In our city Sderot and the entire region bordering Gaza where their oppressive rulers of the Islamic terrorist organization Hamas maintain a constant stalk against Israeli cities by launching rockets and balloons with explosives in a direct attempt to hit Israeli civilians, the life of the citizens is really affected physically, psychologically and economically.
As a result of the endless conflict and the sound of sirens announcing a new attack, the children of our region maintain the highest rates in the country in stress, post-trauma syndrome, hyperactivity, depression and different psychological disorders.
For this reason, our City Of Life ministry and Community Outreach Center take every opportunity possible to bring them joy, comfort and relief in the midst of chaos.
And what better than the celebration of the biblical festival of Purim to bring joy and rejoicing to these children as we remember how Queen Esther and her uncle Mordecai risked themselves to stop the evil Haman’s plans to annihilate all the Jews who lived in the Persian empire under King Ahasuerusin as the book of Esther tells us.
Our team set out to prepare special gifts and organize the great party that was held in our center, a colorful celebration of costumes, as is the tradition in Israel, with games, activities and the special participation of “Balagan” the clown who had fun children (and adults) with their entertaining shows.
Each child was able to show off his costume, play, sing and smile again in an atmosphere of fun and happiness after the traumatic routine to which they are subjected day after day as a result of living in this area of Israel.
Of course there were many of the famous “Haman ears”, traditional chocolate-filled cookies shaped like an ear and have been an important part of the Purim celebration for generations.
At the end of the day, the exhausted children and their very grateful parents returned home with happy hearts and their hands full of gifts, giving thanks for the love and dedication of our ministry and expressed having experienced something special in our center, that presence of the Holy Spirit that fills us with his peace and drives us to move forward.
You can be part of and impact the lives of more people who need help in our city and together show them the way, the truth and the life.
We invite you to be part of our ministry so that together we can bring hope to our border town of Sderot.
Our work would not be possible without the help of partners like you, that is why we ask you to consider in prayer the possibility of a monthly commitment that will allow us to continue with the Lord’s work here in Israel.
Sincerely yours
Pastors
Michael & Dina Beener
“City of Life”
Social Outreach Center and Messianic congregation
Sderot, Israel.
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