April 8, 2004
Joe introduced Lura and me to an artist who was volunteering his talents and skills in making a monument to the Holocaust Survivors and depicting Jewish history. He could use some funds for materials, so we gave 300 shekels ($66.83 @ 4.4892 per USD).
The chess match between Ofakim and Arad took place! Initially we were expecting 8 players in a van, instead 5 came by car! We (Arad) won 6 out of 10! One of the guys took a Bible and an assortment of books. A city official stopped by, and a cameraman from channel 10 took some footage.
The Dati did have one of their so called demonstrations. They were not allowed to have it at the storefront nor in front of our homes because the crowd was over 30. In fact, the permit was for a group of 30 to 50 nevertheless about 100 showed up.
The newspaper heading quotes them as saying something in the effect that they are praying and doing everything in their power to drive every Messianic Jew out of Arad. Hopefully I can soon have it translated into English for you, but meantime click here to see it in the raw.
April 9, 2005
Arrived at the storefront around 0930 to open as usual; was unable to get my key in the lock to open front door. Sabotage, someone had deliberately broken off something inside the lock which prevented the key from entering.
I got hold of a locksmith who cost us 300 ($66.83) shekels while Lura went to the police dept. and filled out a report.
Meanwhile, our friend Ali woke up to all 4 tires on his car slashed AGAIN. He barely makes ends meet as it is; now he’s in debt for a total of 8 tires.
P.S.
God’s Name on the windows prevented them from being broke. Words out that the Dati may try to charge us with blaspheme.
April 10, 2005
Chess as usual; no problems with Dati.
P.S.
I’m just giving you guys the highlights. There is a lot of prayer going on and we see God totally in control.
Edwin Beckford
(4/04)
