A new beginning not far from the lake - between risk, gratitude and trust

11 Nov 2025

A new beginning not far from the lake – between risk, gratitude and trust

from Benjamin

Crazy or brave?

Perhaps both. And yet with complete trust in God. This is how our new adventure begins. Looking ahead is accompanied by uncertainty, the situation in the country remains tense, but we can clearly feel behind us: something had to change.

We had been toying with the idea of moving for years. We loved our moshav, the people there, the community. The difficult war months in particular had welded us together. Nevertheless, the small house was already bursting at the seams. Three children in one bedroom, no room for guests, no space for our work or our vision. The idea of inviting and welcoming people fell by the wayside. Even animals or some land, which was important to us, could not be realized there.

In the end, we only held out because it was cheaper than any alternative.

About searching and finding

We searched nearby, then further away. Again and again disappointment, again and again kilometers in vain. The housing market in the north has been highly competitive since so many families have not returned due to the evacuations.

But after detours and hundreds of kilometers of driving, we finally found the house that we had initially ruled out. A house that suited us. Not perfect, but with possibilities.

In addition to one or two guest rooms, our children finally have their own rooms. And outside, we can welcome groups of up to 30 people. A strong sign for us: Large tables were set up there as an invitation to welcome people back.

Empfang im neuen Zentrum

Erste Gruppe zu Besuch seit Jahren

Die Enge

Unser Schlafzimmer vor der Umzug

Gratitude and new beginnings

Thanks to the help of my parents-in-law and a friend, we managed the move despite being busy at work. That’s why it’s been quieter here on the site – there just wasn’t enough time.

Now we live not far from the Sea of Galilee, in a larger, more remote place. From the very first day, we feel grateful. For the first time in years, we have space. Space to breathe, to think, to live.

Of course, everything has its price. We had to let go of what was dear to us. We gave our birds and chickens into good hands. We no longer have a proper garden, even though we have more space than before. But we have direction, mission and encounters again.

Light and salt

Here we can live out what we are called to do. To be there for people, to serve with our gifts, not only through TV, texts and events, but in simple, everyday encounters.

We now live closer to a community and meet people who share our faith. This closeness does us good, it gives us strength. It almost feels too good to be true.

Tired but hopeful

Of course, the new beginning is not without risk. We need trust in God, in sufficient orders and lasting support. And we hope that things will remain calm in Israel.

Because honestly, we are tired. Over ten years of crises have left their mark. Time and again, we have had to adapt, reposition and reinvent ourselves. Now we are longing for stability, for a place that helps us process what we have experienced and rediscover the good.

If alarms go off again, this time we have our own shelter. This gives us security and peace of mind.

But maybe it won’t come to that.

With open hands

We thank God. We thank all those who accompany and support us. And we look ahead with joy, expectation and a certain excitement. Because new things are growing. And we can be part of it.

New video:

For the Marburger Medien Foundation, we have compiled exciting facts about Christmas in a video. There is also a devotional template, a program with film and an impulse on the topic of “Making peace”