Special Update: Praise and Time Sensitive Prayer Requests

Shalom — peace to you.

May this find you well, encouraged, and strengthened during these difficult days.

As we approach the Feast of Passover, a time of God’s deliverance of His people, we want to express heartfelt thanks to you for standing alongside with us, both spiritually and practically. We have shared what we are doing, we have expressed a need for help, and you have responded, encouraging us greatly, along with many women and newborns, who are part of our First Year of Life Program.

Now we are turning to you for continued prayer regarding two situations, shared below.

New Website Design

When you visit the site this time, you will notice that our new logo is now displayed, along with a slightly updated appearance of the site. We hope you enjoy the new look.

Thankfulness and Praise

In addition to the newborns who made their grand entrance as Israeli citizens in recent days, we are truly thankful for the support that we receive that enables us to help moms and tots who struggle to make ends meet.

In this regard, we arranged with a local merchant to deliver special, holiday care packages to a number of the women, who chose to give life to their pre-born children. As part of our First Year of Life Program, we were able to supply each woman with three separate gift baskets, valued at NIS 500 each, containing meat, fruit, vegetables, snacks, sweets, diapers, and toilet paper, among other items. These were all delivered to the women’s apartments (without entering inside – according to government regulations). The baskets were delivered to them with a note expressing our love for them and wishes for a joyful Passover.

The thanks and praise that we receive from them are due to your partnering with us and being involved in the continuing miracle of life.

Items in the gift “basket” sent to each mom.

Gift card reading: With Love and Happy Holiday, from A Future and a Hope!

Pictured: Photos sent to us by one of the moms, representative of the items delivered to each woman.

Special Prayer Needs

Mother and Needy Son Stuck at Home  

Karen (not her real name) is a single mom and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She came to us for counsel when she was three months pregnant and made a bold decision for life. A month ago Karen gave birth to a healthy son. She has another son, four-years old, who is also suffering from PTSD. Both he and Karen were victims of violence from the father of the children, who is now in police custody.

The older son is exhibiting destructive behavior and, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he is not able to receive any professional support or treatment that would otherwise be available through the Department of Welfare. Furthermore, again because of the country-wide lockdown, Karen and her children are unable to leave for any reason, and cannot receive social assistance for herself. Her parents, who had helped out in the past, cannot even visit her or the children because of the present health crisis. Furthermore, now her parents are also sick (not with the virus, thankfully!).

Please pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for Karen and for other single parents, who are trying to cope under extremely difficult circumstances.

Wisdom for Hanni and Teachable Spirits for Listeners (April 7 “Zoominar”)

This coming Tuesday evening (tomorrow), April 7th, at 8:00 p.m. Israel time, Hanni will be giving a “Zoom” presentation to 30-50 youth counselors. She will speak about the unique challenges that teenagers face, particularly during this health crisis, when they are forced to remain at home and are spending a considerably increased time on the Internet.

Among the topics that will be discussed are:

• The current situation (how much time children and youth spend on-screen and what they do);

• Dangers of prolonged Internet use and social media interaction;

• Challenges (lessons on the use of Zoom, if they have nothing else to do with their time);

• Specific challenges for youth during the Covid-19 crisis.

Please pray for wisdom for Hanni in sharing, and for attentive and teachable spirits on the part of the youth counselors.

Passover Blessings to You

May you be blessed by the One, Who is the Lord of Life and Who gives life eternal to those who put their faith and truth in Him. He kept us from the plagues imposed on Egypt, He will free us from the plague of the Coronavirus.

Hag Pesach Sameach (May you have a joyful Passover)!

Marvin (for us all)