August 2003

Dear friend of KHCS,

The attention of the world is again on the Middle East, and on the so-called “Road Map to Peace.”  You may think me a pessimist, but I don’t believe that there will be peace until the Prince of Peace returns.

Here’s why:

In spite of the peace-talk that you hear on the media, just the opposite is coming from Islamic sources.  For instance, this quote from the website, Islam Questions & Answers (www.islam-qa.com): 

“There cannot be harmony between Jews ─ who are usurpers and aggressors, who have oppressed and persecuted others, who are known for their treachery and corruption throughout the world . . . and the purely monotheistic owners of the land. . . .  In addition to this, the Jews are people of treachery and betrayal; it is not possible to trust them at all. . . .“

Another website, www.alminbar.com [Al-Minbar translates as “The Pulpit”] provides sermons for Islamic imams to preach in mosques around the world.  Sermons such as “The Menace of the Jews” and “The Virtues of Martyrdom.”  This site says: “The fact that the Muslim nation is running after and negotiating the so-called ‘peace-settlement’ is nothing except the harvest of its surrendering its dignity and honour.  Such peace can never be attained as it is with those who do not keep covenants and who invariably betray trust.  These treacherous betrayers simply cannot be trusted. . .”  (emphasis mine)

The Muslims’ goal is the destruction of the nation of Israel ─ “the Zionist entity” ─ as stated at the 2002 Islamic Ulama Conference, held in Beirut: “The entire land of Palestine from the river to the sea . . . and its capital Al-Quds [Jerusalem] is an Arab-Islamic land. . . .  The Israeli presence on the land of Palestine today with all its forms is an illegitimate and illegal presence. . .  All negotiations, agreements and settlements signed with that entity are null and void because they are not based on any legitimate or legal foundation.” 

Yasser Arafat has offered, “I am willing to sacrifice 70 to die to kill one Israeli.”  The terrorist group Hamas declares, “We will knock on the doors of Heaven with the skulls of the Jews.”   With this kind of anti-Jewish hatred (even taught in Palestinian schools) do you really believe that there will be peace?

Yes, there will be a false peace during the Tribulation period.  Are we now at the threshold of the Tribulation?  Scholars and theologians debate these things, but the Scriptures command us to be ready!  Lift up your heads!  Your redemption is drawing near!  (Luke 21:28)

You see, the goal of terrorists is to produce terror.  But, like the Psalmist, we can say “In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.  What can man do to me?”  (Ps. 56:11)   God has not given us the spirit of fear!  (2 Tim. 1:7)

If you’re a Christian, you have been crucified with Christ.  You are dead to sin and the old life.  Terrorists need to be terrified of you! 

This is the Good News that KHCS brings the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas.  In Christ, we have freedom!  In Christ, we have confidence!  In Christ, we have joy!

We know that only one out of four readers of this letter has made the decision to regularly contribute to this ministry.  Now, if you are just plain broke and cannot contribute at this time, I understand.  (I’ve been there.)  But, I have found that it doesn’t cost anything to pray!  I urge you to pray that KHCS will be able to expand our outreach and continue to improve what we do. 

But if you are able to share with us financially, I thank you in advance for your generous, tax-deductible contribution.

 In His joy!

Glen Kippel
General Manager