Grace and Peace to you and yours!
Soon it will be Christmas Day!
When I think of this special holiday, I can’t help but think of how precious Christmas was when I was a child. Decorating the tree was a celebrated family event that my Dad made fun and memorable. We watched as he set up the tree, put lights on it, and Mom took pictures. Then we would all hang garland and ornaments. We’d all stand back and watch as Dad put the star on top and then plugged in the lights. It was beautiful! The best part was how much fun we had together as a family!
But then came the first Christmas after my Dad passed away. I was 11 and very determined to honor him by putting up a tree, but no one else wanted to bother with it that year. I will not go into the details of that rather distressing story, but I learned after a parent dies, things will never be the same without them.
Children don’t choose to be orphaned. It is thrust upon them. God has a very special place in His heart for fatherless children and widows. He also has ways of blessing those who bless them – I have seen it from both sides. As it turns out, God sent this orphan to a nation of orphans to bless them with His love. In truth, there are no orphans of God – only sons and daughters who belong to the King of kings!
The Father gave us His best when He gave Jesus, and for me Christmas has become a time to honor God and His great love for us by giving to children who have nothing. Honestly, as I reflect on this, I know that feeding children will honor my Dad’s memory more than putting up a tree ever could. Especially because he used to always tell me, “Eat everything on your plate – there are starving children in Africa!” (I know many of you can relate to this form of “dinnertime encouragement.” J) But he was right – there are. The children I pray to bless are ones I’ve seen with my own eyes, have held, and hugged. I’ve prayed for them and brought them food; I’ve seen their faces filled with joy and relief knowing they will eat that day.
Last year we raised funds for a Christmas dinner for children in a remote village in Uganda where my spiritual son, Peter Sewakiryanga, founded a school and church. The village children were able to celebrate together and hear the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth! My heart jumps at the chance to bless them with a special treat as they again are told Christ’s story this year. Not only that, but I want to raise enough to help them put food in their pantry that will last well into the New Year. This is my Christmas wish!!! Peter is a man of superb and humble character and one I don’t hesitate to help. I know all given him will go to bless the children. Together let’s show there are people who love and pray for them, and are genuinely thinking of their well-being. Let’s hug them from afar! James 1:27 comes to mind. Please help me bless the children and lighten the burden of their leader. May the love of Christ be shed abroad!
One hundred percent (100%) of your tax-deductible gift will be sent for this purpose. You may give online at www.thefathersloveim.org through PayPal by credit card or send a check or money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May you be blessed by the Father’s love this Christmas and throughout the coming year!
Sincerely your sister and co-laborer in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Judy Bauman
Today I share from my heart about the season that is upon us…
Happy New Year! You may be wondering what I mean by this because the calendar that most of us use shows we are in the first week of October 2011; however, the Jewish calendar reveals something else! The Hebraic New Year 5772 has just begun! Even as I write this we are in the midst of the Jewish celebration called The Ten Days of Awe. These are High Holy Days which Jews set apart for solemn reflection, repentance of heart and joyful hope which conclude on the holiest of day of Yom Kippur – The Day of Atonement. This is something much deeper than a time to make resolutions. “Resolutions” cannot bring about hope-filled redemption! In recent years I’ve noticed the Father’s heart move within the times and traditions of the Hebraic calendar, so I’m learning to pay closer attention to God-breathed holidays and feasts. (This website has a lot of helpful information: http://www.jewfaq.org/toctimes.htm)
The Father reveals Himself in different ways: As seasonal changes can be seen in the natural, so too can spiritual changes. For example, a person will exhibit new ways of speaking and treating others when they have truly repented of a life of sin and accepted salvation bought by Jesus the Messiah at Calvary. It’s like they have come out of the dormancy of winter and blossomed in spring! Something the Lord showed me awhile back is that at any given time in all areas of life we are in one of three stations: in preparation, in battle, or at rest. Wisdom is knowing which one we are in at any given point in time! Obviously we wouldn’t want to rush into battle when we are supposed to be preparing or resting – as well when we are in battle we first need to have rested up and gotten prepared in order to be victorious.
THE MISSION! Much of this year I’ve been at the Lord’s feet resting and earnestly seeking His direction. Today I write to share a vision so that together we may prepare for a coming mission. What I believe I’m seeing is a trip that will involve several destinations – including both Western and Eastern Europe, and at least three nations in Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe and Uganda). In every nation visited I believe that many will be restored to the Father’s love and this will involve spiritual, emotional and physical healing as well. I sense that as we step out in faith together, the Lord will bring everything into focus at its perfect time and make all needed connections. He has been faithful to do this for every other mission trip He’s sent me on, and I trust completely He will again.
The priests who carried the Ark across the Jordan River come to mind: They had to step out in faith and touch the water’s edge before the river ceased to flow – and all while it was in flood stage!!! This is how the Israelites entered the Promised Land! (See Joshua 3:14-17. Full story: Chapters 3 and 4) Given the day and hour in which we live, I sense an urgency to be prepared for more than just calamity. May wisdom prevail! It is not a time to shrink back; I believe it is time to prepare to advance the Good News of the kingdom of heaven like never before. This is what the Lord has called us to do as a Church. It is time to make a leap of faith and bring the impartation and edification of the Father’s Love to leaders and their congregations. If you believe you are to help send me on this mission quest, you may give online by credit card through PayPal atwww.thefathersloveim.org or by check or money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father greatly bless you!
Sincerely your sister and co-laborer in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Judy Bauman
My trip to Israel was profound in so many ways; it is difficult to know where to start! The Father absolutely opened every door that needed to be opened, provided for every need – even to the point of being extravagant in His love. I am so grateful to Him for His “pouring out” over me. Because of the nature of the days we live in, much of what took place has to be kept sealed. I pray you understand. There is a day that the Father will allow it to be revealed, but it is not today.
This entire trip was an intensely blessed time where the Lord spoke directly into my life. The only word for the Church the Lord gave me during my time in Israel was what I sent you last week called, “Come Away from the Ledge of Despair.” This word directly speaks into end-time scenarios that are producing fear that is not from the heart of our Father. “God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love and a sound and well-balanced mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7) It is my prayer that we make peace be our umpire; may it rule and reign in our hearts!
Some of you took the opportunity to sow into the lives of my hosts in Jerusalem; those gifts were greatly appreciated. This precious couple generously housed me and extended an invitation to share in their Seder Feast. This is something my heart has longed for since I surrendered my life to Jesus! The Seder Feast or Pesach is known by Christians as the Last Supper. It is the Passover Feast (also known as the Feast of Unleavened Bread) and is what the Lord shared with His disciples just prior to His death on the Cross. (See Matthew 26) It was an amazing experience and a gift from God that I do not take lightly. All of the symbolism that Jews have practiced for centuries during these Holy Days, point to Jesus as the Passover Lamb and Messiah. It is my sincere hope that they will turn, look and behold their King!
As I wrote you prior to the Lord sending me on this trip, the ministry is in dire need of a computer. Mine was working very slowly before the trip and this voyage was very taxing on it. I will be doing a great deal of writing in the days to come and working with photos taken, so your gifts sown toward a computer are genuinely and deeply appreciated!
You may give online at PayPal at www.thefathersloveim.org or send a check/money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
PO Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father greatly bless you!
Sincerely your sister and co-laborer in Christ Jesus,
Rev. Judy Bauman
While in Israel, I took this photo of the Eastern Wall. Right as I got there the sun came out from behind the cloud. All creation testifies to the glory of God!
It is my joy to report that the Lord has opened doors and made kingdom connections I never could have for my trip to Israel! Truly I stand amazed – only God!!! During these times of turmoil, I know the Lord is sending a word of life, hope and love to His people, Israel; I am so blessed to be a readied pen in His hand. A friend recently told me something the Lord revealed about this great nation, “Words of deliverance are stepping up for God’s beloved.” I say, “Yes Lord, amen; send me!”
Thankfully, the cost of my airline ticket has now been covered, but I don’t wish to be a burden to my hosts. Food and petrol costs are up and I must keep in mind the 9th commandment of mission travel, “Thou shalt not be a burden to the nationals or missionaries.” Please consider sowing into this trip – especially if you have a desire to go to Israel. May the Father magnify it back to you in due season; I vow to be vigilant with its use. Whatever He has called you to do, do it in faith knowing He is your Reward – your Exceedingly Great Reward! (See Genesis 15:1.)
You may give online at PayPal at www.thefathersloveim.org or send a check/money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
PO Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
In 2006 when the Lord made it clear He wanted me to go to Uganda, no one was more surprised than I was – well except maybe my husband, Jeff! Since the Lord had not given me any indication what was on the horizon for 2011, I really thought I would be at home writing more. In fact I just put a small book together that went to print today! I thought that was the plan for the year.
However, this past week the Lord let me know He didn’t just want me to be writing, but that He wants me to be in Jerusalem for Passover!!! Can you imagine my shock? He has actually given me three assignments while there and I am to go from April 11th to April 27th. When I brought up to Him the fact that April 11th is only 6 weeks away, He reminded me that that was twice the amount of time I had to prepare to go to Uganda the first time! He is FULL OF SURPRISES!!!
I completely trust that He will provide for this trip and open doors only He can open. If he is speaking to you to be part of His provision, I gratefully receive it. All donations are tax-deductible (USA) and you can send a check or money order to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
PO Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Recently I wrote a booklet which is the first compilation of visions that I call “Jewels from the River” and I will send you the e-book for free for a donation of any amount.
Your prayers are always needed and necessary for a trip like this, so thank you for your intercessions. You are a blessing.
In the Father’s Love,
Judy Bauman
The mission trips taken by this ministry have touched pastors and their congregations, schools and the children visited, townspeople and villagers, but none have been touched in their hearts as deeply as I have. Please enjoy the photographs from each trip (though there could be so many more). Your prayers are appreciated.
It has been an amazing first week in Israel! The Lord has opened many doors for me while here, and I am so grateful to Him. One door of provision has been a precious couple who has generously housed me. Hotels are wildly expensive in Jerusalem, especially during the Passover/Easter holiday. This has been a beautiful gesture on their part. The Father has also made a number of other connections for ministry that could have only been HIM. Praise God for divine connections!!!
In fact, what I have seen in Israel is “streams of living water” being braided together. They come together – then they go out. People from all over the world are here flowing together. Some people I have been blessed to meet in one place, I have met again somewhere else in the city! Truly Jerusalem is a place of great convergence!!! This may also be why there is so much conflict here. Not everyone rejoices in that uniting flow. Obviously this is no secret and perhaps the reason Jesus asked us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” This convergence helps me also understand more about why everyone wants this land. It seems to call to people and say, “Come! Come to the place where the greatest miracle in all time took place! Come, be part of it! Come see!” While there are different understandings of what that miracle was, it is clear that it is a special place.
This trip will profoundly influence “The Father’s Love International Ministries”. I don’t know how, but it will. In fact I have learned that Passover is a time to BRING IN THE NEW! So if you are sensing the Lord is stirring change in your spirit, this is why. This change is from God, not man! Hallelujah!
It would be wonderful leave my hosts with a love offering. They have an amazing ministry here and I can safely say this is very fertile soil in which to plant seed. If you would like to sow into what they are doing in Jerusalem, 100% of your gift will be given to them.
You may give online at PayPal at www.thefathersloveim.org or send a check/money order with memo "Israel" to:
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
PO Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father bless you as you bless His work in Israel. Be sure and view the photos I've uploaded under "Israel - April 2011".
Today I share from my heart about the season that is upon us…
