I received a phone call from Pastor R just before the official beginning of the Jewish Rosh Hashanah observance. We had a brief conversation about the latest events, particularly in northern Syria since the Eid al Adha observance. He then mentioned that the three Jewish fall feast days were coming in quick succession.
- Rosh Hashanah on September 16-17 (just now ending)
- Yom Kippur on September 24
- Feast of Tabernacles on September 29
Pastor R mentioned that the House of Blessing tries to bless the HOB community of believers with a little extra at this time each year. There is a need for wheat, clean water, and of course, Bibles. Our God is aware of these needs and is able! Even though most HOB believers came from a predominantly Muslim backgrounds before accepting Jesus as their Savior, they have been taught the significance of the Jewish feasts and what they represent.
Pastor R also mentioned that he has some concern for many of those who had been part of the HOB community and over time moved to other nations in order to escape the many hardships associated with living in refugee camps in what has been a war zone for so many years. Many managed to get into European nations and some went to northern African nations as well. Some of these went to Libya and Morocco. As you know, Morocco had a devastating earthquake in which at least 3,000 were killed and many thousands are still missing. Libya was hit by a Mediterranean hurricane which, due to the extreme amount of sudden rainfall, brought about the collapse of two major dams up the mountain side from the city of Derna. The dams failed during the night, leaving the residents with absolutely no warning. Thousands were overwhelmed by a wall of water and mud. According to authorities, thousands were swept into the Mediterranean Sea. The latest death toll I have seen is over 11,000 with many thousands still missing. Pastor R’s concern is for those with past relationships with HOB who may have found themselves in the middle of these two disasters. He has asked for prayer for these folks.
As to the present evangelism, the HOB missionary teams continue to go from family tent to family tent, sharing the Gospel and their prepared Oregano tea mix. Since the most recent update a few days ago, missionaries have visited nearly 800 family tents, sharing the Good News of the Gospel and praying with most of them.
As always, Pastor R and the HOB community want to thank you all for your prayers and support. It makes the ongoing evangelism and the ingathering of the harvest of souls possible.
Forever in His Service,
Jake