The Scriptures paint an amazing portrait of what it will be like when the Messiah returns to walk among us again – He will tell us we have already met.

“‘…for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”  (Matthew 25:35-40)

These verses often come to mind for Barry and me as we distribute your gifts throughout Israel. In the eyes of a needy child do we see the flashing glance of the King of Kings? In an old woman’s grateful embrace, are the arms of the Messiah encompassing all who made that moment possible?

This year, with your help, Vision for Israel has had many such moments. We were able to reach more children of needy families below the poverty line than ever before.

We’ve expanded the Pack to School program to include not only the backpacks and school supplies that have reached 158,000 young students but, thanks to your generosity, we have been able to include financial vouchers for text books – a great relief to parents struggling to help their kids through school during tough financial times.
As the air has turned cooler here in Jerusalem and throughout much of the country, Vision for Israel has coordinated with social services to reach those desperately in need of warm clothes, blankets, proper shoes, and even undergarments.

Over the last few months we have also been able to distribute vast quantities of diapers, medical supplies, and household goods. These have reached homes as well as orphanages caring for children with severe disabilities.
Your gifts have provided for whole families and lifted up the children of Israel in their time of greatest need. May we all hear from the mouth of Yeshua on the day of His return, “I remember you. We met when you helped Me in Israel.”