As the dark shadow of the approaching Great Tribulation comes ever closer, the more we as followers of Jesus must realize that what little time we have left on this earth, is crucial. If we are still here and breathing, it means that God still has a specific purpose for each of us.
There are unfortunately those who, out of fear of the future, refuse to pay any attention to what is going on in our world, saying that they refuse to allow any negative thoughts to rob their peace of mind. It is for the same reason that many choose to totally avoid Bible prophecy. Granted, some of the foretold events are disturbing. However, the days are now here in which very few people will have the luxury of keeping their heads in the sand. Disturbing times are here and we need to decide whether we are going to face the days ahead — walking them out by the power and direction of the Spirit of God or try and ignore the impending storm by losing ourselves in our favorite source of entertainment — especially here in the West. One passage of Scripture that may help us see reality as God would have us see it is found in Ephesians 5.
14 Therefore He says: “Awake you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” 15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:14-17
In 2 Timothy we have this admonition:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Having a “sound mind” has to do with self-discipline, self-control, wise discretion, and sound judgment. If I am driving down the highway and see a vehicle coming at me head-on in my lane of travel, shutting my eyes and ignoring the impending danger is not going to keep me from having a head-on crash. If I keep my eyes open, I might be able to find a way to avoid the collision or at least minimize it. If there is nothing I can do, I can at least pray and cry out, “Jesus! I need your help!!” Exactly at what point in the unfolding prophetic world events Jesus will yank His people out of the coming chaos, we don’t know, but we do know that God has promised He will keep us from the time of trial that is coming upon the whole world (Revelation 3:10). In the meantime, Jesus instructed us to Watch and Pray and continue to be Salt and Light!
13 You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
On to today’s House of Blessing update…
In the past couple weeks, there has been considerable rain, at least in some of the areas where refugee camps are located. Although stormy weather brings obvious problems for the tent city dwellers, at this time it also brings a blessing. In light of the problems the refugees have with contaminated water, it is a special blessing to be able to collect rainwater in containers for drinking purposes. The need for clean water in the camps continues to be a critical issue. According to the latest statistics Pastor R is aware of, at least 36,000 Syrians have been infected with cholera. There isn’t a day that passes in which HOB missionaries do not help bury people who have died of the disease. The main source of the cholera bacteria is sewage contaminated water.
Bodies continue to be reclaimed from collapsed buildings from the February 6 earthquakes. Omar and those working with him pulled two more children, four women, and six men out of the buildings in which several hundred HOB missionaries perished. The latest death count I am aware of is at almost 58,000 between Turkey and Syria. It is a gruesome task but not all of the bodies have been found yet and so the digging continues.
In other news, HOB’s new brother in the Lord, former assassin Ayaet Rahmani and three of the men that had previously worked for him, managed to collect enough funds to purchase four truckloads of wheat for distribution among the refugees. A full truckload of rice was also purchased as well as ½ load of beans, and ½ load of tomato puree. The supplies were distributed among people in many camps. Reports began coming back almost immediately saying that as people began using the supplies, that the food supplies were repeatedly multiplied. It is our loving heavenly Father who does such things! It is amazing how many times in the past years we have heard reports like this. But then, why not? God sustained several million Israelites and all their animals for 40 years in the desert. Our God is not limited by human shortcomings!
Other reports coming in to Pastor R provided a few of the results of ministry groups since the last update. These groups went to hundreds of family tents and ministered to the people with what they could supply to each family and while they were there, shared the Word of God and prayed with people. As usual, there was a bountiful harvest of souls. Praise God!
- Suleiman and his team — 850 families
- Mufiedah, Sarah, Fadwa and team — 650 families
- Adel, Mahmoud and team — 440 families
- Ibrahim, Akram and team — 390 families
- Sahbander, Mortadah and team — 38 families
This list represents those who happened to get reports to Pastor R.
HOB was also able to purchase 200 Bibles and they are being distributed to the new believers. As for Pastor R, he continues praying for many groups that come to see him. He also has many meetings with the HOB leadership. Pastor R prays with the leadership on a regular basis, seeking God’s wisdom, guidance, and anointing for the days ahead.
As always, the needs are enormous but we serve a God that cannot be overwhelmed! Please continue to pray for these brave, loyal believers as they pour their lives out in the service of our Lord and Savior.
Forever in His Service,
Jake