In Romans 10, we find these words:
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’ Romans 10:14-15
Today’s update is a relatively short. I received a call from Pastor R yesterday and he mentioned to me that the yearly Muslim month of Ramadan is near once again. It begins on April 2 and is over on May 2. There is not a lot of time between now and April 2, but he is hoping to be able to provide 2,000 Bibles for the missionaries to have on hand for this month of evangelism.
For those who have followed the ministry of the House of Blessing over the past years, you will remember that the month of Ramadan—when Muslims all over the world spend time in fasting and prayer, is a time when HOB missionaries have had extraordinary success in sharing the Good News about Jesus. It seems Jesus has had a habit of interrupting the prayers of Muslims. Instead of Allah responding to their prayers (which he does not), Jesus shows shows up in their dreams! Multitudes have been reached with the gospel every single year. We also wonder with each year that has passed, if this will be the last year of opportunity before the Lord calls His faithful people home. Could this be the year? Only God knows but the world situation tells us our planet is looking at very dark days ahead. The signs of Jesus’ return are everywhere and the harvest fields are ripe for picking!
The work of the missionaries continues day and night. The needs are so great that the HOB missionaries continue to work in two shifts, one during the day and a second shift during the nighttime. As long as there are supplies, food and other necessities are distributed to many hundreds of families each week. And even when supplies have run out, because of the harsh winter weather, there are always tents that have collapsed and needing to be repaired, rebuilt, or reset. There are also always those who have died, either from the flu, a virus, or any number of other diseases common among the refugees. Exposure at this time of year is also a problem, especially for the elderly. All graves in the last few months have been dug by hand by HOB volunteers.
Please keep Pastor R in your prayers. He has improved some from the effects of the poisoning he experienced but he is still quite sick. We are praying that the Lord heals him completely. He was hit very hard. Infections are also a serious problem for many, and this includes Pastor R.
In closing, I would like to revisit the story of one of the past miracles:
About three years ago or so, one of the sheikhs who became a Believer was known as Farid. He was one of the many sheikhs who had completed the HOB School of Ministry program. What made him unique in the group was that Farid was totally blind. Despite this handicap, he was known to have a “mind like a computer”, and he did very well in his studies. He took special interest in teachings he had studied regarding God’s place and plan for the nation of Israel and her current challenges in the Middle East.
After completing the courses with HOB, Farid had a strong desire to return to the area mosque where he had been associated previous to his conversion. He wanted to win souls to Yeshua. It was a step of faith for him, but he truly believed that Romans 10:17 (So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”) was a call to him to share the truth that he had found and that had changed his life for eternity.
Farid returned to his mosque and hundreds gathered to hear him and his testimony. He told them that he wanted to teach them from the only real “holy book”, explaining that the Koran is a book from Satan, bringing death and destruction—not life and forgiveness. His desire was to share the hope and open door that he had found. He wanted to introduce them to the Lord.
His testimony was met with great enthusiasm from manyu. However, there were also a number of men who rejected this truth and became very angry. These men beat Farid outside the mosque and, thinking he was dead, they threw his body into the garbage dump. When Farid came to, he became conscious of several things. He was badly beaten but still alive; he was very cold, and the stench around him was terrible.
As he began to pray, he felt overwhelmed by an urge to worship. It was then that he felt a hand on his chest and, instantly, he felt heat from the hand spreading throughout his body. He also noticed a very pleasant aroma coming from the heat. That beautiful aroma overcame the foul smell of the garbage on which he was lying. Farid asked, ‘Are you the Lord?’ He heard the response, ‘No, but I was sent by Him to help you.’ He explained that he was an angel and that God wanted Farid to know how pleased He is with his walk and his love for the Lord.
Then, as the angel ministered to Farid, healing began to come to his entire body, including to his blind eyes. Suddenly he was able to see! How wonderful to actually be able to see!! The angel then told Farid that the Lord was calling him to a special healing ministry. God would empower him to bring healing to all God brought to him for prayer. He then asked Farid if there was anything else he could do for him. Farid told him that all seven of his grown children were also born blind and he would love for them to also be healed. The angel then touched him and told him to go lay hands on every one of them and God would answer his prayer! And, that is exactly what happened!
Sadly, Pastor Farid, as he was called after his encounter with God’s angel, and all of his grown children were killed on the same day. Someone threw a bomb into the house where they were all congregated. But, not until multiplied thousands had been touched by his ministry and that of his grown children! Only God knows how many were touched by his testimony and the anointing of the Holy Spirit as he preached the Word of God and brought God’s healing to all those he and his family prayed for. One day when we are all gathered at the feet of Jesus, I’m sure we will begin to hear the stories…!
Before I close, I’d like to draw our attention to Romans 10 once again.
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, “have they not heard? Yes indeed: Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” But I say, “did Israel not know?” First Moses says: ‘I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.” Romans 10:17-20
By cross-referencing with other passages of Scripture, it is not difficult to see that this other “nation” being referred to are the Gentiles! That sound being heard all across the earth today—even unto the ends of the world, is being heard loud and clear in the Middle East! The prophet Joel spoke of ‘Multitudes in the Valley of Decision.’ Muslim Gentiles are being reached with the Gospel by the multitudes! Praise God!
Please remember to pray that HOB will be able to purchase 2,000 Bibles for this coming outreach beginning April 2. Thank you all!
Forever in His Service,
Jake