Remember the old saying, "I complained I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet”? Sometimes, in spite of our own sufferings, we don’t know how easy we have it until we meet people who pay the ultimate price—death or abandonment—because of allegiance to Jesus.

When the Jewish Messiah spoke to His Jewish disciples, He warned them that their foes would be from within their own households. They were to remain faithful to Him, trust in His presence and give nothing but love in return for any hate or contempt that would come their way.

For this Action Report I want you to concentrate on just one precious life. Her name is Connie, she is a Jewess, and she lives in Israel. She is full of compassion and gentleness and seems to feel the pain of all who hurt. When I heard her story, I knew why she is so special. Those who suffer much often love the most.

In Connie’s study of the Hebrew Scriptures, she was overwhelmed with proof that Yeshua is indeed the Messiah. Though she was wise, caring and sensitive, her enraged husband taunted and tormented her. The worse he treated her, the more she loved him. Finally, he abandoned her and talked her sons into doing the same.

Connie was on her own. Alone! Yet, when I met her, she radiated such peace and love! We visited her in her simple house on a kibbutz in the Galilee. Later, we sent her a gift and this is the letter she wrote:

"You have no idea how much you are helping me—now I will be able to get some wood for the fireplace to keep the house warm. The house has been so cold, and I have been sick for over a week with a terrible cold. I know it’s because I have not been heating the house. I am going to make inquiries today as to where to order the firewood—maybe I’ll have it here in the next few days! I am so excited. Thank you for the Scripture, John 12:24-26. I will keep standing in Yeshua and loving Him. He has been a very precious and faithful Husband to me. Thank you again for thinking of me and blessing me. And I thank my Father in heaven for putting me on your heart.”

Just one life of many we reach out to help as God leads and supplies. Count your blessings, dear friend. And pray for Connie and others like her all over this world who suffer pain and rejection because of simple loyalty to Jesus.

You’re loved by God—and us,

Frank Eiklor & Team Shalom