by Jorge Parrott (All Scripture references New King James version)

These days there many are fleeing to the shelter of the Lord. Yet there are many more who are searching for this place of refuge but do not know where to find it. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’” (Psalm 91:1-2).

Recent reports from close, trusted friends reaching out to the many refugees in Iraq and the surrounding region all speak of the horrendous butchering, torture, amputations, rapes, and beheading of many innocent people. These brave friends tell me of these horrors beyond description as we provide humanitarian aid, love, and comfort in this current battle against ISIL terrorists. Though there is much sorrow, many souls are coming to Jesus.

More of the world’s problems appear to be beyond human remedy. A report came in last week of young children lined up to be slaughtered being told one last time by their captors to convert to Islam and these brave, beautiful, young souls saying their last words, “No, we believe in Jesus.” Perhaps parts of Iraq are being cleared out in preparation for the desolation in that region The Bible speaks of in end-time prophecies.

The enemy of our souls must know the time is short before Jesus returns.  Globally over one million Christian martyrs have gone to be with the Lord since 2000. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).

The Lord is preparing us for this time of increasing persecution. We may feel we are not ready, and in our own strength we most certainly are not prepared. These types of battles warrant the Lord Himself intervening in the affairs of men. When rapid change thrusts us into the future, we soon find we do not have a choice but to adapt as best we can, by faith, with God’s help, grace, and mercy. Jesus is the Captain of the host of this army. We are to ”arise and shine” in this hour. The trumpet call is going forth in all the earth.

What about These Sons of Ishmael?

The Lord knows the end from beginning. He must have known the sons of Abraham and Isaac would be in this age-old battle against the sons of Ishmael throughout history. This end-time battle is unveiling God’s sovereign plan and His infinite wisdom for this next victory prior to Christ’s soon and certain return.

To learn how these sons of Ishmael grew into the modern-day radical Muslims, let’s look in Genesis where we read that Abram’s wife Sarai, gave Hagar to Abram to conceive a child with her. In Genesis 16:10-12 we then read:

“Then the Angel of the Lord said to her (Hagar), ‘I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.’  

                “And the Angel of the Lord said to her: ‘Behold, you are with child, and you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has heard your affliction.
         ‘He shall be a wild man; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.’”

The children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will have the victory in this age because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. We are born in this time to stand for the one true God of all creation, and we are destined to win for His glory if we do not grow weary while persevering to our last breath. Ask for wisdom daily to know and discern the times. “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Two Covenants

In Galatians 4:21-31 we learn, “Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: ‘Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear! Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.’ Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? ‘Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.’ So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.”

Extreme and Total Transformation

The Holy Spirit is calling each of us into a higher realm. May we see with the eyes and heart of the Lord. Intercessors are asked to pray for our teams working in this region that they may reach as many people as possible with the good news of Jesus. Pray for the leaders of governments to have the strength and courage to use their military power to thwart the plans of this wicked enemy before it spreads any more. Pray for Israel and this rising tide of anti-Semitism and racism in all forms to cease.

Our dear friends working in this region, with your prayers and generous support, are winning some of these terrorists to the Lord and discipling them with the Father’s heart. I was truly amazed when I met former Taliban, Al Queda, and Iranian Republican guards who formerly tortured and murdered Christians who now are humbly worshiping the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When these men who were former barbaric butchers now worship, sing unto the Lord, wait on tables, and fold up chairs before and after services, we stood in awe and witnessed the transforming power of Jesus right before our eyes.

The coming great harvest will include many Muslims and others from surprising backgrounds because of the love of the Lord who answers their prayers. We are all learning how to love all those coming into the kingdom in our day because we remember how we were all sinners before we met Jesus.

Declaration of Dependence on Our Lord

Behold! Our God is a consuming fire. He can melt the hardest of hearts.  When Saul is transformed into a Paul and former terrorists become humble servants thankful for this miracle of salvation sent from the throne of grace, we are indeed in a historical and miraculous time. Can we, like the sons of Issachar, discern these times? Can we not be bold in our faith and with courage stand for truth and righteousness in our daily lives? It is time we know our identity in Christ and walk in His authority and destroy the works of the enemy. Remember Job 22:28 “You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.”

These sons of Ishmael have been brought out of darkness into the marvelous light of the Lord and have been transformed. Our supernatural God is moving in ways to amaze and bewilder all who have an ear to hear and even those in unbelief.

The Man in White

Millions in Middle Eastern countries are seeing the “man in white,” Jesus, and are surrendering their hearts and lives to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is wooing every heart to seek to know their Creator and Savior, Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Jesus. Do you know Him?

Help Us Send Hope: Evangelists Along With Six Cargo Containers And An Ambulance

We are very thankful to our Partners far and wide who have helped us deliver Jesus along with aid through trusted and precious friends in strategic places in the Middle East. Your generosity has provided hope along with medicines, food, water, fuel, shelter, blankets, etc.

Many have received the Lord as Savior in just the last few months. Giving comfort and hope to families that are literally running for their lives is a blessing, but there is still much to do. Pray for an end to this senseless killing, maiming, raping, and pain. Ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to pray for this horrendous crisis and the many innocent victims. Many victims are believers and also many have not heard the good news of Jesus, their Lord and Savior and Deliverer. Help us get the good news to them urgently in time!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35)

With winter fast approaching, we ask you to pray about helping us send six cargo containers into Kurdistan, Iraq. These containers will hold much needed blankets, children’s winter clothes, health and hygiene items, medicines, water, and high protein nutrition, as well as many items for survival of all ages. These six containers cost $48,000 total, or $8,000 per container.  We have been asked to supply an ambulance costing $35,000. 100% of all gifts given will go to this effort.

Sign up for our free online newsletter at our website.

You may give online at https://cmm.world  or mail your check made out to CMM to 375 Star Light Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29715. Call our office at 803-802-5544 ext 392.