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Fall 2008
For everything there is a season
To my cherished partners in the grace, peace and joy of Jesus our Messiah.
As the world’s governmental scene is about to change, I find courage that regardless of election results our governments are on His shoulders. The choices before us are limited and the possibilities unnerving. The way the incumbents in both our countries seem to be racing to make changes before they leave office is frightening. Decisions made in the next few weeks and months could have dramatic and drastic consequences.
The end of 2008 continues as it began, as a time of shaking and changing. Almost everyone I talk to says exactly the same thing…
- This seems to be a time of transition
- I’m confused and uncertain about my calling and future
- I cannot seem to hear God clearly
- I AM SO TIRED
- Our lives are filled with “suddenlys”. Some are good, some a challenge, but all are life altering.
John Loeffler (www.steelonsteel.com) contends that the world is in a paradigm shift. I believe his explanation is worth referencing here. He explains that society moves through three stages: tradition, transition and finally transformation.
By their nature, transitions are confusing as we leave the known and venture into the unknown. Thus in the discomfort of transitions, we turn to our traditions end to try to apply in the present the programs used in the past. Programs that have always worked don’t work now. They cannot work, because they will not work in the future. Hence the term, “transformation”
In the past six months I have seen (and experienced) good programs “suddenly” end. For various reasons (i.e., lack of finances, and personnel), ministries are shutting down or drastically changing course.
In times of transition, only three things are certain:
- God’s goodness
- God’s sovereignty
- God’s word
- Only God knows the end from the beginning. Transitions, whether natural or supernatural are always orchestrated or allowed by God. Only He can lead and guide us during these unchartered waters
Actually there is another certainty – People need the Lord Jesus!
NATIONAL SHAKINGS
Israel now has a new leader of the Kadima party: Ms Livini. That the Palestinians are rejoicing is a clear indication that her politics are not good for Israel. Like Mr. Olmert, she is committed to a “peace” at the cost of giving up the Land. Only 53% of the people voted and the margin of her win was a mere 1.1%. Her major rival, Mofaz is a staunch opponent of the “peace” process. So we might have early national elections or Olmert remaining in office for a while. That, plus the changing political scene in America has caused the race to implement a peace understanding between the PA and Israel to escalate. With Hamas in control of Gaza, there is absolutely no way the outcome could be positive. In fact, there’s a greater chance that any semblance of agreement can be used against Israel, especially with new leadership.
God’s word has not changed and anyone who touches the land and the people of Israel will come under His hand of judgment. Therefore I tremble as I watch the devastation of “natural” and economic disasters hitting America. I want to scream and shout to both countries, “WAKE UP!”
In His mercy, perhaps God will stay His hand one more time.
PERSONAL SHAKINGS
After an extensive season of travel, I thought it was time to put down firmer roots into Israel’s soil. Then four “suddenlys” shook my world: 1) a major transition of my church, 2) a change in the law is now denying visas to many good friends who have been here on tourist or volunteer visas, 3) a 30% devaluation of the dollar and 50% drop in donor support and 4) the unexpected sale of my rental apartment. Let me first address the housing situation.
The dollar devaluation has caused a 60-100% increase in rents (not to mention gas and food). This is causing major life changes and population shifts. Renting believers are all crying to God for provision to purchase homes. The ultimate transformation will be glorious, but the transition is difficult.
This will be the fourth move in the 10 years I have been here. The financial as well as the emotional cost is tremendous. Being ripped away from neighbors, support systems, and church is horrific and ministry impacting. A neighbor came last night and cried as she saw my packing boxes. I calculate it takes about 7 months of almost 100% focus to find, move and resettle. Complicating the issue for me is not hearing the Lord’s clear direction saying, “This is the way…walk in it.” Expecting to have to downsize, I’m selling some stuff, packing the rest and putting it into storage and preparing for a new season.
A SEASON TO REST, REFRESH AND REGROUP
At the insistence of advisors I will return to the States for a short season beginning in November. There are three agendas for the trip which will be carefully guarded:
- Rest
- Refreshing as I receive personal ministry and be spiritually replenished. I am experiencing the same discouragement as Elijah after his victory on the mountain top – a classic sign of “burn-out.”
- Regrouping to seek the Lord’s direction into the next season for Novea. I will be meeting with as many friends and supporters as possible within the imposed structure of rest! A devoted group of advisors have agreed to come together for prayer and counsel.
My proposed itinerary is:
- 10/27 October – close the apartment and depart Israel…
- 10/28-11/18 Orlando, FL; Colorado Springs
- 11/18-2/28 Portland, OR with a trip to LAX around Thanksgiving.
- Cherished friends, to ensure that I take the necessary rest, I will not be the keeper of my schedule! Therefore, if you’d like to see me (and I hope you do) please understand and contact Brian Heerwagen (brianh@deltaministries.com) or Montavilla Baptist Church: (503) 255-0141 for times
THE BOOK –
“Celebrate Jesus” has been a great blessing as I pour years of study, experience and theological training into its pages. Growing up in a Jewish (albeit secular) home, keeping a religious and kosher home as a young woman and then becoming a Believer in Jesus all find expression in this book. I am so encouraged by the excitement and affirmation every time I talk about it both from Jews and Gentiles. I’ve been asked about translation into Japanese and German. I reply, “Let’s get the English done first!”
The purpose of “Celebrate Jesus” is to introduce the Feasts to the uninformed Gentile Christian in a way that they can discover a greater understanding of God’s character, appreciation of His redemptive plan in Jesus and then glean spiritual applications for their lives.
“Celebrate Jesus” will be ready (Lord willing) for a pre-publication sale beginning 13 October!!! At that time the book will be available to order at a reduced cost via web site:
www.celebratejesusthebook.com. All publicity and promotions will be done via internet (www.novea.org, Facebook, www.InJesus.com) so I appreciate your help in getting the word out. The project has been fabulous as God has provided a wonderful team. Because I am self-publishing, all the financial burden as well as profits will be through Novea Ministries. The proceeds from pre-publication sale we enable us to go to print. Therefore your help and interest will be gratefully appreciated.
THE HARVEST
God continues to open doors of opportunity. In light of my imminent move, my neighbors have become an even heavier burden and I have told them so. I am relentless pleading, shoving, and challenging them to look to Jesus and be saved
- Benzi (son of Zion) thinks he’s okay without Jesus because he loves God and prays every morning,
- Ilena (there are 2 ) are atheists
- Morris prefers Kabala!
- Yoav (the store owner) continues to argue and debate with me and then changes the subject. He’s scared.
- Then there are the Divine appointments which God loves to set up.
- Abdulah went from curious to converted while watching a group of us worship on the beach of the Sea of Galilee. A follow up visit to his home produced fruit as 4 members of his family being saved. He’s being discipled by a local Arab pastor
- Muhmud who prayed to Christ on the same outreach was not serious and had to be blocked from his harassing calls.
- Inkeri from Finland. On a treasure hunt many months ago I saw her and a friend eating a “falafel” on the Pedestrian Mall downtown Jerusalem. With heart pounding, I approached them saying, “I think the Lord wants to tell you something.” I felt He was telling me to pray about a daughter. Well, Inkeri’s daughter was pregnant and Inkeri had just been praying for her. Inkeri wrote to say that a baby girl was born in March, just as I had described in my prayer. That God cared so much for her to send a stranger to deliver a message has strengthened her during a year of great challenge.
MY HEALTH
“By His stripes I am healed!” A recent examination confirms that all health issues of the past are GONE! That I am symptom free during such an intense and prolonged time of stress is evidence of God’s grace. Furthermore God has broken my bondage to food which has always been a source of refuge and comfort.
By His grace through the program of Weight Watchers I am enjoying being the same size as I was 41 years ago (age 22 – do the math!). Needless to say NOTHING FITS! 2nd hand shops here I come!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Actually I’ll be home for all the holidays. Here the holidays mean Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. In America they are Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m going to be able to celebrate them ALL with family and friends! In case anyone has some room under their Christmas tree I’d be so grateful!!
MAILING LIST UPDATE
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Thank you again for your continued love, prayers and support.
For the glory of God in Christ Jesus, joanie
Novea Ministries
P.O. Box 62592
Colorado Springs, CO 80962
joan.lipis@gmail.com
Tax ID-93-1049687
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