Fire On Mount Carmel

Most of you by now have heard of the horrible fires that raged near Haifa on Mt. Carmel for the past week.  As God's people we pray for his mercy in the situation in general, for those who have lost loved ones and homes, and for the many who bravely fought the blaze.  God is answering prayers already, for finally the winter rains have begun.  We pray too for a spiritual downpour from heaven's courts!
It is our hope that from the ashes of this tragedy, some good would emerge.  Perhaps the unusual cooperation that we have seen between Israel and her neighbors can be a small step towards harmony in our region.
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In moments of loss and devastation, we must respond in the grace and power of God.  The New Covenant Church already has taken some first steps.  During the crisis we prepared about 1000 sandwiches and drinks to feed all the people fighting to extinguish the fire.  It was a real blessing for all of us to be involved helping those who risked their lives to protect us.
Pray that God would guide us, not only the New Covenant Church, but all the believers, in responding to the needs of our land in the aftermath of this tragedy.  One thought is to participate in the massive tree planting efforts that will be needed.  In every way, physical, social, and spiritual we want to reflect the love of the Messiah for this people.  This is a particular opportunity for that love to be expressed across the traditional barrier of Arab-Jewish hostility.  May the Lord redeem many and renew his work in our day!
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