CrossTalk – On the Web with Randy

I love Israel. God loves Israel. I think it is good to share things in common with God. Often, I am not able to love the same things as God. It is easier for me to love the things of this world instead of the things of God. This is because my heart usually needs to be changed. As God continues to changes my heart, I am able to be drawn closer to Him. It becomes easier to love the same things. Anytime I can genuinely come into agreement with the things of God, I am being drawn closer to Him.

Honesty demands that I confess I did not always love Israel. During my early years in ministry, there were several times I was invited to visit Israel but chose not to go because of personal pain. Due to the sadness I experienced during many years of alienation from my loved ones, for many years I chose to remain distant from Israel. In fact many years ago, I made a personal commitment that I would not go to Israel until Israel welcomed me. I was determined to wait until the government accepted me before I would expose myself to more ridicule and disdain. This might seem odd since I am Jewish and many people know of my deep love for Israel. Nevertheless, throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s I chose to step back from spending time in Israel. The tension of knowing that many of my own people hated me caused me to avoid walking headlong into more personal pain and suffering.

I always stood with Israel in prayer and in heart. But it was not until the 1990’s that I drew personally close to Israel. Perhaps this seems petty or strange. I cannot account for my reaction to the pain of being shunned by those I loved most because of my faith in Yeshua HaMaschiach–Jesus the Messiah. Neither can I answer as to how I felt because of the rejection faced by so many who were so dear to me. Nevertheless, when called to carry my cross, I obeyed. It must be said that the joy of knowing the Messiah far outweighed any temporary earthly discomfort. But the pain did not disappear merely because my sins were forgiven. And there are still moments that I privately wrestle with the ultimate reality of being disowned here to receive a greater inheritance that is eternal. But God has had the victory in my life and I receive everything from His hand and choose to rejoice. I must also say that in recent years, I have deeply enjoyed much reconciliation with many family members who are still alive and whose love I cherish.

You must be wondering, “What does this have to do with Israel?” Anyone who knows me realizes that for many years I have been very close to Israel. I teach in Israel. I produce television programs from Israel. And I encourage everyone to visit Israel. Well, this is all true today. But it was not always true. I waited until the government of Israel welcomed me in the 1990’s. And from that time I have tried to do all I can to bless the land of Israel. Each time the government of Israel has asked me to help, I have tried to do whatever I can.

And now you can also do something to help. It is easy and it won’t cost a penny. We can all bless Israel for free with the click of your computer mouse. Vote for Israel. I will allow Israel’s Minister of Tourism to explain.

State Of Israel–Minister Of Tourism

• Imagine a body of water that is 30% salt – so rich in minerals that you float on the water not in the water?
• Imagine a body of water located 1400 feet below sea level and another 1300 feet in depth – yet only 50 miles from the Mediterranean Sea?
• Imagine a single body of water that borders the wilderness oasis of En Gedi, the mountaintop fortress of Masada, and the ruins of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah?

This body of water is the Dead Sea and it is located in Israel. Recently the Dead Sea was nominated to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. However, whether or not the Dead Sea will be ultimately named to this elite list depends on leaders like yourself.

The final Seven Natural Wonders of the World will be determined by votes on the Internet at www.sevennaturalwonders.org. Listed in the Asia section, the Dead Sea is currently ranked number five. We would like to see the Dead Sea rise to the level of number one – and we are asking for your help.

Please encourage as many people as possible to visit www.sevennaturalwonders.org and place their vote for the Dead Sea as the top wonder of the world in Asia.

As the Dead Sea is declared an official or notable wonder of Asia, Israel will gain valuable positive exposure.

Voting is easy. All you need to do is visit www.sevennaturalwonders.org scroll down to the Vote Now section. And click on Asia.

Then scroll down until you find the Dead Sea and cast your vote.

Your help in getting as many votes as possible will make a significant difference in giving Israel positive exposure and encouraging more people to experience the many wonders that Israel provides. Thank you in advance for the assistance you can provide. Your support will help more people realize that when you visit Israel, you will never be the same!

Stas Misezhnikov
Minister of Tourism

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