My dear readers,

1. 100th Anniversary of World War I

Precisely 100 years ago this morning hostilities sparking World War I began in Europe, Straits Times "Europe Correspondent" Jonathan Eyal wrote (page A18, ST 28 July 2014). He captioned his article with the question, "Will history repeat itself?"

What do you think? Remember, man’s history is one of war!

Somewhere or other somebody is at war with somebody else. World War II is said to have cost some 100 million lives! And yet has man learnt his lesson? The present indication is World War III is coming! It’s only a matter of time.

Look at God’s Word in Matthew 24:3-7:

"And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." (Emphasis in bold added by me - Ed)

2. World War III

Everywhere you turn your eyes, the view tells of "war on the way." On the front page of Straits Times 28 July 2014, headlines announced:

"China holding military drills in disputed seas! Bigger than usual exercises in East and South China Seas raise tensions. Beijing: China is holding military drills across the East and South China Seas that may further disrupt air travel and add to tensions with neighbours in our regional territorial disputes."

These developments are definitely not good for peace. Remember, China is the "sleeping giant" of Asia and as "World Superpower No. 2", its gestures are far from "peaceful" or "friendly." Neighbours feel very disturbed by Chinese military exercises, with hostile repercussions from neighbours, in particular Japan and Taiwan.

And accidents may happen any time, which may provoke retaliatory action.

Further afield, the Middle East is a tinder-box ready to ignite any time, with hostilities breaking out between Israel and its Arab neighbours, all "itching for action" – to strike at Israel.

And the shooting down of MH17 (Malaysian Airlines System) with the hostile party concealing its identity is causing widespread concern and suspicion.

Observing the developments is World Superpower (Daniel’s 4th Beast with 10 horns):

"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things" (Dan 7:7-8).

– uncrowned King of the world; waiting for the right moment to strike!

Don’t forget America’s "Superpower Status" and as yet untested weaponry ("kept under wraps"). America’s secret weaponry is described by Daniel in his prophecy in Daniel 7. America’s power is only superseded and overruled by the "Ancient of days" (Dan 7:13) and the "most High" (Dan 7:27).

The world has yet to see a demonstration of the full "Super Power" status of America (USA) – e.g. unmanned aircraft (drones), pilotless military aircraft.

These developments point to the soon return of our Lord Jesus Christ. His "Second Coming" will be the salvation of the world, and the end of history, as we know it! So much for now.

3. Letter from Bethlehem: Pastor Danny Awad writes from Baraka BP Church

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ,

We send you greetings from Bethlehem.

Dear Partners in the ministry, you all know the situation and war in Gaza that has been raging since three weeks ago. Many were killed up to this moment. Many children and many are left without family or home. This situation affects our place too. In "West Bank," many problems in our area affect our life style. Due to this situation, we decided to cancel our church conference, supposed to be August 4-6, 2014. Please pray for justice and peace in our Land as both Arabs and Jews need Jesus Christ. Pray for safety and protection for the believers in the Land, pray for wisdom for our Church as we share Jesus Christ with our people that He is the only Hope for this situation.

We continue at Baraka BP Church, faithfully serving the Lord in this very difficult time in Bethlehem and in the Shepherds’ Fields churches, as well as at our church outreach ministry at Baraka Educational Center and the Nursery too. We have 20 kids who join our nursery and daycare center. We thank the Lord for this ministry as most of the kids are Muslims and it is a good way to share the Lord and gospel with them.

We encourage you to continue praying and supporting Baraka Ministry in this very difficult time especially in our mercy ministry for the poor and for the refugees too.

Any gifts will be much appreciated. (Gifts will be forwarded to Baraka BP Church by True Life BPC who is in charge – Dr Tow.)

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,

Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor