November 1993 Personal Letter

Shalom, Dear Friend,

She was a petite woman, quite attractive, soft-spoken, a mother and a resident of the West Bank. Her answers amazed me.

As I write this letter, I’ve just returned from leading a tour of the Holy Land. It was one of the best trips we’ve ever had. While there, I went to the West Bank to interview a group of settlers for our next television special.

I asked the pioneer-type woman I’ve just described, “Are you going to move now that the so-called peace treaty has been signed?” She snapped back, “I’m not moving.”

“But the Palestinians can easily come up here to your homes.” “I’m not moving.”

“What if the Israeli government says it can’t protect you?” With a heavy sigh she responded, “We have guns. We are not moving!”

In the eyes of the West Bank settlers, the agreement with the P.L.O. hasn’t changed the true ownership of the land. This conviction can’t help but lead to conflict in the future.

I also met with the Palestinian Mayor of Jericho. City Hall was a small, dusty building that looked like a school. His was the only air-conditioned office — a window unit. “What’s your relationship with the Israeli settlers here in Jericho?” “Oh, we get along fine. I say hello to the settlers and they say hello to me.” “What are you going to do when Arafat comes to Jericho?” He and his two bodyguards shifted nervously. After a lengthy pause he said something like, “I’m only the mayor of a small community. Arafat is the leader of an entire Arab nation.”

Almost everywhere I went, the Israel-P.L.O. mutual recognition and peace agreement was the topic of conversation. Opinion is definitely divided, but many would agree with what I wrote in last month’s letter. “Giving away Jericho is not just an insult to those who believe God gave Jericho and the land around it to the Jews — it’s a strategic military outpost and a first step in opening the door to a P.L.O.-controlled Israel.”

Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of the opposition Likud Party, recently made a penetrating observation. He said that the agreement with the P.L.O. has turned back the calendar to 1947 and the temporary agreement that existed at that time. He’s right.

These are historic, critical, biblical days!

I wish you had been with me during the September FALL FESTIVAL TOUR. Every space was filled. What a time to be in the Holy Land! Common responses were: “It was unforgettable …thrilling …inspirational …educational …relevant …so important in understanding the Land and God’s timetable.”

I want you to seriously consider going with me on the HANUKKAH/CHRISTMAS TOUR December 12–20 (extension to the 26th). You won’t find a finer yet more reasonable tour package. We’ve been able to heavily discount the cost of the tour — much lower than regular off-season rates. The HANUKKAH/CHRISTMAS TOUR is a great bargain, and Christmas is one of the most beautiful, meaningful times to be in the Holy Land. Let me send you an information brochure. Call 1-800-WONDERS today. Don’t put it off.

The “extended” FALL FESTIVAL TOUR took us to the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. I could not believe what we found. History is being rewritten. A sign stated: “In memory of all who perished because of their resistance to Nazism.” I had to speak out and challenge the guide. “Does the sign imply that people were incarcerated and killed here merely because of their political views?” Hitler published the fact that millions killed in the holocaust were “subhuman.” We know they were killed because the state considered them subhuman.

A film shown on the premises told us there were five causes of prisoner death: exposure to cold, overwork, underfeeding, typhus and the inability to take punishment. I couldn’t keep quiet. “Excuse me; was anybody killed here? Why was a crematorium needed if this was a work camp?”

One of our pilgrims spoke to me on camera at Dachau about that crematorium. “I was here in 1946. The room didn’t look like this. There were tables with straps and the walls were splashed with blood.” Now the room was white …and empty. Never have I seen the term whitewash more graphically or accurately shown than at Dachau. My heart rate raced here, fed by anger and indignation.

Something new is happening. I see God beginning to place Israel in its tribulation position. Anti-Semitism is increasing and rapidly spreading. I’ve made it a point to keep you informed of anti-Semitism in our culture and world: small neighborhood incidents — the increasing influence of Neo-Nazism — the policies of world governments toward Israel – even Evangelicals who deny the Scriptural role of Israel in the “end times.”

We filmed some outstanding footage during this tour — I even interviewed an Israeli spy who infiltrated the Neo-Nazi movement. Our television producer and I are waiting on the Lord as to how this video should be developed into a television special. It’s a little different from deciding to film the rivers or the mountains of Israel. Should we focus on the complex, contemporary peace agreement issue or deal with the reality of anti-Semitism in the world? Or should there be a combination of the two? As you go to the Lord in prayer remember our need for guidance. Stand with us spiritually as we wait upon the Lord’s direction.

This third page must be used for some important personal and stewardship items.

First of all, my deepest appreciation to those who have expressed concern over my physical setback this year. Your cards, letters and commitments of prayer have been such an encouragement. In case you missed my personal note in the September Levitt Letter:

But I have another more personal need for your prayers at this time. My heart trouble flared up again — right on the mountains you’ll be seeing on the television programs. In 1982, I had six bypasses in open-heart surgery designed to take me to the Rapture. I thought they’d last until my new body would be ready. But it seems that the bypasses have become occluded and I have to curtail some of my activities.

Well, I have a good report for you! I was accompanied by my cardiologist on the September tour of Israel and Europe. My heart wasn’t perfect, but I did quite well. I was closely watched, and my doctor was very pleased with my performance. I ask that you continue to pray for my physical needs. There is still much for you and me to do as we jointly take care of God’s assignments.

We are offering a book that gives an accurate account of the rising anti-Semitism now found in today’s pulpits. In the liberal Christian church it’s called Replacement Theology. But it’s also present in Evangelical seminaries and churches.

Our Hands Are Stained with Blood, by Michael Brown, traces anti-Semitism and tells the shocking, tragic story of the “Church” and the Jewish people — facts every Christian should know. It’s described on the enclosed resource card. Look it over carefully and place your order if you agree this would be a valuable book for you

Wise stewardship demands that we carefully use the funds entrusted to us by the financial supporters of this ministry. We must accurately identify which television stations are the most effective in getting the message to the people. We can best do this if we know the call letters of your station. Please give us this information by returning the enclosed survey card. If you have already given us this information, you do not need to do it again.

Receiving a gift from you this month is important. The Family Channel’s $1,000 weekly increase for airtime will take time to absorb. Also, plan for your end-of-the-year giving. What a great Thanksgiving gift it would be to receive this in November.

Your Messenger,

PS: The attractive “pin set” we are featuring this month would be a gracious way for you to communicate your belief or a terrific gift idea. Also, remember to call for your free HANUKKAH/CHRISTMAS TOUR information brochure. Call 1-800-WONDERS — NOW!