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

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

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Tragedy Strikes a Fifteen Year old Believer In Israel

It is so surreal, we were just talking about the needs in this area and the religious persecution Believer are facing. Then it it's close to home, a young boy of fifteen opens his father mail

I spoke to Judith tonight about the Pastor's fifteen year old son that was injured when a package meant for his father exploded in his arms. Judith and I, wanted you to send out a prayer and support request for his family. Right now their focus is just on the fifteen year olds immediate medical situation which is grave, but the initial shook is wearing off of the rest of us in the believing community and we are seeing that they will need practical financial assistance.

The hospital is a distance from their home so there will be expenses of living away from home during these critical days. Also, they really don't have a home to live in right now. The apartment was severely damaged by the blast. So powerful was the blast that three stories down car windows were blow out. The Lord's arms were around Ami, it is amazing that his vital organs were not destroyed by the shock waves of that size of a blast.

It is a miracle this fifteen year old is alive, but he is in very serious condition. Today was a series of more surgeries to try and save his eyes and limbs. So far he has only lost a few toes and one lung was damaged.

All of our children here are on alert to not open or even touch unknown packages or bags. Whoever sent this package to this home meant for it to kill someone. This Believing community like other believing communities has received much harassment in recent days from Ultra Orthodox Jewish groups. Cameras were even installed at the home by the police because of this harassment. There is also the possibility (although slim because Arabs have no access inside of the West Bank settlement) that it was the work of fanatical Muslims because of David's work to bring Muslims to faith. Either way, it was clearly a message to all of us in ministry here and we are taking precautions. My daughter said that he is a sweet fun-loving kid--very active, especially in his youth group and community. This family will need prayer and financial help.

Blessings,
Lisa Rhodes
lydiaproject@michaelroodministries.com