I am sending out a short special update due to the events that have transpired in the last few days. I have received several earlier reports but I will have to include them in an additional update.
This is what I just received from Dr. Nibras this morning. There will be a brief explanation at the end.
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Peace be upon you, my brother Jack, and upon all the friends of Jesus. I want to let you know that I just arrived at the location in Iran where trouble once again has come to the House of Blessing. I didn’t stop for a break at all, just to inform you that Sister Khawla and her team are providing healing services to dozens of people, each of whom is being guided into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Among the things that Khawla and the sisters with her have recently encountered is the use of chemical weapons by some armies, especially the forces of the oppressive regime. Hundreds of people are suffering from painful red spots all over their bodies, and many of them are dying as a result. Khawla has been trying to heal about 965 men, women, and children who were suffering from these red spots, and the Lord has miraculously been healing them. However, thousands more are still suffering greatly from these chemicals.
Another problem related to chemicals is the contamination of everything on the ground. Food is extremely scarce, and whatever is found, even just grass leaves, is also contaminated. Imported wheat is also dangerous for the same reason. The water has been spoiled, which exacerbates the problem of famine, as many are dying of starvation.
In good news, Pastor Abdelrahem completed his special graduation of the 150 men he has been training. They will now go on to serve under the HOB leadership. These men have all made special requests for us to pray for. We must respond to their requests. They know their lives are at stake, and they are not ashamed to serve the Lord. Let us all remember them in our prayers. The pastor and those with him are suffering from severe weakness and are unable to stand, as are Dr. Bandis and the elders.
The pastor, although already becoming ill, continued graduating the group. As he finished, he collapsed. He developed a high fever and began vomiting and having diarrhea. We ask you to join us in praying for the Pastor and the students.
We ask You, our glorious Father, God of our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant these men the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they may know You more deeply. May God open their eyes so that they may understand the hope that is in You, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in them, and Your great and incomparable power over them, because they believe … the same mighty power by which You raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand. Ephesians 1:17-19
I contacted Dr. Batheesh, a friend of Dr. Bandis, and they are currently repairing a drink made of ginger, cinnamon, garlic, some sage, and verbena (verma) and thyme. It will then be chilled for them to drink, and we hope for their recovery. He informed me that he cannot give them an antibiotic, because it might prove fatal. Their condition is stable. It is a strange poison, and research is underway to identify it. The Lord has provided the greatest doctors among Bandis’ friends, Dr. Batheesh and Dr. Hashima. I will provide you with more information, my brother Jack.
Teaching is proceeding as usual. This is what Abdelrahem ordered, saying, “Whatever happens to me, I must continue to deliver the message so that the Lord will be pleased with us.”
Your brother,
Dr. Nibras, servant of the Lord
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There are still many unknown facts about what has happened. They will be shared as things become more clear. One fact that is clear is that there was a major chemical attack which was aimed at a large meeting of Christians. Many non-believers were also affected because they were in the vicinity. Abdelrahem, Hayel, Arshid were the first ones I heard had been affected. As it turns out, it was a mass attack and there were quite a number of people who lost their lives.
There were several individuals mentioned that readers are not familiar with yet — including a sister named Khawala. She is a young nurse, who along with her crew, was able to immediately begin treating the many hundreds who were suffering.
As said above, I will share more details as I receive them. It is very clear that the enemy is doing everything he can to silence the Good News of the Gospel. Please pray for the leaders of the House of Blessing and all others who were poisoned and are suffering from this terrible attack.
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)