The Book of James was written around A.D. 48 while the early church was still predominantly Jewish. James, the brother of our Lord and bishop of the church in Jerusalem, addressed his letter to “the twelve tribes” of Israel and gave practical guidelines about how we are to love and care for each other as “beloved brethren” (James 1:1, 19)[i]. Paul also noted that when he met with James, Cephas, and John at the Council at Jerusalem, “They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do” (Galatians 2:9-10).
In Jerusalem, James considered it “pure and undefiled religion” to care for the widows and those in need, making sure their daily portion of food was served by men and women “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (James 1:27; Acts 6:1-3). In fact, the whole plan of God, from the very beginning, has been about family and caring for one another. God said to Abraham, “I’m going to make you a great family, and in your family, every family on the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 22:18).
Most people lose this connection between God and family. However, when you lose that, you have lost the ability to relate to Him and to move in Him, which is what happened to the Church. It was devastating when Christianity broke away from its roots with the Jewish people, because it lost the reality of family. James explained, “If you love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well and fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture” (James 2:8). No matter what comes, the true family of God will stick together. The Jewish people have never lost this reality. Therefore, as Christians we should ask the Lord, “Give us this drive so that no matter what happens in these end times, the family of God will stick together.” God, by His grace, will answer this prayer, He wants us to be family together, because we are His family.
In Israel, Yad Eliezer is a charity that generously offers support with dignity to needy individuals and families. The organization provides financial support, subsidizes wedding halls, distributes clothing, and provides basic food items such as milk, grain, meat, and other essential items for struggling families who live in poverty. Due to the generosity of volunteers who give their time and energy to distribute the necessary items, Yad Eliezer has been able to keep its overhead low. As a result, the organization was awarded the prestigious Midot Seal of Effectiveness for commendably giving over 96 percent of all donations directly to the poor.
Although COVID-19 has disrupted all our lives, Yad Eliezer continues to offer financial relief and deliver food boxes to the doorsteps of needy families. Since children are home from school during this time, families need to have food available for these hungry youngsters, which only adds a greater burden to struggling families. By donating to Yad Eliezer, your love and kindness will bring comfort and peace to these members of God’s family.
100% of all donations through Hargrave Ministries goes directly to Yad Eliezer in Israel.
[i] All Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB95).