May 2024 - Orthodox Easter and Mother's Day Blessings!
Greetings in the gracious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is an exciting time! The Eastern Orthodox church has just celebrated last Sunday the resurrection of the Lord. Happy Resurrection to all my precious orthodox brothers and sisters in the Lord! For them, this is the biggest Christian feast, even bigger than Christmas, for the Resurrection is the foundation of our faith and the subject of our preaching.
Another special celebration is Mother’s Day next Sunday, so Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers! I was so blessed to lead my mother to the Lord before she passed away. She was an example of a loving and sacrificial mom, who raised 10 kids and who took care of her elderly parents-in-law, my grandparents. Similarly my mother-in-law, Norma-Jean Mainse, is the embodiment of love, care and support. She is our family prayer warrior and her imprint is on all the family. Another real hero is my wife Ellen, who with love and patience supports the family and the ministry tirelessly for which I am so grateful.
I just returned home from a trip to various countries in the Middle East. I went to a conference and was amazed by the influence and impact that Light For All Nations has in the Middle East and North Africa. I saw many people who came directly or indirectly to the Lord through our ministry, but everyone I spoke with told me how they have been blessed and have grown in faith by the teachings of the programs - people from Lybia, Yemen, Algeria, Morocco and the Gulf Countries. What really impressed me is so many have continued to work in the ministry to bless others through service and their home meetings are growing. It was a great blessing for me to meet a lady from Lybia who used to call us and ask questions while hiding in the closet because her family had beaten her many times because of her interest in Christianity and for not being a good Muslim. Now she has freedom and is serving the Lord among North Africans living in Europe.
Every day we see people coming to Christ and our social media is growing by big numbers with whom we connect and do follow-up! I have you to thank for this! Your support means so much to us! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Also on this last trip, despite the turmoil in the region, we managed to produce a variety of episodes on Bible locations around the Sea of Galilee and in Jerusalem. We will air these on the satellite stations and on many social media platforms. I always enjoy very much the on-location taping, as these are the authentic places where Jesus Himself, ministered and taught. What a privilege to continue on with His mission in fulfillment of the Great Commission!
May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Your brother,
Nizar Shaheen
