Is it really Better to Give than to Receive?

Last week we talked with our four small grandchildren about this. They all agreed that Jesus was right. When we visited on Christmas day, we tested their convictions. We left their presents in the car and went inside. It was clear by their faces, they were a bit concerned.

So, we explained. We thought we should give their gifts to the kids across our street this year. Their precious faces looked so puzzled about what to say. But when I asked if it was ok, we got a good response. Other than our six-year-old, who had no recollection of that conversation, we got 100% in favor of giving. **

In 2013, Comfort My People began giving donations to our ministry partners in Israel. They have devoted their lives to sharing the Gospel of Jesus the Messiah with their people. By God’s grace, we have grown steadily ever since and seen much fruit from their efforts. It is quite rewarding to disburse funds that meet at least some of the needs of our partners and their staff as we witness the prophetic Word of God come to fulfillment.

When I say we, I mean you and us. The greatest satisfaction from giving support is that we do it together. It is there that God commands a blessing (Ps. 133).

We began with one Israeli couple who had been faithfully sharing the gospel for years in a largely Orthodox city, yet they stood strong and courageously spoke of the love of Yeshua in the face of opposition. We now serve 12 ministry partners from different stripes with the same vision—to see all Israel saved. Unknown to many, that includes Arabs, Ethiopians, Druze, and even Palestinians who have gained citizenship rights.

They have the same need—the salvation that only Yeshua can give.

One of our partners, the Joseph Project, receives containers and distributes its contents. In our case, it is goes to our partners who use them for discipleship and humanitarian outreaches.

Recently we began planning the shipment of our fourth container. This one will fulfill a vision God gave to us a few months ago in response to our deep concern.

“How will Israel recover emotionally from the trauma associated with this war that surrounds them on seven fronts? “

We asked God for wisdom, and He responded according to His promise. (James 1:5).

“Begin a Therapy Center in Israel.”

The purpose of this Center is to renew and restore spiritual and emotional health to the people of Israel, beginning with the soldiers and first responders. The project will have several aspects, but our goal is to bring healing to the Nation through the Presence of Yeshua in a Bible-centered, worshipful environment operated solely by the Believing community of Jewish and Arab believers.  

Every participant will need to agree to our protocol. That way, there will be no dissension, yet plenty of room for meaningful conversation. Initially, we will address their emotional stress with large Saunas and Ice baths. When used together they have proved successful in reducing anxiety and depression, improving focus, and promoting emotional well-being.

To compound Israel’s problem is unemployment. Before October 7 the labor force in Israel was overwhelmingly Palestinian. That may not return for a long time for many reasons. When peace returns to the Land, there will be a vacuum of skilled and unskilled labor in the trades. In Phase Two of our vision, we hope to bring vocational training to those who desire it, so they can earn a living and play a vital role in restoring their society. This too will be an opportunity for Jews and Gentiles to collaborate, which includes bringing qualified American believers with the experience and ability to teach.

Each aspect of this will be part of a discipleship process, modeled after Jesus and His disciples. It will be a natural/supernatural journey to fruitful living.

I have run this by our Board and many Israeli friends and partners. Each one has been highly supportive and excited. They agree that the need is great, yet the nation is too wounded to respond adequately, even if they could.

They also know it will be very costly to begin this effort. Once established though, we plan to incorporate the Messianic community gradually to sustain it.

Mishkha Center is the name God gave us. The term “mishkhah” refers to an ointment used to prepare the priests and utensils for Temple service and to anoint Kings. The root of mishkhah is Mashiach, the same word that means Messiah, the anointed one, as in Yeshua Ha Mashiach.

It is a well-known word in modern Israel because it also means ointment.

We are using the term in response to the ancient question posed by Jeremiah,

Is there no balm in Israel?”  Jer. 8:22

[Stay tuned for an in-depth explanation of how this applies. It’s fascinating!]

It may be “better to give,” but sometimes it’s difficult.

If you know me, I do not ask for money, but I do ask for help. I understand you may be tapped out in this season. All I ask is that you ask God what to do. We appreciate your support very much no matter how much.

In the love of Yeshua,

Shalom!

This is a joint effort. Comfort My People serves as a bridge from Christians in the West to the Believers in Israel. As we serve together, we fulfill His eternal purpose in the “one new man.” Rarely have we seen an opportunity like this that can make such an impact. It will point to Jesus as the God of Israel, who alone can heal and restore. It will be like “life from the dead!” (Romans 11:15)

Where Brothers serve together, God commands a blessing. 

Psalm 133

* The answer is “yes,” because when we give, we receive. When we receive, we’ve only gotten.

** PS We gave them each their presents and they were very grateful!

GOOD NEWS: Recently, we received our full certification from the IRS which means that as a 501c3 non-profit, all donations, including funds sent from retirement accounts are tax deductible under the full extent of the law. We will send 100% of your donations to Mishkha Center toward that goal.