My dear friend,

Behind the soft music and peaceful scenes of Christmas a storm is brewing in the Mideast. It is a terrifying tornado of hatred directed at Israel, with Iran's president vowing to finish what Hitler couldn't. These are not mere words. There is an Islamic hope that when carnage and devastation fill the land, the mahdi will come - a false messiah who will give Islam world control. In the midst of all the madness, thousands of Muslims are meeting Jesus in life-changing experiences.

It is time for the churches to wake up and shake off the shackles of materialism, laziness and lack of vision! Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision and beating their breast and the bushes in search of a hope.

Take Israel. There is a new tenderness and openness toward Jesus in the land. The Church must return to the Father's heart for Israel. This is a part of my teaching and a burden that never goes away.

Many churches still teach replacement theology and how the Jews are no longer in the Father's plans. Other Christians go to another extreme - speaking of love for Israel but saying that Christians need not share the love of Jesus with Jews who are "already in covenant." Of course, Jewish people applaud this false belief and shy away from those like me who declare our love for Israel, but add that it is only through Jesus that one can know sins forgiven and eternal life. There is always a cost to standing up for the truth.

But it is the truth that sets men free - and my team and I will be faithful to proudly display the true meaning of unconditional love as offered by our Savior and the Messiah of Israel. This message carries the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and that is how lives are changed.

Keep us in your prayers and arms of support. Your gift this final month of 2009 will give us a running start into the New Year. We don't know what it holds - but we know the God who does!

Blessed Christmas through the Prince of Shalom,

F.E.