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.

Michael is in Australia for Murray Allatt’s funeral, and is staying with a church member in Sydney. He’s had tremendous hospitality and kindness from all the folks there. I’m having flashbacks of my trips to Australia… We will welcome Michael back with open arms.

We’re at war; two wars. Iran isn’t backing down on the Strait of Hormuz. They’ve got enough weird holy men, and they’ve already started naming them.

The Pope had surgery and has been photographed since. He doesn’t look too chipper. This little guy doesn’t look like the one at the end time, but who knows? He apparently had some of his lung removed, but cancer has a way of coming back.

You know I don’t like Zelensky, but he just keeps on. There’s some news about him postponing elections again. It’s eastern Europe after all. I don’t think Trump likes him.

Gas prices are off the chart, and diesel is even higher. (I’m sure you’ve noticed.) With the Strait of Hormuz this dangerous, it could go on. But not if Trump has anything to say about it.

Mark

The post Weekly Update by Mark Armstrong – October 16, 2026 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

Michael, my son, wrote the letter. It was only the 15th and my writer’s block hadn’t cleared up. It’s a great letter, and you’ll see. He’s going to be at the Feast in Tahoe this year, one of my favorite places. It seems like we just got back, but God has a way of reminding us every year. We can’t have too good a time.

The news is so screwed up, we don’t know what to believe. I’m sure you’ve seen it. I’m going to save my commentary for the Feast, and it won’t be pretty. Well, God is still in charge. The media is out for blood, and Trump keeps one step ahead. They’ve decided that he’s a tyrant. A tyrant that believes in America.

If you’ve ever traveled, you know what I mean. The whole world is a mess. They’ve let all the backstabbers into Europe, and I hope you’ve been already, because the situation we see now is not good. I know people who got mugged in France in the old days. It’s worse now.

We’re lucky to be in the U. S. A. and, where are you going to go? It’s no better anywhere in the world, and I’m busy enjoying Texas, or a small portion of it.

Everything is the way we left it. Nobody knows anything. Zelensky is still in charge of Ukraine, wearing his little fake clothes. The Strait of Hormuz is… who knows? You get conflicting reports nearly every day until you can’t say anything categorically. The world is a mess, but we’ve got a good President, possibly the best ever. History takes time to be written. The press thinks they’re writing it. They’ll probably skew history.

Mark

The post Weekly Update by Mark Armstrong – September 18, 2026 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

Oil traders were expecting prices to rise again when markets reopen on Monday, following the weekend developments that jeopardise supplies from the world’s ‌biggest exporter, Saudi Arabia.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/report-attack-strait-hormuz-shipping-022241655.html

The post New attacks in Hormuz and Saudi test nerves as war’s spread worsens oil disruption first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The Feast of Trumpets is almost upon us. It is good to reflect on God’s guidance and ultimate victory. The world is so far away from the righteous decency that He has laid out for us it’s hard to know where to start. In spite of that, we can still be thankful for His truth, His word and the tremendous blessings we still enjoy.

This is all the more poignant as we reflect on the events of 9/11/2001. Most of us can remember where we were that day. My grandfather was actually airborne when the attack took place, en route to a reunion. His plane was grounded. Instead of continuing on his trip he returned home to be able to address the situation on TV and in print. As far away as that day seems at times the effects are still with us. In many ways it was a pivotal moment.

It is not insignificant that we still find ourselves embroiled in the turmoils of the Middle East. However most people may feel about our conflict with Iran, there is no doubt that they would inflict that and more on us again if given the chance.

Things got hot around Hormuz again this week. The announcement that the former passageway was clear of mine prompted Iran to try and launch more from shore, which is not exactly the ideal method. It has escalated from there, with attacks and reprisals rippling across the region.

The idea that oil and goods were flowing again essentially spells doom for Iran. Control of the Strait is leverage they need to retain relevance and their grip on power. Analysts debate how much oil is currently flowing. Ships transiting with their transponders on are few and far between, but this does not tell the whole tale. Most switch off and proceed with escort, and pipelines bypassing the strait have contributed a great deal.

This is why we see the Houthis on full offense over the last days, seizing an important island, with the encouragement and backing of Iran. Added pressure in the Red Sea keeps the trouble alive, and has indeed contributed to a spike in oil prices this week. Iraqi militias also struck a major Saudi pipeline. The Saudis have asked the US to intervene, but the feeling is we would prefer to have them step up and do their own dirty work. Time will tell.

There is plenty to be on alert about but we can thank God for the opportunity to pause on this double Sabbath Day and look forward to the time when all of these problems will be behind us.

-Michael

The post Weekly Update by Michael Armstrong – September 11, 2026 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The CENTCOM strikes appeared to focus on assets that Iran uses to sense ships to strike. US President Donald Trump told Fox News on September 1 that US forces struck an unspecified number of Iranian radars that Iran was attempting to rebuild.[4] Iran uses these radars to detect vessels transiting the strait.[5] CENTCOM noted that this followed the IRGC’s “attempted attacks” on commercial shipping in the strait, thus explicitly linking the attacks on shipping and the strikes.[6]

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://understandingwar.org/research/middle-east/iran-update-september-1-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUXoHNwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR68KImcGcDgXeXn5xIGiBUme8TxVvGALW9WRo_GQBD7MfKgOUEVHp-tCwaWsQ_aem_izjRRvkbje3Vzh-YsVynPQ

The post Iran Update, September 1, 2026 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

In a video statement, CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper declared that efforts by US divers, Navy Seals, and aerial assets have cleared all sea mines laid by Iran in the strait’s international shipping lanes, hailing the achievement as “a major milestone” in facilitating commercial traffic.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://thenewregion.com/posts/6354?fbclid=IwY2xjawUXn0ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4BjwwN9jRR0-G4N-a1aattRYKpjHQHv3L3_0_Thep25Ayl2wwu7WoxV2Rh6Q_aem_wVxAFeRKYqswA8GgYEs3CA

The post US military claims facilitated transit of nearly 750M oil barrels in Hormuz strait first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The deal that US President Donald Trump signed at Versailles in June set an ambitious 60-day deadline for ending the war with Iran and reaching an accord on its nuclear program.

The deadline was Monday, and the two sides are further apart than they were then.

Talks, such as they are, have focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a US blockade on Iran, both of which were supposed to have happened under the interim deal. There has been no sign of any compromise on the strait, or that detailed nuclear talks have even begun.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-60-day-mou-expires-the-us-and-iran-are-even-further-apart-than-before/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT6y0RwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7D3_Q_K0rL8_0M8g_TbneWSWcc2K8uBUFws6qLQtdiQgaDCHrWWdUb_kgudQ_aem_-CH_KuGXdz165x-3qSNGkA

The post As 60-day MOU expires, the US and Iran are even further apart than before first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The Strait of Hormuz is a long ways away.  Some reports say we have control and the others, who knows? We’re involved in two wars, or slightly involved. We know why. The Gulf is essential for a good bit of the oil out of the Middle East.  Zelensky, well that’s another story altogether.  I don’t know about his problem-solving abilities, but he has that look on his face. 

Trump has his number, if they’re speaking. The idea that a little guy like that could play such a major role! I don’t like our potential involvement in it.  But nobody asked me. I don’t like Zelensky’s reputation. 

The media is busy calling out Trump for every perceived infraction.  They can all go jump in the lake as far as I’m concerned. But he is into everything, and maybe that’s what the President was meant to do.  The courts are busy trying to slow him down, but he just keeps coming. Trump is apparently poised to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U. S. territory or something, and patrol it.

There’s lots of gossip news.  Caroline Levitt has resigned and now they’re talking about her joining a network.  Should be entertaining.  But she’s done a great job, good luck replacing her.  All the news now is about people in the media.  Will she go to Fox News?  Who cares?  

Mark

The post Weekly Update by Mark Armstrong – August 14, 2026 first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.

The answer is far from clear, depending not only on how much oil remains in storage, but also on how much of it can actually be released.

Disruption doesn’t get any easier

How long reserves would last can only be ascertained by figuring out the size of the current disruption.

Continue reading HERE

Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/are-global-oil-stocks-big-enough-weather-another-six-months-us-iran-war-2026-08-13/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTslMZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7Jpy0L9I_IoCmJx7RJoKzrpWVNED9y_9U7pgos1cTrtxzodeivDSuIcWgIkA_aem_GfmQdL5XuolJhi7vO3A_ew

The post Are global oil stocks big enough to weather another 6 months of US-Iran war? first appeared on Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association.