Greetings, beloved brethren. I believe the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in I Corinthians 16:13 is appropriate for us in these dark times of tyranny and on the cusp of the Blessed Hope described by him in the previous chapter and to the discouraged Thessalonian believers in I Thessalonians 4:

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

I pray this ministry report, if anything, will encourage you to stand fast and be strong in the faith, to “earnestly contend” for it (Jude 3).

It was a long drive back to North Carolina from the West Coast since our last newsletter; but by the grace of Almighty God, we made it . . . just in time for an incredible Thanksgiving gathering with about 50 of our local brothers and sisters in Christ. This gathering definitely defied the wishes of North Carolina’s Caesar, uhh, I mean Governor. And it definitely was a superspreader, a SUPERSPREADER OF GRATITUDE & JOY. Missionaries who are far from home and their local churches for long periods of time find it easy to understand why God’s Word exhorts us to NOT forsake the assembling of ourselves together, especially in days like these (Hebrews 10:25). As far as I see it, God’s Executive Order H1025 cancels out Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Orders 180 and 181 here in North Carolina. And in the words of Henry David Thoreau in his amazing little 1849 tractate entitled Civil Disobedience: “They only can force me who obey a higher law than I.” There is no higher law than God’s Word, so a Governor can’t force any of us Bible-believers to do anything. Embrace that, brothers and sister.

Thank you for your prayers. This Fall, it was 14,265 miles for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ! That, coupled with 9,661 miles back in the Spring makes almost 24,000 miles to and fro across this country since the whole Covid-19 nightmare began. The LORD is good; the LORD is merciful. The journey home since I last wrote to you more than a month ago did yield some fruitful encounters and opportunities to preach the Gospel. And those have continued to manifest themselves here as we have preached Christ the Messiah on street corners in our own backyard.

Please pray for our missionaries, Eric and Mindy Trent. Mindy is expecting another little one in a few months, and they definitely have some NEEDS where that is concerned. Our hope is that the Trent Family can return to Colombia for the Israeli backpacker season, if there will even be one in 2021, but that won’t happen until after the baby is born. As for Eric, he penned a few thoughts with regard to our recent colportage journey. May you be encouraged thereby:

Back on November 23rd, Jesse, Bethany, and I finally made it home. We had criss-crossed 26 states since heading out just after Labor Day. While on the road, we purposed that Isaiah 30:21 would be at the forefront of our minds, a theme per se:

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

Our day-by-day goal was to simply wait and be led by the Holy Spirit, to refrain from making large plans or committing to a specific route as we travelled. We wanted to follow the Spirit’s guidance and trust Him to lead. As a result, the six to seven thousand miles we originally anticipated turned into more than fourteen; and each new day proved a new opportunity to seek the LORD concerning what He would have us to do. Isaiah 30:21 would often come to mind at the opening of a day, and Proverbs 16:9 would prove itself true at the closing of that day:

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

Early into the journey, we found ourselves utilizing open doors to preach on a couple of college campuses in Northern Kentucky. Both outings proved fruitful. Many a wicked student was STIRRED UP at the preaching of the Cross, and groups came out in droves to mock the preachers. At one point, a bunch of students got down on their knees and began barking like dogs. Yet, in the midst of all that madness, several believing students approached to say thanks and that they were much encouraged by the bold preaching of the Word. These were not afraid to come up to us in front of their fellow students and to thank us for being there on their campus. Some of them even took books we had that could help them better share their faith with others. My friends, edifying fellow believers and provoking them unto boldness is as much an important part of an evangelist’s work as is preaching to the lost.

Some days later and some miles north, we had the opportunity to preach at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. When we arrived on campus, there was a small gathering of students protesting because they “had to go to school” during a “pandemic.” So, let me get this straight: you don’t want to come to school and gather for class because of a virus, but gathering in a large group to protest going to class is no problem? Sadly, this type of foolishness is common these days. Well, we rolled up to preach Christ during their little gathering. As always, there was a fair share of scoffers, including one guy endlessly riding circles in front of us on a bicycle and mocking the cross Bethany was holding. Notwithstanding, Jesse did meet an Israeli student attracted to his Israel Defense Forces (IDF) T-shirt, and the young man took a Gospel tract. Moreover, a Christian student was very encouraged and stopped to pray for us. We also conversed with a homeless man named Anthony who stopped to listen to the preaching for a good while. Jesse gave him a small Bible and some money for pizza and a coffee before we parted ways. He also gave him a big hug and prayed over him with no thought of Covid19. Anthony was blessed by the generosity, the affection, and the wonderful gift he received. Never once had he or did he ask for money. Encounters like that make those times of open-air preaching with a lot of mockers well worth the endeavor.

Here’s a tidbit from South Dakota. One morning, we decided to check out a small campus in Spearfish, Black Hills State University. At first, it was pretty dead. Still, we lifted up our voices to the few students who were passing by to their next classes. A few tracts were given out; we had a few good conversations. Overall, it was peaceful and worthwhile. When all seemed quiet and like a ghost town, we decided to pack up and head out. Suddenly, one older man approached claiming to have a few questions. It was quickly discerned that his questions were meant to mock, and it’s funny how one man’s quiet mockery can suddenly attract other evil spirits. Almost instantly, students started gathering all around us, and that campus literally came UNGLUED. There were enemies of the Gospel everywhere. One young man tried to steal Jesse’s Bible while we were distracted. Thankfully we caught him just in time. We gave those students the Gospel message nonetheless, and there came the point to shake the dust off our feet and move on. However, as we walked away amidst the jeering and scoffing, all of that suddenly revealed a divine purpose. One young man chased after us, trying to catch up, as all of his peers looked on. He approached panting: “I am a believer, and I am so encouraged by your bold witness for the LORD on this campus in front of that hostile crowd. I am so sorry for the behavior of my fellow students. Thank you.” We then thanked him for his boldness and encouraged him to remain steadfast in the faith during such dark days for our country. From there, we went to a local coffee shop and fellowshipped with another Christian student from that same campus who had seen us earlier in the day. It was a good time of mutual exhortation and edification.

While in that same area of South Dakota, it was disappointing to find no Israelis at a local shopping mall where Jesse had found some and had given to them copies of the Hebrew Scriptures in years past. Instead, we went to downtown Rapid City on a Friday night and did some old-fashioned street-corner preaching. At a particular intersection, we immediately had a small audience of Native Americans, most of them drunk. A few, however, were sober enough to hear and did listen. After I preached a brief message to them about the meaning of the Cross, Dominic asked me if it was possible for him to find forgiveness for all he had done in his life. I told him that he could indeed be forgiven thanks to the finished work of Jesus on the Cross: “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Dominic was genuine, and before we left that night, he took a Bible and little cash for a coffee. He was very grateful for the gift, and also for the encouraging news of the Saviour!

These were just a few of many Spirit-led opportunities we had over that 14,000-mile journey. Hebrews 11:32 comes to mind: 

“And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets.” 

In the same manner, time would fail me to go into detail concerning all the other encounters: Preaching to Israelis and giving out copies of the Hebrews Scripture to them in Salt Lake City, or our time climbing dangerous mountains in Montana and sowing seeds of the Gospel among hikers and hunters on the trails. There were other college campus outings in Montana and Utah, a circuit in Utah and Idaho whereby we were joined by a small team from our local church and another faithful brother from California. There was that encounter with a young man traveling the country in a van with a group of friends. We met him in Utah’s La Sal Mountains, and he heard the Gospel. At a hot springs in Northern Nevada, we spoke to a father riddled with marital and family dysfunction. But, he desired to take ownership of his issues, and he was open to hear the Gospel and even took a Bible from our hands. There was also that time when two young men heard us preaching on their college campus in Austin, Texas. It had seemed no one was listening, but these came up with GENUINE questions regarding Jesus and repentance from sin. When we parted ways, they not only had answers but also Gospel literature to read and ponder. These are but a thin slice of the whole, my friends.

In the end, my desire was to recall everything that had transpired and ponder whether or not we had kept to Isaiah 30:21, our theme verse, or not. Did we sense the Spirit giving direction? When we sensed His leading, did we obey Him? I believe so, and that confidently. It is a great joy and privilege for me to record such things for you to read. And my hope is that any believer reading this report will not only be encouraged by the efforts along this colportage journey, but also be challenged to GO and follow the Spirit’s leading in his or her own life. Preach the Gospel, my brethren, and be not ashamed of the name of Jesus Christ in these dark and wicked days. November’s election proves we cannot put an ounce of trust in the American political system. But, we can cling to our Bibles and purpose to live like we believe what they say. As I heard in a recent sermon, these things are our EXPECTATION and HOPE. And the expectation and hope of the righteous does not die with US as it does for the wicked (Proverbs 11:7). We can trust that there is a far better country waiting for us on the other end of death. There is a new heaven and a new earth coming soon, wherein dwells righteousness (II Peter 3:13). Quickly now, Christian, go and serve the LORD. He is coming back soon.

Eric Trent, Full Proof Gospel Ministries

My friends, let me draw your attention for a few moments back to I Corinthians 16:13 and its exhortation to QUIT YOU LIKE MEN. I was thinking about this just the other day as the Jewish festival of Hanukkah began. I had set an alert on my phone months ago to remind me when this holiday came so that I could send out some personal messages in the name of the Messiah to some of the Israeli backpackers we have met over the years in South Asia and South America. Well, the phone rang, and I sent out some messages, trusting the LORD to use my words in their lives back in Israel to drive them to the Truth. I was encouraged to get a few almost immediate replies. One wrote, “Nice to hear from you. Thank you very much and happy Hanukkah.” Another replied, “Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you and your family. I’ll wait for you to come back to Israel.” Still another penned, “Happy Hanukkah to you and your amazing family too, and very soon also Merry Christmas. I hope 2021 is going to be better to us all.” Please pray for these.

Strangely, it was the story behind Hanukkah that actually drew me to those words in I Corinthians 16:13. One morning this past week, I asked my children around the breakfast table if Hanukkah is in the Bible. They said NO, as likely would many Christians, but that is not correct, Hanukkah IS in the Bible. Jesus used the observance of that feast, the feast of the dedication in the winter (John 10:22), to preach bold truth in the temple on Solomon’s porch. He spoke of His true sheep who would hear His voice and follow Him. They would have eternal life and not fear men. And no man would be able to pluck them out of His Father’s hand. We often read these words of John 10 as if they were spoken in a vaccum and fail to consider the historical context of the events that were being remembered during the Feast of Hanukkah which the Jews were observing that winter. 

The events of the first Hanukkah are also PROPHESIED in great detail in the Bible more than 360 years before they took place—history written in advance (see Daniel 11:21-34). This near horizon prophecy is given as a type or foreshadow of a far horizon prophecy and ultimate fulfillment or antetype as will transpire at the “time of the end” (11:35), in and through the person of Antichrist. Daniel 11:21-34 prophesies in detail the rise of the Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the “king of the south” and a “vile person.” Verse 35 covers the period of the Jewish Diaspora that has existed from 168BC until the present day and as indicated by the phrase “even to the time of the end.” Then, beginning with verse 36, the focus shifts to Antichrist, of whom Antiochus IV Epiphanes was a TYPE. The proof that these last verses are not talking about Antiochus is found in verse 40. Antichrist is opposed by both the “king of the south” and the “king of the NORTH.” Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Daniel 11:21-34 WAS the king of the NORTH. Anyway, these events prophesied years before they transpired were fulfilled exactly like Daniel was told by the angel in the 3rd year of King Cyrus of Persia, and they gave rise to the Feast of Hanukkah, just as the events of Esther gave rise to the Feast of Purim. 

During those days of tyranny and oppression in Israel that would foreshadow what is coming for the Jews under Antichrist, there were a few who refused to believe Antiochus’ flatteries and lies and who saw the coming tyranny for exactly what it was when many of their fellow Jews in the cities went along to get along, being told it was for their “health and safety.” Daniel also prophesied these few who would not go along. Daniel 11:32 says many in Israel would be corrupted by the flatteries, “but the people that DO KNOW THER GOD shall be strong, and DO EXPLOITS. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many.” In other words, there would be during that time exactly what Paul describes in I Corinthians 16:13. Faithful women in Jerusalem refused to disobey God concerning the circumcision of their infant children in the face of an executive order that forbade them to do so. Antiochus’ officials, including Jews who went along with him, took their circumcised baby boys and hung them from trees and killed the faithful mothers. These things are recounted in the Apocryphal Book of I Maccabees (1:60-61). These “chose rather to die that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died. And there was great wrath upon Israel.”

Now make no mistake, the Book of First Maccabees IS NOT INSPIRED HOLY SCRIPTURE. It is a contemporary historical account that confirms exactly what Daniel 11 prophesied 360+ years earlier. For that reason, it has value and is worth a read, particularly in the days of tyranny in which we live, not much unlike the early years of Antiochus Epiphanes’ flatteries that secured his power. The King James translators made it very clear that the Apocryphal writings were not Scripture and did not intermingle them with the Old Testament like the Catholics had done. Instead, they were stuck between the Testaments in the original 1611 edition of the King James, much like maps are stuck at the end of modern-day editions for historical insight. The King James translators, men of a quality and character that would put to shame 99% of today’s American pastors and seminary professors, stuck them there to give the reader an idea of the kinds of things that were happening during the 400 years of silence between Malachi and the angel’s appearing to Zacharias in Matthew 1. And, they declared in their preface why these were not to be considered Holy Scripture and gave clear reasons, not the least of which are glaring theological contradictions. Yet, the historical accounts contained therein do prove the Scripture to be true and that Scripture can be trusted. God always does exactly what He says He is going to do. I would say First Maccabees is a historical account that affirms biblical prophecy just as do accounts of the history of the Modern State of Israel. Moreover, it is an account of Jewish men who believed the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms and followed the examples of faith and courage laid out therein. It really is worth a read, as a mostly historical account that proves God’s words in Daniel 11 and an explanation as to why the Jews were celebrating Hanukkah in Jesus’ day and why our LORD chose that day to preach in the Temple.

Hanukkah exists today because one priest, who lived in the countryside, and his five sons were vexed by the blasphemies and tyrannies that had been committed in Jerusalem under Governor Roy Cooper . . . Joe Biden . . . umm, I’m sorry . . . Antiochus IV Epiphanes. They saw and considered the sacrifices that some women of Jerusalem were willing to make, circumcising their children in obedience to God even if it meant their own death and the death of their baby boys. And they said, “Enough. We will not comply. We will defy tyranny. And we will fight it.” And like Daniel 11:32 said would happen, those “WHO DO KNOW THEIR GOD” did EXPLOITS. Thus arose the Maccabees who stood in the gap between a very powerful tyranny and the people who were its victims. Antiochus was eventually forced out of Israel where he met an untimely end much like Herod in Acts 11; the temple was cleaned up and rededicated to the LORD; and the menorah was re-lit according to God’s command (Exodus 27:20) with only enough of a supply of pure olive oil to last one day. It miraculously lasted 8 days, providing enough time to build up a supply of “pure oil beaten” so that the light would continue to burn always (Exodus 27:20).

Many years later, Jesus the Messiah came into the temple in Jersualem (just as the Prophet Haggai said He would—Haggai 2: 7-9) on Hanukkah where that light was still burning, and He spoke of those who truly knew God, His sheep who would know Him and do His will. They would not fear, and no man could pluck them out of His Father’s hand. In other words, like the faithful in Israel many years before who knew their God and, therefore, not even Antiochus could pluck them out of God’s hand (as opposed to the corrupted Jews who fell for the lies, cowered before the vile king, and betrayed they own people) . . . so would be our Lord’s disciples. They will know and be known of God. They will not fear men nor cower before them. They hear Jesus’ voice and know His will. What power these words of the Messiah in John 10 should have for us living in these days! So should BE us. QUIT YOU LIKE MEN, my dear brothers and sisters. Like the Maccabees of old, let us obey God rather than men (cf. Acts 5:29) and interpose in the face of tyranny. If we will not cower; if we will refuse to comply with fables (I Timothy 1:4) and oppositions of science, falsely so called (I Timothy 6:20); if we will stand in the gap and resist unjust rule and lawlessness; it may be that a band of a few, as in 168BC and in 1776 in the American colonies, WILL DO EXPLOITS and INSTRUCT MANY (Daniel 11:32-33). Or it may be that we die. But don’t forget:

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15) . . . 

. . . AND we would be in good company:

“Wherefore they chose rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died” (I Maccabees 1:63-64).

That, my friends, is the lesson of Hanukkah for us in 2020. And yes, Hanukkah IS in the Bible.

We love you all. Special thanks to all who have continued to pray for and financially support this ministry throughout this very difficult 2020. Things didn’t transpire as we expected, but as William Whiting Borden once said when nothing turned out for him as expected after he left Yale University and endeavored to go serve the LORD on the foreign mission field: “NO RESERVES, NO RETREATS, NO REGRETS.” Borden of Yale was the very first missionary biography I ever read in my life, given to me by my late grandmother. To this day, I cannot start thinking about the story without getting a little emotional. And it compels me even now to go out to preach in the streets here at home while it is yet day, for “the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).

Jesse Boyd, Full Proof Gospel Ministries