Greetings all in the Name of Jesus: I just learned that Pastor R has had a heart attack and urgent prayer is needed from us all. I do not know details as of yet, but as most know, he is in the Damascus metropolitan area. At this time, it is crucial we hold him up in earnest prayer. Pastor […]
MIDEAST UPDATE Part 2 3/12/2017
In an update a few days ago, it was reported that in some locations within Syria there are often several military entities within hand-grenade distance of one another. Because of this, a small force of Americans has been deployed into the Manbij area. Their task is to ensure that the different parties in the area don’t attack each other–especially Turkish […]
STORY FROM SYRIA, Mideast Update, Part 1 3/10/2017
The stories relayed from the HOB missionaries in Syria and Iraq oftentimes seem to be perfect application of the teachings of Jesus 2000 years ago. The faith of these missionaries is incredible and their trust in His faithfulness is unwavering. The story told here is one that can build our faith and our trust in Him. It applies the truth […]
MIDEAST UPDATE 3/7/2017, Part 2
In John 16:33, Jesus warned the disciples with these words: …in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Sometimes God allows some of us to be in places of trouble because that is where we will find the lost. If some of us aren’t there, how will they hear the Good News? The […]
MIDEAST UPDATE 2/28/2017
As we come to the end of February 2017, I received news for this update through a phone call as I was traveling south along the Dead Sea. As is usually the case, I have received both good news and also tragic news. Before I get to the actual House of Blessing update, it will be helpful to give a […]
MIDEAST UPDATE 2/19/2017
As one reads the epistles in the New Testament, there are numerous reminders by Paul for the churches to keep him in prayer, usually because he was being held in custody somewhere for preaching the gospel of Christ. One of these examples is found in Colossians where he ends his letter in 4:18 with, “This salutation by my own hand–Paul. […]
MIDEAST UPDATE 2/14/2017
In Mark 16:15-18, we find what has been known as “The Great Commission.” It is the instruction Jesus left with His followers and reads like this in the New King James Version of the Scriptures: And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be […]
MIDEAST UPDATE 2/8/2017
As I read news reports from all around the world, I am continually reminded of the warnings Jesus gave about the signs of the end of the age. These signs are here today. One one of the signs is wars and rumors of wars, nation coming against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. I have read numerous accounts written by servants […]
MIDEAST UPDATE, 1/27/2017
The situation in the Middle East continues to change from day to day. The House of Blessing missionaries adjust as best they can so that they can survive the circumstances as well as continue the work of the ministry they have been called to. Although there is a partial ceasefire of sorts in place, fighting continues involving assorted jihadist groups, […]
MIDEAST UPDATE, 1/21/2017
I have used Ephesians 5:14-17 as a passage of Scripture lately in Bible studies and even mentioned it on occasion while writing these Mideast Updates. The passage reads like this: Therefore He says: “Awake you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming […]