With a Heavy Heart

Dear friends of "Once an Arafat Man".  It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Our humanitarian organization in Gaza was ransacked...no...not ransacked...but robbed.  By who you might ask.  The answer is one that may surprise people...but to those who are educated in middle east politics, particularly in the Palestinian world, it may not come as a shock.  The governing body in the Gaza Strip, Hamas, has taken it upon themselves to destroy all the good that is being accomplished through the cultural center in Gaza.

I received a phone call early this morning informing us that our home in Gaza was robbed by Hamas.  What they could not take, they destroyed.  Bullets shot through windows, bullets shot through walls, furniture taken, pictures, books and the front door...yes the front door.   If the home was not enough, they took everything from the cultural center.  Computers, desks, chairs, sofas, furniture...all things being used to help the poorest citizens of Gaza.  In addition to our home and cultural center, they took it upon themselves to destroy the Hope Kindergarten facility.  Taking playground equipment, toys, and educational material...surely the soldiers of Hamas will find them useful while the children who received joy and education will now be without.

This "governing" body is on a mission to eliminate hope in it's people...but be assured...as long as the Body of Christ continues to commit itself to the purpose of hope, love, peace and reconciliation to God...Hamas and the dictatorships like it will never succeed.  They will only continue to fan the flame quietly burning in the hearts of their people.

In a time such as this, with the political future of the United States being decided in November, it is  becoming increasingly important for the Body of Christ to educate itself in the story of the Middle East.  While intentions of former presidents visiting the leaders of Hamas may seem purely motivated, it only emboldens these governments to pursue acts such as these.  My hope is that the book "Once an Arafat Man" will be a helpful tool for all who wish to understand the volatile situation in places like Gaza.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

-Tass

Comments

[Karen of Scottsdale]

Praying for those persecuted in Gaza. Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5

[norm]

First of all, you are in our prayers.

Tomorrow on normradio.com I talk about November and my hope that America does not fall for those who would allow what happened in Gaza to continue.

Obama, so much like Carter haven't a clue. Carter doesn't, like Hamas truly care about peace.

I will continue to pray for you. I will also pray for this country to find a leader who will help to bring and end to this terror.

[David Kithcart]

Dear Tass and Karen,

It is at times like this when Satan reveals his face through people that our Lord reveals His strong arm to bring about salvation. This blatant act will backfire because the devil always overplays his hand.

Meanwhile, our prayers are with you. We thank God for unleashing His protection upon you and those involved in the ministry--particularly in Gaza. We ask that the hearts of the parents will be rended by this act against their children. That it will be clear to them that this was an act of evil and that the perpetrators never have and never will have the best interests of the people they claim to speak for in mind.

We ask that the Lord will give you peace in this storm and that you will know what is to take place next. We thank our God for clear and concise direction that is of His leading and not of the flesh.

We believe that this is just the beginning of something that God will take and turn around for good. We pray that this will be a catalyst for a breakthrough of souls being saved. We thank God for a harvest of souls into His Kingdom through this event.

We also stand together and pray for the souls of the very people who planned and carried out this disgusting act. We pray that those people all would, in time, give their hearts to Jesus. May what they did weigh heavily upon their consciences. Even as they have destroyed what they had no right to touch, may it be, in their minds, as though they have touched something that is holy. I pray that holy terror would come upon them and that they would realize that the only relief will be to come to Christ. I pray that now these people have Holy Spirit "targets" on their backs because the prayers of the saints are going to follow them until, like Saul of Tarsus, they all make decision to come the know, love and even be willing to die for their new found Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We love you Tass and Karen and pray that your hearts will be encouraged. Even as you are meeting with people about Tass' book and testimony, may what has happened convey to audiences the seriousness of the situation in Gaza. This is a fight for souls. But, God has made you more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.

We pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, AMEN!

[Marie King]

I am so very sorry to read this story. Please know that you and Karen are in our prayers. I can not imagine the devistation you both are feeling right now. I am only thankful that you were not there at the time.

Take care and keep us posted.

[Mark & Judi Schaefer]

You are in our prayers, your church family is standing in the gap!

[Mark Schaefer]

We are so proud of all God is doing in your lives and for the Kingdom! Our parayers are with you in your travels. Can't wait to hear the praise reports coming in.