Newsletter - Winter, 2009/10
Dear Friends and Family of Ben Israel Fellowship,
Warm greetings from the Minnesota!
At long last an update is ready for you, mostly my fault; I kept putting it off! But all in His time...
We are blessed to have Art and Mary Beebe with us now and are encouraged by having them on the farm. As you read on, they will each share what the Lord has on their hearts.
Please continue to pray for us as we purpose to seek the Lord and do His will. Soon Peter and JoAnn Brock will be joining us, and we know there are others who have on their heart to come and see what the Lord has for the future. John and Lynn Hughes and family remain with us, as do Archie and Elaine and their little one. Mom is away at present but managed to leave “a little note” for us to include. Prayer continues on a daily basis, and though the numbers may be small, the voices are strong, and raised toward heaven.
Be praying for those in Haiti...those that meet and pray together on the farm were impressed by the Lord that I should go to Haiti and serve with one of the medical teams. The door seems shut at this time with my work, but He can open it in an instant. Wisdom and direction are needed but I am ready and willing to go!
Appreciating always your love and support.
For His work and for His Kingdom,
Sissie (Katz) Pennel
FROM INGER KATZ
Dear Friends of Ben Israel and the Katzes,
Christmas came and went, so now I can say, “May you have a blessed and a God-given New Year.” Today we put January 2, 2010 on the calendar, and it’s a very cold day up here in the MN northwoods, but also very beautiful. The trees look like silver with all the snow that we now have when the sun shines on them. I can understand Pappy’s liking for the woods more and more. I used to say, “It’s only trees,” but not anymore. I thank God that I can awake every morning to clean, cool fresh air. Francini, my pooch, and I enjoy walks in it every day. And of course we enjoy the beauty that God has given us to enjoy.
I count my many blessings, one among many being the Beebe’s here, and I am so grateful. After Pappy’s passing into glory, Art and Mary came up all the way from Kansas, mainly to ask what they could do for me. I told them to move up here and be part with us again. Art told me, “Forget it.” But God knew better, and here they are. In the spring, Peter and JoAnn Brock will be here also. I always felt that they would come back, and I am sure that more will follow.
Another blessing: our old home is now in use as a community building. I’m asking God to help me (us) to fix a library upstairs for all of Pappy’s books, and he has a ton of them! Those two things I know were on Pappy’s heart. He never saw it come to pass, but I believe that I will see both finished. What a glory for me to be part of that!
As a matter of fact, we had our first Ladies mini-Conference in October in the old farm house (our new community building). Paulette Revet taught on Leah, and she came down with approximately twenty ladies from Canada. It was absolutely of the Lord, and I believe that it was like a forerunner for something for Ben Israel in the future. Also, our Sunday pm gatherings are held in the same building, and we have a very sweet fellowship time there. Art Beebe is teaching the Word of God, and after that we share a meal together. We are like a little Outpost setting in the middle of “nowhere,” but I know from Pappy’s teaching that there are many little “outposts” strewn everywhere in America, even some places in the world. And somehow I also believe that God will make a network and communication between us and all of these little outposts.
Family News:
We are fine in the Katz family. I had the kids and grandkids home for Christmas, the 24th of December. The 25th It is good to spend time with the family. The 26th we had a Ben Israel Family dinner, and very special too. And not just that, but we had fun. We had a “white elephant” gift exchange and lots of laughter. And tired as I was, I could feel God smile and say “That’s my silly kids!” we all went to David’s, and we had a special time there, as well.
On January 13th I fly to Florida to visit with Ariel and family, until February 25th. Then I fly to Denmark until March 14th. I had not planned to go there, because to fly has become more difficult for me. My sister offered to pay my ticket, but even so I felt that it was wrong, because of the short time that I could spend with them. Out of curiosity, I wanted to find out what a ticket would cost if I flew from Orlando to Denmark, and then back to Minnesota. And to my surprise it was very cheap. So now I can celebrate my brother’s sixtieth birthday, and the same for my brother-in-law, as well as my sister, who is turning sixty-six. All three were born within four days in March: 9th , 11th and 12th. I keep thinking of the scripture, “If God is with us and for us, who [and what] can be against us?” I do like to stay in my comfort zone here at home. I am doing well, health-wise, but I am not what I was. I don’t have the energy I used to have, and I’m not getting younger either.
I’m sure that you also knew that I went to Israel and the West Bank for three weeks. I was up and down about going or not, for the same reason: I like to stay in my comfort zone, and I knew that I could not keep the diet, the juicing, the therapy and the way I live here when I went. I was a little scared about it, but then again I remembered, “What is not possible for us is possible with God.” I did get sick, but God was with me, and I am very glad that I went, and it was very important that I went back and touched base with the families again. And many things had happened since I had been there. Akel had passed away, and there were two new babies born in the Saleh family. Little Akel and little Lily. Akel’s older sister was dying at that time, and I learned that she did pass away a week ago. And many other things were happening in the families. And it was so important that I was there to lend encouragement. I went into Israel to visit friends the last four days of my trip, and on my return home there was a big “Welcome Home Inger” sign on my door. My pooch, if she could talk, would tell me that Art Beebe took very good care of her, so I can go again on the next trip with peace, knowing that she is taken good care of. I still work at Teal’s, and I like it. I also do volunteer work at the hospital, which I like very much. It is like a new world has opened up for me. I had better quit. I can see Sissie say – “Mom, it’s too much”!! Or as Saleh would say, “Auntie, you talk too much!” Thank you so much for your prayers and your concern for Ben Israel and the Katz family.
Lovingly
Inger Hava
QUICK UPDATE ON “ART KATZ MINISTRIES”
We have one final book in the works in order to complete Art’s written legacy: A compilation of notes and thoughts on the subject dearest to Art’s heart—the Cross of Christ. Numbers of new DVD’s have been tracked down, which will bring the total to 50. With a website attracting 1,000 unique visitors per month (mostly through word of mouth), it seems that many are finding a source of inspiration and direction for the days we live in. A big “thank you” to the many volunteers who are contributing their resources and time to help facilitate this project.
FROM FRED AND DINA HERRERA
Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
I was asked to say a ‘howdy’ from Texas! It is so good to be here in this beautiful country, to
come and encourage the saints and to be encouraged. We are living in perilous times, and we need each other more than ever. We need to be broken bread and living water to one another. We need to stay true to Him, who paid such a big price for us. We need to walk in holiness before Him. God bless, and if you are ever in the Dallas area look us up! Keep us in your prayers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Love
Fred and Dina Herrera
FROM MAMA ROSE
Beloved Intercessors,A blessed New Year and the many days ahead under the covenant of the “20th Psalm”. What a divine privilege to let you know that you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers, always. Bro. Art Beebe gave us a teaching by the Spirit of God. Ezekiel speaks of the righteous people who take notice of the spiritual conditions around them. (Ezekiel 9: 1-11). Dwelling on verse 4 “And Jehovah said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof”
As Ben Israel’s intercessors, as well as for the body of Christ, He has caused you to sigh and to cry by His Spirit. Many prayers have been and are being answered. We see the small hand in the cloud bringing much rain of righteousness among us and in us on a daily basis as we gather together in prayer here at the B I Wilderness OUTPOST.
Thank you! - as you continue to lift and uphold us in prayer, watching with us as The Lord God unfolds His purposes and plans, and as He fulfills His Word, His Vision – and we are grateful for each part that He gives to us. The week of foundational prayers He brought to us through the body as well as words of encouragement. With the blessing of Bro. Beebe and Sis. Mary’s servant Heart among us. What an example of the Lord’s loving heart for His children.
We are grateful for the many letters, e-mails, phone calls requesting prayer and trusting the God in us to continue to stand in the gap and build up the hedge of prayer by His Spirit. “The prayers of the righteous continue to prevail much”. Amen! As we sigh and cry together.
Your Sister in prayer with you
Mama Rose
PS This is a word the Spirit of the Lord gave to me January 4th, 2010. Please pray And muse on it with me. Taken from Isaiah 29:14 (Amplified Translation)
“Therefore, behold: I WILL again do marvelous things with this people, marvelous and astonishing things; and the wisdom of their wise men will perish and the understanding of their discerning men will vanish or be hidden”.
FROM MARY BEEBE
More Precious than GOLD
Do you desire gold, or all those things which gold can buy? Well, your rooms could be filled, your pockets could be filled, and yet, you would end up being “unfulfilled”.
You cannot purchase the love of a son or daughter; the trust of a child, the warmth of sunshine, the singing of a young bride! Nor is there lasting joy or real peace even after an exciting football or basketball game.
But our Shepherd leads us by the “still” waters.
Such serenity. Not a sound. Not a movement.
Just resting with Him. A true rest.
You don’t have to have silver and gold to give a precious gift. But “such as you have”- give it away to bring blessing and give honor unto the Lord.
Teach someone to pray. Teach someone to read.
Bake a hot dish for the old, or find another need.
Share your courage. Share your hope. Help them flourish. Help them cope.
Don’t wait until they are ninety, to say “Look to the Lord, Almighty”!
I see them coming down the lane
With looks of sorrow, looks of pain
Oh, “Ekklesia” where are you?
We must rule and we must reign!
I see them coming down the lanes
With their long beards, and walnut canes
“So many, so many, what will we do?” *
Help. Help. Helpers we will need
To help clothe . To help feed.
Plant the crops, store the grain
Ask the Lord for sunshine and rain.
“So be aware, my child, of the STRANGER”
Remember it was I, who was born in a manger.
I also see some going down the road to Dominion
Strong and joyful, is definitely my opinion
Young at heart, and younger in years
Proclaiming JESUS, for all of their fears.
Ready to sing, so find the right chord
For joyful praise unto our Lord
Young and old, together we will stand
Waving the banner of victory, throughout the land!
Where are YOU? Daughters and sons?
Leave those worthless videos, and put away those guns
You have a NEW Captain, the Lord of hosts
Leading you into battle. By the Holy Ghost
But this you must do – REPENT
Be sorry for what you have done
Tell Jesus “You are my Saviour”
And then you will become a ‘son’
Fall on your knees, and listen to His voice
Love the Lord, your God, Make heaven your choice.
Listen women, and listen men,
This is the year two-thousand ten
Closer and closer is our Lord’s return
So rise with Him, don’t fall and burn!
Shalom
Mary Beebe
* from Art Katz’ actual vision.
FROM ART BEEBE
In the last newsletter you read this statement from Brother Shelly Volk – “The heart of the First Century church was Art’s passion and we believe it needs to be the heart of Ben Israel Fellowship today.”
Since that time I have been impressed to take a fresh look at what that means – ‘the First Century church’. If someone from that era were to return and attend one of our gatherings today, what would be their reaction? Aside for the modern trappings of society – clothing, food, mannerisms, etc. – would that person be able to identify the ‘church’?
‘They’ had no buildings specifically set aside for meetings, no pews, stained glass windows, pulpits, choirs, songbooks, ‘licensed’ and ‘ordained’ church officials, boards to govern affairs, youth programs, senior pastors, youth pastors, and the list goes on and on with traditions and additions that the years have brought.
If someone from the First Century were to return, my guess would be, they would head for the poor and humble sections of town, and to a modest home, where a small group has gathered expecting to hear stories and accounts of Jesus – the ‘good news’ – retelling what He said, what He did, what affect it is having on people now, who else just got baptized in water and received the infilling of the Holy Spirit, where do we go to share the next meal together for fellowship, which widow needs help and what can we do for the poor family next door? And so on.
No sermons on “How to be a better person, and get rich doing it”, “How to build a bigger stadium-size building for ‘church’”.
No, more than likely the subject would be ‘prayer and its importance’, ‘correcting the habits of the flesh that hinder your walk and relationship with the Lord’, ‘dispensing with everything that doesn’t contribute to spiritual growth and your testimony’, ‘who is willing to go and take this good news to those who haven’t yet heard in Korea, Zambia, the United States, Brazil, and on’. (Yes, I know there was no ‘United States’ at that time, but you get the point I’m sure.)
A typical conversation could have gone like this:
“Hey, Peter …”
“Sure John – “
“Do you remember when one of us asked Jesus to teach us to pray?”
“Yeh, I remember his answer well because it caused me to be concerned for Him.”
“He said we should call Jehovah ‘Our Father’, and the Priests and Rabbi’s taught us that we couldn’t do that, and be that intimate with our Creator!”
“You’re right, and for a moment I thought he might be struck dead. But, ya’ know something? When He said ‘Father’ it was with such love, it felt good and right.”
“It must have been OK, because ‘the Father’ honored him by doing everything he asked.”
“Yeh, and he even spit on the ground and rubbed the clay in that guys eyes. I thought the guy would scream, but instead, he obeyed the Lord and washed in the pool. Then everyone got excited because he could see!”
“Remember how angry it made the Pharisees – because he did it on a Sabbath day, deliberately violating the Law. So they accused Jesus of being a sinner.”
“And then the blind man made them look ridiculous when he asked them ‘How can a sinner heal a blind person?’ Boy, were they ever upset!”
Well, I can imagine the disciples and others continuously telling and retelling the events over and over, until there was no doubt about what everyone believed about Jesus. Who would need a ‘bible’ to preach from when the story about Jesus really is so simple! All we need to spread the good news is to talk about Jesus and what he did in terms that common people understand.
After Pentecost they would have done the same.
Stop and think – what did they do other than discuss among themselves what they saw Jesus do, what He said, how He acted among the people.
Maybe it went something like this:
“Hey John, do you remember when Jesus spit on the ground and rubbed it into the eyes of that blind guy?”
“Yeh Peter, and just think – he was healed immediately! Do you think we could do that too?”
“Yeh John, He said we could. Uh-Oh, it’s time for prayer – we better get up to the Temple.”
“Hey Peter, isn’t this lame guy the one we have always seen here? He’s looking at us, but we don’t have anything. I feel badly for him. We gave everything away to follow Jesus.”
“But John, remember we have His Name, His promises. What would He do? – Shall we try it?”
“OK Peter, but you go first!”
“OK – Hey buddy, silver and gold I don’t have, but I have the power of the Name of Jesus to give to you – in the Name of Jesus, Rise up and walk!”
“Well, whadayuknow – would you look at that – IT WORKED! He’s walking – now leaping! Let’s get into the Temple and out of sight because he’s causing quite a stir, and a crowd is forming”
“Uh-oh, here come the Temple police, and are they upset. This is a quiet and religious place – no yelling and loud noises allowed here. Too late now. HELP Lord!”
Well, you know the rest of the story (They were found and arrested!), and all that without the benefit of the ‘trappings’ and ‘traditions’ I mentioned above. I have come to believe that we are made ineffective because of all the added weight of church baggage. When one examines the effects and successes of the ‘early’ church compared to what occurs today, one has to ask themselves if all these traditions and additions have been helpful, or more of a hindrance. The proclaiming of the Government of our God was supposed to be straightforward, simple, and with demonstration of His authority (signs following). With all the modern ‘helps’, flow of monies for upkeep of buildings used only two or three times per week, salaries of ‘paid’ preachers, one should expect a larger increase of the harvest in comparison.
Have you ever sung the little song, “Let’s talk about Jesus”?
Let’s talk about Jesus
The King of Kings is he,
The Lord of Lord’s supreme
Throughout eternity.
The great “I AM The Way,
The Truth, the Life, the Door.”
Let’s talk about Jesus
More and more!!!
That was what they did and that is all that is necessary!
As the ‘church’ evolved into serving the people instead of serving the Lord and his message, the authority of the ‘ekklesia’ has diminished. Our hearts are not to repeat the ‘primitive’ conditions of the early church, but to recover the fundamental practices and precepts. A strong emphasis on prayer, restoration of fellowship through reconciliation, encouragement of other believers, sharing of life and resources together for the benefit of all, and being an example of who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives, becomes more important as we approach the close of this age. Who is seriously looking for the imminent return of Jesus to this earth? Jesus answered that question by saying “the servant who is DOING the master’s bidding when He returns” – they are the ones who expectantly await Him.
The Holy Spirit has impressed on our hearts together that we represent an ‘Outpost’ of His kingdom. An outpost is a ‘planting’ of a small contingent of soldiers who are assigned to protect and defend the gains made in battle and warfare. Sometimes called a ‘garrison’, their duties include protecting the King’s loyal subjects who labor for and serve the King. As we gather for prayer each morning we wait before the Lord for His heart to be revealed to us – who needs help, who is afflicted or sick, what incursions of the enemy are being attempted, who is the enemy laying siege to now, what rules or Laws of the enemy need to be prayed out of existence, what can we do to better serve our King, etc. We believe the Lord wants to raise up other ‘outposts’ and link us together with them, to exchange ‘battle plans, strategies, intelligence’ in order to be more effective in routing the enemy. Our effectiveness is only as good as our personal commitment and dedication to see the battles won in prayer, both as individuals and corporately together.
No, we are not trying to ‘form’ a new organization. There is one already in existence – the ‘ekklesia’ of God. You are an ‘outpost’ of this Kingdom if you gather together for prayer and fellowship under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Each ‘outpost’ answers directly to the King, but communicates intelligence about the enemy to each other ‘outpost’ in order to keep our defenses strong and mount offenses where the Devil tries to penetrate for stealing, killing, and destroying.
We look forward to hearing from other ‘outposts’ who are protecting their assigned territories.
I would encourage you to not pay attention to all the latest ‘news’, or what others are doing, reading the latest books about ‘new’ religious subjects, etc. – just do what He is telling YOU to do. Visit the sick and afflicted, feed and clothe the needy around you, pray for the incarcerated and imprisoned – in short, WORSHIP the Lord through your ACTIONS.
MARANATHA – those who understand know what that means!
