Thousands of Christians across the Southeast came out in solidarity on October 25 for A Night for Israel hosted by Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, N.C., in collaboration with Ralph Sexton Ministries. More than $300,000 was raised for Magen David Adom at a telethon broadcast on television and radio and live streamed on multiple platforms. One donation came from a cattle breeder in Georgia who sold three cows for the cause.
“I didn’t know I needed a community hug until I walked into this church and felt the warmth, and the love, and the support of Israel,” said Tammy Karu, national director of strategic philanthropy for AFMDA’s Southeast Region.
Winston Parrish, senior pastor at Trinity Baptist, has served as a paramedic himself for 11 years in Asheville. “I have a deep appreciation for the commitment of MDA’s paramedics and EMTs, who are being deployed around the clock,” he said. “We’re looking forward with our hearts in standing with you for the long term. We’re in this as long as it goes,” he told Tammy.
The church and ministry have been friends and supporters of MDA for many years and lifelong supporters of Israel, sponsoring ambulances, a Medicycle, and medical equipment. “The ministry’s support of four vehicles has provided medical treatment to more than 30,000 Israelis,” said Yoni Yagodovsky, MDA’s director of international relations, during the event.
“You can’t imagine what it means to us. You are our partners for life. Thanks to all of you, we are able to reach out to people in need, help them, reassure their families, and do the best we can,” he said.
