Parasha B'resheet

Shalom and blessings;

Now that the High Holy Days are over, Ellen and I continue to minister to the congregations in Kenya. 

Last Shabbat an injured, elderly man heard our praise and worship walking on the road outside the kehilah and came to join us in the service. His head was bandaged and it was easy to see that he was in distress. Everyone in the kehilah welcomed him warmly and we all prayed for him. He had been beaten by thugs and needed help to buy medication prescribed by the hospital. He sat through service and at the end we invited him to receive Yeshua as his Lord and Savior; he did praise the Lord! We verified his prescription and collected money to buy what he needed, with a little extra to spend on food for him and his family. We did not give him the cash. A congregant volunteered to go with him to the pharmacy and then to the market. He was extremely grateful and we expect to see him back this Shabbat. Please pray for Michael. 

The Shemini Atzeret/ Simcha Torah services on Monday were glorious. This was the first of such a service experienced here in Nairobi and it was well attended; many from the Karatina congregation joined us. The kids were blessed when it came time for the candy toss and scrambled to collect them after the service. They also participated in rolling back the small Torah Amos brought from Karatina; pictures attached.

This Shabbat we have Efrat becoming Bat Mitzvah, I will include pictures with next week’s update.

We were able to provide the orphanage with enough money, $1,105.00 U.S., to buy school books for 3 grades; still 3 grades to go. With the $530.00 U.S. we gave them previously, they were able to complete the septic tank; a giant step forward towards them getting their government approval; pictures attached.

We have already started planning our Passover Seder and return trip to Kenya in March, God Willing. Please keep that effort in prayer.

Remember to checkout our blog and pass on the teachings.

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Parasha Sukkot

Shalom and blessings;

Ellen and I are doing well, God is with us and we are accomplishing much for His Glory. The Erev Sukkot services we held in Karatina were a delight. It was a new experience for everyone including me and Ellen. Sukkot Day Service was also a blessing and well attended. Many people from the surrounding areas, Believers, joined us and the presence of the Lord moved in the hearts of all, as we prayed, sang, rejoiced and recited the devotions from the PowerPoint. Everyone willing had an opportunity to shake the Lulav that we assembled from a palm heart we brought from Migori (palm trees do not grow in or around Karatina), rosemary instead of myrtle and a large lemon in-place of an Etrog. After services we all went to Amos and Ruthie's home to share a typical Kenyan meal (milk tea, gipate, mandazie, boiled arrowroot and local fruits). Amos had erected a sukkah and of course we spent time in it praying, and taking pictures. I have included some below. 

Our Wednesday night Bible study is proceeding well as we delve into the Book of Ecclesiastes, verse by verse.

Yesterday we went to a local hospital to pray for the brother of one of our congregants who experienced kidney failure and a lung infection. Please keep Philip and his wife Lucy in your prayers. Philip came to the Lord during our last trip here; however, his wife Lucy has still not made that commitment. 

This week we plan on starting home visitations to pray over homes and affix Mezzuahs on doorposts.

Next Shabbat, the 26th, we will be having a Bat Mitzvah at the Kehila in Nairobi. Please keep Eunice, known in Israel as Efrat, in prayer. I will send pictures with next week's update. 

Ellen and I continue to pray for you and thank you for your prayers and financial support, together we are making a difference here in Kenya. 

Remember to checkout our Blog and pass on the teachings:

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

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Parasha Ha'azinu & Sermon: The price is Right

Shalom and Blessings

This has been a glorious and spirit filled High Holy Day season at the kehilah (congregation) in Nairobi. Yom Teruah was totally inspiring and both Erev (evening) and Day services were filled with the power and presence of God. Yom Kippur revealed the Awesomeness of God, as His presence was felt in both services. Our kehilah here had never experienced a Yom Teruah and Yom Kippur as they experienced this year. We pray that we have set an example for them for all the coming years until Messiah returns.

We are having tremendous success with our Bible study on the Book of Ecclesiastes, as the Lord opens up new understand of King Solomon's wisdom for us. During the waiting period between the end of the Yom Kippur service and the start of the Ne'ilah service I was able to continue the study, which we began the Wednesday night before. We will be continuing teaching every Wednesday night until we have covered the entire book and then if necessary we will start another study as God leads. Ellen and I are committed to growing those who are willing, spiritually.

This Sunday we leave for Karatina, a rural city to the north of Nairobi, to celebrate Sukkot with the kehilah there and with the fellowships which have sprung up in the surrounding area of Mt. Kenya. We have not been able to buy an Etrog here, the local synagogue in Nairobi only had sufficient for them. However, we can cut our own Lulov (palm tree heart), willow branches and use another aromatic plant in place of myrtle, which is not available here. We will have to substitute the Etrog for a large lemon.

We were once again able to bless the orphanage compound in Migori with funds to construct a new septic tank. The old one was just a hole in the ground which was unsanitary, contaminated their well water and was very problematic. The new tank will be constructed of concrete with reinforcing steel covered with a concrete lid so that it can be pumped out and the contents hauled away and properly disposed of, in accordance with the Ministry of Health's requirements. It also brings the orphanage compound one step closer to being compliant. We have also received estimates for the purchase of school books and supplies for the children. Even though we have not as yet accumulated the total amount necessary, we will be sending what we have so at least the teachers, who are volunteers, can accommodate some of the classes.

We thank you for your kindness and generosity in helping facilitate this ministry in Kenya and most of all we thank you for your prayerful support. God is hearing you and He's blessing!

Attached you will find this week's D'Var Torah (commentary), on Parasha Ha'azinu as well as a link to the sermon I shared with the congregations in Nairobi and Karatina on Yom Kippur Day.

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

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Sermon: The Ten Days of Awe

Shalom and blessings;

Attached is the sermon I shared with the congregation in Nairobi last Shabbat for the Days of Awe. Pray it will be a blessing.

This morning on our way walking to the market, we were approached by a teenage street boy begging for money. We're not in the habit of giving money to street people but we asked him if he was hungry, of course he was. There was a pizza shop right across the street at a gas station and we went there with him. While waiting for the pizza to be made, we took the opportunity to witness to him. When asked he said he knew Jesus, but just to make sure we asked if he would invite him into his heart again. He did and we prayed together. Please keep David in your prayers.

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

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Parsha Vayelech & Sermon: The Rock is Back

Shalom and blessings;

Ellen and I are doing well, God is moving through us and with us, opening doors that we could never have opened on our own. I will explain more as things unfold.

Last week I mentioned the 4 new salvation's we had while at the orphanage in Migori but I neglected to mention their names so that you can pray for them. Please remember James, Yosef, Norman and Miriam in your prayers.

The Yom Teruah services were blessed and a blessing. We thank God for the turnout and the wonderful move of the spirit as we had corporate repentance and worship. 

I've attached a link to the sermon I gave Monday, Yom Teruah day as well as a link to a video from Erev Yom Teruah. Also find attached the D'var Torah commentary for this week's Parasha, Vayelech.

Last Shabbat was great and this week we begin our Bible study series on the Book of Ecclesiastes. Ellen and I can not express the joy we have in celebrating the Feasts of the Lord and teaching here in Kenya. We send you our love and appreciation,

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Remember to check out our blog: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

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Parasha Nitzavim

Shalom and blessings;

With God's grace we arrived safely in Kenya Wednesday night after an uneventful flight from Israel; that's the way you want your flights to be, uneventful. We started our ministering almost immediately with Erev Shabbat at the home of Akiva and Hannah, elders of the congregation in Nairobi. Saturday morning, together with the congregation elders, we led the Shabbat services in Nairobi. It was such a blessing to see and experience the new PowerPoint projector. Finally the words of the liturgy and of the songs were legible even in the bright sunlight. The congregation is so appreciative of your demonstration of love towards them. 

Perhaps you remember me saying that we were accepted as member of the IAMCS (International Association of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues), well Shabbat I presented the congregation with the official certificate of membership. This was a true milestone for this congregation of Kenyans who have embraced the God of Israel and Torah centered Messianic Judaism. Now we are part of an international organization with all the privileges that come along with it.

Sunday morning we left for Migori where the orphanage is located, a grueling 7 hour drive over two lane, treacherous roads used by large transport trucks hauling goods to and from Uganda. Thanks to Akiva's driving, and of course the grace of God we arrived safely. Monday morning we stopped on the way to the orphanage to pick up loaves of bread and a few other items for the children. We already had assorted gifts for them and sweet treats, which they rarely get. The children were so loving and excited to see us again, needless to say Ellen and I were also overjoyed. The day started with a teaching on the significance of the High Holy Days and how to celebrate them. I can't tell you how eager the leadership was to learn, asked many questions. After lunch I started a Bible study on the Minor Prophets. In the evening we drove into town with the homes directors to purchase 60kg of rice and 50kg of beans for their food pantry. Tuesday morning we were back at the orphanage. The day started with Akiva and Hannah teaching the children and adults about Yeshua and His plan of salvation. They spoke in Swahili so that those who had limited English could understand. I then led the group in a prayer of repentance and salvation. I did it in short sentences, Akiva translated into Swahili as the children and adults repeated the prayer. We had prayed with the children previously but we wanted to reaffirm their relationship with the God of Israel, Wednesday we were back at the home ministering. We shared the Gospel with 4 unsaved adults, all of whom received Yeshua as their Lord and Savior; God is so good!

The home has so many needs. There are very few school book for the classes and 3-4 students are having to share; the old mattresses are a mess and many beds are even without; food is a real issue and a never ending requirement. The home has taken in a number of single parent children, and are feeding them and housing them because their parents can't support them. They need a clean water system; right now they have to carry water from the nearby river, which has to be boiled and chlorinated before they can use it, even then, it is suspect. With the funds we've received we can supply some of the needs. but sadly not all of them. However, despite all that they lack, God has given them a special joy. If the Lord puts it on your heart, please help us meet more of the children's home needs. Here is another way you can help. If you know anyone who would be blessed by receiving these updates and my Torah commentaries, after asking permission, send me their email address and I will add them to the list of recipients. 

Ellen and I wish you a blessed, healthy and prosperous Shana Tova (New Year). Sunday night at sunset begins the year 5780 on the Hebrew calendar, may it be a years of accelerated spiritual growth in all our lives. 

I've attached this week's Parasha, trust it will be a blessing to you. Please feel free to share the teachings and our blog address with anyone you think may be blessed by it.

Blog link: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

    

Parasha Ki Tavo

Shalom and blessings; 

Ellen and I have arrived in Kenya safely, praise God (B'H). Our flight always takes us through Ethiopia where we have a 90 minute layover. Ethiopian coffee, at least the one we get from a little café at the airport, is delicious, so the stopover and wait almost makes it worth the while; there's no direct flight from Israel to Kenya. We're looking forward to having Erev Shabbat at the home of an elder couple from the Nairobi congregation, and then participating in the services at the congregation on Shabbat.

I didn't waste any time contacting the Pastor who we've been dealing with concerning the possibility of having rooms at their church for our services and Bible studies. Please pray that we'll find favor with all the decision makers and a space will be provided quickly. 

Election smoke has cleared in Israel, and just as predicted we're right back where we started; no clear-cut winner. With the results in, neither one of the main parties have enough seats to form a government. I doubt very much that the population would stand for another election; it probably wouldn't change anything anyway, so I'm expecting some major negotiations and jostling to take place between all the parties. Hopefully they'll be able to put their differences' aside and do what is best for the people and the country. One thing we can be sure of, the outcome was no surprise to God. For whatever purpose He has allowed this result, His Will be done. 

Sunday, God Willing, we'll be embarking on the 8 hour journey to visit and minister at the congregation and orphanage in Migori. We look so forward to seeing everyone again especially the children. Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support, without being here personally, you can't totally appreciate how you have been a blessing. Speaking of that, Ellen and I have been praying about organizing a tour to Kenya so that you could meet the believers here. If that is something that would interest you, please let us know and we will look into it further.

I've attached this week's Parasha, trust it will be a blessing to you. Please feel free to share the teachings and our blog address with anyone you think may be blessed by it.

Blog link: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

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Parasha Ki Tetzei / Sermon: Month to Reflect

Shalom and Blessings;

Things continue to escalate here, as our enemies ineffectively attempt to disrupt our elections and humiliate PM Netanyahu, who most believe will come closest to forming the next government. After months of quiet in our city, the silence was broken. This week we had to hurry into our safe room as the sirens sounded, warning us of incoming missiles (we have only 15 seconds). Just about every home and apartment in Israel has a fortified bomb shelter; the more recent ones now have an apparatus to filter the air in the event of a chemical attack. I know it sound worrying but actually it's not. We take the necessary precautions, so as not to tempt God, but in the final analyses God is our protection and our defense. B'H

God willing, we leave for Kenya this coming Wednesday and are busy preparing ourselves for the trip. Ellen is so good at planning what we'll wear and bring, considering that we're going for 2 months that's no easy task; it's the end of summer here and still quite hot, while it's the end of winter there but still a bit cold. 

I've finished the PowerPoint presentations for the High Holy Days, including Sukkot and have been working on sermons and commentaries. I've also prepared a Bible study on the Book of Ecclesiastes which, God willing, I plan on sharing over the 8 weeks we're there. Ellen has planned a special teaching as well. There's one concern that we need you to pray for. We have been trying since May to secure two rooms at Parklands Baptist Church in Nairobi to hold both our services (our present location is too small), and our Bible studies (our present location is not available during the week), for some reason we've been encountering delay after delay in the decision to welcome us. Please join with us is uprooting, destroying, tearing down and demolishing whatever stronghold is blocking the way.

Over and over again we pray for you and thank God for your financial and prayer support; this missionary work would be impossible without it. You're vital in our effort for the Word to go forth from Israel.

As shared with you in previous letters; for years the orphanage in Migori, western Kenya, had no electricity. The compound was dark and vulnerable to all type of dangers in the night. Previously we sent funds to build a security gat, which they did, and most recently, with your support we sent over $2,500.00 U.S. for a solar powered lighting system to illuminate the large common, central compound area. This will transform the home at night! The electricity generated will also be used to charge the computer we provided, the cell phone they use to communicate with us and much, much; may God richly bless you for this. We also go with funds to help the orphanage and members of the congregations we've established, with food and other necessities. 

Attached is this week's Torah commentary, as well as the link to the sermon I shared with Kenya last Shabbat over Skype. 

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Shoftim

Hezbollah has tens of thousands of missiles pointed at Israel, yet they made a lame effort of retaliation for our major attack on Iran's stockpile of missiles held for them in Lebanon. An anti-tank missile was fired at an IDF vehicle, which our military claims was occupied by manikins dressed up as soldiers. The purpose, they said, was to draw Hezbollah's retaliatory fire away from any live targets and give the IDF the chance to respond without the loss of Israeli lives. If this was truly their intent, it worked. In any case it's only a matter of time before we have all-out war. 

Election fever is heating up as we come closer the day the votes are cast. Polls indicate that the Blue and White centrist party is neck in neck with the Likud right wing party. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out in the end and the type of government God has in mind for His country, at such a time as this. 

Only 13 more days before Ellen and I leave for Kenya to minister. We've been fasting and praying for a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. We're looking forward to lives being transformed, as we plunder hell to populate heaven. We know that we don't have to ask you to keep us in prayer and we thank you for your prayers. 

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. 

Those who have supported the missionary work in Kenya have really demonstrated this passage of scripture. Through your financial blessings and the generous support of the congregation we attend in Israel, we were able to send the orphanage, in advance of our arrival, sufficient money to light-up the compound at night. They can now buy solar panels, flood lights and all the equipment necessary to set-up the lighting system, including the cost of installation. For years the children have lived without lights in the compound, now that will all change because of you. 

There's still so much more to do for the orphans to bring the home up to the standard required by The Ministry of Health, but with the Typhoid inoculations, bunk-beds, security gate, moving the location of the outhouse bathrooms, and now the compound lighting, along with other little tweaks, we are well on our way to getting the orphanage compliant. 

However, there's still a major project that needs our support and desperately needs to be attended to: A bore hole, pumping equipment and storage system are necessary to provide the camp with clean, disease free, parasite free drinking water. This is an ambitious undertaking that will require an investment of over $15,000.00 U.S. Please join with us in faith and in prayer believing that the God, who owns all the gold and silver on the earth, will provide the funds necessary to fund this project. 

Attached is this week's commentary, please pass it on so that others can be blessed. Remember to check out our blog for more teachings and audio sermons.

https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Re'eh & Sermon: Measuring Your Trust in God

Last week I misread my calendar and sent out the wrong D'Var Torah. Since then I have tweaked Parasha Re'eh and I'm sending it out again this time as the correct commentary for this week's reading.

I don't think I have to update you on what's going on here in Israel, it's been all over the news. For years Lebanon has been denying that Iran has weapon facilities and storage warehouses in their country; well I guess they've been proven wrong. Funny how they have been lying all these years and when Israel exposes them by attacking and blowing them up, they blame us and not themselves for harboring terrorists!

Despite all the threats from Iran, Lebanon and Hezbollah, Israelis are not at all concerned. Life goes on here as if nothing has happened or is going to happen. 

Gaza continues to fire mortars and missiles at the southern part of the country causing little damage and no loss of life, praise God. We of course retaliated. A lot of our attention is on the 17 year old girl that was blown up by terrorists while hiking in the north with her her brother and father. They hid a bomb under rocks by a popular spring; she died, father and brother were both seriously injured and are recovering in hospital, please keep them in prayer. Two teens Nahum and Noam were run-over in a vehicular terror attack two weeks ago. Nahum is still in critical condition, Noam is home but still suffering the effects yet showing improvement; please remember them in your prayers

We leave for Kenya in a little less than three weeks. We're praying to be able to bring financial help to struggling members of the congregations there and money for much needed improvements at the orphanage. Please consider helping. By giving a little, combined with the others that will give, it will add up to be a real blessing. 

I've attached the link to the sermon I gave to Kenya over Skype Shabbat. I pray you will be blessed by it. 

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Ekev

Shalom and Blessings;

This week has not been as quiet, multiple rockets have been fired from Gaza into Southern Israel, presumably in retaliation for the killing of armed infiltrators from Gaza. The IDF did not fire at them until they breached the security fence and were spotted carrying hand held mortars, knives and automatic weapons into Israel. Our Air Force respond to the rocket fire by once again doing a, tit-for-tat, firing on military targets in Gaza (the game goes on!). The only difference is that we only fire on military targets, and even warn civilians to get out of the intended target areas, by text or the doping of pamphlets; they just fire their rockets indiscriminately, in fact hoping to kill civilians. 

Tuesday while working at home 10 jets whizzed by in loud succession. I immediately knew something was up and that a military operation was in process. Ellen was doing our shopping and I called her to come home as quickly as possible. We prayed and happily nothing more happened, at least not here. Only the next day did we learn that our Air Force hit and destroyed a missile warehouse just outside of Baghdad. That means we are another step closer to war.

Both Ellen and I have been busy preparing for our return trip to Kenya, there's so much to get ready. I'm almost finished with the Power Points for the High Holy Days. I know that many of you either have no place to go for the High Holy Days or where you attend are not having High Holy Day services. In appreciation of your praying for us and your continued financial support, I would like to make the Power Points available to you. Contact us and I will send you the links. You will have to download and save them as soon as received. Because of the limited FREE space offered on Dropbox I will have to delete the links to make room available for other material, so don't delay in asking and then downloading so that you won't miss out. 

We are so looking forward to ministering in Kenya again. We continue to pray that the Lord opens up new avenues of ministry for us while there. It's always an adventure allowing the Lord to lead us each day. Thank you for your prayers, they're working even before we arrive. We've been contacted by those who are anticipating our visit.

Attached is this week's D'Var Torah and don't forget to check out our Blog for more teachings.

https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Va'etchanan

Shalom and Blessings:

Another week of relative quiet here in Israel. Of course there are the same old accusations from our enemies, yet despite our actions in Syria, and of late in Iraq, there has been no retaliation. My take is that they're planning and preparing for the big one, which may come at any time. God is ready for them!! 

An off-duty soldier was stabbed to death last week; his body left by the side of the road his body lay by the side of the road for six hours before someone discovered him. It took the IDF only 3 days to identify and arrest the killers, two Arab cousins. Even they were surprised the the army found them so quickly; to God be the glory. You don't hear anyone here screaming for better knife controls. That's because Israelis are aware that it's hate that kills, not guns, knives or rocks (which are hurled at car in certain areas). We're petitioning though for the return of capital punishment in cases of terrorism, where a death occurs, God willing it will happen. 

Only 5 more weeks until we return to Kenya. I have been spending weeks updating the High Holy Day PowerPoint's. Please pray for large turnouts (services are during the work week), and for God to pour out His anointing upon the services. 

Thank you to all those who have supported us in prayer and in finances. None of what we're doing would be possible without you. You're in our prayers. 

Check-out our BLOG for more teachings and audio sermons:  

https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King. 

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Devarim / Semon: A Hosea Marriage

Shalom and blessings;

There's not much to report on this week. The regular riots have been happening at the Gaza border. However, now they have added waving flags with Nazi swastikas painted on them; another indication of their hatred for us. So what else is new! I don't understand their point, when seeing they deny the holocaust happened any. 

From the polls it looks like we're going to get another fragile coalition government after the smoke clears September 17th. In fact it may end up being the same one we had before the second round of elections were called. Oh yes, we now have a new polygamy party added to the mix of 120+ parties we already have.

We mourn the terrible tragedies that happened in El Paso and Dayton, the cries for gun control are getting louder and louder. Israel has strict gun laws, but guns are still available to private citizens and many people carry one. A point I want to make is that almost every 18 year old (male and female alike) are walking around in Israel with an automatic assault rifle over their shoulder, yet we've never had one of them commit mass murder. Maybe the solution is to bring back universal conscription in the U.S. At least it would be a way to weed out the crazies. 

We continue to prepare for our return trip to Kenya. The Messianic congregation we minister to there need financial support. Work is very hard to come by and families are faced with a lack of food and money for transportation. They also need to buy equipment like microphones and overhead projectors. Money is also needed to buy Bible teaching programs for the children. 

Two new offshoot Messianic meeting have come from the Karatina congregation, one in Nyeri and one in Chaka; God willing we'll be ministering to them when we're there. They have none of the basics to help them minister and need our help. Please consider sending in a donation so that we can bring them much needed funds to buy what they need. Be a blessing and be blessed.

In addition to this weeks Parasha, I've attached an audio copy of a sermon I shared with Kenya over Skype. The sound quality is bad but it's understandable.

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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