Dear Mishpacha (family),
As I am writing this newsletter we are still in the time of the “Three Weeks of Affliction”. This is a time in the Jewish Calendar to reflect on some historical events that took place with the Jewish people (Israel). It started on Tamuz 17 (July 12th eve) and ends on Av 9th (August 3rd eve). On Tamuz 17 we have the Golden Calf incident and on the 9th of Av we have the destruction of both temples in Jerusalem. It is a tradition among the Jewish people to fast on these two dates to remember the tragedies. Both events took place in the summer. Please don’t forget that it was the time of the first ripe grapes when the twelve spies went into the land for forty days (Numbers 13:20). Ten out of the twelve spies gave an evil report that the children of Israel believed therefore a whole generation died in the wilderness without entering into the Promised Land. This all took place in the summer, we all need to be vigilant and sober especially during this time. The ten spies that brought an evil report, died of a plague (Numbers 14:17). We must not alter God’s purpose as He restores and regathers the whole house of Israel.
The Community of Beit Tehila continues in the vision of Building a Strong Community and Raising up the Next Generation. These are some of the events that are taking place at Beit Tehila. In the month of August, Hanoch Young will be with us from Israel on August 16th and the 18th. He will be sharing about not only what is going on in Israel but the Temple Mount as well. I can hardly wait for Hanoch to stay at my house as we encourage one another. When he comes Ahava gives him a hug and Hanoch just smiles really big. On August 17th (Sunday) at 2PM George Jakubiak and Mary Caceres will be getting married at Beit Tehila. We should be so happy for this couple and celebrate with them as they come together in the union of marriage. “Vision Night” on August 24th from 4PM to 6PM and purchase tickets for this as the Worship Team is raising money to attend a special worship conference along with getting a new keyboard. I am also looking forward to the “Season of Teshuvah” that will begin on August 24th eve (Elul 1) and end on October 2nd eve (Tisheri 10). “Teshuvah” literally means to return and is the word used to describe repentance. The word “return” means to turn, call to mind, recover, restore, and retrieve (Deuteronomy 30:2, 8; Isaiah 44:22, 51:11, 63:17; Hosea 3:5, 6:1, 14:7). We have kept the Season of Teshuvah for many years and it helps prepare us for the Fall Feasts that will be coming. I will be teaching on this and the Daniel Fast on August 9th for our Shabbat Service. Another important part of the Season of Teshuvah is that we also do the Daniel Fast in the beginning for twenty-one days (Daniel 10:2-3). The Daniel Fast is done for the people of Israel and for the holy city. We will have handouts out in the church lobby. This will be a time for some deep self-examination and denying our flesh. I love this season and I am anticipating great things for our community of Beit Tehila and for the city of Brandon.
Remember, this is the year for divine appointments and friendships. The month of August is a very important month and the children will be going back to school. Take this month seriously and all the events that we will be participating in. I know that we are called to deep intercession and prayer for ourselves and for others. The name Israel means a prevailing prince and co-ruler with God. We are all imagers of God and His ambassadors. I am excited about the future of Beit Tehila and all that our heavenly father has for us. Let’s go forward together.
~Shalom, Pastor Nick
