focusing opportunities

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

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

He has done too much for me not to believe!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

tomorrow i drive back to rapid early.

and tonight will be hanging out with my dad.

*morgen früh fahre ich wieder nach Rapid.

heute abend noch haben ich und mein Vater Zeit zusammen.

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

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

with God, all things are possible!

*bei Gott ist alles möglich!

do you believe that?

much love, israel

starting in the garden, breaking the lie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

it strengthens me for the battle.

it teaches me how to carry my sword.

and it awakes me heart to a deeper cause.

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

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

and then,

unexpectedly,

everything stops.

you step out of where you just were..

your eyes are open to the brightness of the sun.

your hands are bitten by the crisp wind.

...and His way is revealed.

i cant describe exactly how this is...

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

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

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

a vast array!

who told us to stop dreaming...

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

who told us not knowing is bad....

who was it that lied to us...

no compromise

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

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

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

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

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

thank you all for the prayers.

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

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

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

was noch....

for now, that be it.

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

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

much love! israel

what a God

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

keep focused on those things that are worthy of thought.

viel Liebe, israel

wir sind in Deiner Hand

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

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

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

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

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

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

i know this!!

really!

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

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

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

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

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

thank God for that.

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

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

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

der israel

much yet to come

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer points:

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

-for financial support for the Bible School.

-continual health.

-our families.

-our family.

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

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

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

as i have been encouraged to do so..

love in mercy.

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

it is our joy to share that love.

viel Liebe, israel

philippi

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