Jesus made a statement in John 17:4 that provokes some thought. He said, “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” Some might call this a purpose statement or mission statement, or even a manifesto. Regardless of the name tag, Jesus’ fulfillment of the sovereign will of God for His time on earth was completed — flawlessly. In our fallen world, “purpose statements” are rarely fulfilled.
Did Jesus preach to the whole world? No. Nor did He heal all of the world’s sick and suffering. Jesus didn’t even respond positively to everyone who approached Him. We need to catch this: When He ascended back to the Throne of God, there was a lot of work left to be done. Here is where we come in. One day, we will all stand before the Father. Will we also be able to say, “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do?” Blessed are those that will be able to say so.
But this does not mean that we will have done everything others expected of us. We won’t have worked so hard that we managed to accomplish everything God asked of us. We won’t have met the need of everything we ran into that drew sympathy from us. We won’t have been able to help every missionary organization that needed our financial support. It just means that we will simply have followed God’s direction for our lives as we discerned it, and did our best to complete it by the power of His Spirit. Will we have done it perfectly? No. Thank God for His amazing grace! Only Jesus was able to fulfill His task perfectly. He was and is the Messiah, but He promised that we will do the things He did, and even greater things yet. These greater things are happening, which brings us to the House of Blessing…
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In an email message I received from Dr. Nibras a couple of days ago, he touched on some things that have been heavy on both his and Pastor Abdelrahem’s minds. What is shared below comes in the form of a Biblical exhortation. People in many parts of the world may be more in tune to how world events are unfolding than many in the West. The House of Blessing missionaries are located right in the middle of the boiling cauldron in the Middle East. They see first hand what others do not see — at least not yet. Abdelrahem and Dr. Nibras’ concern is for Christians who are going to be caught totally unaware of the events Jesus predicted that would usher in the Great Tribulation. Their warnings are being taught and are being heeded by the HOB community and these things are shared with all the new believers. I pray many in the West will heed the warnings as well, because what Abdelrahem and Dr. Nibras are saying is true.
Peace be with you, brother Jack, and with the Lord’s beloved. I’ve been very busy these past few days. We’ve been conducting a very extensive study and have concluded the following: Countless people are recognizing and accepting the fact that the Old and New Testament prophecies concerning the end times are being fulfilled, not just in just the season we are in, but possibly in the next week or two. The testimonies online from people who have had visions of what is to come are astonishing. Teachings about the biblical signs of the coming events are widespread. Sadly, few churches are teaching what has been prophesied. Many are uninformed, many are skeptical, and many are misled. It seems that only a very small number are looking forward, eager, or encouraging others about the soon coming of our Lord. Only a small remnant is watching and praying with anticipation.
Many may find it difficult to delve into the details of biblical prophecies, and I am fully aware of the controversy that often arises. But with so many specific signs to watch for which foretell to the world that the end times are here, only the ignorant insist on ignoring the vast amount of knowledge and evidence available to our generation. Because of this, much of the Body of Christ is unable to understand much of the biblical prophecy concerning the end times. Today, we have no excuse. Many prefer to ignore reality, but I believe that the true Church is commanded to know the times and act accordingly. The apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, expressed this when he said:
1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3For when they say, “Peace and safety!” Then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4
The Day of the Lord refers to the end of the age as described in the Book of Revelation and prophesied by many of the Old Testament prophets. We are now — today — on the threshold of the beginning of the last seven prophetic years before Christ comes to set up His Kingdom. Therefore, the true Church, the Body of Christ, must be vigilant! According to this biblical text, it is the unbelieving world that will be taken by surprise. The Church is required to be aware and not oblivious of the events to come.
Regardless of the many mockers, it is the Lord who is clearly and unequivocally warning us. Our world is on the brink of a world war. Global weather is becoming increasingly erratic, and we are facing famines and plagues. I would like to remind you that the signs in the sky have appeared in abundance. The blood moon eclipses of 2014 and 2015 were not coincidences. Nor were the bookend great American solar eclipses in 2017 and 2024. Even the story painted in the sky in Revelation 12:1-2 was shown to us to show us that this dispensation of time is ending. This sign in the sky, with all the detail described in these two verses, has not appeared since the creation of Adam and Eve, and it will not appear again. This miraculous spectacle in the sky was completed for only a few hours on September 23, 2017. For those with eyes to see, there is no doubt that they have seen and heard about it! Verses 1-5 tell us that the true body of Christ will be lifted up (raptured) from the face of the earth and taken into the presence of the Lord to prevent the dragon (Satan) from destroying them. And there is more. The Bible prophesies armies besieging Israel and the whole world standing against the people of Israel. This is happening now. Jesus warned, “When you see these things beginning to happen, look to heaven, because your redemption is at hand.”
So…I am sharing all of this with you today because the Word of God clearly declares that time is running out for this world. The missionaries of the House of Blessing know that time is very short and they are doing their utmost to reach as many souls as possible before it is too late. This applies to us and to all believers. Whatever we intend to do in response to Christ’s call, we must do it quickly. There is no time to waste!
This only serves to fuel the flames of a war that will soon erupt on a large scale between Israel and all the forces allied against it. This war will soon include Russia and its allies as well. This world will soon be plunged into a war that could be considered World War III, but which, from a religious perspective, appears to be the fulfillment of the war of Ezekiel 38-39, or the War of Gog and Magog. Grave events are looming.
However, regardless of the political, national, international, or ethnic conflicts taking place on the international stage, let us continue to pray for the people of Israel. The Scriptures tell us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We know that this peace will only come with the coming of the Prince of Peace in His power. Until our Messiah returns, the satanic drive to destroy the people through whom Christ, the Lamb of God, came into the world will continue. That Day is coming, and it is very near! Note this passage from Deuteronomy:
29 “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the LORD your God and obey His voice 31(for the LORD your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.” Deuteronomy 4:29-31
The time of ‘Jacob’s Trouble,’ as the Bible calls it, is imminent. In this time, when the world turns against the Jews, their eyes will finally be opened. The veil will be lifted from their spiritual eyes, and they will recognize the Christ they have been missing. The prophet Zechariah described Him thus:
“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Him whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
His servant forever,
Dr. Nibras
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On August 30, I had the opportunity to have an extensive texting communication with Pastor Abdelrahem instead of through email reports. Direct phone calls are not possible from his location. This communication was possible because Abdelrahem was traveling north toward Syria and had stopped briefly in northern Jordan to handle paperwork for the purchase of the printer needed in southern Saudi Arabia. Before our conversation actually began he shared a short statement and a prayer which he asked me to pass on to all of the House of Blessing community of supporters.
“Good morning, my dear brother Jack. I just want you to know one thing, you and all the Lord’s beloved, the lovers of the House of Blessing, and all who sacrifice to give to the Lord’s work. Who can stand against us when God is with us? Lord, we thank You now for the blessings that flow upon the ministry of the House of Blessing. Thank you, Father God, because all silver and gold belong to You, and You are King and Sovereign over all things. We know that You are pleased to grant us Your kingdom, for Your steadfastness and faithfulness never fail. We believe in your promises and covenants, for You are faithful to fulfill what You have begun, and You will accomplish everything pertaining to Your kingdom. We worship and praise You amidst all that is happening, and we know that You are our God and we are Your people. Amen.”
Abdelrahem mentioned that in spite of the difficult weather (up to 52-55 C / 125-131 F) in the brutal southern Saudi Arabian desert, the Lord did amazing things — often, as has been reported, intervening miraculously. And the story continues. He mentioned that HOB has made the final arrangements to purchase the second printer which will be placed in the southern region. As reported in the last Mideast Update, thousands of dollars have been donated toward the printer by sheikhs who recently became followers of Jesus. There is, however, still a balance of several thousand dollars to pay for the equipment in full. Abdelrahem asked me to make it clear to all that neither he, nor HOB, is begging or pushing folks for finances. He believes in making the need known and then leaving the rest to the Lord of the harvest.
Abdelraham said that he feels a great responsibility to do everything he can to provide as many Bibles and teaching / discipling booklets as possible. He said the people are very hungry for God’s Word and that they dream of having Bibles and booklets to learn from. The lists of people signed up for training classes in the different locations are unbelievably long. What a miracle is happening in these last moments of the Age of Grace! Abdelrahem asked me to be sure and thank you all for your faithful prayer and financial support, because look at what God has done!
The House of Blessing has had some offers of substantial donations through organizations, but they would be in exchange for recognition and being photographed with HOB leaders. These offers, after discussion and prayer with the brothers over the issue, were summarily refused. There is no denying that the financial need is very real, but the HOB leadership did not feel this was the way to go. They all see themselves as servants of the Lord and their reward will come from Him, not through earthly notoriety.
All paperwork in connection to the second printer has been signed and as God provides, it will be picked up, transported, and set up as an underground operation. While the delivery of the printer is delayed, another 6,000 teaching booklets have been completed and are ready to be transported north into locations in Syria where Dr. Nibras, Jaafar, and Zalatimo are. Abdelrahem plans to be with them for a little while and then move to other locations as the Lord leads — possibly where Messianic Rabbis Shabo and Sabazi, and their communities of believers are located.
Abdelrahem said we will soon receive reports about teachings that will be done during the three fall Jewish feast days just ahead. The HOB missionaries will be fasting and spending much time in prayer during these special observances.
Since I had this rare opportunity to ask Abdelrahem a personal question, I asked him how he found Jesus as His Lord. He said that he had been a committed Muslim, praying five times a day, but one day Jesus appeared to him through a powerful light. This was 53 years ago. When it happened, God touched him and his heart found peace he had never experienced. From that moment on, the Lord led him on his path, and for a long time secretly helped people find the love of the Lord as he had. Thirty five years ago, he met Pastor Rashid and others. He described Rashid as the most sincere man he had ever met. And look where that has all led!
One last painful issue Pastor Abdelrahem has asked me to address. There are still fraudulent Mideast Updates being sent out — updates that use the information provided by the HOB leadership for the Mideast Updates officially published on the keeplookingupward.com website. In Abdelrahem’s own words, It is Jake (aka Jack), that directly represents him — and the House of Blessing — for the last 14 ½ years. All reports from the front lines of the House of Blessing are sent to me, and to me only. Personally, I have no need or desire for recognition by people, but it is a very serious matter when God’s work is defrauded. The official Mideast Update information is only made available to the public from one source, and that is the above website. For years, information has been taken from what is made available on the official website and used, with the official contact information removed and someone else’s put in its place. God is not honored by this, and He is well aware. Please be aware.
In closing, please continue to keep all of the House of Blessing community in your prayers. Our God answers prayer, and He proves it every day. A good example is how the Lord protected Pastor Abdelrahem and those traveling in the bus with him when a front tire exploded on a desert highway in Saudi Arabia. I asked Abdelrahem about the incident and he said that the bus completely left the ground after the driver lost control of the vehicle. He said that it had to have been angels that brought the bus back down in such a way that no one was killed. There were between 30-35 people on the bus. I’m sure the Lord probably laid a call to prayer on some folks at the time of the accident. Praise God they were all saved. And in the end, there were Muslim men on the bus who came to Christ as a result of God’s intervention. Praise God!
If anyone has questions about the ministry of the House of Blessing or would like to donate to help with the cost of printing Bibles and teaching booklets, please feel free to contact myself in the first email address or Sister Rolla (Pastor Abdelrahem’s assistant) in the second email address below. Thank you and God bless you all.
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)