Dear Family & Friends,

We are excited to share with you the opportunities and challenges that the Lord has set before us in the weeks since you last heard from us. The work of the Gospel in Israel is advancing and we are thankful to the Lord of the harvest for giving us the ability to labor in his field. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Luke 10:2
Susan Brodsky

In May our accountant, Susan, was diagnosed with cancer. Since then she has gone through surgery and now is undergoing Chemo-biotherapy. She is in the office on and off and doing all she can, over-extending herself so that the work will not be negatively affected. It is a busy time as we are in the process of preparing the 2009 budget. Please pray for her strength and that the treatment will be effective. Her testimony appeared in the June-August edition of CWI’s Herald magazine.
Projects

The Children’s Bible (The Testimony)

As you know HaGefen initiated this project some years ago. In the last two years Grace and Truth Congregation took responsibility for the work, but in March asked HaGefen Publishing to take it over. Since this is a very important enterprise and much effort and resources have been poured into it, we agreed to bring the project to completion. As of June, Shoshi Danielson and Diana Shimon re-joined our staff. The third volume, the Prophets, was published in May and was well received. We have received positive feedback even from secular clients. One such customer wrote:

"Dear HaGefen Publishing,

I wish to praise and commend you for the three volumes you have put out in the Testimony Series.
Thanks to these books my children have found the study of the Bible much easier!
Keep up the good work,

S. H."

Study of the Bible in the schools is mandatory and the Modern Hebrew translation helps the children understand the Masoretic text. We hope that the series will help our youth develop a love and appreciation for the word of God.

Evangelistic Books

In May we published 10,000 copies of a new evangelistic book translated from Y’shua, the Jewish way to say Jesus, published by Jews for Jesus. The book is being used in various campaigns and evangelistic efforts throughout the country.

Betrayed! by Stan Telchin was also translated into Russian. Of the 7000 copies printed only 2000 are left in stock!

The Children and the Heidelberg Catechism

The illustrated Children’s Catechism, based on the Westminster Children’s catechism, is to be published in November with full scriptural references. As the believing community in Israel grows there is increasing need for tools for parents and children. In October we will publish a limited edition of the Heidelberg catechism entitled: "One and Only Comfort".

Parenting and Shepherding

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp and its study guide in Hebrew and Russian are almost ready for the printer. We are preparing for the seminars to be conducted in November in Haifa in the North, Beer-Sheva in the South and Netanya in the center. While Tedd is with us he will be teaching a week of classes on Biblical Counseling at the Israel Bible of College as part of the MA course that Eti is taking. We are working now on promotion and administration involved. We are expecting some 400 people to attend the seminars.

Deputation

David traveled to Scotland in May for the Free Church of Scotland General Assembly and was privileged to report on the work to the Assembly. Together with Mike Moore and Paul Morris he traveled across Scotland to speak in various church meetings. There was a real interest in the work and many new contacts were made.

Four days after returning from Scotland, David traveled back to the USA to attend the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA) GA, and to meet various churches and individuals who support the work or have shown an interest in it. This is the second year that HaGefen Publishing and CWI have attended the PCA GA. David was in the USA for six weeks, beginning in Dallas, and then Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Eti and the children joined him for four weeks and were able to visit dear friends and family, and to enjoy a short vacation.

CWI Tour

A group of pastors and laymen from Singapore will be coming to Israel in November. HaGefen Publishing has been organizing the tour, entitled A Tour with a Difference. The itinerary includes the well known historical sights, and also interaction with local believers and lectures on Israel and the Jewish people.

Home Front

Since returning home in the middle of July we have had many guests (fifty or so for dinner and more than thirty who stayed overnight) in our home. Summer is always a busy time as children are out of school, which allows people to travel and to visit friends and family.

Eti finished her first year of studies with flying colors. She received 97 on the last paper she submitted before she and the children left for America. In July she taught at the Christian camps, and mentored teenage girls from David’s youth group. Maayan and Hadas both finished their school with an A- average and did well socially. The girls and Meidan are preparing for the opening of the school year on September 1st.

David is becoming more involved in the planning and the setup of Christian schools in the land. There is a great need for that and it seems the time is ripe for such an effort. In the next issue of our prayer update news, you will hear more on this.

Our Praises and Prayers:

Praise God For:

• The evangelistic booklet that has reached many hands.
• Publishing of the third volume of Children's Bible and its warm reception
• Lives that are being touched by books and activities of HaGefen Publishing

Pray For:

• Susan's complete recovery
• The upcoming seminars on parenting and the related books
• For the financial challenges that we face as the result of the Children’s Bible project (payment of two salaries).