Israel Bombing Tragedy

Dear Friends,

We had a very good day with in Israel working with the Lydia Project. We went shopping in at the market and the grocery store and bought food for about four very needy families. I met with an elderly couple, Gregory and Helen Robin and they told me their incredible story which we documented on film.

I have met with a congregation called Morning Star fellowship. They help many poor people in their congregation who are from Russia and the Ukraine.

We are leaving early in the morning tomorrow at about 5:30am to go to Tel
Aviv and visit the children's ward where all of the terror victims are. This is the same hospital that is treating Ami, the fifteen year old bombing victim.

Ami's Israel Bombing Tragedy has brought the ugliness of prejudice and persecution of the Messianic believers here in Israel to the front of the world news papers. Thousands have responded to Ami's condition but now I have see many more children that the world doesn't know about. These children and their families need our help.

This is such a pressing story and need I am planning on staying over the night in Beer Sheva.

I have lived in Israel now for many years and sad to say I had know idea how many people need the love and help form those who believe in the Messiah. I like others thought, "well someone is taking care of the needs.' I was so wrong, I know that Yahweh Himself birthed this project for this time.

We have a chance to demonstrate His Son's live to a people who have experienced so much persecution them selves in the name of Christianity. We cannot let the action of a few orthodox stop us from doing this work. We must do all we can to be His hands and His arms to these hurting people.

Those of you supporting the Lydia Project with your prayers and finances are surly be part of this historical time.

Friday morning we went to meet with someone at 10:30am to visit the
Sudanese people in Arahd. After that we traveled to Engetty which is very close and stay Friday night and Shabbot.

When we planned this trip, I just didn't know how timely it was. Yahweh has open so many doors for the Lydia Project. I am attaching an update about Ami from his mother.


"Update from Ami's mother Leah- May 31, 2008

Thank you all for praying for Ami - I have received so many encouraging emails. We're also thankful for every postcard, letter, calendar, drawing, and love gift that we've received. Our way is so much easier because of the love and concern expressed through every form of communication.

I wanted to update you on something -- Ami was scheduled to have the operation to repair nerves in his left arm this Monday, June 2nd. However, on Tuesday he all of a sudden became ill with a throat infection for which he's on antibiotics. Therefore, the operation is postponed for two weeks!! I believe this is of the Lord, as there is time for the Lord to intervene as we press in and pray for healing of the nerves in his arms and hands. He experiences much pain in his left hand especially, but he's being given a new medication for the neuropathy, which is beginning in small doses, and then will be increased.

Again, I believe that this delay is from the Lord, when the doctor told me, I felt a joy that I can't describe in my heart, and I "knew because I knew" this delay was from Him.

Thank you that you are there for us - and that you are faithful to pray. We love you all, and are grateful to the Lord for you every day. We pray for blessing on your families and great increase especially in the Spirit in these last days.

A video report has been done on Ami and the bombing which will air on Channel one in Israel at 8PM our time this Friday May 30th.. The police tried to stop this report from being aired and brought Channel one into court twice!! However they were defeated twice. They say that they don't want details of the case revealed for their investigation but 9 weeks have passed with no arrests and no suspects. This is something that needs much prayer, but please pray for the perpetrators of this attempted murder and hate crime to be apprehended and for justice to be done.

-Leah Ortiz


It seems we are on the verge of seeing scripture unfold before our very eyes. Thank you for all you are doing to make this possible.

Please tell everyone on your e-mail list about the new lydiaworldoutreachproject.org web site. We already have had people from 11 countries come to it.

Shalom A---

Judith Rood
National Chairperson

From Leah Ortiz

We thank so many of you who have written and asked to be updated on Ami's condition as you want to continue to lift him up before the throne of God. We can't tell you how grateful we are that the momentum is continuing, as we are facing new challenges every day. However, we are greatly encouraged by the outpouring of love from all over the world, and Ami is daily encouraged as well. We thank Yeshua for moving your hearts to convey His encouragement to our family.

We moved into the Tel HaShomer Children's hospital two weeks ago. It is a rehabilitation facility and one of the best in the country. Ami has a strenuous schedule which includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, School studies, Computer lessons, and training in an exercise center. All of this has really strengthened him. Along with renewed appetite, he's looking more and more like "Ami".

However, there are many struggles as well. Interspersed between all of his activities have been visits to specialists. The first specialists to see him were the ENT doctors (Ear, Nose and Throat). We found out that Ami's right ear drum is almost completely blown out and the left ear drum has significant damage. The first doctor told us that he will need skin grafts in both ears which includes a recovery period of 3 to 6 weeks on each ear. However, yesterday we visited a second specialist who specializes in ear injuries from terror attacks. She had better news - she said there was a 90% chance that the ear drums would close up themselves - heal by themselves. She said that Ami is young, and she's seen it happen many times. Even after the first doctor's assessment, I had faith that the Lord would close up those ear drums!! His next appointment will be in 3 months. The doctor said it might take a year for them to heal naturally, but if there is no improvement in 3 months, they will schedule the operations.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE EAR DRUMS TO BE HEALED. Ami's hearing has been significantly affected as a result of this injury.

Ami was sent to an eye specialist as well. He said that there are still many pieces of metal in Ami's eyes, but it is better if they stay in as it could cause problems if they come out. He also said that the eyes were not seeing 20/20 and he might need glasses. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE LORD TO DISSOLVE THE METAL IN HIS EYES, AND FOR THE HEALING OF HIS EYES TO CONTINUE UNTIL 20/20 VISION.

Ami has also had significant burn wounds and subsequent scarring all over his body - also scars where large pieces of shrapnel were removed. His body also has the tendency to scar quickly and for the scars to build up rapidly. Therefore, pressure bandages have been made for him. They are like thick support stockings. The upper body "suit" covers his whole upper body including his neck. It is very difficult to get used to and he's been told that he has to wear them 23 hours a day for one to two years!! The lower body suit is being prepared now. All of this is emotionally and mentally hard for Ami to adjust to as well as being physically rigorous. PLEASE PRAY THAT THE SCARS WOULD HEAL QUICKLY, AND THAT AMI WOULD BE ABLE TO ADJUST TO THESE BANDAGES.

Ami was also seen by a plastic surgeon, who has ordered x-rays to be done on his hands and feet, as he has extreme sensitivity especially in his left palm, and in the toes that were amputated. He thinks there is shrapnel embedded that might be painful to him, in which case they will surgically remove it. Ami has over 100 pieces of shrapnel in his body. Many of them will be expelled by his body naturally. One day, two groups of believers came to visit us and I asked them to pray for the shrapnel to be expelled quickly. That night Ami said, "I feel all the pieces of metal moving!" He was in pain and we had to give him Tylenol!! We need to be careful what we ask for from the Lord!!

I am praying for Ami's healing to happen quicker than anyone can imagine. I believe that with prayer and Yeshua's healing power, everything is possible.

Tomorrow, Friday March 23rd, will be a special prayer meeting in our congregation in Ariel. Messianic leaders from all over Israel will be gathering for a time of fasting and prayer for Ami and the situations surrounding the attack, from 10am to 2PM Israel time.

Even this week, in a town called Or Yehuda, the deputy mayor along with local rabbis stirred up the religious youth to go door to door and gather New Testaments that had been distributed by believers a few weeks before. They then burned the New Testaments.

This is a very serious development because in Nazi Germany, Jewish prayer books were burned in the early years before the Holocaust began. We would urge you to denounce this act to the Israeli Embassy in your area, and also to ask why the perpetrators of the Purim Package bombing have not yet been apprehended.

The article about the burning of the New Testaments can be found at:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1211288128832

Thank you again for your prayer, love and support.

In the Messiah,

Leah Ortiz


Judith Rood again,

I, Judith Rood, want to express to you that Michael and I love Israel and her people but there always seem to be those in every country that thrive on hate and violence. This was the plight of the African American here in America until the voice of the people cause the Government to finally do what was right.

Michael Rood, my husband, is airing a 30 minute Lydia World Outreach Special starting next Saturday May 30 through Sunday June 8. This special documentary will show how we are extending the Love the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to our Christian brothers and sisters - to those who are victims of violence, prejudice and hatred in the Land of Israel.

We are commanded by Him who died for us to show His love through our compassionate actions. Michael has never been timid about challenging the status quo. While we both dearly love the Land of Israel and it's people, we do not condone those who would do acts of violence. No one can say they are following Torah while condoning or encouraging any act of violence against the innocent.

A Land that has for centuries seen it's children murdered, maimed and left homeless, should understand that it cannot allow prejudice and hatred to go unpunished no matter who is responsible or what their reason is for such actions.

I am Jewish. My mother, my father, my grandparents were Jewish. Our family blood was spilled in Russia and in Germany. As many of my ancestors as anyone's were murdered for their Jewish faith. The Jewish blood in their veins poured out to water the soil of many countries. How can any person tell me I am not Jewish because I believe the Messiah has come or because I am married to a Godly man.that is not afraid to challenge man's traditions or ignorance.

The mandate of Yahweh is to aid the helpless, to support and comfort the widows, the orphans and the poor. James 1:27 makes it clear that the commandment of the Torah is still in effect in these cases.

We will show our love by our prayers, by our actions, through the generous giving of our tithes and offerings to help the victims of these acts, and by being there for as many widows, orphans and poor as we have means to help.

While in Israel this next week, I will be your and Elohim's Ambassador of hope to these victims. We hope to visit several orphanages that have received Jewish children from countries where their parents and grandparents were also victims of similar acts of prejudice and violence.

Thank you for your loving prayers and financial support. If you can't see this special, just call us and we will do all we can to send you a copy to view in your home, your congregation, your church or with your friends and family.

I know you will join me in saying, "We are not ashamed of the Gospel of the Messiah and of showing His love to a hurting world."

Call my staff at 800-550-9028 and request a copy. We will send them out free until there aren't any more to send.

Shalom Aleichem

Judith Rood
National Chairperson, The Lydia World Outreach Project

Ami Ortiz Update

Dear Friends Of Israel,

I just received this update from Ami Ortiz's mother. Some of you have only recently become involved with the Lydia Project Israel, and may not know about the tragic circumstance of this fifteen-year-old Israeli boy and his family. The explosion of a package bomb that was delivered to his family's home during Purim seriously injured Ami.

This is a story that has revealed one of the hidden problems in Israel: the religious persecution of Messianic Believers in the Land by a radical group of Orthodox Jews. Over the past years the government has turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to this growing problem.

I have just arrived in Israel and during this trip I hope to meet Ami's mother. I will also be visiting the organizations your donations are helping to support as well as several orphanages and the Russian community. Many of them have come to know Yashua (Jesus) as their Messiah.

Many in this community need our help as they adjust to living in the Land of Israel. It can be a very hard place. At present, it just doesn't seem like the land of milk and honey. Never the less, so many have given up all they had to make Aliyah.

I recently wrote to you of a village in Russia where we have an opportunity to help Jews leave the Siberian wasteland and move to Israel. I am told that conditions in this village make Israel seem like a paradise, and in Yahweh's eye, it is just that.

Another continued story is that of the Sudanese father and his child who escaped to Israel but the rest of the family was captured. I will be following up on how we can help reunite this family. My goal is to bring this mother and her daughter back to her husband and child.

Now for Ami's update;

Ami Update from his mother Leah- May 27, 2008

Ami had another appointment this week with a hand specialist. He has severe pain in his hands, especially the left, which is a result of nerve damage. The doctor told us that he needs operations in both of his arms as the nerve damage begins quite high up, above the elbow, at least on the left side. We were told that one of the major nerves is torn and another is damaged. If the torn one can't be reconnected, they'll have to do a graft from another nerve somewhere else in his body. In which case, it will have to grow and could take a year to see results. She said that nerves grow at the rate of 1 cm. a day!! He has very long arms, so he has about 1/2 a meter of nerves to grow in!! However, it could be that the existing nerves can be repaired and reconnected. So let's pray for that and for continued miracles for Ami. The surgery on the left hand is scheduled for this Monday, June 2.

I have to say that Ami took the news better than I did - because he's anxious for the pain to be relieved.

We also have to see the foot specialist, as he has tendons that need to be reattached in his right foot. I am in touch with a very well known plastic surgeon who also wants to see Ami to see what can be done for the left foot and the skin graft scars.

Please pray that we will be able to stay faithful and full of faith through this ordeal. I often feel overwhelmed by what Ami is going through. Every so often, Ami is weakened by the pain to the point of tears. David and I are grateful though, the bottom line is he's with us and we can be going through what we're going through. We are also grateful, because even in the natural, there are solutions for all of his problems. We are grateful that we have all of you so faithfully praying and believing for us. We are also grateful that we have a great God who loves us and has never left us or forsaken us for a moment.

I ask for prayer for our criminal lawyer, Yossi Graiver, who is representing us. He is not a believer, but an extraordinary person with a heart for what has happened to Ami and a desire to see justice served. We also have a Messianic lawyer who has helped us from the beginning, Calev Myers, who represents the Messianic community here in Israel in matters concerning the faith and the law of the land. We are extremely blessed. Please pray for the legal case, that the criminals will be caught, and that a full sentence will be served with no plea bargains.

Thank you. I will try to keep you updated as to the results of the operation as soon as I can get to my computer.

Yours in the Messiah,
Leah Ortiz


I, Judith, know you will join me and the thousands of others in praying for Ami and his family and for all the persecuted believers in the land. Maybe you could become a prayer leader in your congregation and pledge to have a weekly prayer time for Ami, for Israel and the Believers in Yashua (Jesus) in this land.

Please e-mail me or call 616-583-0200 and let me know about your prayer group.

As you read in the update from Leah Ortiz, they have many needs. One need, it seems, is a laptop computer. I will be visiting with them to see how we can help with the other needs.

I have attached the 30-minute TV special that will air on the ARA TV network May 31- June 8. Once you click on the TV special, it will take a little time for it to open.

Many of your prayers have been answered. My husband Michael's TV series will now be airing on Direct Satellite TV and Sky Angel 136 at 8:30 pm Eastern time Monday - Friday, please adjust this for you time zone.

We are launching the new LydiaWorldOutreachProject.org web site. This will make it easier to keep you informed of the work Lydia is doing.

I will also be posting the cities I will be visiting after Shavuot 2008. If you would like me to come to your city, please contact Evelyn.

I have asked my staff to set up a conference call from Israel at 12 pm June 4th. This is a United States call for you. You are not charged for long distance to Israel.

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.

Shalom Aleichem,

Judith Rood
National Chairperson

Ami Ortiz & Russian Woman

We have had some people write us wondering if we started the Lydia World Outreach Project too soon. The Lydia World Outreach Project was started because of my husband Michael's teaching on tithes and offerings. You will be receiving a newsletter very soon from Michael about the Lydia World.

This project is not an extra financial burden on A Rood Awakening Ministry International. On the contrary, it has been a blessing to this ministry. The only funds sent out are those which come in specifically for the Lydia World Outreach Project. Michael and I tithe through this Project. We know Yahweh will bless us as we bless Israel. How can we teach the Word and not do what the Torah says?

I want to talk to you about the plight of a Russian Jewish woman who has returned to Israel.

We were recently told about this woman in Russia who would not be able to live much longer without a kidney transplant. She had begun the long process of applying to make Aliyah (the term for Jews returning as citizens to Israel) but due to bad government record keeping in Russia, she was having trouble proving her Jewish ancestry.

An organization run by Believers came to her assistance. They helped to push the legal system and obtained an emergency visa for her to fly to Israel for surgery. Her health was rapidly declining as she prepared for and made the flight. To her surprise, an ambulance was awaiting her on the tarmac at the Tel Aviv airport to rush her to the hospital. Her surgery was successful. She now lives in the Land of her forefathers with the help of the Lord and His faithful servants who labor to fulfill what the prophets spoke long ago.

Jer 31:8-14 "Behold, I am bringing them from the north country, And I will gather them from the remote parts of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child and she who is in labor with child, together; A great company, they will return here."

"With weeping they will come, And by supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk by streams of waters, On a straight path in which they will not stumble; For I am a father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn."

Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, And declare in the coastlands afar off, And say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him And keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock."

For the LORD has ransomed Jacob And redeemed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he.

"They will come and shout for joy on the height of Zion, And they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD-- Over the grain and the new wine and the oil, And over the young of the flock and the herd; And their life will be like a watered garden, And they will never languish again."

"Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together, For I will turn their mourning into joy, And will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow."

"I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness," declares the LORD.

Michael and I know that The Almighty has ordained this effort and The Almighty knows why there is an urgency about it.

Since starting the Lydia Project, news of our work and effort have spread all over Israel and now to other countries. I have received e-mails and information from India, Kenya, and South America.

I am making my first local trip to speak to supporters about what is happening in Israel. On May 26, I fly to Israel to meet with different organizations and people.

I will be visiting Ami, the Israeli teenager who was seriously injured by a terrorist's bomb delivered to his parents' home. We have had many more people send in gifts for Ami and his family; I will be delivering them personally.

If you would like to send a card, letter or written prayer of encouragement, please e-mail Lydiaproject@michaelroodministries.com .

If you can, send them in the mail to: The Lydia World Outreach Project, P.O. Box 309, Byron Center, MI 49315.

Shalom Aleichem,
Judith Rood

Update on Ami Ortiz

Seven weeks have now passed since the Purim gift package blew up in the arms of fifteen year-old Ami Ortiz. Those of you that have been following the story and praying for Ami know that his initial condition was so severe that they didn't know if he would live. If he did live, they didn't know if they would be able to save some of his limbs, an eye and one of his lungs. He had a huge gash in his throat; his body was burned and full of shrapnel and bolts.

Due to the Lord's healing hand, this week Ami was actually able to walk up the stairs to his family's third floor apartment and spend a couple of days there before returning to the hospital to begin extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The journey home could not have been easy as Ami anticipated returning to the location of that traumatic event. However, he assured his father that he was not afraid.

Postcards from all over the world have been arriving at the Ortiz home since the attack. Ami finds great comfort in knowing that so many people are praying for him and care enough to send a note of encouragement. We are told that Ami's mother Leah reads at least 20 postcards every night to Ami before he falls asleep.

We encourage you to send Ami a postcard. Tell a little about yourself, your family and your community, or include a short inspiring story. Feel free to send a picture of yourself or your family in an envelope . Please encourage others from your community, your congregation, children and youth groups, etc . . . to send Ami a note.

Mail postcards/envelopes to:

Ami Ortiz
P.O. Box 1903
Ariel 40700
Israel

-The doctors have told Ami's parents that a full recovery could take at least a year. Please remember to lift up his family in your prayers and pray for the finances they need to make it through this long recovery period.

-Ami is having difficulty moving his hands and may need more surgery to re-attach ligaments and muscles.

-There is still shrapnel embedded in his lungs.

-He is easily fatigued and needs prayer for increased stamina and physical endurance.

-The security forces are still working hard on this case. Please pray that the criminals are quickly caught and brought to justice before anyone else is injured.

Friday, May 23rd at 10 AM Israeli time (3 AM Eastern Time USA) believers from all over Israel will be gathering to pray and fast for Ami and his family. They will also lift up all those who are being subjected to the growing persecution across Israel.

The enemy is angry! What he meant for harm, the Lord is using for good, as He promised. The body of Messiah is uniting and standing firm through these days of adversity.

Lisa Rhoades

Pray For Those Who Persecute Others

THE COURAGE OF A YOUNG LION - THE HEART OF A LAMB

One of the purposes of the Lydia Project is to help those Believers in Israel who are facing persecution because they have accepted Yahshua of Nazareth as their Messiah or, as Christians say, have made Jesus Christ their Savior.

Ami Ortiz, who was tragically injured by a package bomb intended for his family, is the victim of such prejudice and persecution but it seems what Ha-Satan meant for evil, Yahweh is using to bring about good. The tragedy that struck this fifteen year-old Israeli boy has brought attention to the persecution that Believers face in Israel and the authorities are compelled to find the perpetrators of this evil act.

I ask you to join me in prayer that the government of Israel will address the religious persecution operating in the Land.

Our goal is to follow the commandment of Yahshua and the Torah in giving to the widows, the orphans, the poor and the Strangers in the Land and to be a blessing to ALL Israel.

We pray for those who persecute others while we help the victims of this persecution, whether they are citizens of the Land of Israel or Strangers in the Land like the Sudanese families the Lydia Project is helping.

A Mother's Thanks: Ami Ortiz Bombing Recovery

I received this letter from Ami Ortiz's mother. In case you haven't received any of the updates or stories about Ami Ortiz, he is the fifteen year old Israeli boy who was seriously injured by a terrorist bomb that someone sent to his parents in Israel . (click on the story at bottom of this letter)

I am in the process of planning a trip to Israel from May 26 through June 11 to distribute funds and supplies to the ministries The Lydia World Outreach Project is working with.

We are planning on filming some of the outreach work so that we can show the needs of those who live in the Land when I share at the Shavuot 2008 Conference in Denver , June 13-15.

Michael and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers and finances from everyone to help the widows, orphans and poor in Israel.


"LETTER FROM AMI's MOTHER, LEAH ORTIZ:

Ami and all of our family thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers. We have felt them and seen the results before our eyes.

Everyday our Ami improves dramatically. He can walk and sit in a chair.

He sees perfectly with both eyes, and he improves daily, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

His wounds are healing so fast that it astounds the nurses and doctors.

I can truly say that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and that he will eventually return to normal life. Even though a horrific act was perpetrated, the Lord has been Good, and we are grateful.

Ami has received hundreds of post cards, emails and letters from all over the world that have been a real encouragement to him and to us. It has helped him to know that families and people know what happened to him are holding him up before the throne, helping him go through the pain and hardship of recovery.

Ami will God willing move to a rehabilitation facility soon where he will begin intensive physical therapy. Please continue to pray for continued total healing.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Leah Ortiz"

This family will need more prayer and help over the next months. Please ask Yahweh to reveal His will for you regarding The Lydia Project and the Land of Israel .

Shalom Aleichem,
Judith Rood
National Chairperson

Donate to the Lydia World Outreach

Update on Israel Outreach

There is so much need in Israel and around the world during these trying times. Believers are being persecuted in many countries. Anti-Semitism is growing in Europe.

We are working to develop an information network to bring you reliable information so that you can pray about where Yahweh would have you help in meeting these needs.

Update on Sudanese Family

I, Judith, have talked personally with my contact close to this family. It is our understanding the Egyptian government is sending the mother and two daughters back to the Sudan. We are sending funds to help the father and one child and are working to determine how the "Lydia" Project can be a part of reuniting this family in the Promised Land.

Unfortunately, to help in most cases, it takes money and someone willing to be there for the victims. This is just one of many situations, but I must focus on the one Yahweh has brought before me and try not be overwhelmed by the vastness of the devastation and human suffering in this Land.

Update on Ami Ortiz -April 17, 2008

I had my staff send out the video of Pastor David Ortiz sharing with the ICC conference what had happened to his son and family and telling in his own words how his son was doing.

As you can tell from his report and those Lisa has sent us the prayers of the Believers are making a difference. We believe, as many others, that Yahweh will use what has happened to the Ortiz family to shed light on the persecution of those who believe in Yahshua Ha-Mashiach as their savior and that many will come to know Him through this tragic incident.

Now Lisa Rhodes' report on Ami;

"As we approach the Passover, we are reminded that Y'shua our Messiah was and is our Passover Lamb. The Ortiz family is living with the realization that the Angel of Death passed over their home because they have been made alive by the blood of Y'shua and his divinely appointed time for Ami was not at hand. As the doctors and surgeons observe Ami's daily improvements they continue to be amazed at the speed of his recovery. Their next decision is for the right timing to operate on his damaged eardrum and to repair the arteries in his arms. We ask for your continued prayers for Ami's physical and emotional healing; that he is able to sleep through the pain and without night terrors; that he and his family continue to walk in forgiveness for those that meant them great harm. If you would like to contribute to the needs of this family click on "Donation". We hope to continue to support this family through prayers and finances during this difficult season. We also ask you to pray and intercede for the entire believing community in Israel as we are obviously in the midst of a time of harassment and persecution. The media is not helping the situation and many lies and deceptions are being spread. As a community we will need to stand firm and united in the love and forgiveness of Y'shua and move in His Spirit if we are to be His witnesses. Thank you for your love and care! Shalom from Israel, Lisa

The persecution of the Believers in Messiah is increasing in Israel, which tells Michael and me that time is growing short. I am having my contacts research the needs of the Russian Jewish Believers in Israel to determine where and how the "Lydia" project can best serve these people.

Recently I did an interview for television in Colorado Springs that will air in May on the Michael Rood TV network. Yes, you read that correctly. Yahweh has given Michael favor and made a way for his program to be in 144 cities, on five networks, and stream live on four Internet sites. People can now see Michael's programs from anywhere in the world, if they have an internet connection.

Michael feels it is Yahweh's biblical mandate to share this blessing with those serving Yahweh on the front lines to show His and His Son's love and compassion for the lost and hurting. Those on the front lines usually do not have a way to tell about their work to a million people but the "Lydia" Project, through the Michael Rood TV network, is giving these dear laborers in the Vineyard a way to reach you and million like you. Now they can share their vision, their work, and their needs with those who will pray for them and also share their assets which Yahweh has entrusted to them for those in need. I will let you know when this special will air on television.

My thanks and gratitude to Kristi for her help during the formative months of this project. Kristi has been hired by a new company, Coca Cola. She was so dear to come to the office each day after putting in a full day at her other job. In fact, Kristi sometimes would get up at 2 am so she could get her other work done and could then come and serve here at the Michael Rood headquarters.

If you would like to be involved or want to put your city on the tour, please contact lydiaproject@michaelroodministries.com

In the "Lydia" World Outreach Project-Israel's first month of operation you have made it possible for us to be able to sent over $10,000 to help with different needs. Thank you for your response to His commandments and for trusting us with your gift.

P.S I am looking forward to seeing you at the Shavuot 2008 event in Denver, Colorado June 13-15. The response to Michael hosting this event has been marvelous. Michael has set aside Sunday morning for me and my staff to have breakfast with you. Jimmy Black, who is a wonderful praise and worship leader, will lead us into praise and worship before I share with you what is happening in Israel.

Shalom Alechem,
Judith Rood


Donate to "Lydia" World Outreach Project

If you would like to be the Lydia point person in your community please contact lydiaproject@michaelroodministries.com

Prayers of the Saint's are Working: Ami Update

We want to thank you for your prayers for Ami, the Jewish Israeli teen who last Thursday, March 20, was critically injured by a bomb that was disguised as a Purim gift package. Many of you have written and asked for more details regarding how Ami and his family are faring, as well as wanting to understand the circumstances that might lead someone to devise and carry out such a horrendous act.

Ami's family is extremely grateful for the love and care that the world-wide body of Messiah has extended to them throughout this past week. Ami's physical progress is generally improving, however, there are still some major concerns, such as one of his lungs being collapsed and full of metal bolts. Doctors have operated on his right eye and saved it, thanks to their skill and the power of prayer.

Initially, Ami had been placed in an induced coma, but he is now fully cognizant and having to fight through the physical battle. He, as well as his family, are also fighting through the emotional and spiritual battles that accompany an event such as this. For Ami, processing the trauma has only begun. He's had only a couple of days to begin dealing with what must be a flood of emotions coursing through him, with the physical evidence to survey, as well as the pain that must seem to come from every square inch of his body.

Ami is having trouble sleeping because he is having flashbacks of the explosion. His blood-pressure is high; he has a fever and the pain is increasing as they slowly reduce his medication. Besides the much needed prayer for Ami's ongoing healing, we need to pray that no anger and bitterness will take root in his precious young life or in the hearts of his family.

A Brief History:

Ami's father is a pastor of a small congregation in the Jewish city of Ariel, located just inside what many refer to as the West Bank. Ami's mother is a Jewish believer and most of the congregation is Jewish. However, as we shared in the original update, much of his father's ministry has been to Muslims and he has been blessed to have led many to a life set free through Y'shua (pronounced Y'sua by Arabs). Because of his work among the Muslim Arabs, Ami's father and the others that serve alongside him have over the years been subject to beatings and retaliation by members of the Muslim community.

Ami's father and the congregation have also impacted the Jewish people within their own community and have been blessed to see Jewish men and women come to know Y'shua as their Messiah.

"Missionary" is a derogatory term in both the Jewish and Muslim world, so much so that most Believers here in Israel completely avoid using this word. The Rabbis have convinced the general population that anyone living in Israel who believes in Y'shua is a "missionary", even if you are an ordinary citizen working a normal job and not involved in any evangelical activity.

It's fairly safe to say that most, if not all, secular Jews do not condone any type of violence toward Jewish Believers in Y'shua; even most religious Jews would probably agree as the Torah does not allow for such deeds. However, most religious Jews are convinced that if a Jew believes in Y'shua, he is no longer a Jew and his soul is condemned to hell.

For centuries, certain Jews have been able to reflect upon many acts of persecution leveled against them by those who called themselves "Christians". This has tended to inflame their feelings of betrayal when one of their own becomes a follower of the "Christian" Messiah.

Over the last couple of decades, the believing community in Israel has been subject to periods of harassment and violence at the hands of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish/anti-missionary groups. The most common types of aggression has been tire slashing; fire-bombings; intrusions into places of worship; protesting outside of the homes of Believers; posting pictures of Believers on walls, in pamphlets, through the mail and the Internet; slander; cursing; spitting; and video taping of Believers in public places. All are meant to intimidate and humiliate.

In recent years, these Ultra-Orthodox Jewish groups have been outraged by Ami's father's openness in sharing his love of Y'shua and they have used some of these tactics against the members of this congregation. Eventually, Ami's family was able to convince the local police to set up a surveillance camera to help determine who was involved in this harassment. Because of an image captured on this camera, the police now know who left the Purim gift package at the front door of Ami's home. The investigation of this atrocity has been referred to the Shabach, Israel's internal general security service. They have determined that the perpetrator is connected to a radical Jewish religious group. Thankfully, the authorities are working to apprehend the perpetrators.

Judith has asked me to be the point person in Israel to be sure your donation goes where it is needed. Our goal is to prayerfully and discerningly help those in need.

We will continue to do our best to keep you updated on Ami's recovery and on the welfare of his family.

Again, many thanks for your prayers,
Lisa

Donate to "Lydia" World Outreach Project: Contact lydiaproject@michaelroodministries.com

Ami's Recovery From Purim Package Explosion

Three weeks have now passed since Ami opened the Purim package that exploded in his arms. His recovery continues to be marked with amazing miracles that have the doctors stunned and speechless. With a little help Ami has even taken a few steps. That in itself is a miracle!

In reality Ami's battle to fully recover is still huge. Making it through each day is proving to be a painful and exhausting experience. He has now had extensive skin grafts that are taking well, but the healing and scabbing process causes severe itching. The doctors continue to reduce his medication so that his body will strengthen and to prevent dependency and addiction.

We are told that Ami is still getting only limited sleep because of the waves of pain he is experiencing. His moaning and screams at night are taking a toll on his parents also.

Please pray and intercede for the peace of Y'shua to give rest to Ami's body and comfort to his family as the Great Physician continues to bring healing.

Many of you have asked how we can help Ami and his family in practical ways. There are still expenses for travel and the parents are living away from home while Ami is in the hospital.

The apartment is being cleaned up and repaired, windows replaced,
etc. . . Ami's family are finding themselves in an interesting situation. Because the police believe the perpetrators are a radical Orthodox Jewish sect they are treating the bombing as a criminal act and not as a terrorist act. If they considered it national terrorism, the government would assist with the cost of repairing their home. As things stand, they may not get any assistance.

Thank you for lifting Ami and his family before the Lord.