“…redeeming the time, because the days are evil” Ephesians 5:16
As this update is posted on line, it is only a matter of hours until the Muslim month of Ramadan begins. The House of Blessing has been planning, preparing, and praying now for weeks in preparation for 30 days of intensive evangelism. The question is asked every year, could this be the last Ramadan before the Lord calls His faithful ones home? None of us knows, but the convergence of crisis events in our world this year has many wondering.
Something that is adding another level of intrigue this year is a prediction by a Muslim cleric, based on his studies in the Qu’ran that the nation of Israel will be utterly destroyed on July 9, 2022. It has already caused a rise in terrorism within Israel, with a number of innocent people already having been killed in several separate violent attacks.
For the House of Blessing, there is an awareness of the importance of the words in the Scripture verse above. This is a very critical time in the history of the human race and none of us have a guarantee of tomorrow. The days are certainly evil, and we must make the most of what little time we have left before the Age of Grace runs out.
So far, 500 Bibles have been purchased and they will have received them hours before the beginning of Ramadan. HOB is asking the Lord for another 1,500. HOB also has teaching materials that they have been studying many hours a day so that they are prepared. Many thousands of copies have already been made in preparation for the month of evangelism ahead.
Although much preparation has been needed for this special outreach, the daily work of the missionaries with the refugees has continued. Suleiman, who I have written about a number of times in the past months, got together with the three head shiekhs, Thayer, Hassan, and Adel, who just became followers of Jesus Christ, and purchased a truck load of supplies, including some wheat, clothing, firewood, and other much needed supplies. HOB was also able to purchase a full truck load of wheat sacks to distribute.
All of the missionaries that could help, Omar, Sami, Mussa, Mufiedah, Fadwa, Sarah, Ibrahim, Akram, Adel, Mahmoud, Shabandar, Mortidah, and a great many volunteers were all involved. They not only distributed the supplies to thousands of people but also rebuilt many hundreds of tents. They also prayed with the people and shared the Good News of the Gospel. Wherever it is possible, communion celebrations continue to be made available, usually five times a day to about 25-30 people participating each time. There is great celebration, prayer, praise, worship, and praying for the sick. All leave having been refreshed. Praise God!
Pastor R continues to meet with his leadership for planning and prayer. Pastor R is still struggling with flu-like symptoms, fever, and pains but he refuses to complain.
In conclusion, I want to thank all who have prayed so faithfully and also those who have supported the work of the ministry. Whether the gifts were large or small, God takes them and multiplies them for its intended use. Please especially pray for the power of God’s Spirit to touch many thousands in the next month who need to hear the Good News of the Gospel. Most have no idea of the power of the Blood of Jesus to set them totally free, not just from sin in this life, but also eternal life in the Kingdom of God. None of us can earn our way into God’s Kingdom. We have to accept God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus. He is the way, the truth, the life! No one comes to the Father except through Him! John 14:6
Forever in His Service,
Jake