Middle East
Bill, accompanied by staff member Rick Chenoweth, had a fruitful, exciting, and adventurous outreach in the Middle East. As well as touring and doing Biblical research during the day, the nights were filled with speaking engagements and work on three upcoming books (Are We Living in the Last Days?, Strength Through Weakness, and Who Is This Jesus?). Bill spoke in Jerusalem at Sar Shalom Ministries to people from various countries. He also spoke at Calvary Chapel of Jerusalem to predominantly Russian Jewish believers, and ministered at a church and youth rally in Cairo, Egypt. He received excellent response from his messages. The threat of a U.S. strike against Iraq hung over their heads while they were there. It began shortly before Bill and Rick left the U.S. and continued until a few days after they returned. But in spite of the threat, people were receptive and friendly. In fact, most acknowledged appreciation for their coming to the Middle East in the midst of dangerous tensions.
Bill spent time in Jordan with a Muslim friend who took him throughout Amman –– a stark contrast to the frightening episode of nearly being hijacked in Jordan in 1987 (which is documented in his upcoming book, Strength Through Weakness).
Research was done at the Temple Institute, the Western Wall Tunnel, and various other sites for additional confirmation of certain details for Bill's upcoming book, Are We Living in the Last Days? He also had discussions with Orthodox and Messianic Jews, Muslims, and Christians concerning his new book, Who Is This Jesus?
When Bill packed for the trip, he limited the supply of his materials to one box in his suitcase, because he knew he would have to go through customs in Jordan, Israel, and Egypt. All of those items –– over a hundred of Bill's books, cassettes, and pamphlets –– were obtained by those who heard him speak or were given to receptive people throughout his Middle East outreach.
Bill and Rick were able to share their faith in Christ with several Jews and Muslims they befriended. Arabic New Testaments were given to Muslims in Jerusalem and also to Jewish believers at Sar Shalom who took them to give to Muslims in Eilat, Israel, and Bagdad, Iraq.
We want to thank the many individuals and churches, along with second and third graders in San Diego, who prayed for Bill and Rick's safety. They were used of God in a mighty way in that troubled part of the world.
Thanks
Any money Bill receives from speaking engagements goes into a special account to be used when he travels and does missionary work. Also, all monies Bill receives from the sale of his cassettes, books, and pamphlets, is used to provide these materials free of charge to thousands of people throughout the world who cannot afford to pay for them. Thanks for your prayer and financial support which helps to make our ministry such a fruitful outreach.
