I bring you greetings from your brethren in Australia. The trip went smoothly, and it was a pleasure to meet many friends in person and make some entirely new ones. Murray was laid to rest last Friday and we had a special Sabbath service in Sydney the following day. Please continue to pray for Murray’s wife, Dita. They were married for over 40 years and as many sadly know firsthand, it is a difficult loss to endure. We can be thankful for the comfort of the truth, and the knowledge of God’s promises.

Our Sabbath service went well. There is inevitably going to be a period of adjustment in Australia as Murray personally handled all of the church’s operations over there. If anyone needs immediate support please reach out to us and we can provide DVDs, anointed clothes, or whatever is necessary to fill the gap for the time being. Or if you just want to make the connection, it never hurts to verify addresses, phone numbers and be sure that no one will be overlooked during this transition.

One remarkable thing about the trip was seeing the warmth and similarity in God’s people, wherever they may call home. We often encounter this at regional meetings or at the Feast of Tabernacles, but it was comforting somehow to find it about as far away from Texas as you could possibly get! Those who are called share the same overriding priority; we share God’s Holy Spirit. It guides our lives and shapes our characters. In this we are the same, brothers and sisters, even if we have never met.

Everyone I encountered wanted to pass along their love and regards. I cannot speak highly enough of their hospitality or the beauty of their country. It is exceptional. God has blessed their land tremendously. Yet, sadly, they struggle with many of the same issues we do in the United States. Governments with mixed-up priorities, migration-based cultural pressures, lax law enforcement (except for speeding and red light cameras, they’ll get you!), and seemingly irreconcilable political divides. On one of my final days in the country a member of Parliament was intentionally run down by a driver who tried to keep backing and pulling over the poor lady before a shopkeeper intervened.

How well does that bode for the future? Look at what is consuming France. Protests have gotten so out of hand that they have been banned over the weekend. We will see if that order holds. This round began over school conditions, verifiably awful in some places, but as always it is those who merely wish to wreak havoc that end up taking the lead. How can burning e-bikes in the streets, stopping ordinary concourses, destroying historical buildings, looting shops or stealing i-phones possibly improve France’s budget constraints? Spoiler alert: it can’t. It is just another opportunity for evil to run rampant.

France has yet to be able to get its fiscal house in order, though to be fair, they are not the only ones. Every time a cut is proposed people flood the streets, whether it is retirement age, fuel taxes, or what have you. Consequently nothing gets done. Interestingly some like Marine Le Pen propose cutting France’s contributions to the EU budget, something that the average person would not feel directly. That is significant from the point of view of prophecy, which indicates a coalition of 10 nations rather than a sprawling federal bureaucracy. Whether or not France is the first major nation to pull back remains to be seen, but they have few options as their deficits grow and their bond yields rise, increasing the cost of continued borrowing.

The conflict with Iran continues to simmer. They are trying to punish and deter traffic through Hormuz as the brief period where shipping reached pre-war levels nearly made their claims of control irrelevant. The Houthis also have stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia. Oil operations, airports and even the Ministry of Defense have been targeted. There is a feeling that the US may begin serious strikes again sooner than advertised, despite many statements about “after the mid-terms.” Aramco evacuated their headquarters. Diplomatic missions have been drawing down their staff, even US bases have been quietly removing personnel. This may be to limit potential casualties if there is a sudden escalation.

Israel flew a sortie of aircraft to the border of Iran before turning around and heading home. Some speculate they may have been hoping to draw fire and use the incident to renew hostilities. An election is looming in Israel, and Iran represents unfinished business for Netanyahu’s fragile coalition.

No doubt there are those that feel similarly in the US. A return to open hostilities is no small thing however. Reports have emerged about the accuracy of Iran’s attacks on its gulf neighbors. Statements about debris from intercepted drones being the main source of damage were patently false. The targets struck were often critical and hard to repair pieces in the oil and gas processing and transport equation. It is not credible to believe such components were repeatedly destroyed by random fragments falling from the sky. This is the risk that low-cost swarms of drones pose; it only takes a very few getting through to compromise high-value targets.

Another election worth watching is unfolding in Brazil. Their socialist President Lula is in a runoff with the son of former President Bolsonaro. The final vote takes place this weekend. It could have major repercussions as Brazil under Lula has been antagonistic towards the US, to say the least. Should he be defeated that could change dramatically.

Until next week, hope you all have a wonderful and refreshing Sabbath!

-Michael

The post Weekly Update by Michael Armstrong – October 23, 2026 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The post Flydubai pilot attempts terror hijacking of flight to Tel Aviv, foiled by Israeli passengers first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The US embassy in Israel issued a security alert on Saturday in light of the renewed fighting between the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen and a Saudi-led coalition that supports the internationally recognized government of Yemen.

The alert instructed US citizens in Israel  to “exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions.”

“US diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted,” the security warnings read. “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other US interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including US businesses and other institutions.”

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-embassy-in-israel-issues-security-alert-over-houthi-saudi-arabia-fighting/?fbclid=IwY2xjawVW6WNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR96VMaF4ATD7i–HsYSfyzxaM4jxgDf12DynZTS3nTaWPYhFJ0gQBJRg9-mbA_aem_MTJBxaI3XbUsooD-6bw3CA

The post US embassy in Israel issues security alert over Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

Speaking to reporters outside the State Department, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leither says Israel will maintain its buffer zone in southern Lebanon until the Lebanese Armed Forces demonstrate that they can dismantle Hezbollah and assume responsibility for security.

Leiter stresses that the deal will not be based on a fixed timetable, but on measurable progress by the Lebanese army in disarming Hezbollah.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-june-26-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSvv2BleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEen0M0PJvmUcYT2yF7vmvtoYc1tqO8YVYSN–Oh_jyuXodZrA1ep1f70PjD2o_aem_x-Bs8zdffKJIcDh_g7tTCg

The post June 26: Israeli envoy says IDF withdrawal not based on fixed timetable, but Hezbollah disarmament first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

Netanyahu asserted Israel’s right to self-defense, “and I say this with appreciation and respect in my good conversations with my friend President Trump.” Netanyahu appears to have openly defied Trump with a strike in Beirut on Sunday and then retaliatory attacks against Iran.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://apnews.com/live/iran-war-israel-lebanon-trump-06-08-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawSWnvJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe_DMI3W3dLf3FIH3Iyv3p4PU-si0PEuA8X7vwhJa2RmIu_LuJ2ZaZjFJgSVg_aem_07Ts1eAh18SFhSHAhsDAhw

The post Netanyahu acknowledges halt in fighting with Iran but vows to respond ‘with force’ to future attacks first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

Tehran, which had conditioned any deal with the U.S. in part on an end to fighting between Israel and Lebanon, earlier struck Kuwait, damaging its airport and injuring dozens while the U.S. military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector, a joint statement released by the U.S. State Department said following negotiations in Washington.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/world/2026/06/03/gulf-tensions-escalate-iran-hits-kuwait-us-strikes-near-hormuz/90384267007/

The post Israel, Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire, boosting hopes for Iran deal first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

One of the hot debates is whether we’ll win in the Middle East. We’ve virtually destroyed Iran, but you wouldn’t know it from reading the mainstream. They’re busy trying to distract us with memes. Tucker Carlson is trying to persuade us that Trump has it all wrong, even calling him the anti-Christ.

I don’t think so, but the Bible says there will be strong deception at the end of times, so stay tuned. It looks like Trump is the greatest leader since George Washington, and for now I’m buying it. We’ve been worrying about Iran for as long as I can remember. Years ago Murray Allatt had to talk me off the ledge, I was going so crazy about Iran. But I overestimated their capabilities. They overestimated their capabilities. They’re impossible braggarts. I found that out.

Iran has menaced us for many years, trotting out timelines for them being able to hit us with nuclear weapons. Now that’s just a pipe dream. Tankers are still lined up in the Gulf. One news organization (CBS) even went over there to see for themselves. They report ships maneuvering to get in line to get through the gulf. But at least none were being sunk. Iran says the straits are open, at least during a ceasefire with Lebanon. But who knows? The media is always trying to downplay Trump’s accomplishments. 

It’s in their DNA, to proclaim themselves brave beyond belief. But I don’t think we have to worry about their capabilities anymore. They’ve talked until they’re blue in the face, but I’m not listening.

The media is just sure they’ll get Donald Trump, turn us against him and then hold some giant celebration that he is gone. 

The Democrats are in trouble. They have to stay on Trump to keep us from noticing. There are other hot spots in the world, but none so important as nations running out of gas. Unfortunately the world gets its gas from over there. We apparently don’t need it. Unless this thing turns into something far bigger, we’re secure. We’ll be watching to see if China or Russia gets involved, but this thing has been a showcase for our U. S. capabilities, and I don’t think anybody else wants to try Trump.

The media is trying to persuade us with memes Donald Trump has posted. And he needs to be careful. But he is nothing if not a braggart. I wish he would downplay some of his accomplishments, but I’m not advising him, and besides, that’s not his style.     

Mark

The post Weekly Update by Mark Armstrong – April 17, 2026  first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The post Israel and Lebanon begin ceasefire, Trump says Iran may meet US over weekend first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The compound in Jerusalem’s walled Old City is one of the most sensitive sites in ​the Middle East. Known to Jews as Temple Mount, it is the most sacred site in Judaism and is Islam’s third-holiest site.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-ben-gvir-visits-flashpoint-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-2026-04-12/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRKII1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeKbZMjveS-aqREp3q_zYCBSHSPzAeQr_lEalTnc9mjaZkA5EePPWGRqzR3rI_aem_2AFZRwCXQQy8Wmv1VGa-hw

The post Israel’s Ben-Gvir visits flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday carried out its largest wave of airstrikes yet against Hezbollah, the military said, after announcing that it would keep fighting the Iran-backed terror group in Lebanon, despite the two-week ceasefire with Tehran that came into place hours earlier.

The prime minister of Pakistan, who mediated between the US and Iran, declared in his post announcing the two-week ceasefire overnight Wednesday-Thursday that it would cover Lebanon as well. Iran said the same, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has insisted that Israel’s strikes against Hezbollah would continue.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-launches-largest-airstrikes-yet-against-hezbollah-after-truce-with-iran/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRGLexleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeRmWz_-iQWw6q4HoyfSqdAqMVMCPOQKXoAKiRO452teLmEVd4pDLocbMypv0_aem_LbcMgpP5UZXobM64iLFn9w

The post IDF launches largest airstrikes yet on Hezbollah; Trump: Iran truce doesn’t cover Lebanon first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.