Tag Archives: Ethiopia

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What’s the Latest in the Middle East? (Part 2)

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I hear the question often: What’s the latest in the Middle East?  Thus, I attempt to remain abreast of current events in light of Scripture, and enjoy sharing with you!

Yesterday, we focused on current events in and around Syria.  Today, we’ll scan the region for additional headlines that correlate to Biblical end time events.

So often, we focus on Russia, Iran and Turkey when we discuss the Gog and Magog prophecy from Ezekiel 38-39.  Indeed, they are key players, but Cush (modern-day Sudan and perhaps Ethiopia) and Put (modern-day Libya and perhaps Algeria) are notably listed in verse 5.  So, we can’t overlook them if we are to be accurate in our understanding of that prophecy.  In fact, I recently posted some info regarding Russia’s sights being set on those countries.  But, let’s look just a bit further.

Currently, Libya and Sudan are puppets on a string for Russia and Turkey, and play host to terrorist training camps for Iran.  Keep in mind that power-hungry Russian President Putin is in constant search of oil and gas to prop up an otherwise plummeting economy, while Turkish President Erdogan longs to extend his influence as he pursues development of a revived Ottoman Empire.  Don’t believe for one moment that Libya, Algeria, Sudan and Ethiopia will all sit on the sidelines when the northern coalition makes its move on Israel!  They, too, will make a move from the southwest.

Meanwhile, Europe is a total mess, and the European Union (as we know it) is falling apart.  Eastern European nations such as Hungary and Poland are nationalistic in their thinking, and tend to be supportive of Israel (at least to a significant degree).  On the other hand, Western Europe (particularly France and Germany) are suffering from years of liberal globalism, and they tend to lean toward Russian influence.

Friends, what we have is the perfect breeding ground for the Antichrist!  Western Europe is dark.  There is no desire for God, and the Muslim population is exploding.  They need a man who can pull it all together and somehow make it work.  The Antichrist will appear to be such a man!

Leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel press forward on plans to develop one unified military…and one unified society!  One World Order!  It is evil, it is fertile ground for the Antichrist, and the people are ready to receive such a leader.

These are days in which we must be in God’s Word, we must be discerning (false teaching abounds!) and we absolutely must be about our Father’s business!

Now, lest we get so caught up in Europe’s problems that we miss our own, let’s consider what is happening politically in Israel and the US.  Liberals are working overtime in both nations to spread evil (moral decay such as abortion, gay rights, etc; socialist entitlement programs, etc; and big government), and sectors of each society strongly desire to take down the leaders of both countries.  Those sectors are globalist in nature, aiming to create One World Order.  President Trump and PM Netanyahu stand clearly in their way.

Problems in the Trump administration are well known.  Accusations of collusion, immorality, and plain ‘ol lack of tact are reasons the president’s approval rating is at a very unusual low.  However, he was not supposed to win in 2016, but he did.  What do 2020 elections hold in store? Who knows!

Netanyahu, meanwhile, is facing exaggerated charges of fraud and other improprieties.  His government fell apart at the end of 2018 and early elections will take place soon.  Though he is currently expected to retain his position as Prime Minister, that may change if official charges are made and/or if rumors of Russian meddling in Israeli elections catch fire. 

Once opposing parties retake positions of leadership in each country, we will see a very different relationship between America and Israel, and a very different perspective of the world.  God help us!

Again, though, we must be reminded that things are not falling apart in our world…they are simply falling into place.  It is happening quickly, though, and this is no time to sleep!  Over and over in the New Testament we are exhorted to be awake, be alert, and to understand the times and seasons in which we live.  For those of us who enjoy a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we know how the story ends…our eternity is in heaven with Him!

But consider this…”being good” doesn’t secure our place in the Heavenly Kingdom.  Only a true relationship with Jesus does that.  For years I “played church,” doing all the things a “good church kid” does.  I was taught well and knew a lot ABOUT Jesus, but didn’t really KNOW Jesus until adulthood.

Perhaps you are in that place.  You’ve said the right things and you’ve played church really well, but you don’t really KNOW Jesus.  My friend, today is the day!  None of us knows the number of our days, and none of us can make it on the coattails of anyone else. 

Jesus spoke a parable about 10 virgins awaiting the bridegroom.  (Matthew 25:1-13) Five readied themselves and stayed ready, while the other five, though they knew much about the bridegroom, didn’t prepare for His coming.  There is still time for you…but the clock is ticking.

If you are not prepared for His coming, perhaps you do not truly know Him.  But you can know Him today.  Find out how:

Peace with God (from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)

If you prayed to accept Jesus into your life, welcome to the family!  You are loved.

PS: Tomorrow we set our sights on Iran, with a little twist!  Be sure to check back then!  See you tomorrow!

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8,700 More Ethiopians Awaiting Aliyah to Israel

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In recent years, over 120,000 Ethiopian Jews have made aliyah (return to the Jewish homeland, Israel).  As you can imagine, the cultural adjustment from third world conditions to one of the most high-tech countries on earth is mountainous.  Yet, there are 8,700 Ethiopian Jews yearning for the opportunity to “come home.”

The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has played a huge role in not only chartering flights on which Ethiopian Jews have returned, but also providing resources to help them assimilate.  Now, they are on a mission to bring home the final 8,700!

To that end, ICEJ has produced a documentary entitled Journey of Dreams, and is making it available to those who contribute at least $50 USD toward the effort to bring them home.  Here is a trailer of the documentary:

Want to be a part of fulfilling prophecy?  (Ezekiel 11:17, Ezekiel 36:24)  Help the remaining Ethiopian Jews come home!

Order Journey of Dreams here!

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Word from Jerusalem – October 2018

Just a few days ago we focused on aliyah (return to the homeland) of Ethiopian Jews.  Today, I want to share the latest edition of Word from Jerusalem from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, as this issue showcases the desire of Ethiopian Jews to reach Israel.

In it, you will find:

  • First Fruits of the Great Aliyah – Dr Jurgen Buhler’s feature article explains why the manifestation of first fruits in this modern-day aliyah points to a plentiful harvest
  • Journey of Dreams – the story of Ethiopian aliyah
  • Aliyah from Russia – why over 1,000,000 Russian Jews have returned to Israel
  • Instability on Israel’s Borders – reports from Israel’s northern and southern borders, as well as the conflict with Iran
  • How have the Jewish People Survived Against All Odds? – an answer to the question!

Read those and other interesting articles here:

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Assembling the Outcasts: Ethiopian Jews Returning to Israel!

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The prophet Isaiah spoke of the remnant of dispersed outcasts who will be gathered from the four corners of the earth back to the land of Israel.  Over the years, droves of Russian and European Jews have made aliyah (return to the homeland), in fulfillment of Isaiah 11:12.

However, did you know that Jews from Ethiopia are returning as well?  In June, I wrote of a planeload that arrived in Israel, thanks in large part to the work and support of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem.  Check out the jubilation here:

 

A few days ago I participated in a conference call with Nicole Yoder, Director of ICEJ Aid, who shared more about ICEJ’s part in bringing Ethiopian Jews home, and the challenges that must be overcome.

Consider this: Israel is a modern, high-tech society with a relatively high cost of living.  Ethiopia is one of the poorest third-world countries on earth, and most Ethiopians do not have the luxury of significant education.  They are often communal for the sake of survival.  Yet, when they enter Israel, they have no community (other than family members), they speak an entirely different language, they have no job skills commensurate with job opportunities in a new country, groceries and essential items are far beyond their ability to pay, and they find themselves in a culture almost diametrically opposed to what they know.

Thus, you get a sense of the challenges Ethiopian Jews face when they reach their homeland.  What is the answer to the dilemma?  In the US, we turn to government-funded welfare, but Israel has other ideas!

This is where caring organizations such as the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem come in.  On our conference call Wednesday, Nicole revealed the lengths that ICEJ goes to help assimilate new immigrants.  Not only do they finance airfare to bring many of them home, they also provide assistance in very practical ways once they arrive.  In the early days of an Ethiopian family’s time in Israel, ICEJ and other organizations provide essentials such as housing and household items, and food.

However, they also begin right away helping those families plug in to language-learning and cultural immersion programs (called “ulpan”) to help them assimilate.  Recognizing the human need to “connect,” they also provide opportunities for them to meet and develop relationships with other immigrants.  But one of the most impressive services they provide is a mentor who helps bridge the cultural gaps.  Mentors are trained Israeli social workers who visit at least weekly to help families learn to grocery shop, find a school for children (or adults in some cases), prepare for a job, and just carry out everyday functions of life.

We were told this is routinely be a 5-10 year process.  Wow…can you imagine!  But throughout it all, ICEJ is there to lend assistance and support.  Thankfully, not every group has hurdles as difficult as the Ethiopian Jews.  But consider the “less needy.”  Russian Jews are often well-educated and may have specialized skills such as physicians, lawyers, engineers, etc.  But just think…if you are a doctor, you and your patient must be able to understand the same language!  You must also be licensed to practice in your new land.  There are significant hurdles, even in the “less difficult” aliyah situations.

Often, when we hear about Jews returning to their homeland, we underestimate the commitment necessary for those making aliyah AND for the Israeli government and social services that must integrate them.  It is a monumental undertaking…yet God’s Word promises that He will draw His people back to their land!

As you consider year-end giving, why not partner financially with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ)?  Aliyah is actually only a tiny part of what ICEJ Aid does, and ICEJ Aid is only one of many functions of ICEJ!  However, I hope this tiny bit of information has given you an appreciation for what they do.  I personally know some of the staff at ICEJ (both in Jerusalem and in the US) and can attest to the diligence and commitment they have to Israel and the Jewish people.  Your gift is well-invested in the Kingdom of God!

Contribute to ICEJ

(Where allowed, gifts are tax-deductible if directed through the branch in your country.)

Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth.
~Isaiah 43:6

May God richly bless you this Christmas season!