A Time for Rejoicing

A Time for Rejoicing

Dear Friend,

We invite you to partner with Vision for Israel & The Joseph Storehouse in blessing the people of Israel during the Fall Feasts of the Lord through special assistance to the poor and needy. We also welcome you to join us in celebrating the Succot holiday in a unique, Spirit-filled conference straddling two continents.

In the Holy Land, it is a season like no other. The sound of the shofar blasts echoing over the hills of Jerusalem on the Feast of Trumpets, the solemn introspection on the Day of Atonement, the nation celebrating out of doors in the Feast of Booths, and the sweetness of the Harvest Feast all come together to elevate this time.

The Scriptures command the people of Israel to celebrate during this period, and Jewish tradition has named it z’man simchateinu, the “season of our rejoicing.”

But it also must be a time for giving. There are so many who simply do not have the financial resources or health to celebrate and enjoy the holidays. We believe God cares that none be forgotten.

“I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.” (Job 29:12-13)

Several times a year for the holidays, Vision for Israel & The Joseph Storehouse assist between 300 and 500 families with financial vouchers that allow them to purchase whatever they need to celebrate with joy.

It is hard to describe the effect that these gifts have. Their significance comes not only from the ability of families facing challenges to enjoy the holiday, but from the fact that they were remembered in love by people halfway around the world. We never simply mail out the vouchers. Instead, we usually come to visit personally, so that we have a chance to sit and talk.

What we hear again and again is that the vouchers mean so much more than mere money; they represent dignity. The vouchers we use are the same kind paid to many employees in Israel, so they can be used proudly at the supermarket or stores.

And with so many recipients being elderly and almost homebound, we refuse to ignore the power of the ministry of companionship. These individuals so value the visit and the opportunity to sit and share their stories. As we get to know them, we often find that there are other needs that Vision for Israel & The Joseph Storehouse are able to meet in their lives, like giving assistance with medical supplies, clothing, and household goods.

It is such a pleasure to see the hearts of these people lifted up. That is also our goal with our worship and teaching conference, the “Succot Celebration” held in Jerusalem. From October 9-11 we will be gathering at the Pavillion in the Clal building in Jerusalem and sharing in worship, praise, and teaching. Batya and I will be leading praise with our most popular songs, and there will be an amazing lineup of speakers, including Lance Lambert, Chuck Cohen, Reuven Ross, Zvi Randelman, and Steven Khoury. Visit our website at www.SuccotCelebration.com for details and plan on registering at the door.

If you cannot join us in Jerusalem, we are bringing the same richness of the Israeli celebration to the United Kingdom with “The Feast of Tabernacles” from October 28-29 at the Emmanuel Centre in London. Call 01793 862 121 to register.

We hope that you will be able to celebrate with us in Jerusalem or London. And please do not delay in sending any donations for the vouchers that will help make this holiday season truly a Time of Rejoicing for the needy.

Chag Sameach from Jerusalem,

Barry and Batya Segal