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Wednesday, March 12, 2003

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We all know the story of Jonah and the whale and the evangelization of the city of Nineveh, but what happened with the people of Nineveh AFTER Jonah convinced them to repent? Did they stick to the program? or did they buckle under the pressures of Muslim influence? I was very curious about this, so I did a little research and I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

Nineveh is at the very heart of what was once the Assyrian Empire. This empire, during it's greatest period (699-627 BC) covered most of Iraq, southeastern Turkey, northeastern Syria and even engulfed Israel and stretched into Egypt. Wow! Click here for a map!

The Assyrians today speak a language very similar to that of Jesus (Neo-Aramaic). They are faithful CHRISTIANS, primarily CATHOLIC. Did you know that? I didn't. Over the centuries, because of their proximity to radical Muslims (especially during the time of the Ottoman Empire) the Assyrians have suffered much persecution. I encourage you to read about this great people and their struggles. Thanks be to God for their conversion centuries ago with the warning of Jonah. May God continue to bless the Assyrian people with strong faith, especially during this difficult time of preparations for war. I am humbled by the courage and faith of the Assyrian people.

God bless you all.

Love from Lisa

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