Before sharing a brief update, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Resurrection Day on April 9. For 2,000 years, followers of Jesus Christ have taken this weekend every year to think through the momentous events when Jesus was crucified. As He was about to offer up His spirit into the hands of His Father, He said, “It is finished”, the literal translation meaning, “PAID IN FULL.” The Apostle John put it in words that most all of us know quite well:
For God so loved the world that He gave His own begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Praise God, Jesus was raised from the dead, just as He said He would be. That promise also extends to those of us who have accepted God’s free gift of forgiveness. We will either be lifted off of this fallen planet, or if we’ve already passed away, we will be resurrected unto life, by the power of Jesus, the Firstfruits.
20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order; Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.
The harvest of lost souls continues. In previous updates, I shared the story of how Ayaet Rahmani, a professional assassin, was introduced to Jesus when Father God met an extraordinary challenge which Ayaet had made. As a result of the stunning miracle, 20 of his hired men also became believers in Jesus. In the latest update, I shared the story of how Ayaet’s father, a 98-year-old retired Imam, and his 92-year-old wife also found Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
And, it continues…
In my last phone conversation with Pastor R, he told me about three more acquaintances of Ayaet’s who made their income as hit-men and professional thieves. Omar was invited to share the Good News about Jesus with these three men. After hearing the gospel for about two hours, they asked Omar to pray with them to receive Jesus as their Savior. After praying the repentance prayer, they asked if Omar would pray for them so that they could learn to know God as Omar does. As Omar and the brothers with him prayed for these men, the power of the Holy Spirit came upon them and they all dropped to the ground. They stayed like that for quite some time, but finally, they came to themselves and got up on their feet. The first thing they said was that they felt so very different than ever before in their lives! Praise God, I believe these men are going to begin to minister with the power of the Spirit, and it won’t take long!
These three men had other men working for them; two had 20 men under each of them and the third man had 22 working for him. After their three bosses became believers, all 62 of these men also bowed their knees before their new Messiah! It looks like they are all going to have to find new professions!
As always, the work of the harvest continues all across the Mideast through the faithfulness of the House of Blessing missionaries and the volunteers from the HOB community that helps them. Thousands of refugees are ministered to every single week. This past week was no exception. The HOB teams went from tent to tent in many refugee camps, sharing the Word of God, answering questions, and praying for people — especially the sick. Many decided to ask Jesus to become their Lord and Savior. The HOB teams also shared the Oregano tea mixture with many hundreds of families, and helped them bury their dead. Many still die of cholera and typical winter ailments like the flu. It always hits the elderly the worst, especially with the continued exposure to the elements.
The Lord provided funds so that 500 Bibles could be purchased and distributed, as well as a truckload of matzah bread for the celebration of Passover and the Resurrection of Jesus. Each new Bible is being shared between 20 people.
As always, Pastor R prays for many who come to him for encouragement, direction, and hope. He continues to struggle with stomach pains, which can be pretty severe at times, but his trust in God sustains him to continue fulfilling God’s calling on his life.
Pastor R and all of the House of Blessing appreciates your prayer support and your gifts. Thank you all.
Have a blessed Resurrection Day!
Forever in His Service,
Jake