I received a call from Pastor R asking if I could write a quick special update this weekend. The reason is because of a special Muslim holiday this coming week in which the House of Blessing has yearly made special arrangements for sharing the Good News of the Gospel.
July 31, 2020, on the Muslim calendar is the observance of Eid-al-Adha. In the Islamic world, this is the day when there is a special celebration of the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Of course, since the Bible tells the story as the facts really were, it was not Ishmael but rather Isaac that was taken to Mount Moriah. The approximate date of Mohammad’s writing of the Qu’ran, containing his version of Abraham’s encounter on Moriah, was between December 710 AD and 732 AD. Moses of course, recorded the original account of Abraham’s trip to Moriah with Isaac more than 2,000 years earlier.
Traditionally, Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha in conjunction with the annual Hajj pilgrimage. On this special yearly holiday, Muslims will generally sacrifice a lamb, dividing it into thirds, ⅓ for the poor, ⅓ for relatives, and ⅓ for personal sacrifice. The day also includes social gatherings, festive meals, and a giving of gifts. Both Muslims and Druze observe Eid-al-Adha.
Because of the COVID-19, Saudi Arabia has cancelled the yearly Hajj event. However, Muslims will still observe Eid-al-Adha, wherever they are located. The House of Blessing try to be prepared with Bibles and other materials during this time because they generally find multitudes very willing to hear the Good News of the Gospel. Islam does not offer any hope, nor is there any assurance of forgiveness of sins. In contrast of course, we know that this is why God came down to the human race, taking on the form of a man, in order to provide assurance of salvation, and promise of eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God. Once Muslim people understand this, they are quick to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. That is the only true source of hope for a fallen race on this dying planet.
Reports from HOB missionaries in the last couple days again tell of hundreds more that have been prayed with as they committed themselves to Jesus in the past few days. Many of them again are infected with the virus but the missionaries do not fear it. The soul is worth more than the body!
Pastor R also met with 80 of the leaders this week and they decided that they will need to slow the school of ministry down once again. Instead of running it every other day in order to try and stretch the available funds, they have slowed to once a week. The needs are quite great but we serve a big God.
In light of world events and how they tie in with Bible prophecy, we know we are in the last moments of the age. For all we know, 2020 may be the end of the dispensation of Grace. This means we must do the best we can, while we still have the opportunity. Let’s all finish well. We are about to stand before the KING of all Kings!
Forever in His Service,
Jake Geier