Hugs for Israel

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy….” – John 10:10

During our latest trip to Israel, we learned of an incredible ministry called Hugs for Israel.

As you know, Satan has been actively trying to destroy the Israelites since God chose them to be His special people through Abraham (Gen 15:4-11) and he is still attacking them today. Whether it is through suicide bombings, sniper shootings, or mortar attacks…or through more subtle means such as killing the tourism industry in Israel through fear (i.e. killing the economy)…the devil is purposely scheming against the “apple of God’s eye” (Deut 32:10). He is such a wicked deceiver that he has “stolen” the common sense of terrorists and somehow convinced them that “little” children are appropriate targets to wage “war” against.

Children as targets of war is sad but nonetheless a reality. So, what can I do to help the children of Israel? Well, for those of you who care enough to want to actually DO SOMETHING (Jam 2:20-26), there is good news for you! We may be able to stop the evil attacks on the children in Israel, but we can at least be used by God to demonstrate love towards them (1Jn 4:19-21).

One way to help the children living in Israel is to get involved with the HUGS FOR ISRAEL ministry. “Hugs for Israel” is a legally registered Israeli non-profit organization composed of concerned Christians and Jews. It is the ONLY Christian-based organization headquartered in Israel working EXCLUSIVELY with children who are victims of terrorism. A major part of their mission statements claims that their objective is to “come along side of those Israeli children who are in the midst of trauma caused by acts of terrorism (either directly or indirectly) and to apply the healing balm of the unconditional Love of God to their deep emotional wounds.” Brenda Giles, a faithful American Christian and the Founding Director of Hugs for Israel, accomplishes this mission through frequent hospital and home visits….listening, caring, and lavishing an abundant supply of hugs. But the need is so great and she knows she can not meet the needs of these hurting children alone. Therefore, she needs our help!

There are many ways you can get involved. First and foremost, remember the children of Israel in your prayers. Pray that God will use the HUGS ministry as a witness to Jewish boys and girls that Jesus (who is also their Messiah) loves them and is reaching out to them to provide them comfort through Gentile Christians. Also, pray and ask God if He wants you to begin making a monthly (or even just a one time) financial contribution to help Brenda minister to the many needs of these children. Some of the things you can designate your money to go towards are:

“Bundles of Hugs” Gift Baskets: These baskets are filled with candy, toys, crayons, coloring books, etc. They are taken to the children on Brenda’s first visits to the hospital to meet them.
“Dr. Hugs” Medical Fund: This special fund is used to address chronic medical needs such as helping kids who have suffered “severe” trauma (whether physical or mental) get continuing treatment after they are no longer in a life-threatening situation (i.e. psychiatric care; artificial limbs; speech therapy; etc., etc.).
“Adopt-a-Grandchild” Project: This project seeks to match mature adult Christians from around the world with children who have been victims of terrorism in Israel. In addition to a minimum donation of $25 a month, sponsors commit to praying for and communicating with a specific child through cards and letters (which the HUGS staff will translate into Hebrew). The adopted “grand-child” will routinely write back (which the HUGS staff will translate into English) so that you can keep up with what is happening in the life of your new “loved one”. (NOTE: Wouldn’t it be neat to adopt, support, and communicate with a grand-child for several years and then get the privilege of meeting them one day in Israel or here in America???)
“Bounce Castle” Project: Because children have become increasing targets of interests for snipers, many children in Israel can not play outside like normal boys and girls. Therefore, by providing bounce castles that can be set up in safe places, you can make a long-term daily impact on many children who have been under siege due to terrorism. For a tax deductible gift of $1000, you can have a bounce castle set up in Israel in your honor with your name engraved on a lovely commemorative plaque.
Hugs for Israel Ministry Needs: It costs a lot of money to ride buses and taxes throughout Israel in order minister to these children. In addition, there are phone and mailing costs, as well as advertising and shipping costs. Therefore, a donation to the HUGS “general fund” will be prayerfully used to help sustain this vital children’s ministry.

If you are interested in finding out more about this wonderful ministry, you can contact them at hugs@hugsforisrael.org and/or www.hugsforisrael.org . If you would like to send a financial donation to the Hugs for Isreal Organization, you can send your check or money order payable to “Hugs for Israel” to: Hugs for Israel, PO Box 1010, Jerusalem 91010 Israel. If you would like to receive a tax receipt for your contributions, make your check or money order payable to HUGS (include in the memo area “Israel Fund”) and mail to: 29 Rosewood Rd., Edison, New Jersey 08817.