As many of you know, I have taught for many years about the importance of putting the ministry to our families above anything other ministry. At this season in my walk with Yahweh, I believe Yahweh has shown me that I have been getting out of balance, and inadequately addressing the ministry needs of my wife and 4 children. 

I believe it is important for me and my family to minister out of a full cup that is overflowing onto others rather than giving all we have to the last drop. 

For this reason, after seeking the counsel of brethren I am closest to and seek to be accountable to, I believe the time has come for me to take a sabbatical from the ministry of EliYah.com so that I can focus on the ministry needs of my family, rebuild and strengthen all things by Yahweh's mercies, having all things in their proper order and place. 

I will be continuing to share broadcasts from the archives, which will include the phone calls and questions that were taken during those broadcasts. At the conclusion of each audio broadcast, I would encourage everyone in the chat room to then share your prayer needs with one another. I think it is important for us to continue to do that.

I plan to continue the posting transcripts of each meeting on the Sabbath meeting transcript page. Other than closing the discussion forum, the blogs and being generally unavailable for returning phone calls and emails, the web site will continue to operate as normal, Yahweh willing. 

I do plan to return to the outreach ministry of EliYah.com as Yahweh leads. It will probably be months before I return, but I plan to use the time away to draw closer to Yahweh, reflect on the things He has been teaching me these last few months, and hopefully share the things I have learned. By Yahweh's grace it is my prayer that our cup will be overflowing in ways it never has before. 

For those who are wondering, there are still plans to host the Feast of Tabernacles in Eminence, MO as we have the last 2 years. I am currently in the process of working with some brethren to help facilitate this. 

I do appreciate everyone's prayers for me and all of us during this time, and please do include prayers for our finances which are being affected by the weakened economy as well as a failure on my part to save back enough in the years of plenty to last us through the famine. 

I know that many of us are being refined at this time; praise Yahweh for the refining which is all for our good! Thank You Yahweh! 

For though we are hard pressed on every side, by the mercies of Yahweh we are not crushed; 
And though we are perplexed, by the mercies of Yahweh we do not despair; 
And though we are persecuted, by the mercies of Yahweh we are not forsaken; 
And though we may be struck down and fall seven times, by the mercies of Yahweh we are not destroyed but we rise up again and carry about in the body, the dying of the Master Yahushua, that the life of Yahushua also may be manifested in our body. (2 Corinthians 4).

May Yahweh glorify Himself as He continues to build up the body of Messiah and accomplish His awesome and mighty works. 

Blessings and Shalom be upon all of you, beloved children of Israel.

Your brother and fellow servant,

EliYah

05/23/09

Updated: 6/27/09