In the book of Titus we find this exhortation:
7 In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:7-8
We know the Scriptures teach us to be salt and light in our world. This can be demonstrated in many ways. In some of the darker places in our world where spiritual deception has run rampant for centuries and where the benefits of Judean / Christian culture has not been the norm, the Truth of the Gospel can be quite a shock. The Middle East is one of these dark places.
At this late hour in the Age of Grace, people are responding by the multitude to the Gospel. The light of the Good News brings sight to the blind — first of all spiritually, and then quite often healing for physical eyes that have been blind as well. The Truth of the Gospel also acts as salt. Salt is great as a seasoning agent but when applied to a wound it can be excruciatingly painful. The Gospel is doing both in the Middle East, and the House of Blessing missionaries are witnessing it first hand. Thousands of people are blessed with the Gospel but the ugly head of the religious extremist monster rises to confront it. In today’s update, we have both.
One thing that is sometimes missed when people read the gospels is that Jesus seemed to move from place to place, and as He did, things happened. Was this by chance? Or was it choreographed from on High? I believe that we can also be guided from one situation to another as the Spirit of God leads. We may not always recognize it, but God responds to our submission to His agenda. The prime example of this was, of course, Jesus. He provided us with an example to follow. Does this mean that we all travel in groups of disciples from one place to another as Jesus and His disciples did? Not necessarily. But, in some parts of the world, maybe so. This is the case with many of the elders and leaders of the House of Blessing.
I received a report that Abdelrahem was with a group of HOB elders who were passing a village when they ran across a young man, somewhere between 30 and 40 years of age. He was sitting alone at a rest stop. As they approached, he just stared at them. The brothers decided to give him some food and water. They recognized that he was just a poor lost young man. They also quickly realized he could not speak, nor could he hear. The elders assured him that they meant no harm and that he need not fear them. Abdelrahem took bread that they had anointed, put it into his mouth, and prayed for him. Soon he began to talk and, as he did, he broke out into tears. The elders also anointed his ears and as they put their fingers in his ears, he began to hear! The brothers then took the young man back to his village.
The young man’s father, Hajj Zahran, was surprised at what he saw but he still could not believe what was right before his eyes. It just happened that the elders had brought the young man home as his uncle, Sheikh Salman, was calling people for evening prayer at 9:00 PM. Soon
the crowd of 240+ who had gathered, heard the story of the young man’s healing and realized something extraordinary had happened. The man, whom they all knew well, was no longer deaf and unable to speak! As the HOB elders described it, the young man came back to life and so did his village! The village now knew about Jesus and they witnessed the power of the Gospel to heal. The entire crowd that had assembled for prayer, submitted themselves to faith in Jesus Christ and made themselves available to whatever teachings from the Word of God that the brothers could provide.
Because the people were so open to teachings from the Scriptures, the brothers continued to teach for many hours. One of the things that many in the West have lost is a genuine love for the Word of God. These people didn’t sleep, nor did the teaching elders. In fact, there was a competition between the brothers for teaching time because they had memorized so much of the Scriptures. What is amazing is that so many of the teachers, in spite of the fact that they had memorized huge portions of the Bible, did not have Bibles of their own. They described their relationship with Christ as so freeing, they feel like they are flying like the birds of the sky. They see the Gospel as the source of all knowledge, light and guidance for life. This assurance in the Truth of the Gospel transfers to all of those who experience the presence of the Lord! Only the power of the Spirit of the Lord can do such a thing!
Another story is relayed of a group of the brothers who traveled to the Khan Sheikhoun area which is located between Idlib and Aleppo, Syria. When they arrived they went to a mosque. They listened to a sermon and then when they had the opportunity, Al-Hidmi and Al-Fishawi spoke about Jesus, who He really was, and about the free gift of salvation offered to all mankind through His death and resurrection. Two of the other brothers, Al-Bakawati and Al-Saftawi stood with them as they shared with the people.
Soon they were challenged by two extremist sheikhs named Obeid and Kamel. Sheikh Obeid accused the brothers of speaking from a book of lies, proclaiming the Quran to be the only real book of truth. When one of the brothers asked the sheikh what he wanted for proof, he had a disabled man brought up front. This man could not walk or even stand so he sat on the floor in front of everyone. Sheikh Obeid expected the healing of the man as proof. After praying for the lame man for a few minutes, he was told to get up, and right in front of the crowd of over 650 people, he got up and walked! The people of course were shocked at what they saw but Sheikh Obeid wanted more. “What other miracle do you have for this man? He is touched by the devil. Can you expel the demon?” So, once again the brothers prayed for him and after confronting the evil spirit for about 20 minutes, it began to scream loudly! He also began to shake violently and seemed so out of control that it scared the crowd. As the brothers continued to confront the demon in the name of Jesus, the man passed out on the floor. They continued to pray over the man until he came to himself again and, although totally exhausted, he was totally free. The result was that the entire mosque full of people, including its sheikhs Obeid and Kamel bowed before Jesus, submitting themselves to Him as Lord and Savior!
One of the things that was shared with me is the special ministry of some of the sisters. Not only are they involved in sharing the Gospel and teaching Bible classes but they also minister to the many women that have suffered unspeakable abuse from their husbands. The tenants of Islam allow the brutal abuse of females in Islamic culture and has caused much damage, not only to family life but also to much of Muslim society. The HOB sisters minister healing to them, physically, emotionally, and spiritually as they teach them about God’s love. These women are led to the Lord and then baptized by the sisters. This brings great healing and a love that can only come from God.
There are always more reports to share of unique miracles but I have received some difficult news that I need to pass along. Brother Abdelrahem reported that there has been a vicious attack. Many of the brethren in the north were gathered to study the Scriptures, pray and worship the Lord. They were not in a mosque, but rather at one of their homes. Because three of the mosques had been closed and turned into churches, someone turned the sheikhs in to the waqf (Islamic Endowments). I don’t know all the details of the attack but Abdelrahem said what had been done is almost indescribable. What is reported so far is that the wives and daughters of Al-Saftawi, Shoman, Wahdan, Al-Tabaji, and Al-Bukhari were assaulted, humiliated in the most inhumane ways, raped, and severely beaten with rods right before everyone’s eyes. The attackers tried to force them to deny their faith in Jesus but every single one refused. Reports are that the sons of the sheikhs who were on site at the time were taken to prison. All of their property and belongings have been confiscated.
Abdelrahem has sent a group of brothers to go to Latakia and bring them the women to Abdlerahem’s location. He also sent sisters Ferial, Hafiza, Sarah, Labiba, and Kifaya to help minister to the women on the way back. Some of them have experienced the same. Beyond this I don’t know more. I did receive an email from Al-Saftawi saying that they intend to remain faithful to their commitment to the Lord, no matter what happens. I have included what he said with some editing to help with the translation.
“We refuse to submit and give up on our faith. Please pray for us that we remain steadfast. Even if I lose everything — my family, children, grandchildren, I will not stop sharing the Gospel. I was previously ignorant of the Truth. I taught wrong things but the Bible has taught me differently. My request is that all who love to hear of the miracles of the Bible, to please pray for us and support what we are doing. The elders are with me to our very last breath, and we have a commitment to do the work of the Lord with Abdelrahem. How much we long to be where Rashid is today! We heard about him from the brothers. What a life he lived. He sacrificed himself for the sake of the Gospel and to share it with the people. My brother Jack, the coming of the Day is very, very soon. Be steadfast in your faith. We will continue to teach the people, letter by letter, and word by word from the Gospel. Pray for us to be able to provide Bibles to the people. The Lord bless you.
Your brothers in the Lord, His servants forever.
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As a result of all that has been going on lately, Abdelrahem has warned all of the leaders, teachers, and elders to be extra cautious in everything they do. The enemy is out to kill and destroy. Everyone will need to be wise as serpents, yet harmless as doves. The times are very dangerous and are not going to get better before the Lord returns.
The situation in Suwayda is much worse than most know. There is no one left of the House of Blessing community. Those that escaped are the only ones that survived. Those that did not escape were either slaughtered or they starved to death. Very sad. Even come, Lord Jesus!
In conclusion, please pray for the House of Blessing. They need intercessory prayer support. For those that can help with the financing of the Bibles and teaching booklets, please contact either of the two email addresses below. Thank You!
Forever in His Service,
Jake (aka Jack)