Here's my attempt to share with you some of my experiences and observations serving with "Voice in the Wilderness". Let me first attest to the mercy and power of God in using weak and sinful vessels to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ in every place. We truly are blessed to be used by Him. I'm growing in my realization of how unworthy I am to be His servant. May I learn to rejoice in my weaknesses, "For we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power is of God and not in us". What a treasure indeed! It's a comfort and encouragement. May we boast only in Him.

In coming here my desire was to be involved in evangelism and my understanding of that is that is most effectively done through the local church so I was happy to join my efforts with the ways that Antony and others in Voice in the Wilderness have been doing this for years. I would describe our efforts as "planting seeds". The seed of God's word. Here are some of the opportunities that we have to do that:

1. Evangelistic tours of Christian sites around Jerusalem where Lisa, Louda and Leonid are able to give the Gospel as they explain the historical facts of the life of Jesus to Russians that are either living here or visiting. Afterward we give them Bibles and various books further explaining the gospel.

2.Visitation or "follow up". This is where we deliver Bibles, videos, and books to people in their homes that have either contacted to request them from us through the tours or through various ways of advertisement that is done. (Newspapers, radio, leaflets, etc.)

3. Friday night evangelism in Tel Aviv. This is a bit of a different experience as we are dealing with foreign workers from many different countries in Asia and Africa. Once again our main form of evangelism is providing Bibles, DVDs and books in various languages. (Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, French, Chinese, Nepalese, Turkish, English, etc.) I enjoy this a lot as you can see many faces light up when they're handed a Bible in their own language.

4. Bi-monthly trips to Jordan. Here we often combine a sightseeing tour of Petra, encouragement of local churches, and evangelism. Something that is illegal to do there and for which Antony joins Said from Lebanon to try to encourage the local churches in Jordan to be bold in. Again, our main way of doing evangelism there is freely giving out the "Ingil" (Gospel) that we bring across the border.

5. We also do short term evangelistic campaigns throughout the year for people that are interested in coming to participate. We spend the mornings in prayer, Bible studies that explain Messianic prophecies, and learning to sing songs in Hebrew and Arabic. In the afternoons and evenings we may either set up a Bible/book stand and draw a crowd by singing or go and put up leaflets in letterboxes and stickers on poster boards that advertise the free tours of the materials that we have to offer.

I've also been able to help out with the newest venture of this ministry which is combining the ministry's office with a home for women that need financial and/or spiritual support. The ideas is to have them stay for three to six months to help them get back on their feet. I thank my God everyday for the gift of being able to serve Him in this place. We have not just been called to serve Him though, we are also to enjoy Him. So wherever He has you my encouragement is, (to quote George Muller), "Make it the first business of your day to make your soul happy in God". Then you'll have the strength to go and work your heart out for your Lord!

-Rachel