As many of you already know, God has given me a special gift and a heart for reaching the Russian Jews with the gospel. A couple of months ago, using my Hebrew/Russian/English pocket translator, I was able to somewhat dialogue with Josef. Josef is better known as "The Chess Master". He is the strongest chess player in Arad, thus highly respected among the Russian community. Josef is also hailed for his tie score in a chess match against Spasky, the same who bumped heads with Bobby Fischer.

Well, I asked him "Do your people have any needs?"
He says, "Yes! Money!"
I asked "For what?"
He says, "Medicine."

I said "I need something to work with, a list of names, receipts, etc. Else, people may think it's for vodka or whatever".

About a week ago, Josef approached me with a list of forty-two names, addresses, ID numbers, dates and places of birth, even dates of their arrival to Israel. He also had a cover letter attached with a point of contact person and phone number.

Click 'HERE' to see uncensored Cover Letter
Click 'HERE' to see a list I made of First Names and Dates of Birth
Click 'HERE' to see related Newspaper Articles

Bottom line: The list Josef submitted to me is a list of all the holocaust survivors living in Arad. The amount of assistance he's asking for is 300 shekels, a very modest amount (approx $65.00. But, times 42 people per month, adds up!

I don't quite know how to meet this need except for presenting the facts to you, God's people, and teaching those requesting help to meanwhile pray in Jesus' name for the same.

Lura and I pondered "How else to go about this?" We considered adopting 1, sort of speak, but what about the other 41?

Anyhow, I've decided to just present the facts. This seems to be the role God wants me to play. If this is a project that God wants to realize, it will happen! He will lay it on people's hearts accordingly!

I've done my little part. The ball's back in His court!

Edwin Beckford
Aug 22, 2002