Shalom Friends:
Time has flown so quickly in the past few weeks. It is hard to believe that spring is finishing and summer is fast approaching. We look forward to our garden harvest as much as we have enjoyed watching it grow. With Shavuot just around the corner, we feel blessed that we can joyfully anticipate the festive activities and visit with friends from other groups.
You may have noticed the special programs Joe and I recorded for Arba4.com. These programs, or sessions, concentrate on the Festival of Shavuot and are up for view-on-demand even as I write this update. The series consists of 4 specific topics, each divided into 2 parts. The last newsletter gave a pretty good description of the programs. So far, we have had very good response to the specials. We encourage you to continue watching the series, or start fresh if you have not had opportunity to see them before. Every few days a new session is available for view, and remember that all viewing on Arba4 is free and may be seen at any time. I have to say that Joe and I enjoyed presenting the material as much as anything else we have recorded. Follow this link to these specials.
As I mentioned, all programs on Arba4 are available for view at no cost. However, I should point out that it is not free for us to continue these broadcasts. We pay a camera person to record and edit the videos. We then send the material to go through a process to put on the web. That requires other personnel and broadcast expense. We are happy to provide this material for view, but any donation toward the expense is greatly appreciated. Donations may be given through Paypal on our website, the Arba4 website, or check mailed to Hatikva Ministries.
Recently, Joe has been teaching on Israeli War of Independence during Chavurah. An excitement has sprung among our listeners during the audio broadcasts. As a result of this new-found (or renewed) fervor, Joe has started the wheels turning for a new tour to Israel. No dates have been set yet (although March looks promising), but communication has commenced and sites have been discussed. Several have already expressed interest in this tour as it will concentrate on the War of Independence combined with a lot of Temple study. We will definitely keep you posted toward progress on this tour. Joe is so very passionate about seeing and experiencing Israel. He truly has a calling for leading people to ëthe Land.í Please let us know if you would be interested in this tour. In the meantime, you may want to listen to Chavurah on Monday nights. As with Arba4, it is available at no cost; however, the live broadcast follows a specific schedule and is audio only. It begins on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. CST. If you would like the teachings on a monthly basis, then consider the Chavurah subscription ñ available on audio CD, audio MP3, or video on DVD. The DVDís have become the most popular choice among our subscribers because you can see the maps or blackboard, as well as Joe. Follow this link to order Chavurah.
Earlier I mentioned our garden we have planted. Yes, it is a “Recession Garden” as many across the country have also planted. Let’s face it, the overall economy of our country is of serious concern. Many people are hurting from the added burdens this has placed on their personal lives. It seems that few are exempt from these hard-hitting issues. Our prayers are with you all, just as we know you will continue to hold the ministry in prayer. Your donations are greatly appreciated and help us to deliver teachings to those who are unable to contribute financially. May you be rewarded for your continued support in these desperate times.