HHMI Newsgroup Archives

TO: Friends (and friends of friends) of Bridges for Peace
FROM: Clarence H. Wagner, Jr., International Director - Jerusalem


        BRIDGES FOR PEACE TO EXPAND OUTREACH CENTER

          The Bridges for Peace Jerusalem Outreach Center continues to
expand our projects to record levels, as we distribute goods and services
to help more people in need - from new immigrants to veteran Israelis.1999
was another record-breaking year for BFP in many ways.

          In 1999, we distributed 616,129 lbs. (280,058 kg.) of food, a 28%
increase over the previous year, making it a record year for us.

          We are feeding over 8,000 people on a regular basis via our
direct aid and 57 agencies. This past year, we added 22 new agencies to our
Food Bank roles to help the critical segments of society they serve.

          Our BFP Food Bank was the first in Israel and is still the
largest.  Not only do we help those in Jerusalem, but reach out across
Israel, from Beersheva in the south to the Lebanese border in the north.
The programs allow us to help feed the hungry of Israel, as commanded by
Jesus in Matthew 25 to feed "the least of His brethren."

          The amount of food being processed has virtually doubled in the
last year.  Our facilities are stretched to the max.  We were discussing
how to deal with our needs for more space when, we were approached by the
owner of the building with good news; the warehouse next to ours will be
available in June! The increased space will give us an additional 2,200
square feet of office and warehouse space. What an answer to prayer! But
the miracle wasn't over!  As we were discussing how to finance the required
renovations additional space, (from high storage racks to new wiring; from
an immigrant reception area to an expansion of one refrigeration unit), we
received the news that the 700 Club in Canada, wanted to give a Cdn.
$25,000 (US $17,500) matching gift donation to finance the expansion.
Amazingly, when matched, this will almost cover the cost of improvements.

          For many of the new immigrants, the children and the elderly in
Israel, the challenges never end. We hope one of their richest blessings is
when a Bridges for Peace volunteer visits them, gives them food to fill
their hungry stomachs, a blanket to warm them during the cold nights, or
when our volunteers repair their leaky roofs and broken windows.

          It has been our blessing, again and again, to reach out to those
in need. We have looked into their faces, shared a word of hope and the
Lord's love, while meeting their many needs.  We have actually seen them
physically relax from the tension of uncertainty, knowing that for the
moment, they were safe with someone who was going to really help them.
          
          PRAYER FOCUS: Please agree with us that God will lay this project
on the hearts of our friends and donors, so that we can match the Cdn. $25,
000 (US $17,500) and finance the needed expansion of the Bridges for Peace
Outreach Center. 

          SCRIPTURE: "Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose
hope is in the Lord his God,...He upholds the cause of the oppressed and
gives food to the hungry" (Psalm 146:5,7).

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To:  Friends of Bridges for Peace (and friends of friends)
From:  Clarence H. Wagner, Jr., International Director


ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT ISRAEL? YOU CAN BE A BLESSING!

          In the Bible, Ezra not only used offerings of money to
rebuild Zion, but also tangible gifts.  (Ezra 1:6). You can be like Ezra.
Many Christian pilgrims come to the land of Israel at some time in
their life. Maybe you will come or someone you know.  When you go, you
can bring important items for distribution in our Operation Ezra
Programs.  Simply purchase these items for yourself (or with help from
your church or prayer group), and pack them into your suitcase (or an
extra suitcase which can accompany you free of charge when coming from
North America). There is no customs duty on these items when brought
with a tourist.

WHAT IS NEEDED?

New items for newborns
New Children's clothing of all kinds
New underwear, shoes, socks, and sweaters (all sizes)
School supplies for the children
New toys (non verbal)
Small kitchen utensils and gadgets of all kinds
Pot Holders
New Kitchen and bathroom towels
Flat (not fitted) bed sheets
New medical supplies, e.g. surgical tape, gauze, bandages, band-aides,
and vitamins (especially pre-natal, infant drops with iron, and
children's chewable vitamins) Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap,
deodorant, and shampoo Baby formula (powdered)

                 CARE PACKAGES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS

         Some have expressed an interest in preparing gift packages
for new immigrants. The following lists are suggestions of what they would
appreciate in "care packages."  Please place the gifts in large ziploc
baggies.  These are not too bulky for a suitcase.  It is very
important that the baggies be labeled clearly with:  "woman," "man,"
"girl," "boy," or "baby" so that we can disburse the gifts correctly.

GIRL:  hair things (ribbons,clips,scrunchies) /sticker books/ socks
/bandana/small photo album/Soft toy /tooth paste & tooth brush

BOY:  super ball/stickers/sticker books/socks/bandana/model
car/picture book/Tooth paste & tooth brush

WOMAN:  hair brush/tooth paste & tooth brush/deodorant/lip
sticks/small purse/Nail polish/eye shadows/socks/scarf/earring

MAN:   shaving kit/tooth paste & tooth brush/socks/wallet/belt/small
picture frames/Scarf/necktie

BABY:  baby shampoo/ lotion/baby spoon/baby booties/socks/a few
diapers/soft toy.

          At Bridges for Peace we often say "Why just read about Bible
Prophecy when you can be a part of it."  Thanks for being a blessing
to the people and land of Israel.

Shalom from Jerusalem,

Clarence H. Wagner, Jr.
International Director

http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/

E-mail: (:BFPIsrael@compuserve.com)

PS Even if you aren't coming, why not save this letter to give to
others who may visit Israel.

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