Shalom!
Every year in early November during the days leading up to Remembrance Day on the 11th; I think of my father, Victor Alloway Rawlings. He volunteered for service as a Canadian Soldier, leaving his pregnant wife and loved ones as so many hundreds of thousands of other men. She received the telegram in April 1945 announcing that at the age of 28 he died liberating Holland from the Nazi horror of World War II. His death, as that of any loved one, was sadly tragic to all who knew him; coming on 09 April 1945 He fell just three weeks before the Armistice or the Nazi surrender to the allies that was signed on 08 May 1945, marking VE Day or Victory over Europe.
I don’t believe my Mother ever got over her loss. I was 2 months old at the time, and have an illustrated love letter that he wrote to me just weeks before he died. It is a treasure. Thankfully, I can say with assurance that he was a believer and that one day I (we) will be united with him in heavenly places.
Through the tender mercies of our God,
with which the Dayspring.
(The Messiah) from on high has visited us;
to give light to those who sit in darkness
and under the shadow of death.
To guide our feet into the way of Peace ”
Luke 1:78-7
Portrait: Victor Rawlings by James Christian Rawlings grandson.
The Greek word for ‘peace’ is ‘Eirere’ in the above verse it refers to “a state of rest, quietness and calmness; an absence of strife; or tranquility.” It generally denotes a perfect sense of well being. “Eirene” includes harmonious relationships between God and man, men and men, nation and nations, family and families. Jesus as the “Prince of Peace’; gives true, lasting peace to those who call upon Him for personal salvation. My prayer is that you hold this peace very close to your heart and mind. And may you be enriched because of your loving kindness to us Rawlings living here in Israel. You cannot know how encouraging it is to receive your responses via our websites and letters. I pray you are as happy about hearing from us as we are hearing from you. I say within all sincerity. Times are not getting easier to any of us and friends have never meant more than they do right now. For those of you suffering health challenges, I want you to know that we take your words to heart and pray for you. Often the Holy Spirit will keep bringing you to mind until you are on your feet again. We are watchmen and count it a privilege.
From the Greek word for ‘peace’, we have the lady’s name, Irene. Irene Bredlow and Meridel became best friends at age 18 when in 1960 they met and entered nurses training together at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. They were both adventurous, becoming life saviors, earning the bar to their bronze in swimming in their spare time. Both won special awards at graduation for their excellence work. Unknown upon graduation, was the calling to Israel that they both received. Today Irene lives about 1 kilometer from Tiberias in Poriyah in the Galilee. We get together when time permits, perhaps four times a year for fellowship, prayer, and fun. She and Meridel talk for hours and hours. I get to witness them laughing and giggling like girls. My job when we are together is to be their butler and chief cook. I become ‘Throck Morton’ and place a towel over my right arm as I serve their food. I enjoy it, they deserve a break, and spoil me as the butler! What fun! There are no friends like old friends!
Irene has a beautiful ministry of serving those who love the Lord all around the Sea of Galilee. For years she volunteered as a nurse in Beersheba, and also in the Poriya General Hospital. She is also an excellent tour guide for visitors from abroad and takes them to the Biblical locations where the gospel stories unfolded. Her Bed and Breakfast ministry is known as Galilee Gardens. If any of you would like to visit the Galilee and stay with Irene; just let us know and we will make the connection. For sure, you will find “peace” in her home.
Thanks again for your words of encouragement, and your prayers for us as a family and team. We are humbled by your own difficult circumstances and your assurance of prayers for each one of us. We will never underestimate the price you pay for your financial help. Together you make it possible for us to remain in Israel. We have one million seniors in this land who live under the poverty line. It is tragic. And we know that the LORD is watching out to keep us well and cared for.
So we do count our blessing every day and are grateful. Only the Lord will be able to adequately reward you on that Day!
In His Love,
Jay Rawlings, Meridel, David, Chris, Josh and Daniel.
Jay Rawlings, Box 84156, Mevasseret Zion, 90079097 ISRAEL
Email: jvrawlings@gmail.com www.israelvision.tv
Sketch by Josh Rawlings when in high school.