Greetings,

There has been much grappling over government this week. Spain is gearing up for a contentious vote in a couple of weeks. The current leftist Prime Minister may be his own undoing as he personally called for the snap-election to be held and his polling numbers remain abysmally low. Spain has had multiple deadly train collisions recently, and there has been a public outcry over the eviction of elderly people from their homes. Migration continues to be an issue. The invasion of Cueta is still fresh on people’s minds. Further, just this week 5,000 migrants arrived on one of the Canary Islands (a Spanish territory) which has a resident population of just over 11,000.

In Israel, President Herzog has formally given the first opportunity to form a government to Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s primary rival. He will have 28 days to attempt to form a coalition. Eisenkot is a former military officer, IDF Chief of Staff, and member of Netanyahu’s unity government after October 7th. From our perspective, he would not represent much of an ideological change in the office of Prime Minister. One major source of contention has been his call for an inquiry into how the government was unprepared for the October 7th attack. Despite this, Netanyahu has called for Eisenkot to join him in another unity government. Netanyahu gave a fiery speech at the opening of the new Knesset laying this out and skewering the idea that Eisenkot could form a coalition with any of the Arab parties.

In the US there is still much talk about what the recent election bodes for our future. Buoyed by the results, a migrant caravan departed southern Mexico and headed for the US border. It was said to be 1500 strong at departure. Those interviewed firmly believed that new control over Congress would result in them being allowed into the US. Unlikely. Political contention aside, the President still wields a great deal of power and border security has always been one of his priorities.

Some prayer requests this week: Cecilia Hall asked to be remembered. She is doing okay, but has had some struggles. Mostly she is trying to strengthen and prepare for an upcoming heart procedure. We also received a call from Patricia Redd, she has been suffering from neuropathy and having some mobility issues. She also asked us to pray for her son, who is in the process of purchasing his first home.

-Michael