Today’s Mideast Update is going to be rather short. I do want to make sure that those who have so faithfully prayed for and supported the House of Blessing are up to speed on the current work of the ministry of the HOB leaders, missionaries , and volunteers.
As most of you know, the Musliim month of Ramadan began a few days ago and will run for an entire month. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn till sunset. During these hours, they try not to partake of any food or water. There is a sixth prayer that is added to the traditional five prayers. In the evenings, Muslims read the Qu’ran every night. The plan is to have it read in its entirety by the Eid al-Fitr observance at the end of the month. As odd as it may seem, this is an especially good time to share the Good News about Jesus. Many respond, in spite of it being a month-long Muslim observance.
Teaching materials were sent before Ramadan and copies have been made for evangelism purposes during this month. Brothers Omar, Mahmoud, and Faliyh are heading up the evangelistic effort for Ramadan. Omar is also seeing to it that the leadership of the sisters, Mufidah, Sabiha, Noufa, and Labiba receive the support they need.
Brother Talal let me know that it was necessary for $5,000 to be borrowed in order to get the evangelism financed on time. The House of Blessing has, year after year, been able to pray with a great many who found Jesus to be the true Messiah in response to the evangelism by HOB during the month of Ramadan. Missionaries continue to go from tent to tent sharing with one and all and praying for anyone desiring prayer.
Brother Talal said he has heard from those ministering in Rafah, in the Gaza Strip. We are aware that Hamas militants are confiscating much of the aid that is sent into the Gaza Strip. They do this by taking over the trucks coming in, often killing the truck drivers, and civilians that refuse to stay back from the arriving trucks. The further up the Strip the civilians are, the less aid makes it to the people who need it the most.
The missionaries in Rafah are teaching the message of Salvation and the soon return of Jesus, the Messiah. Talal said that some amount of help arrived from an organization called The Blessing Association of North Africa out of Algeria. Supplies included tents, coats, blankets, food supplies, and drinking water.
The word Talal received from the Rafah area is that there is much fear among the civilians. The war against Hamas continues, and Israel knows it must finish the war, or Hamas will just regroup. Hamas has said that they intend to repeat the October genocidal attack many, many times. The Israeli leadership knows they must be stopped now, not later. We would all like to have peace, but, knowing what the prophetic Word of God says about our times, peace will elude mankind until the Prince of Peace comes to take control of this fallen world. Jesus did make us this promise, however:
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
In conclusion, thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray earnestly for souls, and also the protection of the missionaries. This is an especially dangerous time for those sharing the Good News Message about Jesus. Pray also that financial needs are met, especially during this time of concentrated evangelism during Ramadan, and also Resurrection Weekend at the end of March. Thank you all.
Forever in His Service,
Jake
God bless all of you. Remember to plead the blood of Jesus over all of you. Speak the protection of Psalms 91 over all also. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Blessings on purpose.
Amen and amen and amen!