There has been some discussion about what Pastor Peter Kumar of New Zealand really did say about his November 2000 revelation concerning Arafat and the rapture. See this link.

I reviewed what I have, plus I discussed it with Dr. Neil Lipkin, my original source and one who has actually spoken with Kumar.

One thing is clear: Kumar's written testimony (see below) is less optimistic about a rapture soon following Arafat's removal. For example, he sees the removal followed by a period of violence, works of the anti-christ (maybe not the person, as we are already seeing the anti-christ spirit at work), and the rapture not happening until after a Middle East peace.

However, Lipkin says that his early telephone conversation with Kumar was definitely more optimistic that the rapture would follow soon after the removal of Arafat. Kumar admits he is not up on Bible prophecy. He also admitted to Lipkin that he is not good at saying things in writing. My personal take is that, as is typical, his first recollection of the revelation, revealed orally to Lipkin, is probably the most accurate and that over time personal opinion began to be inserted.

One thing for sure: Step One is the removal of Arafat. But that does not necessarily mean the rapture is the next day.

Below are excerpts from Kumar's own words, addressed to Dr. Lipkin:

"I am an itinerary evangelist and have just returned after holding series of meetings both within New Zealand and outside New Zealand. The Lord spoke to me, as if a man would speak to me, on November 26th, 2000. It was 2:45 AM and the Lord said, 'Peter I'm coming very soon', the Lord has mentioned to me several times that He is coming soon. So I went on my knees and was waiting to listen and then my spirit began to converse with the Lord and I asked Him to give me some signs from which I will know that He is coming soon. The Lord gave me 2 signs that morning. The first sign was Yasser Arafat. The Lord told me that He has kept this person in this particular time and context according to His purpose but soon He will remove him. When He said this I saw a picture of a hand holding a set of cards and another hand picking a card and throwing it down as if the card would not serve any purpose anymore. Then the Lord said, 'after I remove him, Peter look for the works of the anti-christ.'

 

"Your questions about the timing of rapture makes me think aloud with you while I am very careful not to suggest a month, day or year, I believe rapture will happen when the first peace accord will be arrived and negotiated for peace arises and brings forth an apparent peace."

 

(Note: He said, "I believe..." He did not say, "The Lord said..." Therefore, that part is speculation.)

Jim