I would assume that many Christians struggle with a clear understanding what happens daily in the Middle East. We hear the names of locations such as the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jerusalem, Palestine, and the Golan Heights mentioned regularly in the news. This leads us to ask questions such as “Are these places important?” “Are these places the same?” “Why do I need to know all of this?” “Why are these people fighting?” The truth of the matter is that what takes place in the Middle East does have a profound effect upon the rest of the world. Each of these locations has a rich, deep, and spiritual heritage that goes all the way back to the days of Abraham. In his new book, “Dateline Jerusalem; An Eyewitness Account of Prophecies Unfolding in the Middle East”, CBN News Jerusalem Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell shares his first-hand knowledge of the unrest in Jerusalem and subsequent turmoil and fighting throughout the Middle East.

As a news correspondent, Mitchell has been witness to many events, both good and bad, that has shaped, and is shaping, world events today. This “on the ground” insight is what this book work so well. The author weaves several different elements into his book. He brings out the historical significance of Jerusalem and surrounding areas. He also summarizes the current political climate of the region and shares how various world leaders associate with Israel. Mitchell gives his readers a basic, but effective history of the land of Israel which helps to frame his book’s purpose. Mitchell describes such events as 2011’s Arab Spring uprising in Cairo, the recent migration of Jews back to the nation of Israel, and the rise of Islamic influence and the desire for the reestablishment of the caliphate. He also writes of the conversion of Muslims through dreams and visions and the rise of a worldwide emphasis of prayer on behalf of the Jewish people. The high points of the book are Mitchell’s connection of modern day events to biblical prophecy. Dateline Jerusalem is well written. Mitchell gives a lot of information to the reader without drowning them. Mitchell has put together a powerful and concise summary of why Jerusalem matters to the rest of the world. A great work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”