I read a comment in an older devotional by author Chris Tiegreen that I would like to share before today’s Mideast Update. His commentary was in reference to Matthew 11:28 which says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” His commentary goes on to say:
“We get caught up in the folly of self-effort. We think our provision is up to us, so we struggle. We think our righteousness is up to us, so we strain. We think our spirituality is a work of human willpower, so we press on even harder. All the while, Jesus says to us: ‘Come to Me.’ He will give us rest.
“Faith and complete dependence on Jesus are to precede obedience. When we strive for obedience first, we are overwhelmed with our inabilities. Remember that the frail body with which you try to bear your burdens is filled with the incarnate God. Take His yoke and let Him lead.”
On to the House of Blessing…
Today’s first comments were sent by Dr. Nibras on July 25, 2026.
Brother Jack, there are important passages that people should know well because they are relevant to our lives today, and what is happening in our time:
“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He gives life to my soul and guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow men all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6).
The question is often raised about how to apply such a passage from the Bible to Christians who are experiencing terrible persecutions, as is the case today in the Middle East and many other places. It is a valid question.
Here we find that God has promised us the beauty of rest by still waters, peace of mind, a feast before our enemies, and mercy and kindness that will accompany us throughout our lives. Yet, in addition to the “ordinary” struggles of life that we all experience, millions of Christians have been killed for their innocent faith in their Creator, God, and the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. How does this align with this passage of Scripture?
The Bible warns us that life is full of difficulties. In John 16:33, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” And in James 1:2, we find Jesus’ brother and later one of the apostles, saying, “My brothers and sisters, consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds…” One translation of this verse invites us to consider our trials and tribulations as “friends!” At first glance, many might say upon reading this verse, “This is ridiculous! This is madness!”
The Bible also distinguishes between the ordinary trials and tribulations we face in a fallen world and the persecutions we endure for our commitment to Jesus Christ. This is found in Matthew 5:11-12:
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil about you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. In the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
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This report is from Dr. Nibras on July 25, 2026. He refers to the abduction of Sister Mufida and other widows by ISIS militants. These women, as you will remember, were being kept in a cave, all 25-30 women with their feet tied together. They were not only abused in excruciating ways but were also deprived of food or water. It was only by God’s grace that they survived.
My brother Jack, peace be upon you and all the friends of Jesus. The story of the 43 women from the “Widows Sisterhood” who fell into the hands of ISIS in one of the main cities of northern Syria, as well as 11 former sheikhs who had converted to Christianity, is truly heartbreaking. All of them were put to a severe test, as the terrorists demanded they renounce their faith in Christ and return to Islam, Allah, and His prophet Muhammad. Not one of them wavered, no matter what! It is truly astonishing to hear the testimonies of courage, loyalty, and faith these new believers have shown under such harsh circumstances! God has promised us that He will be with us no matter what we face. One of God’s many promises to us is found in Deuteronomy 31:6, which reads:
“Be courageous and strong, Do not be afraid of them, nor be intimidated, for the Lord your God is with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of sound judgment.”
Neither Satan nor any of his followers can harm us (spiritually) as we walk with the God of all creation. We walk by His power, we live by His wisdom, and His presence surrounds us. Indeed, God promises us in Isaiah 58 that He will be our faithful guardian! And when the time comes for us to have the honor of suffering for His name, He will deliver us from it and bring us directly into His presence!
The wives of the ISIS leaders and sheikhs, Abu Nawfal and his companions, were Maryam, Houria, and Al-Anoud. They were accompanied by more than ten women who guarded the widows. Maryam was suffering from cancer, and all hope of recovery had been lost. Sisters Ferial and her companions worked to persuade them to believe in Jesus and baptized the three women, the wives of the leaders and sheikhs. After three baptisms and weekly prayers, Sister Maryam noticed that her hair and eyebrows had grown back. She consulted Dr. Ajwa (known by them personally), who confirmed her complete recovery, even though they had lost hope. She declared her faith to her husband, who initially refused to hear it. However, after she removed her veil and revealed her head, he was totally shocked. He wanted to know the secret of this Gospel. He now recognized that the Gospel was a true book. The doctor even contacted me and confirmed Maryam’s healing. All the women, sheikhs, and leaders who were followers of ISIS and the jihadists in this group believed.
Here is something that must be clarified, my brother Jack, for the lovers of Jesus: It has become clear recently that Islamic jihadists see themselves in a kind of competition with preachers, and they even consider themselves participants in a “holy war.” They believe their message of Islam must be more powerful and effective than that of Christian missionaries. If they cannot refute the missionaries’ message, they readily resort to violence, something the Quran not only justifies but also commands.
The message of God’s love for humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to Islam, to the point that Muslims are embracing the worship of Jesus in droves. While Islam teaches that the unbeliever must be forced to bow down to Allah and his prophet Muhammad or be beheaded, the Bible teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who wrong us. While Islam teaches the right to retaliate, the Bible says, “Vengeance is Mine,” says the Lord. While Muslim men consider women and children their property, God shows men the treasures they possess in their wives and children! How can any other belief system rival this good news from the heart of God?
For this reason, and given the overwhelming number of new believers, there is a never-ending line of people eager to learn more about God — the true God — and His teachings! In Iran and the surrounding areas, the pastor and his assistants are preparing spaces to accommodate at least 5,000 people in each session of the HOB School of Ministry. Thousands more are still waiting, but the missionary teachers will begin teaching them as soon as they are able. Currently, HOB is working hard to provide enough copies of Bible study guides for people to share during their intensive study.
In northern Iran, pastor Abdelrahem continues to nurture a select group of 2,000 men. These men are being trained to be righteous men of faith, just like brother Omar. May God watch over Aylout, Ma’touq, Shahbandar, and Morteda, and especially over pastor Abdelrahem. Your prayers are essential for each and every one of them.
Thank you all so much for your concern, prayers, and gifts. We are careful to spend every dollar in a way that pleases Jesus and the Kingdom of God. One thought for us all: “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also give us everything along with Him? … I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus ourLord.” (excerpts from Romans 8:31-39)
In His Service,
Dr. Nibras
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This last report is rather short. It is an abbreviated message with an urgent need for prayer from Dr. Bandis, July 30, 2026. Pastor Abdelrahem has had a heart attack again and appears now also to have had a stroke and is in a coma.
Peace be upon you, my brother Jack. Pastor Abdelrahem’s health has deteriorated significantly. Due to his poor and rapidly worsening condition, he was admitted to a private hospital. He felt pain in his chest and continued to experience weakness to his arm and difficulty speaking. When his blood pressure dropped sharply, I rushed to his aid. His heart muscle began to weaken gradually, leading to a further drop in blood pressure. Due to the sudden surge of stress hormones like adrenaline, he experienced shortness of breath and pain spreading to the center and left side of his chest. The pastor fainted, and his heart stopped. He was given electric shocks to revive him, and the doctors were able to save him from death. He was given oxygen. His blood pressure continued to drop intermittently until his heart stopped a second time. Then he was revived once again, and then a third time, praise be to God.
Please pray for the pastor, he needs a miracle. Only God knows when his time in this fleeting world will end, or when the time will come for his complete recovery and return home. I know his situation and condition well. He has gone through a lot. His body has gone through a lot in the past weeks and months, yet God allowed him to come through it all.
We will provide you with more information as soon as there is a clear change in his health condition.
Your brother,
Dr. Bandis, servant of the Lord
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As I receive more information, I will pass it on. The need for prayer is urgent. I believe Pastor Abdelrahem is about 88 years old. It is our privilege and honor to pray for this man. Please also continue to pray for all the missionaries of the House of Blessing and their large community of believers all across the Middle East.
As you know, their need for paper and ink for the printing press is a constant. The volunteers at the print shop work all hours to print Bibles and teaching / discipleship booklets as the finances are made available. Thank you all! God continues to stretch how far the finances go and He multiplies the resources across the entire community. We serve a great God!
Incidentally, I have received another report just before hearing about Abdelrahem’s condition and will have to include it in the next update. I am out of my office this week but am receiving communications from HOB several times a day.
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)