I am beginning this update with an encouraging story that was shared with me by two of the brothers, Al-Hidmi and Al-Fishawi. The event happened just a few days ago. This is how they told it:
Peace be upon you my brother Jack. This is Al-Fishawi and Al-Hidmi. We waited at a hill east of Al-Hasakah along with Al-Bakawti, Abu Malik and Abu Nizar. We were waiting for Abdelrahem, father and educator of several generations of people. We met with Sheikh Zablah, who took us to lunch in Qamish (northeastern Syria). He told us about a sheikh named Abu Al-Khair who was ill. We knew the man but had not been to this location for some time because of the Turkish force’s control over it. It is a critical situation because of the ongoing hostilities between Iraq and the Turks in this region.
We were told that the problem with Abu Al-Khair was that his back was broken and so we decided to go visit him. He had about 250 coming in and out to visit him because he had the reputation of being a loving and generous man. By the time we visited him he had been in bed for more than a month and a half. After visiting with him for a few minutes, Hayel, and Arshid anointed him with oil, read some chapters from the Bible to him, and then Abdelrahem, Hayel, and Arshid prayed for him. After about ½ hour, Abdelrahem spoke to him, saying: “Arise and do not be afraid, arise!” The people watching were amazed at the proceedings but Abu Al-Khair’s sons and wife, Fakhjriya, also encouraged him, saying: “Arise! Don’t be afraid; arise!” That is when the man rose up as if something had grabbed him from the right and left sides, and he began to walk! The people watching could not figure out how it was possible that their sheikh could possibly walk. “How can he be healed? How did the Lord heal him?” Abdelrahem answered: “We serve a forgiving Lord. His name is Jesus Christ. Thank Him, not me! I am merely His servant.” Hayel and Arshid repeated his words. It was then that Abu Al-Khair declared his faith in Jesus. There was great joy and three sheikhs witnessing it all — professors of Islamic law and knowing the man well, also declared their faith in Jesus Christ!
It is an amazing thing to see how God is moving through His willing servants. The miracles always bring many to faith. Other times, as with the story of the two mullahs, Al-Zanati and Al-Qabsiri and Sheikh Morsi, and over 40 of their family members that were executed for their new-found faith in Jesus, are very tragic. Brothers Abdelrahem and Hayel wrote a combined message sent to me, asking me to share with you all. (Note: I have corrected the spelling of Hael to Hayel, which is the correct spelling.)
My Friends, it’s easy for us to dismiss these events as distant and irrelevant to our lives, especially in the West. I believe most people in the West don’t heed God’s urgent warnings! We’re so engrossed in our morally corrupt and materialistic culture that we’re distracted by everything. Where are the warnings…His warnings? Where is the powerful word that compels people to examine themselves in light of God’s expectations and requirements? Why are we afraid to offend ourselves? Why is the warning God asks His messengers to deliver so offensive? Prophet Noah preached God’s urgent warnings right up to the day the ark was completed and God commanded him and his family to board it! Once God closed the ark’s door, it was too late! We’re very close to the same situation in our generation! Are you moved by God’s urgency, or is it easier to ignore the message?
Those who line up beneath that great altar described in Revelation 6:9-11 gradually add to the total number God has already recorded in the heavenly books. Soon, the last one will give his life, and God will say, “Enough!” God pays close attention to each and every one of these precious souls. This reminds me of a passage in Hebrews 11, which mentions the heroes of faith, beginning with verse 35:
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trials of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented — 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:35-38
Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. We do this by obeying Him. We pray for our families who are going through circumstances most of us cannot imagine. And although I have rarely mentioned the need for financial assistance to meet the overwhelming needs, we do need help, nonetheless, because it is part of fulfilling the greatest commandment. When each of us obeys the guidance of God’s spirit, needs are met, and souls are prayed for.
There is something very important: a sincere and heartfelt prayer of intercession for these people, especially those who lead them. I ask you to pray for us, as you always do, but especially for the brothers and sisters of the mullahs and their brother, Sheikh Morsi. Despite having witnessed death, mutilation, and brutality of every kind many times over, it is always a heartbreaker. Each one of these brothers and sisters is a real person. They have families, children, husbands, and wives. It is difficult to see these things continue to happen… Yet, they know that every one of these precious souls who have died is now in the presence of the Lord. They will not suffer again! And so it will be for us very soon!
Meanwhile, the refugees are facing harsh winter weather. We need assistance in the area, including the ability to provide tents, as well as grain, mattresses, and blankets, as funds come available. Many of God’s people in the West have heard the voice of the Lord’s Spirit, and we hope that God will speak to their hearts again so that they will donate to help meet these immense needs. God alone knows how many of God’s people have reached out to those who are astray, extending their love and obedience to the Lord of all. When God’s people obey, they have an advantage that the nation of error and hatred does not have. God takes the trust of His people and multiplies it to meet the needs He has set forth since the foundation of the earth. What a God we worship!
His servants forever,
Abdelrahem and Hayel
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I received a bit of an update from the Suwayda region. You will remember the brutal slaughtering of Druze and Christians when the Islamists attacked some weeks ago. I found out through brother Hayal that there are over 68 believers still alive there. These are people who were not able to escape when the attacks happened. They have been imprisoned and held hostage for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus. Their situation is very difficult. They are being tortured and food is being withheld from them. A man who knows Hayel and Arshid who works as an officer contacted the brothers and said he is trying to get them out. Please pray for these folks. It is a very hard road they are having to travel. Thank you!
There is more to share but I will finish this update with an encouraging message from Hayal and Abdelrahem:
Peace be with you, brother Jack. We have more good news to share with you about what God is doing in Iraq, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, and Syria. There are new leaders who will be teaching the many courses being taught in Iraq, Iran, Kurdistan, and Syria. There are 175 men and 34 women in Iraq, 300 men and 53 women in Kurdistan, 78 men and 23 women in Kurdistan, and 145 men and 67 women in Iran who are graduating this week from the intensive Bible course taught by teachers from the HOB and other leaders. They will now have a basic understanding of the Christian faith and biblical doctrines. It is truly amazing to see hundreds of former Sunni and Shia Muslims so eager to learn what the Bible says that they will wholeheartedly participate in this intensive course. They will now become evangelists!
But the miracle is growing exponentially! There are hundreds more on the waiting list for this same course! So, HOB is finding itself having to graduate even more teachers! But God is never caught off guard. And because He is the Lord of the harvest, He will also ensure the harvest is complete. We simply need to cooperate with Him by praying that the workers will be available. God will provide them. These are people whom God will lift up from within, because bringing people into or out of the dangerous areas where missionaries work is nearly impossible. Along with the good news of these graduates and the thousands waiting to attend the courses, there is a special plea; there is a dire need to open schools in these areas.
His servants forever,
Abdelrahem and Hayel
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Thank you all for your prayers and generous support. There is a tremendous amount of printing of Bibles and teaching booklets being done. Any donations to help with this are much appreciated. The work must go on until the Lord says ENOUGH! — and calls us all HOME. SOON and very SOON!
Please contact either of the two email addresses below if you have any questions or comments.
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack) 541 408-2779