When G‑D Fixes the Plumbing

Dr. Eugene
5 days ago
8 min read

Welcome to the Shalom Bridge Family!

Shalom and welcome to Shalom Bridge, a community where Jews and Gentiles come together to rediscover our shared roots in G‑D’s promises to Israel and to live out the transforming life we have in Messiah together

This summer, help grow Shalom Bridge. For just 5 dollars a week—less than a cup of coffee—or 25 dollars a month, you can help us build understanding, offer teaching, and deepen connection between Jews, Gentiles, and all who need to hear the good news of Yeshua. Every gift, large or small, strengthens the bridge we are building together. If you are already giving, thank you—your faithful partnership means more to us than words can say.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/partner-with-shalom-bridge-making-disciples-of-yeshua

News

Shiloh Campus Update: This week felt a bit like living inside one of those “only G‑D could have done this” stories we usually read about, and are wonderfully blessed to experience firsthand. At least three times, He gently but unmistakably reminded us that His favor and grace are not theological abstractions—they turn up right in our kitchen sink.

Our spring line, with its busted pipe and barely a dribble at the source, had seemed like a lost cause. Earlier in the week, Ethan and I stood at the spring shaking our heads at the tiny trickle; even a temporary patch felt almost silly because there wasn’t enough water to bother with. So we did the one thing that still made sense: over the next few days my wife and I set aside specific times to pray about our lack of funds and materials to fix the problem.

Then came the surprise. After one of those prayer times, we wandered into the kitchen and, almost out of habit, turned on the faucet—forgetting that the system was dry. Instead of the usual disappointing cough of air, water suddenly came roaring out of the tap. By Monday evening, faucets and shower heads were gushing, and whatever had been blocking the spring had clearly moved.

The pipe still needs real repair, so this is not the end of the story, but it is a beautiful middle chapter: G‑D met us in our need, nudged the spring back to life, and reminded us that He is quite capable of handling both plumbing and providence at the same time. And yes—it feels very, very good to have water flowing again.

This Week's Parashah

(A parashah or Parashat is a term meaning portion~ in this case, it is referring to a portion of the TORAH)

This Shabbat, synagogues and Messianic Jewish congregations around the world will be reading and teaching Parashat Va’etchanan (וָאֶתְחַנַּן) from the book of Devarim, “Words” (known in the Christian Bible as “Deuteronomy,” from the Greek Septuagint). This portion, found in Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11, continues Moshe’s final addresses to Israel and includes his heartfelt plea to enter the Land, the recounting of the Ten Commandments, and the central declaration of faith in the Shema: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our GOD, the Lord is One.”

Prayer: Blessed are You, O L-RD our G-D, King of the universe,

Who sanctifies us by YOUR Word

And has commanded us to live in and through Your Word.

I Pleaded

This Shabbat’s portion, Va’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11), invites us to listen again to the heart of a faithful shepherd and the voice of our covenant-keeping G-D.

Moshe recalls how he pleaded with ADONAI to cross the Jordan and enter the Land, yet the L-RD lovingly but firmly said no. Instead of turning inward in bitterness, Moshe turns outward in obedience, strengthening Israel for a future he will not see with his own eyes. In this, he foreshadows the greater faithfulness of Yeshua, who lays down His life so that we might enter into the fullness of G-D’s promises.

Va’etchanan also brings us again to Sinai: the Ten Words are repeated, and the Shema is spoken—“Hear, O Israel: ADONAI our GOD, ADONAI is One.” Here, Israel is called to love G-D with all heart, soul, and strength, and to let HIS words saturate daily life: teaching children, speaking of them at home and on the way, at bedtime and at dawn. Obedience is not presented as dry duty but as wisdom, life, and a witness before the nations.

For us as a Messianic community, this portion asks: How do we respond when G-D’s answer is “no,” and how deeply do HIS words shape our homes and habits? In Messiah Yeshua, we are invited to cling to ADONAI with whole-hearted love, to trust His leadership even in disappointment, and to let HIS Torah-centered wisdom shine through our lives as a living Shema before a watching world.

Prayer: ADONAI our G-D, thank You for the faithfulness of Moshe and the greater faithfulness of Yeshua our Messiah. Teach us to accept Your “no” with trust, to love YOU with all our heart, soul, and strength, and to let YOUR words shape our homes and our witness each day. Strengthen us to cling to YOU, that our lives may echo the Shema before our children, our community, and the nations. In Yeshua’s name, amen.

Antisemitism Watch | July 08,-July 14, 2026

Monitoring organizations continue to report elevated levels of antisemitism around the world this month. Recent weekly tallies from the Combat Antisemitism Movement document more than one antisemitic incident per hour globally, including harassment, vandalism, and violent attacks. In one recent July week, 121 incidents were recorded, with cases on U.S. college campuses and in several European countries.

A July report also highlighted a disturbing attack in Mongolia, where Israeli tourists were assaulted after being heard speaking Hebrew, while the assailant shouted a Nazi slogan. Though incident databases have not yet published a date-specific breakdown for July 15–21, these snapshots reflect the kind of hostile climate Jewish communities are facing this week. As a congregation committed to standing with Israel and the Jewish people, we respond with prayer, education, and a renewed commitment to confront antisemitism wherever we encounter it.

Please join us in praying for protection over Jewish communities, wisdom and courage for leaders confronting antisemitism, and hearts transformed so that hatred against the Jewish people would be exposed, restrained, and ultimately overturned.

חָזָק (Chazak): The Heart of Courage

Tired of Being Tired: From Weary to Warrior!

Beloved, there comes a point where you get tired of being tired. Tired of heaviness that shows up for no reason. Tired of the fog that won't let you focus, the sudden strife with people you love, the doors that keep closing even though you've been obedient. And something in you finally rises up — not against people, but against the enemy behind it all. It's righteous anger, the kind Jesus felt when He was moved at hardened hearts (Mark 3:5) and overturned tables in His Father's house (John 2:13-17). Scripture doesn't tell us to bury that fire — "Be angry, and do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26). Just aim it at the right target.

Jesus modeled how to fight back. In the wilderness, worn down and tempted, He didn't argue — He just said, "It is written," and quoted the Word until the enemy had nothing left (Matthew 4:1-11). Nehemiah did the same thing rebuilding the wall — he prayed and posted a guard at the same time (Nehemiah 4:9). Paul told the church to put on armor and stand, because our weapons pull down strongholds flesh and blood never could (Ephesians 6:11-17, 2 Corinthians 10:4). And when the disciples got stuck, Jesus told them plainly — some things only move through prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29).

So today I speak Chazak over you. Be strong.

Submit to God first, then resist the enemy out loud, in Jesus' name — and he will flee (James 4:7). Command the fog to lift, the division to break, the fear to leave. Before you fast, ask God how He wants to lead it — let the Holy Spirit direct your prayer and intercession like He led Jesus into the wilderness (Luke 4:1).

I have so much more I'd love to share with you about this — things I've learned walking through my own "enough is enough" season. If you want someone to pray and intercede with you through yours, email me at connect@shalombridge.org. It takes courage to rise up when you've had enough, but the Lord gives us the strength and wisdom to do it — and we were never meant to fight alone. He's given us Holy Spirit as our partner in the battle.

Chazak v'ematz. Be strong and courageous. You've had enough, and that's exactly where breakthrough starts.

Prayer: יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ׃ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ׃ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם׃

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

Through this prayer HIS name has been placed upon us!!! (see Numbers 6:27) May we walk worthy of HIS name!!!

Resources

Podcasts and More. Did you know we also host a weekly podcast called “Shema Shalom”?

Each episode is designed to encourage your faith and deepen your walk with the L-RD. You can listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, or directly on our website.

We’d love for you to join us—wherever and whenever you listen!

You can also stay connected with Shalom Bridge on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, where we share updates, encouragement, and teaching throughout the week. You’ll find our podcast episodes and weekly Parashah blogs anytime on our website at www.shalombridge.org.

🎬 Calling All Creatives! We Want You! Join our Shalom Bridge Ministry Team!

Do you have a heart for ministry and a gift for video editing? We are looking for someone to help us bring Shalom Bridge Ministries to life on screen! Once a week, we would send you raw footage, and you would work your magic — cutting it together into one beautiful, shareable video. If this sounds like something you'd love to pour your gifts into, we would love to hear from you! Reach out to us at connect@shalombridge.org or (720)722-2375.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous support. Your partnership enables us to continue sharing this message of hope and reconciliation with the nations. We are deeply grateful to walk this journey with you.

Stay connected with us at www.shalombridge.org or connect@shalombridge.org.

B’Shalom, Dr. Eugene & Judith Saunders

Partner with us to make disciples for Yeshua. Pray about making a gift today to support this ministry? There are many ways to give. You can give online through our Website using Zeffy, give via Cash App, Zelle (through 503-816-7599), or send a special offering to Shalom Bridge at 12745 South Rock Creek Lane, Haines, Oregon 97833. Please prayerfully consider partnering with us. Your help and support are greatly needed and appreciated.

JOIN US

Explore & Engage

1. Our Story & Values

Meet the heart behind the Bridge: a Spirit-led mission to minister across hearts and heritages, anchored by the Holy Scriptures and the ancient texts that shape our journey ShalomBridge.org

2. Invitation to Wonder

Browse articles, teachings, and resources exploring “How do the ancient texts speak to us today?” and “What does it mean to live in the unity that Yeshua directed?”

3. Join Us in Real Time

Link into online fellowships, find local gatherings, and join intimate circles rooted in dialogue, prayer, and love-in-action.

Partner With Us

We’re launching with an invitation -

become a partner with Shalom Bridge—through:

Prayerful support

Participating in conversations

Inviting friends into community

Giving financially to our ongoing growth

The work is just beginning—and your presence matters.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Sha’ul (Paul) Galatians 3:28

At Shalom Bridge.org, we believe that unity is the heartbeat of truth and that love across lines, fulfills the vision G‑D gave us. Thank you for being part of something sacred—and for choosing to build bridges where walls once divided.

With deep gratitude and hope,

The Shalom Bridge Team Bridging faith. Growing love. Finding shalom.

PS: Already visited? We’d love to know: what stood out to you most? Hit “reply” and let us listen.