Recently Paul Wilbur, IBF, Congregation Beth Messiah, and other Messianic ministries throughout the Houston area came together for a benefit to raise money to help build a new trauma wing for the Assaf Ha Rofeh hospital, south of Tel Aviv. More than $150,000 was raised to help provide funding to build the wing. Here is the Trauma wing under construction-and also Rabbi Ron was presented with a beautifully hand-bound Jerusalem Bible by Aharon Cholow, the General Director of the Friends of Assaf Harofeh Medical Center. 
Am Israel Chai! (Still the people of Israel live!)
IBF and the UMJC youth were happy to get to visit Ami Ortiz and his mother, Leah Ortiz while he is recovering in the hospital. Leah has been there at the hospital continually since Purim on April 3rd, 2008 when the bomb exploded. Many of the UMJC youth signed a “We love you and care about you” encouragement t-shirt for Ami that Messianic Rabbi Ron Aaronson got to present to Ami.
When Rabbi Ron asked what Ami would like people to pray about, he said, "Could you please pray for my pain– pray for my pain."
Also, please pray that justice will be done with no cover up.
You can support the Ortiz family by giving to the IBF and marking on the check that it is to go to the Ortiz family, or you can send money to them directly.
Here is some information that came in a recent letter from Israel:
“If you are praying for Ami to contact Leah and get on their email list to know how to pray for Ami and his family, David and Leah’s email address is ldortiz@netvision.net.il
Thank you to those who have sent post cards ….it has meant so much to Ami. To send him an encouraging note please send a post card to:
Ami Ortiz
P.O. Box 1903
Ariel 40700
Israel
Also, the Ortiz family can now accept donations directly for support. Checks can be made out to Amiel Ortiz or Ami Ortiz. Please send checks to the above address.
If you would like to send a bank transfer here is the information you will need to give to your bank:
Amiel Ortiz
Bank Leumi
Branch: 943 - Hod HaSharon
7 Habanim Street
Hod HaSharon, Israel | Account #: 27646/25
Swift #: L U M I I L I T T L V
From Leah Ortiz (July 9, 2008)
“…The medical staff and the other families of the children on the floor all saw the Channel One report about Ami(www.youtube.com, type in “Ami Ortiz Israel” for those who haven’t seen it) and so know who we are. We’ve had some good conversations about what a Messianic Jew is, and they are carefully watching our lives. Please pray that we would be a testimony that would glorify the Lord.Ami’s class had their graduation (from 9th grade) yesterday. Here in Israel the graduation is in the form of a show that is put on, with songs, dance and funny skits about the school, students and teachers. Ami was able to participate. The theme of the show was tolerance of others different than you, inspired by what happened to our family. Afterwards was a trip up to the Galilee, and a barbecue and festivities for the whole night - and Ami participated in it all!! I know it was hard for him but it was very important for him to even push himself, and to try to be as normal as possible. I have to say, that before the ceremonies all the girls wanted a picture with Ami. It was really funny to see one group take a picture, then another group, then another — all standing in line!!I would like to thank all who have given us tips and methods for pain relief. We try to try everything, but Ami has many demands on his young life, and so I have to carefully introduce this or that addition to his packed and demanding schedule. Sometimes he wants to be left alone, often he wants me to hold him and pray over him. The pain he is experiencing is because of severely damaged nerves, and so we need patience, grace and daily miracles for him.There are many miracles and many hardships on this road that Ami is having to travel, but we thank the Lord every day that he and our family are not traveling it alone, but you and thousands of others are traveling it with us.”
Yours in the Messiah, Leah Ortiz for Ami and the Ortiz family
At the recent UMJC conference in Israel, there were three possible “tracks” for participants to choose from: the Classic Tour, the Young at Heart Tour, and the Humanitarian Tour. More than 25 people chose to go to Israel just to be a blessing to the Israeli people. Part of the tour involved helping Holocaust survivors by cleaning for them or painting or doing some maintenance in some areas that were difficult for them to reach in their apartments.
Many beautiful lap quilts were handmade with love by Tom E’s wife’s grandmother, and Rabbi Ron got to distribute the quilts to Holocaust survivors to bless them.
IBF was also able to give funds to help Holocaust survivors who sometimes have to choose between buying food or buying medicine.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
July 2008 Because God is good and cares for His children– and because He motivated you to give– IBF was able to help a Palestinian pastor that the Hamas is trying to kill because he is a believer in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). IBF was able to help him get to a safe destination where he could live for a season without being in constant danger. IBF also was able to bring much-needed food for the family. In the picture above, the dad is about to leave and the children know it may be several months before they see him again. Please pray along with this pastor for the Lord to bless the Palestinian people with the revelation of Messiah Yeshua and with transformed hearts. Please pray for this family that they will be safe and well-provided for in his absence. Please pray for the congregation that they will be bold and filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and that they will be “strengthened with all might, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.”
John 1:5
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”