Thanksgiving and Chanukkah
"Special Note"

Thanksgiving holiday, a typical time when families gather and hopefully, many still remember why this holiday was established - to thank the Almighty for His goodness and blessing on the United States. In America, Thanksgiving also kicks off the holiday season that runs through New Year's Day, January 1st of the next year.

Chanukkah, the Jewish festival commemorating the miracle of the small cruse of oil that lit the Menorah in the Temple for 8 days when it only held enough oil for one day, comes early in December this year. The first candle of Chanukkah will be lit at sundown on December 4th. It is a time of reflection. The temple was rededicated after a 3 year struggle with evil Antiochus. During his reign, the message was assimilate or die. He opposed all that was sacred to the Jewish people and forced them to follow pagan gods. Those who would not compromise paid with their lives in agonizing deaths. God gave the Jewish people victory and the temple was again dedicated to the Lord.

We need to commit our lives to follow Yeshua. We must not turn back to compromise with worldly standards. Our loving father has given us the WORD and directions how to live a blessed life. His ways are life eternal. Following Him we stay secure in His arms, healthly and in relationship with Him. Take time to tell Him how much you love Him. Let us be a truly thankful people for His many blessings.

Chanukkah is another one of those times in Israel when we seek to bring some joy into the lives of families suffering from unemployment and poverty, particularly in the north of Israel. Food baskets and clothing for children, as well as a few small toys, bring a modern day miracle of Chanukkah into the lives of those who are struggling. In many homes in the north, warm blankets are needed as the temperatures drop and we move into winter.

I'd like to suggest something. On Thanksgiving Day when you are gathered with your family, and are thanking G-d for all your blessings, will you take a few moments to do two things: 1) pray for those less fortunate than yourselves and 2) will you as a family, a couple, an individual decide on a specific donation to be sent for the purpose of providing Chanukkah joy to needy families here in Israel?

Thanksgiving is truly an every day attitude we should all have. Will you take a moment today, this week, and give a generous gift to the poor in Israel? You may donate online via the link below or mail your Thanksgiving/Chanukkah offering to:

MIM
PO Box 33
Vandalia, Ill. 62471

The Bible instructs us in Deuteronomy 15:11, For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command you, saying: 'You shalt surely open your hand to your poor and needy brother, in the Land.' Genesis 12:3 tells us when we bless Israel we are blessed.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and may the Lord bless you abundantly for your giving.

Shalom and blessings,
Deborah Wehrle
Messiah International Ministries