Hope, charity and joy are words that we do not hear much about in Messianic circles.  Interestingly, they are fundamentals in the Church and Judaism today.  Today, they became foundational fundamentals in Messianic Israel as well. 

One of our founding documents is The Hope of Messianic Israel but where has the charity been?  At last, she arrived today... and brought me much joy! 

I received a call from Dixie in South Carolina today.  Dixie and her family came to our International Conference last July and were very blessed through it.  She told me that her family was particularly moved by our Shefa vineyard project.  Dixie wanted to make a donation to that cause.

Interestingly, the funds for the donation came from two very special people – Charity Hope and Noel Joy, who are Dixie’s twelve year old twin daughters.  It seems that these young ladies were so moved by the Shefa projet that they thought to get a container and begin placing their spare change in the jar for Shefa.  Today that contribution was gratefully accepted on the behalf of all of Israel.

Furthermore, today we were mailing out the blue Shefa boxes for the first time.  Dixie called just as some of our fine staff members were at the Post Office with the boxes.  It had been a rather difficult day but when I heard about these twin girls my day brightened and I rejoiced!  Not only do these two young ladies want to give, they also desire to plant vines in Israel.  They understand that the vineyard is actually a bridge… a bridge home.  What an awesome blessing it is to be able to connect the next generation to the Promised Land.  That is why we do what we do.  That is Torah in action!

Thanks go out to Dixie and her girls.  We need more of you in Messianic Israel and beyond.  You gave me hope today through your charity and I want you to know how I became filled with joy by your faithfulness.  You have been an example to us all.  May we all learn to step out in the pure faith of a child and witness His glory in our midst.

For those of you who have not ordered your Shefa boxes yet – please do so soon (after all they are free). Should you need more information please give me a call.  Boaz and Rina  Dreyer have moved to Tamar (the Shefa sight) from Kerem Shalom and are busily unpacking.  I spoke to Boaz Dreyer yesterday who is very excited about Shefa and is also rejoicing.  No longer is he living in a secular kibbutz on the Gaza border, as he has for the last 15 years, but now gets to worship each morning with Believers in the Arava of Israel. 

Boaz and Rina are experiencing a spiritual renewal and send their love and gratitude to all.  They will be getting about the Shefa business very soon.  What an honor it is to walk with them and have them be the anchors of our bridge in Israel.

May you all be blessed and encouraged this day, I certainly was!   

Blessings to your homes,
Scott Diffenderfer
MIA Shepherd and COO

PS - Here's a picture of a Shefa box. Call me today to get yours!