Greetings again from Nazareth!
There are moments when the Lord allows us to pause, look out over the place where we live and serve, and remember why He called us in the first place.
Recently, I stood with my dear brother Ra’ed on Mount Precipice, overlooking the city of Nazareth. From that high place, we could see the homes, the streets, and the everyday life of this city—so familiar, yet deeply woven into God’s unfolding story. As we stood there together, we reflected on what the Lord has done.
Ra’ed is one of the elders at Home of Jesus the King Church, and his journey is a beautiful testimony of God’s patient and faithful work in a life surrendered to Him. He grew up in a Greek Orthodox background and, for more than forty years, considered himself a Christian by name—yet without a personal relationship with the Word of God.
Through a friend, Ra’ed and his wife came to our church for the first time. The worship felt unfamiliar, even strange. But something deeper spoke to his heart. He shared with me that what touched him most was not a sermon or a style of worship, but the love—the love of Yeshua that could be felt in the church, a love that welcomed them as family.
I remember telling Ra’ed at the beginning that this journey might feel uncomfortable, that walking closely with God’s Word often stretches us. Yet after only a few gatherings, something began to change. A hunger grew. A thirst awakened. And soon after, he made a clear decision to give his life fully to Jesus and begin a new chapter.
As Ra’ed and his family began to study the Scriptures, they discovered a powerful truth: the more you read the Bible, the more you desire it. God’s Word draws us deeper. Their home was transformed. Their faith became real and alive, not only for them, but for their entire family.
Ra’ed shared honestly that after choosing to follow Jesus and serve in the church, spiritual opposition came. But instead of retreating, he learned how to stand firm. Through prayer, teaching, and the support of the church family, he learned how to face spiritual battles with faith. God began using his life as a testimony—encouraging others to pray, trust the Lord, and follow His leading even in difficult seasons.
Today, Ra’ed serves faithfully as an elder, putting God first above personal desires. He sees the fruit of obedience in his life, and his story continues to encourage many.
As we stood together overlooking Nazareth, Ra’ed also expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid center God has entrusted to us—a place where love is not only spoken, but lived out practically. Families are helped, dignity is restored, and God is glorified through acts of compassion.
Standing there, I quietly thanked the Lord for what He has done over these past fifteen years in my brother’s life. This is why we do what we do. This is the Church—not a building, but lives transformed, walking together in love and truth.
Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, and believing with us that God is still writing stories of redemption here in Nazareth.
With gratitude and hope,
Pastor Saleem