This week, we have been given the privilege to be used as the Lord's instruments in sharing His love and blessings to the "least of these" among the Jewish people. We wanted to share with you the story of two special families we visited, both struggling with the same problem: raising their disabled kids in the turbulent environment in Israel.

The Vengerovech Family moved to Israel from Russia in November 2007 with 3 children. Their elder son Natan is blind from birth, suffers from Down syndrome, and only has a single kidney. In Russia because of his illness there were many problems. There was no care system for crippled children and people really shun cripples so it was taking a heavy toll on the mother, she was very depressed because of it. But upon arriving to Israel all of that changed. The child now studies in a special school, there is financial support from the state in the amount of 2300 NIS/month, and we helped the family with clothes and coupons for a children bed.

Rivka and Irina

The second family of Bibinovech Rivka and Anatoly also moved to Israel from Russia in October 2009 with their 16 year old daughter Irina. Irina is blind from birth and autistic. They are very greatful to Israel for the way Irina is treated here. In the short time she has been treated here her parents have seen a positive change in her and now regret not coming sooner so that more could have been done for her. She is much more relaxed (she used to be very aggressive from time to time).
She also goes to a special school here which at first she was afraid of and did not want to attend but now she really enjoys and looks forward to.
Rivka and Anatoly just finished Ulpan and are very happy to be here and hope to find work soon. They are very glad about the way crippled people are treated here so that their daughter can go on trips and walks instead of being closed in the apartment all day like in Russia.We helped them also with coupons for 2 beds and with clothing. Anatoly worked 2 months for us cleaning the hallway and stairways.

Luda our FZS social worker and Irina

This week we also continued to distribute the new clothing we received from the container sent from "Helping Hands Ministry" in Sweden. We are so grateful that the Lord has provided such an abundance for us to share His love with many needy New Immigrants. Here are a few pictures of the thankful faces at our distribution warehouse:

Here are a few pictures of the thankful faces at our distribution warehouse

During the last several weeks, so much has been happening here at For Zion's Sake. The Lord has brought such a diverse group of believers to serve with us and we are so honored to have them. Let me introduce them to you.

Tabitha

Tabitha is an electrical engineer from Huntsville Alabama. Before coming to For Zion's Sake, she participated in a two week archaeological excavation at Khirbet el Maqatir. She will spend two weeks volunteering at For Zion's Sake, then begin a short course at Jerusalem University College on the historical settings and geography of Israel. This is her first time in Israel, and she is enjoying new adventures God has planned.

Elizabeth Smith

Elizabeth Smith is a student at the University of North Carolina. Fresh from a semester in Paris, she came this week to For Zion's Sake. This is her first time in Israel, and she desires to learn about the beginnings of her faith and to understand as much as she can about the people here. She senses God is moving mightily in Israel, and after less than a week in FZS she has already seen God's love in action through this organization and in her conversations with people. She is excited to spend the next two months here and is looking forward to see what God has in mind!

Several years ago in Florida, the Lord birthed a desire in the heart of Robin Stuart, Linda Reinek, Vicki Unanan and Veronica Tranchina to serve in Israel. The Lord finally opened a door for them to serve at For Zion's Sake for three weeks.

During their time here they helped organize a recent shipment of clothes from a Swedish Humanitarian Aid organization for the new families moving back to their homeland as well as helping the staff of FZS in the office. The Lord gave them many opportunities to use their skills as hairstylists to bless the needy with fresh haircuts. But their greatest joy were the opportunities to share the gospel and see several people receive Jesus as Savior.

Robin and Linda giving a haircut

They have been particularly encouraged by the staff at FZS. Sergei, Lena, Luda and Yoha have been wonderful examples to them. They work so hard with such tender hearts and are a beautiful example of Jesus' love.

Vicky working on the computer

One of the highlights of their time at FZS was visiting families in their homes. It was a blessing for them to go and spend time with George and his family. George is six years old and moved to Israel from Ukraine. George doesn't have use of his legs and is waiting for surgery in hopes that he will be able to walk. Please join us in praying for George. He is full of love and we are praying that Jesus will heal him and be glorified through his life!

Our Home Visit with George and his family!

George the acrobat showing off his talent