Serving the Invisible in Israel
The Joshua Fund sponsors more than a dozen distribution centers (DCs) that provide food on a monthly basis to more than 3,000 families. All of our DCs are directly connected to congregations or like-minded ministries. This gives local believers an opportunity to minister personally to the needy in their area and to be a blessing in their communities. Recipients are often told that the food they are receiving is a gift from believers from North America who love Israel and her people.
Not so long ago, I had the privilege of meeting with those who manage these DCs. What a blessing to spend time with people who are literally the hands and feet of The Joshua Fund’s humanitarian work in Israel. I thought you’d appreciate hearing from those who are closest to the ministry action.
“We serve the invisible,” explained one volunteer, noting that most of the recipients of food packs go unnoticed. “What a privilege it is to partner with The Joshua Fund, to go into people’s homes and sit down with them, touch them and give them a hug. That really touches their heart.” Spending time with them and sharing their burdens encourages both the giver and the receiver.
At another DC, members of a congregation “adopt” 1-2 needy families. They visit these families monthly, distributing food packs, developing relationships and sharing God’s love. Both recipients and distributors now look forward to their monthly get togethers. At yet another DC, the youth group gathers each month to take the bulk food The Joshua Fund has delivered to them and create family food packs. This has “impacted our young people’s lives, affected their walk with the Lord and their love for the Lord,” said the DC manager. The DC has been distributing to poor families regardless of ethnic or religious background, for many months, and its work has been recognized by community leaders. The food packs have “given us a platform to speak to the village,” she said.
Single moms, Holocaust survivors, immigrant’s young and old (most who can’t speak Hebrew), recovering drug addicts, unemployed, disabled, mentally challenged – these are among those who receive food packs provided monthly by The Joshua Fund. Your prayers and financial gifts are directly responsible for ministering to the invisible.
Thank you for honoring us with your trust, gifts and prayer. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership.
TIM LUGBILL
Executive Director