We were hurting for used clothes. I shared with you the details of our dilemma (Dec. 13, 06). Nevertheless, in spite of our situation, we turned down the deal that was offered us: 'all the used clothes we want in exchange for names and addresses of the reciprocates.' Well, guess what happened next?
God opened up the flood gates!
Clothes, clothes, clothes and more clothes; we never had so many used clothes! Clothes were coming from everywhere! We have enough used clothes to keep our operation going full swing while we’re away stateside.
On 12/23/06 when we dropped K* off in Jerusalem and picked up the 2 pair of new shoes, we also picked up a load of Bibles and testimonial books. With the cost of fuel so high, we try to make each trip worthwhile going and coming. Anyhow, the Holy Spirit whispered in my ear “Give CFI (Christian Friends of Israel) a call and ask about used clothes”.
I didn’t have their number, but by Divine appointment, while picking up the shoes, I bumped into a friend who happened to have the number right in his pocket (in his cell phone…smile).
Well, I made the call and CFI wanted to know how soon can we get there!
It so happened that they were expecting a huge shipment of clothes arriving 2/9/07 and had to desperately make room. In fact, it was as if we were doing them a favor and helping them out by taking the clothes. They thanked us and we thanked them. We were an answer to their prayers and they to ours. Anyhow, they wanted to know if I had any ‘strong arms’ people who could help them on the 9th. They are located on a narrow street which has a big green dumpster. The dumpster has to be manually moved so that the tractor trailer full of clothes can get by. Then the trailer would have to be emptied, etc.
On the 9th, I picked up my people at 5:30 a.m. so as to be in Jerusalem by 8 a.m. The crew: 3 guys, 2 women, and me. Even though the estimated weight of each box was 10 kilos, the work voluntary, and a long day…the women insisted on coming, as well as the pensioners. Well, we got the job done! And came home with another van load of used clothes! The 3 guys are unsaved, one is an atheist. They were overwhelmed at seeing (hands on) what another Christian / Messianic ministry is doing for Israel. This was a life-changing experience with them. There they we were working hand in hand with Believers from the U.S., Russia, Canada, and Palestinians (from the Mt. of Olives).
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Edwin Beckford
February 9, 2007