If you have ever flown El Al to Israel, you know that your Israeli experience starts at the security gate. You know to be prepared for the routine bag checks, metal detectors, pat downs and series of mini interrogations at each level of security… and that’s all after the initial airport security check. But you also know that it’s just the beginning. In Israel, bag checks and metal detectors are standard procedure at malls, bus stations, and most other public buildings. It’s not unusual to see soldiers in civilian clothes carrying assault rifles sitting next to you on the bus or walking through the mall. And Israelis know that there are bomb shelters in every building and every apartment built after 1951.

“It’s easy to sell an Israeli insurance,” our friend, Matai, said with weariness heavy in his voice. “Because we live in constant awareness of the threat to our lives.”

It is difficult for me to imagine the kind of trauma it is to live under constant threat from every direction. To know that everyone I know has experienced war and knows what it’s like to hear the sirens and have under 2 minutes to run to the nearest bomb shelter.

As we look into Scripture, we know the harsh truth that the unbelieving world doesn’t want to accept: Israel will never know peace until her King returns. But we know that there is a kind of peace that transcends all circumstances. A kind of peace that endures through illness and through loss. In bomb shelters and in battle. For Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).

Your partnership is the reason we can take real and lasting peace to a people whose very existence in this world stirs up conflict. Thank you for being ready vessels of that Peace.

Because of Yeshua,

BJ and Carissa Kerstetter