Shalom,
I am pleased to report that we are moving forward with the Shefa project - a vineyard in Israel produced by Believers for Believers. What an awesome opportunity!

For those who would like to read an overview of this project please visit our Shefa web site at www.messianicisrael.com/shefa.

I recently spoke with Boaz Dreyer from Israel, the project manager and visionary behind Shefa, who informed me that the plans are indeed progressing and that he and his family are prepared to move to the site to begin the land preparation in early October. Fencing, irrigation, land preparation, and other details will be put into place from October to January and beyond. We hope to begin planting the vines for the first few acres in January. 

We have also learned that when we are able to harvest from 25 of the 50 acres we will be able to support our own winery. This will provide more employment and volunteer opportunities at Shefa. The financial returns will also be improved through producing the wine ourselves. This bridge home will become stronger and wider as we move forward as the proceeds from the vineyard are transformed into scholarships for travel to Israel. 

The purpose of this e-mail is to raise financial support. I simply want to lay out the need and attempt to communicate how excited I am about this opportunity for Believers to work together in Israel. Many have expressed their enthusiasm as well. All I can do is present the opportunity leaving the rest in the hands of our Father to speak to you about your involvement as I truly believe He is well pleased with Shefa.

Our budgeted monthly overhead costs are $2600. This is basically to cover the living expenses for Boaz and Rina as they will be on site full time performing the hands on duties to make Shefa a reality. The Dreyers will doing much of the work themselves in the early stages as they have the expertise and this will allow the funds we raise to purchase more vines. Please understand that the MIA is passing 100% of the donations to Shefa. 

Many have told me that they desire to have a real life connection in Israel. Shefa is the answer. Not a dream, but reality. We need to support this prophetic venture with our wallets as well as our prayers. I am looking for thirteen communities, congregations, fellowships, or individuals who will pledge $200 a month to this project for the next two years beginning October 1, 2006. This equates to $7 per day.

Our own congregation here in Tennessee, LAMB Fellowship, is the first to pledge. We are in for $200 a month – I pray that you will join us!

How much is redeeming the Land worth to you? It will take Believers to do so until Messiah returns. Lately, we have witnessed the tragic results of those who lead and live in Israel today. They need our help. Our brothers in Judah are attempting to hold the land but are only working with part of the family of Israel. We have an opportunity in Shefa to begin to change that.

I fully realize there are many Israel based ministries that want your donations. There you can give to feel some type of connection with your brothers and sisters of Judah. In reality they want your money but will not support you living in Israel because of your faith. Then there are the Christian Zionist type ministries who ask for your support so they may dwell in Israel while you work in the USA. While many of these ministries do some good there are also those who are questionable at best. However, in each case, I would ask you to consider this question - what is your return on investment? Who is willing to help you get established in the Land of our Forefathers? 

This is what Shefa is all about – harvesting the Abundance! Y’shua came to give us an abundant life and when you understand about your role as first born Ephraim you realize the significance of the double blessing that we hold. Together, working as the whole family of Israel, we can walk in our prophetic destiny through this real life opportunity for all Believers who love the Land.

“When YHWH turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, YHWH hath done great things for them. YHWH hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O YHWH, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126)

Here is what we are offering as a return from Shefa:

• Opportunities for those who contribute to work hands on at Shefa.
• Scholarships for transportation to Israel provided through the proceeds of Shefa.
• A remembrance wall at Shefa with the name of every contributor or their loved ones.
• Discounted tours of Israel conducted by Rina Dreyer starting in October 2007.
• Private label, Sabbath table wine, with your congregation’s name and logo.
• Opportunities for Ephraim to demonstrate our faith to Judah in Israel.
• A place to become acclimated to life in Israel with Believing Israeli citizens as ongoing mentors.
• A bridge home.

The cost is $7 per day. The return on investment is… priceless.

Help Support Shefa!

The Shefa Box

Early on we felt the Father wanted this to be something in which everyone could participate regardless of income level or age. Therefore, we are taking a page from the Jewish National Fund and will be mailing Shefa boxes to anyone who is willing to participate. 

Here is how the Shefa box works – we mail you a small blue wooden box. You commit to placing it in an easily accessible location in your home such as the fireplace mantel. When your family fills up the box from spare change, bake sale proceeds, garage sale proceeds, fleecing your guests pockets, couch cash, lemonade stands or other creative resources, you simply mail the box to the MIA home office and we send you a new one. In this manner your entire family can be involved! The cash will be turned into vines and the vines into your bridge home. 

Of course we are still seeking those who are willing to donate a larger amount and several have responded. You are still able to donate a block of vines (10 x 10) for $1000 or a section of vines (50 x 20) for $10,000. For those who are able we hope you will be led to give abundantly.

It is also important for you to know that there will be full accounting and accountability with Shefa.  Financial statements will be available to anyone who donates as we want you to know how your Kingdom investments are being handled.

So, there are a number of ways to participate in Shefa, but I strongly urge everyone to be a player. It is time to rise up and get busy. Please present this to your study group or congregation soon. Also, please know that since the MIA is not taking any money for administering this project we still need your financial support too!

What an exciting day we live in – please pray hard about this wonderful opportunity for all of us to get involved together in Israel and remember Shefa means abundance!

Please call me soon to get your Shefa box.

Shefa blessings to your home,
Scott Diffenderfer