June 2009

ISRAEL’S EXCEPTIONAL PRESIDENT, MR. SHIMON PERES AND THE NEGEV

It was my privilege to be personally acquainted with one of Shimon Peres’s trusted foreign ministry staff, Jenny Yeheskelly. At that time, Peres was the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Israel government, having already served two terms as the Prime Minister.

During the time that Jenny was in the Chicago Consulate, Blossoming Rose needed some Israeli government support for one of its programs in Israel. We benefited from the association with Mr. Peres and gained the respect of many in the government.

In his inaugural address, President Peres said that he believed “in (Israel) enlightening the world, in raising light for both people and nations.” He then quoted a scripture verse from the book of Genesis.

The reason that I write about the present President of Israel is to remind us of his great love for Israel and also his particular interest in the southern part of Israel, the Arava, where Biblical Tamar Park is located. I will quote a small portion of his speech before the Knesset regarding the Arava, which is also calls the”Valley of Peace.”

“The Valley of Peace (southern Israel and the Arava) extends along the border between us, the Hashemite Kingdom (Jordan) and the Palestinians. It may become a haven of cooperation between Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians. All three have already given their agreement.

The Arava (where Tamar is located) will be an amazing tourist area. A number of artificial lakes are likely to make it alive and attractive. Along its length, a water conduit will be built to the Dead Sea, to compensate it for the loss of its waters. Along the valley, industrial parks will be established that will offer many work opportunities for all the partners.”

The interest and enthusiasm since President Peres addressed Israel with these words continues. The growing interest in Biblical Tamar Park as a part of the development of southern Israel has brought many visitors to visit the Park. Some want to make the Park part of the recreational focus for the south. Our interest remains to build the Park buildings to focus on the educational and historic religious happenings there that are the foundation of the monotheistic faith of Jews and Christians.

Our tours to Israel continue to fulfill part of the objectives of Blossoming Rose. More groups are going to Israel with us than ever before. They accomplish at lest three things: educating Christians in their historic beliefs in the teachings of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, prayer throughout Israel and at Tamar, and blessing Israel though limited work/worship experiences at Biblical Tamar Park.

You may wish to join a tour soon or sponsor your own.

October 12-25 Prayer tour with Rev. and Mrs. Earl Pickard (Kansas)

October 19-31 World Bible Translation Center to Egypt-Israel-Jordan (Texas)

October 26-November 6 Founder’s Tour to Israel (National)

December 3-13 Chanukah Tour with Stutler and Briles (Nevada)

December 22-January 1 Israel tour with Guide Hela Crown Tamir (Israel)

December 29-January 9 Community tour with Darick and Kate (Pennsylvania)

January 3-15, 2010 Beacon of Hope student tour to Israel (Wisconsin)

February 15-26, 2010 Founder’s Tour

Ministers and leaders who host Blossoming Rose tours are committed to do more than simply give their people a vacation in Israel. Their people gain a deeper knowledge of the scriptures. They are also given opportunity to pray and work at Tamar. Some tour groups are focused on prayer and others on archaeology and “rebuilding the ancient walls.” Both activities are important as we participate in the vision of president Peres to make the Arava as the Jewish prophet said, like the garden of God.

This is an exciting time to be working in Israel! Some news reports picture the whole middle-East as unstable and prone to war. President Peres, who is now 86 years old, said that “Israel must not only be an asset but a value. It must be a good and warm home for Jews who are not Israelis, as well as for Israelis, who are not Jews. Permit me (Peres said) to remain an optimist…spring is waiting for us at the threshold. The spring will definitely come!”

This is what I am trying to convey to people who are uncertain and confused about Israel and the middle-East. The Bible tells us that there will be a Day when the rule of Peace will be the order of the Day, not the rule of law and even war. That Day may still be in the distant future, but it will come. Some of us may not see that Day, but it will come. It will come because the Biblical writings upon which our faith is based are true. We can trust ourselves into the care of a good and loving God.  

In closing, I am requesting that you print off the attachment and read it carefully. If you would like to change your giving to Blossoming Rose to an automatic deduction from your bank account, please send this form back to us. This authorization agreement for direct payments is the way many of our gifts are being received by us now. It is safe process and reduces paperwork. And, you still receive your donation receipt from us whenever you give.

You are still welcome to give by check and/or on-line at our web site, www.blossomingrose.org

Shalom.

DeWayne Coxon, President