As most readers are probably aware, the Syrian Ba’athist regime of Bashar al-Assad, which arose in a coup d’etat led by his father Hafez al-Assad in 1971, has fallen. Remnants of the Assad regime will disappear over the coming days, weeks, or months. The fractious conglomeration of rebellious militias — primarily Sunni — will see to it. They are already […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….LIGHTS IN A VERY DARK WORLD….11/14/2024
As I gathered my thoughts this week after hearing the latest news from the House of Blessing, I remembered something I had read in a devotional not long ago. A question was asked: “How does God accomplish salvation? Does He do it by removing all evil from the world?” No. Salvation came through His presence, by His coming into the […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…9/30/2024…”Imitators of the Father, as Beloved Children”
Just before sharing a fresh report on the latest from the House of Blessing, I’d like to share what I hope will be an encouragement for the reader. In today’s world in which “normal” is being turned on its head; right being considered wrong and wrong considered right, it is important for us to remember “who” we really are as […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…8/7/2024…”God Is Always In Control”
In light of world events that we see unfolding, especially at the epicenter of the world, we need to remember to pray earnestly for the entire House of Blessing community of believers, its leadership, and its missionaries and volunteers. These are especially turbulent times for them and things will not get easier. Soon the Lord will call His faithful ones […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…7/18/2024…”What If?”
There are a number of Scriptures that remind us that we should be aware of the crucial nature of “time”: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV “Walk in wisdom […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/24/2024…”Comfort One Another With These Words”
Often when I make a quick rundown of the latest world news, I think of a passage of Isaiah 55: Seek the LORD while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD. And He will have mercy on him; […]
MIDEAST UPDATE…5/2/2024…”Times and Seasons”
One of the disturbing facts that is becoming clearer by the day is that there are those in our world who, even though unelected by the populous, are in a position to make decisions according to their agenda that adversely affect everyone on the planet. A question that inevitably crosses our minds and sometimes plagues people is: Does God not […]
MIDEAST UPDATE … 4/8/2024 … JESUS — The LIGHT in a Very Dark World
A thought… Take a moment to contemplate contrasting characteristics of light and darkness. In the Bible, darkness is a symbol of evil. What is darkness? Darkness is an absence — the absence of light. It is the same with evil. Evil isn’t really a reality of its own, but rather an absence of a reality. Evil isn’t a part of […]
MIDEAST UPDATE — 3/16/2024 — “Peace I Leave With You…” Jesus
Today’s Mideast Update is going to be rather short. I do want to make sure that those who have so faithfully prayed for and supported the House of Blessing are up to speed on the current work of the ministry of the HOB leaders, missionaries , and volunteers. As most of you know, the Musliim month of Ramadan began a […]
MESSIAH JESUS — GOD in the Flesh — Part One
In light of the fact that Resurrection weekend is only a month away, six consecutive teaching articles will be uploaded in quick succession. The true identity of Jesus as the Son of God, the WORD, will be taught by missionaries in the Middle East during the Muslim month of Ramadan — which, incidentally, happens to intersect with the weekend we […]