Shalom and warm greetings from Nazareth.
As I look at all the Lord is doing through Home of Jesus the King Church, my heart is filled with gratitude. Every week, we see Jews and Arabs, Muslims, Christians, Ukrainian and Russian refugees, Holocaust survivors, and local families all coming together under one roof. This is the House of the Lord—where every nation and every tribe can come, receive love, and encounter the presence of Yeshua.
I want to encourage you this week with a word that has strengthened me again and again, especially at the beginning of each new season.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…”
Joshua 1:9
These were God’s words to Joshua as he stepped into his calling. Before any miracle happened—before the Jordan River parted or a single battle was won—God spoke directly to Joshua’s heart: Do not be afraid.
So many times, we stand before “Jordan Rivers” in our own lives.
We pray. We cry out. We wait for something to happen. But just like with Joshua, the miracle often waits for our first step of faith. God told the priests to carry the ark and walk toward the water, and only when their feet touched the river did the power of God move.
Just like a pregnant woman knows the child is there before she ever sees it, we walk forward trusting what God has spoken, even when we cannot yet see the result.
Fear—The Enemy’s Strongest Weapon
Fear is powerful. Today, the enemy tries to use fear more than anything else—fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of people. But God has not called us to live in fear. He has called us to walk in obedience.
We are not here to satisfy people; we are here to satisfy the Lord.
Sometimes people want us to say or do what makes them comfortable. But our calling is to follow God’s plan—not to please human expectations. When we choose obedience, God releases His strength into our lives.
Keep Walking Forward
Life has seasons—ups and downs. But just like the heartbeat on a monitor, these movements are a sign of life. A straight line means death. So when you face challenges, remember: God is still with you. Keep walking.
And as we continue reaching out to our Jewish brothers and sisters, to Muslim families, to refugees, and to nominal Christians, we want our actions to declare loudly:
“Yeshua is the Messiah. He loves you. This is His house, and you are welcome.”
Your Love Makes the Gospel Real
I want you to know how much your love and support matter.
Every food basket, every care package, every act of kindness inside our humanitarian aid center becomes a seed of the Gospel. Many who walk through our doors—Jews, Arabs, Muslims, refugees—may not listen to a sermon at first. But they will listen to love. They will see Yeshua through the way we serve them.
One day in heaven, someone may come to you and say:
“Do you remember helping us with your love and support? It was your kindness that brought me to Jesus.”
This is the fruit of your partnership with us.
Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, and loving the people of Nazareth and the surrounding region. Your partnership is making a real difference.
Be strong. Be courageous. The Lord is with you wherever you go.
With love and blessings from Nazareth,
Pastor Saleem Shalash