History is Being Made Today…. And There is Hope!

We are living in an amazing time. Today, there are many major game changing worldwide events unfolding before our eyes. It is hard to keep up with all of it. Our world stands at a crossroads and in the next few weeks your life and mine could change dramatically. America is focused on the coming national election but before we get to that, let’s take a quick trip around the planet to sort out the current global drama.

* Christian Persecution is on the Rise! - Jesus promised that as His followers we should expect to be hated because the world hated Him first. In fact, it was one of His final teachings to His disciples. This month we have seen Christian persecution sky rocket!

In Iraq  between 25-40 believers were killed openly in the streets of Mosul which is the ancient site of the evil city of Ninevah. As many as 3000 believers fled the city in one week. Our e3 leader in Iraq told me yesterday that the numbers that he is hearing on the news are probably lower than what actually happened. In November I will be leading a small team into Iraq and will be meeting with some of the leaders of the underground church that has escaped into Northern Iraq. We hope to get you more information on this in a few weeks.

in Afghanistan Gayle Williams was shot and killed openly in a Kabul  street by the Taliban. She was a British- South African Christian aid worker who worked with handicapped children and adults. Ministry leaders tell me that she was “executed” in broad daylight. JoAnn and I were just there with Joel Rosenberg and Jeremy Grafman  and we heard that in some cases, the persecution in Afghanistan is so extreme that believers have actually escaped from the country into Iran!  Which is incredible because Iran is no picnic either! Two Christian leaders were scheduled to be executed in Iran this month until International pressure forced the hard line Islamic government to back off it’s death sentence ruling. Iran has done this before and then closes it’s eyes as one of it’s many terrorist groups does the job for them later. Please pray for Aziz and Basirat from Shiraz. Because they have been released from prison, their lives are in extreme danger.

In India more than 70,000 believers have fled Orissa in North-Eastern India. Radical Hindus have become like hard line Muslims in the region and have declared war on all Christians. JoAnn and I talked with a pastor from the area a few months ago and he told us that believers have been hiding in trees in the forests that surround Orissa.

The good news is that the church will win! We may suffer, be persecuted, and even killed in some cases…but Jesus said in Matthew 16: “I will build My church and the gates of hell will not prevail over it.”  Now that’s a promise to live by!

* Israel’s Future is Up in the Air! - Prime Minister Designate Tzipi Livni was not able to pull a coalition together in Israel and so now the country will have a national election for Prime Minister. Livni had 40 days to assemble a government coalition after Ehud Olmert stepped down because of his indictment on bribery charges. The clincher came when she was unable to move the Ultra-Orthodox Shas party into her camp over one issue. The issue was the fate of  the City of Jerusalem. Livni was willing to give half of the Holy City to the Palestinians and the Ultra-Orthodox said “no way!” Within 90 days Israel will have an election and former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the favorite to win. This would most likely bring to an end Israel’s current “land for peace” deals with the Palestinians. Can you imagine Israel giving away half of the City of Jerusalem? Unfortunately, President Bush has also pushed for this.

Also in Israel, Syrian troops have amassed once again in Lebanon just north of Israel. Syria is also angry that America just yesterday bombed a village on the Iraqi border that has given terrorists an easy entrance into Iraq.

Palestinians are also calling for a national election. Life in Gaza has become unbearable as Hamas has delivered nothing to the people except continual open war in the streets. Will the Palestinian Authority win or Hamas? If Hamas wins, Gaza and the West Bank will both ruled by them, and then the West Bank will certainly become more radical than it already is. This would be a disaster for Israel since the West Bank surrounds Jerusalem.

The current belief in the Middle East is that Iran will be ready to fire a nuclear missile at Israel within a year so Israel will be forced to knock out some of their nuclear sites after the US election. Russia has just sold Iran a defense system that could stop Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iran when it becomes functional in 6 months.

All of this is nothing new for Israel. In Old Testament times they were continually surrounded by nations that were stronger and had armies several times larger than Israel’s. But that never mattered because God promises to protect her. “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121: 4  No matter how bad it looks….Israel will survive because the God of Israel will be at her side.

*The US Election is Making More than Just Americans Nervous!

In a new Israeli poll, Jews in Israel are frightened at the prospect of Barack Obama becoming the next President of the United States. The line of thinking is this: Israel is surrounded by 300 Million Muslims that would love to see them defeated or even anihilated. America has been Israel’s only true friend for the last 6 decades of her existence. But Barack Obama was: born a Muslim, to a Muslim father, and continues to have a Muslim name even though he supposedly converted to Christianity. When Barack said that he “converted” no Muslim group protested but all still openly support him. The word “conversion” in the Muslim world is the most volitle one to followers of Muhammad. When the Pope baptized a converted former Muslim this past Easter at the Vatican, there were threats to blow the whole place up. Yet the leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are all quoted to be “pulling for Obama.” Israelis say that even if Barack has converted, at the very least he still has strong Islamic roots. They have a right to be nervous! And so do all Americans.

As American believers we must pray fervently. Many are fasting for the next week before our elections. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Friends, we are living in important days to say the least! They are historical. We cannot go forward in fear. Let’s all: 1. Pray for our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. 2. Pray for Israel as her enemies are gathering. 3. Pray for America and for God to intervene in this important election.  

And as for us remember: “We have put our hope in the Living God.”  Above all…we have hope in our Living God.

Afghanistan: Will the Taliban Win?

What a great trip to Afghanistan which is the new front line for the War on Terrorism! Afghanistan has changed in the last few years. There has been a slow resurgence of the Taliban and they have all the funding that they need from the massive drug trade that they are now controlling. I was there with JoAnn, Joel Rosenberg who was our mystery guest,  and Jeremy Grafman -Joel’s assistant at the Joshua Fund. What a week we had! Joel was there to research for his new book called “Inside the Revolution” which will be released on the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. He wanted to find out how the revolution had affected the region, and since Afghanistan is right next door to Iran this was a great place to get some final interviews for the book. He also asked me to write for his new book some practical ways that we can love Muslims to Christ. Despite the increased persecution in the region, the church is growing rapidly.  I was there to connect with our e3 Partners leader who is one of the most gifted young men I have ever met.

The Good News is that there are thousands of new believers in Afghanistan. The numbers may be as high as 18-20,000! How amazing the church is in Afghanistan! The pressure and the persecution is hard to fathom. Our e3 leader Abdul Herat is being used by God in great ways in this war torn country. But this is not without great danger. One female missionary was kidnapped 10 months ago and has not been heard from since. Believers meet in the middle of the night in secret locations. They are passionate for Jesus and know that He is the only answer to the problems in Afghanistan and throughout Central Asia.

I believe that if our military is given free reign in the region that soon the Taliban and Osama bin Laden’s terrorist group- Al Qaeda will be soundly defeated. We must pray for that! We are in the process of posting pictures from our trip and we hope that they spur you on to pray for the believers in Afghanistan!!!

Pictures From Afghanistan

Iraq- Urgent Prayer Needed for Believers in Mosul

 نعمة وسلام ربنا يسوع المسيح مع جميعكم..Dear Friends, This request comes from our e3 leader in Iraq. Please pray for the believers being killed in Mosul which is the Biblical city of Ninevah. In the Old Testament, the people from Ninevah of the Assyrian empire were some of the most violent and destructive people in history. That’s why Jonah did not want to travel to Ninevah and he certainly hoped for the judgment of God to fall on these people. Isn’t it amazing that these believers are being killed in the very place that Israel’s Northern Kingdom was taken into captivity? Please take the time to read this and to join with believers around the world praying and fasting for God to intervene in Mosul

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,  this email is a prayer request from Iraq, the people in general and especially the city of Mosul (known also as Nineveh) and the Christians there.

During the last 4-5 days around 25 Christians (some say 40) were killed in the streets in different parts of the city for religious and political causes, in the past people used to be kidnapped, threatened pay a ransom to be freed…well now they’re being killed without prior notice…the government haven’t done anything so far! Even the media didn’t cover it till the third day. many Christians fled to the near by villages and cities where they’re living under severe conditions (families are actually sleeping in their cars), fear and worries fill the place…We’re Praying an (S.O.S) prayer for the terrorists who think that they’re doing so for God to wake up and know who’s the real God. For the Christians the believers and the nominal ones to get closer to Jesus, for the many families who lost a loved one, their houses and money that they’ll never forget that no matter what we lose, we’ll still have the places Jesus is preparing for us in Heavens… and finally for Christians who live in the safer area that they remember and do as Jesus asked “For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward”. Mark 9:41.

We’re starting to fast to 3 days for Iraq and its people like the days people of Nineveh fasted at the time of Jonah. For that our suffering will turn the eyes towards our savior…

Let’s life our hands together asking for Peace from the King of peace in Jesus’ name

“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

Grace and peace to all of u.

Forward this email to all Christians whom you know. أبعث هذه الرسالة لكل المسيحيين الذين تعرفهم

Why There is Trouble in Afghanistan

 Kabul- October 6, 2008. Afghanistan has changed since our last time in country in 2004. It is apparent that with the recent success of the Surge in Iraq the new front for the War on Terrorism is in Afghanistan. There has been a Taliban resurgence and there are also charges of massive corruption in Hamid Karsai’s government. Just a few years ago the Taliban terrorist group that had held the country in it’s evil vice grip for years had gone into hiding. But now they are operating and gaining strength in several areas again. Foreign kidnappings and car bombings are on the rise also. Most of this terrorist activity is being funded by Afghanistan’s enormous drug trade. Charges have been made that President Karsai’s own brother is the mastermind behind this billion dollar industry. This story even made it to the New York Times a few days ago. All of this I believe is a physical manifestation of the real spiritual war that is raging all around us. So here is the good news; Afghans are responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ in record numbers! Of course satan our enemy is fighting back too. He stirs up hardline Muslims to unleash his hatred on them and the result is death and destruction for more people. Today there is a female missionary in Afghanistan who was kidnapped 10 months ago. No one knows if she is dead or alive. But depite the incredible persecution of Christians here, there is growth in the church as Muslims are turning to Jesus. Our leader that we work with estimates that there are about 20,000 followers of Jesus in Afghanistan now. Praise the Lord! This is awesome to see first hand. At e3 Partners our job is to pray for the church, train the leaders and believers to be more effective, and to help them get the materials they need for discipleship. When we return to the U.S. we will share more openly and in detail about how God is powerfully moving in this war torn country and how you can help. God Bless you! Thank you for your prayers for us. We certainly have needed every one of them! From Afghanistan with love, Tom and JoAnn

Can Anything Good Come Out of Afghanistan?

                     

    We are asking for your prayers today as JoAnn and I are in Afghanistan. We will be here for one week and working with the underground church. Our e3 Afghanistan leader there is a gifted young evangelist-church planter. God’s hand is on him.  “H” reports that there are thousands of new believers in the country. All of this in the nation that used to boast of 48,000 mosques and 0 churches. Things are always “hot” in Afghanistan and we thank you for joining us by faith before the throne of God in prayer. We certainly need it.

    We just returned from Egypt and Israel on Saturday so we are super tired. Here is an interview for CBN that I did while in Jerusalem. If you click on this link it should come right up! http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/455316.aspx    It is a video interview with the Old Walls of Jerusalem in the background. I was excited to report from the Holy City of God. We would love for you to watch this short interview. What a blessing!

 

       We love you and pray for you. God uses your prayers to give us the strength to minister in these difficult regions of the world. Thank you! God’s richest blessings to you, Tom and JoAnn and the e3 Partners Middle East Team

 

Jerusalem, the Spiritual Epicenter of the World

Today we are in Jerusalem and the city is bracing itself for the final prayer day of Ramada. 400,000 Muslims will be praying on the Temple Mount and they will not be facing Jerusalem but rather Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Jews will be praying at the Western Wall as usual and Christians will be visiting holy sites and worshipping throughout the city as well. We will be finishing up our trip and concluding with a communion service at the Garden Tomb. The Holy City is buzzing with activity.

In the midst of the city are two young girls that just accepted jesus as their Savior. They are rejoicing in their new found faith in Christ but they were raised Muslim. Like many in the religion of Islam they found no satisfaction or peace whatsoever being a Muslim and they opened their hearts to Jesus. As a result of this, there family is searching for them feverishly plans to kill them if they are found. They are currently in a safe house.  Today more than ever Muslims need to know of Jesus’ unconditional love for them and depite the risks they are flocking to Him all over the globe. Now that’s the good news in the midst of Ramadan!

Beit Shean and the Coming Conflict

In the middle of the Biblical area of Judea and Samaria lies a strategic lookout point called Beit Shean. We were privileged to visit this site just a few days ago. In the Old Testament it was the sight where the Phillistines boasted of their victory over Israel by hanging the dead bodies of King Saul and his sons on their city gates. Beit Shean is the place where the Jezreel Valley and the Jordan Valley come together and because it has a clear view of north, south, east, and west for miles it been a prized possession for centuries.

 

Today, technology is much more sophisticated and Israel uses the latest inventions when it comes to mantaining it’s national security. Unfortunately the nations today that surround little Israel are every bit as hostile toward them as were their ancient nemesis the Phillistines. Will Iran attack Israel? Will Syria declare war and attempt to take the Golan Heights? Will Hizbullah begin to launch misiles from Lebanon? The situation looks grim once again.

But the God of Israel neither sleeps nor slumbers and He constantly watches over them. No matter what world news says, or how often the latest dictator hurls threats at Israel, or how the nations seem to come together in universal condemnation of this tiny country, Israel will survive. In 1 Kings 9:3 God says about Jerusalem and the Holy place called the Temple Mount: “I have put My eyes there forever.”

Judea and Samaria

     Today in the Biblical heartland of Israel things are changing dramatically. The area is now called the West Bank and today we saw how far Israel has gone in their ongoing efforts to establish peace with the Palestinians. As we left the Biblical town of Jericho we were saddened to see the sign that said “no Jews allowed.” Because of the instablility of the Palestinian Authority, Jews are now forbidden to enter the West Bank which is the Biblical region of Judea and Samaria. The government of Israel has done this to protect it’s citizens from the ever present threat of Islamic terrorism. Likewise for Palestinians if they live in places like Bethelehem, they no longer have the freedom to freely visit places like Jerusalem which is only 6 miles away because of a wall that Israel has erected to establish security.  Jews and Arabs are being separated from each other all over the country.

     But the Good News is that Jesus is bringing Jews and Palestinians together! He is the only one who can. In Jerusalem our group will meet a pastor who is launching new churches that will be filled with jewish believers and Arab believers who worship together. It can be done. It is being done. Jesus can take away the worst kind of hate that mankind can dish out, and free that person from it forever. He has the power to do that and He is doing that in Israel where Jews from the line of Isaac and Arabs from the line of Ishmael have been at odds with each other for over 4000 years now. In Israel, walls are going up but in Christ, spiritual walls that separate Jews and Arabs are coming down!    God is moving in the land of Israel.

The Sea of Galilee

There is simply no place like it on earth. The Sea of Galilee has sheer physical beauty, but since it was “homebase” for Jesus ministry it’s significance to us as His followers goes well beyond that. 80% of His miracles were performed in, on, or around this special lake. He chose His disciples here. Even though they had rough edges and all deserted Him at the time of His crucifixtion except for John, they were faithful to take the gospel to the rest of the world. In fact if you are a believer, the reason for that is because His disciples that lived by the Sea of Galilee took the good news to the world, and one day it reached you!

Today was a beautiful day and as we climbed Mt. Arbel that overlooks the Sea of Galilee it was fun to watch our wonderful group as they got their first panoramic view of this amazing place! They were speechless. As a believer how can you not love this place? We are in Jesus home town!

About Two Nations…

Why should you care about Israel? With the war in Iraq, possible engagement in Iran, and an imminent presidential election, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and the issue of solidarity with Israel remain important.

In Two Nations Under God, American missionary Tom Doyle presents even greater reasons why the U.S. should show concern for Israel. Part one, “Why Should America Care?” is a biblical and historical primer on Israel with fascinating insights into connections between American and Middle East culture. Part two, “Sorting Out the Middle East Maze,” presents more facts about Islam and the spiritual roots behind the Middle East conflicts. Part three, “Maximizing the Moment,” is a call to action and prayer for the A merican church regarding the future of Israel.

Best of all, readers will learn throughout that, despite the headlines, there is plenty of good news coming from the Middle East. Doyle reports on the increasing number of Muslims converting to Christianity, profiles local disciples and church planters, and provides helpful timelines, comparison charts, photographs, and more to keep every detail concerning Israel in perspective.

Visit the website for Two Nations Under God for sample chapter downloads and more information.