard story after story of how God has blessed their lives.. from big things too! kamal contacted the base in manali to let them know i was coming, which served as more than a huge blessing! the next day we left on yet another bus to manali where i met up with the base leaders and heard their hearts as well as explained my reason for visiting. it was a great time and they invited me back the next day to join them for worship. they all introduced themselves to me, but i cannot remember names so well here... :) zach and i took a couple small treks, one of them being under a waterfall.. which is unexplainably gorgeous! the other, we were joined by a dog for the entire time.. from the village to the top. i parted ways near the top for alone time. God has been blessing me so much lately and yet i feel that i should be doing something more... it seems this way, from being alone to having a companion to travel with, i get distracted. so maybe pray that my hunger for Him would out weight everything else! that my eyes would be open to what He is doing.

during my time up there, i also got some leadings towards the future. as for timing and money, haven't got a clue. that's more than ok.

Papa, may my thought be overwhelmed by who You are. that i would be reminded everywhere i look of Your greatness. i pray for breakthrough in this valley. for the work that is being done here would grow and the place will be filled with truth! thank You for making me part of Your plan... open up ancient gate, open up you ancient doors... and let the King of Glory enter! who is this King of Glory? the Lord strong and mighty... the Lord invincible in battle!

this is a battle! so let's wage the biggest war we have ever known as one body!

Jesus, we need more of You. please fill us up that we can fight this battle of love and know who we are in You. thank You for freedom and salvation! i am Yours and You are mine!

all in Jesus name and in His victory! amen!

today i look to spend time at the base here in manali and build further relationships. tomorrow may be spent heading to dharamsala and connecting with the people there.

oh, a praise to God. last night i got sick.. with sharp pains in my abdominal... i was sms ing my friend who i met in delhi. he said he would pray for me and not to worry, because tomorrow morning i would feel all better. as i layed in bed, tossed and turned from the aches, spend most of the night sweating, i started to wonder if i had something bad.. or where it came from. i was evaluating everything i ate over the past days.. but.. ... as morning came, i was better. it was incredible and at the same time, how could i expect anything less than my Papa taking care of me.. the making it evident that it is Him who does it. so, thank You Daddy.. as well as thanks ankur! Mein Gott ist gross!

i am sure that's enough to take in for now. sorry for not writing sooner. much love to you all keep them prayers coming.

viel Liebe, israel

corn flakes, cold milk.. and a new friend!

2010-03-10T15:37:00.002+01:00

so....

i am more than certain it is getting more warm here day by day. so i am relieved to think about myself leaving the day after tomorrow. it will be a long train ride.. and that's ok!

no kiddin.. God answers prayers.. take this for example...

(and i write with glee and eagerness to tell you all of this crazy good thing that has happened!)

a couple days back, i really felt... like i wanted someone to talk to. someone i could travel with. someone... a man... to just spend time with and be in india with. being here alone is not impossible, and is bearable.. but can be lonely at times, especially when being sick. (i am feeling much better physically.. so thank you all for the prayers!)
so i took a walk, but had a certain joy about it. kinda like a free-ness, lack of concern. it may have been because it was the first day i was feeling better and i ate some muesli that morning. music to my taste buds!
i made my way to some places that hold pleasant memories and made my way back down the ghats. in search for an internet cafe with a camera for skyping, i fell upon no such luck. but in the process, i met a north american, and we started chatting, speaking of travel plans and internet cafes. i shared my knowledge with him.. and within minutes, we had tickets booked together and planned to meet for breakfast the next day.
to make it short and more to the point than i could.. God placed him on my heart that night, and the next day, we chatted. not peanut chatter.. but deep, good conversation.

grew up catholic, and searching for.. truth. i am blessed to be me and may i represent Him well!

we travel to the north friday together, and Lord willing look to do some trekking.
(if nothing else, please pray for his mother. she is sick and needs prayers.. urgent.)

ok, ok... enough of this gleeful rambling...

i will miss the family i am staying. they have blessed me so. the city will also be full of memories, but i would rather not return until it has cooled down..... a lot!

funds, i am down to a couple hundred dollars to put me over for the next month here. i am pretty sure it isn't enough.. not to mention funds needed for being in germany until i get a job.. but i am more than certain... DOCH.. MORE THAN CERTAIN that God will continue to hook it up! so all praise goes to Him in advance and for everyday that i have been here and else where. it is all because of His hand of provision and heart of love and grace.

so, i will now skype. much much much much much love and thanks to you all for keeping up with me and the prayers, encouragement.. so on, so on...

viel Liebe, israel

so i did have corn flakes and cold milk for breakfast... today, and yesterday. and dinner the night before last! ha!

i pray because He hears me!

2010-03-06T05:43:00.003+01:00

have i seriously not blogged for a week already. man oh man! the time flies regardless!

i am very excited to announce... God is good!
for endless reasons might i add... and i shall not create that exhausted list just yet... but i will state that i was extremely blessed yesterday and... yes.. today too. ah hey.. i have been.. but it twas not until yesterday that a dam of joy broke.

Halleluja! and thank you all for your prayers, skyping, emails, and thoughts on me while i am here.

i would argue recently that doing what i am doing for the Lord is barely a task.. with the hardest part being the departure of new friends... but more recently i have been faced with more struggle than is perhaps really there. for example loving the people here regardless if the only reason they talk to you is because they think you have money and want you to spend it on their boat ride, rickshaw or in their shop.
it shouldn't be as hard as it has been... or maybe it is completely normal.. which i won't argue against. either way, God has shown me once again His grace to love those around me. so, once again i thank you all for the prayers.. they are certainly heard!

i pray because i know You hear me, o Lord. bend down and listen as i pray!

i will say this to all of you in another place other than i am at right now....
take a deep breath and feel the fresh air running through your lungs.
take a deep breath for all the people here who breath dirty.. disgusting air everyday for their whole lives. if nothing else... think on them once while you breath the air where you are.

i have forsure felt the effect from the air here as i have mentioned in past blogs, but it is still foreign to me that i cannot go anywhere to get a clean breath. at least not walking distance.
not yet.
but thanks ok. for where God calls, He hooks it up.. whether it be fresh air, support, joy, hope, health... or a plane ticket to berlin.
oh..
great transition... hehe
speaking of that last hook up,
as of now, i will be leaving (of course Lord willing) on the 12th of april back to berlin via moscow. i am super stoked and thank you all for the continual support. today i purchased some insurance for some of the time i am there..
so please keep the support/prayers coming.

near plans...
i look to get a ticket very soon to the north of india... the mountains.. to visit some whom i have meet at the 50th celebration conference in delhi. and i really hope to spend almost a month there, seeing what they are doing, being of any help or service i can be, and spending time in prayer for and with them.
i'll let you know more as it unfolds.

my health fluctuates. i am feeling the effects of indian food and was nearly dehydrated yesterday. of course i am drinking fluids like crazy along with electrolytes.. but a had and sometimes still do, a rough headache after standing or moving quickly.
um... muffling my breathing for cleaner air...
not coughing much..
not sneezing...
still kickin it...
yep. blessed.

so, finances are doing good... in the sense that i am super blessed to be staying with the family i am with. it is helping me save much moola. but as i get ready to travel again, that may change.
so, any and all support is more than appreciated.. and regardless of whether you give or not, i know that my God will continue to provide however He feels it be the best. so thank you, and thank You Papa for always taking care of me.

der Herr ist mein Hirte.. ich habe alles, was ich brauche!
the Lord is my Shepard. i have all that i need!

this is very literal.
very true.

so thank you for your prayers.

viel Liebe, und bis bald an die Leute von Berlin und boxi!!!!!!!
israel

varanasi... and happy birthday to many!

2010-02-28T15:27:00.003+01:00

well well well....
so here we are again.

this is now my third trip to this city i am learning more each time... at least i hope.

the last time i learned to have some sort of protection against blood sucking insects...
along with that, i learned that this city is the birth place of much...
this is the city in which buddha preached his first sermon... i had the opportunity to visit where that was. along with that.. it is a huge stronghold place for hinduism....

i am also learning about contextualization. it is something that will take more than a blog to explain.. so i will save it for conversation, but highly recommend looking it up for yourself.

this time around, i am staying with a hindu family that some friends know. it is more than a great opportunity to learn hindi as well as see the culture.. well.. more like live the culture.
this is also the first time in my time here that i can go out with shorts on... oh is it appreciated. the temperature is rising and i find myself hiding indoors over that last couple days. but it is more to do with the holiday "holi".

holi, as i have mentioned it before, but spelled incorrectly... :) is the day they celebrate with throwing powder dyes at each other as well as horse play and many other things. it is the day of transition between winter and spring.. and i think a significant day representing new birth.
colorful, fun.. and full people acting outside their norm... everyone gets involved.. so say good bye to any nice clothing you happen to wear.

i think God has been showing me more about these people too... from how they live, to just being real with them. sometimes it seems so fake... foreigner prices, asking names, where i am from... it's many times just related to getting me into their shops and purchasing what they have.. but even then love needs to be shown. He has for sure been helping me to give a gentle smile and kind words, and i still have much to learn.. don't get me wrong. but the more experience, the more i am loving these people. thank You Papa for showing me another aspect... or teaching me another way of loving people.

i look to be here around two weeks.. not forsure dates... then really seeking to head north into himachel pradesh. it is an area with mountains, snow.. and i am hoping cleaner air... but more importantly.. i have had the honor of meeting some people who work and live there, and they do prayer treks as well as other ministries to reach the people. in the time there, i will have the opportunity of somewhat scouting for future teams doing outreach.... and i have a huge heart for mountainous areas...

the other day, God hooked up money for the ticket to germany... but the date lingers yet and i will continue to seek Him as well as inquire about which day to head there... i am more than ecstatic to head back and God only knows my heart for that place.. though it still trembles in comparison to His heart for germany/berlin.
i would love to chat for hours on this but should head back before it gets much later here and the people get crazy...

health is better and all the prayers have been more than appreciated. as for requests.. or actions.. regular support is of course needed. health. a love for these people as well as a wisdom on how to approach them with His message. also, for some friends i have met while being here. i love them so much and want even more for them to experience this grace and salvation... bei Gott ist nichts unmoeglich...

today is my moms birthday.. send her a card! :)

much love from one of the oldest cities on earth. i look forward to being more and more part of His plan....

thank You God for Your love and grace... may we learn more of You as we step out. take us from our comfort.. all us who what to know You more.. and please bless beyond blessings those i have met thus far here. especially the BA's. (you know who you are!)
viel viel Liebe, und in Jesus name, amen!

we may plant, but it is only You that can make it grow. please grow them.

tschuessie and happy birthday to many!

israel

undeserved

2010-02-20T10:29:00.006+01:00

i wish i could either itch my entire body with a swift swipe.. that, or go back a couple nights and sleep in another room and use different body wash.

since i can't do either, i am still covered with bumps from a night under attack from them blood sucking insects, whose very flight noise brings annoyance and flailing of arms to my disturbed night.

i thought that would be an appropriate intro to this entry.

my body is more than annoyed with this climate. i could leave and be happy for healths sake. however, i am blessed that i am here.. and cannot leave. in response to my undergoing suffering.. my attitude has had many checks and turned up short on more than most. why am i here? to be comfortable... maybe to just be somewhere else...

as i have mention to some while talking about past time overseas.. this is not a holiday. not a vacation. i don't know that i would particularly enjoying taking a holiday most places..

my idea of fun has been changing. though i have a heart to travel the world... it lacks when my own desires are alone. if i can't love the people to where i am going or where i am at... then how can i enjoy my time there. it is so easy to turn the other cheek to the people here followed by a remark that if said around anyone who knows me, would swear it wasn't me they were with.

i am surprised at my attitude towards some people here. constant cheating, constant honking, constant yelling and coughing and body pain is the atmosphere. so culture shock could take part in creating difficulty. i suppose a smile or words of genuine kindness covered in patience don't come to a heart trying to do it on it's own.

am i trying to do this on my own?

Father, please break my heart more and more for this land.. for these people. that i could love on them regardless of whether anyone deserves it. that i would purposefully take time aside for You. You have brought me this far with reason..... may this time be about You and the plans You have. i don't want to be here if it is by my own plans. in fact, i would rather leave if this is holiday. please use me for Your Kingdom... make me.. us a part of Your plan! in Jesus name, and by His grace alone, am i able to come to You honestly and transparently, thank You and so be it!

our train was late by five hours, and we arrived in agra early in the morning. saw the taj mahal and made my walk.. haha. then we split for varanasi that night after too long of a time in a cafe that insisted on loud music. our time in varanasi thus far has been of meetings with ywam folk, visiting the widows home in the north, and seeing some of the area including buddhas temple he first spoke at.

tonight we will stay with an indian family. tomorrow we will join worship with a base here in varanasi, meet another for networking and head back to delhi in the evening.

josiah stays in varanasi, and the other three plus myself will part shortly after in delhi. i may be headed to jaipur with a couple friends then i am again alone. (to my liking for now). i have mentioned some possibilities for the future time here in india.. but as for things happening, may His will be done.

i have been thinking on heading north sooner than planned. it turns out that i know a lot more people there than i realized. so it may just come down to hearing His voice on it. i would mind, the weather here is getting warmer. i may also, still work with ute, the german lady who reaches out to travelers in varanasi. no plans.. no worries. much love, and just as much prayers.

thank you all for the prayers. please keep health, finances and His will in prayer.

hallelu hallelu hallelu halleluja... Praise thee the Lord!

tschuessie!

israel

to agra in about.. 50 minutes.

2010-02-16T11:16:00.002+01:00

we have just gotten back to paharganj from the conference.
i suppose i didn't know what to expect.. which is good because i probably wouldn't have imagined it either. however, God did hook up some good contacts which i don't doubt will play important roles in the future. when.. i don't know.. but a blessing none-the-less.

we leave back for agra again in just over an hour.
i do apologize for the lack of blogs lately. this is the first time i have had decent time to get internet and update since..... well, the last one. ja.

we got here (delhi) on the morning of the 12th, the day the conference started. we had the joy of seeing loren and darlene cunningham and heard some good things from them on what our Father is doing around the world. i met many people was reminded to love others. at the beginning of the conference i was sick and tired of a lot of people and wanted to be left along and just soak for sometime. well... though i didn't get super long soaking, loren and darlene left on a note of us all making a new commitment of loving our Father with all our heart soul mind and strength, as well as those around us.... as well and continuing to spread His gospel to the ends of the earth til the day He returns. big commitment but one i can and will spend my life doing... by His grace of course.

so, in the morning we will hit up the taj mahal for sunrise, then head back to varanasi that night. i have enjoyed varanasi the most so far. so i look forward to heading there again for some time.

for the sake of information for all of you, here is more than a rough statement on where i will be and what will be happening over the next... um... while. keep in mind, this will more than likely change.. but serves as a rough model to pray about and ideas floating around with the chance of becoming reality... grab some popcorn.. this could be fun.

Lord willing, while we are in varanasi, we will join the school of hindu studies as well as some contexualisation things...(classes or explanation). very interesting and different ways of looking at reaching the people in india... then i will head back to delhi with the rest of our little team minus one around this next sunday/monday. then i will join a couple friends and leave for a couple days to jaipur/ the pink city. they will fly out after we get back, and i may get time with a friend i have made here in delhi the first week i arrived. i may take part in holy day (a giant paint fight...) march 1st.. then Lord willing head back to varanasi with that friend and meet up with a german lady who reaches out to the modern hippy traveler that comes to india in search of... well, lots. Lord willing, i will also be able to spend sometime and stay with an indian family. i may stay in varanasi until the end or march (roughly) doing a variety of work... i was invited to visit the home town up north of my friend, then i hope to stop by kullu where a family i met at the conference does church planting. oh, how i wish i could go into detail right now of all the amazing things God is doing in the place... please keep praying. He is doing things, and i look forward to being a part of it. after my time there... i hope to be heading back to berlin but am open for whatever He has. all is open..

finances have been.... normal.
i expect God is doing something to help me in this. i have been learning from watching the others i am with to not hold on to it so much... thinking that He can't continue to provide when i am low but also to spend wisely. i don't mind eating and living cheap.. actually i prefer it! but to spend on everyday expenses, i shouldn't worry about what i will eat, or where the clothes i wear will come from. until now, i have never really known these needs to this degree. but i am blessed to experience this and look forward to growth in these areas.

thank you all who have supported me, and continue to. i wouldn't be here if it wasn't for all the blessings you have poured into my life. prayers are more than needed as each day shows different struggles and places of my life that i need growth in. thanks be to God for the strength to get this far.. but i will for sure need a continue close relationship with Him to really do His work and represent Him well.

so, Papa, thank You for the opportunity to be here. it has been crazy good. but may we go deeper into Your plan now. financially, relational, spiritually, mentally.... in all areas. let go Papa. with You nothing is impossible.

thanks for reading these things. i hope that it has given you some what of an update... and i am sorry that i cannot go into detail just yet. ask questions though.. it will help me to communicate info that will help you understand what is going on.
email me! this.is.a.real.fake.email@gmail.com

much much much love, and thanks for all the prayers.
ciao from delhi... the place with dirty air!
viel Liebe, israel

scatterbrained blessings

2010-02-09T13:28:00.002+01:00

so sorry for the lack of update.. but due to much changes, this is the first time being at internet access and will not be for much time. thus, i will cut to the points and make it enjoyable at the same time! way super!

the last week has been full of events that i will soon go into detail.

josiah and duane did come, which left me with minimal sleep for a few days.

we made friends with two girls from argentina, and went with them to agra where we met up with the team. oh, it was so good being with them again. it was complete opposites.. meaning, they are at the final few days of their outreach and here we are just beginning the time here.

i was able to sit down at chat with a few members of the team, at it served as a huge blessing for me.

we shared worship together, praises and ministry. it is so obvious that God has completely blessed this team and it was so great being able to see them again with all the changes and growth that God has been doing in their lives.

i was more than blessed and excited to see sam (my roommate from ebc, whom i came to know this team from idaho through). we sat at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the taj mahal and monkeys.

the monkeys here are very dangerous. we just heard a story from our friends today that one was chased by one as she was hanging up here towel on the balcony... as she ran away, a man with a rifle came and shot the monkey. i have also heard of stories about monkey gangs and the brutality of them... eek! then as i was meeting on a roof with one friend, we were warned about them from the hotel manager. later i saw the silhouette of one, and we immediately made out way down the stairs.

last night, we left for another smaller town where we were to catch a train to varanasi. our argentinian friends faced many hours of delay.. which is quite normal for the railway system in india. so we should have expected for our own trip to the same city with the same schedule. upon arriving, our waiting time was about an hour... but quickly changed to three.. then with another added on as time got closer to when we were suppose to leave. of course, it turned out that our 830 train didn't come until 1230... but we were able to make conversation and drink chai with some polish people who were waiting on the same transportation delay.

it was... all in all.. fun!

eventually, the train came, we slept, and around noon, six hours after our original eta, we arrived here and enjoyed hot showers and time to rest.

i am left with mixed feelings about being in this place. the ganges. the holy city. varanasi.

oh how i wish God would come down and show all these people the love they are made for... but i know that His timing is perfect. so i wait, and pray.

we are here for only three days leave the third at night back for delhi. we will seek to attend the ywam conference while there, and meet up with more from ywam colorado springs. as for direct itinerary, we just continue to seek God for it and He continues to bless us with opportunities to see Him.

after the conference, there are some possibilities.. but we may be coming back to varanasi as well as agra.

please continue to keep us in your prayers. God has been more than faithful in bringing back my health, blessing us in many ways, and open ways to share about Him to people from around the world.

please pray for continue protection and grace.. and that we proclaim Him boldly and lovingly. also for unity among us as a team.. and finance.

sorry that this blog is everywhere..

but thank you all for the crazy blessings of prayers that you continue with.

Papa, we love You! thank You for being with us! make us part of Your plan. Jesus! You are amazing!!!

viel Liebe!

israel

lost and found!

2010-02-02T07:53:00.002+01:00

the past few days have proven a blessing for being alone.

though i have for sure spent much more money than i could or should have, i am being taught the ropes of how to be more content and seek out bargains. living in india is rather cheap, especially compared with other countries, but none the less, it will cost and require further funds.

i put together somewhat of a daily budget that looks like this.

keep in mind, 45-46 rupees is $1.

40 rps - breakfast

250 rps - lunch and dinner

50 rps - internet

250 rps - room/bed

590 rps for 30 days comes to about $390.

so for each month that i am here, not including transportation to other locations, i need to raise this much. this does not include small transportation and other random tidbits including toilet paper, but may or may not be fulfilled each day, depending on what each day brings.

i thought it be important to include you in on this knowledge.

as for other things, oh man!

i spend some time at the park again yesterday. the diversity of the people i met was quite amazing.

the first man, i didn't understand much, and found myself really questioning whether he was sober or not. he eventually went and got cigarettes... as he did this, two younger males sat close to me and invited me to join them. i did, and the other man came back and joined too. we all enjoyed lunch together then spoke much on the normal subjects among the young males that i have met here... but unfortunately this time was a bit more voguer.

one of the boys spend most of the time just joking where as another actually asked questions about my family and such... being quickly drowned out by the louder..

they eventually left, and i was left alone again.

i opened my Bible, this time in english, and read for some time. eventually a man came up to me and asked whether i was french or not. i replied that i was not, and he sat and we spoke. he asked what i was reading and i told him as he took a look for himself. he commented on the notes that i had written along the margins and asked me to explain to him more about Christ.

so we chatted, shared snacks, drank chai and talked about Jesus Christ, His teachings, belief and love.

it was a breath of fresh air once again to meet someone who earnestly was seeking truth and had experienced some of His goodness already!

the day before, i met up with ankur. we spoke and relaxed in a park for several hours before departing our ways. this man has captured something deep within me. he is honest and takes real interest in our friendship. he invited me to join him in visiting his home town in april. so, Lord willing, that may happen. he mentioned that he told his mother about me, that i was from america and that i am a missionary. she is more than excited to meet me. :) BLESSINGS!

so, now i wait for some time to past before i Lord willing join some friends at an indian wedding that i have been looking forward to. early tomorrow morning, i will pick up one contact from the airport, and late tomorrow night, josiah will come and join us! halleluja!

the next days are not certain, but as this arise, you will find out!

thank you all for the blessings of prayer and and thoughts on this journey. my voice is coming back, though i can't sing at the top of my lungs just yet, i will soon! and i am trusting for finances to continue to cover my needs while i am here and as i return to berlin.

Daddy, thank You for Your love, for all that You are doing, and for being mine! i am Yours! may we be made part of Your plan, that we will speak boldly and truthfully Your words and love!

thank You for bringing us back to You for all time!

in Jesus name, amen!

ok, much love, viel Liebe, und bis bald.. oder...

-israel

one last thought, as i bought a handy/mobile/cellphone yesterday, i accidentally left my passport there. when i realized this, i made my way quickly there, and it was safe and sound with the workers. but as i was leaving, a man from the netherlands spoke with me about his hatred for religion and his dislike on america. we spoke for maybe 5 minutes and i spoke gently but truthfully (i sure hope) about how God is not a religion. He is our Father. and about how no one made Him up.. He was not designed by people... and so on. he eventually was too heated to speak anymore and said that he should stop. we bid each other farewell and i thanked him for being honest with me. God bless him!

tschuessie!

voiceless friendship making

2010-01-29T14:57:00.002+01:00

today i experienced both real friends, and fake ones.

it started with a hunt for cough drops. ricola. but i had no success just yet. i then made my daily quest to palika bazar to find people to talk to. with the last two days being such a success, i figured it would be great.

within a short amount of time, three youngs guys starting talking to me. then invited me to go see a film with them. it was quite the show. veer! indian films are much different then american films. they will usually break out into a dance and music several times and the length is usually around three hours with a short intermission. :)

something i have read and experienced about indian culture is that when someone does the inviting, they also do the paying. this didn't seem to apply with these youngens. after the show, they invited me to their parents home to each lunch. i said yes of course, until they said that i needed to pay for the meat and whiskey. huh?

red flags appeared very quickly and i could feel my leg being pulled right out from under me. i objected kindly and we made our way out of the alley we were in as they tried to convince me to by them lunch. not that i was opposed to doing such a thing... i was opposed to being scammed. i made my objections and finally told them that i was not eating and instead leaving.

i made the crazy walk across the street and back to the park where i make myself comfortable and relaxed. within a short amount of time i was again approached, but this time by a man who cleans ears for i suppose a living. two young men and a girl approached and spoke with the man quickly then turned to me and asked if he was bothering me. then they invited me to come with them to walk around in the market and hang out. hesistant from the first bunch that day, i put presumtions aside and joined them.

by this time, due to a sore throat from the pollution, my voice was taking a vacation. so every word from my mouth squeaked and sometimes refused to make any noise.

we walked around for maybe a couple hours and talked with rather good success. then invited me to their home, but i kindly said no and explained about not wanting to be scammed. they understood. we eventually all went to mcdonalds and i enjoyed some fries. though their english was a bit of a challenge, i certainly had much fun and oh what a contrast they were from the three men before.

when all was said and done, they forsure gained a trust with me and we exchanged info as we agreed to meet again the next day (tomorrow). Lord willing, i will join them for a motorbike ride to their homes and then later accompany them to a wedding party! JAE!

Father, thank You again for an amazing day filled with blessings. i pray that josiah could join me soon here, and that we would, together, boldly proclaim Your greatness here. i also pray for the team, for unity and a sure focus. then i lift up those i have met here so far. that they would experience You! really.. YOU! thank You that You love them so much and thank You that You didn't give up on us. i trust and love You. oh, please bring my voice back so that i can enjoy more conversations with people. but overall, i don't doubt that lack of voice is nothing, and cannot hinder Your will! so, in Jesus name, amen y amen! viola (genau)!

ok.. please continue to pray for josiah and the finances. i will gladly tell you all when the ticket is purchased and he is on his way here to continue with doing God's will.

thank you all for the prayers over me. please keep the new friends that i am meeting in prayer. especialy unkur and manish... well.. all of them!

then, please keep my in prayer for health, my voice and financial provision as well as wisdom.

ok, i must rest and pray.

viel Liebe! israel

ee saw ee

2010-01-28T15:59:00.003+01:00

i had written that last blog yesterday morning but by last night i was ready to write another with all that had happened.
with opportunities on both sides of me to spread His love, i am becoming even more sure that i am here only because He is doing something great.. and i am greatly blessed to be a part of it.

after the blog entry, i visited a place called palika bazar. it is a market that is under a park. immediately i met a man named sonnie. we spoke and eventually came on the subject of God. i told him that i am a christian, and he is a hindu. though he agreed with many of my thoughts, i feel that we were not on the same page.. or at least not reading the same book....
i asked to pray with him, and he agreed to. so in the midst of the chaos we stood and prayed.
after, we walked and talked. eventually we went above ground to the park and sat and talked. he left, and i sat there alone.
not sure what to do, i brought out my Bible and started reading outloud in german the story of jesus being crucified. i got through to the great commission and a man came up to me. we made small talk and he sat next to me. he asked if i was reading a novel and i replied that i was reading the Bible. then we started talking about relationships, my tatoo and the significance, america, india... the subjects didn't end.
his name is rahul. eventually we exchanged information. i certainly hope we meet up again.
when i woke up yesterday, my throat was getting sore... partially due to the pollution... ugh! in the evening, after all was said and done, i searched a honey lemon ginger tea and eventually found one..
before and after my search, i was followed by beggars. this splits my heart. i want to help them, but am not entirely sure on how to do this. after much thoughts on this, i chatted with josiah over skype and was reassured of wise acts and treating them with as much love as possible.
ok.. now today.
yesterday God introduced me to a man who cared... today, He introduced me to a man who was seeking...
i made my way to the park again... hoping to find rahul again. within minutes i was annoyed to the point that i got up and walked to another part of the park. i started reading my Bible again and a man was walked slowly in front of me. if it weren't for the dog droppings that he stepped on, he might have kept going.. but due to the stinky misfortune, we started talking. he too asked if i were reading novels, and i said that it is a Bible. he immediately said that he believes in christianity too... he asked to sit, and after shortly being joined by his friend, we chatted.. for hours.
he asked me to tell him about Christianity... and so for hours, we spoke about relationships, love, God, hindu, and so much more. it was sooooo good. he honestly wanted to know.
it seems that the people here are greatly confused when i tell them that i don't have a girlfriend and even more confused when i tell them that i don't want one. it quickly turns into a good conversation and i am told that i have good thoughts.. and my response is.. i have God.
to say the least, these past two days have been more than i could have expected.. and what i have longed for... spreading His love.. and building relationships.
eventually, unkur, manish and myself enjoyed food i shouldn't eat.. and walked, chatted and became friends!
one thing they told me...
friends don't say thank you or sorry. we just are there for each other. so let's start this...
we are now friends! and i am not sorry... :)

thank You Father for these last couple days. i love You so much.

thank you all for the prayers... please don't stop.
josiah and i are still waiting on timing and finances for him coming here.
i could use continual prayers for health, finances, protection (spiritually) and that i speak His love boldly!
danke danke!
oh how He love us!

oh.. also today... i got my first indian hair cut. he gave me a mullet. needless to say, i re-cut it myself. i also enjoyed a head massage.. included in the price! oh yeah!

viel Liebe, israel

guten morgen indien

2010-01-27T05:09:00.002+01:00

we arrived at 300 am at the airport.. which was not the best thing. though the recordings say to arrive two hours before your flight... they must not have known that the spokane airport still sleeps at that time.

but, it gave tim and i some time to just drive around and chat. i am not sure if i made to much sense since i had not sleep at all, but it was a joy to spend the last hour in spokane with him.

window seat! but i was too tired to completely care. then a one and a half hour layover in seattle.. which i tried to sleep.

that plane left me even more tired being crunched in the middle to two people. the man on the left couldn't believe that i was going to india.. and when we arrived in newark, he pointed out the window at the india air airplane and said loudly.. there's your plane to india! i laughed.

i spent about 5 hours in newark. prayed, ate sushi, charged my phone, made phone calls, prayed more, ate german chocolate, and read.

by the time we were all on the plane, which sat at least a billion people but only had half a billion, i switched to an empty row and slept the first half. the second half i tried to learn russian, hindi, spanish, french and more german on a goofy program in the head rest in front of me.

airplane food to india is... different.

we flew over russia, then i enjoyed a sunset over kazakestan.

upon arriving, i was treated with lack of joy by the people probably due to me over looking some paper work i was suppose to fill out. :) oops. eventually i got into my taxi and we made our way to delhi.

the man talked in his broken english and we had small conversation about love, having girlfriends while being married, and God. he believed in God but i am not too sure if we understood each other.

very quickly i found out that things worked differently in india than anywhere i had been... he took a short cut and eventually we came to halted traffic. so he turned around and started driving back up the one way street. no one really pays attention to lanes here either.

we got to the place of where we thought i was staying and then he told me that it will be impossible to find this place that i later found out i had no reservation with. so he took me to another place where after bardering, we came to an agreement at about three times the cost of what i am paying for where i am now. it was a rough first night, but i never once felt God wasn't with me.. even if i was too tired to realize what was really happening.

i slept, woke, first morning.

i walked to the ajay guest house and got a room, dropped my stuff off and ate breakfast. over the day, i made a couple phone calls, walked down random alleys, drank much chai (which is, besides comparing with curry masalas in rapid city, completely better than any i have had in the states). around mid afternoon, i spent some time on the roof of the guest house, then walked. i met a group of indian men and they tried to convince me to visit kashmire. they turned out to be really rad guys and after dinner, i spend a few hours with them just talking and building friendship.

eventually i came back to the guest house and spend some more much needed quiet time before falling asleep to the living night of paharganj.

already today, i enjoyed a much needed bucket shower with warm water, and more german bread with nutella. (they have a german backery and i brought my own nutella).

as for the rest of the day, it will be spend in prayer and Lord willing relationship building with the people here.

thank you all for the prayers. i hope this update gives you a little smile on how great God is. i suspect He has much in store and i continue to wait with josiah for funds and his arrival.

lately, i have been encouraged to pray. mainly because prayer works. i read mark 11.22-25 this morning. so i believe it when i say, Lord, have Your will in my life. in this time here, and the people of india! may i have wisdom and special knowledge when with them and boldly proclaim Your truth in love. i also pray for josiah, for faith, funds and that we can be together soon. and also for those who read this. that they can too share a heart with You for the nations. danke Papa, and thank You for bringing us back to You, for bringing us life and truth of who You are! amen, ja amen!

viel Liebe, israel

joshua one nine

2010-01-23T07:12:00.003+01:00

i have had mixed feelings about this blog entry.

from all the places God has taken me.. the hardest part (by far) is saying goodbye to the people i am leaving.

then at the same time, i do look forward to the places that He takes me next.. meeting many new people and seeing those whom i have missed.

so either way, it seems that i am pulled apart by a part of my heart wanting to always stay with the people i am with... but then a part of my heart longing for where He is taking me and to see those i have been away from.

so i will start with the first.

spokane- i will truly miss you. not so much the city as the memories that were created here. you have taken me in, blessed and me and sent me out again for His work.. but i will not forget the faces, laughs, tears, and late night conversations/hang out sessions. my heart has been filled with your encouragement, prayers and words of life spoken to me. and i will miss the presence of being with each of you. no words, just time together.

Papa, thank You so much for these wonderful and loved people in spokane. You have made some mighty amazing people, and it has blessed me so much to spend time with them here. my heart already aches for them and though i believe i will see them again, i will miss them while i am apart from them. may Your spirit rest on this city of spokane. that those who have a heart to serve You would be united and do great things for Your glory.. and bringing many to believe in the love You have given us. may we never forget those in spokane. thank You Papa for these last weeks here and for how You will cross our paths again. i love You so much Daddy! thank You! in the name of Jesus, so be it!

spokane, all those i have shared life with over the last weeks... i say this with a heavy heart and yet full of joy...

i love you!

now for the other part.

i have been keeping close contact with josiah who i will being most of the traveling in india with..

and we both believe that God has a plan for this trip.

however, it looks as i will be solo in india for possibly the whole first week. dates are not set yet.

we are both still waiting on his funds for the ticket, and He believes that through God's gift of wisdom, He will stay back and accomplish more work towards future ywam schools for about a week before meeting up with me and the team in india.

please continue to pray for funds that he may purchase a ticket...

pray for dates.. or at least the faith to take it one day at a time...

pray for the team already there.. and others there spreading His love...

and pray for me, that His name would be glorified, and for His divine appointments.

i am also still waiting on funds for heading back to berlin, germany. i am not certain of any date as to fly there, have heard God saying not to make plans but to trust Him. so, day by day, moment by moment, i will trust Him! for He is worthy to be trusted.

i leave sunday.

this sunday.

possibly even when some of you will read this update.

and i know this is a opportunity with reason.

so. lets go for it.

though it does not seem reality that i am going, He has spoken words through many to confirm that this is real, and that He is doing something huge!

He is loving on this world and making His grace known.

i can't thank you all enough for the prayers that has been said over me.

i consider you all with me on this journey and hope and pray that you know how valuable you are to spreading His love.. WORD throughout the world... especially by praying.

so please continue to. He hears us.

full of His love and mercy, hope is here!

viel Liebe, isräl

coordination aspiration

2010-01-19T01:40:00.002+01:00

Lord willing... it is now less than a week before i am on a plane to india. at this time, we (my friend and i) are still waiting on funds for his ticket... but both have a peace that His timing is perfect.

please be praying for continual trust for him and myself. we are trying to seek His plan for all of this and keep seeing several amazing things show up... but as for things in place... we are waiting and trusting. waiting and praying. waiting and believing!

i am completely stoked on how He has continually lined things up for this entire trip.

in the north of india, where we will be, we are not encouraged to do any open air ministy... thus, no street preaching. however, friendship ministry, and personal one to one chatting will more than likely be how it will take place. there are unlimited ways to spread His love, but the message is the same! He died for you, me, them.... and forgave us for our sins. Halleluja!

please pray that i will proclaim this boldly. ask God to give me the right words so i can boldly explain God's salvation to hindus, muslims and everyone else He places in my path.

boldly, truthfully, and lovingly!

next...

thank you all again for the support, prayers and chats that i have been blessed with!

thank You God for these encouraging friends that You placed in my life. please continue to bless them abundantly for their faithfulness to You!

i have enough to be in india.. i think.. thus, i am waiting and praying on funds for the flight to germany and initial insurance (before i get a job). please pray for this.. as i have been feeling rather concerned and anxious for them to come in. so, i know that is not from God and i will gladly go not knowing how it will work out.. but knowing that He will continue to lead me where He wants me.

it's rather neat not knowing things... it makes it a lot easier for things to just happen.. and us more dependent on seeking and listening for Him on a constant basis.

while in india, i will do my best on keeping the blog updated.

again, Lord willing, i will head that way sunday, touch down monday night. we will spend some time in varanasi, agra, delhi, then possibly back to varanasi before flying out of delhi to germany. dates are not too official but the departure from delhi could use wisdom and prayer.

much thanks to all who read this blog regularly.

Daddy, You are incredible. may Your will be done with this time in our lives and Your name be glorified... forever!

i pray blessings and truth over all those who read this. that their hearts would be flooded with light so that they can understand the confident Hope You have given us, who believe in You. also, that we can understand the incredible greatness of Your power for us who believe in You. oh man! it is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at the right hand of God! You are far above any ruler or authority or power of leader or anything else-not only in this world but also in the world to come! amen!

with You, everything is possible!

so, thank You for bringing us back to You through Jesus!

in His name, and by His authority, so be it!

viel viel Liebe an alle die Leute aus Berlin und ganz Deutschland. ich vermisse euch und bete weiter für euch. danke für eure Gebete! super gut und ich brauche die. also, ganz ganz Umarmung und wir werden bald viel spaß machen. ich hab euch lieb!

to all in america, i have been blessed to have you in my life. i only hope that my life reflects His love to you when we are together. thank you for the prayers and don't forget that you are needed! please don't stop serving and loving in your homes, neighborhoods and cities! we are to be "one-body." i pray that you will know how much He loves you... then you will love others how He loves you!

viel Liebe, israel

(address for support below)

israel boyce

c/o Kimberly Boyce

3741 Canyon lake dr. 2-307

rapid city, S.D. 57702

U.S.A.

etwas groß

2010-01-15T23:35:00.002+01:00

so, over the past day or so, things that i cannot explain has been happening.

but amazing and evident of Him, forsure!

so. where do i start.

i am becoming more than certain that the opportunity with reason is truly an opportunity with reason. since i have be invited to join with to india, visiting the team and just being open to what God wants to do with us there, my heart has had a peace that i cannot understand. and though there have been times when it has felt shaken about whether or not i should go, truth makes its way in and certainty sits down once again.

**the plane ticket to india has been bought. so, Lord willing, i will be leaving the 24th of january. as far as we know, we will be in varanasi, Delhi and Agra. as for itinerary, you can contact me personally for it.

i can't help but feel something deep in my soul about this time coming up in india. it would do no good explaining it in a way other than i believe He is doing something, and preparing for something that can only be measured by His scales.

please continue to pray for this... for His will to be done, and for us to be sensitive to Him through all this. that we would represent Him well, and many could come to know Him!

also, please pray for missionaries around the world. that in crisis His peace will flow through them, and they would know that He is always with them.

thank you all for the prayers and support. please don't cease. though the ticket is bought, living expenses and transportation while being there is still a necessity.

i am not certain on the date of departure from india to germany. but i am trusting Him for the date, ticket and funds.

but again, thank you all for the blessing of encouragement you have been!

Papa, You have certainly blessed me through so much. there is a peace in my soul that cannot be robbed. may, out of this same love, i love others wherever i am. i also pray for those You are preparing and sending out. what an amazing Daddy we have! You are the best. may we represent You well! danke schön Papa!

in Jesus Name, and with His authority, so be it!

viel Liebe!

isräl

kurz, schnell aber wichtig

2010-01-13T01:50:00.002+01:00

it is amazing how quickly peace it shoved aside to make way for anxiety or other hinderences to putting trust in God.

yesterdays update was a joy writing. but todays is filled with hope and a greater joy.
in our weakness, His strength is perfect..... and in the situations where things look hopeless..
His hope brings Him great glory.

i looked at plane ticket prices today expecting them to be where they have been... around $800.
but instead, they are now at around $930. which takes me from being $100 under.. to being $250 under being able to purchase it.

i have about a week left before our projected fly out date. which means i have just less than that to purchase the ticket, which could continue to raise in price.
but as it raises, my faith shall raise too.

i am at the thought of... He has gotten me this far. continued to bless me with support and prayers. and given me hope to grasp ahold to. why would He not continually be doing something amazing...?

i want His will. i want to be part of His plan.
i have gone out on a limb in pursueing this. and i thank all of You who have stood by me though i look crazy. but i am far from giving up. He has given me a peace about this, and i trust that He will provide the rest of the funds for this ticket, and the one back to germany.

so i am asking you...

will you please keep praying?
i am thankfully at the spot of breaking. i cannot go any further without Him doing something.
so, will you pray that i can hear His voice clearly...
following Him at whatever the cost...

support is of course needed... but i want to be in His will. because when i am there, then i taken care of in every way.

Papa... if this is You, Halleluja! and if You have something else... Halleluja!
keep my eyes on You.... i love You Daddy!
amen!

thank You all for your prayers!
i will keep you posted!
viel Liebe,
israel

bike riding and random meetings

2010-01-11T20:46:00.003+01:00

i am more than excited right now. i feel a super good peace from God just about everything.

it is 10 days until i am to fly to india (Lord willing over all plans and my entire life!).
i am just short the plane ticket by about a hundred dollars... it looks as if i will be purchasing a one-way flight there and continue trusting for further funds to purchase the ticket to germany while i am there (in india).

how good is it though, that we can come to a point of going somewhere without anything we think we need, and be filled with such a peace that we are in the hands of Someone larger than life!

thank God, for the blessings of He showers us with!

last night i was priviledged to spend time with the youth group from New Heights Church here in spokane. i love those kids, and am truly excited for how God will continually use them to change this city... this world! no kiddin! it will happen!

yesterday morning i attended a russian church. it was tough in the sense of the opposite cultures that i am used to. but i have no doubt i was suppose to be there.
the russian language is so beautiful and i have been so excited to learn it.. but i have to remember to continue on german and rely fully on God's continual grace as i try and get some basics in hindi as well. may He just expand my mind...

it is suppose to be 40s in spokane this week.. so i will enjoy riding my bike and possibly wearing sandels...

sometimes it's rather overwhelming at the thought of all that God is doing.. all the people He has brought into my life.. or have brought me into the lives of... and to think that He is doing something soooo good in each and everyones life... past comprehension. but sometimes when i can grasp even a sliver amount of this, i can not resist crying. not light tears falling down my face, or even heavy tears... but heavy sobbing! where nothing else matters because He just hit you with a kiss of reality.

i love you all so much. and thank you so much for the prayers and taking time out of your lives, schedules, plans to catch up on what He is doing in my life. i am certainly blessed to have your attention and prayers.

tonight is a college group that i have been looking forward to for some time!
and i pray that God will continue to set up meetings to see all who i am suppose to see while here in spokane.

*if you are wanting to support.. please do it from a cheerful heart. i would rather you not give if you are going to beat yourself up later for it. but know that those of you who do give should trust God because He is more than capable to provide for both of our needs.

time for bike riding and random meetings!

may He totally take us deeper.. someplace that is evident of Him and His glory!

viel Liebe, israel

matty and izzy across america! -part 1

2010-01-08T10:00:00.001+01:00

to explain the title, we must go into extreme detail about an adventure filled with laughs, ice storms, unsure plans, and a new friendship. extra long for your delight! :) part 1 starts now!

as most of you know, last saturday i had planned to make my way to spokane. due to unforeseen circumstances, i was left without a ride and unsure of what to do. however, what many of you might not know is that God was preparing me for that situation. a couple nights before the "phone call of possible discouragement" i had a dream where something happened very similar to what really did take place. the next day i was not sure what to think, but choosing to look at with warrior instincts and pray against it. the night before i was thinking i was leaving, my time with God revealed something to me. i felt a truth ring out from my soul. "He withholds no good thing from us.. unless it's for something even better!" i had applied it to my situation of seeking funds and support for going to india, then back to berlin. the next day, while saying goodbyes, i received the "peace threatening" phone call. my immediate response was 'let down.' but after some deep breaths in my heart, and talking it out a little bit... i was reminded of that truth spoken to me the night before. He holds no blessing from us.. unless it's for something even better.. better than what we had planned.

well...

needless to say, He had a plan.. and a good one!

that same day, He completely encouraged me and filled me with a renewal of hope. then the next night was filled with worship and honest hearts yearning to be close to their creator. the next was spent over chai and speaking about germany and thinking about the amazing feats that He is doing and has been doing in lives. and the last night was spent walking, laughing, hot drinks, and enjoying good company. throughout the extra days spent in rapid, i enjoyed irreplaceable time spent with my múm. i miss her, and am super glad that we had the time we did! (thanks God!)

i do believe that the ride was oriented by my Papa. from seeing the post, to the timing of the trip.. it left me with a peace to go for it.

tuesday was filled with hope regardless of the approaching storm.

wednesday morning, the planned departure date, outside was covered in white beauty and bitterly cold. matt (my ride) came at the projected time, and after loading up the car.. we set forth across roads hidden by the freshly fallen snow.

we got on the interstate and left chit-chat for less tense moments. though the road was clear, snow blow over it and directly into any sight we had of the path ahead of us. we nearly came to several halts due to no visibility at times. we decided to stop at the all american wal-mart in spearfish for tire cables, then fill up on gas.

511 is such a great idea when used by cautious travelers.. or in our case, those wondering about a clear or open path to get to our destination. as we sat and listened to our entertainment.. we heard several times... probably past the healthy amount... of "travel not advised." it was followed up by multiple reasons that all included snow, ice or bad traveling conditions.

after a short time on the phone, we found out that I-90 was closed in parts of wyoming and ice and snow covered most of the interstate across montana. we sat for several moments and discussed our possibilities of returning to rapid and waiting until the next morning, or finding another route. after short mind prayers, and really not wanting to head back to rapid for more waiting, we decided on a bypass i had done last year.

we passed semis in ditches... drifts higher than fence lines.. and continued along at speeds of no more than 20-30 under what we had hoped.

i hear that people don't actually understand the danger they stand so close to because of the comfort they have while there.

we seemed to "get to know each other" fairly quickly, and a trust filled the car as we both agreed in prayer for safety and enjoyable times. after spearfish, i sat behind the wheel and lead us away into montana all the way to billings. on the way, we stopped in broadus, MT for a loaf of bread. then matty created a wonderful almond butter and banana sandwich on cinnamon raisin bread.

we shared thoughts about the scenery, weather, gas mileage... and eventually made it to our first real stop.

he took the wheel after billings. it was rather nice to shut my eyes, though it was only for five minutes. we had started from rapid at 6:00 am and at this time it was already after noon. though the time had passed so quickly, the toll of it seemed to already set upon our shoulders in a weary state of drowsiness. the extra caution, though it be the reason for tiredness, served as a helper to keep us alert.

the remaining time seemed to go by rather quickly and we soon found ourselves talking in a southern accent. we talked about how the "alert" signs would tell us that everything is all clear, and for us to enjoy our nice sunny trip. we also spoke about trying to get the car up to 1 million miles an hour, or how the state was going to add a few more hours of daylight so that we didn't need to drive in the dark. as we spoke deeply in our southern accents, we spoke about pickles, adding them to peanut butter sandwiches, and uncles becoming astronauts. after some time... matty asked me if anyone ever called me izzy. the thought caught me off guard but certainly led for some extra fun for the remainder of the trip. we were now, matty and izzy, across america.

sometime after we switched seats again, and the sun had already taken a rest for the day, we got on the subject of traveling in twos. i shared my heart with him about traveling with a friend, just the two of us, across the states and further across the world. it sparked the subject of manhood and why we are both single. we both agreed that guys need time with guys. though time with girls is enjoyable.. it cannot be where we find our acceptance, and brotherhood has greatly decreased in friendships (not saying that i knew exactly how it was many years ago).

matty and izzy across america! -part 2

2010-01-08T06:17:00.003+01:00

part 2

matty, in my opinion, was a man that i could not help but like! he had done some traveling, including guatemala and india, and said he had desires to visit more places. he had deep thoughts, the kind that leave you speechless because the deepness is over your head and rising... but at the same time left me in a place that i could completely relate and share experiences, thoughts or opinions.

matty also struck something deep within me from how he enjoyed creation. we would both be plastered up against the windows peering up at the night sky, mountain ranges and other beautiful blessings. we stopped at lookout point (the pass entering into idaho from montana) to just gaze up at the night sky for some time. it was freezing cold, but a numb body was well worth the number of stars we were able to see. the milky way galaxy left us both wanting a bowl of cereal, and we entertain ourselves hoping from one time zone to the other.. and then back again.

driving on, we noticed that there was a bit of a dead zone between border signs... a "no mans land." so, in our southern accents, we commandeered it, naming it "izzattya." we discussed about putting in toll booths for those entering and exiting our new country. after charging an entrance fee, we would have to tell the driver to meet us 50 ft down the road so we could charge them to exit. we also discussed our currency, passports and how to pronounce our beautiful land of "izzattya" (is-at-tee-ja).

within.. or keeping it to about 15 hours of driving, we finally arrived in spokane. we drove through the city where there was no snow, no wind and matty said it was a beautiful 70° f. it was of course just a little bit warmer than our country up on the pass, but for sure still below freezing. we arrived to the home and got settled in, where we both enjoyed a much appreciated night sleep. in the morning, we prayed and i saw my new friend off to eugene, not sure when, where, or if we will ever see each other again.

when God spoke to my heart that He doesn't withhold good things from me... unless it was for something even better... i had nothing like this in mind. but it just goes to show how much more our Papa loves us that we can expect.

today, i talked with my friend from the ywam idaho base, who invited me to join him to india (which is coming up soon!). we brainstormed about flights, support and the itinerary while in india.. along with what date we would try and book for, and what will happen if we don't have money for anything but one-way tickets. it was hugely encouraging to hear his heart about this trip, and that he has shared in a peace about the entire thing, though we both lack in the presumedly needed funds.

it under two weeks now that we plan to fly out to india, where we look to stay in varanasi for some over a week, then join the ywam team that is already there in agra for another week and a half. after that, we will look to take part in a 50th celebration ywam conference that is taking place in New Dehli for three days after our original fly out date from india.

i have around $600 at the moment, and i am so thankful for how God has been providing. my hope stands in Him! a one way ticket to dehli is around $800, living cost for the time there is around $200.

i am willing to go if i only have enough for the one way... it seems that when we are in impossible situations that He has called us to, we have no choice but to watch the God of the impossible, make it possible. so i greatly look forward to how He will and continues to make this happen.

after india, my heart is to be in berlin and work. it would be more than a blessing to work and live among the people whom i have grown to love so much. i have felt peace about pursuing this... so again i am choosing to leave it at His feet. my heart is to hear His heart on the matter. please keep me in your prayers :) God loves us so much!!!

so, thank you all for surviving this blog. if your eyes are anywhere as tired and dry as mine are, i hope you have some drops to moisturize your raisin eyes.

i am so blessed to have be in a position to be used by Him. but i believe it is more than being able to travel, or live off of little. when we are willing to be used.. He will use us! He will use us 100%!

so i encourage you, that if you have a desire to go deeper... do it! it does start with a choice. accepting the call to Him is not sightful security.. it's life changing selflessness. it's reaching out to reputation breakers. it's breaking bondage with those who are too broken to fight. it's loving regardless of whether they deserve it.. loving when we know nothing will come in return. and not giving up when you can't go on. it's remembering what really matters.. remembering the things He has done for us. and being with Him everywhere you are. being part of His plan! representing Him well!

pray. He hears us! and it is a life line for more than just yourself.

i am blessed to have your prayers and the time we have spent together. i hope and pray that this blog is more than just entertainment... but that it can speak some real life into you. it will definitely be done from more than anything that i can plan. i appreciate you all so much and really pray that even in waiting, action can be taken.. steps of building His kingdom.

i should sleep now.. but God, thank You for being with me. for bringing me close to You. may our lives.. those who read this... be a sweet fragrance of offering to You. our hope rests along in You. i trust You for Your plan in my life. may i represent You well Papa.

i also pray for those in india right now.. the team, those that they have connected with.. for their health, for Your strength, and that Your will could continually be done among the people and ywamers in india! thank You also for berlin.. for boxi.. and for all that You have been doing there! we agree for breakthrough and freedom from all that is apart from You. we also fight for the spiritual walls to be broken down in JESUS NAME! bei Gott ist nichts unmöglich... i believe it, and i know that Your love cannot be separated from Your children whom You have called to be in Your kingdom. thus... thank You for not giving up on us! Jesus, You are awesome!

in Your name, so be it!

umm... haha. much love and hope to all of you!

-israel

mantels and wills

2010-01-03T05:19:00.003+01:00

for most times, the thought of a fire and something warm to drink brings a smile and thoughts of time with loved ones to mind. it is, more than not, a pleasurable thought.

haha.. at the moment though, a fire burning to the right of me, and a warm computer keeping my legs at a uncomfortable temperature is making it just a bit of a challenge to concentrate and get this much desired blog typed. plus it seems that some words i just cannot find the keys for.. and every other letter goes into place except the one that i have always put there.

however, i believe God has been bringing me to a place with Him that, no matter how hot things may get, and how uncomfortable i am, what's suppose to happen will happen.

and i am thankful for this.

i thought that i would be headed to spokane at this very hour.. in fact, i even had a ride and am still currently packed. but, for whatever reasons, God has me here... and i couldn't ask for anything better than for this.

i am still in rapid, and i can't say completely by choice.

i do, believe, that i need to be in spokane soon, but for whatever reason i am here, i get to trust in Him!

as for funds, thank you all so much for the support that you have been blessing me with.

i am still believing for more and am still down about half of what is needed.

i think i am at around $550 (almost enough for one flight). the total amount for both flights is about double, then with insurance and living expenses while being in india, the total comes to around $1300. (i plan on living cheap).

*please note that i consistently write about the funds because it is a real need, and i feel it is only appropriate to keep you updated with progress so that you know how to pray about it.

thank you, by the way, so much for the prayers about this and to all who have supported me thus far!

i do believe that i will be headed to spokane soon, and i am excited to see everyone i can there.

i will keep you updated about it as i know what's up.

here are some prayer points...

continual trust in Him and direction and to be made part of His plan.

a ride to spokane.

continual support, financially and spiritually. (about $700 in all)

for wisdom about working and paying back school loans.

and to represent Him well!

about two weeks ago, i had a dream. i was in india trying to talk to some kids. i was saying, "Jesus loves you!" but they couldn't understand. i couldn't communicate with them...

after i woke up, i felt so strongly God speaking to me, "you need to learn hindi."

"you need to learn hindi."

it has been through things such as this that i am more than confident that God is calling me there to share His love... and it will have to be by His grace.

thank you again for the prayers.

Father, You have more than blessed me with endless good. thank You so much!

as for all my needs, You state that You will provide my needs as i seek Your kingdom.

so i trust You. i will wait for You!

please bless all who have been praying and encouraging me. thank You that You are with me.

thank You for Your love! us me for Your will.

one more thing...

over the time of being back in the states, i have had the desire to get these school loans paid off.. but it seems that God has been taking me on a journey of visiting people through which i have been greatly blessed with. as time had gone on, i had felt more and more in my heart that i would be headed back to germany sooner than i expected. recently, and more and more germany has been on my heart. i will meet people that speak german.. people from germany. and it seems more and more i am encouraged to pursue working in germany, paying toward school loans, and doing ministry among the people of boxi and the nation the i love!

but more than anything.. i want to be part of His will. please keep this in your prayers.

i look forward to all He has because i believe that all He does is done in the deepest of love!

Dein Wille geschehe.

viel Liebe,

israel

GO israel!

2009-12-28T05:19:00.005+01:00

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

2009-12-22T06:37:00.003+01:00

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

2009-12-18T02:29:00.002+01:00

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

2009-12-13T21:54:00.004+01:00

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

2009-12-12T20:36:00.003+01:00

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

2009-12-05T21:29:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-11-29T03:38:00.003+01:00

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