I am beginning this update with an encouraging story that was shared with me by two of the brothers, Al-Hidmi and Al-Fishawi. The event happened just a few days ago. This is how they told it: Peace be upon you my brother Jack. This is Al-Fishawi and Al-Hidmi. We waited at a hill east of Al-Hasakah along with Al-Bakawti, […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….11/9/2025….”Do Not Fear Those That Could Kill The Body”
A Scripture used in one of the messages in the last few days comes from Matthew 10:27-33 along with some comments: 27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops, 28 and do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/30/2025….”God Answered!”
In yesterday’s update I shared the first part of a story in which a number of the House of Blessing leaders were asked to go pray for a well respected Shiite sheikh by the name of Bareera who was in a coma. The story was left half told because I had not received any more information. I received a message […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/29/2025….”The Glory of the LORD Departed”
This may seem to be an odd title for a Mideast Update but allow me to explain. I was reading Ezekiel 10 and 11 and noted a phrase that caused me to think about where we, in this generation, are in man’s history according to the Bible. Ezekiel 10:18 reads, “Then the glory of the LORD departed from the […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/20/2025….”Through The Fire”
There was a very unusual incident just a handful of days ago. It has taken a few days to get details in order to relate the story so that it is understandable. First of all, I will share what I learned from the brothers at the very beginning of the story. “Peace be upon you, my brother Jack. This is […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/16/2025….”God’s Word Never Returns Void”
Most of us live our Christian lives wondering how effective we are in our influence on others. We never know how God might use our impression on the people around us — even those who have no interest at all in the One we represent. But when we are faithful to make Him and His Truth known, God promises that […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/12/2025….”Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth”
Special Note: As most regular readers are aware, the website was down for about a day. What I wasn’t aware of was that the latest article which was on deck to be sent out by Mailchimp failed to send out and was in fact, lost from the website. I have reprinted the update below. There is a new update, already […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/7/2025….A Commotion About ‘The Way’
There are some notable events in Acts 19 that relate to our generation in one way or another, no matter what part of the world we live in. Wherever the Word of God comes into contact with a corrupt society or culture, it causes two reactions. There is a supernatural changing of lives, but at the same time, often a […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….10/1/2025….”The Lord is the Strength of My Life; Whom Shall I Fear?”
After thinking about all that is happening in the work of the House of Blessing and praying with the elders, Abdelrahem asked to share some thoughts with us, as follows: While thinking and praying with the elders, Psalm 27 came to mind: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of […]
MIDEAST UPDATE….9/26/2025….”Has God Cast Away His People? Certainly NOT”
As I was gathering my thoughts in preparation for writing today’s Mideast Update, I received some devotional thoughts on my phone from a grandniece (thank you, AK!). The devotion is based on Daniel 12:3 and seemed appropriate, given the world we are living in today. Those who are wise will shine bright as the sky, and those who lead many […]