As we watch the threats of a major Mideast war continue to escalate, we are reminded that the House of Blessing missionaries are in great need of our prayers and support. Most of the HOB missionaries that are embedded within the populations have had the chance to relocate to safer areas but have chosen not to. The calling they have on their lives since they found Yeshua as their Saviour and Lord, is just as strong today, if not stronger than it has ever been. Those that have been ministering for a few years now, have gone through beatings, imprisonments, extreme exposure to the elements, capture by Islamic militants, and injured in too many ways to recount for this update. Suffice it to say that a great many of them have experienced the persecutions that the Apostle Paul recorded in 2 Corinthians 11:24-31.
From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once i was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily; my deep concern for all the churches.
Today the threat of war hangs over the Middle East as a great black cloud. Major world powers are preparing their military assets for a great showdown. War analysts are saying that it is not a question of “if” there is going to be a major war in the Mideast, but only, “when.” The missionaries know it is coming as does the entire community of House of Blessing believers. They have prepared themselves for the onslaught and are ready to be used however the Lord chooses no matter what comes. They also know that time is very, very short. The Times of the Gentiles is quickly coming to an end, as is the Age of Grace.
As they are aware of all these things, their prayers continue as always, “Abba Father, give us more souls!” That should also be our concern and prayer, no matter where we live. Whereas most of the western world has been saturated with the Gospel of Jesus–to the point that we now take it for granted, the Mideast has been under the death-grip of Islam. In our generation however, millions of Muslims are finding Jesus Christ as their Messiah…and many pay the ultimate price for their decision to be a follower of Yeshua.
While it is still possible to do so, House of Blessing teachers are training as many of the new believers as they can. HOB does the best they can to provide a meal for the students but it is not always possible. The students attend their House of Blessing School of Ministry classes for 6-8 house a day. They then take printed verses of Scripture home to memorize as part of their homework. These classes continue to be held all across the Mideast except in northern Syria. In northern Syria there is continued chaos and Sister Mufiedah’s “Widow Sisterhood” have their hands full treating the sick and wounded. The brothers there are also doing the best they can to bury the dead. This last week another 32 believers were buried. Mufiedah, Fatwa, and others are hoping to be able to get back to training new believers but it will depend on the situation on the ground. As the situation is presently, there are refugees scattered all over the north with nowhere to go. They are trying to stay out of the war zones by going toward the Turkish border but Turkey will not allow them over the border. The people are trying to find shelter in caves or under what trees they can find. It is a difficult situation, especially since winter is once again coming on.
Pastor R told me that Sister Miriam and her helpers have finished training the 44 widows as well as their 88 children. They will now take the place of their fallen husbands on the mission field. These are very brave women! They will need our prayers.
I was also told that Sister Fatima has been able to provide communion services for about 500 twice a week. This is something that they can do only when they have the supplies. It is however a great blessing for the people. As has been shared many times in the past, this is the highlight of the week for these folks. It is a great time of recharging and being refreshed spiritually.
One piece of good news has to do with the large group of 70 sheikhs that were reached with the Gospel of Jesus recently. Forty of these men have decided to take ten men of their own mosque congregations and begin teaching them for about 4-5 hours in the evenings after they get home from their own School of Ministry classes. This way they can use some care in whom they choose while also beginning the training of some extra help in reaching the rest of the 20,000 men represented by their combined mosques. What an ongoing miracle this is. HOB has made mass copies of the teaching materials, including the latest ones dealing with the divinity of Jesus, and have distributed them all across the Mideast. Learning about the true divinity of Jesus Christ is of the greatest importance, especially since His divinity is not accepted within Islamic teaching.
As all these classes are continuing, there are huge numbers of people in line waiting for their turn taking the Bible training classes. Although there are well over 2,200 HOB missionaries, there are still not enough teachers to meet the enthusiastic demand!
In conclusion, Pastor R is still in the hospital but is doing much, much better. His flesh and skin are growing back and it appears all the infection is gone at this time. His temperature has also become normal. He is anxious to be finished with the treatment and get back out to his tent.
Please friends, take all these needs to the Lord with earnest prayer. Pastor R has asked me to pass on the message that God has been faithful to answer your prayers. Please don’t let up on your prayers and support now. The task that God has called us to is nearly complete. God is good!
Forever in His Service,
Jake
Note: For those that would like to contribute to the work of the House of Blessing missionaries, please find the convenient PayPal button located on this site. 100% of the funds go to the work of the missionaries. No one that is part of HOB serves as paid staff. All live totally by faith. Thank You.