I was reminiscing this morning on how much the world has changed in the last ten years. Watching the signs of the times has always been important to me since I was just a young boy. Here in the last ten years or so however, the uptick in the crucial nature of the many changes in our world is hard to miss for those who are paying any attention.
In the last few years, it seems there is one crisis in our world after another. It leaves one wondering how things can possibly go on for much longer without civilization as we know it being totally destroyed. There are a variety of things that are threatening to go completely out of control. Yet, time and again, things seem to calm down and the world lives to see another day. How easily things could have been different today. World wars, revolutions, terrorism, greed and lust for power and the political corruption it breeds, violence everywhere, lack of respect for life, billions of oppressed people, widespread diseases and epidemics, famines, economic collapse, and a seeming endless list of problems, any of which could bring our civilization crashing down. Yet, God has been exceedingly patient with our world, continuing to offer His love, mercy, and forgiveness. But, that time is coming to an end.
Sad to say but, even if all the world’s problems listed above were solved today, it would not help anyone deal with what is just ahead. This is not to minimize anything going on today, but the prophesied Day of the LORD is just before us—a time like none other that this world has ever seen, or ever will see again.
Some wonder why I mention the end of the age so often. One reason is because it should bring the true follower of Jesus great excitement. The second reason is that it helps us to realize that time is running for the world around us. Your time and my time for completing the short earthly course God has called us to is quickly coming to a close. Our part in today’s harvest of souls will soon be over and there will be no “do-overs.” These are important things for this generation to keep in mind. Our Savior and KING is coming…very SOON!
There is no sweeter thought to the House of Blessing missionaries that the imminent return of Jesus, the Messiah. Many of our brethren have endured years of harsh conditions—such as most of us can’t even imagine. Yet, day after long day, they continue, looking for those they can share the love of God with as long as there is still time to do so.
In the northwestern part of Syria, particularly Idlib and Aleppo provinces, the bombing campaigns by Bashar Assad’s military and his ally Russia have risen to another level in the last couple weeks or so. Pastor R said he has seen much but doesn’t remember it being as bad as it is right now. Once again, hundreds of thousands are having to run. Many of these people have already lost everything and now they are running for their lives just trying to survive. And again, they are having to run toward Syria’s border with Turkey. Turkey however already has at least 3.5 million refugees from Syria and they are refusing to let any more people crossing the border.
The HOB missionaries continue to move with the refugees so that they can reach as many with the Good News of the Gospel as they can. As I have shared many times in the past, many of these people are reached with the Gospel just minutes before they breathe their last. These are people that you and I will be privileged to meet one day soon on the other side!
Besides those who are injured or killed because of the unending civil war, there are many who are dying because of this year’s flu epidemic. This includes at least 50 HOB missionaries who lost their lives. With the flu being such a problem in the refugee camps, let’s pray that they don’t also have to deal with the new Coronavirus that has come out of China and now beginning to affect other nations. A virus like this, short of a heavenly miracle, would be unstoppable among people who are so vulnerable.
As for Pastor R, he got the flu as so many others did. The HOB leadership, not wanting to take any chances on losing him at this crucial hour, took him to the hospital. He does seem to be getting better now. Let’s ask the Lord to set him totally free and protect him so that he can continue the work God has called him to.
All of the HOB missionaries are in a time of adjustment. Situations in each of the mideast nations are changing and in order for the missionaries to effectively do the work of the ministry, they are having to adjust accordingly. Funds have been unusually slow at this time of year as well, which often happens at the first part of the year and so adjustments are having to be made along these lines as well. God however, is always in control and we always trust Him in all things. God is good!
As we recognize the time in world history that God has strategically chosen to insert us all into, we must pay special attention to the instructions He has given us in His Word for such a time as this.
- “Pray without ceasing” (the Apostle Paul’s message to the troubled saints in Thessalonica—I Thessalonians 5:17)
- “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly” (message to the Romans—Romans 16:20)
- “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier”—2 Timothy 2:3-4
- “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. STAND THEREFORE”…Ephesians 6:10-13)
Thank you all for your prayers and support for the House of Blessing. God has done amazing things in the past few years and I believe we will continue seeing God accomplishing even more amazing things until we hear that great Trumpet and the voice of God calling us home. I pray God’s bountiful blessings upon each of you.
Forever in His Service,
Jake Geier
(For those that would like to help the House of Blessing financially, please find the convenient PayPal button on the home page of the website. All funds coming into this site go to the work of HOB. Thank You!