Page 15 - Bridges For Peace Continuing Ed Module 1

Getting food and supplies to the North from Jerusalem was not an easy task,
however. It was apparent that much more could have been done had BFP been
established there before the crisis occurred. Once peace had been achieved, the
Lord spoke, clearly indicating that BFP must be prepared in the event of another
such situation in the northern part of the country. Military leaders, security
analysts, and politicians were all certain that the peace was tenuous at best, and
the question on everyone’s lips was not, “Will there be another war?” Rather, it
was, “When?”

In response to the prompting of the Lord, BFP set about preparations, praying all
the while that they would never be needed. A new warehouse was found in
Karmiel, only 10 miles from the Lebanese border. Significantly larger than the
Outreach Center in Jerusalem, it was remodeled and brought up to date. Trucks
and forklifts were purchased, and volunteers were chosen to move to the North
to operate the new center. Not only had these selfless individuals left home and
family in their countries of origin, they were now leaving their BFP family in
Jerusalem for an uncertain life in Karmiel. But God continued to pour out His
blessing on this new venture, and other volunteers arrived with the necessary
skills in trucking and warehousing. Dollars began to pour in to stock the new
center, and in less than a year, in March 2008, it was opened with shelves filled
with over 300 tons of food, nearly two-thirds of the center’s capacity of 500 tons.
Relationships were built with local Israelis, and food distribution began, as well as
the implementation of other programs that had originated in Jerusalem.

Dr. Young’s Vision Fulfilled

We can’t help but believe that Dr. Young would put his wholehearted stamp of
approval on our mission statement:

Bridges for Peace is a Jerusalem-based, Bible-believing Christian
organization, supporting Israel and building relationships between
Christians and Jews worldwide through education and practical deeds
expressing God’s love and mercy.

We are certain he would be pleased to see how that mission statement translates
into action every day as BFP works relentlessly to be the voice of Christian love
to an Israel that is in desperate need of friends she can trust and worldwide, as
our BFP team brings a message of Christian support for Israel to the Church. We
are also sure that he would be very proud of the hundreds of volunteers and
thousands of donors throughout the decades who have given selflessly and
worked tirelessly to make his vision a reality.

At this writing, over 25% of Israelis live below the poverty line. Worldwide food
shortages have taken their toll here, as in other countries around the globe, and
food prices have risen nearly 35% in just a few months. A water shortage is