As we move through October, we are reminded again of the generosity of so many of you, with gifts for Harvest. We have seen an increase again this year on what we have received from churches and schools and our store cupboard is full again. Of course give it three or four months and the story won’t be the same because we are sending out more food to support families all the time.We are currently working on our next five-year plan and looking to see how we can continue to support the families who need us and increase the amount of work that we do. One of the ways we can increase our support is by encouraging people to volunteer. There are lots of things that anyone can help with - simple tasks such as driving a family to an appointment or helping with homework. Perhaps you could go and help a family develop new skills such as cooking or sewing or with simple DIY tasks. I have become quite aware how many of our parents don’t have some of these skills, and 90% of the time that is because nobody has taught them. If you think that you can help in any way, please do get in touch with Alison and Jane, who would be delighted to hear from you.As the long nights draw in, we are mindful that for some of our families this adds to the burden caused by low income and high needs. In the past we have asked those who can to share the winter fuel allowance with us so we can support our families when they struggle with high energy bills. Of course, this year we can’t run this appeal because of the way in which the allowance has been reduced, but we still want to be able to help our families with their bills as needed. Perhaps you might be able to help or know of funds that we can introduce our families to. If that’s the case please do let us know.With thanks as always for your support.Martin and the FSW Team
Update from Kevin and Jen in Israel May 2024 Dear FriendsMuch has happened since we last wrote. Thank you foryour prayers surrounding our visas which were onceagain, renewed at the last minute for another year. Westarted to plan a much-needed break to the UK, andhaving booked our flights, it became apparent that Kevinneeded surgery that we were advised should not wait untilwe returned. You will have heard us talk in newslettersabout the relationships we have built since we have beenin Jaffa, and we are so thankful to the Lord for providing uswith friends and contacts that enabled us to be put intouch with the head of surgery at our local hospital. Hewas able to operate a week later after we accessedvarious tests that even by Israeli standards, wereperformed, reported on, and found to be satisfactory inrecord time. Kevin has a new cardiologist, who kindly gaveup his time and saw us out of clinic hours in order to certifyhim fit for surgery. This was a great testimony aseverything fell into place and many friends and neighboursacknowledged the work of the Lord in the situation. Wewere blessed by two dear ladies in our congregation whohelped transport us to appointments and stayed with Jenwhile Kevin had surgery, when they were able to praytogether, read scripture, and offer support for Jen. Oncedischarged home, Kevin started a week of enforced rest,hoping to be fit to fly one week after surgery.As we waited to see the surgeon on the day before weflew, the Iranian missile attack took place and we spentthat Saturday night, and the early hours of Sundaymorning, once again in our bomb shelter in our apartment.It was a different yet familiar atmosphere as we waited andprayed together, aware of the time frame from missilesbeing sent to reaching their target and seriously wonderingif this was to be our last night in Jaffa. Many of you willknow how much we needed a rest, and especially nowpost-surgery, how much more so. We felt sure that theLord wanted us out of Israel for a while to pray and seefamily and spend time reflecting and discerning, and yetwe watched the news as flights were cancelled and theairport was shut. We thank the Lord that he provided awindow for us to travel and, having got the all clear fromthe surgeon, were able to continue with our plans.We have just returned from three weeks in the UK wherewe were able to spend time with family, friends, andvisiting familiar places that were important to us. We arereally thankful for a mixture of people’s hospitality andgood Airbnb’s, and were able to enjoy the Englishcountryside, sunshine and rain. It took about three daysfor Jen to warm up after we arrived!We are sorry that we were not able to see as many of youas we would have liked. Those we did meet up with, thankyou for your kindness and love, and for the support youshowed for the ministry here in Jaffa. It was a privilege tobe able to share first-hand what the Lord is doing here andto know you will pray directly into the situation here.On our return, we have a further two weeks to settle backinto life here. Kevin managed the trip very well but is stilltaking things slowly. We have time to reflect on the timeaway and pray about the next steps. There are plans forthe renovation and extensions of the Beit Immanuelbuilding in Jaffa that we hope to be involved in, and welook forward to sharing with you how those plansprogress.In the meantime, thank you for your prayers and we will bein touch with more news very soon.Blessings,Kevin and Jen
There was a lot going on at our Pantry this week - we welcomed Joy from Arun Wellbeing to our coffee session in Church. This is a free service that offers a variety of programmes and support to help people improve their health and wellbeing. It was good to see so many people wanting to find out more. At the actual Pantry, 72 people came along and we were also taking appointments for people to see Steve from Southern Water next week. With Christmas just around the corner there is a lot to prepare. If you see any Christmas Puddings on offer, please grab one for our hampers! If you would like to help restock our cupboards, we are short of tuna, tinned meat, tinned fruit, tinned rice and custard. As always, thank you so much for your support - we couldn't do it without you.The Pantry Team.
