Weekly Update by Michael Armstrong – April 10, 2026

Greetings,

Michael here. There was no Update last week as festivities were underway for the Unleavened Bread Weekend here in Tyler and as my dad continues to convalesce. He has improved but your prayers on his behalf are still appreciated. Our activities here were well and enthusiastically attended. We enjoyed Bible Study, Horseback Riding, Bowling, Bible Trivia and Karaoke in addition to our regular services and pot luck meals. All are welcome, and if you have never been able to attend now is the time to start planning for next year!

To bring you all up to date on some of our efforts here at headquarters, most will have received their 2^nd Quarter Issue of WATCH Magazine by now. We have added around 500 names to the mailing list with the offer of a free (as it always is and will always remain) 1 year subscription, in addition to renewing a similar number who had subscribed the year before. We have also had some success with online promotions, most notably with an Easter program by Garner Ted Armstrong that received over 30,000 views on Facebook alone and a short video by Dr. Ricks promoting Line Upon Line that also received over 30,000 views.

The Iran war continues to dominate world news headlines. Negotiators, including Vice President Vance, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are in Pakistan for negotiations with Iran at this writing. The ceasefire is disputed, with both sides alleging violations. Israel continues to strike Lebanon while pursuing separate negotiations with their government (despite a lack of formal recognition) aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut with Iran insisting ships transit an unusual route near their border and demanding tolls. There has been no perceptible increase in traffic.

It is undeniable that the US and Israel have systematically devastated Iran’s defense and production capabilities. The number of confirmed strikes is staggering, as are the lists of important individuals who have been eliminated. However, all Iran needs to appear undefeated is the ability to launch anything and maintain a defiant attitude. This presents an altogether different challenge. As Israel found with Hamas in Gaza, an enemy that is well dug in and stocked with munitions can maintain this posture for a very long time.

We will see how the talks progress, but the advance signaling is just as dismal as that which led up to this conflict. Many speculate, but there is little real information pertaining to the situation on the ground inside of Iran. What has emerged is that the regime has been proactively threatening any hint of dissent, maintaining a total internet blackout, and actively recruiting and arming citizens against a potential uprising. Not exactly the actions of a government secure in its role, but there is still no guarantee the people of Iran are willing or able to stand in the face of the radical and well armed factions that care little for their lives. 

We are sad to report the death of Bill Nelson, a lifelong member and a fellow-laborer here at the office since 2015. Words don’t suffice for the loss of a friend and a brother. Bill was dedicated, hardworking and faithful. Most will know him from his many years of song leading and speaking. Our prayers are with his family. His faith was rock solid to the very end and in that we have an example of the contentment that comes with the assurance of God’s kingdom. He knew that we would meet again, and we all look forward to that glorious day. 

-Michael Armstrong