Every generation is charged with raising children and passing on a heritage. Here in Israel, however, that privilege is intensified by biblical command. "... In the land which you are crossing over to possess ... a land flowing with milk and honey ... these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up ..." (Deut. 6:2,3,5-7)

From the time of Abraham there have been profound promises and requirements given by God to the descendants of the patriarchs. "You ... gave (this land) to the descendants of Abraham your friend forever." (2 Chronicles 20:7) This emphasis of an inherited, covenant homeland runs through the entire Tanakh. Forever linked with our inheritance is the sacred calling to live by the word of God which immortalizes those promises. It has been the basis of Jewish education for millennia.

CAMP = Fun + Israel's Future

Summer provides a unique opportunity to blend essential biblical training with outdoor fun and a break from Israeli apartment life. Apartments with even a tiny yard to play in are almost non-existent. So summer camp is something our little people wait for eagerly. This past August, Tents of Mercy Network teams set up several environments to bless our elementary school children with a camp experience. The main event was a five day camp for more than 70 kids, directed by Katya Morrison and Svyeta Gelbet. The spiritual aim of the camp was to explore Yeshua's answer to the question "What is the greatest commandment?" Yeshua replied "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)

As you can see from the accompanying photos, they had a great time. What was included? Making your own pita bread over a camp fire. Sack races. Praising God together in song. Profound messages of the love of Yeshua and what it means to build a life upon Him as our foundation. Baseball (yep, in Israel). Archery. Afternoons in the swimming pool. Cabin teams in competition. Gathering in a small circle to pray and share with caring teenage counselors. Learning from a blind young woman what it's like to live without sight, yet have the joy of the Lord. Throughout the camp an incredible group of volunteers served their hearts out and made lasting friendships. Coordinated by Pastor Randy Turner from Beltway Church in Abilene, Texas, they cooked, cleaned and loved on our kids and counselors - nonstop.

BOTTOM LINE ...

Before the 1990s there were courageous Messianic pioneers who broke ground to establish congregations in Israel. Standing on their shoulders, we have seen the movement grow dramatically in the last 20 years. Now we are poised to see another major step forward. As our children, teens and young adults enter Israeli society we believe that their influence will bring a whole new wave of Israelis to Yeshua.

Bottom line? To see this happen, it is vital to invest creative, focused time in our kids in a way that enables them to really discover God. We MUST impart to them that spark of inspiration, the miracle of God's transforming love in Yeshua. Training and launching our children in the ways of the Lord is our priority. Summer camps have become a much-anticipated activity every year, creating wonderful memories, close relationships and lasting inspiration to walk with Yeshua through life.

By Eitan Shishkoff

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