The state of affairs in the 1st century Middle East mirror those today. ISIS, Hezbollah, and Hamas are the next in the line of evil incarnations of the lust to power. (more…)
Bob JonesOctober 17, 2023
Welcome to the Middle East. All the news isn't bad. Muslims all over the region are coming to faith in Christ. What’s more, they’re willing to suffer persecution for Jesus in part because they see the redemption of other Muslims and want to be faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus. ISIS and Genocide Terrorists of the Islamic State are enslaving, starving, beheading and crucifying Christians in Syria and Iraq and trying to forcibly convert them to Islam. The number of Christians in Syria has dropped from 1.25 million to 500,000 in recent years, according to analyses by Alliance Defending Freedom. The number of Christians in Iraq has dropped from 1.4 million to fewer than 275,000 in recent years.…
Bob JonesJune 19, 2016
Imagine going back in time to a place that has been unchanged for over 2,000 years. That's what's in store in Petra, Jordan and underground in the city of Jerusalem. Take a tour through fifteen photos that capture a myriad of memories. Camel selfies! O, the friends you'll make. Unforgettable travel arrangements. Take a second look in Bethlehem. No need to look for camel fare. The ride is included. A 2,300 year old gender neutral washroom. The sign says it all. At the Top of the World near Petra, Jordan. Scrumptious and calorie free. Some frankincense with your Pepsi? For Canadians, there's no escaping the snow...even in Jordan. The good shepherd and his flock. The view from Masada where 960…
Bob JonesMarch 27, 2016
When you're done learning, you're done. 2015 was a year of firsts - first grandson; first trip to Israel, Germany, France; first Caribbean cruise; first book published. It was a year of learning and discovery. 15 Things I Discovered In 2015 In random order of importance: 1. If you leave the window of your hotel room open overnight in Tiberias, Israel don't be surprised if you wake up to find pigeons roosting on your lampshade in the morning. 2. Grandkids are God's gift of family that can be returned to the manufacturers after every use. 3. Spider Mable is the greatest superhero in Edmonton. 4. Israel is a miracle. Jerusalem is unforgettable. Pilgrimage should be experienced by every believer. Walking…
Bob JonesDecember 28, 2015
Beshir Kamel lost two brothers who were amongst the twenty-one Christians executed by ISIS terrorists in February 2015. Everyone involved in this horrific event, both the victims and the perpetrators, were of Arab origins. When it comes to the Middle East we presume to know the “good guys” from the “bad guys.” Aren’t all Middle East conflicts the result of an Old Testament prophecy related to the descendants of Ishmael? Aren’t Ishmael’s descendants said to be against everyone? Aren’t the sworn enemies of Israel all Arabs? A recent trip to Israel influenced me to re-examine a number of my conceptions regarding Arab people. APPALLING ATROCITIES AND A REMARKABLE RESPONSE A clearer understanding of the Biblical story of Ishmael, from whom…
Bob JonesMay 6, 2015