“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”
Mark 13:32-33
You know the old adage: “When a crisis comes, it’s too late to prepare.” It seems the world was caught unprepared for this awful pandemic, and many lives were taken as a result of the neglect, and the lack of medical supplies.
Over twenty-five years ago Barry and I were invited as speakers and worship leaders for a big conference in the greater Miami, Florida area. During the break, several people saw our Israeli flag and came to talk to us. They introduced themselves as the organisers of a conference for medical suppliers that happened to be taking place next door to ours.
In the conversation, we spoke about our humanitarian aid efforts in Israel, and they were so excited to hear that our goal was to help provide medical and emergency supplies to Israel due to the devastating terror attacks that were going on in those days.
And so began Vision for Israel’s involvement in the provision of medical supplies. Since that day, we’ve provided millions of Shekels of emergency medical supplies, ambulances, medi-cycles, and medical equipment that we were able to purchase locally by networking together with Israeli medical teams. It has been an honour for us to be involved with so many life-saving efforts together with each of you.
Recently, we were approached by emergency medical teams and hospitals requesting long lists of medical items that are desperately needed—including ventilators, surgical masks, and even advanced-tech emergency beds for their ICU departments—as we have provided in the past.
As we read and hear about the number of people dying because of the lack of medical devices, we feel the effects of the outbreak very personally. Some of the worst cases in the US right now are in nursing homes—especially the one in Brooklyn where Barry’s mom is residing. And we’re deeply saddened to report that Barry’s uncle in New Jersey has just lost his battle with the disease.
The truth is—it’s a daunting challenge that’s ahead of us. Since we began our push to provide emergency medical relief for COVID-19, we’ve been making steady progress toward our $200,000 goal.
As you know, these are uncertain times for us all. But if you’re in a position that’s financially secure, there are many in Israel who cannot say the same—and your contribution could literally make the difference in real human lives.
We are your eyes, hands, and feet here in Israel. Together, we form a body that is stronger than the sum of its parts. Your heroic partnership with us has never been more powerful—or more necessary. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any surplus you are able to give.
