In ancient Israel, they didn't have holidays-they had feasts. Their feasts (seven of them each year) were all considered Holy Days because God ordained them. No other nation ever had God establish their holidays. Last Wednesday through Friday was Rosh HaShanah, one of the three fall Jewish feasts. Rosh HaShana, literally "Head of the Year,” is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, one of the two holiest days of the year, and is celebrated with the blowing of the shofar to call God's people together. Although it is a solemn day of soul-searching, forgiveness, repentance and remembering God's judgment, it is also a joyful day of celebration, looking forward to God's goodness and mercy in the New Year. The Holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Friday, Sept 29, and ends at sunset the following day. Yom Kippur, also known as The Day of Atonement, is a day of repentance, prayer, and fasting. The ten days in-between these two Holy Days are known as the Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance, during which Jews reflect upon their actions over the past year and seek forgiveness for their transgressions. They are encouraged to seek out anyone they may have offended and to sincerely request forgiveness so that the New Year can begin with a clean slate. The common theme throughout these Holy Days becomes apparent- reflection and repentance. These actions, when done in earnest, always get God's attention. When we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us.  

​Senior Leader Frank Dodson

I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.  Neh 2:12-13
 
Like Nehemiah did so long ago, we took a ride yesterday through Aransas Pass and Rockport. Words cannot describe my feelings. There is so much to do.
 
Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." Neh 2:17
 
I believe that God has called us to be an important part of the task of rebuilding these cities and at the same time bring hope to the people who live there. Isaiah 58:12 is a word that was prophesied over us. Yes there is much to do. The enemy will rise up against this effort, but the Lord is faithful to supply all of our needs; physical, spiritual, and emotional, just as He did many years ago with Nehemiah. So be encouraged, keep your eyes on the Lord and know that He is with us.
 
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isa 58:12
                                                Senior Leader Frank Dodson
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"Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Judges 6:15
 
There will be many stories to tell and testimonies to share concerning our experiences during and after Hurricane Harvey. Few will be greater that the story of Mason City, Nebraska. The 2010 census reported that Mason City had a population of 171 people. What could a village of that size do that would make a difference in the aftermath of this destructive storm? Well, they banded together, collected what they could and loaded it in an 18-wheeler and sent it 1000 miles to Portland, Texas. Yes, an 18-wheeler. Little town, big heart. God revealed a need and they responded. God doesn't always call on the biggest or the strongest to partner with Him; He likes to choose those that are the least qualified in order to reveal His glory. I see the same thing happening here at Strong Tower Fellowship. Although small and insignificant in man's eyes, God has chosen you to partner with Him to meet the great needs of those He loves in this area and you have responded. Many teams from all over the Coastal Bend are being equipped with the provisions they need as they go out into the community. Countless people, your neighbors, have come through these doors to get food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, but received much more. They received love in form of prayer, hugs, and encouragement. Because of your love and commitment, people's needs are being met and hope is being restored.  Thank you Strong Tower Fellowship for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
                                                Senior Leader Frank Dodson
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