Today’s Mideast Update is a bit longer than usual, so I apologize in advance. I have combined reports that could have been sent in two separate portions. But, what has been sent by the House of Blessing is current information and, hopefully, you will take time to read the amazing things God is doing in the Middle East. There will be more to share in three or four days. The HOB missionaries are not letting any moss grow under their feet!
Today’s first report is from Dr. Nibras and was received on September 23, 2026:
(Incidentally, the reason many names of the HOB leaders are mentioned is so we don’t forget that they are real people, with real names, and some of our prayer warriors use their names in praying for HOB.)
*******
Peace be with you, brother Jack, and with all those who love Jesus. We gathered this morning and prayed that the Lord would grant us strength and steadfastness in the faith, asking Him to provide for us so that we may be able to share the Gospel through the lens of Jesus’ love and teachings. I was reminded of the verse from the book of Joel 3:14 which says: “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision.”
This land is a place rife with deception and is populated by people raised on lies and religious fraud. A group of senior elders and I have been following a path charted for us by our Master. We have directed our efforts towards a people facing unprecedented and difficult times. We established a base in Najran, but later traversed three key regions of Saudi Arabia.
We help many people experience the message of grace, which is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in a way that they had never known. To be honest, I am deeply concerned about the forces controlling the lives of those to whom we preach God’s Word, a message of grace and great hope. They are placed in a difficult position of choice, especially given the message we are called to deliver. From birth, they have been raised to believe that Islam is the only path, and that anyone who considers an alternative deserves a brutal death.
This is what the prophet Muhammad taught — a doctrine clearly stated in numerous verses in the Quran. Indeed, Muhammad taught that every “kafir”, anyone who does not accept this into his teachings, deserves death.
These people possess no hope for grace or peace in their lives. Absolutely none. Yet, when someone risks their life to proclaim the Gospel of the true living God, offering complete forgiveness and the promise of a glorious eternal life with unimaginable blessings, as God’s children shall, they discover a stark contrast to the hopelessness of Islam. They are confronted with a truth that cannot be ignored.
I tell you frankly, brother Jack, that Muslims — even those who speak and teach, know the true essence of Islam. This is truly astonishing. The Islamic leaders know quite well their millions of followers live in total fear of Islam. Once becoming followers of Jesus Christ, they remember the shame they once had of their former religion. But now, as records show, they are overjoyed to have found a truly loving and forgiving God. Nine out of ten who hear the Word of God pledge to serve Christ. Once they discover this truth, they never forsake it — not even unto death.
I have mentioned this before regarding the situation in Iran, but I have a reason to bring it up again. For every new believer martyred for their faith in the truths of the Bible, the one true word of God, many others rise up, pleading to take their place. Can you imagine that level of commitment? I only ask that you pray for us as we bring in more and more souls. Brother, we are a group that relies solely on Him. Everything is in His hands. Every week we dedicate time to studies, prayer, fasting, and supplication to the Lord of Heaven.
I would like to take a moment to clarify something once more regarding the Lord’s miracles occurring through the House of blessing — the work being done there, and the efforts exerted by the missionaries. Much like what happened in the era of the early Church. It started from virtually nothing, followed by its expansion into numerous churches across Asia minor and many other lands. One can see how the Holy Spirit of God was poured out upon everyone who showed a desire to participate in his will. The text even mentions that many members of the clergy came to believe in Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
There are numerous scriptural passages describing the spiritual explosion that took place during the days of the early rain, including the account in the Book of Acts 2:42-47, which states that the “believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together sharing everything. They sold their possessions and goods and gave to anyone in need. They met together daily in the temple courts, broke bread in their homes, and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And, the Lord added to their number daily” This is exactly what we are witnessing today with the new believers in the Middle East! Praise God!
Your brother,
Dr. Nibras
***********
I received another report from Dr. Nibras two days later, September 25, 2026:
Peace be with you, brother Jack, and peace be with the loved ones of Jesus. A time of discussion and study took place involving Pastor Abdelrahem, the deacons and the elders, during which the pastor shared a reminder of the Apostle Paul’s background and how his life as a missionary began. Many of us are unfamiliar with the story of Saul of Tarsus and his encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. In Acts 26:15b-18, we find the account of Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, and it is in these verses that we find the commission entrusted to Paul at the time of his Damascus experience. Here’s how it appears in the New King James version of the Bible:
15b “…I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”
Although Paul was the only apostle involved in this specific instance, the mission he received was essentially the same as the Great Commission Jesus gave to his followers in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 16. What is the mission to which he, and consequently all of us, are called? Ministers and witnesses of the things we have seen and the things Jesus will yet reveal to us.
We are sent to open people’s eyes, to bring people out of the darkness, into the light, to free them from the power of Satan and bring them into the service of God to show them the source of forgiveness of sins, And to teach them about the inheritance they will share with all of God’s people. This means that in a very real sense, we are all called to this mission.
Our world might well spiral out of control by the end of this year. We may not need to dwell on every detail, but in my view, what we once considered normal will not return. There is sorrow, anxiety, and a pervasive fear gripping the world. Yet as darkness deepens, we, God’s people, redeemed by the blood of Christ, must let our light shine. You might think you hold a tiny candle, but it does not take much to illuminate a dark room.
1Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2For behold, the darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the people. But the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. Isaiah 60:1-2
Despite claims that there are many paths to God, Jesus declared, there is only one. He told His disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.”
No one else! Was Jesus being narrow minded when He said this? Certainly, but He has the right to be. He is God, and there is no God but Him, the Almighty.
Missionaries from the House of Blessing are spreading the light of Jesus in a world filled with assumptions. For decades, thousands of these missionaries have dedicated their lives to proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Lamb of God. The message continues to spread widely, and many are still finding Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. The promise held by the HOB evangelists is found in in the Apostle’s letter to the Philippians 1:19-21, which says:
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:19-21
I spoke with Pastor Abdelrahem for over half an hour. He told me about the continuous prayer and teaching taking place across all regions, enabling the House of Blessing organization’s evangelists to fully serve communities of believers throughout the Middle East. Everyone feels the time is extremely short and that the age of grace is drawing to a close. Each morning is viewed as another opportunity to share the message of Jesus in a dying world.
Omar, Shahbander, Mortada, and elders, Al-Saftawi, Al-Bukhari, and Abu Islam — along with their volunteers, have been sharing God’s love with approximately 1,190 families. Working alongside the elders, volunteers have reached 865 families by distributing food, praying with them, and erecting prayer tents — including 245 tents built by the team and another 320 constructed by Omar and his volunteers.
While sharing the message of Jesus Christ during this time, some team members fell ill, exhibiting symptoms of the flu. As a precautionary measure, the group has been divided into seven teams in Iran.
Ma’touq is handling the construction of the necessary tents, while Dirgham, Aylout Eban, and the sisters, including Ikhlas, are preparing the required supplies. Others involved include a man whose full name I cannot recall exactly, and Jafar, Zalatimo, Al-Sudani, Al-Wiwi, Barzani and Fatima (who is in Iraq). Mufida, Hafiza, Fariel, and Sarah form another team, joined by Sheikh Zakaria, Al-Murba, Al-Rabtali and Al-Bazlamit. At every location, prayers and supplications are taking place alongside fasting, worship, and seeking forgiveness from the Lord of heaven and earth.
Assistance, including food and other supplies, has been provided to hundreds of others, and a great harvest of souls has been gathered. While hell has managed to expand in these times, the Kingdom of God has grown tremendously, and God has proven to be very generous in the process! I would like to share one final Bible verse to conclude today’s update.
1Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
hank you all once again for your prayers and support. Only in eternity will we see what God has accomplished through each of you, as you heeded the call of the Spirit of God. The Hob congregation there deeply appreciates your prayers.
Your brothers and servants of the Lord,
Doctor Nibras and Pastor Abdelrahem
***********
One day later, on September 26, 2026, I received an additional report:
Peace be with you, brother Jack, and with all the loved ones of the Lord Jesus, and with everyone who has believed in and trusted God for a single purpose — to study God’s Word and to employ the Holy Spirit to make it powerfully present in this time and place. There are many scriptural passages applicable to our calling, including the account in the Book of Acts regarding the Apostle Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, nearly 2000 years ago. Peter told the crowd that they needed to repent, be converted and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins so that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit — a promise to them and to their children, and all who are afar off, as far as the Lord God would call.
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. On that day about 3000 souls were added to them, and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had a need. So they continued daily in one accord. (assorted verses drawn from Acts 3).
Pastor Abdelrahem shared some details about the work of HOB for me to pass on to you.
Thanks to donations sent by faithful supporters and as financial resources allow, missionaries have continued printing more educational booklets and Gospels The House of Blessing leadership has also reproduced new Bible study materials for distribution as they have come available. Just recently, 6000 booklets were sent to Doctor Bandis and his team, with thousands gathered specifically to study and memorize God’s Word, as well as to pray, praise, and spend time worshipping.
When the missionaries felt led to fast and pray during the Jewish Feasts, it was proposed that all students, elders, teachers, teaching assistants, and fellow missionaries focus on delving deeply into God’s word for a few days, or for as long as the Lord guided them. Afterward, they would return to their evangelistic work, sharing the wonderful truths they discovered in Scripture.
It is also vitally important that we continue to pray for everyone associated with the underground House of Blessing Christian community during this critical moment in history. The world around HOB continues to move toward a major military conflict and the turmoil and chaos engulfing the Middle East exacerbates existing tensions which threaten to spiral completely out of control.
Then, of course, there’s the ongoing Palestinian issue in Israel. As Israel attempts to navigate this impasse, threats against the Jewish state are mounting from nearly all of its neighbors. It is evident to any observer that a major conflict is on the verge of erupting in the Middle East — a conflict foretold by Old Testament prophets — a conflict far more severe than the so-called Arab Spring that began in early 2011. This conflict will encompass all the nations bordering Israel. Shortly thereafter, or perhaps concurrently, the War of Ezekiel 38 and 39, the Gog and Magog War will break out. This could potentially escalate into a Third World War.
Once again, the sole reason I raise this topic is to remind us that biblical prophecies are currently being fulfilled, and at a very rapid pace. We are in the final stretch of the last days, standing at the threshold of the day of the Lord. Once this 7-year period begins, the Restrainer, the Bride of Christ — the true Church of Jesus Christ, operating in the power of the Holy Spirit, will be removed from the face of the earth. The ensuing period will be a time of great tribulation and judgment upon a wicked and rebellious world. Furthermore, during this time, which is referred to in the Bible as “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble”, the Jewish people will be led to acknowledge the Messiah they missed nearly 2000 years ago. Through God’s promise, they will have the opportunity to return to the covenant that God made with their forefather Abraham, albeit at a very heavy price.
As the missionaries of the House of blessing continue their missionary work in the Middle East, they very much need and appreciate your ongoing support — both through prayer and financial contributions, as the Lord leads. I am reminded here of a passage from the Bible written by the prophet Zephaniah:
1Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, before the decree is issued, or the day passes like chaff, 2before the LORD’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you! 3Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth, who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the LORD’s anger. Zephaniah 2:1-3 (emphasis added)
Before concluding this long report, I am honored to share a little more news that I have received directly from HOB missionaries regarding the impact just made. What has transpired in recent days is truly astounding. As you know, the Jewish community worldwide observes these holy Jewish Feast Days. This year, the Jewish New Year — Hashanah, the Day of Atonement –Yom Kippur, have been celebrated together with the Feast of Tabernacles — Sukkot which began on 9/26 and ending on 10/2/2026.
Over the years that the House of blessing has served in Islamic nations, believers have increasingly embraced the observance of these feasts. As you are aware, the Feast of Tabernacles is also known as the Feast of Booths. Those who observe this feast build small, specific booths, called carts, out in the open to dwell in during the seven days of the festival.
Omar and others constructed the necessary booths and vast crowds gathered around for the celebration. On one occasion alone, it was reported that Omar preached to a massive crowd of at least 10,000 people. Similar events occurred with the elders in Najran, Saudi Arabia and the surrounding areas. That is a miracle in itself!
Beyond the size of the crowd and the fact that everyone heard his sermons, there were reports of angels positioned specifically around the perimeter of the gathering where the Word of God was proclaimed. The joy of the Lord flooded the crowd, and they began to pray and worship God. As the Holy Spirit inspired them, miracles and wonders of every kind began to take place among the people.
Omar and the elders spoke to the crowds that gathered. People were instantly healed of all kinds of diseases, including cancers and other incurable illnesses. What they witnessed was akin to what the believers experienced in the first century on the Day of Pentecost. Praise be to God! Food, soup and bread were distributed to the crowds as a manifestation of God’s grace.
A similar event occurred in Iran, where a meager amount of food, hardly enough for the crowd, was shared among more than 3000 people. God multiplied the food as it was being distributed and indeed throughout the entire week. Doctor Bandis told me that news of this miracle spread across the Middle East, everywhere the House of Blessing Community of believers had gathered. This took place during the Feast of Tabernacles. As it turned out, the feast festival was not only a time to celebrate God’s blessings, but also an occasion to pray for rain. As the HOB community of believers celebrated God’s grace amidst the crowds, God blessed them with rain, something desperately needed in the deserts of the Middle East!
How great is God’s generosity? I believe the rains symbolize the unfathomable abundance of blessings awaiting all God’s servants when he calls them to their eternal home in heaven. Please continue to pray for us, brother Jack. May the Lord bless you.
Your brother,
Doctor Nibras.
************
Thank you all for your prayers and your financial support. Bibles and booklets continue being printed as supplies are available. The printer for southern Saudi Arabia is still needing some funds to clear the machine for delivery. Thank you for your help! God sees your generosity and also the sacrifices being made — and He does the multiplying. It is He who is bringing in today’s great harvest of souls. Thank you all!
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)