Today we had the privilege of spending time with Israel’s lone soldiers in Raanana. These are young men and women who come from all over the world South Africa Canada the United States Holland France Finland and even Latin America. They leave their families and everything familiar behind to volunteer in the Israel Defense Forces. Most of them are Jewish with no parents or close relatives here yet they choose to call Israel their home and dedicate themselves to defending it.
When I spoke with them I was struck by their honesty and courage. One young soldier told me “I come to fight for Israel not because I hate the enemy but because I feel I am fighting for my home.” These words stayed with me. They are still so young many of them barely out of school yet their commitment and faith are stronger than most of us could imagine.
Together with the Christian Friends of Israel team we brought food new shoes and snacks. Some soldiers got massages others just needed someone to listen and talk. I shared my personal testimony with them and a few even had their hair cut by volunteers. The girls were blessed with a special treat prepared by our sisters. These small acts of love and care mean so much especially as tomorrow several of them Max, Alex, Ben and Levi will be heading to fight in Gaza. Please keep them in your prayers.
The Israel Gaza war is in every headline and you can read about it daily in Israel news but what we witnessed today was the human side behind the stories. These soldiers are not just statistics they are real young people with dreams fears and families far away who miss them. Standing with them reminded me how important it is for us as friends of Israel to show up comfort them and remind them that they are not alone.
I encourage you to continue praying for both Arabs and Jews and to support the ongoing work of Christian Friends of Israel. What they do is more than humanitarian it is a testimony of love and faith in action. Being with these brave young soldiers today was both humbling and inspiring. They fight for Israel but they also fight for the hope of peace.
“Be strong and courageous Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you He will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
It is astonishing how great their love to Israel is and it is a good sign for the future of Israel.😃
Am Israel chai!