First Fruits Report- May 2021

 

Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was in charge of the singing; he gave instruction in singing because he was skilled. 1 Chronicles 15:22 (AMP)

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I was able to make a courtesy visit to Yuval Arts, a school of music and media being stewarded by strong and talented believers in Yad Hashmona.  The Davises were able to share with me their vision for pushing students toward excellence in vocal and instrumental music, and the use of social media and graphic arts alongside a strong curriculum of biblical and Hebraic relevance to both tracks of learning.  They bravely assumed the mantle of a previous ministry leader during this challenging period and CFI will partner with them on future projects to fortify their assignment in the land.  They affect many generations of believers where they are. We were also able to encourage a young worship leader originally from Ukraine. Dmitry is employed in Haifa as an industrial engineer. He leads worship at a small Russian congregation and lives in an apartment adjacent to the church property, where a majority of the membership is elderly and are connected with the Aliyah that happened post-Soviet empire.  He is very excited about his life in Israel and looks forward to re-establishing a travel/tour service from eastern bloc nations, once COVID restrictions have lifted.

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The Nassers currently reside in the wife’s parents’ home in the Old City and are quite young with 2 small children, one being a new-born.  They hardly seem old enough to have the responsibility of parenting themselves, but within this rich Arab Christian culture, they are attempting to thrive in the face of sporadic school closings and other inconveniences associated with the pandemic. CFI’s support has been timely.  

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One of our media team accompanied me to Ashkelon where we visited a lady the CFI has provided a new washing machine for.  She had been a previous recipient of support from us over 20 years ago, so her daughter reached out to determine if we could repeat the assistance.  While we were there, Svetlana shared with us about her journey from war-torn Chechnya and her path to recognizing Yeshua as her Messiah.  She has spoken of a miraculous healing that has taken place in her body and we agreed with her in prayer that her son, who came to Israel 5 years before the rest of family. He experienced a severe mental breakdown during the period of transition and we prayed that would receive a full recovery of health and identity, while in her care. The month ended with us filming a video from Ashilim that will highlight the First Fruits project. We covered the direction that the project is headed and the momentum that we would like to maintain this year.  Please stay tuned to the website for that content.

The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who fall and raises up all those who are bowed down.

Psalm 145:14 (AMP)

 

Kim S. Brunson

First Fruits Project Supervisor

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First Fruits February ‘21 Report: by Kim Brunson

Let each one of us [make it a practice to] please his neighbor for his good, to build him up spiritually.
Romans 15:2 (Amp)

Based on the ordeals of this previous calendar year for all of us, the transition from 2020 to 2021 has been welcomed.  We believe that we will be presented with new challenges and that God will be faithful to have us meet them regarding our ability to serve believers in Israel during this time.

Since my wife Marcia and I were on leave for much of the previous month, other members of the CFI staff were able to participate in our outreach activities for those who had needs in Israel.  Accompanying our media photographer  to Haifa in our absence to deliver food vouchers to the Winapple family just in time for Hanukkah, were the two new additions to our team here.  Previously, I had been able to meet the Winapples briefly, but not at their home.  As he overcomes life-threatening illness, Mr. Winapple was able to share his extensive portrait creations inspired by his faith and even minister from scripture and experience to our team, so I am certain that the visit was as rewarding for them, as our ability to supplement household needs were for the Winapples.  Because of his heritage, he was also able to speak his native Polish tongue with our photographer, who was born there.  Mrs. Winapple was especially touched by our gifts of quilts and a hospitality basket with edibles, as a gesture of covenant.

 “But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust
And will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

 While abroad, I was able to secure support for an Armenian and Arab couple who needed some counseling to overcome some adverse and traumatic workplace circumstances.   This couple has worked and is working in a key ministry in the land, so it was very important for us to keep them encouraged and motivated.   Sometimes professional counsel is necessary, even with access to other ministry tools or resources. We believe this will also help their children within the dynamic of their household of faith.

“I would hurry to my refuge [my tranquil shelter far away] from the stormy wind and from the tempest.” Psalm 55:8 (Amp)

After a path fraught with delay and bureaucracy, we were finally able to make good on our pledge to assist the Christian Soldier House in Haifa with materials that were needed to reinforce the roof and upgrade this consequential property in the ability of lone soldiers and Arab Christian soldiers to thrive in their faith while serving Israel, despite their community or family opposition.  The Christian couple that steward this work are also Arab and Armenian.  As diverse as our donor base is, so is our recipient base within the land God has set aside for His blessings and promises!

Kim S. Brunson
First Fruits Outreach Supervisor