Just a brief thought before today’s update. I have a small book in my office, written by author Dave Adamson, in which he shares brief inspirational thoughts about 52 Hebrew words used in the Scriptures. One of these words is the Hebrew word, “or.” It is the word for “light.” As believers, we are told to be “lights” to the world. We are also instructed to let our “lights shine” in order to bring glory to God. We’re even told to be “full of light!” The idea being that our “light” will dispel the darkness around us.
Another definition for the word “or” is “to bring order to something chaotic.” People stumbling around in the dark are in a chaotic environment. That is the condition of the world in which we live. When we care for people in need, show compassion to hurting people, or show mercy, we are being a light in a very dark world. Followers of Jesus are called to bring order to the chaos around us. This is what the ministry of the House of Blessing is all about — but it is not just for HOB. It is also for those of us who don’t live in the chaos of the Middle East. We must all let our light shine, regardless of the society or culture into which God has placed us.
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The update below is a combination of several emails I received from Doctor Nebris over the past few days.
Greetings to you and to the loved ones of Jesus. There is much to discuss, news from the past few days, the escalating attacks on Christians worldwide, and stories of the great faith and steadfastness of true believers in Jesus Christ. People who have endured unimaginable horrors yet remain steadfast. I would like to address each of these matters in today’s Middle East update.
Over the past few weeks, I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by the miraculous story of a large group of sheikhs who came to faith in Jesus Christ after hearing a Bible lesson on the blood of Jesus. It took nothing more than hearing a few simple truths, truths that we often take for granted, absolute doctrinal truths about who Jesus truly is and why his blood possesses a power unlike any other in the universe.
Since committing their lives to Christ Jesus, they have been studying diligently, learning all they can so that they might reach others, reach their Muslim communities, and teach them the truths found only in God’s Word. Several of these men are senior sheikhs and thanks to their high standing within Muslim society, they enjoy widespread popularity and significant influence among the people. Volunteer missionaries from the House of Blessing dedicate long hours each day to teaching these new believers. They are all keenly aware of the urgency of the times in which we live.
From the reports I have received, it has been a truly blessed season. Today, however, I received a call informing me of a tragedy that has just occurred. A group of new believers, all sheikhs, had gathered for hours of study, and they were wrapping up their lessons on the booklet, “The Blood of Jesus.” There were no written copies in this region but the brothers had memorized the material. They were finished around 2 p.m. and as they were making their way home, they were ambushed by gunmen who executed ten of them. Some were shot while others were beheaded. Most, if not all, of them, had crosses carved into their faces with knives.
In the West, we are unaccustomed to such savagery and barbarism, all committed in the name of religion — in this instance, in the name of Allah and his prophet Muhammad. Brother Omar was the first to receive the news and went to see the scene for himself. He subsequently relayed the tragic news to Pastor Abdelrahem. Omar broke down, saying that no one should ever have to witness such a sight. He wept aloud as he described it.
The faith of Omar, and that of Shahbandar and Mortada, who worked closely with him, remained unshaken, though they were deeply shocked by the brutal massacre of these new brothers. It is important for us, as brothers and sisters in the Lord, to stand with them and pray earnestly for them. I am reminded of a passage from the Bible that I have frequently cited in these updates over the past few months. It is found in Hebrews 11 which reads:
And others were tried by mockery and scourging, and even by chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tested, they were slain by the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goat skins, destitute, afflicted and tormented. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains and in caves and dens of the earth. And all these, though commended for their faith, they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us. Hebrews 11:36-40
The sacred text continues:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Chapter 12:1-2
These first two verses of chapter 12 urge every believer to set their priorities right. We serve Christ Jesus, and He did not hesitate to pay the ultimate price for our freedom. Therefore, we must live for Him until He lifts us from this earth, by whatever means that may be.
Brother Jack, I am sorry to share this news. Please pray for our steadfastness. Amidst all this chaos, upheaval and death, a great movement is underway, including the work of the HOB missionaries across Syria, Iraq, Iran, Kurdistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Small groups of secret believers are gathering throughout the Middle East — an increasing number of desperate people, fearing for their survival, are seeking an answer that does not come from Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.
Many have heard of the missionaries preaching a gospel that describes the Creator’s sacrificial love for his precious human creation in a world gone mad. This is a message of hope where there was none. It is reaching these people who then become the most grateful souls on earth once they have experienced God’s incomparable peace in their spirits. It has created a profound impact.
Sisters Ikhlas, Safinaz, and their fellow sisters, part of the “Widow Sisterhood,” serve in many areas of Iran — east, central, west, and south. Numerous areas have suffered serious attacks, leaving a great many people wounded. The sisters run across these and minister to them. God has blessed these women, especially the five leaders, with a unique ministry to the wounded, especially to those who are dying. It was reported, before I spoke with Pastor Abdelrahem, that these widows had ministered to over 700 souls while caring for the wounded and dying. They also help feed as many people as possible. Some of them also care for children, teaching them the teachings of Christ.
The House of Blessing is currently active among a vast number of people, including up to 300,000 sick individuals, providing care and support. God answered our collective, sincere prayers and bestowed His grace upon us, sparing many lives so that they might hear the message of Jesus Christ and come to know the power of His blood to forgive sins and receive the assurance of eternal life in God’s Paradise. This is an assurance that Islam does not offer.
It deeply saddens me to report that there is more tragic news to share with you than what I have already detailed. Pastor Abdelrahem, with a broken heart, conveyed the news of the martyrdom of 218 brothers and sisters and injuries to over 640 others. As often happens after such attacks, countless innocents were killed or wounded — beyond the missionaries themselves. As happens so often, the widows rushed in to aid the injured, heedless of the danger to themselves. This is when a second attack happened, claiming the lives of 43 of the women. We thank God that they now rest in His presence and will suffer no more.
I also received news from Saudi Arabia. Brother Omar reported the killing of at least one new believer in an incident where the homes of believers’ families were destroyed by suicide bombers. The price these people have paid is something the West, for the most part, has not yet had to face. The day may come.
I would like to briefly share with you some more of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us recently. But, as introduction, we find these words in the Psalms:
I will meditate on the splendor of Your glorious majesty, on Your wonderful works. People will speak of the greatness of Your mighty deeds, and I will proclaim Your greatness. They will mention Your great goodness, and they will sing of Your righteousness. Psalms 145:5-7
Oh, the greatness of Your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You and in the sight of mankind. You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, and from the schemes of men. Psalm 31:19-20
If only people would thank the Lord for his goodness and for his wonders for mankind. He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good things. Psalm 107:8-9
During a time of personal reflection on current events in our world, I was led to the book of Joel in the Old Testament. I reread the book and recalled passages I had previously marked. The first is a stern warning to a future world that rejects God, and the second is a cry from the Spirit of God urging the lost to repent before it is too late. The generation of “the last days” is our generation, often referred to as the “end time generation.”
Many people are indifferent to reading or hearing about God’s judgment in our time. Yet it is foolish to ignore anything God says, especially as the return of Jesus draws near. Here’s what I read:
For the day of the Lord is near. It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Has not food been cut off from before our eyes? And joy and gladness from the house of our God. The seeds have shriveled beneath the soil. The storehouses lie in ruins. And the barns are broken down. For the grain has withered. Joel 1:15-17
“Now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your hearts, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding and loving kindness; and relents from doing harm. Who knows, He may turn and relent, leaving behind a blessing, a grain offering, and a drink offering for the Lord your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and nursing infants. Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber, and the bride from her dressing room. Let the priests administer to the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar…” Joel 2:12-17a.
We live in a time when the events mentioned in the opening passage have become a tangible reality in many nations across the globe. The signs of the Great Tribulation are clearly visible, sounding a warning of impending danger. The prophecy of John the Revelator is on the verge of fulfillment. Yet many fail to grasp the reality of what is bearing down on the world like a runaway freight train. The time has come to recognize the signs of the times. It is time to cast aside the distractions that keep us from looking toward the soon returning King of Kings and Lord of Lords. If you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, you are a citizen of His Kingdom. We are merely sojourners in this world. It is time to let go.
A special blessing is promised in 2nd Timothy 4:8 for those who watch:
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Believe me, this is the consensus of pastors, rabbis, and religious leaders alike. After analyzing the scriptures, the return of the King of Kings is imminent … Very, very close! The rapture of the church is very near!
Your brother and servant of the Lord,
Dr. Nibras.
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The House of Blessing missionaries continue their work across the entire Middle East, and the results have been beyond encouraging….they have been miraculous. HOB missionaries and volunteers and believers are actively sharing the message of the power of Jesus’ Blood. Comprehensive teaching materials on many subjects, including teaching on forgiveness have been distributed and are being taught across all locations where the House of Blessing is ministering — .the sole exception being Saudi Arabia. HOB has not yet been able to secure the balance of the funds needed to complete the purchase of the much needed printer for the region. In God’s timing, it will happen.
In a region rife with brutality and bloodshed, only the Blood of Jesus can provide the remedy for hatred, guilt, and the burden of past sins. Praise God for His grace and for the power of His Blood!
Pastor Abdelrahem commented about the sheiks who have come to know the Lord as their Savior. He praised God for the remarkable transformation in the lives of these men, and how they have now reached the point where they can effectively reach out to the crowds around them. How great is God’s grace! This is proof that they are truly following the truth that Jesus is the only solution.
Communion services are continuing to be held everywhere possible — often five times per day to make sure everyone can participate. The brothers also do the unpleasant job of burying as many of the civilians who have died as they possibly can, to help in preventing as much disease as possible.
Pastor Abdelrahem, Dr. Nibras, and other HOB leaders ask us, however, to please continue to pray for their success. I know you will all join me in this. Thank you!
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)