I have been on a trip for a few days and although it will be a rather short update, it will be my attempt to catch up, at least a little bit. In light of the world news in the last couple days, with the war rhetoric becoming increasingly ominous, many are wondering how long until something really serious begins that neither side will be able to back up from. History tells us there have always been wars, but the two world wars of the twentieth century were like nothing in history before them. But, can we even imagine the devastation of a third world war? We know a third world war is coming, and very soon, but there is a convergence of world problems today that Jesus warned about 2,000 years ago. For the true believer and follower of Jesus Christ, there is an assurance that no matter what happens, we are secure in God’s hands. It is at times like this I think of many of my favorite Scripture passages, one of them is Psalm 46.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge….10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:1-7, 10-11.
Although news travels through all of the refugee camps, the House of Blessing missionaries have issues and dangers to deal with which are much closer to them and often sudden. HOB missionary, brother Ibrahim found that his wife, mother, and three young children were murdered by Islamic militants. A note was left for him to find that said, unless he stops preaching about Jesus Christ, he will be next. It is hard to imagine receiving such news, and so suddenly. This kind of tragedy is however all too common among the HOB community of believers. For those who have read my Mideast Updates for any length of time, you will likely have read many accounts of these types of tragedies. Please keep Ibrahim in your prayers! His family was murdered in Mosul, Iraq, where he serves as one of HOB’s leaders. The photo on the left below is of his young wife and three children, ages 7,5, and 3. The photo on the right is of a group of House of Blessing women, mourning their deaths.
In spite of the persecution by a number of different Islamic terrorist groups operating in the Mideast , the work of evangelism continues. Small missionary teams of two or three go from tent to tent, spending at least one hour in each. They spend the time sharing the Good News of the Gospel with them, praying with them, and leaving them some Oregano tea mixture to help them in dealing with viruses, the flu, and other ailments.
As always, hundreds of entire families are reached with the Gospel each week. The harvest of souls is in full force. God continues opening hearts! Communion services continue being observed at least five times per day, with between 25-30 in attendance at each session. Much prayer, worship, celebration in song, and God responds by healing and encouraging the saints.
Thank you all for your prayers. The missionaries depend on your intercessory prayer. There are many needs and of course, there are always dangers, often deadly attacks because of their belief in Jesus Christ. God does answer prayer! Thank you all again!
Forever in His Service,
Jake